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To offer clarity at the start, the nine main "Star Wars" movies are the nine theatrically released live-action features with Roman numerals in the titles that make up what's known as the Skywalker Saga. They were released in chunks of three, which is why they're referred to as three separate, individual trilogies. There's "Star Wars: Episode IV -- A New Hope," "Star Wars: Episode V -- The Empire Strikes Back, and "Star Wars: Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi," which together form what's commonly known as the original trilogy. After that came "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," "Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones" and "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith," which make up the prequel trilogy. Lastly, there's "Star Wars: Episode VII -- The Force Awakens," "Star Wars: Episode VIII -- The Last Jedi," and "Star Wars: Episode IX -- The Rise of Skywalker,...

Marty Krofft, who with his brother Sid produced memorable kids shows “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Land of the Lost” — as well as the 2009 feature based on the latter — has died. He was 86.

Krofft died of kidney failure Saturday in Los Angeles, Calif., a family representative told Variety.

Often referred to as the King of Saturday Mornings, Krofft and his brother also produced a number of primetime variety shows, including “Donny and Marie” and “Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters.”

Sid and Marty Krofft began their careers producing children’s television with “H.R. Pufnstuf,” a live-action program about a boy (played by British actor Jack Wild) in a fantastic land with a dragon for a friend and a witch — Witchiepoo, played by Billie Hayes — for an enemy; as conceptualized, the show followed the interactions between human actors; actors in colorful, oversized costumes; and life-size puppets with enormous heads.

The Kroffts were proudly...

There are times when you look back at pop culture phenomena and can’t resist the urge to ask: Can you believe this actually happened? Tackling a notorious fiasco in one of the galaxy’s most popular franchises, Jeremy Coon and Steve Kozak’s amusing and exhaustive documentary ”A Disturbance in the Force” unpacks 1978’s “Star Wars Holiday Special.”

You don’t have to be an obsessive “Star Wars” fan to enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at how the special — which premiered Nov. 17, 1978 on CBS, and has never been re-run on any broadcast or cable outlet — came to exist. To be sure, the fans will appreciate it a lot more than casual viewers. But it’s also an irresistible hoot for anyone with fond memories of star-studded 1970s musical/variety TV specials — a specific type of highly popular general audience entertainment that, truth to tell, very often showcased more campy excess...

“Star Wars” could stand to come off its high horse a little bit. Other than the recent “Andor,” which actually did break new ground, the franchise has become stunningly obsessed with itself, regurgitating obscure lore, planting callbacks and cameos everywhere, and generally living in the past.

One of the bits of “Star Wars” arcana that especially pops up? The “Star Wars Holiday Special,” the 1978 CBS catastrophe that’s the ultimate example of exploiting franchise IP into oblivion. The definitive “so bad it’s good” fetish object, the two-hour special introduced Boba Fett as a character to the saga and continues to influence stories to this day — the prong-like rifle sometimes used by Mando on “The Mandalorian” came from the special — even as George Lucas and Lucasfilm famously suppressed it. Lucasfilm even produced its own “Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” in 2020.

The most shocking thing about Jeremy Coon and Steve Kozak...

Fox‘s charmingly reimagined Fantasy Island moves from its 8 p.m. Et time slot to a new home at 9 p.m. Et on Monday, March 6, following 9-1-1, and is bringing with it a breezy guest visit from the delightful and so iconic Marie Osmond tonight. In the episode, “Walk a Country Mile,” Osmond stars as a Grammy-winning country-music legend who has developed a case of writer’s block. Hoping to get her mojo back, she books passage to the titular hot spot and soon finds herself awash in a very creative conundrum crafted by resort doyenne Elena Roarke (Roselyn Sánchez). As assistant Ruby (Kiara Barnes) notes, the boss has “something up her sleeves” for their famous guest. And perhaps a part of her entourage, as well. Here, the veteran performer who shot to fame with her brother during the 1976-79 run of ABC’s Donny & Marie shares the details of her stay,...

