People

GRAVELY VOICED HECKART DIES OF CANCER

For decades Eileen Heckart thrilled theater, TV and movie audiences with her consummate acting style. Her gravely voice became her trademark. Now, a spokesman confirms that she has died of cancer at her home in Connecticut. She won an Oscar for her performance in "Butterflies are Free." Additionally, along the way she also picked up two Emmys and a special lifetime Tony award. Because of her voice and physical appearance, she realized from the beginning that her forte would be playing character roles. The Internet database imdb.com notes that she began her movie career in the mid-1950s in "Miracle in the Rain," opposite Jane Wyman and Van Johnson. She quickly was tapped to play in "Somebody Up There Likes Me" with Paul Newman and in "Bus Stop" with Marilyn Monroe. Hollywood stood up and paid attention to the rising actress after her successes on Broadway in "Picnic" and "The Bad Seed." It was her role in that play that was repeated in the movie version that brought her her first Oscar nomination (1956). Eileen Heckart had battled cancer for three years. She was 82.

BUSH TO SEE PORTRAIT UNVEILING IN AUSTIN

President Bush is likely to be on hand at the Texas state capital in the coming days for the unveiling of his official portrait. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the chief executive will make a side trip from his Texas holiday vacation to attend the ceremonies in Austin on Friday. The painting was done by Scott Gentling, an artist from Fort Worth. It was commissioned at a cost of $10,000. The president sat for the painting on his last trip to his ranch near Crawford, Texas. The publication says that the painting is in the style of others of previous Texas governors, showing Bush from the waist up, dressed in a suit and tie. His portrait will be hung next to that of his predecessor, colorful Ann Richards.

RIPA CRUSADES FOR SOBER DRIVING

Popular young TV co-host Kelly Ripa says she has enjoyed being the national chairwoman of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving's "Tie One On For Safety" holiday campaign. USA Today, in a profile of the actress and her activities with MADD, says that two years ago Ripa's sister Linda was hit by a teen-age drunk driver who ran through a red light at more than 80 mph. The drunken driver was only slightly injured. Linda Ripa nearly died and nearly lost the baby whe was carrying. She was eight months pregnant at the time. Kelly Ripa -- co-host with Regis Philbin of "Live with Regis & Kelly" and a star on "All My Children" -- says she's doing all she can to educate the public to the dangers of drunk driving, especially for innocent people who are the victims of drunken drivers.

'HARRY POTTER' AUTHOR SECRETLY MARRIED

Friends of the author of the Harry Potter stories, J.K. Rowling, confirm that the highly successful 36-year-old writer has married her 30-year-old boyfriend in secret ceremonies in Scotland. Only close friends and family were on hand. Published reports indicate that the couple first met in Edinburgh more than a year ago. They purchased a mansion last fall. The wedding reportedly took place there. Rowling was married once before, to a journalist from Portugal. That marriage ended in divorce. As you know, the first movie adaptation of Rowling's books about Harry Potter became 2001's big box-office hit ... and there's more to come.

ROSE PARADERS MARCH TO PATRIOTIC TUNE

It was chilly on New Year's Day in the Los Angeles area, but the Tournament of Roses Parade went off nearly without a hitch. Because of the events of 9/11, the planners and paraders struck a patriotic tone, one that was relayed around the world via international television broadcasts. It was the 113th year for the event. A flight of fighter jets and a B-2 bomber -- newly returned from the war against terrorism -- flew through the skies as the kickoff. Old Glory was everywhere, so were red, white and blue flowers. Among those marching were students from tragedy-beset Columbine High School. Published reports indicate that the crowd gave some of its loudest applause for the kids from Colorado. One really touching float was built by an immigrant from Vietnam who sold her home to help pay for its construction to show her love for her adopted country. It was titled: "Thank You, America and the World." Next year's parade is already in the planning stage. Many say that the event is the biggest public relations vehicle that the Los Angeles area has because it shows the colorful parade, usually held under sunny skies, to the rest of world -- some of it in the grips of cold weather.

UPI DAILY SURVEY QUESTION NO. 238

Today's the Ninth Day of Christmas and we're retreading a question that got some interesting replies some months ago. So, here goes: "Have you found any more neat Web sites you'd like to share?" Put URL in the subject line and send to [email protected] via the Internet.

RESULTS OF QUESTION NO. 233 (ADVICE)

First of all let me thank all of you who put in personal messages wishing me a happy new year. I really appreciate the feedback. Also, please note that during the past few days United Press International has installed a spanking-new Web site -- upi.com on the Internet. I think you'll like it. By the way, these reports and others I prepare are under the "Life and Mind" section, along with some really great other stuff. Give the site a try, particularly if you have problems accessing this column via other Internet Web sites. Additionally, some weeks ago a reader wondered about that strange photo of "the face of the devil" in the smoke of the World Trade Center towers. Anyone know where to find it on the Web? OK, last week I asked about the best advice you'd gotten during the past year. Here are some of the replies, as time permits: Pamela says she was told to "go with my heart when making a decision -- they were right -- very right." Good for you, Pamela, and thanks for the nice note. Stacey says: "When the baby sleeps, you sleep." Ruth says that "after 9/11 live and love all your family." IMTUA says that he was told to buy the best car he could and predict he would find a better deal later and take it in stride. After all, he says, we can't predict the future. IMTUA, how right you are. GBA.