First lady presents award to pal Rosie
They didn't talk about Pez dispensers or Christmas cookies this time, but Hillary Rodham Clinton did present an award to her pal Rosie O'Donnell.O'Donnell on Monday was given the Gracie Allen Award from American Women in Radio and Television for outstanding individual achievement for a talk show host.
"Rosie continues to raise the bar for quality television," the first lady said.
She said O'Donnell was a good friend and that people were right to describe her as "The Queen of Nice." "She's more than that -- she's the queen of our hearts," said Clinton.
O'Donnell returned the compliment, referring to Clinton as New York's next senator and saying she expected the first lady will serve "in the tradition of Robert Kennedy, who was not born here but served us well."
Singer Damone says it's curtain time
See Vic Damone before it's too late.
The 71-year-old Damone, who sang "Gigi," "You're Breaking My Heart" and "On the South Side of Chicago," is retiring after 53 years.
He will close his career with a tour starting May 27 at the Westbury Music Fair and ending May 18, 2001, at Carnegie Hall.
"It has been an incredible, thrilling journey, but all good things must come to an end," he said Friday. "It has always been important to me that I go out at the top of my game."
Banderas is honored for his cultural work
Antonio Banderas was honored with two American Latino Media Arts Awards for portraying a positive Hispanic image.
Banderas won for his work in "The 13th Warrior," a mythological melodrama, and for the first movie he directed, "Crazy in Alabama."
Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez were among other winners Sunday. The show was taped for broadcast June 17 on ABC.
Watch out, Denzel -- here comes Epps
Denzel Washington and Will Smith, look out -- Omar Epps is breathing down your necks.
"I look at Denzel and Wesley (Snipes), Cuba (Gooding) and Will, and figure it must be lonely at the top for those guys," the rising star tells Time magazine.
Epps, 26, has starred in hits like "The Wood" and last year's bomb "The Mod Squad." If he is looking to be today's premier black actor, he has his work cut out for him. He's already getting competition from Taye Diggs ("How Stella Got Her Groove Back,") and Mekhi Phifer ("Soul Food.")
"I'm looking for opportunities across the board," says Epps.