The Oscars, airing March 12 on ABC, have the remainder of their key production team set. The group ranges from veteran lighting designer Robert Dickinson embarking on his 34th voyage on the show and co-executive producer Rob Paine on his 28th, to three new female producers getting their first shot with the venerable awards telecast.

Rickey Minor takes charge of the orchestra’s baton for the first time since 2020, while Dave Boone is coming back as a writer, his 13th Oscars in the last quarter century. Executive producers and showrunners Glenn Weiss (who is also directing the show for the 8th time) and Ricky Kirshner made the announcement.

Here are the players AMPAS announced today:

Rob Paine has worked on the Oscars telecast for over two decades and returns for his 28th year in a new role as co-executive producer. Paine has more than 200 credits to his name, spanning four decades.

Marie Osmond is reflecting on how an emotionally traumatic experience as a teenager led to a painful struggle with self-esteem and body dysmorphia.

Speaking with Page Six, Marie, 63, recalled how she was berated and insulted by a TV producer while filming her variety show, “Donny & Marie”, in which she starred alongside her brother from 1976 to 1979.

“It was on that lot that I was taken out to the back by some head of the studio — and I’m like 5′ 5″ and about 103 pounds — and he basically said, ‘You’re an embarrassment to your family. You’re fat,'” Marie recalled.

She said that the was told that that producer screamed at her and told her that “250 people were going to lose their jobs because you can’t keep food out of your fat face.” Marie said she was subsequently spurred on to undergoing a dangerous diet regimen.

This led to her...

Peter Mayhew, the British actor known for playing Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy and two other films in the Jedi film series, has died. He was 74. Mayhew died April 30 at his North Texas home, his family announced on Twitter.

The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u

— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) May 2, 2019

Born in leafy Surrey, England, the towering Mayhew played the hirsute Chewbacca character from 1977 to 2015, beginning with the original Star Was film and carrying through to Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens before he retired from the challenging role that charmed millions of fans but never gave a glimpse of his true face on screen. For Star Wars: The Last Jedi...

Sid and Marty Krofft have often said that, through their programming, they “messed with kids’ minds.” But that has proven not to be a negative thing, as their programs not only entertained but inspired future content creators.

“Instead of trying to capture grounded reality with their puppetry, [Sid and Marty] celebrated the absurd and embraced the cartoon sensibility,” says Dan Milano, creator of “Greg the Bunny,” who later worked with the Kroffts on a feature adaptation of “H.R. Pufnstuf.”

“They understand a child’s imagination and how fragmented and sweet — but with an edge of darkness — it can be.”

Milano discovered at an early age that it was entirely feasible to grow up and become a paid creator by watching Krofft productions.

“It made it so that I didn’t feel it was unusual at all that I would draw silly pictures, do silly voices, put on puppet shows, make them talk, and...

Sid and Marty Krofft created memorable, magical Saturday morning live-action television shows including “H.R. Pufnstuf,” “Land of the Lost” and “Electra Woman and Dyna Girl,” but their success extends far beyond sea monsters, magic flutes and Vroom Brooms. They’ve entertained millions, employed thousands and inspired many of today’s content creators — they’re still in production today with “Mutt & Stuff,” which airs on Nickelodeon. Recently, a revival of “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” appeared on Amazon. Now, the dynamic duo is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

“It’s not easy to be in the business with your relatives,” says Marty Krofft. “But we’ve lasted longer than most marriages in the world.”

“You just make it work,” says Sid Krofft. “We’ve been together professionally for 60 years. We argue, but that’s just part of being Sid and Marty Krofft.

Sandy Gallin -- who repped the likes of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Cher, Richard Pryor, Barbra Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Diamond, Donny and Marie, and many, many others -- has died ... TMZ has learned. Gallin was clinging to life at UCLA Medical Center where he was in ICU after suffering a relapse of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. The former powerful Hollywood manager's condition had deteriorated over the last few days to the...

Sandy Gallin -- who repped the likes of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Cher, Richard Pryor, Barbra Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Diamond, Donny and Marie, and many, many others -- is fighting for his life at an L.A. hospital after his cancer came back. We've learned Gallin has been at UCLA Medical Center in ICU after suffering a relapse of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. As 2 of his close friends told us, "It looks really bad.

