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VALERIE HARPER: U.S. television actress Valerie Harper says she is trying to live life to the fullest since being diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.

Harper's first television interview since revealing her cancer diagnosis last week aired on NBC's "Today" show Monday.

The 73-year-old actress said she was diagnosed less than two months ago during her book tour for "I, Rhoda a Memoir," and was told by doctors she only has months to live.

Asked if she remains hopeful, the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Rhoda" icon replied, "More than hopeful, I have an intention to live each moment fully."

So, when did the reality of her prognosis hit her?

"When I heard incurable," Harper replied. "Incurable is a tough word... . A lot of people were calling -- 'Can I come by the house?' 'Are you in a wheelchair?' Because they hear it as this death sentence. Which it may be. But I'm not dying until I do. I promise I won't."

Harper said there are times when she feels sad.

"I don't mean this to be Pollyanna," she said.

"I allow myself the grief."

MATT LAUER: "Today" anchor Matt Lauer admitted to The Daily Beast that Ann Curry's ousting from the New York morning program wasn't handled well last June.

Curry was fired from the NBC show and replaced by Savannah Guthrie in the network's effort to improve the program's falling ratings.

Although Lauer has been widely criticized as being responsible for Curry's firing, he told The Daily Beast he actually told NBC Universal chief executive Steve Burke he would "get out of the way" if Burke thought "Today" was better off without him.

However, Burke told the website he declined Lauer's offer because he is "the best person who's ever done this."

Lauer admitted he and Curry didn't have great chemistry, but he also said he objected to her outright firing.

"I don't think the show and the network handled the transition well. You don't have to be Einstein to know that," Lauer told The Daily Beast. "It clearly did not help us. We were seen as a family, and we didn't handle a family matter well."

DEE SNIDER: Rocker Dee Snider became the second contestant fired from the business-themed competition show "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" in New York.

"Apprentice" host and producer Donald Trump fired the Twisted Sister member Sunday night after his team failed to successfully create a 3-D display for Universal Studios' theme park in Orlando, Fla.

Bret Michaels, a previous "Celebrity Apprentice" winner, was the first star to get the boot last week.

Still in the competition are La Toya Jackson, Omarosa Manigault, Gary Busey, Lil' Jon, Lisa Rinna, Dennis Rodman, Claudia Jordan, Trace Adkins, Brande Roderick, Penn Jillette, Marilu Henner and Stephen Baldwin.

ROB LOWE: Hollywood actor Rob Lowe will narrate "The '80s: The Decade That Made Us," a six-part series to air next month, National Geographic Channel announced Monday.

The star of "The West Wing," "Brothers & Sisters" and "Parks and Recreation" was a 1980s icon, thanks to his memorable work in the films "The Outsiders," "St. Elmo's Fire" and "About Last Night."

His NatGeo documentary series is to air April 14-16. The network promises the program will offer "an unprecedented look at the moments, trends, inventions and culture that have shaped our world today."

"National Geographic Channel is a leader in creating engaging and relevant programs that viewers can trust," Lowe said in a statement. "This series is a unique and provocative look back at one of the most exciting and revolutionary periods in American history."

"Rob Lowe is one of today's most enduring actors, and his films from the 1980s were among the most popular of the decade, with the 'Brat Pack' films setting a new standard for the teen movie genre," said Michael Cascio, executive vice president of programming for National Geographic Channel.

"He is the perfect narrator for this series and his voice brings to life the triumphs, challenges and effervescent spirit of this bright and important time."