Juan-Carlos Cruz pleads not guilty
LOS ANGELES, May 18 (UPI) -- Celebrity chef and author Juan-Carlos Cruz pleaded innocent in a Los Angeles court Monday to charges of solicitation of murder and attempted murder.
Best known for his work on Food Network's "Calorie Commando," Cruz is accused of trying to hire two homeless people to kill his attorney wife, Jennifer Campbell.
The Los Angeles Times cited unnamed sources familiar with the case as saying investigators suspect the chef's actions may have been fueled by fertility problems and could have been part of a murder-suicide plan. No possible motive has been publicly identified, however.
Cruz, 48, is being held in jail in lieu of $2 million bail. He is due in court again June 23, the Times said.
Alexander loses 30 pounds, dons spandex
CARLSBAD, Calif., May 18 (UPI) -- U.S. actor and Jenny Craig spokesman Jason Alexander has achieved his weight-loss goal of 30 pounds in 18 weeks.
The award-winning actor, who has starred in television, theater and film, celebrates his weight loss in a song-and-dance musical commercial for Jenny Craig during which he dons a tiny black spandex outfit.
"Throughout this campaign, Valerie (Bertinelli) has been taunting me to get into a bikini, or as she calls it, a 'mankini.' I thought, forget the mankini, if I lose the weight, let's take it all off!" Alexander joked in a statement. "With every diet I've ever tried, the first 10 pounds were always easy, and then they would come right back. Jenny Craig's program is the first one that helped me reach my goal. So, why not celebrate a little?"
In the spot, the 50-year-old former "Seinfeld" co-star shocks Jenny Craig spokeswoman Bertinelli with a revealing Broadway-style musical number featuring six professional dancers.
"I couldn't stop laughing in the rehearsals! I was losing my voice because I was having so much fun," Bertinelli said. "He looks amazing, and he definitely got one over me. He came up with this spot, and it's brilliant! A lot of people forget he's a Tony Award winner. It's really fun."
Keanu Reeves signs up for 'Passengers'
CANNES, France, May 18 (UPI) -- Actor Keanu Reeves is set to star in "Passengers," a film to be directed by Italy's Gabriele Muccino, The Hollywood Reporter said.
Described by producers as "Adam & Eve in Space," the future-set movie will feature set designs created by team members who worked on "Avatar," the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.
The female lead has not yet been cast, but shooting is expected to begin in January, the report said.
Reeves is best known for his work in the "Matrix" movie franchise, as well as "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," "Parenthood," "Point Break" and "Speed."
Amy Adams gives birth to a daughter
LOS ANGELES, May 18 (UPI) -- Amy Adams' publicist has confirmed the actress gave birth in Los Angeles to her first child, a daughter she named Aviana Olea Legallo.
The baby was born Saturday, People.com reported Monday.
The child is the first for Adams and her fiance, actor and artist Darren Legallo.
"Mom and baby are home and doing great," Adams' representative told the Web site. "Everyone's healthy and happy."
Adams, 35, has starred in the films "Enchanted," "Doubt" and "Julie and Julia."
