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British theatre veteran SIR PETER HALL used his appearance at an awards show in London on Sunday night (28Nov10) to rally against proposed cuts to arts funding, calling the U.K. government’s plans "insane".
Politicians in Britain are aiming to reduce the country’s massive debts by tightening budgets, and many government-backed arts initiatives face losing money.
Hall, who founded the famed Royal Shakespeare Company, was honoured with the Golden Seagull prize at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his contribution to world theatre, and when he took to the stage, he urged the star-studded audience to make "loud noises" against budget cuts.
He said, "It’s insane. I feel really ill at the thought of over 50 years thrown away."

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A representative for director PETER JACKSON has admitted casting crews working on THE HOBBIT made "an incredibly unfortunate error" after a British actress claimed she was turned down for a role in the film because of her skin colour.
Naz Humphreys, who has Pakistani heritage, attended an audition in the New Zealand city of Hamilton last week (ends28Nov10) but alleges she was rejected because movie bosses only wanted "pale-skinned" actors.
She tells the Waikato Times, "It’s 2010 and I still can’t believe I’m being discriminated against because I have brown skin. The casting manager basically said they weren’t having anybody who wasn’t pale-skinned. I would love to be an extra. But it just seemed like a shame because obviously hobbits are not brown or black or any other colour.
"They all look kind of homogenised beige and all derived from the Caucasian gene pool." Humphreys has now created a campaign group on Facebook.com titled "Hire hobbits of all colours! Say no to Hobbit racism!" A representative for Jackson claims the director never issued such an order to casting bosses and has branded the incident "an incredibly unfortunate error".
The spokesman adds, "It is not something the producers or the director of The Hobbit were aware of. They would never issue instructions of this kind to the casting crew. All people meeting the age and height requirements are welcome to audition."

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LESLIE NIELSEN’s nephew has paid tribute to his late uncle in an emotional interview, describing the comic legend as a "caring, naturally funny guy" and a "truly nice man" who will be greatly missed.
The Naked Gun actor passed away on Sunday (28Nov10) after 12 days battling pneumonia in a Florida hospital.
Nielsen’s nephew Doug has spoken out about the sad news, describing the Canadian star as one of his "best friends" and insisting the world has lost a leading light of comedy.
He tells the Vancouver Sun, "He had been in the hospital with pneumonia for the past 12 days, and in the last 48 hours it just got worse. This afternoon, surrounded by family, his wife and friends, he basically just fell asleep. It was very peaceful.
"He was truly a nice man. A very caring, naturally funny guy in day-to-day life, not just because someone wrote something on paper for him. He was a very tender-hearted man. He was one of my best friends and I loved him dearly. I’ll miss him greatly."

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Stars including RUSSELL BRAND, SLASH, JOSH GROBAN and NIA VARDALOS have led tributes to late comedy legend LESLIE NIELSEN, who died on Sunday (28Nov10).
The Naked Gun star passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 12 days after he was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia.
Nielsen’s death has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and a number of stars have come out on Twitter.com to honour the late actor and his comedy legacy, with many citing the famous catchphrase from his 1980 movie Airplane!, "I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley".
Fellow funnyman Brand paid tribute to Nielsen in a post, writing, "RIP. Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, he will be missed," while Role Models comic David Wain adds, "Can’t count how many times I rewound the VHS to hear Leslie Nielsen say ‘Nice Beaver!’ (in The Naked Gun). I will miss him." Slash wrote, "RIP Leslie Nielson, one of my all time favorite comedians. U (sic) my friend, will be missed big time. Wow, what a loss… & don’t call me Shirley", while singer Groban admits he is stunned by the sad news, adding: "Shirley, this breaks my heart".
Vardalos adds, "RIP Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, you’ll be missed," and actress Marlee Matlin, who was friends with the late star, writes, "A lovely man and acquaintance passed away today - Leslie Nielsen. What a lovely, funny, talented man. He will be missed. RIP."

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CHARLIE SHEEN’s estranged wife BROOKE MUELLER has dismissed reports she checked into rehab on America’s Thanksgiving holiday (25Nov10).
Mueller entered into a treatment facility in California in February (10) in a bid to deal with personal issues, following her Christmas Day (25Dec09) bust-up with her actor husband in Aspen, Colorado.
After a short spell in the clinic, Mueller returned home to Los Angeles, but reports emerged over the weekend (27-28Nov10) suggesting she had spent Thanksgiving morning in rehab as part of her ongoing treatment for stress management issues.
However, Mueller has dismissed the story and insists she is perfectly healthy.
She tells UsMagazine.com, "I did not go to rehab. The story is ridiculous. I am healthy and happy."

