Cowell of 'Idol' engaged to makeup artist
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- A publicist for Simon Cowell says the "American Idol" judge is engaged to makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, whom he met on the set of the U.S. TV show.
Publicist Max Clifford said in a statement that Cowell, 50, and Hussainy, 35, are engaged after dating for nearly a year, Parade Magazine reported Friday.
"(Mezhgan) is someone who is independent and says what she thinks and feels, and he likes that," Clifford said. "He's probably the happiest I have ever known him in the nine years I've been working with him."
Parade said Hussainy, who met Cowell several years ago, has confirmed the engagement to the Web site RadarOnline.com.
Depp says filming 'Alice' was great fun
LONDON, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Johnny Depp said at the London premiere of "Alice in Wonderland" that filming the Tim Burton film was "a ball."
Parade Magazine said Friday that Depp, 46, explained how much fun he had working with the famed director once again, this time portraying the Mad Hatter in the newest film rendition of the popular literary classic.
"I had a ball," Depp said at Thursday's premiere. "Tim called me and asked if I wanted to play the character (of the Mad Hatter) and I immediately said yes. I wanted to find a way to do something I thought was a bit different, maybe hadn't been done before. It was a great challenge. It was a gas. For me, it was just a ball."
Depp and Burton have previously collaborated on films such as "Ed Wood," "Sleepy Hollow" and "Edward Scissorhands."
MTV.com said Depp promised viewers that Burton reached "new heights" in creating "Alice," due for widespread release next Friday.
"In terms of cinema itself, Tim has gone beyond any place he's ever traveled before," Depp said. "He's gone far above anything he's done before. He's really gone to new heights."
Actor Carrey welcomes birth of grandson
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Jim Carrey says he became a grandfather when his daughter, Jane, gave birth to a son in Los Angles.
People magazine reported online Saturday that Carrey, 47, confirmed via Twitter the birth of Jackson Riley Santana on Friday. The infant reportedly weighs 7 pounds, 11 ounces and is 20 inches long.
Carrey's 22-year-old daughter said in 2009 she was looking forward to having a son with her husband, Alex Santana.
"I'm excited about it because I never really got along with girls growing up," the younger Carrey said. "I was a little afraid that if it was a girl that she would not like me, you know? So I'm very happy about the boy."
Jim Carrey was equally excited last July about the impending birth, saying his daughter was ready to become a parent.
"Jane is going to be a great mom," said Carrey, whose films include "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Bruce Almighty."
'Precious' wins six at Image Awards
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- NAACP Image Awards judges said the U.S. film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" was worthy of six awards, including best picture.
The Hollywood Reporter said Friday night's awards ceremony in Los Angeles saw "Precious" earn awards for outstanding motion picture, as well as outstanding independent motion picture.
The film, which follows the life of a teen facing abuse and illiteracy, also was honored for outstanding writing in a motion picture, while star Gabourey Sidibe was named outstanding actress in a motion picture and Lee Daniels earned best director kudos.
Best supporting actress in a motion picture honors went to Sidibe's co-star, Mo'Nique.
Other big winners at the 41st NAACP Image Awards were "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" and the original TNT movie "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story."
The Reporter said "Payne" was named outstanding comedy TV series. Meanwhile, "Payne" stars Cassi Davis, Lance Gross and Keshia Knight Pulliam all received awards for their acting talents.
"Gifted" received an Image award for outstanding TV movie, mini-series or dramatic special, while stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kimberly Elise were honored for their roles in the film.
