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In the NewsCompiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, Lawless fond of X'sHOLLYWOOD -"X" still marks the spot for Lucy Lawless, whose hit seriesXena: Warrior Princess ended its run this summer. The actor has signed on for a multi-episode gig on the upcoming season of The X-Files. She is set to appear on the show's first two episodes, beginning Nov. 4. There's a chance she could do more episodes, though nothing has been decided yet. Details regarding the Lawless character are being kept under wraps. Dr. Benton to leave ERLOS ANGELES -- Eriq La Salle is checking out of ER. The actor plans to quit the NBC hospital drama after next season to pursue directing and producing opportunities, Variety and the Hollywood Reporter reported Monday. La Salle has been with the show since its 1994 debut and earned three Emmy nominations for his role as the brooding Dr. Peter Benton. ER will enter its 2002-03 season with Noah Wyle as the only original cast member remaining. Sherry Stringfield, another charter cast member, left in 1996 but is returning only for the upcoming fall season. Anthony Edwards already announced he'll leave the show after this season. Poundstone to blame drinkingSANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Comedian Paula Poundstone's drinking problem will definitely be a factor in her defense against the child abuse case she is facing, her attorney said Monday. "Anytime anyone abuses alcohol it clouds their judgment," attorney Steven Cron said. "I can't discuss the facts of the case, but that's a given." Cron made his comments after a hearing involving charges of lewd acts on a child and child endangerment against Poundstone. Poundstone, 41, lost custody of her three adopted children after she was arrested on three counts of committing a lewd act on a girl under the age of 14, as well as endangering two other girls and two boys. Cron initially disclosed Poundstone's drinking problem about two weeks after her arrest. Since then, she has had several visits with her three adopted children while remaining at a live-in alcohol rehabilitation facility. 'Apes' sets opening weekend recordLOS ANGELES -- The updated Planet of the Apes outstripped the record for a non-holiday debut, taking in $68.5-million in its first weekend. Tim Burton's film edged the previous non-holiday record of $68.1-million set in May by The Mummy Returns. The all-time best holiday weekend opening is $72-million set over the three-day Memorial Day break in 1997 by The Lost World: Jurassic Park. The top movies from Friday through Sunday: Planet of the Apes, Fox, $68.5-million, 3,500 locations, $19,581 average, $68.5-million, one week; 2.Jurassic Park III, Universal, $22.5-million, 3,439 locations, $6,555 average, $124.8-million, two weeks; 3.America's Sweethearts, Sony, $15.4-million, 3,011 locations, $5,115 average, $59.1-million, two weeks; 4. Legally Blonde, MGM, $9-million, 2,725 locations, $3,305 average, $59.8-million, three weeks; 5. The Score, Paramount, $7.1-million, 2,211 locations, $3,190 average, $49.1-million, three weeks.
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From the wire |
