Here's the Scoop...
I'm sad to report that the last of The Magnificent Seven has died.
'The Magnificent Seven' and 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' star Robert Vaughn has died at the age of 83.
Robert Vaughn, who starred as Napoleon Solo on the 1960s series The Man From Uncle died on Friday after a battle with acute leukemia.
"Mr. Vaughn passed away with his family around him," his manager Matthew Sullivan said.
Vaughn earned an Oscar nomination for his role alongside Paul Newman in 1959's The Young Philadelphians.
He is also known for his roles in The Magnificent Seven, Bullitt, S.O.B., and Superman III. His first on-camera role was in Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 remake of The Ten Commandments.
Vaughn was born in New York City on Nov. 22, 1932 and raised by his grandparents in Minnesota.
He studied journalism at the University of Minnesota and went on to study drama at Los Angeles City College. He went back to school in the 1970s and earned a doctorate degree in communications from USC.
Vaughn is survived by his wife, Linda, and children Cassidy and Caitlin.
It seemed like Vaughn was in just about everything you watched, at least what I watched. From TV to movies, Vaughn was always working and he was always good. I especially liked him in 'Bullitt' with Steve McQueen. A true talent that will be truly missed.
Be Well,
Steve
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Jackie Chan, 3 other Hollywood Legends get Oscars at 2016 Governors Awards
After nearly 60 years and 200 films, worldwide film star Jackie Chan "finally" won an Oscar -- an honorary one -- for his efforts, as did three Hollywood legends lesser known outside of Hollywood itself.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Chan, film editor Anne Coates, documentary director Frederick Wiseman and casting director Lynn Stalmaster at the eighth annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles.
The event, named for the Academy's board of governors, who pick the nominees each year, is one of the earliest events of awards season in Hollywood. The 2015 Governors Awards honored Spike Lee, Debbie Reynolds and Gena Rowlands.
Tom Hanks, Michelle Yeoh and Chris Tucker introduced Chan, calling him a cross between John Wayne and Buster Keaton for the combination of action hero and comedy that has made him a global movie star. Chan hadn't received an Oscar despite his accomplishments, which Hanks noted have "been for some reason, shall we say, historically underrepresented at the Oscars."
After receiving the award, Chan told the audience he'd once seen an Oscar at Sylvester Stallone's house. and "I touched it, kissed it, smelled it. I believe it still has my fingerprints."
"After 56 years in the film industry, making more than 200 films, breaking so many bones, finally this is mine," Chan said.
Coates, who already has an Oscar for editing "Lawrence of Arabia," has been editing movies since the early 1950s. Her movie was "The Pickwick Papers," and her credits include "The Elephant Man," "In The Line of Fire," "Striptease," "50 Shades of Grey" and "What About Bob?"
Stalmaster was introduced as "the master caster" by Jeff Bridges and is the first person to win an Oscar for casting films. He found the right actors for "West Side Story," "The Graduate," "Superman," Fiddler on the Roof" and "Harold and Maude," among a long list of others.
Wiseman was honored for his documentary work, which includes "Titicut Follies," a film about an insane asylum that Ben Kingsley said he watched while preparing for the movie "Shutter Island," and "High School," about Northeast High in Philadelphia, which influenced Wes Anderson while working on the movie "Rushmore."
Documentarian Alex Gibney, who introduced him, said Wiseman's films offer a view of everyday people dealing with their level of success and any range of other issues -- which Wiseman said the documenting of is important to have a full view of life when he accepted his Oscar.
"I think it's as important to document kindness, civility and generosity of spirit as it is to show cruelty, banality and indifference," Wiseman said.
LOOSE LIPS:
"They're so cute. And his son is a genius. And Anna is nice and hilarious and they're like in love - they look like a Nicholas Sparks novel. You know when you see people who are so happy it just makes you miserable?"
--Jennifer Lawrence, on Chris Pratt's relationship with wife Anna Faris and their 4-year-old son Jack, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
??? Guess Who ???
Which rockstar was rescued by fellow bikers on the N.J. highway?
Gary Sinise helps dedicate smart home to wounded veteran
Actor and musician Gary Sinise helped present U.S. Army Capt. Luis Avila, a wheelchair-bound, Iraq War veteran, and his family with a new smart home.
CBS Baltimore reported scores of family, friends and neighbors also attended Friday's dedication ceremony in Chevy Chase, Md.
"It is my honor to be here to honor him and his family on this special day," Sinise said. "Thank you for all you've given and for all you've sacrificed on behalf of this nation."
The Avilas are the 15th military family this year to receive a home sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation.
"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart," said Avila's wife, Claudia.
"Had the honor to attend @GarySiniseFound home dedication, handing over the keys to wounded US Army Capt Luis Avila. God bless all who serve," Sinise tweeted Friday.
The foundation's website noted Avila served five combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq from the time he joined the Army in 2000.
"On December 27, 2011, while leading his team, a mounted improvised explosive device (IED) detonated nearby. Three of his fellow soldiers were killed by the blast and two others were severely wounded," the website said. "Luis suffered an amputation of his left leg, two strokes, two heart attacks, and severe lack of oxygen which caused anoxic brain damage. Ultimately, he was left almost completely paralyzed. Luis was in a coma for 40 days. Although the doctors felt he would not recover, his wife Claudia and three sons stayed by his side. On Feb. 13, 2012, Luis opened his eyes for the first time. He continues his extensive therapy at Walter Reed National Medical Center. Today, Luis continues to progress while maintaining a positive attitude and an incredible sense of humor.
Luis and his family look forward to starting a new chapter in their lives in their specially adapted smart home."
Sinise, 61, is best known for his roles in the films Of Mice and Men, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13 and Ransom, as well as in the TV shows CSI: NY and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. He is also a vocal advocate for veterans.
??? Guess Who ???
Which rockstar was rescued by fellow bikers on the N.J. highway?
Members of the Freehold American Legion Post 54 Legion Riders rescued rocker Bruce Springsteen when his motorcycle broke down.
The New Jersey bikers were coming back from a Veterans Day ceremony in Holmdel when they spotted the 67-year-old, recording artist stranded on the side of the road by Allaire State Park on Friday.
Springsteen hitched a ride on Ryan Baily's bike and the men headed to Mulligan's in Farmingdale where the singer was picked up after enjoying a beer with the guys.
The American Legion post shared a photo of Dan Barkalow with the singer, but later updated the message to say: "What started out as a story of interest posted to our American Legion Facebook page has devolved into a nauseating political altercation full of vitriol and insults, none of which are from our members. If we are to survive as a nation both sides have to stop the hate. Both the incoming and outgoing presidents have asked for unity, we should listen.
"There are men and women serving in the military who are now deployed far from their home," the message continued. "They are putting their lives at risk, they have left their families and the people they love to defend this nation. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."