DAN AYKROYD

The MTV Video Music Awards later this month will have not one emcee but three, with rap stars LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow all set to anchor the ceremony.

Ronnie Hawkins, a brash rockabilly star from Arkansas who became a patron of the Canadian music scene has died at age 87.

Ivan Reitman had his army of well-known, frequent collaborators but the filmmaker and producer’s influence extended beyond that too, as evidenced by the tributes that poured in at the news of his sudden passing at age 75.

Ivan Reitman, the influential filmmaker and producer behind beloved comedies from “Animal House” to “Ghostbusters,” has died.

Hospitalizations fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant in the U.S. have begun falling after peaking at record levels in some communities.

Peter Aykroyd, an Emmy-nominated actor and writer on “Saturday Night Live” for the 1979-80 season who later worked with older brother, Dan, on everything from a TV show about the paranormal to such films as “Dragnet” and “Coneheads,” has died at age 66.

Ron Popeil, an American original who died this week at 86, thrived in the world of infomercials and home-shopping channels.

Ron Popeil, the quintessential TV pitchman and inventor known to generations of viewers for hawking products including the Veg-O-Matic and the Showtime Rotisserie and BBQ, has died.

Anne Beatts, who died Wednesday at age 74, was a pioneering comedy writer who was on the original staff of “Saturday Night Live.”.

Anne Beatts, a groundbreaking comedy writer who was on the original staff of “Saturday Night Live” and later created the cult sitcom “Square Pegs,” has died at age 74.

Autism may bring challenges for those who live with it, but celebrities with autism have shown they can achieve tremendous things and fulfill their dreams.

This image released by the Library of Congress shows Heath Ledger, left, and Christian Bale in a scene from the 2008 film "The Dark Knight." The film was added to the National Film Registry. (Warner Bros.-Library of Congress via AP)LOS ANGELES – This year's inductees into the National Film Registry include a record number of female directors and filmmakers of color as well as a new crop of movies ranging from a silent short film thriller, classic musicals and an acclaimed Batman film. The national library said this year’s selections include a record nine films directed by women and filmmakers of color. Christopher Nolan’s 2008 Batman film “The Dark Knight” was a blockbuster and the top public vote-getter.

CHICAGO – Chicago’s Second City comedy theater — where performers including Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Jordan Peele honed their skills — has been put up for sale. In a statement released Tuesday, co-owner Andrew Alexander said a sale presents the opportunity for Second City to succeed well into the future. Privately held throughout its 61-year history, Second City suspended all its shows and classes in early March until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Second City is co-owned by Alexander and D’Arcy Stuart, although its president, Steve Johnston, also has a small equity share. The theater was sold once before in the years after Bernie Sahlins, Howard Alk and Paul Sills launched the comedy theater in 1959.

LOS ANGELES Andrew Alexander, the CEO and co-owner of famed The Second City improv theater, said he is stepping down after a former performer leveled accusations of racism against the comedy institution. In a lengthy letter posted on the companys website, Alexander said he failed to create an anti-racist environment wherein artists of color might thrive. I am so deeply and inexpressibly sorry,He vowed Friday that he will be replaced by a person of color. Alexanders announcement Friday followed online criticism from Second City alumnus Dewayne Perkins, an actor, comedian and writer (Brooklyn Nine-Nine). His posts followed a Second City online message of support last week for Black Lives Matter.

Autism may bring challenges for those who live with it, but celebrities with autism have shown they can overcome those challenges to achieve tremendous things and fulfill their dreams. Here are some notable celebrities who have autism. Dan AykroydThe famous "Saturday Night Live" alum and star of several movies in the '80s was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and Tourettes syndrome when he was 12. He has toured the world and performed on "The Today Show," the "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Courtney LoveLove was diagnosed with a mild form of autism at age 9, and has become an accomplished singer/songwriter and actress.

1952: Actor and screenwriter Dan Aykroyd, an original cast member of "Saturday Night Live" also known for movies such as "The Blues Brothers" and "Ghostbusters," is born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He also starred in movies like "Trading

1952: Actor and screenwriter Dan Aykroyd, an original cast member of "Saturday Night Live" also known for movies such as "The Blues Brothers" and "Ghostbusters," is born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He also starred in movies like "Trading