Reuters People News Summary

08/17/2016 16:58

Following is a summary of current people news briefs.

Presumed Oscar front-runner 'Birth of a Nation' runs into problems

Eight months ago, director Nate Parker's movie "The Birth of a Nation" was already being acclaimed as a 2017 Oscar front-runner with its powerful story of a 19th century slave rebellion. This week, less than a month before the movie's award season campaign gets underway, Parker, who was acquitted on a rape charge 17 years ago, is having to address the issue again after reports that his accuser committed suicide in 2012.

Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion sells for $100 million

The famed Los Angeles Playboy mansion belonging to Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy empire, has been sold for $100 million, and Hefner, 90, will live in the mansion for the rest of his life, a representative for the buyer said in a news release on Tuesday. The property was bought by Daren Metropoulos, a principal at private equity firm Metropoulos & Co, for half of the $200 million it was initially listed for earlier this year.

'A Star is Born' again with Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

Pop singer Lady Gaga and Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper are joining forces to remake classic Hollywood musical drama "A Star is Born," Warner Bros said on Tuesday. Cooper, 41, who has been nominated for four Oscars including acting and producing 2014's "American Sniper," will make his directorial debut on the movie, while Lady Gaga, 30, will make her feature film lead acting debut.

Johnny Depp, Amber Heard divorce, ending 'volatile' relationship

Actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard privately settled their divorce case, the actors said in a joint statement on Tuesday, a day ahead of a court hearing on the status of a restraining order that Heard had filed against Depp. The settlement ending the 15-month marriage comes after weeks of highly publicized claims of domestic violence by Heard, 30, and counterclaims of financial blackmailing by Depp, 53.

'Love Story' director Arthur Hiller dies at 92

Versatile and prolific Canadian film director Arthur Hiller, whose sentimental "Love Story" starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal stands as one of the most popular romantic movies ever made and the biggest hit of 1970, died on Wednesday at the age of 92, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences said. Hiller, whose work also included successful collaborations with playwrights Neil Simon and Paddy Chayevsky, died of natural causes in Los Angeles, the Academy said in a statement.

'I'm fine' singer Newman says after brain tumor returns

British singer John Newman, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor for the second time, said on Tuesday he was "absolutely fine" and hopes to bring awareness to the condition. The 26-year-old was first diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumor in 2012. He told fans this month the tumor had returned.

08/17/2016 16:58