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UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

Posted on: Sunday, 5 October 2008, 15:00 CDT

'Chihuahua' is top dog LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" proved it's no dog, opening at No. 1 in U.S. theaters this weekend, Box Office Mojo said Sunday.

The animated family movie, featuring a long list of popular actors such as Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, Cheech Marin, George Lopez and Paul Rodriguez, pulled in $29 million in estimated ticket sales in its debut.

Last week's top movie, "Eagle Eye" was No. 2 with $17.7 million in estimated receipts.

Another new offering, "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," a romantic comedy start Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, tallied $12 million.

Next up was "Nights in Rodanthe" with $7.36 million at No. 4.

A surprise at No. 5 is "Appaloosa," which shot up from 37th place in its third week in U.S. theaters. The Ed Harris-directed western raked in $5.02 million.

Next were: "Lakeview Terrace," $4.5 million; "Burn After Reading," $4.08 million; and "Fireproof," $4.07 million.

New more new movies rounded out the Top 10. "An American Carol," a comedy starring Trace Adkins, Brandon Alter and Kelsey Grammer, recorded $3.81 million in sales and "Religulous," featuring Bill Maher's take on religion, had $3.5 million in gross receipts.

Ex- 'EastEnders' star Richard has cancer LONDON, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Actress Wendy Richard, known best for her role on the British TV series "EastEnders," says she has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 65-year-old TV star, who played Pauline Fowler on the popular soap opera, said she was diagnosed in January with breast cancer that has since spread to her kidney and bones, The Sun reported Sunday.

"Twice I've had breast cancer but this is different. It's more aggressive this time, unfortunately, and has spread to the top of my spine and left ribs," Richard said.

"My oncologist said I've got several useful years ahead of me but since then it's got worse."

The actress also said she plans to marry her partner, John Burns, and has already organized her funeral and will.

The Sun said the actress has plans to begin chemotherapy treatments Oct. 13 in an attempt to fight the spread of the deadly disease.

Perry becomes first black top studio owner ATLANTA, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- A number of celebrities say they are impressed by Tyler Perry's success in becoming the first black producer to own a major U.S. studio.

Actress Cicely Tyson said her movie career paled in comparison to Perry's accomplishments, which now include Saturday's opening of the 30-acre Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

"I never dreamed I would witness this in my lifetime," the former Oscar nominee said. "What I've been able to achieve in my career is minuscule in comparison to this."

Others on hand included actor Sydney Poitier and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

Perry transformed a former airline reservations center into his studio. For the "Family that Preys" director, finding the Atlanta site was an instance of divine intervention.

"I looked closer and realized someone had taped Bible scriptures on the gate," he told the newspaper of his first experience with the site two years ago. "Then I knew. I jumped in full steam with no fear. Nothing but the grace of God has brought me to this place."

Illness prompts Jackson show postponements GREENSBORO, N.C., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Pop singer Janet Jackson has postponed three shows in the southern United States due to an undisclosed illness, her publicist says.

The unidentified publicist said with Jackson still recovering, her Saturday show in Greensboro, N.C., was postponed along with upcoming shows in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., People magazine reported.

Postponement of Sunday's show in Atlanta and the Fort Lauderdale performance Tuesday marks the most recent missed concerts on Jackson's tour.

People said since her first tour of North America in seven years began last week, Jackson has postponed shows in Boston and Philadelphia.

The unspecified illness caused Jackson to go to a hospital briefly last week, the magazine reported.

Source: United Press International

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