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American singer Cee-Lo Green attends the 'Brit Awards" at the O2 Arena in London on February 15, 2011. UPI/Rune Hellestad
American singer Cee-Lo Green attends the 'Brit Awards" at the O2 Arena in London on February 15, 2011. UPI/Rune Hellestad | License Photo

The latest news on today's hottest celebrities ...

LEN LESSER: Actor Len Lesser died Wednesday in Burbank, Calif., of pneumonia related to cancer, his family announced. He was 88.

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The New York native studied at the American Theatre Wing and with Uta Hagen, Lee Strasberg and Milton Katselas, and held a bachelor of arts degree from College of City of New York.

Best known for his portrayal of Uncle Leo on "Seinfeld" and Garvin on "Everybody Loves Raymond," Lesser had more than 500 film and television. Among the movies he appeared in were "Outlaw Josey Wales," "Kelly's Heroes," "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "Death Hunt."

"Heaven got a great comedian and actor today," Michele Lesser, his daughter, said in a statement. "The outpouring of sympathy we've already received has been amazing and is so greatly appreciated. Thank you to all the people who helped make my father's last journey special, and surrounded with love. The doctors, nurses, and staff have been outstanding, and Dad was in phenomenal hands. His passing was peaceful, with great dignity, and surrounded by those who loved him dearly."

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Len Lesser is also survived by a son, David Lesser; David's wife, Julie; and their children -- Jonathan, Kayla and Mayah.

The funeral will be private. A public memorial service at A Noise Within theater company in Los Angeles on a date to be announced, the family's representatives said.


MICKEY ROONEY: A Los Angeles judge appointed a temporary conservator for Mickey Rooney after the actor accused his stepson of abusing him, court records show.

Rooney was granted a temporary restraining order against his stepson, Chris Aber, this week, The Hollywood Reporter said. The entertainment industry newspaper did not say who the conservator is.

The actor accused Aber of denying him medication and food, controlling his finances and verbally abusing him.

A hearing in the matter is scheduled for Feb. 24.

"All I want to do is live a peaceful life, to regain my life and be happy. I pray to God each day to protect us, help us endure, and guide those other senior citizens who are also suffering," Rooney said in a statement issued to The Hollywood Reporter.

Rooney's film credits include "Boys Town," "Babes in Arms," the Andy Hardy film series, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Night at the Museum."

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He received a special Academy Award in 1938 and an honorary award in 1982, and was nominated for five acting Oscars.

A five-time Emmy nominee, Rooney won the award in 1982 for his performance as a mentally challenged man making his way into the world for the first time in "Bill."


MUMFORD & SONS: The folk rock band Mumford & Sons won the prize for Best British Album for "Sigh No More" at the 2011 Brit Awards show in London.

Plan B was named Best British Male Artist and Laura Marling was named best female artist, while Tinie Tempah picked up the statuettes for British Breakthrough Act and Best Single for "Pass Out" Tuesday night, the BBC said.

Take That won the Best British Group honor and Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" earned the award for Best International Album.

Rihanna took home the Best International Female Artist trophy, Cee Lo Green the Best International Male award and Justin Bieber the Best International Breakthrough Act prize, the BBC said.


VINCE NEIL: Rocker Vince Neil has begun his 15-day sentence in Nevada's Clark County Detention Center for driving under the influence and speeding, officials said.

The 50-year-old Motley Crue lead singer, former "Skating with the Stars" contestant and Las Vegas resident agreed to a plea bargain in Las Vegas Justice Court last month.

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After Neil completes the sentence he began serving Tuesday, he will then serve 15 days of house arrest, pay a $585 fine, attend DUI school and take part in a victim impact panel online, the Las Vegas Sun said.

The musician admitted to police he had several glasses of champagne before he was pulled over last June for speeding and driving erratically.

The Sun quoted police as saying Neil was arrested after he failed field-sobriety and breathalyzer tests.

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