News

In the early 2000s, Sylvester Stallone was arguably at the lowest point of his career. Having written himself into Hollywood with "Rocky" in 1976, the actor had gone on to redefine action movies as one of the most significant action stars of the '80s. When 1988's "Rambo III" and 1990's "Rocky V" failed to connect with audiences and critics, however, it seemed his time in the spotlight might have been waning. It didn't help that his longtime rival Arnold Schwarzenegger tricked him into appearing in the flop "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" in 1992.

In spite of this, the always resilient actor found his way back to relevancy by starring in 1993's "Cliffhanger". That same year, he also starred opposite Wesley Snipes in the box office hit "Demolition Man," which isn't remembered quite as fondly as his rock climbing actioner but was a commercial success that has garnered somewhat of...

Andrew Koenig had a forgotten role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, linking back to his father's work on Star Trek: The Original Series. Koenig's appearance in DS9 was in an episode exploring xenophobia and prejudice, with a raw performance reflecting mistreatment of migrants. Both Andrew and Walter Koenig have been connected to the Star Trek franchise through guest appearances and podcasts, preserving their legacies.

Andrew Koenig, the son of Star Trek: The Original Series actor Walter Koenig, had a forgotten role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The son of actors Walter Koenig and Judy Levitt, Andrew Koenig was best known for playing Richard "Boner" Stabone in the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains. Koenig also guest starred in other popular 80s shows like My Two Dads and 21 Jump Street, and did voice work on the G.I. Joe animated series. Tragically, Andrew Koenig took his own life in 2010, however his...

Scott Foley isn’t afraid to admit his love for late 1980s family sitcom “Growing Pains.” “I watched everything about that show,” he told Variety’s “My Favorite Episode” podcast. “From the ‘Entertainment Tonight’ backstage clips where Kirk Cameron got a Honda Prelude — I mean, I remember what kind of car he got. I was a big fan of it. I had a crush on Tracey Gold. I still now will read the People magazine articles on these actors.”

Foley said “Growing Pains” was more than a sitcom to him — it was the dawn of his realization that he could act, on television, for a living. “It was one of the shows that I think I realized, ‘hey I can do that.’ I was at the age where I was starting to form ideas on what my future would be. I loved that time in television. We don’t really have that now.

Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher, Christopher Nolan, and Zack Snyder have all done what most superhero junkies could only dream of doing: direct a Batman movie. But there was one other filmmaker privileged enough to have suited up the masked manhunter for cinema, achieving almost overnight success in 2003 and a cult classic amongst Batman fans—without the “superpowers” of a million dollar budget or the tyranny of studio executives. The director: Sandy Collora. The film: Batman: Dead End.

“Behind The Mask”, a 90-minute documentary on the life and career of Sandy Collora, was shown recently at Monsterpalooza in Burbank, CA, telling the story of the indie filmmaker’s refusal to “sell out” to major studios and finding satisfaction in directing his own films.

For those unfamiliar with the super-hero/horror movie, Batman: Dead End (available for free online) is an 8-minute fan film made by director and creature creator Sandy Collora...

Walter Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series, is set to receive his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. He is the last cast member of the original crew to receive the honour and he will unveil the star on Hollywood Boulevard on September 10th 2012. It’s being reported that the star will be close to the plaque of friend and co-star George Takei, who played Mr Sulu.

A two-day celebration will coincide with the event. On 8th September there will be a gala event that will also mark the 46th anniversary of Star Trek which first aired in 1966. The following day Koenig will be on the receiving end of a roast at the Beverly Garland Hotel.

Attending the celebration will be fellow Star Trek actors Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, Grace Lee Whitney, Marina Sirtis, Alan Ruck, Armin Shimerman, Tim Russ, Gary Graham, J.G. Hertzler,...

Celebs are speaking out following the comments by former Growing Pains heartthrob Kirk Cameron's about homosexuality and gay marriage.

Cameron -- who is an active advocate for conservative Christian values -- said Friday on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight that his beliefs don't allow him to support gay marriage. "Marriage is almost as old as dirt, and it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve. One man, one woman for life till death do you part. So do I support the idea of gay marriage? No, I don't."

In his interview with Morgan, Cameron also called homosexuality "unnatural" and said he believes it can lead to a destruction of society. "It's detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization."

Video: It's a 'Growing Pains' Reunion on the Et Stage

Among the stars to criticize Cameron's words on Twitter included some former Growing Pains co-stars, such as [link...

The biggest star to come out of ’80s/’90s family sitcom Growing Pains wasn’t Kirk Cameron or Alan Thicke: No, no — true fans will remember that film superstar Leonardo DiCaprio had humble beginnings on the show, appearing as Luke Brower, a homeless teen that the Seaver clan took in during Growing Pains’ final season from 1991 to 1992.

As you might imagine, the Seaver clan — Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Cameron, Tracey Gold, and Jeremy Miller — say they don’t keep in touch with DiCaprio much anymore, considering his slightly busy schedule. But Kerns — who played mom Maggie Malone Seaver on the...

“Awwww.” You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t let out such a satisfied, delighted response when the cheesy ’80s/’90s family sitcom Growing Pains comes up in casual conversation. Just look at the cast shot to the left here. It’s adorable. Makes you go “Aww,” right?

But what about Pains elicits such a response? Well, first off, there’s that infectious theme song with a dueting couple encouraging you to “show me that smile” and suggesting that all will be great “as long as we got each other.” That might be it, but there’s...

Bubba Smith 's final movie role was a spoof of the character he made famous during his run of "Police Academy" flicks ... but TMZ has learned it may never be released to the public. Back in 2009, Smith finished shooting a movie called, "Daze: Vol. Too" -- described as a "post-modern avant-garde dramedy musical non-musical" starring Gary Busey. TMZ spoke with Executive Producer Miller Uwanawich who tells us Smith's character dons a police outfit and participates...

It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the first six months of 2010...

