Entertainment Daypop Archives

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating the enormous success of Black Panther by donating $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, according to a news release. The donation is meant to further develop the organization’s youth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs. “Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is a masterpiece of movie making and has become an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussion, inspiring people young and old, and breaking down age-old industry myths,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “It is thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film, so it’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want.” The Boys & Girls Club will use the money to fund STEM centers at “12 communities across the country,” as per the release, Marvel’s Black Panther has earned $700 million in the worldwide box office, after two weeks of release.

Kevin Smith revealed on Twitter late Sunday night that he had suffered a “massive heart attack.” The Clerks director also shared a photo of himself in the hospital. Smith was scheduled to appear at an early and late show Sunday at Glendale, California’s Alex Theatre, when he fell ill between shows. In a follow-up Facebook post, Smith elaborated on the situation: “I was trying to do a killer standup special this evening but I might’ve gone too far.”  Smith was in good spirits following his traumatic medical ordeal, adding that he’s likely facing some lifestyle changes (and weighing going vegan) following the heart attack, but added: “The point of this post is to tell you that I faced my greatest fear tonight… and it wasn’t as bad as I’ve always imagined it’d be,” the director wrote. “I don’t want my life to end but if it ends, I can’t complain. It was such a gift.”

Heather Locklear was taken into custody over the weekend following a domestic violence incident at her home in Thousand Oaks, California. She was arrested for battery on a police officer and taken to a medical center before being transferred to Ventura County Jail.  The 56-year-old former ‘Melrose Place’ star was handcuffed and taken to a hospital on Sunday, 2/25 for psychiatric evaluation after her brother called 911 following his witnessing a fight between her and her boyfriend at their home. When officers arrived, Locklear allegedly hit three deputies and was charged with three counts of battery.  Back In 2008, Locklear was arrested for DUI, and in 2011 domestic violence allegations were charged against her by then-boyfriend and ‘Melrose Place’ co-star Jack Wagner. Locklear was previously married twice: to Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. She and Sambora have one child together, Ava.  Locklear is currently in the process of posting bail.

Sridevi, one of India’s most famous actresses, has died at age 54. She was known only by a single name, and was described as the first female superstar in the Bollywood industry. Sridevi died on Saturday in Dubai after suffering a heart attack, her brother-in-law Sanjay Kapoor told the Indian Express. Her most famous roles included playing a reporter in Mr India and in Chandni, when she played a woman choosing between two suitors. Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan, she started in the industry at the age of four and worked throughout her childhood, playing her first adult Bollywood role at the age of 13. She won five Filmfare Awards, and was nominated 10 times in the Indian equivalent to the Oscars. She stopped acting after her second marriage to Boney Kapoor, but made a well-received comeback in 2012 with English Vinglish, about a woman learning English. It is understood she was at a wedding with her husband and daughter at the time of her death.

Black Panther is now directly behind 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens for the second-highest grossing second weekend in box office history. The Marvel movie has now earned $400 million in only 10 days domestically with an additional $304 million internationally. This weekend’s earnings saw only a 46% decline over the opening weekend and has beat out 2015’s Jurassic World and 2012’s The Avengers for the second-highest second weekend, which has exceeded expectations. It currently has an A+ CinemaScore, which is only the second Marvel Cinematic Universe movie to do so, and it has maintained a 97% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.