November 23, 2017
By LYNN ELBER
Associated Press
Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died at age 86.
Reese’s co-star on the series, Roma Downey, said in a statement that the actress died peacefully Sunday evening in her home in the Los Angeles area. No further details were included.
Before “Touched by an Angel” debuted in 1994, Reese was mainly known as a singer, although she had costarred on “Chico and the Man,” ″Charlie and Company” and “The Royal Family” and hosted her own talk show, “Della.”
“Touched by an Angel” was a gamble for CBS from the start. The story of an apprentice angel (Roma Downey) and her supervisor (Reese) being sent to Earth to solve people’s problems appeared to have little chance in a TV world dominated by sitcoms and police dramas.
The first season brought mediocre ratings, but slowly the show’s audience grew until it became one of television’s highest rated dramas. It lasted until 2003.
“Through her life and work she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people. She was a mother to me and I had the privilege of working with her side by side for so many years on ‘Touched By An Angel,’” Downey wrote in a statement. “I know heaven has a brand new angel this day.”
Reese had been ordained by the Universal Foundation for Better Living and performed the ceremony when co-star Downey married.
Reese’s singing career began in church, when she joined the junior gospel choir at the Olivet Baptist Church in her hometown of Detroit. Soon she was singing at other churches, at civic events and on the radio.
When famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson came to Detroit, she needed a singer to replace a member of her troupe and turned to Reese, who was only 13.
Jackson was so impressed by the teenager’s voice that she enlisted her for a summer tour, and Reese went on to tour with her for five summers. In later years she would remark that she would never forget what she learned from the legendary gospel singer, including “how to communicate with people through song.”
Her love of music drew her to singing at local clubs, where Deloreese Patricia Early adopted a new name. New York agent Lee Magid recognized her talent and in 1953 booked her to sing with Erskine Hawkins’ orchestra.
A recording contract followed, and she quickly turned out two hits, “And That Reminds Me” and “Don’t You Know?” Soon she was singing in the country’s best night spots and appearing on TV variety shows.
In 1979 she was taping a segment of “The Tonight Show” when, as she recalled later, “I hit a horrendous note— the flattest I’ve ever sung.”
Her left knee buckled and she fell to the floor, having suffered a brain aneurysm. She underwent surgeries that allowed her to resume a busy career as a TV actress, although she later was diagnosed with diabetes.
Over the years, she appeared on shows including “Night Court,” “L.A. Law,” “Designing Women,” Welcome Back, Kotter,” “The A Team,” “MacGyver” “The Love Boat” and, more recently, “That’s So Raven.” She appeared in the 2005 movie “Beauty Shop” and had a prominent role in the 1989 film “Harlem Nights.”
In one memorable “Harlem Nights” scene, Reese and Eddie Murphy face off in a bare-knuckled brawl after Murphy’s character accuses Reese’s Vera of stealing.
“C’mon sucka, let’s get it on,” Vera snarls, then decks him.
Reese complained in her 1997 autobiography, “Angels Along the Way,” that until “Touched by an Angel” she had difficulty avoiding being typecast for TV.
“There were usually only three types I was ever considered for — the singer, the aunt or the mother (or) neighbor,” she said. “God knows how I wanted to break out of those three categories and show what else I could do as an actress.”
In 1997, Reese went public with a salary complaint, claiming CBS had reneged that season on an agreement to match her “Touched by An Angel” pay increases to those of Downey. CBS said at the time it was “puzzled” by her comments.
“I’m trying not to believe it’s because I’m Black, ’cause I was Black when they hired me,” Reese said at the time. “They knew what age I was. ... I don’t know what it is.”
After previous marriages ended, Reese was wed to Franklin Lett, who became her manager and producer. She remained Della Reese as a performer and took the name Della Reese Lett for church matters.
Reese never won a major award but she did accomplish something in her career that was the envy of many performers — longevity.
“I’ve had a hard climb, but I was meant to have longevity,” she once said. “People don’t have to stop and say, ‘Whatever happened to Della Reese?’ Here I am.”
Reese is survived by her husband and three children.
November 16, 2017
By MARK KENNEDY
AP Entertainment Writer
Musician and actress Eve has been unveiled as a new permanent host of CBS’ “The Talk,” joining Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood.
Eve, whose full name is Eve Jeffers Cooper, replaces Aisha Tyler on the show. The Grammy winner is best known for her hit “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” a duet with Gwen Stefani, her TV sitcom “Eve” and appearances in the “Barbershop” films.
Angelica McDaniel, an executive vice president at CBS, called Eve an “accomplished and dynamic performer, musician, wife and stepmother” who will add “a new layer to the show as we continue to evolve season to season.”
November 16, 2017
By SANDY COHEN
The Associated Press
Terry Crews compares being sexually assaulted to being a prisoner of war and calls the perpetrators of such attacks “terrorists.”
Crews told “Good Morning America” host Michael Strahan Wednesday that he was inspired to share his assault allegations against a powerful Hollywood agent after so many women came forward with accusations against Harvey Weinstein.
Crews said he “never felt more emasculated” than when a top agent at William Morris Endeavor groped him at a party last year. Crews named his alleged attacker, describing him as someone who represented Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone and Eddie Murphy and “connected to probably everyone I know in the business.”
The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
Crews confirmed that he filed a police report against the man last week.
“People need to be held accountable,” the former pro-football player and star of TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” said. “This is the deal about Hollywood: It’s an abuse of power. This guy, again, he’s one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, and he looked at me at the end as if, you know, ‘Who’s going to believe you?’”
Crews said he’d put the incident out of his mind until last month’s news about Weinstein triggered an episode of post-traumatic stress. Crews tweeted about his own harassment experience shortly afterward and told Strahan on Wednesday that he understands why victims are reluctant to speak up.