From 1987 to 1990, Debbie Gibson was the teen pop princess. With 9 top 40 hits, 2 multiplatinum albums and constant video rotation on MTV, she was on top.

As the pop stardom inevitably cooled, Gibson found a home on Broadway. She made forays into reality TV and kept writing and recording music independently. She also worked with children in summer music camps.

Gibson drew on this experience to star in Summer of Dreams, a TV movie that will premiere on the Hallmark Channel on Aug. 27.

In the film, Gibson plays Debbie Taylor, a former pop star who moves to suburban Ohio to teach music...

From 1987 to 1990, Debbie Gibson was the teen pop princess. With 9 top 40 hits, 2 multiplatinum albums and constant video rotation on MTV, she was on top. As the pop stardom inevitably cooled, Gibson found a home on Broadway. She made forays into reality TV and kept writing and recording music independently. She also worked with children in summer music camps. Gibson drew on this experience to star in Summer of Dreams, a TV movie that will premiere on the Hallmark Channel on Aug. 27. In the film, Gibson plays Debbie Taylor, a former pop star who moves to suburban Ohio to teach music...

Donny and Marie Osmond are performing a holiday miracle for Star Wars fans in Gainesville, Texas. The famous siblings have rented out an entire theater in the Texas town and are giving away tickets via social media to anyone who wants to attend the private screening with them and their band on Friday. "So I had this idea last week," Donny tells People. "Marie and I are on our Christmas and we have a day off between traveling from Tulsa to Gainesville, so I thought what are the chances that we could get some private theater owner to let us do a screening?...

Donny and Marie Osmond are performing a holiday miracle for Star Wars fans in Gainesville, Texas. The famous siblings have rented out an entire theater in the Texas town and are giving away tickets via social media to anyone who wants to attend the private screening with them and their band on Friday. "So I had this idea last week," Donny tells People. "Marie and I are on our Christmas and we have a day off between traveling from Tulsa to Gainesville, so I thought what are the chances that we could get some private theater owner to let us do a screening?...

Donny and Marie Osmond are performing a holiday miracle for Star Wars fans in Gainesville, Texas. The famous siblings have rented out an entire theater in the Texas town and are giving away tickets via social media to anyone who wants to attend the private screening with them and their band on Friday. "So I had this idea last week," Donny tells People. "Marie and I are on our Christmas and we have a day off between traveling from Tulsa to Gainesville, so I thought what are the chances that we could get some private theater owner to let us do a screening?...

When Neil Patrick Harris returns to TV next week, he won't be cracking jokes in another sitcom. Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris (debuting on September 15th on NBC) marks the return — overdue or not — of the variety show, that long-dormant format in which kooky skits, musical guests, and frenzied production numbers are jammed into an hour of family-friendly entertainment. "When you think of the variety shows we all grew upon — Sonny and Cher and Donny and Marie — those [programs] all said, 'Sit on the couch, be entertained with a little song,...

"Freaks and Geeks" fans, rejoice: The cast is slated to reunite at the upcoming TV Land Awards.

The beloved one-season wonder will receive the 15th Anniversary Award at the ceremony, with TV Land announcing in a press release that despite its short run from 1999-2000, the show "continues to find new fans every year." One of the reasons for that, no doubt, is the stellar ensemble that creator Paul Feig and co. assembled (casting director Allison Jones snagged the series's sole Emmy for her work), and TV Land revealed that almost every single main actor from the series will be present at the awards show.

Scheduled to appear are Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, Busy Philipps, Samm Levine, Martin Starr, David Gruber Allen, and Steve Bannos. Feig and producer Judd Apatow are also confirmed.

In addition to that star-studded lineup, the awards will also feature a performance by Jennifer Hudson,...

Legendary Digital Media and Fullscreen have partnered with YouTube phenoms Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart in an updated version of Sid & Marty Krofft‘s classic 70’s TV series Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, bringing the property to a new generation of viewers. Fullscreen will debut and exhibit Electra Woman and Dyna Girl in the U.S. with Legendary Television Distribution overseeing global distribution. Sid & Marty Krofft will executive produce the project.

