Unfortunately, it’s some bad news for Jennings
Peter Jennings plans to continue on “World News Tonight” as much as possible after beginning chemotherapy next week for lung cancer. Jennings, ABC’s chief anchorman since 1983, was diagnosed with the disease on Monday and an announcement was made Tuesday.
A former smoker who quit several years ago, the 66-year-old Jennings was too ill to work Saturday during the network’s special report on Pope John Paul II‘s death.
Under doctor’s orders, he didn’t travel after December’s tsunami because of what was described then as an upper respiratory infection. He did go to Iraq in January for the elections.
“There will be good days and bad, which means some days I may be cranky and some days really cranky,” Jennings told ABC News employees in an e-mail.
“Almost 10 million Americans are living with cancer. I am sure I will learn from them how to cope with the facts of life that none of us anticipated.”
Newlyweds: Brit and … which one again?
Britney Spears and hubby Kevin Federline will star in a UPN reality series that documents their courtship, engagement and wedding.
Featuring what UPN bills as “exclusive, never-before-seen private home videos,” the six-episode series is scheduled to premiere later this year. The network is also shooting new footage and commentary with the couple, who wed in September.
It was the second ceremony in nine months for Spears, whose Las Vegas marriage to a childhood friend in January was annulled 55 hours later.
Support so far is lukewarm
Justin Jeffre, a former member of the boy band 98 Degrees, is running for mayor of Cincinnati – and wants VH1 to follow his campaign for a reality series.
Jeffre, 32, says his love for his hometown and desire to make it better motivated his decision to run. “I am serious about this, and I intend to win,” he insists.
VH1 officials have said no decision has been made on his proposal.
But when does his ‘natural life’ begin?
If Michael Jackson ever left the country, he could live out his days on a tropical island paradise – thanks to the late Marlon Brando.
A notarized deed obtained by the New York Daily News shows that on June 5, 2003, Brando granted the pop star sanctuary on one of the Pacific islands he owned “for the rest of Jackson’s natural life” as thanks for hosting a birthday party for Brando’s daughter at Neverland.
Michael, Marlon – it all makes sense
Meanwhile, Marlon Brando‘s former business manager is suing his estate for sexual harassment.
Jo An Corrales of Kalama, Wash., alleges that she was subjected to a hostile work environment and that Brando exposed his genitals, touched her inappropriately and insisted she watch pornographic movies with him.
The suit demands 10 percent of the $5 million in residuals that Corrales claims Brando received during the time of her employment.
The birthday bunch
Actor Ivan Dixon (“Hogan’s Heroes”) is 74. Country singer Merle Haggard is 68. Actor Billy Dee Williams is 68. Actor Roy Thinnes (“The Invaders”) is 67. Actor John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”) is 58. Actress Marilu Henner (“Taxi,” “Evening Shade”) is 53. Actress Ari Meyers (“Kate & Ally”) is 36. Actor Paul Rudd is 36. Actor Jason Hervey (“The Wonder Years”) is 33. Actor Zach Braff (“Scrubs”) is 30. Actress Candace Cameron (“Full House”) is 29.