January

Matthew McConaughey became the first new celebrity dad of 2010 when he and Camila Alves welcomed baby Vida into the world, but they weren't the only couple celebrating births. Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell experienced the joys of fatherhood all over again, while supermodel Claudia Schiffer and actress Monica Bellucci were bursting with excitement after announcing their pregnancies.

Love was certainly in the air - actor Josh Duhamel renewed his vows with Fergie, and British model Sophie Dahl became Mrs. Jamie Cullum. Russell Brand confirmed plans to wed Katy Perry, and Michael Buble got down on bended knee to propose to model Luisana Lopilato.

The same couldn't be said for Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend - they called it quits after nine years together. A cancer-stricken Dennis Hopper filed for divorce from his wife, and sporting pair Chris Evert and Greg Norman finalised the dissolution of their 18-month marriage.

There were new troubles for embattled celebrity offspring - Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal's boy Redmond was jailed after another drugs bust, and the future was bleak for Michael Douglas' actor son Cameron, who prepared for a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Meanwhile, illusionist David Copperfield was cleared of rape allegations, and actor Rip Torn was arrested after he was found passed out on the floor of a Connecticut bank, clutching a gun. Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman was arrested on allegations of domestic assault and then hospitalised following a number of seizures.

Bad health also struck Dexter's Michael C. Hall, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, just as Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed he had overcome prostate cancer.

The music industry mourned the death of R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass when he lost his battle with colon cancer, while the literary world was hit hard with the passing of beloved author J.D. Salinger.

Awards season was in full swing and Beyonce, Kings of Leon and Taylor Swift ruled the 2010 Grammy Awards, while director James Cameron's Avatar collected top honours at the Golden Globes and the Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

In the TV world, Simon Cowell confirmed he was stepping down as an American Idol judge, Miley Cyrus announced she was turning her back on Hannah Montana, and Ugly Betty got the axe from network executives.

Elsewhere, George Clooney led the Hope For Haiti Now telethon to raise funds for the Haitian victims of the 12 January earthquake, enlisting pals Jack Nicholson, Ben Affleck and Mel Gibson to man the phones as Madonna, Bono and Beyonce performed for charity. Clooney, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock and Gisele Bundchen all led by example and donated huge sums to the relief efforts, and the telethon raised more than $57 million (£35.6 million).

Jessica Biel and Emile Hirsch fronted another big charity drive when they joined a team of stars to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, drawing attention to Africa's chronic water shortage. They reached the Tanzanian peak for the Summit on the Summit: Kilimanjaro campaign on 12 January, six days after embarking on the challenge.

February

February was marked by tragedy when celebrated fashion designer Alexander Mcqueen was found dead after hanging himself at his London home. Meanwhile, investigations into Michael Jackson’s death in June, 2009 loomed as coroner’s officials determined acute intoxication of powerful anaesthetic Propofol was the cause. The ruling prompted prosecutors to file involuntary manslaughter charges against his former doctor Conrad Murray. Officials also ruled Brittany Murphy’s death in December, 2009 was accidental and caused by pneumonia, aided by anaemia and drug intoxication. Andrew Koenig’s family continued to mourn after his body was found in Vancouver following an apparent suicide. Marie Osmond also grieved the apparent suicide death of her 18-year-old son.

Nancy Kerrigan’s family was rocked by controversy after her brother, Mark, became the target of an investigation of their father’s homicide. Meanwhile, Etta James’ son revealed the singer had been secretly battling Alzheimer's disease for more than a year.

But there were still celebrations in Hollywood. James Cameron’s sci-fi film Avatar became the highest grossing movie in the U.S. and the U.K. His ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow, had something to boast about too when her war drama, The Hurt Locker, scored nine Oscar nods, the same amount as Cameron’s cinematic sensation. She also won top awards at the BAFTAs.

The world watched as Canada's brightest stars including Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado, K.D. lang and Joni Mitchell teamed up to help launch the Winter Olympics in the country. And in London, Lady Gaga walked away with the Brit Awards’ top honours. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr unveiled his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and The Beatles' favourite recording studio Abbey Road was awarded historic status by the British government. Celine Dion, Kanye West, and Jennifer Hudson were among singers who recorded vocals for Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie's revamped We Are The World track to raise money for earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The country's biggest celebrity activist Sean Penn was caught in controversy and charged with criminal battery and vandalism following a violent run-in with a paparazzo, while Lil Wayne celebrated winning a postponement on his prison sentence for weapons possession.

It was a romantic month for several stars who announced plans to wed, including Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, Hilary Duff and ice hockey ace Mike Comrie, and Dave Annabelle and Odette Yustman. Kristen Bell revealed boyfriend Dax Shepard had proposed back in December, 2009. Meanwhile, Sienna Miller, who called off her engagement to Jude Law in 2006, rekindled her romance with the actor. Several stars welcomed bundles of joy, including Padma Lakshmi, Boris Becker, Sarah Jane Morris and Gary Busey. February wasn’t such a loved-up month for Ryan Phillippe and Abbie Cornish, or Cheryl Cole and her soccer star husband Ashley - both couples split. John Mayer risked the wrath of ex Jessica Simpson after referring to her as “sexual napalm”.

Public scandal took over headlines when Tiger Woods finally addressed reports he cheated on ex-wife Elin Nordegren with several mistresses and announced plans to return to rehab for sex therapy. Exes waged war in court, including Dennis Hopper, who won a restraining order against his estranged wife. Charlie Sheen was charged with felony menacing, third degree assault and misdemeanour criminal mischief stemming from an alleged altercation with his now-estranged wife, Brooke Mueller. Both parties checked in to rehab.

March

It was a shocking way to start the spring as March saw two of Hollywood's biggest star couples announce break-ups - Kate Winslet parted ways with her second husband Sam Mendes after seven years and Sandra Bullock's Oscar win was overshadowed after she found out partner Jesse James had cheated on her.

March wasn't any better for Take That's Mark Owen, who was also accused of cheating on his longtime girlfriend Emma Ferguson with 10 women - and he later revealed he's a struggling alcoholic and checked himself into rehab.

