Singer Laura Branigan dies

New York — Laura Branigan, a Grammy-nominated pop singer best known for her 1982 platinum hit “Gloria,” has died. She was 47.

Branigan died of a brain aneurysm Thursday in her sleep at her home in East Quogue, said her brother Mark Branigan. He said she had complained to a friend of a headache for about two weeks before she died, but had not sought medical attention.

“Gloria,” a signature song from her debut album “Branigan,” stayed atop the pop charts for 36 weeks and earned her a Grammy nomination for best female pop vocalist, the first of four nominations.

Branigan released seven albums after her debut “Branigan,” including “Solitaire,” “Self Control,” and “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” which was co-written with Michael Bolton.

‘Hero’ rises to challenge

Los Angeles — “Hero,” Jet Li’s acclaimed martial-arts epic, vanquished giant snakes and serial killers to debut as the top weekend film with $17.8 million.

“Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid,” a sequel to 1997’s monster-serpent flick, opened in second place with $13.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Other estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.:

3. “Without a Paddle,” $8.7 million.

4. “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” $8.1 million.

5. “Exorcist: The Beginning,” $6.7 million.

6. “Collateral,” $6.3 million.

7. “Open Water,” $5 million.

8. “Alien vs. Predator,” $4.8 million.

9. “The Bourne Supremacy,” $4.6 million.

10. “Suspect Zero,” $3.4 million.

Honors for ‘Scotty’

Los Angeles — James Doohan beamed his way through the first of a series of events honoring him in what are expected to be his final public appearances.

The 84-year-old actor who played “Scotty” on “Star Trek” laughed and smiled throughout a Hollywood tribute Saturday night featuring fellow cast members and about 600 guests.

Doohan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several months ago.

Doohan, whose character was Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott, was to appear Sunday on a stage with the surviving cast of the original series, including William Shatner (Capt. Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock). He is getting a star Tuesday on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Farewell to Gypsy Boots

Los Angeles — Dressed in colorful shirts and sandals, nearly 200 relatives and friends paid tribute to California fitness icon and health guru Gypsy Boots during a memorial service at a Hollywood cemetery.

Boots, born Robert Bootzin, died Aug. 8 after a brief illness. He was 89.

On Saturday, people gathered at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery remembered his generosity.

Born Aug. 19, 1914, Boots defined what it meant to live close to nature decades before the nation’s current obsession with organic foods, yoga and exercise. He wrote “Barefeet and Good Things to Eat” and “The Gypsy in Me” and attracted thousands of fans.