‘Two and a Half Men’s’ Ferrell dies
Conchata Ferrell, 77, who became known for her role as Berta the housekeeper on TV’s “Two and a Half Men” after a long career as a character actor on stage and in movies, including “Mystic Pizza” and “Network,” has died.
Ferrell died Monday in Los Angeles following cardiac arrest, according to publicist Cynthia Snyder.
Ferrell soldiered through more than a decade on “Two and a Half Men,” playing opposite Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer until Sheen was fired from the sitcom. The series, which debuted in 2003 on CBS, continued on the network with new star Ashton Kutcher until 2015.
She was remembered by Cryer for the “joy she brought so many.”
“Berta’s gruff exterior was an invention of the writers. Chatty’s warmth and vulnerability were her real strengths,” he posted on Twitter.
In a tweet, Sheen described Ferrell as “an absolute sweetheart, a consummate pro, a genuine friend,” and called her loss painful.
She received two Emmy nominations for “Two and a Half Men” and a nod for her role as Susan Bloom on “L.A. Law.” Ferrell’s other credits include the films “Heartland,” “True Romance” and “Erin Brockovich,” while her TV appearances came on “Good Times,” “ER” and “Grace and Frankie,” among other series.
Golden Globes group grants $5.1 million:
Some of entertainment’s biggest names from Nicole Kidman to John David Washington shared encouraging words for aspiring young creators whose organizations were collectively granted millions by the
Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which is known for putting on the Golden Globes.
More than $5.1 million in funds were given to over 70 nonprofit organizations during the “HFPA Philanthropy: Empowering the Next Generation” virtual event on Tuesday.
Mary J. Blige, Millie Bobby Brown, Billie Eilish, Anna Kendrick and Method Man were among those who appeared to discuss the charities that benefit from HFPA grants.
Megan Thee Stallion pens op-ed: An op-ed in The New York Times by Megan Thee Stallion on the need to protect Black women was published Tuesday as rapper Tory Lanez had his first court hearing on felony charges alleging he shot her.
The op-ed was published shortly before a judge released Lanez on bail and ordered him to stay away from her. In the piece titled, “Why I Speak
Up For Black Women,” the hip-hop star puts her shooting and its aftermath in the context of larger issues for Black women.
Egyptian actor Yassin dies:
Mahmoud Yassin, 79, an Egyptian actor and pillar of the country’s film industry during the second half of the 20th century, has died. Yassin had suffered age-related health problems in recent years and was pronounced dead Wednesday, according to his family. Yassin had over 150 films to his name, with diverse roles ranging from romantic to serious.
Oct. 15 birthdays: Singer Barry McGuire is 85. Actor Linda Lavin is 83. Musician Richard Carpenter is 74. Singer Tito Jackson is 67. Actor Jere Burns is 66. Chef Emeril Lagasse is 61. Singer Eric Benet is 54. Actor Vanessa Marcil is 52. Singer Kimberly Schlapman is 51. Singer Ginuwine is 50. Singer Keyshia Cole is 39.