AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 8:19 a.m. EST

Rob Reiner, son of a comedy giant who became one in turn, dies at 78

Rob Reiner, a renowned filmmaker known for classics like “The Princess Bride” and “When Harry Met Sally …,” has died at 78. He and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead Sunday at their Los Angeles home. Authorities are investigating it as an apparent homicide. Reiner, son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, became a major Hollywood figure with hits like “This Is Spinal Tap.” He co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, producing successes like “Seinfeld.” Reiner was also a passionate liberal activist. His legacy includes a blend of comedy, drama, and advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on film and culture.

More South Korean actors seek Hollywood dream after global success of Korean entertainment

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The global success of “Parasite,” “Minari” and “Squid Game” has opened Hollywood’s doors to South Korean actors, but for those without major agency backing, navigating the American industry remains a challenge. A growing number of consultants like Los Angeles-based Upstage Entertainment are helping local actors bridge the gap — from coaching accent and intonation to explaining unfamiliar norms like headshot standards and audition etiquette. For actors like Amy Baik, who was cut from a Korean commercial for lacking double eyelids, and veteran actor Julian Shin, who transcribed 30,000 English expressions to prepare for international roles, Hollywood offers not just opportunity but freedom from South Korea’s rigid beauty standards and age discrimination.

Louvre workers vote to strike in another blow to the Paris museum

PARIS (AP) — Workers at the Louvre Museum have voted to strike over working conditions and other complaints. The CFDT union said the vote took place Monday morning with 400 workers participating. The strike has shuttered the world’s most-visited museum, turning away would-be visitors. A notice on the Louvre’s website said it was “exceptionally” closed for the day and that ticket holders would be reimbursed. The strike follows talks last week between labor unions and government officials, which failed to address all concerns. The recent jewelry heist has intensified worries about security and staffing issues at the museum.

All I want for Christmas is the Olympics. Mariah Carey to perform at Milan Cortina opening ceremony

MILAN (AP) — Mariah Carey is going to add some American pop-star pedigree to the opening ceremony for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The local organizing committee says Carey is the first international star named to perform in the Feb. 6 ceremony at Milan’s San Siro soccer stadium. The committee says “Mariah Carey fully represents the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games. And that “music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities and intertwines with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.” The Games will be spread all over northern Italy. The closing ceremony is slated for Verona’s ancient Roman Arena on Feb. 22.

35 countries will compete in next year's Eurovision Song Contest after 5 countries announce boycott

GENEVA (AP) — Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have announced a final list of 35 countries that will take part in the glitzy pop-music gala next year. It comes after Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain this month says they will sit it out due to discord over Israel's participation. The 2026 finale is set to be held in Vienna next May. Thirty-seven countries took part this year, when Austria’s JJ won. Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania will return after skipping the event for artistic or financial reasons in recent years.

Singer Cliff Richard says he has been treated for prostate cancer

LONDON (AP) — British pop star Cliff Richard has been given the all-clear after treatment for prostate cancer. The 85-year-old singer joined calls for Britain to introduce a national screening program for the disease. Richard told “Good Morning Britain” that he was diagnosed a year ago after a health check for his insurance before a tour. He said the cancer was caught early and had not metastasized. Richard said the treatment was successful but expressed concern about the cancer returning. Several high-profile figures, including cyclist Chris Hoy and former Prime Minister David Cameron, have called for wider screening efforts.

Baltimore cyclist finds joy in collecting lost hubcaps and stringing them into art

BALTIMORE (AP) — Cyclist Barnaby Wickham has collected more than 700 lost hubcaps, mostly on his bike rides around Baltimore. They have inspired a quest to turn litter into big, eye-catching art, including Christmas wreaths, a giant fish and a head of the Peanuts character Snoopy. It is a hobby that developed nearly two years ago from his love of cycling, an interest in the hubcaps he often finds during his rides and the desire to make something out of the junk he has collected. He sometimes includes the occasional grill of a car that turns up, but his assemblages are almost entirely comprised of hubcaps.

Punk protest group Pussy Riot declared 'extremist organization' by a Russian court

Punk group Pussy Riot has been declared an “extremist organization” by a Russian court. The ruling on Monday effectively banns the group from operating in the country. A district court in Moscow made the ruling after a petition by Russia’s deputy prosecutor-general. This designation puts anyone linked with the group at risk of criminal prosecution. Pussy Riot gained notoriety in 2012 with a protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'Zootopia 2' reclaims No. 1 spot at box office, grosses $1B worldwide

NEW YORK (AP) — “Zootopia 2” has regained the No. 1 spot at the box office with $26.3 million in its third weekend of release. According to studio estimates Sunday, The Walt Disney Co. animated sequel became the year’s second film to gross $1 billion worldwide. With “Avatar: Fire and Ash” arriving Friday, it was a relatively quiet weekend in theaters. There were no major new releases, leaving holdovers “Zootopia 2” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” to duke it out for the top spot. The edge went to “Zootopia 2,” which has quickly amassed $1.14 billion in ticket sales thanks to its enormous success in China. “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” collected $15.4 million, a drop of 70% from its above-expectations debut.