The prolific American actor Eli Wallach, known by many for his role in the The Good, the Bad and the Ugly over a busy career spanning six decades, has died at the age of 98. The New York Times said Wallach's death on June 24 was confirmed by his daughter, Katherine. Another big movie that the character actor Wallach starred in was the 1960s western The Magnificent Seven, in which he played a Mexican bandit. Wallach was never nominated for an Oscar but in 2010 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave him an honorary one. – AFP
Star Wars creator selects Chicago for museum
George Lucas has selected Chicago to build his museum of art and movie memorabilia. Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for Rahm Emanuel, the mayor of Chicago, confirmed the decision on Tuesday. McCaffrey did not have any immediate details about the much-anticipated decision by the Star Wars creator. But the choice is a major victory for Emanuel and the city, which was competing with San Francisco for the museum. – AP
Rani rocks new tough look for Mardaani
Rani Mukherji is second only to Vidya Balan when it comes to portraying strong female characters: she plays a tough cop trying to crack a human-trafficking ring in the new drama Mardaani. The Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta has been cast in the role of her love interest. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the film is out in the UAE on August 21. The first trailer is on YouTube now. – The National staff
Sinatra’s first Jersey licence up for sale
Frank Sinatra's first New Jersey driver's licence is on the auction block. The Star-Ledger newspaper reports that the yellowed, text-only 1934 licence was issued, typo and all, to Francis Sintra, 841 Garden St, Hoboken, New Jersey. The licence is signed by the 19-year-old Sinatra, whose eyes, of course, are recorded as blue. It was issued a year before Sinatra got his first big break in the music industry. Also included is a 1940 letter to the state Commissioner of Motor Vehicles from the lawyer of a man who had been involved in a car crash with Sinatra, insisting that Sinatra's driving privileges be revoked until he paid up. Bidding had reached at least US$2,500 (Dh9,180) by the afternoon of June 24 for the items, which are being sold by RR Auction. – AP
Former GMA host Joan Lunden has breast cancer
The former Good Morning America host Joan Lunden says she has breast cancer. She disclosed her diagnosis this week on the ABC morning show, which she co-anchored from 1980 through 1997. She spoke with the GMA host Robin Roberts, who has also been treated for breast cancer recently, as has the show's co-host Amy Robach. Lunden said her treatment will include surgery and radiation. She said she's already started chemotherapy. She said after the shock of the diagnosis, she resolved to go into "warrior mode", and that she expects to make a full recovery. The 63-year-old Lunden, who is now a health and wellness advocate, has written eight books.– AP
