I know they’re all rich and famous, but is that an excuse to be late for their brother’s/son’s funeral? According to TMZ, which has been live blogging the event, the Jackson family was late for the funeral. Despite the nice fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms that they got for themselves, they couldn’t manage to come on time. Tsk, tsk.

DJ AM was brought to his final resting place yesterday at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary at 3 PM. There will be a service held for him tonight at the Hollywood Palladium.

Michael Jackson is going to be buried today – finally. A rep from singer Gladys Knight’s camp has confirmed that she will be singing at the burial. You may not know it but the two singers knew each other when they were young. The burial will be held at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA.

First it was August 28. Then it was August 31. For the third time, Michael Jackson’s burial has been postponed – to September 3. Joe Jackson did not make the announcement this time. Instead, a rep for the family said that the “final” date would be September 3 and that the burial will be held at Holly Terrace in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif.

Announcements were made by Joe Jackson that Michael would be buried on August 28, his birthday. New developments have come up, and now Jackson’s dad says that the burial will be postponed for another 2 days. The reason? The family has some matters to put in order. I wonder what these are that their son’s burial has to be set aside?

The late King of Pop will finally be laid to rest. His family announced that he will be buried on his 51st birthday, the 29th of August. He will be buried at L.A.’s Forest Lawn Cemetery in a private ceremony. Finally, he will be able to rest in peace.

Is the city being hit by economic woes? Well not really. It’s just that the memorial for Michael Jackson cost an arm and a leg – and probably more – and the city has not received any outside funding. The Mayor is asking for fans to help cover the costs. PayPal, cash, or check – it doesn’t matter.

The memorial was an astounding success, reminding us of the man behind the international celebrity. The funeral is over. The public’s curiosity as to MJ’s final resting place remains unsatisfied though – it has not been revealed. Perhaps it should be that way for now.

The memorial for Michael Jackson was held at the Staples Center yesterday, and it was an astounding success. For those who were there in person, there could not have been a more moving array of performances. For those in other parts of the world, staying up till the wee hours of the morning was nothing, just as long as they could witness the tribute to their idol. He may be gone, but he will be forever remembered.

Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson have always been good friends. You’d think that she would want to be there at his memorial, but no. She tweeted that “Ive been asked to speak at the Staples Center. I cannot be part of the public whoopla. And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word.” Understood.

Fans who want to pay their respects to the late King of Pop will be given the chance to do so in a public viewing at Neverland Ranch. Family and friends who wish for privacy will have their own exclusive service on Sunday. Now if only MJ can rest in peace. I doubt it – the controversy is starting already!

Ooooooh, baby! Victoria Beckham gets a good luck kiss from hubby right before her final performance as a Spice Girl. Yes, the tour’s finally over, but get your nostalgia trip from other backstage scenes.

Brad Renfro’s promising career (credits include The Client, Apt Pupil) was overshadowed by his drug addiction, and cut permanently by his death by accidental heroin overdose. But did it merit this snub from the Academy? The actor was completely omitted from the “In Memoriam” video tribute played at the Oscars event.

Those closest to his family said that they were deeply hurt by the ommission. The Academy reps said that wasn’t their intention — and that in their desire to honor everyone from all aspects of the industry, sometimes bigger names were left out.

Oh come on, would a 2-second mention really have hurt?

In a poignant ceremony  Michelle Williams and other mourners bid a final farewell to Heath Ledger by diving into the ocean after the cremation service. “It’s what Heath would’ve wanted.”

Many of them laughed and splashed in the water, but the mood shifted considerably as the sun descended. The crowd headed to the shore, standing in line with linked arms, saying goodbye to one of the most promising — and beloved — actors in Hollywood.

Observing Williams, one mourner said: “The sun goes down on our love, but it will never go down on Heathy.”

Comedian & Everybody Loves Raymond actor Peter Boyle has died, he was 71-year-old.  Boyle died Tuesday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital after waging a fatal battle on myeloma & heart disease.

Peter spent nine years of his life playing the obnoxious father & husband Frank Barone on the hit TV sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.  Doris Roberts played opposite Boyle as his overbearing wife Marie Barone.  Roberts said of Peter’s death, “it’s like losing a spouse.”

