Following is a summary of current people news briefs.
Christina Applegate in telethon for cancer research
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Cancer survivors Christina Applegate, Patrick Swayze, Sheryl Crowe, cyclist Lance Armstrong and dozens of other celebrities "stood up" to battle the disease in a charity television fund-raiser on Friday. In a rare collaboration across three rival U.S. television networks -- ABC, CBS and NBC -- Hollywood stars came together to appeal for millions of dollars to speed up research and send cancer to the history books.
Edwards heads back to "ER" in guest spot
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actor Anthony Edwards, one of the original stars of the NBC hospital drama "ER," will return to the landmark TV show in November in flashback scenes playing his now-deceased character of Dr. Mark Greene. He will share scenes with actress Angela Bassett, previously announced as a new addition to the "ER" cast for the show's upcoming 15th and final season, the General Electric Co.-owned <GE.N> network said on Thursday.
Heart says "Barracuda" use is fishy
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The rock group Heart, angry that its '70s hit "Barracuda" is being used as the unofficial theme song for Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, is taking aim at the Alaska governor. The song, a nod to the "Sarah Barracuda" nickname Palin earned on the basketball court in high school, was dusted off for her appearance at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Wednesday.
Kanye West ends VMA boycott
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A year after vowing never to perform on the MTV Video Music Awards again, hip-hop star Kanye West will close the show's 25th annual ceremony in Hollywood on Sunday, joining a lineup that includes Christina Aguilera and the Jonas Brothers, organizers said. The outspoken rapper was upset by his treatment at last year's show, when his performance was relegated to a small stage in the Las Vegas venue.
Just a Minute With: Alan Ball of "Towelhead"
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Alan Ball may not be a household name, but his TV shows and films have made him an A-lister in Hollywood. Now Ball, who created the Emmy Award-winning HBO hit "Six Feet Under" and won an Oscar for writing "American Beauty," has directed his first feature film, "Towelhead," which will start playing in art-house theaters this month.
Hathaway's dark role sparks early awards buzz
VENICE (Reuters) - Anne Hathaway's dark role in "Rachel Getting Married," which premiered this week in Venice, is generating early Oscar buzz, with several critics hailing her departure from fairytale and comic characters. In the family drama directed by Jonathan Demme, Hathaway plays Kym, a recovering drug addict who checks out of a rehabilitation center to attend her sister's wedding.