More scandals came as the month progressed, with fiery supermodel Naomi Campbell accused of attacking her driver by striking him on the head, and Michael Jackson's mum Katherine visited by welfare officials in Los Angeles over allegations one of her grandkids had purchased a stun gun.

Rapper J-Kwon was reported as a missing person after he failed to get in contact with his loved ones for more than a month, and reclusive R&B star D'Angelo was arrested in New York for offering an undercover cop cash for oral sex.

Other stars facing a tough time included Lil Wayne, who began an eight-month stretch behind bars stemming from a 2007 weapon possession arrest, and Lindsay Lohan, who had a fashion flop on her hands after being axed as the artistic advisor of style house Emanuel Ungaro following a slated catwalk collection.

But it wasn't all doom and gloom - Kathryn Bigelow made Oscars history when she became the first female to land the top director Academy Award for her war movie The Hurt Locker, beating ex-husband James Cameron in the process. Music mogul Simon Cowell confirmed his engagement to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy while others to put a ring on it included Friends star David Schwimmer, who proposed to his photographer girlfriend Zoe Buckman, and Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher, who enjoyed a small private wedding ceremony in Paris, France.

There was also a string of spring babies - Shakespeare In Love star Joseph Fiennes became a first-time father after welcoming a daughter, while Kevin Costner announced he was set to become a dad for a seventh time. Hollywood stars Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart also became parents for the first time after the actress gave birth to a baby girl.

While March saw ups and downs for some of Tinseltown's finest, others were looking on the bright side - Ricky Martin confirmed the worst kept secret in pop by announcing he's homosexual, while Will & Grace star Sean Hayes also decided to come out of the closet and spoke for the first time about his sexuality.

Every fan of 1980s movies was left devastated after hearing Corey Haim had died from a drug overdose - the Lost Boys star was aged 38. The month also saw the passings of Little Women star Richard Stapley, veteran British actor Martin Benson and beloved U.S. TV star Fess Parker.

April

The eruption of a volcano in Iceland at the end of March meant the following month was dogged by stories of stranded stars as a giant ash cloud swept over northern Europe and closed airports across the continent.

California's Coachella festival was under threat as a number of acts cancelled their slots when they were unable to fly out to the U.S.

Several movie premieres were also affected in the chaos - the Iron Man 2 red carpet event in London was moved to Los Angeles when stars including Robert Downey, Jr. were unable to jet to Britain. Miley Cyrus also scrapped plans to unveil her film The Last Song in the British capital due to the cancelled flights.

TV stars Chace Crawford and Kiefer Sutherland were both stranded in London after the ash cloud hit, and the 24 actor made the most of his extended stay by taking trips to some of Britain's best-known landmarks, including a day out to visit Stonehenge.

But many celebrities refused to let a little bit of volcano ash get in the way of their work - Metallica continued their tour by swapping planes for roads and railways, while Status Quo drove back to Britain after finding themselves stuck in Russia. John Cleese was stranded in Norway, so he paid $4,950 (£3,300) for a taxi to take him to Belgium, where he caught a train back to London.

In non-volcano-related news, Sandra Bullock sent shockwaves through the showbiz world when she came out fighting after her husband Jesse James' cheating scandal in March. The Oscar winner announced she had filed for divorce and stunned the world by revealing she had also adopted a baby son, Louis. Bullock admitted the couple had taken charge of their new son back in January, but kept the news quiet and after splitting from James she resolved to raise the baby on her own.

Another high profile celebrity split hit headlines when Mel Gibson ended his year-long romance with Russian musician Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his baby daughter, Lucia. The couple didn't give a reason for the break-up, but Grigorieva subsequently hinted "you will find out everything quite soon". Jim Carrey and Jenny Mccarthy also ended their five-year romance.

The music world was rocked when Brett Michaels suffered two serious health scares in April. The Poison rocker was admitted to hospital for an emergency appendectomy at the beginning of the month and just weeks later he collapsed after suffering a brain haemorrhage. The rocker was in a critical condition, but slowly began his recovery. Another shock for music fans came with the death of former Sex Pistols manager and punk icon Malcolm Mclaren, who lost his battle with cancer.

April was a sad month for Dynasty fans after two of the show's former stars died within days of each other. John Forsythe passed away from complications relating to pneumonia and his death was followed by the passing of his onscreen brother Christopher Cazenove, who lost a battle with blood poisoning just six days later.

The scandal of the month came when Desperate Housewives actress Nicollette Sheridan filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the show's creator, Marc Cherry. The actress claimed he slapped her during an argument over the script and then fired her when she complained to producers.

Sheridan's co-stars, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria Parker, Felicity Huffman and Marcia CrosS, all took Cherry's side.

May

There were wedding bells this month for Scissor Sisters singer Ana Matronic and her boyfriend Seth Kirby, and actors Seth Green and Clare Grant. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon sealed their love by renewing their wedding vows for the third time.

May was not such a happy month for Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, who split from his wife Yvonne, and he wasn't the only one facing heartache - former Bond girl Halle Berry split from Gabriel Aubry after more than four years together, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer star David Boreanaz's marriage was plunged into crisis when he admitted cheating on his wife.

Several stars heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet this month - Monica Bellucci gave birth to her second daughter, Leonie, supermodel Claudia Schiffer delivered her third child, daughter Cosima, and Amy Adams became a first-time mum after giving birth to daughter Aviana.

John Travolta and his wife Kelly Preston had something to smile about after the death of son Jett in 2009, when they confirmed the actress was expecting another child, and it was double joy for singer Alicia Keys - she became engaged to producer Swizz Beatz and announced her pregnancy.

Meanwhile, Hollywood paid tribute to legendary actor Dennis Hopper when he died at the age of 74 after a battle against prostate cancer, and Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman passed away at the age of 42 after suffering a brain haemorrhage in a fall at his home.

There was further tragedy for the Redgrave dynasty when Lynn Redgrave died aged 67 after a long battle with breast cancer, and Brittany Murphy's grieving widower Simon Monjack was found dead at his home.