The reboot will start internet superstars Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart as the seventies icons (shut up, this is my article). The series, comes on the heels of Helbig’s crossover from YouTube fame to television as the host of a late night talk show for E! which premieres in April. Both Helbig and Hart have large social media followings with a combined total of over 10 million subscribers and followers over all of their YouTube and social media platforms.

Sid and Marty Krofft with Amazon Studios head Roy Price and Sigmund the Sea Monster

From H.R. Pufnstuf to The Donnie and Marie Show to Pryor’s Place, many of the most colorful and memorable series of the 1970s and 1980s sprang from the imaginations of Sid and Marty Krofft. Their groundbreaking, live-action kids fantasy shows were mainstays of the Saturday morning airwaves, which had previously been the exclusive domain of cartoons.

Now the iconic television producers are working with Amazon Studios to develop a reimagined pilot of classic ‘70s children live action series Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.

“Sid and Marty are geniuses and we are honored to be working with them to bring to the world a return of what we believe is TV’s most fabulous and funniest sea creature ever,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios, in an announcement about the development deal with the Kroffts.

Amazon Studios today announced it has signed a development deal with iconic television producers Sid and Marty Krofft to develop a reimagined pilot of classic '70s children live action series Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. Here's what Amazon Studios Vice President Roy Price had to say in a statement.

"Sid and Marty are geniuses and we are honored to be working with them to bring to the world a return of what we believe is TV's most fabulous and funniest sea creature ever."

Marty Krofft also offered his own statement about the new Amazon Studios series.

"Sid found Sigmund swimming in the ocean as seaweed. Boy, are we lucky to re-create Sigmund and the Sea Monsters with Roy Price and Tara Sorensen at Amazon Studios."

Many of the most colorful and fondly remembered children's series of the 1970s and 1980s sprang from the imaginations of Sid and Marty Krofft.

Invest in foam rubber futures now, because Amazon Studios has inked a deal with Sid and Marty Krofft to “reimagine” their live-action 1970s kids show Sigmund and the Sea Monsters.

“Sid and Marty are geniuses,” Amazon Studios VP Roy Price said in announcing the pilot order, “and we are honored to be working with them to bring to the world a return of what we believe is TV’s most fabulous and funniest sea creature ever.”

Related24 Alum Annie Wersching Previews Amazon’s Bosch Series Debut

The Kroffts’ dominion over the Saturday morning TV airwaves/my young life began in...

-Mike “McBeardo” McPadden

Holiday specials date back to the earliest days of network television, when Jackie Gleason donned Santa garb on The Honeymooners and Desi Arnaz pumped up traditional carols with Cuban conga beats on I Love Lucy. Each decade since then has generated examples of “very special” episodes and one-off variety hours that, in hindsight, perfectly, and often hilariously, embody their era.

Think of A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the ’60s; The Star Wars Holiday Special and The Donny and Marie Christmas Show in the ’70s; and Christmas Comes to Pac-Land and ’Tis the Season to Be Smurfy in the ’80s. The ’90s, of course, kept the tradition going with its own unmistakable (multiply pierced) earmarks. The decade of alterna-culture, outrageous cartoon debuts that weren’t just for kids, and the early Internet also begat its share of unmistakably of-its-moment December broadcast fare.

Here...

-Mike “McBeardo” McPadden

Holiday specials date back to the earliest days of network television, when Jackie Gleason donned Santa garb on The Honeymooners and Desi Arnaz pumped up traditional carols with Cuban conga beats on I Love Lucy. Each decade since then has generated examples of “very special” episodes and one-off variety hours that, in hindsight, perfectly, and often hilariously, embody their era.

Think of A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the ’60s; The Star Wars Holiday Special and The Donny and Marie Christmas Show in the ’70s; and Christmas Comes to Pac-Land and ’Tis the Season to Be Smurfy in the ’80s. The ’90s, of course, kept the tradition going with its own unmistakable (multiply pierced) earmarks. The decade of alterna-culture, outrageous cartoon debuts that weren’t just for kids, and the early Internet also begat its share of unmistakably of-its-moment December broadcast fare.

