‘People’s History’ author Zinn dies

Howard Zinn, an author, teacher and political activist whose leftist “A People’s History of the United States” became a million-selling alternative to mainstream texts and a favorite of such celebrities as Bruce Springsteen and Ben Affleck, died Wednesday. He was 87.

Zinn died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, Calif., daughter Myla Kabat-Zinn said. The historian was a resident of Auburndale, Mass.

Published in 1980 with little promotion and a first printing of 5,000, “A People’s History” was — fittingly — a people’s best-seller, attracting a wide audience through word of mouth and reaching 1 million sales in 2003. Although Zinn was writing for a general readership, his book was taught in high schools and colleges throughout the country, and numerous companion editions were published, including “Voices of a People’s History,” a volume for young people and a graphic novel.

“I can’t think of anyone who had such a powerful and benign influence,” said the linguist and fellow activist Noam Chomsky, a close friend of Zinn’s. “His historical work changed the way millions of people saw the past.”

Conan O’Brien still produces for NBC

New York — NBC says it has a deal with Conan O’Brien to produce a possible series, only days after his rancorous exit as host of the network’s “Tonight Show.”

NBC is picking up a pilot from O’Brien’s production company, Conaco. The drama, as yet untitled, focuses on a Supreme Court justice who leaves the bench to start his own practice.

Casting has yet to be announced for the pilot, which is bucking for a series slot on NBC’s fall schedule.

Despite O’Brien’s recent split from NBC as an on-camera star, he retains a development deal with the network.

Past series produced by Conaco include the comedy “Andy Barker, P.I.,” which featured O’Brien’s longtime talk-show sidekick Andy Richter.

‘Ugly Betty’ canceled

New York — It’s ugly news for all the fans of “Ugly Betty.” ABC says the series will be canceled after this season.

A critical and popular success with its premiere in fall 2006, “Ugly Betty” has struggled in recent years with audience erosion.

Based on a Colombian telenovela, the warmhearted dramedy stars America Ferrera as an ambitious but style-challenged young woman out to build a future at a New York fashion magazine.

ABC is promising that the series will conclude its run in a fashion that will satisfy its fans. ABC says eight episodes are left.

The series has been saluted with Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody awards, among others.