Cheetah, Tarzan's Sidekick Chimp, Dies at 80

Tarzan, The Ape Man Cheetah, one of several chimpanzees who starred in the Tarzan films of the 1930s, died of kidney failure Saturday, according to People. He was reportedly 80 years old. One of the original chimps who starred alongside Johnny Weissmuller in the classic Tarzan films, Cheetah, sometimes credited as Cheetah-Mike, was acquired by the Weissmuller estate before the chimp retired at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor, Fla. Check out the rest of today's news "It is with great sadness that the community has lost a dear friend and family member," the sanctuary wrote on its website this week. Check out these classic clips of Cheetah: Chimpanzees live an average of 45 years in the wild, while a chimp in captivity can live an average of 60 years.

Mel Gibson & Wife Finalize Divorce

First Launched: December 23, 2011 5:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Mel Gibson near to Darkness premiere in Madrid, The nation, on February 1, 2010Mel Gibson has completed his divorce from his wife of 28 years. Lawyers for your Oscar champion andhis ex-wife came out briefly in the La courthouse Friday to submit a recommended judgment, that the judge signed several hours later. Robyn Gibson declared divorce in April 2009, just several days before Gibsons then-girlfriend shipped a daughter. The Braveheart star recommended for his or her own court filings the pair separated in 2006. The prior couples divorce remains more low-key than Gibsons custody of the children from the children fight with Russian music artist Oksana Grigorieva. Gibson agreed in August to cover Grigorieva $750,000 to remain a bitter dispute and split custody of the children from the kids of the daughter. The 55-year-old and also the former wife have seven children together, however 12-year-old boy might be the only real minor. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Matt Damon: 'A One-Term Leader Having A Couple of Balls' More appropriate to Obama

No Mr. Nice Guy! First Matt Damon trashed the film author in the 'Bourne' series, now he's bashing the best choice. In '08, Damon was among Barack Obama's most passionate celebrity supporters, these days the actor states he'd have preferred "single-term leader having a couple of balls." Ouch. "I've spoken to several people who labored for Obama within the grassroots level. One of these simple mentioned in my opinion, 'Never again. I will not be fooled again having a politician,'" Damon told Elle. "You understand, single-term leader having a couple of balls nobody got stuff done might have been, with time of the united states, much better,In . Damon mentioned. "People are actually without any focus or leadership, just wandering out to the streets to yell at this time around since they are so pissed off," he mentioned in reference to the the Occupy Wall Street movement. "Let us suppose they'd a pacesetter.In . Don't depend on that leader being Damon though, no matter the amount of people think he's top-notch presidential material. He's also fairly humble about his celebrity status: "I'm not Kaira Pitt or George Clooney," he told Elle. "People males enter a place as well as the room changes. In my opinion there's some thing... not average, but everyman about me." According to him people always make sure he understands, "My cousin looks like everyone else.In . To date as his nice guy status, Scarlett Johansson, his costar in 'We Bought a Zoo,' calls him "a sweetheart, loved by everybody." His two-time 'Bourne' director Paul Greengrass told Elle, "The fact remains, all people tales about him being the very best guy? That's all true." Damon's polite persona did slip within the recent GQ interview through which he belittled Tony Gilroy's scripts He later apologized for his "douchey" remarks. No less than he went easy on 'Zoo' hater David Denby. [via Elle] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Prince Harry States He's Coming back To Afghanistan