“When a person of power breaks that boundary and violates that boundary, you’re a prisoner of war,” he said. “Immediately you’re in a camp, because you’re trying to figure out when is the right time to come out… And you get out and you find freedom, and someone says, ‘Well, it must not be that bad. You should have come out sooner.’
“This is the thing a lot of people just don’t understand, and they end up blaming the victim.”
Crews, 49, became particularly animated when expressing disgust at how such abuses of power thwart the aspirations of innocent victims.
“When someone binds up your dream and holds a gun to its head and says it’s going to kill it if you don’t do this, if you don’t stay quiet, it’s a hostage situation. You are dealing with a terrorist,” he said. “I have my dream. I’ve worked so hard for this… I survived the NFL; I got the entertainment. I’m here, and I get assaulted by my own agent?! It makes no sense and it was foul to the core. It still, still shocks me.”
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen at www.twitter.com/APSandy.
November 16, 2017
Aries
March 21 – April 19
The week begins on a potentially passionate note with the likelihood of a romance or the rekindling of a relationship. If your partnership has fallen into a rut, the lovely Venus-Jupiter alignment can take it to a more fulfilling level. Even so, with ethereal Neptune on the scene, it’s also necessary to be careful when signing contracts or closing deals, as things may not be quite as they seem. The weekend could be volatile, so wait until things are calmer before discussing a key issue.
Taurus
May 21 - Jun 20
As feisty Mars continues its journey through your wellness sector, you’ll be eager to explore the latest fitness ideas. However, try not to have big expectations at the outset. Work up to your goals slowly for best results. In the main, relationships sparkle with promise whether you’re looking for love or in a long-term bond. One awkward issue could come to a head over the weekend, which will need sensitive handling. However, the new moon in your relationship sector hints at a fresh start.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
Both work and play are high on your agenda this week, with lively Mars encouraging you to showcase your best skills and dabble in favorite hobbies. There is also a lot of pleasure to be gained from daily activities, especially if you’re looking to expand your options. A lovely alignment between luscious Venus and flamboyant Jupiter suggests that a meeting could present you with an opportunity that’s too good to pass up. Over the weekend, firm boundaries can help sidestep any control battles.
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
There’s much be said for indulging in your favorite pastimes and doing what you love. The week’s start looks quite delightful, although you’ll need to pay attention when signing contracts or handling anything legal. Thursday could be fairly empowering as well, and you might have insights into other people’s moods and feelings that you can use to your advantage. The new moon on Saturday can herald progress in a budding romance. However, if a family issue intensifies, sensitivity may be required.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 22
With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, this week could be one of preparation, with some lovely aspects helping things along. Convivial Venus and sporty Jupiter suggest that you leave no stone unturned to get your place shipshape and make guests feel welcome. Keeping a to-do list on hand can be very useful, too. With dreamy Neptune on the scene, it could be easy to forget key tasks. Communication could break down over the weekend unless you can handle things with extreme tact.
Virgo
Aug 23-Sep 22
On Monday, a delightful blend of energies could see you getting along very well with others. This might lead to closing a deal, making new friends, or being offered a fabulous opportunity. It would help to keep your wits about you, though. With dreamy Neptune involved, misunderstandings are a possibility. Money matters might need special care this weekend, especially regarding disagreements on how it should be spent. Saturday’s new moon encourages you to step out and implement a new plan.
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
You might be in the mood to do some Thanksgiving shopping. But if you set out on Monday, your generosity will likely shine through and you could spend more than you intended. Still, you’ll be remembered and complemented for having done so. If you’re preparing for next week’s events, it’s essential to write everything down. Links between chatty Mercury, glorious Venus, and ethereal Neptune suggest mistakes can be made unless you take care. A calm approach would be wise over the weekend.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
You’re certainly in your element with the start of the week perhaps coinciding with a party or seasonal get-together. With jovial Jupiter in your sign, a benevolent and warm-hearted attitude can charm others and leave you with plenty of admirers. Be careful concerning mixed messages, however, as some things may not be as they seem. The new moon in your sign on Saturday can be excellent for beginning a new phase in your life, but something might need to be released first.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
You’ll likely be in a very charitable and benevolent mood at the start of this week, and this could continue for some time. Your focus may be on helping others who are less fortunate, particularly during the holiday season. However, discernment will be important, as it’s possible that someone will try to fool you. Try not to take things too personally over the weekend, especially if you don’t see eye to eye with someone. It might be wiser to let things go for now.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
You could be getting into the spirit of the holiday season for real this week, as easygoing Venus and flamboyant Jupiter connect in your social sector. This is an opportunity to organize a get-together or enjoy attending parties and occasions. If you’re preparing for the week ahead, writing a to-do list can be a huge help. With dreamy Neptune on the scene, it would be easy to forget something important. It would be wise to avoid a falling out over the weekend if you can.
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Good fortune could strike early this week. An expansive blend of energies could see you grabbing an opportunity that leads to bigger and better things. But it would be wise to read the fine print and check the facts before you get too involved. With ethereal Neptune in the mix, mistakes are possible. The new moon in your career sector can also hint at a positive new start if you’re willing to take the plunge. Holding back? Past beliefs might need to be released first.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
Romance is a possibility if you’re traveling. Or you might have the chance to rekindle the flame of love with your long-term partner. Either way, getting away from it all can bring positive rewards and a chance to unwind after a busy time. Check the details if you’re going away, as an awkward link between speedy Mercury and ethereal Neptune suggests the possibility of mistakes. Intense feelings between you and a friend might need working through if you’re to see eye to eye.