‘Two and a HalfMen’s’ Ferrell dies
Conchata Ferrell, 77, who became known for her role as Berta the housekeeper on TV’s “Two and aHalfMen” after a long career as a character actor on stage and inmovies, including “Mystic Pizza” and “Network,” has died.
Ferrell diedMonday in Los Angeles following cardiac arrest, according to publicist Cynthia Snyder.
Ferrell soldiered through more than a decade on “Two and aHalf Men,” playing opposite Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer until Sheenwas fired fromthe sitcom. The series, which debuted in 2003 on CBS, continued on the network with new star AshtonKutcher until 2015.
Shewas remembered by Cryer for the “joy she brought so many.”
“Berta’s gruff exterior was an invention of the writers. Chatty’swarmth and vulnerabilitywere 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 twoEmmy nominations for “Two and aHalfMen” 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 $5.1million:
Some of entertainment’s biggest names fromNicole Kidman to JohnDavidWashington shared encouraging words for aspiring young creators whose organizationswere collectively granted millions by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which is
known for putting on the Golden Globes.
More than $5.1 million in fundswere 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, AnnaKendrick and MethodManwere among those who appeared to discuss the charities that benefit fromHFPA grants.
Megan Thee Stallion pens op-ed: An op-ed in TheNewYork Times by Megan Thee Stallion on the need to protect Black womenwas published Tuesday as rapper Tory Lanez had his first court hearing on felony charges alleging he shot her.
The op-edwas published shortly before a judge released Lanez on bail and ordered him to stay away fromher. In the piece titled, “Why I Speak Up For BlackWomen,” the
hip-hop star puts her shooting and its aftermath in the context of larger issues for Blackwomen.
Egyptian actorYassin 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 andwas 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 BarryMcGuire 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 VanessaMarcil is 52. Singer Kimberly Schlapman is 51. Singer Ginuwine is 50. SingerKeyshia Cole is 39.