Here...

Former broadcaster and entertainment publicist, Mack Newberry, died at his home in St. Augustine, Fla. on Friday of natural causes. He was 89. Newberry was a prominent publicist in Hollywood who worked for more than a decade at Solters Roskin Friedman in Los Angeles. His client list included Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, Dolly Parton, Donny and Marie Osmond, John Denver and Rita Moreno, among many others. See photos: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2014 He also worked as a unit publicist on films, which included “My Girl,” “Straight Talk,” “Doctor Detroit,” and “China Moon.” He also worked on TV series, including Steven Spielberg‘s “seaQuest.

The veteran Hollywood publicist died yesterday at his home in St. Augustine, Fl. Mack Newberry was 89. A protege of Lee Solters, he spent more than a decade at Solters Roskin Friedman in Los Angeles, working with clients including Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, Donny and Marie Osmond, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme and Marty Pasetta, who directed Oscar telecasts from 1972-88. Newberry also managed publicity for the Grammy Awards in the pre-cable/Internet years and was West Coast PR rep for the Tonys. He worked as a unit publicist for such films as Doctor Detroit, China Moon, My Girl, Straight Talk […]...

Mack Newberry, a veteran publicist who represented numerous music and TV stars and helped manage PR efforts for the Grammys, has died in St. Augustine, Fla. He was 89. Newberry spent more than a decade at PR firm Solters Roskin Friedman, Los Angeles, where he handled publicity for such clients as Dolly Parton, Carol Burnett, Donny and Marie Osmond, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, John Denver and Rita Moreno. Newberry worked as a unit publicist on a variety of films, including My Girl and Straight Talk, and such TV series as Steven Spielberg's seaQuest. He was part of a small team that handled

read more...

Just like Donny and Marie, American Idol's Top 6 were a little bit country and little bit rock 'n' roll Wednesday night.

Each contestant performed two songs, and the results were mixed for most, with judges' comments varying as much as the song selection.

Birthday boy Caleb Johnson had the super save and magical moment of the night while rocking "Sting Me" when he lost his mic before catching it without missing a beat.

"Now that was some rock 'n' roll!" said a standing Jennifer Lopez about the performance, which earned roars from the audience. "You created a moment!"

Johnson...

Just like Donny and Marie, American Idol's Top 6 were a little bit country and little bit rock 'n' roll Wednesday night. Each contestant performed two songs, and the results were mixed for most, with judges' comments varying as much as the song selection. Birthday boy Caleb Johnson had the super save and magical moment of the night while rocking "Sting Me" when he lost his mic before catching it without missing a beat. "Now that was some rock 'n' roll!" said a standing Jennifer Lopez about the performance, which earned roars from the audience. "You created a moment!" Johnson...

The syndicated daytime series created by Judge Judy Sheindlin has found its second exec producer. Maureen FitzPatrick will transition from her current gig as Evp Programming and Development at CBS Television Distribution to Hot Bench, the syndicated court show set to debut in the fall. She joins Randy Douthit in the Ep role, having worked on other Cbstd productions including Judge Judy, Entertainment Tonight and The Arsenio Hall Show. Hot Bench, which is cleared in 75% of the country, features a panel of three judges (Judge Patricia Dimango and attorneys Tanya Acker and Larry Bakman) hearing court cases, arguing the merits of the case among themselves and rendering a verdict. (The term “hot bench” is used to describe a court where the judge or judges frequently interrupt lawyers’ presentations with questions, often leading to lively exchanges.) FitzPatrick’s other daytime TV exec producer credits include Living it Up! With Ali & Jack,...

Grease star Olivia Newton-John is headed to Las Vegas. The 65-year-old singer and actress announced a headlining residency Tuesday. She will perform 45 shows at the Donny and Marie Showroom at The Flamingo, starting April 8. Dates are scheduled through the summer. Organizers say the show will feature Grease classics including "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want," as well as Newton-John's independent pop songs. The show will be called Summer Nights. Nostalgia acts do brisk business in Sin City, where Boyz II Men, Shania Twain and Donny and Marie Osmond continue to fill large theaters. The city...

