There seems to be a relationship between the state of comedian Andy Kindler's career and the state of American culture. The worse the economy, the less informative the news, and the poorer the satire, the more opportunities Andy gets.

Happy Birthday to British actress Emily Mortimer (1971), actor Jeremy Northam (1961), jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius (1951; d. 1987), Irish singer Gilbert O'Sullivan (1946), comedic/dramatic actress Bette Midler (1945), The Doors drummer John Densmore (1944), comedian Richard Pryor (1940; d. 2005),

Rosanna Arquette, Keri Russell and Edie Falco are among the stars auctioning lunch with themselves in an online fundraiser for the charity set up to honor murdered filmmaker Adrienne Shelly. Prizes on the eBay auction include lunches with Arquette, Russell, Falco and Cheryl Hines and memorabilia signed by Matt Dillon and the late Richard Pryor.

Jerry Minor is one of the most talented and versatile comedic actors working today and has been ever since his television debut on HBO's Mr. Show with Bob and David. Whether it's on Saturday Night Live, Comedy Central's Crossballs, or HBO's Lucky Louie, Jerry stands out, even when surrounded by some of the biggest names in the industry. Currently, Minor portrays Aubrey on ABC's Carpoolers and will be

Salient Media and Vivendi Visual Entertainment bring back one of the country's hottest comedians, Katt Williams (The Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1) to DVD on November 20 in Katt Williams: American Hustle (The Movie).

Chris Tucker knew he'd made it as a comedian when legendary funnyman Richard Pryor praised his stand-up routine. The Rush Hour actor was left dazzled by the compliment from his hero, who was suffering from multiple-sclerosis at the time.

Patti Labelle had to call her husband from the road when touring partner Richard Pryor bought her a car and a home sauna as gift package - because she didn't want her man to think she was having an affair. The Lady Marmalade star was shocked with the comedian's generosity after performing at a show in Detroit, Michigan, and insisted it would be improper to accept the gifts.

Gene Wilder is preparing to make a Hollywood comeback - his debut novel is being turned into a movie. The comedy star retired from the silver screen after appearing in 1991 film Another You - the last of his legendary collaborations with late funnyman Richard Pryor.

Richard Pryor's widow Jennifer has reached a settlement with Universal Music Group after she sued the label for selling 11 of his comedy recordings without permission. The legendary funnyman filed suit against UMG in 2005 - just two months before his December 2005 death of a heart attack - claiming they had released the recordings without obtaining authorization from him.

My Chemical Romance, Justin Timberlake and Gnarls Barkley have picked up the leading awards in men's magazine Blender's 2006 Readers' Poll. My Chemical Romance's The Black Parade was named the year's best album, ahead of Timberlake's Futuresex/Lovesounds; Gnarls Barkley were named New Artist Of The Year and Timberlake's "My Love" was named Song Of The Year.