Kotb off ‘Today’ due to family issue
NBC’S “Today” show is without both of its hosts and finally addressed Hoda Kotb’s absence on the program Wednesday.
Kotb is dealing with an unspecified “family health matter,” the show’s Craig Melvin said.
Kotb had been absent from the morning show since Feb. 17 without any explanation, prompting anxious viewers to speculate about the well-being of the breast cancer survivor.
Meanwhile, co-host Savannah Guthrie tested positive for COVID-19 when she wasn’t feeling well Tuesday, leaving mid-show.
News anchor Melvin, Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker were on the set Wednesday. Melvin, Jones, Tom Llamas, Willie Geist and other NBC News correspondents have been filling in for Kotb over the past week.
“We look forward to seeing Hoda and Savannah back here at the desk very, very soon,” Melvin said.
There’s no specific estimate on when either might return, a “Today” spokeswoman said.
Kiss to end farewell tour in NYC: The rockers of Kiss have announced the final shows of their last tour, and the band members plan to hang up their platform boots after two shows at Madison Square Garden in New York later this year.
The last leg of the band’s 17-date North American tour kicks off in October in Texas and culminates in its hometown in December.
“Kiss was born in New York City. On 23rd Street. Half a century ago. It will be a privilege and honor to finish touring at Madison Square Garden, 10 blocks and 50 years from where we first started,” said the band in a statement.
The band is currently made up of original members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as well as Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.
Corden’s ‘Late Late Show’ to end in April:
CBS has announced that “The
Late Late Show with James Corden” will air its final episode April 27 at 12:37 a.m. Eastern time.
Before the finale that host James Corden has said is bound to be emotional, CBS will air a prime-time special dedicated to the comedian’s time behind the desk.
“The Last Last Late Late Show” will also air April 27 at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
CBS will reportedly fill “The Late Late Show’s” vacant time slot with a reboot of the game show “@midnight.”
Actor Pinsent dies:
Gordon Pinsent, an awardwinning Canadian actor acclaimed for his performance as a heartbroken husband in the film “Away From Her,” has died at age 92. His family said in a statement that Pinsent died in his sleep Saturday.
Pinsent worked for decades in radio, television and movies. In 2008, he received the Academy of Canadian Television and Cinema’s Genie Award for best actor in a leading role for “Away From Her.” He played a husband losing his wife not only to Alzheimer’s disease but also to another man.
Actor Laraine Newman is 71. Singer Jay Osmond is 68. Singer John Cowsill is 67. Singer Jon Bon Jovi is 61. Singer Alvin Youngblood Hart is 60. Actor Daniel Craig is 55. Singer Chris Martin is 46. Actor Rebel Wilson is 43. Actor Bryce Dallas Howard is 42. Actor Nathalie Emmanuel is 34. Singer Luke Combs is 33. Singer Becky G is 26.