First Released: December 21, 2011 9:09 AM EST Credit: Getty Images LONDON, U.K. -- Caption Prince Harry attends the Walking using the Wounded Homecoming Media Reception at BAFTA working in london on April 26, 2011Britains Prince Harry was cited Wednesday as verifying he'll be used to Afghanistan for again almost 4 years after his previous secret mission was cut short when particulars leaked. The Sun's Rays newspaper reported the 27-year-old, who's third in line towards the British throne, told visitors in a military honours ceremony on Monday evening he may likely return the coming year. I cant wait to obtain available, the newspaper cited Harry as saying. Harry offered like a battleground air controller in Afghanistan for 10 days from 12 ,. 2007, but was told to go home early after particulars were published first by an Australian celebrity magazine and then around the Drudge Report website. He grew to become the very first person in the British royal family for everyone inside a battleground since his uncle, Prince Andrew, travelled like a helicopter pilot within the Falkland Islands conflict with Argentina in 1982. A spokesperson for St. Jamess Structure, who spoke on customary condition of anonymity, wouldn't discuss the particulars of when or where Harry could serve in Afghanistan. He stated it might be an issue for that military chain of command. Britains defense ministry didn't discuss Harrys potential deployment. The prince came back to Britain in November after two several weeks of combat helicopter pilot learning the U . s . States. In the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, California, Harry travelled Apache attack helis within the desert near to the Mexican border. Throughout training in the Gila Bend Air Pressure Auxiliary Area in southern Arizona, the prince fired missiles and rockets. Throughout a short break from maneuvers, the youthful prince leased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in Chandler and rode the six-hour visit to Vegas for any weekend visit. Harry is presently finishing his Apache helicopter training at British Royal Air Pressure base Wattisham Station, in eastern England. The newspaper stated the prince told honours ceremony visitors lucrative wished to make use of his several weeks of coaching. Im searching toward putting it into practice, it cited him as saying. Inside a speech towards the ceremony, Harry told military co-workers of his popularity of them but for the families left out when they're used. Its frequently stated in our military that they're regular people doing remarkable things.Well, I dont entirely buy that, Harry stated. Regular people dont take their lives at risk for distant folk, like the Afghans, who require our help and therefore are now turning their country around due to it. Britain has around 9,500 troops in Afghanistan, based mainly within the southern Helmand province. Inside a visit Tuesday, Pm David Cameron confirmed about 500 U.K. forces is going to be withdrawn in 2012, in front of the finish from the worldwide mission through the finish of 2014. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Britney Warrior spears Debuts Gemstone At Magical Las vegas Party

First Released: December 17, 2011 6:30 PM EST Credit: WireImage La, Calif. -- Caption Jason Trawick and Britney Warrior spears celebrate their engagement at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Vegas on December 16, 2011Britney Warrior spears and Jason Trawick jetted to Vegas on Friday to celebrate their engagement, in addition to Jasons 40th birthday. The pair checked in at Planet Hollywood, in which the I Wanna Go singer soon emerged from her suite for any congratulatory welcome around the hotels mezzanine putting on a brief, nude Herve Leger dress, together with her soon-to-be husband by her side. Brit and Jason then began their evening having a dinner and sweet goodies at Sugar Factory American Brasserie before going to Chateau Nightclub, in which the couple relaxed in their own individual Very important personel area and Britney posed for photos revealing her dazzling 3-carat Neil Lane sparkler. The pop princess appeared to completely benefit from the Las Vegas festivities, Tweeting, Tonight was probably the most magical nights of my existence early Fun. This kind of amazing time with my new fiance and our nearest buddies and family, she added. #Fortunate. As formerly reported on AccessHollywood.com, on Friday, Jason confirmed to gain access to Hollywoods Billy Rose bush he and Britney will quickly be headed lower the aisle. Yes, we're engaged, Jason told Billy on Friday. The 40-year-old added that he's within the moon, as [is] she. Jason revealed he sprang the question in an exceedingly traditional manner (lower one on knee), and added that Britneys sons, 6-year-old Sean Preston and Jayden James, 5, were available to witness the proposal. Jason initially started dealing with Britney as her TV manager (as the star was still being married to Kevin Federline), employment he threw in the towel last year after their relationship grew to become romantic. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Harry Potter,' 'Dragon Tattoo': Most Likely To Win Best Picture?

With award season running at full-throttle, it's the perfect time to get your Best Picture predictions in before the Academy Awards in February. But which movie will it be? Does "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" stand a chance against the big Oscar bait movies at the end of the year? The race is wide open, and with no clear front-runner, we need you to help pick which movie is the most likely to take the top prize. Vote for your choice of most likely to win Best Picture in our poll below! "The Artist" If any movie has emerged as a Best Picture front-runner, it has to be Michel Hazanavicius' "The Artist." The silent, black and white ode to the golden age of cinema took the festival circuit by storm and established its lead Jean Dujardin as the man to beat for Best Actor. "The Descendants" From the director of "Election" and "Sideways," "The Descendants" follows a father, played by George Clooney, as he both deals with his dying wife and his two neglected teenage daughters. The movie struck the signature balance of humor and sadness that director Alexander Payne is known for. "War Horse" It's a movie about an adorable horse in WWI who is trying to get back home to his family, and it's directed by Steven Spielberg. Of course, it was going to be an awards contender. Reports from advanced screenings have audiences cheering and grabbing tissues. "Hugo" Legendary director Martin Scorsese took a risk and ventured into children's movies for the first time, and boy, should we all be grateful! "Hugo" captured the attentions of kids, adults and critics with its stunning visuals, heaping helpings of heart and a pure love of the movies. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" It was more than just another Harry Potter movie. It was an experience, an end of an era, a rollercoaster, an action film, a horror movie. Most of all, it was one of the finest movie going experiences of the year. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" Director David Fincher has come out and said he doesn't think his adaptation of the best-selling Stieg Larsson novel is the type of movie that gets Oscar nominations, but critics and other awards groups have disagreed. "The Help" The feel-good drama from all the way back in the summer is old by Academy standards, but people could not stay away from this film. "The Help" received some of the best reviews of the year and lots of awards attention for both Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. "Moneyball" Who knew a movie about baseball statistics could be so damn great? Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill make an unexpectedly great team in this story about how Billy Beane, the general manager for the Oakland A's, changed baseball. "Midnight in Paris" Subbing in for director Woody Allen, Owen Wilson takes a trip back in to Paris when it was exciting to be alive and meets a few famous faces along the way. The movie scored at the box office and went on to become Allen's highest grossing movie of all time. "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock star in this post-9/11 drama about a young boy desperately searching for answers in the wake of the tragedy and his father's death. Only a handful of people have seen the movie already, and the praise has been almost unanimous. Check out our year-end polls: » Best Movie Ensemble » Best Sex Scene » Best Movie Robot » Best Dressed » Best Superhero » Best Couples » Best Set-Stalking » Best Ryan Gosling Moments » Most Likely To Win Best Picture All this week, watch "AMTV" on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year!