Guess what, Disney fans? Frozen is good. And as you may have heard, the soundtrack is even better.

Like the now-classics in Disney’s Renaissance period, Frozen’s array of original tunes feels as fresh and infectious as the Menken-Ashman-Rice songs that defined a generation’s Disney musicals. I caught an early screening of the film last week and was dismayed to find that I’d have to wait an excruciating six days for the album to be released online (I even begged EW’s music staff for an early listen, but no dice).

Now the movie is out (and...

Jean Stapleton will forever be known to TV viewers as Edith Bunker on "All in the Family." The veteran actress died at the age of 90 on Friday, May 31 and she leaves behind a legacy of stage, screen and TV roles.

Stapleton won two Golden Globes and three Emmys for "All in the Family." Her character, Edith Bunker, appeared in the "All in the Family" continuation series "Archie Bunker's Place," but died off screen. The Season 2 premiere of the series saw Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) deal with Edith's death.

In 1976, at the height of "All in the Family," Stapleton made a memorable appearance on "The Muppet Show." There she performed in several sketches, singing with the Muppets.

In 1982, Stapleton was nominated for a Golden Globe and Emmy for her TV film "Eleanor, First Lady of the World." She eventually took the role to the stage and starred in a one-woman show as Eleanor Roosevelt.

Beloved, multi-talented, and awardwinning TV, movie, and stage actress Jean Stapleton died Friday of natural causes at her NYC home, her family announced today. She was 90. Whether playing blue collar Archie Bunker’s dingbat wife Edith on All In the Family or patrician President Franklin D Roosevelt’s First Lady Eleanor, Stapleton brought authenticity, grace, dignity, and humor to every varied role. Even more interestingly, she was middle-aged when she hit her professional stride. Born Jeanne Murray in 1923, she received 3 Emmys for her portrayal as Bunker’s wife in Norman Lear’s groundbreaking 1970s sitcom but asked to be written out of the first season of the spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place. Reuniting with Carroll O’Connor in 2000 for Donny and Marie Osmond’s talk show, Stapleton declined the hosts’ request to ‘do’ Edith Bunker. Stapleton later told the Archive of American Television that she felt replicating in casual settings...

Beloved, multi-talented, and awardwinning TV, movie, and stage actress Jean Stapleton died Friday of natural causes at her NYC home, her family announced today. She was 90. Whether playing blue collar Archie Bunker’s dingbat wife Edith on All In the Family or patrician President Franklin D Roosevelt’s First Lady Eleanor, Stapleton brought authenticity, grace, dignity, and humor to every varied role. Even more interestingly, she was middle-aged when she hit her professional stride. Born Jeanne Murray in 1923, she received 3 Emmys for her portrayal as Bunker’s wife in Norman Lear’s groundbreaking 1970s sitcom but asked to be written out of the first season of the spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place. Reuniting with Carroll O’Connor in 2000 for Donny and Marie Osmond’s talk show, Stapleton declined the hosts’ request to ‘do’ Edith Bunker. Stapleton later told the Archive of American Television that she felt replicating in casual settings...

Tuc Watkins is a veteran of One Life to Live and Desperate Housewives, but when he opened up last month on Marie Osmond‘s Hallmark Channel talk show about being a gay, single surrogate parent, his candor contained neither of those series’ signature melodrama. The 46-year-old actor discussed the joy and stress of fathering twins Catchen and Curtis, and now that he’s back as the nutty David Vickers on One Life to Live in its Hulu version, he has plenty to be happy and very, very stressed about.

We caught up with Watkins to discuss why he decided to come out, the challenges of being a gay actor, and why he’s so obsessed with Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

TheBacklot: You opened up about single gay parenthood on Marie Osmond’s talk show. Was it strange to discuss such a personal issue with a woman you probably grew up watching on TV?...