The rock world was plunged into mourning when Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with stomach cancer at the age of 67, swiftly followed by the sudden death of Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, 38, who was found dead in a hotel room in Iowa after an accidental drug overdose.

Former The Temptations star Ali-Ollie Woodson died from leukaemia, aged 58, and veteran actress/singer Lena Horne succumbed to heart failure at 92.

On the scandal front, Charlie Sheen's troubles mounted when he surrendered legal custody of his two children with ex-wife Denise Richards, and Miley Cyrus showed she's growing up fast when she was caught on camera dirty dancing with a 44-year-old movie producer in a nightclub. Lindsay Lohan was ordered by a court to wear an alcohol-monitoring ankle tag in a bid to help beat her drink and drug demons, and troubled actor Michael Madsen was hospitalised following a nine-day booze binge in Britain.

Bono was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery on his back, leading to the cancellation of U2's hotly-anticipated Glastonbury headline slot the following month.

June

June was a bumper wedding month with Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green marrying on a beach in Hawaii, while Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart wed after seven years together. Gemma Arterton married Stefano Catelli, and Alanis Morissette married Mc Souleye. British newsman Piers Morgan wed Celia Walden and Mena Suvari married music producer Simone Sestitos. Glee star Jane Lynch married Lara Embry in a civil partnership ceremony – and love was also in the air for Orlando Bloom, who announced his engagement to longterm girlfriend Miranda Kerr.

Ugly Betty star America Ferrera became engaged to Ryan Piers Williams, while Kate Hudson hit headlines when she started dating Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

It was a baby boom month - Kevin Costner became a dad for the seventh time, Sheryl Crow adopted her second son, director Sofia Coppola welcomed another daughter, and R&B star Ne-Yo announced he is to be a father for the first time.

June was not such a good month love wise for actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who filed for divorce from his wife of 13 years. Meanwhile British singer Leona Lewis split from her childhood sweetheart and Twilight's Nikki Reed broke up with Paris Latsis. Brandy's romance with rapper Flo Rida came to an end, Welsh singer Charlotte Church split from fiance Gavin Henson, and former U.S. vice president Al Gore split from his wife of 40 years.

Rock stars were in mourning when former Stereophonics star Stuart Cable passed away, former The Kinks bassist Pete Quaife also died, and country music legend Jimmy Dean passed away at the age of 81. Hollywood was saddened when Golden Girls star Rue McClanahan died aged 76 after suffering a major stroke and actor/director Corey Allen passed away. Zorro star Eugenia Paul also died at the age of 75.

June also caused havoc for the music industry with numerous gigs being axed - Drake, Jay-z, Ke$ha and Grace Jones all had to cancel shows, while illness caused cancellations for John Mayer, Cher and Wolfmother, and Sum 41 brought the curtain down on their European tour after Steve Jocz was involved in a car crash.

Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford was in the news following his arrest for pot possession, while Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil and The Sopranos star Joseph Gannascoli were arrested separately on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). Meanwhile it was also another DUI arrest for actor Chris Klein - he then checked himself into a rehabilitation facility to deal with alcohol addiction later in the month.

Incarcerated rapper Lil Wayne's troubles worsened - he was sentenced to three years probation after striking a plea deal with U.S. prosecutors in relation to a 2008 drugs charge.

Other notable events in June included the launch of the soccer World Cup tournament, which saw stars including the Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Alicia Keys and John Legend perform at the opening ceremony in South Africa. There was also a flurry of tributes on the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death, and Larry King announced plans to retire from his 25-year run as the host of CNN talk show Larry King Live.

A number of awards were also handed out - The Twilight Saga: New Moon was the big winner at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles, picking up four honours, while Sandra Bullock and Scarlett Johansson caused a stir by locking lips onstage at the ceremony. Chris Brown stole the show at the 2010 Bet Awards when he performed a dance tribute to Michael Jackson, while Alicia Keys and Drake were crowned the big winners.

Directed By: Joel Schumacher

Written By: Janice Fischer, James Jeremias, Jeffrey Boam

Cast: Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, Jamie Gertz, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Jamison Newlander, Dianne Wiest, Barnard Hughes, Edward Herrmann

There are a lot of people who love the 80's.

Some of us actually grew up in the era of pastel blazers and sockless shoes while others are fascinated with the upbeat music and glossy film and television. Then there are those who think it's only kitsch and therefore really "cool" and "ironic" to be into something they considered silly and throwaway. I can't stand those people. And you know who you are. You are the ones who think people dressed really poorly back then, but you wear skinny jeans tucked into ankle boots (and you're a dude!). You are the ones who text during films at revival houses and laugh at stuff that isn't even funny just in...

The 62nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards falls on the perfect day in Hollywood with sunny skies and moderate summer temperatures for optimal red carpet sauntering.

Jimmy Fallon -- sans Roots, alas -- will bring his wacky and musical brand of comedy and perhaps get help from guest presenters as host for TV's biggest night.

The awards could last three-plus hours, so if you need to switch over to "Mad Men" or "True Blood," we'll still be here to recap every buzzworthy or mundane highlight for you. (All times listed are Eastern.)

Let's begin:

8:00 p.m. - This is Hanh Nguyen, on first shift for the Emmys live blog (typos and all). Jimmy Fallon does a "Glee"-centric fund raising skit for the Gleeks so they can atttend the Emmys. How are we feeling about Lea Michele and her bangs. They kiss up to Tina Fey and very clearly diss...

While the main purpose of Secret Identity is to discuss the possibilities of future comic book movie casting, it's also worth dwelling on the perfect casting of the past. One particular character has changed through many different but equally capable hands over the years — and while everyone has his or her favorite interpretation, there is no question that The Joker has always been a fan favorite.

As today is April Fools' Day — the one day of the year where endlessly pranking people is the societal norm — it feels appropriate to look back on the various actors that have caused mischief as the Clown Prince of Crime.