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GOOD CHARLOTTE rocker JOEL MADDEN and his partner NICOLE RICHIE showed off their fun side on Saturday (27Nov10), taking to the stage in Los Angeles to perform in a popular children’s show.
The couple took their kids, two-year-old Harlow, and Sparrow, 14 months, to the Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! There’s A Party In My City concert - and they couldn’t resist joining in the fun themselves.
Madden and his socialite fiancee performed choreographed dance moves on stage with characters from the pre-school series at the city’s Nokia Theatre, much to the delight of young audience members.
The show was a star-studded affair - Gwen Stefani took her two sons, Kingston, four, and two-year-old Zuma, while Jessica Alba attended with her two-year-old daughter Honor.

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Veteran singer BRYAN FERRY is baffled by his reputation as a womaniser - insisting he’s always been "terrible" at approaching potential girlfriends.
The star dated models Amanda Lear and Jerry Hall in the mid-1970s before marrying socialite Lucy Helmore in 1982.
The couple, who had four sons, divorced in 2003, and Ferry has moved on to a relationship with former public relations manager Amanda Sheppard.
But despite his lengthy romantic resume, the singer is adamant he’s "not great" with women compared to his Roxy Music bandmate Brian Eno.
He tells Britain’s Daily Mirror, "I’m not great at all with women. I’ve got no confidence. I’m terrible at chatting up girls. Dreadful. I’ve never been the guy in the nightclub who could go up to women and know what to say.
"I’ve sat back and watched other men do it. Some guys, like Brian Eno, are completely remarkable. That’s never been me. Ever. I’ve always found it difficult to meet girls."

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CAMERON DIAZ and ALEX ‘A-ROD’ RODRIGUEZ fuelled speculation their relationship is firmly back on after spending America’s Thanksgiving weekend (26-28Nov10) together on a sun-soaked vacation.
The pair’s romance, which reportedly began back in February (10), was rumoured to be in trouble last month (Oct10) when the Shrek star was pictured enjoying a night out with Glee’s Matthew Morrison, while a subsequent report from America’s Life & Style magazine suggested the relationship was over.
However, Diaz and the sportsman were reportedly spotted enjoying each other’s company during a trip on a luxury yacht in Miami Beach, Florida last week (23Nov10), lying next to each other and sunbathing and chatting on the deck.
And their reported reconciliation continued over the Thanksgiving holiday - they were seen soaking up the sun in their swimwear in Mexico.

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SIR ELTON JOHN has blasted LIAM and NOEL GALLAGHER for cancelling OASIS’ U.S. tour in the 1990s - insisting the warring rock siblings were "stupid" to pass up the opportunity to crack America.
The band axed several gigs Stateside in 1996 following a string of arguments between the brothers. The siblings’ ongoing feuding ended in Oasis’ demise last year (09) after Noel quit the group’s line-up for good.
Sir Elton admits he was baffled by the band’s decision to cut their U.S. tour short - as he’s convinced the popular group could have achieved continued success Stateside.
He tells Britain’s Absolute Radio, "They were enormous in Britain, they were enormous in America and they went over there and argued between themselves and cancelled the tour and they never broke America.
"You only get it once, and if you blow it, it’s gone. You can’t not regret that. I always thought, ‘You stupid s**ts. You’ll never get that opportunity again.’" And the Rocket Man praises the bands who have managed to make it big in the U.S. charts: "It’s only the cream that rises to the top. It’s always the ones with the best work ethic and the best material and the best attitude. You know, it’s the boys from the men. Coldplay, Muse, U2, Police, all those bands. They’re the men, and all the rest are boys."

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NICOLE SCHERZINGER has a fellow singing star as her new next-door neighbour - LEONA LEWIS.
The Bleeding Love hitmaker has recently moved in to the Pussycat Dolls star’s Los Angeles neighbourhood - and Scherzinger can’t wait to become acquainted with her.
Pointing to a picture of Lewis, she tells Britain’s The Xtra Factor host Konnie Huq, "’There’s Leona, there’s my neighbour!’ She’s just moved in and I haven’t been home much. She’s literally just moved in next door, I’m going to borrow sugar from her."

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Pregnant pop star PINK showed off her caring side on Saturday (27Nov10), serving up food at a shelter in California.
The So What hitmaker and her husband Carey Hart, who are expecting their first child together next year (11), marked America’s Thanksgiving holidays by giving back to those less fortunate.
In a series of posts on her Twitter.com page, Pink writes, "We just had the raddest (best) day feeding a shelter for the holidays. We met the coolest people and it was a win for all for sure. And no cameras. Heaven! Carey ruled that oven. I love holidays." Hart adds, "(It) was a really great experience."

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Hip-hop mogul RUSSELL SIMMONS has condemned the deliberate burning of a mosque in Oregon after it was linked to an alleged terror suspect.
The Def Jam co-founder was horrified after police in the U.S. state confirmed that the Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center in Corvallis was specifically targeted in the early hours of Sunday morning (28Nov10). One room of the facility was gutted during the blaze.
The arson attack is thought to stem from the arrest on Friday (26Nov10) of worshipper Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 19, who was held by police after allegedly plotting to detonate a bomb at a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in nearby Portland.
Simmons admits he was saddened by the circumstances surrounding the fire, and he’s taken to his Twitter.com page to condemn the mystery arsonist.
In a post on the microblogging site, he writes, "The actions of one does not justify condemning all. Burning of the mosque in Oregon is wrong. Islamophobia is ugly."

