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'Serial Mom' among worst film mothers

LOS ANGELES, May 10 (UPI) -- Actress Kathleen Turner's role in the U.S. film "Serial Mom" has been named one of the worst film mothers in history.

The Los Angeles Times Sunday cited the serial killer mother featured in the 1994 dark comedy on its list of worst cinematic mother figures of all time, along with Piper Laurie's character who abuses and stabs her daughter in the 1976 horror film "Carrie."

Other notable matriarchs on the Mother's Day list include the deceased mother of killer Norman Bates in the classic horror film "Psycho," as well as actress Mary Tyler Moore's emotionally-withdrawn character from "Ordinary People."

Eleanor Iselin of "The Manchurian Candidate" also earned a spot on the cinematic list for turning her own son into a brainwashed killer in the 1962 film.

Meanwhile, the alien queen from the 1986 action flick "Aliens" nabbed a spot on the worst mothers list as did actress Jennifer Coolidge in "American Pie," whose character sleeps with one of her son's friends.

The Times also chose actress Faye Dunaway's portrayal of Joan Collins in "Mommie Dearest" while Ann Ramsey won two spots with her troubling mother roles in "Throw Momma From the Train" and "Goonies."

Idol star Cook struggling in tour return

AKRON, Ohio, May 10 (UPI) -- Singer Ryan Star says "American Idol" star David Cook is doing his best at their U.S. tour performances in the wake of his brother's death.

Star, who has been touring with the winner of the seventh season of "Idol" since Feb. 14, said Cook has had a difficult time on the road following the death of his brother, Adam, on May 2, People.com reported Saturday.

"It has been a long road for David, and we've seen how tough it has been on him," Star said regarding Adam's passing due to cancer at the age of 37. "I think he's doing the best he can."

The emotional strain on Cook was apparent Friday when the singer suddenly stopped singing a slow song during an Akron, Ohio, performance.

"It's gonna be tough for me," People.com quoted Cook as telling his Musica theater audience Friday night. "Hold on. I'm sorry. Do you mind if I sing a different song?"

People.com said Cook temporarily left the stage during the Akron performance, but returned a short while later to complete his performance.

Cancer claims life of guitarist Bruton

LOS ANGELES, May 10 (UPI) -- Guitarist Stephen Bruton, who played with musicians like Bonnie Raitt and Kris Kristofferson, has died in Los Angeles of throat cancer, Kristofferson says.

Kristofferson said he visited with Bruton, who had been battling cancer for 2 1/2 years, before the guitarist's death Saturday at the age of 60, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

"I feel fortunate that I was able to get back to L.A. last night and say farewell," Kristofferson said. "He finally knew he was going, after fighting it so hard for so long."

"He was one of the bright spots in the lives of anyone who was close to him," he added regarding Bruton, who paired with Kristofferson in 1971.

Songwriter T-Bone Burnett remembered Bruton, who also worked as a producer and songwriter, as "the soul of Texas music."

"Stephen Bruton was the soul of Texas music," Burnett said of the Austin, Texas, musician in a statement. "This is an incalculable loss. He was my oldest friend, and I loved him like a brother. I learned more from him than I can say."

The Times said Bruton is survived by his wife, photographer Mary Bruton.

Singer Robinson urges grads to be humble

BOSTON, May 10 (UPI) -- Motown singer Smokey Robinson told graduates at Boston's Berklee College of Music to remain humble as they forge music industry careers.

Speaking to the contemporary music school's graduating class of 876 students Saturday, the "Just to See Her" singer said the graduates could view themselves as "blessed" but warned them to never lose their humility, The Boston Globe reported Sunday.

"Never, ever get full of yourself. Never, ever think you are 'it.' If anything, you're blessed," Robinson said.

The Grammy Award-winning, singer-songwriter also warned the music industry hopefuls to keep a close eye on their business affairs and not get caught up in a partying lifestyle.

"It's not just going out and having a good time and not paying attention," he said at the ceremony attended by more than 4,000 spectators.

The school gave honorary doctorates of music to Robinson as well as singer Linda Ronstadt, producer George Massenburg and Afro-pop artist Juan Luis Guerra.