Actor McGavin dies at 83

Los Angeles – Darren McGavin, the husky, tough-talking actor who starred in the TV series “Mike Hammer,” played a grouchy dad in the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” and had other strong roles in such films as “The Man with the Golden Arm” and “The Natural,” has died. He was 83.

McGavin died of natural causes at a Los Angeles-area hospital with his family at his side, said his son, Bogart McGavin.

McGavin made his film debut in 1945 when he switched from painter of movie sets to bit actor in “A Song to Remember.” After a decade of learning his craft in New York, he returned to Hollywood and became one of the busiest actors in television and films.

He starred in five series and became a prolific actor in TV movies. Among his memorable portrayals was Gen. George Patton in the 1979 TV biography “Ike.”

Despite his busy career in television, McGavin was awarded only one Emmy: in 1990 for an appearance as Candice Bergen’s opinionated father in an episode of “Murphy Brown.”

Jessica Simpson takes break, dines with N.M. governor

Santa Fe, N.M. – Jessica Simpson took a break from filming her latest movie to dine with Gov. Bill Richardson, his wife and others at the governor’s mansion.

Simpson, who is in Santa Fe filming “Employee of the Month,” ate with the governor Thursday night. The film is the fifth shot in New Mexico by Lions Gate Entertainment, an independent production and distribution studio.

“The governor feels very strongly about getting involved personally to promote New Mexico’s film industry,” Richardson spokesman Pahl Shipley said.

Richardson has rolled out the red carpet for other celebrities. Most recently, he dined at the mansion with Irish actor Liam Neeson.

Simpson was joined at the mansion by her parents, Lions Gate executives and members of the governor’s staff. The dinner lasted about two hours and included a menu of chicken roulade, potatoes and green chili-stuffed tomato.

50 Cent says Eminem is role model to him

Taipei, Taiwan – 50 Cent says he regards Eminem as a role model to help him deal with stardom.

“I kind of look to Eminem to gauge how I should respond to success,” the 29-year-old rapper said at a news conference Friday. He was in Taipei for a concert.

“He’s had even bigger success than I have in some areas,” 50 Cent said. “He’s been extremely helpful to me to kind of stay levelheaded.”