Ryder’s trial begins with an ally juror
Wynona Ryder’s trial is looking good and it hasn’t even started yet. Peter Guber, former Sony Pictures studio chief, was picked to be a juror for the trial.
Guber worked with Ryder in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” “The Age of Innocence” and “Little Women.” When questioned about his relationship with Ryder, Guber replied, “I was the chairman of Sony Pictures when one of our companies made a film with Ms. Ryder.”
Other potential jurors included several employees and relatives of film studios affiliated with Ryder’s work. Some of these jurors, including a casting director and an employee of MGM, were released from their obligation to judge Ryder.
Opening statements for Ryder’s shoplifting trial begin Monday. Facing three years in prison, Ryder plead not guilty to the charges.
Frenzied fans are injured at concert
Bow Wow fans were injured Saturday at the Minneapolis Target Center when a 12-foot railing collapsed.
Toward the end of his show, rapper Bow Wow entered the crowd causing fans to go wild. During their frenzy the railing broke causing 10 fans to fall approximately five feet to the floor below.
Injuries were minor although some of the fans were taken away by ambulance. Bow Wow was not injured and was able to finish his show.
Actor Harris dies of Hodgkin’s Disease
Actor Richard Harris, 72, died on Friday of complications from Hodgkins Disease.
Harris played Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and the upcoming film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
Director of the films, Chris Columbus, believes Harris will be difficult to replace.
“It’s impossible to even think about any other actor in the role,” he said. “For me, there is only one Dumbledore.”
There is talk of Harris’ body double, Harry Robinson, filling the role, but no one has made a definite decision yet.
Anthony mends his marriage
Singer Marc Anthony, 34, and his wife, former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, 28, are back together after they separated brieflyin July.
The couple has been married for two years and have one son, Christian. Anthony has one daughter, 7, from a previous relationship with New York police officer Debbie Rosado. The couple has plans to renew their wedding vows in December in Puerto Rico.
Lawyer gives actor Blake the boot
Actor Robert Blake was arrested for the murder of his wife Bonny Lee Bakley last April. Blake’s defense attorney, Harland Braun, has stood by his side ever since, but not for much longer. Blake plans on conducting an interview with Diane Sawyer to tell his story on ABC. Blake had signed a contract with Braun, which said he would refrain from television interviews. Due to Blake’s decision, Braun submitted a letter of resignation.
“I think it’s insane for a person charged with a crime to go on camera to answer qustions about the case,” Braun said.
Blake has a pretrial hearing in six weeks and must have a new lawyer by then.
October 31, 2002