“I’m going to miss my dear friend, so unlike the character he played on television.”

“He’s a brilliant actor, a gentleman, incredibly intelligent, wonderfully well read and a loving friend.”

Ray Romano, who’s comedy the TV series was based on, said he didn’t know a soul when he moved to Los Angeles to work on the show.

“Peter immediately took me under his wing and became my friend and mentor,” Romano said.

“He gave me great advice, he always made me laugh, and the way he connected with everyone around him amazed me.”

Peter Boyle is survived by his wife Loraine & daughters Lucy and Amy. Boyle celebrated his 71st birthday on October 18.

Peace be with his family.

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George Clooney’s pal of a pig died Friday & went to piggie heaven.  The 300-pound potbellied pig shared Clooney’s Hollywood Hills home, and sometimes his bed.  How nice for the ladies Clooney brings home….  Max the pig died while George was out of town promoting the new film, The Good German. 

“He just died, like an hour ago, Clooney stated.  George had Max since he was a piglet, 18 years ago.  He gained actual custody of Max after he broke up with shacked-up girlfriend, Kelly Preston.  

“He was as old a pig as the vets had ever seen. I was really surprised, because he’s been a big part of my life,” the Sexiest Man Alive went on to say.

“It has been a bad year for my pets,” Clooney revealed.

“I had a bulldog that died this year, too. It’s strange how animals become a big part of your family. They really become a big issue with you.”

When asked if Clooney would get another pig, the actor stated, “No.  I think Max covered all my pig needs.”

I love George Clooney, I mean, come on, who even has a pet potbellied pig?  Not many of us.  And I have to say, 18 years is a long time for a Hollywood relationship, or any kind of relationship for that matter!

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A true great died Monday night at a Los Angeles hospital.  81-year-old Robert Altman, the brains behind M*A*S*H & Short Cuts, died peacefully Monday of complications from cancer. 

The five-time Academy Award nominee & Lifetime Achievement Academy Award recipient, Altman had a passion for movies that could not be contained.  The Missouri-born director was a bomber pilot in World War II and studied engineering at college before applying for a job in industrial film.

When accepting his lifetime achievement award in early 2006, Altman stated, “No other filmmaker has gotten a better shake than I have. I’m very fortunate in my career. I’ve never had to direct a film I didn’t choose or develop. My love for filmmaking has given me an entree to the world and to the human condition.”

Altman’s last film was A Prairie Home Companion that featured a star-studded cast including, Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Lindsay Lohan, Kevin Kline, & Tommy Lee Jones.

Robert Altman is survived by his wife, Kathryn, sons Robert & Matthew, his daughter, Christine & two other sons from previous marriages, Michael & Stephen.

May you go in peace, Robert.  You done good.

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Trailblazing pioneer journalist Ed Bradley died of leukemia Thursday.  The forward-thinking 65-year-old correspondent had a long career working with CBS, reporting for the news agency since 1967. 

Bradley’s inquisitive nature, his trademark earring & his resiliant spirit all made the man a tremendous reporter and added vitality to news reporting once again.

“We have lost one of America’s best,” Dan Rather stated.

“As a compassionate, sensitive person, he was an example of all a conscientious and dedicated journalist can be.”  -but rarely are.

He will be sorely missed.  So long, Ed, you did good.

Bradley is survived by his artist wife Patricia Blanchet, whom he married in 2004. 

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On a sad day on November 1, Adrienne Shelly’s husband found her hanging from a shower rod in her Manhattan office; police & family assumed the indie actress’ death an unfortunate suicide.  Until, that is, 19-year-old construction worker Diego Pillco was arrested Monday in connection to death of Shelly. 

Reports are now coming in that Pillco allegedly punched the petite Shelly when she complained about the construction noise he was making.  The heavy punch to such a small woman, reports claim, instantly killed her.  Pillco has admitted to dragging her body upstairs to her West Village office and positioning her body so that it would make her death appear a suicide.   

Adrienne Shelly is best known for her roles in the films Trust, The Unbelievable Truth & Sleeping with Strangers.  Shelly is survived by her husband Andy Ostroy and her 3-year-old daughter Sophie.  What a sad, unnecessary loss.

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