First Posted: 3/25/2015
CHICAGO (AP) — Oprah Winfrey will auction off paintings, furniture, designer clothing and other items from her Chicago residence next month.
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers said Tuesday that the proceeds will benefit the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which tries to prepare disadvantaged high school-aged girls to be future leaders.
The auction house plans a preview exhibit starting April 16. The auction will be held April 25, with bidding in person and online.
Winfrey announced earlier this month that she plans to close Harpo Studios in Chicago, where she made “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for more than 20 years. She said she would transition production for her cable network to a studio in California.
McCartney, Metallica to headline Chicago’s Lollapalooza 2015
CHICAGO (AP) — Paul McCartney, Metallica and Sam Smith will be among 130 acts at this year’s Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago.
Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell said Florence + the Machine, Bassnectar and The Weeknd are also on the lineup.
Farrell says “young talented artists will be performing alongside legends.”
McCartney will be making his first appearance at Lollapalooza, while Metallica is taking a stage for the first time since 1996.
Others performing include Kaskade, Alesso, NERO, Dillon Francis, Carnage, Nicky Romero and DJ Snake.
Farrell says the lineup contains “fresh faces,” including MisterWives, Ryn Weaver, Catfish and Bottlemen.
The festival, taking place July 31 to Aug. 2, marks its 11-year anniversary in Chicago’s Grant Park.
Festival officials say three-day general admission tickets sold out within an hour. Single-day general admission tickets remain.
Cover design unveiled for new Harper Lee novel
NEW YORK (AP) — The cover for Harper Lee’s new novel will surely remind you of the cover for her old one.
On Wednesday, HarperCollins unveiled the jacket art for Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman,” the unexpected follow-up to her classic “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The new cover, like the one for “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is a moody illustration featuring an oak tree in front. The art for “Go Set a Watchman” also shows train tracks and a train in the distance. In a statement released by HarperCollins, company President Michael Morrison noted that “Go Set a Watchman” begins with “Mockingbird” protagonist Scout Finch returning by train 20 years later, in the 1950s, to her native Alabama.
HarperCollins has announced a first printing of 2 million copies and a July 14 publication date.
‘Mad Men’ star Hamm has treatment for alcohol addiction
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm recently completed treatment for alcohol addiction, his spokeswoman said.
Hamm had the support of his longtime partner, actress-filmmaker Jennifer Westfeldt, in his struggle, publicist Annett Wolf said in a statement Tuesday.
The couple have asked “for privacy and sensitivity going forward,” the statement said. No further details were provided.
The disclosure, first reported by TMZ, came as the final season of the 1960s-set drama begins April 5 on AMC.
The 43-year-old Hamm plays Don Draper, a troubled advertising executive with a dark past. The role brought him stardom and repeated Emmy Award nominations.
Martin Sheen to receive honorary degree from Ohio college
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — The University of Dayton will give actor Martin Sheen an honorary degree in recognition of his activism for peace, social justice and human rights.
Born Ramon (RAH’-mohn) Estevez (EHS’-tay-vehz), Sheen grew up near the Catholic university and had attended the Catholic Chaminade (SHAH’-mih-nahd) high school but wanted to pursue his acting career. He has said the Marianist teachings he was exposed to helped shape his social beliefs.
Sheen’s many acclaimed roles have included performances as president in the TV series “The West Wing,” a killer on a violent spree in the movie “Badlands” and a soldier on a grim mission in “Apocalypse Now.”
The school says the 74-year-old Sheen will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at graduation ceremonies on May 3 at the University of Dayton Arena.
