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By United Press International
Amanda Bynes arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on September 13, 2009. UPI/Laura Cavanaugh
Amanda Bynes arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on September 13, 2009. UPI/Laura Cavanaugh | License Photo

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

HERBERT LOM: Czech-born actor Herbert Lom, known for his work in the Pink Panther film franchise, died Thursday at his home in London, his family said. He was 95.

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The New York Times confirmed his death but didn't report the cause of it.

An accomplished stage actor who originated the role of the king in the original London cast of the musical "The King and I" in 1955, Lom appeared in more than 100 movies and television shows throughout his five-decade-long career, the newspaper said.

Among his big-screen credits were "The Seventh Veil," "Night and the City," "The Ladykillers," "Fire Down Below," "No Trees in the Street," "The Young Mr. Pitt," "War and Peace," "Spartacus," "El Cid," "The Phantom of the Opera," "Count Dracula," "Mark of the Devil" and "Dead Zone."

He is perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Chief Inspector Dreyfus, the supervisor of Peter Sellers' bumbling Inspector Clouseau, in seven Pink Panther movies.

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He also wrote two historical novels -- "Enter a Spy: The Double Life of Christopher Marlowe" and "Dr. Guillotine: The Eccentric Exploits of an Early Scientist."

Lom is survived by his sons Alec and Nick, and daughter, Josephine, the Times said.


AMANDA BYNES: Amanda Bynes' lawyer pleaded not guilty on her behalf Thursday to two hit-and-run charges at a court hearing in Van Nuys, Calif.

Bynes, 26, also was charged with drunken driving and driving with a suspended license.

People.com said the "What a Girl Wants" and "Hairspray" star was not in court for Thursday's plea hearing, which pertained to incidents on April 10 and Aug. 4.

Her next court hearing is Oct. 19, People.com said.


WHITNEY HOUSTON: Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Usher are to lead the lineup of performers for a Whitney Houston tribute to tape in Los Angeles next month, CBS announced.

Houston accidentally drowned in a hotel bathtub last February after using drugs shortly before she was to attend the Grammy Awards ceremony. She was 48.

CBS said Thursday the tribute "We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston" will be taped Oct. 11 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

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"The one-hour special will celebrate Houston's life, artistry and most memorable performances through interviews with and performances by various artists paying homage to the six-time Grammy winner," a synopsis said.

The program is scheduled to air Nov. 16.


KIRSTIE ALLEY: TV Land says it has ordered a pilot for "Giant Baby," a Broadway-themed sitcom starring "Cheers" and "Dancing with the Stars" veteran Kirstie Alley.

The pilot was written by Marco Pennette, whose credits include "Ugly Betty" and "Samantha Who."

The project was announced Thursday by Larry W. Jones, president of TV Land.

Alley is to play Madison "Maddie" Banks, a Broadway star who finds her life turned upside down when Owen, the son she gave up for adoption 26 years ago, turns up looking to connect after his adopted mother has died, a synopsis said.

"We've had our eye on Kirstie Alley for a long time, and we finally got her!" Jones said in a statement. "With this project, our practice of working with A-list talent both on and off screen continues. Marco's history working for top shows speaks for itself and Kirstie is an iconic TV comedienne. We can't wait to get started."

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