It is and has always been 'a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll' for America's dynamic duo, brother and sister act, Donny and Marie Osmond. Due to their never-ending popularity, Donny amp Marie will continue to entertain sold-out audiences with an extension to perform at Flamingo Las Vegas with shows confirmed through 2013. They were recently voted Best All-Around Performers, Best Show and Best Singer by the readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal,...

Rewind time for the Soul Train Awards 2012, held at Planet Hollywood Live in Las Vegas, also simulcast on Bet and Centric on November 25th at 8Pm Et/Pt. Host Cedric the Entertainer, along with Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson, New Edition, Ne-Yo, and 2 Chainz, encouraged people of all ages to dance and sing along to their memorable and popular songs. From Bet Celebrities from music, film, sports and television such as Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder, Eddie Levert, Billy Crystal, Earvin .Magic. Johnson, Melanie Fiona, Jody Watley, Doug E. Fresh, Tony Rock, Luke James, Estelle, Donny and Marie Osmond, Vampire Diaries star Kat Graham, and Tamar Braxton, joined Soul Train in celebrating some of the best musical contributions of 2012.

Unloading some more new web series this week; Here's the first of several. Titled Heroic Daze, its synopsis reads: Mr. Nyce Guy and The Redd Robbyn are step brothers; they were adopted by two rich philanthropist parents who adopted a child from every state in the country. The two became very close because of their age and common interests in comic book heroes. Having 48 other siblings they asserted themselves as the law enforcers of the family, while the others broke simple house rules Mng and Trr sought acceptance by telling on them to win their parents approval. Their parents Donny and Marie rewarded them with comic book memorabilia which made the two very happy., although...

Since its 2005 premiere, "Dancing with the Stars" has transformed celebrities from all walks of entertainment and sports into skilled and glamorous dancers.

To prepare you for 14th season of quicksteps and salsas, "Extra" has compiled a list to catch you up on the past 13 winners, and what they've been up to since winning the Mirror Ball trophy.

'Dancing with the Stars' Winners: Where They Are Now?Season 1: Kelly Monaco

General Hospital actress...

Talk about a wild ride. Marie Osmond had a bit of an accident during the Donny and Marie Cruise March 2, after a question from an audience member sent the singer and her famous brother into a fit of laughter. And while it's not clear what the question was that caused both Donny and Marie to drop to their knees in laughter, it is clear that Marie laughed so hard that she tinkled on herself and the stage. And, most importantly, she was a total good sport about it. So much so she even wipes up the stage in the video clip (which has since been removed from Youtube) while she and her brother guffaw. "I just peed my pants!" Marie admitted to the audience. "Oh ship." "You...

[1] What is Page 2? Page 2 is a compilation of stories and news tidbits, which for whatever reason, didn’t make the front page of /Film. After the jump we’ve included 46 different items, fun images, videos, casting tidbits, articles of interest and more. It’s like a mystery grab bag of movie web related goodness. If you have any interesting items that we might've missed that you think should go in /Film's Page 2 - email us [2]! Header Photo: Wall-e donut [3]. THR [4] has compiled a list of Hollywood tweets reacting to the death of Steve Jobs. [5] Jon DeFreest created [6] an Arrested Development-themed Ben & Jerry's flavor. Todd Gilchrist [7] helps you decide which 3D blu-rays are worth buying, released September/October 2011. Watch [8] a video compilation of the best cosplay from FanExpo 2011 in Toronto Apple and Pixar release [9] statements reflecting on the loss of Steve Jobs. MSN [10] has revealed a new poster for Puss In Boots.

Donny and Marie Osmond visit The Marilyn Denis Show in Toronto on July 12.Photo copyright Robin Wong / PR Photos. Donny and Marie Osmond visit The Marilyn Denis Show in Toronto on July 12.Photo copyright Robin Wong / PR Photos. Donny and Marie Osmond visit The Marilyn Denis Show in Toronto on July 12.Photo copyright Robin Wong / PR Photos. Donny and Marie Osmond visit The Marilyn Denis Show in Toronto on July 12.Photo copyright Robin Wong / PR Photos. Donny and Marie Osmond visit The Marilyn Denis Show in Toronto on July 12.Photo copyright Robin Wong / PR Photos. 07/12/2011 - Donny and Marie Osmond - Donny and Marie Osmond Visit The Marilyn Denis...

