Actress Mary Fickett dead at 83
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Actress Mary Fickett, who played nurse Ruth Martin on the U.S. soap opera "All My Children" for decades, died at her home in Callao, Va., ABC said. She was 83.
The Los Angeles Times confirmed the Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress' death with the network Tuesday but said the cause was not disclosed.
"All My Children" is wrapping up its 41-year run on television Sept. 23. The Sept. 21 episode is to be dedicated to Fickett, one of the show's original cast members, the Times said. Fickett left the series in 2000.
The New York native appeared on Broadway in "I Know My Love," "Tea and Sympathy" and "Sunrise at Campobello," as well as in the movie "Man on Fire" and the TV series "The Nurses."
The Times said she is survived by her daughter, Bronwyn "Anne" Congdon; son, Kenyon Congdon; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
McCartney named MusiCares Person of Year
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 13 (UPI) -- America's MusiCares Foundation announced plans Tuesday to honor British rock 'n' roll icon Paul McCartney as its Person of the Year.
McCartney's storied musical career and humanitarian work will be recognized at a Feb. 10 gala.
The announcement was made by Neil Portnow, president and chief executive officer of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy, and Scott Pascucci, chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board.
Proceeds from the dinner and concert, which is to be held in Los Angeles two days prior to the 54th annual Grammy Awards presentation, will benefit the foundation.
MusiCares was created to ensure people in the music industry have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.
"Paul McCartney exemplifies the phrase 'artist/philanthropist,' and his extraordinary career is certainly a testament to the multifaceted power of his creative genius," Portnow said in a statement. "The unique talent, dedication, and spontaneity he brings to his projects and live performances are unsurpassed, but are equaled by the impressive generosity and commitment he consistently devotes to a range of important charitable causes."
"Paul immediately brings to mind artistic excellence and passion for causes that are dear to him," added Pascucci. "It is very inspiring that one of music's true icons makes philanthropy such a force in his life."
"I've been given a great gift -- a life making music -- and it's my privilege to try to make the world a better place by giving back," said McCartney. "For more than 20 years, MusiCares has helped so many music people in times of crisis -- whether with emergency financial assistance or access to addiction recovery resources -- and it is an honor to be recognized as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year."
Jamie Foxx to host Jackson tribute show
NEW YORK, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. actor and musician Jamie Foxx is to serve as host of next month's Michael Forever Tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales, MTV.com reported.
The Oct. 8 show is being organized to honor the life and career of pop icon Michael Jackson, who died June 25, 2009, at the age of 50.
Backed by Jackson's mother, Katherine, and several of the singer's siblings, the concert will feature a lineup that includes Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Leona Lewis, Ne-Yo, Craig David, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke, Alien Ant Farm and Motown legend Smokey Robinson, MTV.com said.
The event does not, however, have the blessing of Jackson's estate or his siblings Janet, Jermaine and Randy, the music news Web site said.
Report: Princess Di's dress auction a dud
TORONTO, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A Toronto auction this summer of dresses worn by Britain's late Princess Diana sold only three of 14 outfits, the Toronto Star reported Tuesday.
Reports after the auction by Waddington's said all of the dresses had sold for about $3 million, but news later emerged only three were purchased at the auction and one afterwards, the Star said.
The auction house said it doesn't comment on their clients or auction results, but a source told the newspaper the reserve, or minimum, prices set for the dresses by the owner was too high.
The collection was purchased in 1997 by Florida businesswoman Maureen Rorech Dunkel, an acquaintance of Diana. Since, she has toured the collection to raise money for charities Diana supported.
Two months after Dunkel purchased the dresses at a New York auction, Diana was killed in a Paris car crash.
Last year, Dunkel filed for bankruptcy and was apparently trying to liquidate the collection as part of the bankruptcy process.
The newspaper said there was no indication which dresses sold or for how much.
