Allen, Karn reunite for new series
There’s a “Home Improvement” reunion in the cards at History.
The network has issued a 10-episode order for an unscripted series with the working title “Assembly Required,” which will star Tim Allen and be hosted by Richard Karn. “Assembly Required” is described as a competition series that sounds the call for those with a can-do attitude to take back their sense of purpose and awaken their inner builder.
It aims to spotlight the best and brightest builders from across the country, at their home workshops, as they compete to breathe new life into everyday household items in desperate need of fixing. In each episode, Allen and Karn will also dive into the unique history around these items to celebrate the men and women who crafted them.
“I’ve created a show to remind people of the satisfaction and pride that comes from rebuilding something on their own. And who better to join me than my buddy from the old Tool Time days — Richard Karn!” Allen said in a statement.
Biggie, Tupac items up for auction: Rivals in life, the late rappers Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur are being united for an auction at Sotheby’s, the first-ever dedicated hiphop auction at a major international auction house.
Bidders will be able to vie for the crown worn and signed by the Notorious B.I.G. during a 1997 photo shoot held three days before he was killed in Los Angeles. They’ll also get to bid on an archive of 22 autographed love letters written by Shakur between the age of 15 and 17 to a high school sweetheart.
The auction will be held Sept. 15 and features more than 120 hip-hop-related lots. “The impact of hiphop is everywhere — sneakers, clothing, jewelry, art, music. I wanted to have a sale that really recognized how massive that impact really is,” said Cassandra Hatton, the Sotheby’s senior specialist who organized the sale.
Queen Latifah to host special: To commemorate the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, Facebook Watch will stream a one-hour special hosted by Queen Latifah on Thursday. “Change Together: From the March on Washington to Today” will feature civil rights activists, educators, entertainers and speakers who will address the history and impact of systemic racism.
“I can’t think of a more important time than now to recognize the powerful changemakers from the ’60s and how we can bring the same needed energy to the present,” said Latifah.
Character actor Rich dies: Allan Rich, 94, who who was blacklisted in Hollywood early in his career and later found his niche as a versatile character actor in hundreds of roles, died on Saturday at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, New Jersey. His notable feature film credits included playing district attorney Herman Tauber in Sidney Lumet’s “Serpico,” Judge Juttson in Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad,” and television executive Robert Kintner in Robert Redford’s “Quiz Show.”
Aug. 26 birthdays: Singer Vic Dana is 78. Singer Valerie Simpson is 75. Correspondent Bill Whitaker is 69. Singer Shirley Manson is 54. Actor Melissa McCarthy is 50. Actor Mike Colter is 44. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 40. Actor Chris Pine is 40. Singer Brian Kelley is 35. Actor Dylan O’Brien is 29. Actor Keke Palmer is 27.