This Monkee's Attended Paradise: R.I.P. Davy Johnson

Davy Johnson, once named by Yahoo as the most important teen idol ever, died at age 66 after having suffered cardiac arrest. As part of the Beatles-inspired musical group The Monkees, produced for his or her eponymous tv program in 1966, Johnson rose to fame alongside bandmates Peter Tork, Mickey Dolenz, and Michael Nesmith and subsequently embarked on the effective solo musical career of their own let us remember Johnson having a think back in the Monkees, Jones' acting career, and also the group's 1968 psychedelic cult film, Mind. The Monkees' "Daydream Believer": Jones' singing "Girl" throughout his cameo around the Brady Bunch: Johnson sings "Daddy's Song" in Mind, a movie that stymied then and today but remains a highlight from the Monkees legacy: Swoon away with your personal Johnson remembrances below. [via TMZ]

Hollywood pix boost Pinewood fortunes

LONDON -- A boom in the volume of big-budget Hollywood movies shooting in Blighty during 2011 has driven revenues at U.K. studio group Pinewood Shepperton to an all-time high. Sales hit a record 50.7 million ($80.1 million) in the 12 months to December 31, up 17%. Film revenues alone were up 24% to $56.7 million, thanks to projects such as "Snow White and the Huntsman," "Anna Karenina," "Prometheus," "Skyfall," "The Hobbit" and "Dark Shadows." The group, which owns Pinewood and Shepperton Studios near London, the U.K.'s two largest film and TV production facilities, also reported a 14% rise in operating profits to $16.3 million. Nonetheless, the company fell into a pre-tax loss of $6.2 million after exceptional items, down from a profit of $9.2 million in 2010. That was the result of being forced to write off the $11.2 million five-year development cost of its proposed $320 million extension to the Pinewood site, dubbed Project Pinewood, following its failure to obtain planning permission. The group has also embarked on a strategy of international expansion, through partnerships in Toronto, Berlin, Malaysia and the Dominican Republic. So far this represents only a modest part of its business, with international revenues up 50% in 2011 to $1.4 million. "The company has delivered a strong performance for the full year, with overall revenues significantly up," commented chief exec Ivan Dunleavy. "The ongoing demand from big-budget films and large-scale TV shows for our unique facilities remains resilient. Our international strategy continues to deliver growth and further opportunity to extend the Pinewood brand overseas." Dunleavy noted his disappointment that Project Pinewood did not get the greenlight from the U.K. government. "The board supported by its major shareholder are determined to work with the government and stakeholders to deliver the long-term vision for Pinewood that it needs if it is to remain a global center for the film and creative industries," he said. "We will therefore continue to engage, to ensure that the site meets the needs for growth over the next 20-30 years." The group is already making a significant investment in developing the existing Pinewood site, with a new 30,000 sq. ft. soundstage currently under construction. It is also investing in its digital TV services. Projects shooting at Pinewood Toronto Studios in 2011 included Universal's "Mama" and Legendary/Warner's "Pacific Rim." Pinewood Studio Berlin attracted its first project, "Planet B Boy" from Sony's Screen Gems label. Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia, the largest purpose-built facility in the region, will open for business in 2013, while the Pinewood Indomina studio in the Dominican Republic will complete its first phase of construction in 2012. The group said it is continuing to look for fresh opportunities to expand its brand internationally. Pinewood Shepperton reported its 2011 figures as unaudited interim results, because it has changed its accounting year-end to March 2012. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

The Top 20 Tweets of the Oscars

Gwyneth Paltrow During Sunday's Academy Awards, we often found ourselves more amused by what people were tweeting about the show, than the show itself. There was a lot to discuss, you know? Angelina's leg! The overzealous number of montages! Adam Sandler's sweatsuit! So we've compiled a list of our favorite tweets of the evening. Share your favorites in the comments below.1. @LisaLampanelli: "Sandy Bullock -- her cheeks have had more injections that the Walgreens Flu clinic. "2. @RyanSeacrest: "My mom always told me to pack two jackets for red carpets, always wondered why. Now I know."3. @GwynethPaltrow: "Dude. Seriously. I love my life. say.ly/eOO1utJ"4. @KellyOxford (blogger): "Putting the Twilight clip into that montage was the most successful joke of the night. "5. @MrJoshCharles: "I feel the same about JLo's nipple. RT @TVGuide: An impressive Cirque du Soleil perf. Not totally relevant to the #Oscars, but we'll take it."6. @Jezebel_Tracie: (Tracie Egan Morrissey, Jezebel): "The dog from The Artist and Angelina Jolie are gonna go to some parties, let loose, and lift their legs."7. @SteveMartinToGo: "I swear, if I don't win an Oscar this year, it will be like every other year."8. @PiersMorgan: "'Wow, I didn't expect this!' says the 3,456th Hugo winner of the night. #Oscars"9. @DannyZuker (executive producer, Modern Family): " 'These have got to be the worst Oscars ever, am I right?!' - James Franco"10. @WhitneyCummings: "Did Cameron and j.lo fall on baby oil"11. @AntDerosa (Anthony DeRosa, CNN): "Emma Stone's stylist moonlights as a gift wrapper."12. @AlecBaldwin: "I am officially announcing that I am re-making THE ARTIST with sound."13. @NormMacdonald: "I know George Clooney is famous for his practical jokes but he went a little far with The Descendants."14. @CapriceCrane (screenwriter): "George Clooney and Brad Pitt both lost. They will cry themselves to sleep atop their hot women & piles of money."15. @RealJeffreyRoss: "If this ceremony goes on much longer they'll have to cut to Christopher Plummer during the in memorium. "16. @JennyJohnsonHi5 (TV producer): "'Angelina Jolie is better than you.' -Angelina Jolie #Oscars"17. @RichardDreyfuss: "The Descendants is a wonderful film that asks us to believe that someone would ever cheat on George Clooney with Matthew Lillard."18. @Mbyhoff (Mike Byhoff, Yahoo!): "Adam Sandler nominated for 12 razzies talks about the earnestness of film while wearing sweatpants."19. @MichaelIanBlack: "The Oscars have been on so long, a few more people probably died. (Somebody check on Mickey Rooney.)"20. @KateWalsh: "...dear Hollywood actresses, stop f---ing up your faces, it's looking [like] the the bar scene in Star Wars."

