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SYLVIA KRISTEL: Dutch actress Sylvia Kristel has died after battling throat and lung cancer, then suffering a stroke, the BBC reported. She was 60.

The former Miss TV Holland and Miss TV Europe is best known for her work in the 1974 erotic French film "Emmanuelle," as well as several sequels. Her other big-screen credits include "Lady Chatterley's Lover," "Mata Hari," "Because of the Cats," "The Concorde: Airport '79" and "Private Lessons."

The BBC said her agent declined to say whether Kristel died at home or in a hospital.

Her funeral is expected to be private.

DRAKE: Canadian-born recording artist Drake announced via Twitter he has graduated from high school at the age of 25.

The rapper, whose real name is Aubrey Graham, has fulfilled the necessary requirements to earn his high school diploma, E! News said.

"97% on my final exam. 88% in the course. One of the greatest feelings in my entire life. As of tonight I have graduated high school," Drake tweeted Wednesday. "Thank you to my teacher Kim Janzen for spending the last 5 months working tirelessly with me!"

BRET MICHAELS: Travel Channel says U.S. rocker Bret Michaels has signed on as host of its new original series "Rock My RV."

The eight-episode series is to begin production next month and to premiere in 2013.

"For the past 25 years, Bret Michaels has spent at least nine months out of the year in a tour bus that he personally designs from top to bottom," Andy Singer, Travel Channel's general manager, said in a statement Thursday. "We couldn't think of a better front man than Bret for the series. He lives and breathes life on the road and undoubtedly holds the record for most hours logged in a custom coach. Bret jumped at the chance to share his passion for travel and the RV experience through this fascinating, obsessive world of customizing RVs. We wanted him, and he wanted to do this -- it is a great partnership."

"Between touring and traveling, I spend a lot of time on the road and my tricked-out, custom coach is my home away from home," Michaels said. "I crisscross the country and live in my tour bus, and I know how to take an RV from ordinary to extraordinary. I can't wait to put my expertise to use and show people how to make their RVs rock."

JOAQUIN PHOENIX: Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix, who is expected to nab an Oscar nomination for his work in "The Master," said he wants no part of the honor.

"I think it's bullshit," Phoenix told Interview magazine about the Academy Award buzz surrounding his performance. "I think it's total, utter bullshit, and I don't want to be a part of it. I don't believe in it. It's a carrot, but it's the worst-tasting carrot I've ever tasted in my whole life. I don't want this carrot. It's totally subjective. Pitting people against each other. ... It's the stupidest thing in the whole world."

Phoenix, 37, has previously been nominated for Oscars for his work in the films "Gladiator" and "Walk the Line," but in recent years he has been known more for his erratic behavior and reluctance to take acting jobs.