Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film 'The Harder They Come,' dead at 81
NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached defiance, joy and endurance in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and “Vietnam” and starred in the landmark movie “The Harder They Come,” has died at 81. Cliff was a native Jamaican with a spirited tenor and a gift for topical lyrics who joined Kingston’s emerging music scene in his teens and helped lead a movement in the 1960s that included such future stars as Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert and Peter Tosh.
Dharmendra, iconic Bollywood actor and Indian cinema’s ‘He-Man,’ dies at 89
NEW DELHI (AP) — Dharmendra, a beloved star of Indian cinema, has died at 89. Known for his versatile roles in the 1970s and 1980s, he became a defining presence in Bollywood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling him an iconic film personality. Dharmendra's performances in films like "Sholay" and "Chupke Chupke" made him a household name. His on-screen chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, whom he later married, was legendary. Despite a personal life marked by controversy, his career spanned over six decades with more than 300 films. Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan award in 2012.
‘Wicked: For Good’ is even more popular than the first, soaring to a $226 million global debut
Universal Pictures' "Wicked: For Good" has taken the box office by storm, earning an estimated $150 million in North America and $226 million globally in its opening weekend. It's the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the first film's $112 million launch, and the second biggest of the year. Released earlier this week, the film played in 4,115 North American locations by Friday, with IMAX showings contributing $15.5 million. Women made up 71% of ticket buyers. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande, the film's success is crucial for the exhibition industry as the year ends.
‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' co-hosts are Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough and Rita Ora
NEW YORK (AP) — Ryan Seacrest will have some star-studded company for "Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" to usher in 2026. ABC announced Monday that Chance the Rapper, Rob Gronkowski, Julianne Hough, and Rita Ora have signed on. Seacrest and Ora will host from New York City's Times Square. Chance the Rapper will be in Chicago, while Gronkowski and Hough will broadcast from Las Vegas. Details for a Puerto Rico celebration are coming soon. Seacrest has been part of the show since 2006. The event airs live on ABC on Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. EST, and the next day on Hulu. More performers will be announced later.
Donald Glover says he had a stroke
Donald Glover has revealed he suffered a stroke last year, which forced him to cancel his tour. Speaking at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, Glover shared that a doctor diagnosed him after he experienced severe head pain during a show in Louisiana. Despite the pain, he performed but later sought medical attention in Houston. Glover also disclosed he had two surgeries for a heart condition. He expressed gratitude for his life and career, saying, "You got one life, guys, and I gotta be honest, the life I’ve lived with you guys has been such a blessing."
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On paper, a California city bans the sale of comic books to kids. Officials want to change that
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — In the mid-20th century, comic books groups grew in popularity. But some people worried that they were contributing to illiteracy and inciting crime among young people. One California city passed a ban in 1949 banning anyone from distributing comic books prominently featuring crime to children. The Sacramento law is rarely if ever enforced, but the city is taking steps to remove it from the books. Proponents of repealing the law say it is necessary to protect against alarming efforts in recent years to ban books in various states. One comic shop owner in the city says the ban is “silly.”
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is officially eligible for the Oscars
“KPop Demon Hunters” is one step closer to another golden moment: The Oscars. The Netflix hit is among 35 films eligible for the Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the list on Friday. Although it gained fame on Netflix, the film had a qualifying theatrical run in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June. Other contenders include Disney’s “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” and Crunchyroll/Sony’s “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.” Fans will find out if it makes the cut for a nomination on January 22.
Catholic clergy are ecstatic about Rosalía’s songs of faith in her new album ‘Lux’
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Rosalía has won over millions of music lovers for her fusions of flamenco and urban Latin beats. But the Spanish artist's new album, “Lux,” has taken an even more radical turn. Its 15 songs are laden with a yearning for the divine. From its opening lyrics about God, Rosalía announces that this album is a rupture from its Grammy-winning predecessors. And Catholics have taken notice. “Lux” has drawn praise from the Cardinal in charge of culture for the Vatican and bishops in her native Spain.
UK leader suggests former Prince Andrew should testify in US investigation into Jeffrey Epstein
LONDON (AP) — Pressure is increasing for the former Prince Andrew to give evidence to a U.S. congressional committee investigating the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after Britain’s prime minister suggested he should testify. Keir Starmer did not comment directly about King Charles III’s disgraced younger brother, but told reporters traveling with him for the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg that as a “general principle” people should provide evidence to investigators. The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has so far ignored a request from members of the House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview.”
Music Review: 'Wicked: For Good — The Soundtrack' raises the stakes
"Wicked: For Good — The Soundtrack" offers a fresh take on the original musical's second act. Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, while Ariana Grande brings depth to Glinda. The soundtrack features new songs and lyrics, raising the stakes on the album, writes AP's Elise Ryan. Sometimes, the music is weighed down by the plot that it helps move along. The soundtrack adds over 15 minutes of music, with new songs for Erivo and Grande enhancing the emotional payoff.
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