Bialik to fill in on ‘Jeopardy’ episodes
Mayim Bialik will fill in as the host of syndicated episodes of “Jeopardy!” in the wake of Mike Richards’ exit. Sony Pictures Television, which produces the quiz show, announced that Bialik is scheduled to tape three weeks of episodes when production resumes this week for a total 15 episodes. Additional guest hosts will be announced at a later date.
Bialik was previously announced as the host of prime-time “Jeopardy!” specials when Richards was chosen as the full-time host, replacing longtime host Alex Trebek after his death in November.
However, Richards released a statement Friday that he would step down from hosting the show, but remain as an executive producer. Richards’ exit came after episodes of a podcast in which he made multiple disparaging and objectifying statements about women resurfaced. Richards had already taped multiple “Jeopardy!” episodes, which will air as scheduled to maintain continuity with the contestants who won on those episodes.
DaBaby back onstage:
Rapper DaBaby, who saw his career stall in recent weeks after he made homophobic and misogynistic comments onstage last month, is still apologizing, but also is employed again. The rapper, 29, performed at Sunday’s Hot 97’s Summer Jam in New Jersey despite widespread criticism and several canceled festival gigs.
Before taking the stage, he played a video montage thanking organizers for accepting his apology, taking a chance on him and allowing him to share his gift “amongst all the chaos and all the backlash,” according to videos from the event posted online.
Sunday marked DaBaby’s first major performance since he made the crude remarks at the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami in July.
Maddow to stay at MSNBC:
Following a negotiation process described as “heated” at times, MSNBC has struck a deal with its top-watched host, Rachel Maddow. The Wall Street Journal reported that the TV personality’s deal spans “several years,” though specifics were not given. She is expected to stay in her prime-time, weekday spot. Maddow will also reportedly develop unspecified projects with NBCUniversal as part of her new deal.
UB40’s Travers dies: Brian Travers, 62, a saxophonist, arranger and lyricist for the group UB40 and one of its founding members, died Sunday at his home in England. The cause of death was cancer, according to a statement posted by the band on social media. Travers was reported to have undergone three surgeries for brain tumors since 2019. UB40 made a career of melding mainstream pop with reggae, including on its two No. 1 hits in the U.S., covers of Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” and Elvis Presley’s “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You.” UB40 was reported to have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.
Aug. 24 birthdays: Guitarist Mason Williams is 83. Singer Marshall Thompson is 79. Actor Anne Archer is 74. Actor Steve Guttenberg is 63. Actor Jared Harris is 60. Actor Marlee Matlin is 56. Director Ava DuVernay is 49. Comedian Dave Chappelle is 48. Actor Chad Michael Murray is 40. Actor Rupert Grint is 33.