Happy Birthday to:

Pianist Bruce Hornsby (1954)

CHICAGO (AP) - Bernie Mac, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor and comedian who worked his way to Hollywood success from an impoverished upbringing on Chicago's South Side, died Saturday at age 50.

Happy Birthday to actor Steve Harvey (1956), pianist Bruce Hornsby (1954), Barney Miller detective Steve Landesberg (1945), bluesman R.L. Burnside (1923), Marx brother Harpo Marx (1888; d. 1964), classic horror film star Boris Karloff (1887; d. 1969),

Shrek the Third stars Cameron Diaz, Mike Myers, Rupert Everett and Antonio Banderas delighted young fans when they took time out from promotions for the latest installment of the green ogre-featuring movie series to visit sick children in London's Great Ormond Street children's hospital yesterday afternoon.

Comedian Steve Harvey was surprised at the uproar surrounding Michael Richard's racist slur last year because he didn't think the comment was that offensive. Richards hit the headlines in November for repeated use of the word "n**ger" during a foul-mouthed tirade aimed at two African-American hecklers at the Laugh Factory in California.

In an all-star lineup, Ciara, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, The O'Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Robin Thicke and Steve Harvey have been added to the Essence Music Festival roster. These artists join previously announced Beyonce, Chris Brown, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

Happy Birthday to actor Steve Harvey (1956), pianist Bruce Hornsby (1954), Barney Miller detective Steve Landesberg (1945), bluesman R.L. Burnside (1923), Marx brother Harpo Marx (1888; d. 1964), classic horror film star Boris Karloff (1887; d. 1969), American outlaw William H. "Billy the Kid" Bonny (1860; d. 1881), and 14th President of the United States Franklin Pierce (1804; d. 1869).

Richard Pryor's ground-breaking, irreverent style of comedy created hysterical laughter laced with race, sex, drugs, adult language and controversy. Before his death last week at age 65, Pryor inspired multiple generations of comedians who have pushed the envelope of their art form in his image. BET will honor the memory of Pryor in a celebrity-filled BET News special "Richard Pryor: The Funniest Man Dead or Alive."

The biggest names in music continue to confirm their participation for the 2005 Radio Music Awards live on Monday, Dec.19, from the Aladdin Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Nominees Snoop Dogg, Rascal Flatts and Gavin DeGraw have joined Ricky Martin, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Michael Buble, Ashlee Simpson, and the Pussycat Dolls as confirmed performers during the 2-hour show.