Widow of ‘Star Trek’ creator dies at 76

Los Angeles — Majel Barrett Roddenberry, “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry’s widow who nurtured the legacy of the seminal science fiction TV series after his death, has died. She was 76.

Roddenberry died of leukemia Thursday morning at her home in Bel-Air, said Sean Rossall, a family spokesman.

At Roddenberry’s side were family friends and her son, Eugene Roddenberry Jr.

Roddenberry was involved in the “Star Trek” universe for more than four decades. She played the dark-haired Number One in the original pilot but metamorphosed into the blond, miniskirted Nurse Christine Chapel in the original 1966-69 show. She had smaller roles in all five of its television successors and many of the “Star Trek” movie incarnations, although she had little involvement in the productions.

She frequently was the voice of the ship’s computer, and about two weeks ago she completed the same role for the upcoming J.J. Abrams movie “Star Trek,” Rossall said.

Roddenberry also helped keep the franchise alive by inspiring fans and attended a major “Star Trek” convention each year, Rossall said.

“I think ‘Star Trek’ will always be her legacy,” Rossall said.

Johansson puts snotty tissue on eBay

New York — How snotty: Scarlett Johansson blew her nose on a tissue, and now the tissue is being sold on eBay.

Johansson appeared on NBC’s “Tonight” show Wednesday to promote her new movie, “The Spirit.” The actress said she’d caught a cold from co-star Samuel L. Jackson, and felt her illness had value because it had been passed down from one celebrity to another.

Host Jay Leno then handed her a tissue, and Johansson announced she would sell it on eBay to raise money for the hunger relief charity USA Harvest. She blew twice, depositing some lipstick and mucus.

As of Thursday morning, the dirty tissue had snagged more than 60 bids, with the highest bidder putting up $2,050. The online auction ends Monday.

Tom Cruise’s son makes debut in movie

New York — Tom Cruise’s 13-year-old son will have a six-day jump on his father at the box office.

Connor Cruise makes his big-screen debut in “Seven Pounds,” which opens today. On Dec. 25, his father’s “Valkyrie” hits theaters.

It’s a small, supporting role for Connor, one of two children from Cruise’s marriage to Nicole Kidman. Cruise also has a daughter, Suri, with his wife, Katie Holmes.

In a recent interview, Cruise said he’s very proud of Connor, but was careful not to pressure him.

“Who knows what he’s going to do?” Cruise said. “He’s grown up on (acting). I’ve always had my kids there, in hair and makeup, just always around the sets. They’ve worked on sets.”

Cruise said he’s played acting class games with his children, and they’ve often watched him develop characters.

McMahon staying in house, publicist says

Los Angeles — Ed McMahon can stay put.

Publicist Howard Bragman confirmed Thursday that the TV icon and his wife have no plans to move from their home, which has been facing foreclosure for nine months.

Bragman said he doesn’t have details about the deal that’s allowing the 85-year-old McMahon to stay, but added: “They ain’t leaving.”

Public records show there was a series of transfers of the loans last month on McMahon’s house, which is in a hilltop gated community that’s also home to Britney Spears.

A Southern California company, Foreclosure Trackers Inc., has taken credit for brokering the deal and say they plan to negotiate a better deal for McMahon, 85.

Robert Lee, the company’s chief executive officer, said earlier his year that his aim was to prevent McMahon from having to move.

“I don’t want their home,” Lee said. “I want to make sure the McMahons can keep their home.”

Public records show Countrywide Financial Corp., which issued a default notice on McMahon’s home earlier this year, transferred the loan to a company called DCI Technology Holdings. A subsequent filing indicates the loan was transferred to a limited liability corporation recently established by a Northern California business lawyer, Peter Liebow. (Liebow has not returned calls seeking comment.)

While Foreclosure Trackers’ name does not appear on the transfer documents, some of those familiar with the deal say Lee and the company acted as middlemen.

Pianist Brendel gives final concert in Austria

Vienna, Austria — Amid shouts of “bravo” and thundering applause, Alfred Brendel bid farewell to the concert hall Thursday, ending a six-decade career as one of the world’s greatest pianists.

Accompanied by the Vienna Philharmonic, Brendel performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 — known as “Jeunehomme” (“Young Man”) or “Jenamy” — at the Austrian capital’s prestigious Musikverein. He played two encores.

Brendel appeared energetic and entranced by the music, clearly captivating his audience in the packed Golden Auditorium.

Brendel’s adieu comes just weeks before his 78th birthday.

Brendel, who is also a poet, will continue to appear in public to lecture on music and to give poetry readings, his New York publicist said last year.