Donny and Marie Osmond has released their first album in 30 years. The album which is titled .Donny & Marie. was released this week. Marie suffered tragedy last year when her son committed suicide. She has been grieving since then but she managed to bring a smile to her face when remarried her first husband last Wednesday. Marie and Stephen Craig first married in 1982 and they have a son named Stephen. Donny is the brother of Marie. Country music producer Buddy Cannon produced the album which is mainly from the previous works of the duo. Donny is impressed with the way that Buddy handled the album. The 53-year-old said that, .He.s so good to work with in terms of the selection of the songs and finding the songs that work with our voices. It was a pleasure to work with him.. In February of 2010, Marie.s son Michael Bryan killed himself in Los Angeles.

Donny and Marie Osmond have cautioned today's young stars that they must seek to maintain their integrity if they hope to sustain enduring careers. In an interview with Parade, Donny, who was a teen heartthrob in the 1970s, was asked if he had any advice for Justin Bieber. "It's a bumpy rollercoaster ride," he replied. "Hang in there buddy because if you can just maintain your integrity with your music and who you are, you can ride that rollercoaster and not get bruised. Don't take anything for granted." Marie, meanwhile, urged young celebrities to put their craft ahead of their desire to cultivate publicity. She added: "Keep working and keep reinventing yourself and have your passion. I've always said if you're not (more)...

Lidsville -Sid Krofft talked to me over the phone. That’s almost as wild and weird as the shows he created with his brother Marty that dominated the ’70s. Their live action Saturday morning series mixed puppets and people went perfect with the sugar rush from a fresh bowl of Count Chocula. This was like a weird childhood dream as I had so many questions that had puzzled me since childhood. Krofft was eager to give answers.

He was excited about Vivendi Entertainment’s recent release of H.R. Pufnstuf: The Complete Series Collector’s Edition. There’s also a normal H.R. Pufnstuf: The Complete Series. What’s the difference? A cool bobblehead of H.R. Pufnstuf. I’ve had little contact with the bobblehead since my two year-old has turned it into her new best friend. I told Sid Krofft how another generation has embraced the lizard hero of my youth.

As Bieber fever rages through theaters this weekend with the release of "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," "Extra" helps you remember your teen crushes and favorite stars -- on a trip through the time machine -- with the 50 Greatest Teen Stars of All Time! [*teens screaming*]

From "Growing Pains" heartthrob Kirk Cameron to Disney superstar Miley Cyrus, we'll look back at how they got famous, and what they're up to today!

50 Greatest Teen Stars50- Matthew Broderick...

New York — The long-delayed Broadway musical "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" has suffered another blow with the departure of a lead actress, one of a number of performers injured in the costly production even before its official opening.

Natalie Mendoza, who recently had returned to the stunt-heavy show after suffering a concussion during its first preview performance last month, pulled out for good following several days of negotiations between lawyers for both sides. Producers Thursday evening broke the news to the cast before the 8 p.m. performance.

The actress cited her head injury as the reason she walked away.

"It has been a difficult decision to make, but I regret that I am unable to continue on 'Spider-Man' as I recover from my injury," Mendoza said in a statement.

The 30-year-old singer and actress, whose credits include the British TV drama "Hotel Babylon" and the horror film "The Descent," was...

Pop sensation Justin Bieber will donate some of the proceeds from his new acoustic album to charity.

My World Acoustic came out today, and will benefit the Children's Miracle Network – an organization founded by Donny and Marie Osmond and John Schneider in 1983, dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America. Each year the 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind.

“I am in the position to give back thanks to my fans and God. I wrote ‘Pray’ thinking I wanted to help others and I feel like I have a responsibility to do so,” said Bieber via Twitter. “What is the point of doing all this if you can’t make a difference in others’ lives? This album is...