Jolie gets more preventive surgery
Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday that she has undergone more preventive surgery, having her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in hopes of reducing her risk of cancer.
Writing in the New York Times, the filmmaker and philanthropist said a recent blood test showed a possible early sign of cancer. The news was a blow to the star who had already had a double mastectomy.
“I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt,” she wrote. “I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn’t live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren.”
Jolie, 39, revealed two years ago that she carries a defective breast cancer gene that puts her at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Her mother died of ovarian cancer, and her maternal grandmother also had ovarian cancer – strong evidence of an inherited, genetic risk that led the actress to have her healthy breasts removed to try to avoid the same fate.
‘Empire’ star says son racially profiled
Actress Taraji P. Henson says her 20-year-old son is transferring to Howard University after being racially profiled by police at the University of Southern California.
The “Empire” star made the comments in the latest issue of Uptown magazine, which features her on the cover.
Henson said her son, Marcel, was stopped by police on the Los Angeles campus “for having his hands in his pockets.” She said he now plans to attend her alma mater, the historically black Howard University in Washington, D.C.
The chief of USC’s Department of Public Safety said in a statement Tuesday that any allegation of unequal treatment by university officers would trigger an investigation. Chief John Thomas said he was racially profiled as a teenager and was “deeply disturbed” to learn that Henson’s son felt profiled because of his race.
Jon Hamm finishes alcohol treatment
“Mad Men” star Jon Hamm recently completed treatment for alcohol addiction, his spokeswoman said.
Hamm had the support of his longtime partner, actress-filmmaker Jennifer Westfeldt, in his struggle, publicist Annett Wolf said in a statement Tuesday.
Martin Sheen earns honorary degree
The University of Dayton will give actor Martin Sheen an honorary degree in recognition of his activism for peace, social justice and human rights.
Born Ramon Estevez, Sheen grew up near the Catholic university and had attended the Catholic Chaminade high school but wanted to pursue his acting career. He has said the Marianist teachings he was exposed to helped shape his social beliefs.
The school said the 74-year-old Sheen will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at graduation ceremonies on May 3.
The birthday bunch
Feminist activist and author Gloria Steinem is 81. Singer Anita Bryant is 75. Singer Aretha Franklin is 73. Singer Elton John is 68. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is 50. Actress-singer Katharine McPhee is 31.