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British model/actress LILY COLE has paid an emotional visit to a Burmese refugee camp, branding the experience "one of the most moving trips of my life." The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus star recently visited the Nai Soi camp in Mae Hong Son, north Thailand, in her role as a Christian Aid ambassador.
Cole spent time talking to young women about their situation and admits she was shocked to learn some of the camp’s residents have lived there for more than 20 years.
She says, "It’s a difficult idea to get my head around. It’s been one of the most moving trips of my life.
"The camps offer a refuge for people who have nowhere else to feel safe and secure."

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Actor JASON LONDON has proposed to his girlfriend of two years.
The Dazed and Confused star popped the question to Sofia Karstens on Saturday (27Nov10) - and he made the engagement extra special by presenting her with his grandmother’s ring.
He tells E! News, "I love waking up with my best friend every morning. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing woman in my life." London reveals they are planning to wed on 16 July, 2011 in Vermont.

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Veteran British actor SIR MICHAEL GAMBON was honoured for his longstanding stage career at the annual London Evening Standard Theatre Awards on Sunday night (28Nov10).
The Harry Potter star made his debut in the West End in the 1960s and has carried on appearing in live productions while working in films - and he landed the prestigious Lebedev Special Award to mark his career on the stage.
Founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company Sir Peter Hall was also handed a special honour - the Golden Seagull award - for his contribution to world theatre.
Nancy Carroll was honoured with The Natasha Richardson Best Actress award for her role as Joan in Terence Rattigan’s After the Dance, and received the trophy from the late star’s husband, Liam Neeson.
The Best Actor prize went to Rory Kinnear for two Shakespearean roles, as Hamlet and Angelo in Measure for Measure, while Best Director was awarded to Howard Davies for his work on The White Guard and Arthur Miller’s All My Sons.
Stephen Sondheim’s Passion, which was staged to mark his 80th birthday earlier this year (10), fought off competition from Legally Blonde and Les Miserables to win the Ned Sherrin award for Best Musical, and Best Play went to Bruce Norris’ racial drama Clybourne Park.
The Editor’s Shooting Star award went to Daniel Kaluuya for his performance in boxing drama Sucker Punch.
Deputy Editor of the London Evening Standard Sarah Sands says, "This year’s winners illustrate the astonishing range of talent drawn to the stage. London theatre is, by far, the best in the world, and the Evening Standard is proud of its deep associations with it."

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Comic actor LESLIE NIELSEN has died of complications from pneumonia. He was 84.
The Canadian star passed away surrounded by his family at a hospital near his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday (28Nov10).
A statement from the star’s relatives reads, "We are saddened by the passing of beloved actor Leslie Nielsen, probably best remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun series of pictures, but who enjoyed a more than 60-year career in motion pictures and television." Nielsen trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a teenager before switching careers to pursue acting.
His first role came in 1956 when he appeared in crime drama Ransom! and he enjoyed huge success on both the big and small screen.
The star appeared in Airplane!, his first comedy movie, in 1980 and went on to become most famous for his roles in spoofs, including The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! in 1988 and two sequels in the 1990s.
In more recent years, the actor appeared in festive favourite Santa Who? and Scary Movie 3 and 4, with his last role being in 2009’s Stan Helsing.
Nielsen picked up many top accolades during his six-decade long career - in 1988, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in 2001 he was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. The following year (02) he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
He is survived by his fourth wife Barbaree Earl and two children, Maura and Thea, from his second marriage to Alisande Ullman.

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R&B star RIHANNA will never let fans see her cry in public because she refuses to show her vulnerable side when she’s dealing with business.
The Umbrella hitmaker has become known for her feisty and "aggressive" persona since bouncing back from her beating at the hands of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown in February 2009.
And the Bajan beauty insists on keeping her emotions under wraps while she’s in the spotlight because she doesn’t want to be seen as weak.
She tells Interview magazine, "I do have a vulnerable side. I think a lot of people have a misperception of me. They only see the tough, defensive, aggressive side. But every woman is vulnerable… I just don’t like people to see me cry - I don’t like to let them know when I’m bothered. You know? I just prefer it to be all about business."

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HARRY POTTER star EMMA WATSON has vowed never to follow the celebrity trend of launching a perfume line, because she "can’t understand" the concept of a self-titled scent.
The British actress has already explored the world of fashion, fronting a campaign for style giant Burberry and designing an ethical clothing range for People Tree, and she is also working with Alberta Ferretti on a new organic collection.
But Watson is adamant she won’t be expanding into perfume production.
She tells People.com, "I can’t understand this fragrance thing. Why would you want to smell like somebody else? Don’t you want to smell like yourself?… I will continue to work in the fashion industry."

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