Cesar Romero: Adam West's portrayal of Batman is certainly iconic, but it would have lacked some serious biff-bang-pow without the inclusion of an excellent rogues gallery — and thankfully, Cesar Romero was there to do the job as The Joker in the 1960s...

Andrew Koenig was best known for his recurring role as Richard ‘Boner’ Stabone, Kirk Cameron’s best friend, on the ABC sitcom Growing Pains from 1985 to 1989. He was also the son of Walter Koenig, the actor who played Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series.

The younger Koenig was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 17, 1968. He began appearing on television as a child in the early 1970s, and guest-starred in episodes of several sitcoms in the 1980s. He provided the voices for the characters Ambush and Night Creeper Leading for the animated G.I. Joe series in the early 1990s. He was also featured as Tumak in the Sanctuary episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in 1993.

He worked mainly in independent films from the early 2000’s, and starred as the Joker in the fan-film Batman: Dead End, which debuted at the San Diego Comic-Con International in 2003. Koenig also...

There's been a lot of excitement from fans over the new Predators film - especially after a first look at footage and concept artwork - and a similar sense of anticipation over a third Batman movie now that it's been confirmed by Christopher Nolan.

But what if the two worlds collided?

As fanboys will know, it's already happened in the comics. A crossover series called Batman versus Predator, written by Dave Gibbons (the artist on Watchmen) was published in 1991 and saw the caped crusader investigating grisly murders in Gotham.

A sequel, Batman versus Predator II: Bloodmatch, followed in 1995 and a third series, Batman versus Predator III: Blood Ties, in 1997.

The two characters have also encountered each other on celluloid. In 2003, Sandy Collora released a short film called Batman: Dead End.

The eight-minute story sees Batman (Clark Bartram) pursuing the Joker (played by the late actor Andrew Koenig, who passed away...

When a Corey Haim dies, when an Andrew Koenig dies, when a Mackenize Phillips is arrested, the question is asked: Why are child stars cursed? Our own Answer B!tch is correct, of course: They're not. The tragedies make headlines, but, on the whole, child stars go onto lives as happy and productive as anyone else. But the assumptions keep coming, because, in a way, child stars are cursed. They don't turn into werewolves with the full moon, and they're not destined to suffer. They're doomed to hear that they're cursed every time one of them falls. Danny Bonaduce, a former child star via Central Casting, with all the expected résumé lowlights, offers a telling anecdote....

'I tried my best not to enable, but I should have tried to do more to help,' says 'DaZe' producer Miller Uwanawich.

By Larry Carroll

Corey Haim

Photo: Jason Kempin/ FilmMagic

Since the news broke of Corey Haim's death, many fans and curious onlookers have been interested inthe status of the nearly dozen films he had in some stage of development around Hollywood. But in some ways, the most interesting of them may be a movie he was dismissed from — and the reasons why.

"We cast Corey for the movie 'DaZe,' " producer Miller Uwanawich remembered of the time he was planning to work with Haim in early 2008. "He was all great and wonderful ... [then] he started having all of these wild requests — pills, to keep it bluntly," the producer said.

In case you're wondering, yes — "DaZe" is indeed the same film that fellow recently deceased...

In an ironic twist of fate, Corey Haim was fired from a movie in late 2008 because of an alleged drug issue -- a movie that also starred recently deceased actor Andrew Koenig.Haim was cast as one of the leads in a movie called "DaZe." Executive producer Miller Uwanawich tells TMZ, "Corey's drug problem became too much of a problem" and he was fired as a result.According to Miller, Corey would show up for...

The death of Corey Haim has me and my friends wondering: Is this just what happens to child stars? Does the life of a child actor eliminate any chance of a normal, happy future? —Gary, Brooklyn, via the Answer B!tch inbox Between the terrible news about the death of Corey Haim at 38; the suicide of one-time Growing Pains actor Andrew Koenig; and the ongoing, off-and-on dramas involving folks like Lindsay Lohan and Gary Coleman, it's easy to draw negative conclusions about early exposure to show business. But you'd be wrong. In fact you may not even be aware that some of your favorite actors have been at it since they were wee: The list of apparently well-adjusted former...

March 10, 2010 is a sad day in Hollywood.

No doubt.

Lately it seems we've been losing far too many stars that we first came to know as kids. 

The passing of 32-year-old Brittany Murphy around the holidays and of "Growing Pains" actor Andrew Koenig, just 38, a couple weeks back was sad for many reasons. But it's really no mystery why the untimely death of celebrities such as these can cut many of us who never even met them in person.

The work they did makes us feel as though we grew up with them. 

Corey Haim is no exception.

In 1986's "Lucas," we fell in love with a nerdy and awkward yet hopeful young character. He was someone we wanted to protect, whom we could root for, hurt alongside and celebrate small victories with.

In 1987's "Lost Boys," he was the innocent and adorable kid brother to Jason Patric's already corrupted almost-vampire.

Tragic "Growing Pains" star Andrew Koenig's life was celebrated by family and friends at an emotional memorial service on Saturday, March 6. Former "Star Trek" actor Walter Koenig and his wife Judy invited approximately 100 loved ones to the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon, California, where they held a private ceremony for their son.

The 41-year-old actor was found dead in a Canadian park in an apparent suicide last month, February 10, after going missing. Walter's rep David Moss tells E! News, "It was a celebration of life. All of the family was there and a lot of his actor friends and filmmakers flew down and joined in. It was not all happiness, I must say. There was a lot of sadness, but there were some very nice high points."

Walter and Judy opted not to speak, but their daughter Danielle and her husband, comedian Jimmy Pardo, showed a...

Former Growing Pains star Andrew Koenig has reportedly been mourned in a private ceremony in California. The 41-year-old actor, who played Richard 'Stabone' Boner in the 1980s sitcom, was discovered dead in a Vancouver park last month. Speaking to E! Online, a representative for his father Walter said: "It was a celebration of life. "All of the family was there and a lot of his actor friends and filmmakers flew down and joined in. It was not all happiness, I must say. There was a lot of sadness, but there were some very (more)...

