Veteran actor and comedian Red Buttons, who won the supporting actor Oscar in 1957 for Sayonara, has died of heart disease in Los Angeles aged 87. Buttons also appeared in They Shot Horses Don't They?, The Longest Day, and The Poseidon Adventure.
Jamie Foxx, who stars opposite Colin Farrell in the upcoming big screen version of Miami Vice, will produce the faith-based drama The Power of Duff. The story is reputedly based on real events centring on a TV news presenter whose on-air prayers come true and spark a debate about whether he is a prophet or a charlatan.
Singer Alicia Keys is going to make movies with Disney, starting with a remake of the 1958 romantic comedy Bell, Book and Candle. The picture originally starred Kim Novak as a witch who falls in love with her neighbour, played by James Stewart. Under the deal Disney will get first dibs on all project ideas that Keys and business partner and manager Jeff Robinson come up with. Their new company is called Big Pita.
Martin Sheen has joined the cast of the 1960s racial drama Talk to Me, and will play a radio station owner who stirs controversy when he employs a controversial black presenter. The screenplay is based on the true story of Ralph Waldo 'Petey' Green. As previously announced, Don Cheadle will play the lead.
