Wonderful Life's Young George Dies

Hollywood's man in Washington pioneered ratings system

(NEWSER) - Despite being neither movie star nor studio exec, Jack Valenti was one of Hollywood's most influential figures. An era ended Thursday when the longtime president of the film industry's trade association died at his home in Washington. The veteran lobbyist, who also served in the Johnson administration, was 85 and had suffered a stroke in March. More»

(NEWSER) - John Forsythe, a versatile actor who gained lasting fame as Blake Carrington on the pioneering prime-time soap Dynasty and as the voice of the mysterious Charlie on Charlie's Angels, died yesterday in California. He was 92. Best known at the time as the affable star of Bachelor Father, Forsythe played a villainous judge in the 1979 Al Pacino vehicle And Justice for All, demonstrating he had the chops to channel the scheming Blake Carrington. More»

Pioneering Frenchman directed 50+ films

(NEWSER) - Eric Rohmer, a leading light of the French New Wave and a prolific filmmaker for over 4 decades, died today in Paris. He was 89. Overshadowed early in his career by Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, Rohmer made his mark with his "Six Moral Tales," released from 1963 through 1972. They include My Night at Maud's, for which he received an Oscar nomination, and Claire's Knee. More»

Appeared in Cannonball Run , Space Balls

(NEWSER) - Actor Dom DeLuise died in his sleep last night at a Los Angeles hospital, TMZ reports. He was 75. The Golden-Globe nominated actor was known for appearances in Mel Brooks films and often worked with Burt Reynolds. He starred in Cannonball Run and Blazing Saddles and voiced Pizza the Hutt in Spaceballs. His son confirmed the news to KTLA-TV, saying DeLuise died peacefully among family. More»

The top ten real hotels featured in Hollywood

(NEWSER) - People usually use movies for escapism, but if you’d like to flip the tables and relive a classic film moment, just check into the hotel where it was shot. The Telegraph runs down some of the most famous, from around the world.

• Beverly Wilshire, Los Angeles: Get a room and put on your favorite spandex mini-dress and boom! You're Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
• Timberline Lodge, Oregon: For a spookier trip, visit this hotel where the exteriors for The Shining were shot. Don't worry: there are amenities year-round.