Clint Eastwood Reality Show: Venerable Director Part of the Next Kardashians?

Just if you think it is most likely probably the most boring news day ever, some hilarity: according to TMZ, Clint Eastwood -- the 81-year-old Oscar-winning director accountable for existence of screen tough males -- will be a part of possible show on E! that's apparently like 'Keeping Tabs on the Kardashians.' May be the day made yet? (My sincerest apologies for the one.) Per TMZ, the show will focus on Eastwood's wife, their daughter, and also the 18-year-old daughter, an ambitious actress, while showing audiences what existence is similar to for "Hollywood royalty." Fortunately, Eastwood won't have a very major part round the series, and can produce a "number of cameos." They'll probably include frowning. The untitled series arises from the identical producers as 'Keeping Tabs on the Kardashians,' and may apparently seriously the atmosphere in the course of 2012. [TMZ via TheInsider] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Vietnamese actor Don Duong dies

Don Duong, a Vietnamese actor who felt compelled to depart the nation following the military newspaper labeled him a traitor to take roles in American films, died Thursday, 12 ,. 8, of heart failure along with a brain hemorrhage in Bay Area. He was 55.After Duong made an appearance with Patrick Swayze in Timothy Linh Bui's 2001 drama "Eco-friendly Dragon," about Vietnamese refugees within the U.S., as well as in the 2002 Mel Gibson vehicle "I Was Soldiers," a Vietnam war epic showing the very first major fight including American forces and shot entirely within the U.S., the actor came the scorn from the military, official media along with other stars in Vietnam.The Quan Doi Nhan Serta (Individuals Military) daily newspaper known as Duong's actions "unforgivable" and stated the "conscience-seller and traitor should be strictly disciplined," while film director Duong Minh Dau stated the actor had insulted Vietnam by "turning his back on his country and the people," based on the BBC.The handsome Duong had many female fans in the united states, but he nonetheless departed in 2003 for that U.S., where he subsequently grew to become a citizen. Vietnamese government bodies refused him a visa for any return visit permission was granted this season, but he was not able to create the trip before he died.Duong made an appearance in director Tony Bui's "Three Seasons" in 1999. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Goodspeed fest lineup set

New musicals about a gay men's chorus in Kansas, a family surviving a great flood and the dogs of Chernobyl will make up Goodspeed Musicals' seventh annual Festival of New Arts, running Jan. 13-15 in East Haddam, Conn. Fest at the Goodspeed Opera House unspools with a staged reading of "Harmony, Kansas," music by Anna Jacobs, book and lyrics by Bill Nelson. Tuner centers on a farmer in rural Kansas and his city-born partner who join a new gay men's chorus and the challenges they and the choir encounter going public. "Not Wanted on the Voyage," music and lyrics by Neil Bartam, book by Brian Hill (Rialto's "The Story of My Life"), is based on a novel by Timothy Findley about a housewife, her husband, three sons and a talking cat who learn that they alone will survive the coming Great Flood. "The Dogs of Pripyat," music by Aron Accurso, lyrics by Jill Abramovitz and book by Leah Napolin and Abramovitz, is based on a play by Napolin. It's set in 1986 Chernobyl, where pets are left to fend for themselves after humans are evacuated. Casey Nicholaw, Tony Award-winning co-helmer of Broadway's "Book of Mormon," will lead a panel discussion on the tuner during a series of talks Jan. 15, which also includes a Noel Coward symposium. The festival will host late night cabarets Jan. 13 and 14. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Legendary picks newcomer to see Jackie Robinson