Downton Abbey Changes From Miniseries to Drama Series Category in Emmy Race

Doris Roberts Doris Roberts is the first actress to be cast in ABC's Counter Culture pilot.In the comedy, three aging sisters run their family diner together in West Texas and find that sibling dynamics are always getting in the way of getting the job done.The Everybody Loves Raymond star will play Aunt Lee, a meticulously coiffed belle with a doomsday attitude.Pilot Season: Get the scoop!MADtv's Stephnie Weir will write and executive-produce alongside Claudia Lonow (Accidentally on Purpose).Best known for her Emmy-winning role as Marie Barone on Raymond, Roberts' recent credits include Hot in Cleveland, The Middle and Grey's Anatomy.

Sweeney takes host gig to heart

If you see Alison Sweeney fly by during March's L.A. Marathon, take a moment and credit "The Biggest Loser."Not too many reality show hosts can say they were inspired by their own series, but longtime host Sweeney appears to be an exception."I'm at the gym and doing the stairs, and I think back on the challenges where contestants had to go at it for hours," she says. "If they can do it in a challenge, I can do it right now."Or so she hopes. With around 150 episodes under her belt, Sweeney is something of a "Loser" expert -- though she wasn't always so polished: "I was very stiff and formal at first," she admits. "Now I understand my job a little better."Sweeney came aboard "The Biggest Loser" in 2007, replacing previous host Caroline Rhea. One part of that job is to host, but another is to cheer along with the contestants, and Sweeney has perfected the art of not being condescending or offering trite "attaboys.""I try to remain objective and root for everybody equally," she says, "but in my heart I do play favorites."Part of that empathy likely comes from her own public struggles with weight loss; another part likely from her years of experience with all forms of human melodrama: The former child actress has starred on "Days of Our Lives" since 1993.Working both jobs makes her a good schedule juggler, and she's even found room for a third, the upcoming TV Guide Network's "girls' dinner out with our celebrity friends" show "Hollywood Girls Night," premiering March 4.That's a lot on her plate, but Sweeney knows how to savor every bite."Acting is a passion, it's who I am," she says, "but 'Biggest Loser,' is not just another job. I'm a part of these peoples' journey. That's what's really satisfying. We're changing peoples' lives, and I have a front-row seat to that."'The Biggest Loser' 200th EpisodeSeries a good fit for NBC, overweight public | 'Loser' brand breaks new horizons | Trainers accept being in the spotlight | Sweeney takes host gig to heart | Past contestants spread the message Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan on Premiere's Crazy Finish: It Absolutely Was most likely probably the most Bizarre Pit Stop Ever

