JC Penney stands by Ellen DeGeneres as spokeswoman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - J.C. Penney Co Inc said on Friday it fully backs its partnership with chat show host Ellen DeGeneres after a conservative group urged the retailer to reconsider hiring DeGeneres as a spokeswoman because she is a lesbian.

Actor Ben Gazzara dead at 81

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actor Ben Gazzara, known for his brooding tough-guy presence in dozens of films, television shows and stage productions over his long career, died of pancreatic cancer on Friday at a Manhattan hospital, his lawyer said. He was 81.

Radcliffe admits being drunk during "Harry Potter" scenes

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Daniel Radcliffe admitted he was drunk while filming some scenes for the "Harry Potter" movies during a period in his life where he was drinking "nightly," the young star said in an interview.

Actor Ben Gazzara dead at 81

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actor Ben Gazzara, known for his brooding tough-guy presence in dozens of films, television shows and stage productions over his long career, died of pancreatic cancer on Friday at a Manhattan hospital, his lawyer said. He was 81.

Star Wars, Ferris Bueller drive Super Bowl ad buzz

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Super Bowl is still two days away but some advertisers already are looking like winners as their yet-to-be-aired commercials score millions of hits online and rack up pre-game buzz.

Erotica director Zalman King dies from cancer

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Director Zalman King, best known for erotic film "9 1/2 Weeks" and television series "Red Shoe Diaries," died on Friday in Santa Monica, Calif., after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.

Bee Gee Robin Gibb makes "spectacular" recovery

LONDON (Reuters) - Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb said on Friday he had made a "spectacular" recovery from a serious illness, which was widely reported to be cancer.

Black Sabbath drummer says may pull out of reunion

LONDON (Reuters) - Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has said he will not participate in the British heavy metal band's reunion recordings and tour unless he is offered a "signable" contract.

Royal party and read-a-thon mark big day for Dickens

LONDON (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth is throwing a star-studded party for him at Buckingham Palace and in Buenos Aires, leading cultural figures will gather in an old orphanage to read from his works.

Madonna: Super Bowl show a "dream" come true

INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Pop superstar Madonna said it was a dream come true to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday and conceded she was feeling pressure at the idea of singing in front of the huge live television audience.