BosemanRobinsonFordLegendary Pictures is swinging for your fences having its Jackie Robinson biopic "42," tapping relative newcomer Chadwick Boseman to see the Brooklyn Dodgers infielder and Harrison Ford to see baseball executive Branch Rickey. John Helgeland will direct in the script he composed. Pic follows the legendary story of Robinson, the initial African-American to sign up within the major leagues. Rickey, the innovative Major league baseball executive who's most broadly noted for breaking MLB's color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson with a minor league contract in 1945. couple of years later, at the outset of the 1947 major league baseball season, Robinson was signed for the Brooklyn Dodgers major league baseball team by utilizing Rickey. While Rickey remains the role most thought in recent days, the role of Robinson was preferred by a few stars including "Friday Evening Light"'s Michael B. Jordan and "Stomp the Yard"'s Columbus Short. Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni will produce, with Dick Prepare professional creating. No distributor is positioned for your pic. Legendary labored in the beginning in development with Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, to be sure the movie adaptation in the famous player's story is authentic. Ironically, Boseman also came out in "The Express," which required it's origin in the real story of Ernie Davis (carried out by Make the most of Brown), the initial African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. He repped by Greene & Affiliate marketers. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Anne Sweeney Tops THR's 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 List

In an aggressive bid for content, Comedy Central has lined its development slate with sketch artists, stick figures, robots and the revival of a 1980s-style public affairs show.our editor recommendsComedy Central Bets on 'Gajillionaires,' Two More Comedies (Exclusive)Comedy Central Announces Return of 'The Comedy Awards' in NYComedy Central Developing Comedy From 'Tosh.0' EP PHOTOS: Modern Film & TV Comedians "We hired a very expensive independent research firm that suggested that to be strategic, we should get in business with the funniest people we know," jokes Kent Alterman, the network's head of original programming and production. With this collection - a mix of stand-up, animation and scripted fare - Alterman and his team are looking to fill the already-popular 10 p.m. hour as well as expand the network's late-night block past midnight. VIDEOS: THR's Red Carpet Interviews at the Charlie Sheen Roast In addition to previously announced entries starring The Gregory Brothers and Anthony Jeselnik,as well as upcoming series Key & Peele, The Nick Show Kroll and Brickleberry, here's an exclusive first look at Comedy Central's 2011-12 development slate: *The Burn: The "Roast Master General" Jeff Ross and his comedian friends roast the week's hot topics. Ross, Mike Gibbons and Tagline Television will serve as executive producers on the project. *Braunger: A single-camera scripted comedy based on the life of comedian man-child Matt Braunger. The project will be executive produced and created by Braunger and Brent Forrester (King of the Hill, The Office), who will also direct. Avalon Entertainment's David Martin will EP, with the firm's Dan Lubetkin co-executive producing. *Robots: An animated show that pits a group of household electronics against their slacker owner. Kumail Nanjiani (Comedy Central's Hot List, John Oliver's NY Stand-Up Show) along with Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (The Office, Bad Teacher) will write and executive produce. *Nathan for You: Canadian writer-comedian Nathan Fielder (Important Things With Demetri Martin) uses his finance degree and life experience to help ailing businesses. The catch in this reality-scripted hybrid: Fielder's advice usually does more harm than good. The project will be executive produced by Fielder, Michael Koman and David Kneebone. *TripTank: A collection of animated shorts featuring comedy's brightest, with plots that range from a magical alcoholic wheelchair helping sick children to a group of aliens studying the world's most average guy. The project is a collaboration between executive producers Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of ShadowMachine (Robot Chicken, Moral Orel) and Tom Gianas (Pretend Time with Nick Swardson, Saturday Night Live) combines a variety of animated formats with a broad range of talented writers and creators including Tommy Blacha, Tom Gammill, Jon Glaser, Laura Kightlinger, Joe Mande, Bob Odenkirk and Duncan Trussell. *@RobDelaney: A variety show starring comedian and Twitter mastermind Delaney, who will present videos, interview guests and discuss Twitter trends. Delaney will executive produce alongside Avalon Entertainment's David Martin, Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner and Kara Baker. Avalon's Dan Lubetkin will co-EP. *Eugene!: A sketch show from the absurd point of view of comedian Eugene Mirman (Flight of the Conchords). Mirman, Jon Watts and Chris Ford will executive produce. *Overloaded: A shortform look at social media, with comedian Michael Kosta breaking down what people are talking about on Twitter, Facebook and blogs each week. The project will be executive produced by Kosta along with Infomania's David Nickoll, Will Ward and Roar Entertainment's Jordan Tilzer. *Untitled Amy Schumer: After her star-making turn at the Charlie Sheen roast, Amy Schumer will executive produce and develop a pilot and a stand-up special. *Untitled Cyanide and Happiness: An animated show featuring the twisted humor of a world populated by glorified stick figures, from the creators of the Cyanide and Happinessweb-comics. Kristipher Matthew Wilson, Robert Andrew DenBleyker, David McElfatrick and Matthew Melvin will serve as creators and executive producers on the project. *Untitled Wyatt Cenac: A sketch narrative idea based on 1980s public affairs shows, hosted, written and executive produced by Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show With Jon Stewart). Joining him as a producer is Generate's David Rath. The previously announced offerings: *Gregory Brothers: The group behind the Auto-Tune the Newsand theBed Intruder Songwill star in an ensemble comedy that features an up-and-coming music group trying to make it in the world of viral videos. The Gregory Bros., which includes Evan, Andrew, Michael and Sarah Gregory,will executive produce alongsideTom Scharpling, David Becky at 3Arts and Peyton Reed (The Break Up), who directed the pilot. *My Mans: The comedyfollows the adventures of two best friends, one who is constantly getting into trouble and the other who is always bailing him out. The weekly narrative weaves in and out of stand-alone sketches, and is executive produced by Naomi Odenkirk and Mark Provissiero. The project is written, performed and directed by Second City Chicago members Tim Robinson, Mark Raterman and Andy Miara, with Bob Odenkirk (Mr. Show, Breaking Bad) serves as creative consultant. *Reviewwith Forrest MacNeil:The half-hour comedy stars Andrew Daly (as Forrest), who reviews not films, food or art but rather the most difficult experiences of life itself... by living them. In this case, he reviews anything that his TV audience throws at him on a zero-to-five star scale, from theadrenaline rush of stealing to the trauma of divorce to the harrowing effects of murder to the joy of anonymous sex. Daly will also pen the script and executive produce with Charlie Siskel. *Time Trumpet:The satirical look at pop culture and current events, set 30 years in the future, will be executive produced by Armando Iannucci (In the Loop, HBO's Veep), Chris Godsick and Laura Krafft. *Untitled Anthony Jeselnik Project:Comedian Anthony Jeselnik will bring bothhis sharp sense of humor and his dark, twisted point-of-view to his comedy project. In addition to starring, Jeselnikwill executive produce, alongside Tom Johnson and Mosaic Media Group's Christie Smith. Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com Twitter: @LaceyVRose PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Modern Film & Television Comedians Related Topics Jeffrey Ross Comedy Central The Daily Show with Jon Stewart TV Development

