James Earl Jones to receive SAG award

Los Angeles – James Earl Jones, who has voiced some of entertainment’s most memorable characters, will receive the 2008 Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

SAG President Alan Rosenberg called Jones “a vocal presence without peer” and lauded his TV, film and stage work.

“His long and quiet devotion to advancing literacy, the arts and humanities on a national and local scale deserves our appreciation,” Rosenberg said Thursday.

Jones, who said he was mute as a child because of a stuttering problem, credits reading with helping him find his voice.

“Through a love of reading, I was able to overcome my muteness and pursue a career in which my voice would be my most prominent asset,” the 77-year-old actor said.

He is known to fans of all ages as the voice of Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King” as well as CNN.

He will be presented with the Life Achievement Award at the Screen Actors Guild awards on Jan. 25.

Dolly Parton named Smokies ambassador

Gatlinburg, Tenn. – Dolly Parton, who often refers to her Smoky Mountains upbringing, will serve as the ambassador for the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There will be events throughout 2009 celebrating Congress’ approval to form the park on June 15, 1934.

Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson said Thursday that Parton emerged as the obvious choice for the ambassador selection.

Parton, 62, who grew up in the foothills of the Smokies in Tennessee’s Sevier County, said she’s always been an advocate for the park, but she is honored to become “official.”

Salma Hayek helping fight tetanus overseas

Geneva – Hollywood mom Salma Hayek is lending her star power to a UNICEF campaign to eradicate tetanus in mothers and babies around the world within four years.

Hayek, a paid spokeswoman for Pampers’ tetanus vaccine program, recounted her experiences during a recent trip to the West African nation of Sierra Leone, where she met with tetanus victims.

“One of the things that was very moving about the trip was to see 15-year-old girls, really young, taking responsibility for their lives and their children before they’re born by saying ‘I am going to be healthy, I am going to take this vaccination,'” she told journalists at the United Nations on Thursday.

“I had no idea how much this was going to really personally move me,” added the 42-year-old star of films including “Desperado” and “Frida.”

The Pampers-UNICEF partnership has already provided over 50 million vaccines to mothers and babies in developing countries, where tetanus kills up to 140,000 infants and 30,000 women each year, according to the U.N. agency.

Tina Turner opens North American tour

Kansas City, Mo. – After an eight-year hiatus, Tina Turner brought her famous voice and energy back to the stage Wednesday, opening her 36-date North American tour with a hit-filled concert at the Sprint Center.

The 68-year-old singer said it was the right time to hit the road.

“It has to be now,” she said. “I can still do it. (I’m) still in shape enough physically, mentally and I think this was about the best time to do it.”

Turner performed fan favorites such as “Typical Male,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” and “Private Dancer.”

An entertainer for 50 years, Turner said she can “still give a great show,” adding that her longevity inspires fans of all ages.

“Why I dance at such a pace is because it feels good with the dance and I’m known for that kind of energy,” she said. “Young kids can really relate to that as well. So I think that my (fans’) age group ranges from young to old, to my age, because of the energy projected from the stage.”

O’Donnell to host hourlong NBC special

Rosie O’Donnell is returning to the small screen – for one night, at least.

NBC said Thursday that the comedian and former talk-show host would emcee an hourlong variety show Nov. 26, the night before Thanksgiving.

“Rosie’s Variety Show” will be O’Donnell’s first television gig since she abruptly left her seat on “The View” in May 2007. If successful, it could pave the way for her to helm a recurring variety program for NBC.

DiCaprio says he’s not ready to settle down

Los Angeles – Leonardo DiCaprio says he’s not ready to be a father.

The 33-year-old actor, who has an on-and-off relationship with model Bar Refaeli, says he has no plans at the moment to settle down and start a family.

“Ah, how do you answer something like that? So, um, I am being asked to look in the future I suppose quickly. No, I don’t have any plan,” says the famously private star, who has been promoting his upcoming film, “Body of Lies.”

DiCaprio co-stars with Russell Crowe in the CIA thriller directed by Ridley Scott.

DiCaprio can’t seem to shake his heartthrob status.

“That’s the only way I like to be referred to,” he joked recently. “When I walk on set it’s in the contract.”

“Body of Lies” will be in theaters Oct. 10.