Tragic Growing Pains star Andrew Koenig's life was celebrated by family and friends at an emotional memorial service on Saturday.

Former Star Trek actor Walter Koenig and his wife Judy invited approximately 100 loved ones to the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon, California, where they held a private ceremony for their son.

The 41-year-old actor was found dead in a Canadian park in an apparent suicide last month after going missing.

Walter's rep David Moss tells E! News, "It was a celebration of life. All of the family was there and a lot of his actor friends and filmmakers flew down and joined in. It was not all happiness, I must say. There was a lot of sadness, but there were some very nice high points."

Walter and Judy opted not to speak, but their daughter Danielle and her husband, comedian Jimmy Pardo, showed a 10-minute film they'd made about Andrew's life.

Moss adds, "It was tough for them (Walter and Judy) but there was some closure, and I think that was important."

The Koenig family has not yet confirmed where the former child star's remains will be interred.

Andrew Koenig, who struggled with personal turmoil in life, can finally rest in peace. Family and friends attended a private memorial service for the former Growing Pains actor at the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon, Calif., on Saturday, E! News confirms. The 41-year-old actor was found dead last month after an apparent suicide by hanging. The son of Star Trek star Walter Koenig had been missing for a week before friends discovered his body in a remote wooded area of a Vancouver park. "It was a celebration of life," David Moss, a rep for Walter, tells E! News. "All of the family was there and a lot of his actor friends and filmmakers flew down and joined in. It was not all happiness, I...

To the world, Andrew Koenig was an actor best known for playing Richard "Boner" Stabone in the 80s sitcom Growing Pains. But to his younger sister, Danielle, he was so much more. "Anything he did was thoughtful, really, in his creative life and in his activism life and in the way he dealt with people," she says of her 41-year-old older brother, who, after going missing last month, was found dead in Vancouver's Stanley Park on Feb. 25 - a victim of suicide. "He wrestled with depression and so there were obviously different sides to his personality, but he was also...

Andrew Koenig's family is preparing to say their final goodbyes to the late Growing Pains actor. But they want to keep their grieving private. "There will not be a public memorial," a family member tells E! News. Yesterday, sources confirmed that the family—many of whom had traveled to Vancouver to search for the actor after he went missing last month—were planning a private service to be held "fairly soon" in their home state of California. Invitees have been asked to keep mum on the details to maintain the family's privacy and not trigger a media scrum. Koenig, 41, was found dead Thursday after apparently hanging himself in a remote wooded area of...

As you no doubt already know, actor Andrew Koenig took his own life recently in Vancover, Canada. His parents said that he'd been suffering from depression for some time.

Koenig was the son of Walter Koenig, Chekov on the original Star Trek, and appeared in many TV and film projects over the years. In addition to appearing on shows like...

The family of late Growing Pains star Andrew Koenig are reportedly planning a private memorial service in California. The actor, who played Richard 'Boner' Stabone in the 1980s sitcom, was found dead in a Vancouver park last week after he was reported missing on February 16. According to E! News, a source close to his relatives has revealed that a service will take place "fairly soon", but that guests have been asked to keep (more)...

The mourning parents of Andrew Koenig are planning a private memorial for the actor, according to U.S. reports. Koenig was found dead in a park in Vancouver, Canada last week, on February 25 after going missing earlier in the month.

His parents - former "Star Trek" actor Walter Koenig and his wife Judy - thanked the public for supporting them during the tragic search for the 41-year-old. And they're planning an intimate ceremony for family and close friends to pay their respects to the late actor in their home state of California "fairly soon", according to Eonline.com.

Before he was found dead, Andrew Koenig was last seen on February 14 and disappeared during a trip to Vancouver. He was later reported missing by a friend after failing to show up for his flight home to Los Angeles on February 16.

The mourning parents of Andrew Koenig are planning a private memorial for the actor, according to U.S. reports.

Koenig was found dead in a park in Vancouver, Canada last week after going missing earlier in the month.

His parents - former Star Trek actor Walter Koenig and his wife Judy - thanked the public for supporting them during the tragic search for the 41 year old.

And they're planning an intimate ceremony for family and close friends to pay their respects to the late actor in their home state of California "fairly soon", according to EOnline.com.

Andrew Koenig's family wants to keep his memory close to home. While many of the late actor's loved ones banded together in Vancouver over the weekend, a private memorial service for Koenig will be held "fairly soon" in his family's home state of California, a source tells E! News. Invitees have been asked to keep mum on the details to maintain the family's privacy and not trigger a media scrum. Koenig, 41, was found dead Thursday after apparently hanging himself in a remote wooded area of Vancouver's Stanley Park. The former Growing Pains star had suffered from depression, according to his family. His parents, Star Trek actor Walter Koenig and his wife, Judith,...

Two weeks ago I wrote of Alexander McQueens' suicide, and yesterday I wrote about Andrew Koenig's. At the same time, several suicides have taken place in Manhattan's subway. Just now I have learned that in Los Angeles, Marie Osmond's 18-year-old son Michael Blosil has died. It is reported that Michael jumped to his death Friday night from a downtown Los Angeles apartment building. "My family and I are devastated and in deep shock by the tragic loss of our dear Michael and ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time," Marie Osmond said in a statement through her publicist. It appears that Michael suffered from depression. Dear Michael's mother, I understand your anguish only too well. I have no words of comfort, as I myself am gravely wounded by my own son's death by suicide. My beloved 20-year-old son, Andrew...

Today we heard the devastating news of the suicide death of Michael Blosil, the 18-year-old son of Marie Osmond and Brian Blosil.

Dr. Michelle Golland: It was only a few days ago that 42-year-old Andrew Koenig son of actor Walter Koenig (of "Star Trek" fame), was also found dead as the result of suicide. The fact that these two suicides were the children of celebrities is, in my opinion, not coincidental. The two things are clearly related.

