National Entertainment

Ron Rash has made the fog-shrouded ridges of Appalachia his fictional home in novels and short stories over a highly acclaimed career dating back decades.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Oct. 1-7: Oct. 1: Actor-singer Julie Andrews is 88. Saxophonist Jerry Martini of Sly and the Family Stone is 80. Jazz bassist Dave Holland is 77. Actor Yvette Freeman (“ER”) is 73. Actor Randy Quaid is 73.

ROME (AP) — Film legend Sophia Loren is recovering from successful surgery for a leg fracture after she fell in her Switzerland home, an agent for the 89-year-old Italian actor said Monday.

MONTREAL — Quebec author Kevin Lambert wanted to avoid stereotypes and not write anything "stupid" when he enlisted what is known as a sensitivity reader to review the manuscript of his latest novel.

TORONTO — Montreal conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin says he employed a secret weapon in teaching Bradley Cooper how to conduct like Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming biopic “Maestro” – an earpiece.

MILAN (AP) — Giorgio Armani closed Milan Fashion Week on Sunday with good vibes and a front row that included frequent guests such as Cate Blanchett and Juliette Binoche.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Hollywood strike of nearly five months appears about to end as a tentative deal has been reached between unionized screenwriters and the studios, streaming services and production companies that hire them.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham weren't enough to save “ Expend4bles ” from a debut box office flop.

TORONTO — The Legacy Awards return for a second annual bash tonight with TV host and singer Keshia Chanté leading a celebration of Black Canadian talent.