KOBE BRYANT TEARS ACHILLES TENDON; OUT OF THE NBA PLAYOFFS
It’s been a hard year for the LA Lakers. After the passing of Jerry Buss, the NBA team’s shooting guard Kobe Bryant was injured during an April 12 game against the Golden State Warriors. He sustained a torn Achilles tendon which not only caused him to miss this year’s playoffs games, but which might mean he’ll be side-lined for six to nine months. Like the all-star he is, the 34-year-old basketball player is just working towards recovery and playing again in the 2013- 2014 season. “I can do it,” he said positively. “Work hard and just go from there.”
RICK CARUSO HONORED BY THE LAPD
Rick J. Caruso accepted an honor from the boys in blue on May 2. The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caruso Affiliated was the guest of honor at the LAPD’s annual True Blue gala, held on Paramount Studio’s New York street back lot in Hollywood. After being feted with the prestigious True Blue Award for his commitment to public safety, Caruso said: “I am honored to receive this award and look forward to championing the department for many years to come.” Mario Lopez acted as Master of Ceremonies at the event, while Paul Anka – accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra – provided the evening’s entertainment.
KATHLEEN KENNEDY RECEIVES PIONEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Kathleen Kennedy became the second woman in the history of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation to receive its annual “Pioneer of the Year” award at CinemaCon. The Lucasfilm co-chair accepted her trophy from Sally Field on April 19 at Casears Palace in Las Vegas. The 59-year-old producer kept her speech short and sweet, saying: “I just want to say thank you. This means a tremendous amount to me.” She was celebrated in a tribute reel featuring high profile colleagues such as Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise, Tony Kushner, Bob Iger, Alan Horn, Jim Gianopulos, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Ethan Hawke and Jimmy Buffett.
MARIA SHARAPOVA NAMED PORSCHE’S FIRST-EVER BRAND SPOKESPERSON
Porsche has given Maria Sharapova a huge honor: the luxury automotive brand has made the tennis great its first ever brand ambassador. The partnership was celebrated in late April after the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany, where the Russian athlete posed for photos in a Bottega Veneta dress and Christian Louboutin heels. The 26-year-old bombshell revealed that she’s signed a three-year deal with the company and will be very involved in the company’s global communications campaign. “Maria is a perfect choice,” said Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller. “Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche.”
QUINCY JONES INDUCTED INTO THE ROCK and ROLL HALL OF FAME
April 18 was a big night for Quincy Jones, who, at the age of 80, was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “I get to join my friends,” the veteran producer said prior to the ceremony, held at LA LIVE’s Nokia Theatre. “I’m puzzled that it’s a non-performing honor,” he added. “I’ve been performing for 60 years. But it doesn’t matter, it’s all good.” Oprah Winfrey presented Jones with the Ahmet Ertegun Award for lifetime achievement. The other 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees included Heart, Rush, Public Enemy, Randy Newman and Lou Adler as well as the late Donna Summer and Albert King.