Both of these men had apparently been struggling with depression for some time. The children of celebrities face a unique emotional challenge that can often lead to depression -- as well as to drug and alcohol abuse. These kids typically become anxious and depressed as the result of living in the shadow of their celebrity parent's spotlight. They feel as though they will never measure up to their parent's success.

Although the need...

Alan Thicke has reportedly paid tribute to his late Growing Pains co-star Andrew Koenig. The actor, who played Richard 'Boner' Stabone in the 1980s sitcom, was discovered dead in a Vancouver park last week after he was reported missing by his family. Speaking to Et Online, Thicke (Dr Jason Seaver) said: "Andrew's light shone brightly on the Growing Pains set. "His (more)...

Actor Alan Thicke offers up his condolences to the family of his "Growing Pains" costar Andrew Koenig, following his tragic death. Thicke said of his costar, "Andrew's light shone brightly on the 'Growing Pains' set. His skill and humor and friendship were important elements in our extended family. May his own family now find comfort in their memories of the good times with this very special young man." Koenig's body was found Thursday in a Vancouver park. His parents said in a press conference later that day that their son had committed suicide. The Vancouver Police Department tells Et that there's no foul play suspected in Koenig's death and that the investigation has been turned over to the British Columbia Coroner's Service.

[Read full story on The Insider]...

SplashNews.com

A number of factors contribute to today’s problems faced by suicidal children of celebrities.

The recent and tragic suicides of Marie Osmond’s son Michael Blosil and former Growing Pains actor Andrew Koenig have us here at HollywoodLife.com wondering why children of celebrities appear to be especially prone to depression, and eventual suicide. We reached out to Los Angeles-based psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman, who confirms celebrity children are more likely to endure these experiences for several reasons. “Celebrity parents are usually self-absorbed, focusing more on themselves and their career than their children,” Dr. Lieberman tells us. “This lack of attention and nurturance can cause depression.”

“The teen years are when a person is figuring out his identity,” she adds. “When his parent is a famous star, it is harder for a teen to find an identity for himself that seems as important as that of his parents.

Andrew Koenig found hanged! We reported a few days back that Andrew Koenig, famous for his role on television's past hit series Growing Pains, was reported missing by friends and family. It wasn't long before the world wide web was flooded with reports that Koenig's body was discovered dead in a park.

Reports now say Koenig was found hanged from a tree when his body was discovered in Stanley Park on Thursday.

Sources close to Koenig say the actor "didn't want to be found" and the 11-person search party composed of Andrew's family and friends "dreaded" what they were bound to find in the park. Andrew's mother and father have asked people to donate to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or U.S. Campaign for Burma in Andrew's honor because Koenig was a man who "cared deeply about others...working on a grass roots level to help those in need.

With the tragic passings of their respective sons Andrew Koenig and Michael Blosil, Walter Koenig and Marie Osmond are the latest celebrities to have a child commit suicide. (Actor Gregory Peck's son Jonathan took his own life in 1975.)  Is it possible that children of celebrities are more prone to suicide? Or are the deaths of Andrew Koenig and Michael Blosil this past week tragic coincidences? While there doesn't appear to be research on celebrity children specifically, there have been conflicing studies as to whether suicide is "contagious" or whether the media's coverage of a high-profile suicide can lead to copycat behavior.

Today we heard the devastating news of the suicide death of Michael Blosil, the 18-year-old son of Marie Osmond and Brian Blosil.

Dr. Michelle Golland: It was only a few days ago that 42-year-old Andrew Koenig son of actor Walter Koenig (of "Star Trek" fame), was also found dead as the result of suicide. The fact that these two suicides were the children of celebrities is, in my opinion, not coincidental. The two things are clearly related.

Both of these men had apparently been struggling with depression for some time. The children of celebrities face a unique emotional challenge that can often lead to depression -- as well as to drug and alcohol abuse. These kids typically become anxious and depressed as the result of living in the shadow of their celebrity parent's spotlight. They feel as though they will never measure up to their parent's success.

Although the need...

In the saddening news of Andrew Koenig’s death, it is now being reported that the actor committed suicide by hanging himself in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.

An insider told E! that Koenig's body was found hanging from a tree in the secluded area. "Andrew didn't want to be found," the source notes.

Walter, the father of the “Growing Pains” star, told Us magazine earlier this week, "No parent should have to deal with anytime like this."

Andrew’s parents asked fans to honor their son's memory by donating to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or the U.S. Campaign for Burma.

Plans for a funeral or memorial service have not yet been announced.

Andrew Koenig was "happy" while shooting for his last role in DaZe, according to the film's producer. The former Growing Pains actor was found dead in a Vancouver park on Thursday, after taking his own life. The star reportedly suffered from depression, but police were confident at the time that he was "lying low". The movie, which features Koenig, is currently in post-production according to MTV DaZe producer Miller Uwanawich said: "From what I understand, it was his last project. My partner and I cast him; we're younger, we're in our thirties, and it was a project of art and love vs. money and greed, so it was a fun project. "We cast Andrew because we were fans of Growing Pains, we were fans of his character. Our make-up (more)...

Marvel Studios' choice of an actor to play Captain America is expected to be announced any day now (and we're a little surprised the news didn't hit last night, to be honest), and a potential (but in no way official) list of the five leading candidates found its way to the 'Net this week. All of this anticipation surrounding the star-spangled hero was reflected in the headlines, with much of the week's top stories involving Cap or the rumored contenders for the role.

However, ol' Steve Rogers wasn't the only draw this week, with buzz surrounding a potential sequel to M. Night Shyamalan's "Unreakable" getting people talking (and clicking), and the record-breaking sale of "Action Comics" #1 (featuring Superman's first appearance) leaving its mark on the comics landscape. Our chat with the "Penny Arcade" creators carved out a nice little niche for itself among the week's biggest headlines, too — so three cheers for webcomics!

