This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Here's what's happening today in pop culture:
• Alex Karras has died, at age 77 of kidney failure. The four-time All-Pro defensive lineman went on to a stellar acting career — with notable roles in "Blazing Saddles" (as the big bruiser Mongo), "Victor/Victoria," "Porky's" and the TV series "Webster" (co-starring his wife, Susan Clark Karras). [AP, via The Salt Lake Tribune]
• The venerable but embattled Hollywood trade paper Variety has been bought by Penske Media, which also operates Variety's online rival Deadline.com. The big question: Will Deadline's notorious power-blogger Nikki Finke get her hands on good ol' Variety? [Los Angeles Times]
• "Dancing With the Stars" dumped two "stars" on Tuesday night: Singer Drew Lachey, and race-car driver Helio Castroneves (who was partnered with Utah's own Chelsie Hightower). [Entertainment Weekly]