Close states 'Nobbs' not not even close to previous roles

'Albert Nobbs'When Glenn Close talks of her title character "Albert Nobbs," she only utilizes female pronouns."It is extremely funny, because I usually discuss her like a 'she.' Others discuss Albert like a 'he,' but it is precisely how they see it in the outward appearance," Close states. "I usually look internally.InchA Victorian-era lady who determines to disguise herself like a hotel waiter, to be able to forestall utter ruin, will be a unique entry on any thesp's resume. But Close sees signal connections to a few of her famous stage and screen roles."There is nothing more compelling in human behavior than somebody who has no self-pity, that has a apparently impossible dream and who's an innocent," she states. That description of Albert also fits Norma Desmond, Close's Tony Award-winning diva in "Sunset Boulevard.""Norma has delusions, but despite the fact that you realize she's way available, you type of have respect on her belief," Close states. "Everyone wants belief, and there is something incredibly touching about Albert's belief that they can forge this existence for herself with simply no tools or not a clue how to get it done.InchNear copped Oscar noms for figures lacking of innocence. The Marquise p Merteuil in "Harmful Liaisons" and Alex Forrest in "Fatal Attraction" stop at nothing, even murder, to have their way. Nonetheless, Close demands, they tell Albert one all-consuming fact."They are women existing in very male-centered mobile phone industry's. Things I loved about Merteuil is when she declined to allow people treat her the way in which nearly all women were treated. She's wise enough to obtain people prior to them getting her, to ruin people before she's destroyed. You can the same about Alex: 'I will not be overlooked, you are not likely to just toss me aside onto a garbage heap.'?"Albert takes the alternative tack, keeping a minimal profile to flee recognition.States Close: "She's perfectly pleased to be invisible. She just does not desire to be tossed out in the pub. She does not wish to lose her job or her money. It is all about survival. It is simply different modes of survival." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com