Andrew Koenig, best known for playing Richard ‘Boner’ Stabone on the hit 1980’s show ‘Growing Pains,’ hanged himself in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on Thursday, February 26, E! is reporting. While the 41-year-old actor’s father, Walter Koenig, confirmed in a press conference that his son’s body was found after a week-long search, he declined to commit how his son died. After the tearful press conference, Andrew’s friends and colleagues posted support for his family on Twitter. Alyssa Milano, who starred on the ’80s hit ‘Who’s the Boss?,’ Tweeted that “If you know someone suffering from depression, please do everything in your power to get them help. R.I.P. Andrew.” William [...]...

Amid all the pomp, circumstance and U.S. hockey victories taking place this week, a sad story was unfolding in Vancouver. The search for missing Growing Pains actor Andrew Koenig ended tragically when friends found his body in a remote area of 1,000-acre Stanley Park, leaving many in mourning and prompting his parents to try to help others avoid their son's fate... Unhappy Ending: Following their son's apparent suicide, Walter and Judith Koenig are encouraging anyone suffering from depression to seek help, reminding them that people do care and they are not alone. The family also thanked the masses for the unprecedented outpouring of support they received while Andrew was missing. Stars from Kirk Cameron to...

The producer of Andrew Koenig's last film is "shocked and surprised" by the actor's apparent suicide - because the star seemed so happy on set.

Miller Uwanawich cast Koenig in upcoming drama DaZe: Vol. Too (sic) - NonSenSE, which will mark his last onscreen role, and worked closely with him on the independent project in 2008.

Koenig went missing earlier this month and was found dead on Thursday in a Canadian park after reportedly taking his life.

And Uwanawich insists he's still coming to terms with the tragedy - because he saw no signs of depression in the former Growing Pains star.

He tells MTV.com, "If I have to explain (my feelings) in one word, sad. I don't know what else to say; I'm shocked, sad, surprised...

"I can't tell you how shocked I am. He was just a nice individual, we had some nice conversations, it came as a complete shock to me. We had a great time on set, laughing and joking... He seemed like a very nice, happy, fulfilled person.

"From what I understand, it was his last project. My partner and I cast him; we're younger, we're in our thirties, and it was a project of art and love vs. money and greed, so it was a fun project. We cast Andrew because we were fans of Growing Pains, we were fans of his character."

But Uwanawich is convinced fans will love his final performance, insisting Koenig steals the show in a largely improvised scene with co-star Gary Busey.

He adds, "His character is a silly character. Gary is pitching these crazy products, he's a struggling businessman. Andrew happened to be one of the investors that he's trying to pitch this project to, this gravity power device of some sort. It's one of the best scenes of the movie. Gary had no chance (to keep up); Andrew took the scene over.

"When people see his performance, they're gonna smile and laugh. It's like Andrew was in the '80s; he brings this lovable character out. It was awesome."

DaZe: Vol. Too (sic) - NonSenSE is due to hit movie theatres later this year.

Walter Koenig said that his son Andrew "took his own life." A source close to the investigation into the death of Andrew Koenig tells E! News that the 41-year-old actor's body was found Thursday in Vancouver's Stanley Park hanging from a tree. According to the insider, Koenig's body was discovered by one of 11 friends and family members who had organized their own search party. Three authorized search-and-rescue teams had searched the area on Tuesday, but it was a friend who ultimately found what Koenig's loved ones had dreaded they were going to find. Koenig was discovered in a densely wooded area of native pines and brush, so deep into the forest off Stanely Park's...

After numerous pleas, actor and comedian, Andrew Koenig . the son of "Star Trek's" Walter Koenig . remains unaccounted for. The younger Koenig, who may be more familiar as Boner from "Growing Pains," has been missing since Valentine's Day, after he stopped taking anti-depression medication. He was last seen visiting friends in Vancouver, British Columbia, but failed to board his flight back to the U.S., spurring on a police-led search. "I just want to know you're Ok," Walter Koenig said during a televised news conference. "If it means you just want to stay here, that's Ok. You don't have to come back. Just let us know that's your intention." Police have already searched his favorite locations from when the actor lived in the Canadian city during the early '90s, but have failed to ...

The worst fears of the Koenig family were realized Thursday when the body of a 41-year-old man police say is Andrew Koenig was found in a Vancouver park where he was last seen just after Valentine's Day. Walter Koenig, whom fans know as Pavel Chekov in "Star Trek," confirmed the news Thursday night at a press conference. "My son took his own life," Koenig told reporters at the conference, according to TrekMovie. A body was reportedly found in Stanley Park, where the Koenigs had reported on Walter's official Web site all week that Andrew was last seen. The younger Koenig was suffering from clinical depression, according to the family, and was believed to have turned down a couple of jobs and either sold or given away many of his possessions before traveling to Toronto, and later Vancouver, ...

After missing for two weeks, the body of Growing Pains's star Andrew Koening has been found in Stanley Park, Vancouver, in a densely wooded area. Other than saying that "...they have no reason to believe that foul play was involved at all..." the Vancouver Police has given no details of the death and has turned the case over to the British Columbia Coroner's office. In a news conference last night, Koenig's father, Star Trek alumnus Walter Koenig, said that his son "took his own life. The only other thing I want to say -- I've already said what a great guy he was, and good human being -- he was obviously in a lot of pain." After being introduced for a live interview on Larry King Live, Andrew Koenig's parents walked off for "personal reasons," leaving behind a confused Larry King. It seems that...

After missing for two weeks, the body of Growing Pains' star Andrew Koening has been found in Stanley Park, Vancouver, in a densely wooded area. Other than saying that they "have no reason to believe that foul play was involved at all," the Vancouver Police has given no details of the death and has turned the case over to the British Columbia Coroner's office. His father, however, Star Trek alumnus Walter Koenig, said that his son died of suicide: "My son took his own life," Walter Koenig said, during a news conference last night. "The only other thing I want to say -- I've already said what a great guy he was, and good human being -- he was obviously in a lot of pain." After being introduced for a live interview on Larry King Live, Andrew Koenig's parents walked off for "personal reasons,"...