Kevin Sorbo suffered series of strokes in 1997
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Kevin Sorbo has disclosed he suffered a series of strokes while he was starring in the 1990s TV series "Hercules."
He discussed his illness and recovery in the latest issue of Neurology Now, American Academy of Neurology's magazine for neurology patients and caregivers, as well as in his new book, "True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life."
Sorbo, now 53, said he suffered an aneurysm and three strokes, which left him partially blind and with nearly debilitating dizziness, nausea and weakness in 1997. The precise cause of the strokes remains unknown.
"I went through two years of hell before I began to feel like myself again," said Sorbo.
The actor said he experienced continuing vision problems and overwhelming fatigue, which limited the number of hours he could work on his action series.
His production studio concealed his condition by bringing on guest stars and rewriting scripts to work around his limitations, he said.
He said he has since regained his health, although he still experiences residual arm pain from the circulation loss and nerve damage, the occasional migraine and a 10-percent blind spot in his vision.
Sorbo recently appeared in the film "Soul Surfer" and has several movies in post-production. He also is working on a television pilot.
"My illness made me special in a way that I never wanted nor expected," Sorbo told Neurology Now. "I'm not 'Hercules;' I'm a mere mortal with human limitations and problems. But I am determined to not behave like a victim anymore."
Andy Rooney leaves '60 Minutes'
NEW YORK, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Andy Rooney has appeared for the last time as a regular contributor to the U.S. newsmagazine program "60 Minutes."
CBS confirmed last week Rooney, 92, was retiring from the show after more than 1,000 broadcasts over more than three decades.
"This is a moment I have dreaded. I wish I could do this forever," The Hollywood Reporter quoted Rooney as saying in his final "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney" segment Sunday.
"When I went on television it was as a writer," Rooney said. "I don't think of myself as a television personality. I'm a writer who reads what he's written."
Peas and Sting raise $7M for charity
NEW YORK, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- The Black Eyed Peas and Sting raised more than $7 million for anti-poverty projects during weekend concerts in New York, the Robin Hood Foundation said.
"This was an amazing weekend of music and it's incredibly gratifying to see New Yorkers come together during difficult times to help their neighbors in need," David Saltzman, executive director of Robin Hood, said in a statement Monday. "The Black Eyed Peas and Sting have a long history of giving back to their communities and we're truly honored that they've chosen to help the 1.8 million New Yorkers living in poverty through Robin Hood; we hope to do them proud."
Robin Hood said its board of directors covers all administrative and fundraising costs, so 100 percent of every dollar raised will go to helping individuals and families in need.
The $7 million was raised through combined VIP ticket sales and donations made via texts from Friday night's Black Eyed Peas concert in Central Park, donations on robinhood.org and ticket proceeds from Sting's 25th anniversary/60th birthday concert at the Beacon Theatre Saturday night.
Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller marry
SONOMA, Calif., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Actor Seth Rogen married his longtime girlfriend, writer Lauren Miller, in a Jewish ceremony at Kunde Estate in Sonoma, Calif., UsMagazine.com said.
Among the guests were comedy stars Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd and Craig Robinson, as well as director-producer Judd Apatow and his wife, actress Leslie Mann.
"The wedding was more laughs than anything else," a source with knowledge of the occasion told the celebrity news Web site. "Every other line was a joke and the crowd couldn't contain their laughter. It was non-stop fun!"
Rogen's film credits include "The Green Hornet," "Pineapple Express" and "Knocked Up." He also was a cast member of the critically acclaimed, but short-lived TV series "Freaks & Geeks."
