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| Gospel singer-songwriter Richard Smallwood dead at 77 | Gospel singer-songwriter Richard Smallwood has died at the age of 77. "We are saddened to announce the passing of world-renowned artist, songwriter, and musician, Richard Smallwood," a statement on his official Facebook page said Tuesday. "The family asks that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, while helping to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the gifts he unselfishly shared with the world." No cause of death was specified. The eight-time Grammy-nominee enjoyed a 50-year career that saw him record albums with famous groups like the Union Temple Baptist Church Young Adult Choir, the Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision. |
| Gina Rodriguez shares photos of infant daughter on Instagram | Will Trent and Jane the Virgin actress Gina Rodriguez is sharing photos of her infant daughter on Instagram. "2025 gave me Her. Lucille Edith LoCicero. I love you forever baby girl," the 41-year-old star captioned a gallery of photos of her smiling baby. The post has gotten nearly 500,000 "likes" since Tuesday. Rodriguez married mixed martial artist Joe LoCicero in 2019. They also have a 2-year-old son named Charlie Ray. The couple announced in July that they were expecting their second child, a girl. |
| Jared Leto's 'Tron: Ares' to premiere on Disney+ Jan. 7 | Jared Leto's Tron: Ares is set to premiere on Disney+ Jan. 7. Directed by Joachim Rnning, the sci-fi film co-stars Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson and Jeff Bridges. "Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind's first encounter with A.I. beings," a synopsis said. The movie, which was released in theaters in October, features a score by Nine Inch Nails. |
| Google prepares to ring in 2026 with festive Doodle | Google prepared to ring in 2026 with a festive Doodle on Wednesday. The word "Google" on its homepage was spelled out in glittery, gold letters with the "O"s replaced with what looks like silver mylar balloons in the shape of "2026." "This annual Doodle celebrates New Year's Eve across the world, when billions of people gather with friends and family to reflect on the past year and welcome the new one," the website said. "Soon, the clock will strike midnight to officially mark the start of 2026!" |
| 'The Wire,' 'Veep' alum Isiah Whitlock Jr. dead at 71 | The Wire and Veep alum Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died at the age of 71. The actor's manager Brian Liebman announced the Indiana native died peacefully in New York Tuesday after a short illness. "Isiah was a brilliant actor and even better person," Liebman said. Whitlock Jr. also appeared in the TV shows Cagney & Lacey, Law & Order, Your Honor and The Residence, as well as Spike Lee's films 25th Hour, She Hate Me, BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods. "Today I Learned Of The Passing Of My Dear Beloved Brother ISIAH WHITLOCK. GOD BLESS," Lee posted on Instagram Tuesday. Whitlock Jr.'s voice will be heard in the upcoming animated movie, Hoppers. |