Sarah Wayne Callies and Andrew Lincoln subsequently subsequently [Warning: This story includes major spoilers from Sunday's episode in the Walking Dead. Read in the own risk. ] Lori has advanced considerably from housewife-switched-zombie apocalypse survivor. Sunday's episode in the Walking Dead shown she'd do nearly everything to keep her family intact, even if what this means is planting the seed in husband Rick's mind that his nearest friend Shane must die. TVGuide.com switched to executive producer and showrunner Glen Mazzara to get the scoop on Lori's "foolish decision." Plus: What is going to the long run hold for Shane, who's extended outlived his comic counterpart? Uncover below: Walking Dead bosses on Lori's vehicle crash, the infamous whisper and Rick's leadership capabilities Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) essentially told Ron (Andrew Lincoln subsequently subsequently) to kill Shane (Jon Bernthal) inside the closing scene. Has she switched evil with techniques? Mazzara: It is dependent. People are extremely considering seeing us obtain the figures. What's interesting is thinking about that scene, that character is becoming developing with techniques that's prone to surprise everybody, and, in my opinion, that scene is rather apparent-cut. Everyone knows that Lori makes foolish options. We'd her try to consider morning-after pills just like a birth control method. That's clearly not plausible, but she doesn't understand that. So, she's a girl who exercise poor judgment. So, when she drives off now, she's trapped, which we realize that she's really remarkably adept nowadays, that they'll single-handedly kill two zombies along with her bare hands. Shane's venturing out to be able to save her, but she doesn't have to become saved. Nevertheless it's Shane's speech to her saying, "You know what happens we'd was real, that you're trying to rewrite history since you are trying to sanitize the truth,In . that strikes a chord along with her because Shane is suitable. That scares her and expects her plus it leads her compared to that whisper in Rick's ear, à la Lady Macbeth. It's very interesting because she's clearly playing one guy in the other, and he or she favors things in males. She'd think the very best guy on her behalf is a mixture of both of these. The way in which this affect Ron, knowning that his wife basically told him to kill his nearest friend? Mazzara: It'll be carried out out over the following episode. The next episode is certainly a chapter that really puts Shane and Ron at odds, and Ron is frustrated with secrets, and quite a few may come spilling out. The Walking Dead Boss: Shane's living on given time -- but hasn't worn-out his welcome yet With news that Jon Bernthal is at talks for Frank Darabont's new TNT pilot, it seems that Shane's impending demise might be the worst saved secret of the season. What else could you tell fans who feel cheated with the news possibly being offered already? Mazzara: Let's say this: You understand the Shane character was destroyed off inside the comic very, very early. We are a show that's prone to surprise people. People can speculate. I have not see the Frank script, but it is imaginable that Bernthal's character can get offed because pilot. I have avoid seeing clearly. So I'd rather not say anything about secrets or spoilers or anything such as this, however think fans will be pleased with our story, and i'm just likely to give consideration to that particular, not other material. Shane didn't take too kindly to Hershel (Scott Wilson), telling him to keep his mouth shut. The way in which Shane fight? Mazzara: It does not go well if you confront Shane mind-on. He's a hothead. We needed Shane back a little a direct consequence in the barn massacre which he's that tender moment with Carol (Melissa McBride) where he's washing her hands. Now he's back. Now he's starting to warm up again. Shane is within his manic angry condition he was before he smashed open the barn. So for Hershel to have interaction him while he's because condition, I am certain, may be problematic. Adopting Carol and Daryl (Norman Reedus), their conversation really spurred him to finally join the crowd again. Could he begin to realize his worth now? Mazzara: In my opinion he's doing. Let's keep in mind that Episodes 8 and 9 happened per day in the Barn-mageddon, because it is known as. Daryl is rocked with this. He seriously considered Carol's royal prince and occupy this mission and be the primary someone to locate that girl. Lucrative questions his self-worth. Was he a fool to ever undertake that mission? This boosts issues of his upbringing. He really will hit Carol and pulls back his fist because that's his learned behavior and her learned behavior is always to go. Her generous spirit want to take into account that because she loves him so deeply. Both are so freaked out that they're because odd emotional space he withdraws, but he realizes simply how much she method to him and the way much the crowd method to him, so he connects. He connects with techniques that surprises her. He suits the crowd in the last three instances of year inside an really very surprising way I'd even say more violent way, but he finds themselves having a completely new role inside the group. Carol has issues with the notion that for him to reintegrate to the group, he, in by doing this, changes who he's, and she's starts to feel a rift. The Walking Dead bosses answer burning questions Carl (Chandler Riggs) remains losing themselves throughout the time from the final two seasons. The options of Lori's baby made an appearance to produce out his adolescent side again. Will that continue? Mazzara: Inside a couple of for the future episodes, Carl does stuff that's remarkably boyish and childish, which stuff plays in a really special strategies by this unique world. If you see particular moments that Carl's in, it's interesting to find out him acting as being a boy. We've forgotten that he's a boy. He's losing his innocence, and you'll be interesting once we cut another strategies by surprising ways. Shall we be seen all the Tony and Dave's group? Mazzara: Well, [the farm group] got that guy. They have that guy Randall (Michael Zegen). And may another group make an effort to get Randall back? Mazzara: This is actually the whole factor. This group is afraid that people males are developing their account. The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.

Robert Downey Junior. Welcomes First Boy with Wife Susan

Robert Downey Junior. and wife Susan Robert Downey Junior. and wife Susan welcomed their first child together on Tuesday, People reviews. Exton Elisa Downey was produced at 7:24 a.m. in La. He considered in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces. This really is really the 2nd child for your Iron Guy star, which has an 18-year-old boy, Indio, with ex-wife Deborah Falconer. Robert Downey Junior.: We're getting a baby boy! In December, Downey revealed the sex in the child round the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He joked her pregnancy had really been harder on him compared to his wife of six years. "Just the your body's the body's hormones as well as the mood stuff as well as the nausea as well as the whole factor," he said