Entertainment News from November 2000

Updated June 26, 2020 | Infoplease Staff


1
NBC cancels Deadline, a high-profile drama about a crusading columnist played by Oliver Platt. The journalism drama starred several film actors, including Platt, Hope Davis, Lili Taylor, and Tim Conti. It's NBC's third Monday-night casualty. Daddio and Tucker were axed earlier in the season.
People magazine names Brad Pitt the “Sexiest Man Alive.” It's the second time the heartthrob has earned the honor. The first time was in 1995.
6
The Practice's Camryn Manheim announces that she's pregnant and due in April. Her pregnancy will be written into the show. Castmate Kelli Williams is also expecting. She's due in February.
7
Harrison Ford confirms that he and his wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, have separated. They've been married for 17 and have two children.
Jerry Seinfeld and wife Jessica Sklar welcome their first child, a girl.
Warner Bros. has reportedly wooed Pi and Requiem for a Dream director Darren Aronofsky to helm the next installment of Batman. While nothing's set in stone, Aronofsky hasn't ruled out the prospect of moving from indie cinema to blockbuster fare.
Rumors abound that Gwyneth Paltrow may replace Liz Hurley as Estée Lauder's spokeswoman. The gossip follows Hurley's run-in with the Screen Actors Guild. The union was miffed that the model filmed an ad during the actors' strike.
10
CNN's Bernard Shaw announces that he plans to retire at the end of February 2001 to spend more time with his family and write books, including an autobiography. “Harder than entering this business is leaving it, and leaving CNN, especially after 20 years here,” he said.
14
Melanie Griffith announces that she's entered rehab to kick a prescription drug habit. “My doctor has referred me to the Daniel Freeman Hospital to step down from the prescribed medication that I have been taking for a neck injury,” she said in a statement.
17
Rosie O'Donnell admits on the Today show, after some prodding by host Katie Couric, that she does not plan to renew her contract, which expires in 2002.
ABC announces plans for Dotcomedy, the “next generation of America's Funniest Home Videos.” It's amazing the networks haven't latched on to the idea sooner: a reality show featuring outrageous web sites. The show is set to debut on Dec. 8. Brothers Jason and Randy Sklar, along with Annabelle Gurwitch will host, and Katie Puckrick will report from the homes and offices of webmasters.
Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura has signed on to be a sportscaster for the upcoming XFL “extreme” football league, created by World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Inc. and NBC. The league is set to debut in Feb. Ventura won't be a neophyte; he served a two-year stint as a radio analyst for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and worked the mike for one season as a radio broadcaster for Minnesota Vikings games.
18
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones marry in an extravagant New York City ceremony. More than 250 guests attend the wedding at the exclusive Plaza Hotel. The event cost a reported $2 million. The couple sold exclusive rights to their wedding photos to British magazine OK! for a rumored $1 million.
Drew Barrymore and Tom Green almost wed on Saturday Night Live, but the bride-to-be reportedly got a case of cold feet minutes before the live ceremony was to take place, saying it would be “inappropriate.” The couple still plans to marry in a summer ceremony.
21
Charlie's Angels Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu receive the royal treatment when they dine with Prince Charles at St. James Palace in London. The power dinner followed the London opening of the blockbuster, which benefited one of the prince's charities. The other angel, Cameron Diaz, was filming an upcoming movie and was not able to attend the soiree.
22
The New York Post reports that writer, actor, director Billy Bob Thornton is expanding his hyphenate status to include singer. He's reportedly close to completing an alt-country album, which is due out next year.
24
The last episode of the Emmy-winning The Chris Rock Show airs on HBO. The cable outlet offered no explanation for cancelling the show.
25
Robert Downey Jr. is arrested in Palm Springs, Calif., on charges of possession of cocaine and methamphetamine. Police responded to an anonymous caller who claimed there were drugs and guns in a room at the Merv Griffin Resort. No weapons were found. Downey had been out of prison for three months following a 14–month incarceration for a probation violation stemming from a series of drug-related arrests in 1996. He's scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 27.
29
Just Shoot Me star David Spade is attacked, and yes, shot at with a stun gun, by his personal assistant, David Malloy. Malloy was reportedly trying to rob his boss. He was captured and charged with suspicion of burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with a stun gun. Spade was not seriously injured.

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