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KATHY BATES: Hollywood actress Kathy Bates says she kept her battle with ovarian cancer quiet in 2003 because she felt it was something she needed to face on her own.

Bates has starred in the films "Titanic," "Misery," "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Primary Colors." She recently had a recurring role on the sitcom "The Office" and now stars in the TV drama "Harry's Law."

The Oscar-winning actress talked about being a cancer survivor in an interview with Anderson Cooper set to air Thursday.

Asked why she didn't tell people what she was going through at the time, Bates replied, "I was advised to."

"I was contracted to go into a movie at that time, 'Little Black Book' with Brittany Murphy, who I miss very much, but my doctors at the time, they had to get insurance approval and all of that, so I was very quiet about it," Bates said. "I had to go back to work right away and I guess part of it was just, I don't know how to explain it, nobody else really knows what you're going through except another cancer patient. Even though your family is supportive and surrounds you, I just got to the point where I would go to chemo by myself and just really go through it on my own. I guess it's something I felt I had to face on my own. Now if I go through it again, I think I would be a lot more open about it. I admire people who have been open like Melissa Ethridge and women I see walking around facing it without wigs and all of that stuff. I think I would be more courageous next time."

THE SITUATION: "Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino said on his blog Wednesday he is seeking help for a prescription drug problem.

The reality TV personality made the announcement after media reports Tuesday said he had checked into rehab to deal with substance-abuse issues.

"I want to set the record straight. I have voluntarily taken steps to get control of a prescription medication problem I had due to exhaustion," Sorrentino, 29, wrote on his blog. "I have spent the past several weeks getting treatment for this problem and recuperating from my work and appearance schedule. I appreciate my fans support and love you guys."

"Jersey Shore" was renewed this week for a sixth season.

RUSSELL CROWE: New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe will play the titular Old Testament figure in director Darren Aronofsky's movie "Noah," Deadline reported.

Production on the epic about the man who heeds God's warning and builds an ark to save as many creatures as possible when a disastrous flood comes is expected to start in July, the entertainment industry news Web site said.

Crowe is best known for his work in the films "Cinderella Man," "A Beautiful Mind" and "Gladiator."

Aronofsky's big-screen credits include "Black Swan," "The Wrestler" and "The Fountain."

'DOCTOR WHO:' Jenna-Louise Coleman will play Doctor Who's latest companion, the British science-fiction series' producer announced Wednesday.

Matt Smith portrays the titular Time Lord.

Coleman, 25, has had roles in the British soap "Emmerdale," the movie "Captain America" and the upcoming miniseries "Titanic."

"Doctor Who" executive producer Stephen Moffat said the actress will join the cast after current companions Amy and Rory, played by Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, leave the show later this year, EW.com reported.

"It's not often the Doctor meets someone who can talk even faster than he does, but it's about to happen," Moffat said in a statement. "Jenna is going to lead him on his merriest dance yet. And that's all you're getting for now. Who she's playing, how the Doctor meets her, and even where he finds her, are all part of one of the biggest mysteries the Time Lord ever encounters. Even by the Doctor's standards, this isn't your usual boy-meets-girl."