People Film, TV actor Peter Boyle dies at 71

Peter Boyle, the actor who played the hilariously grouchy father on "Everybody Loves Raymond" as the final note of a distinguished career that also included a memorable role in Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein," has died. He was 71.

Boyle died on Tuesday evening at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He had been suffering from multiple myeloma and heart disease, said his publicist, Jennifer Plante.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Boyle," Ray Romano said, adding that Boyle was a mentor to him from the early days of "Everybody Loves Raymond."

"He gave me great advice, he always made me laugh, and the way he connected with everyone around him amazed me. The fact that he could play a convincing curmudgeon on the show, but in reality be such a compassionate and thoughtful person, is a true testament to his talent," Romano said.

"It's like losing a spouse," said Doris Roberts, who played Boyle's wife on the sitcom.

US Senator Johnson undergoes surgery

US Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota underwent surgery on Wednesday, a source said, after suffering what a doctor called "symptoms of a stroke." The actions prompted concerns about his fellow Democrats' razor-thin majority in the incoming Senate.

While there was no immediate word on the condition of the 59-year-old senator, the source, who is familiar with Johnson's situation, said surgeons sought to remedy an unspecified medical problem.

Just hours after Johnson was admitted to George Washington University Hospital, a spokeswoman for him said the senator had not suffered a stroke. She provided no other details.

In a statement later, Johnson's communications director Julianne Fisher said: "Senator Johnson continues to undergo testing and procedures at George Washington University Hospital. We expect to have more information in the morning."

John Eisold, attending physician of the US Capitol, issued a statement of his own, saying Johnson was admitted to the hospital "with the symptoms of a stroke."

Johnson's condition generated widespread interest because of the potential impact on the close balance of power in the forthcoming Senate.

With Johnson, Democrats, who wrested control of the US Congress from Republicans in last month's elections, would control the Senate 51-49 when the 110th Congress convenes on January 4.

Kitty Kelley to write Oprah biography

Kitty Kelley, the best-selling biographer known for dishing dirt on her subjects, is taking on one of America's most loved celebrities Oprah Winfrey.

Crown Publishers, an imprint of Random House, said on Wednesday it will publish the upcoming biography of Winfrey by Kelley, who has already tackled the Bush family, the British royals, Nancy Reagan and Frank Sinatra and has been credited with inventing the unauthorized, unflattering biography.

"Oprah Winfrey has fascinated me for many years," Kelley said in a statement. "As a woman, she has wielded an unprecedented amount of influence over the American culture and psyche. There has been no other person in the 20th century whose convictions and values have impacted the American public in such a significant way."

Kelley made her name with the 1978 publication of "Jackie Oh!", which detailed womanizing by former US President John F. Kennedy and his wife's battle with depression.

Source: China Daily