Despite his popularity, the late Andy Griffith never won an Emmy: “Most best recognize Griffith for his work on ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ which ran on on CBS between 1960 and 1968. Others recognize him still from some of his later work, especially ‘Matlock,’ which ran on NBC beginning in 1986, and ended its run on ABC in 1995 … Despite his legendary television status, Griffith was only ever nominated for one Emmy — in 1981 for Outstanding Supporting Actor for the special ‘Murder in Texas,’ losing to David Warner for ‘Masada.’ ‘Andy Griffith Show’ itself would be nominated for nine Emmys, winning six — nearly all of them going to his co-star, [Don Knotts]. Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee in the show, also won an Emmy for her work.” USA TODAY
Chris Brown‘s latest album, “Fortune,” drubbed by critics: “Brown’s fifth studio album follows on the heels of his 2011 record ‘F.A.M.E.,’ which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart in March last year and won a Grammy for best R&B album. But if early reviews are any indication, ‘Fortune’ appears to be a misfire, as most critics appear to have been unable to ignore Brown’s history. The 23-year-old singer is currently midway through a five-year probation sentence after pleading guilty to beating ex-girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of the Grammys in February 2009. Three years later, he is unable to shake his bad-boy reputation — last month, he and rapper Drake made headlines after a bloody bar brawl among their respective followers. Time Magazine’s Melissa Locker gave both Brown and ‘Fortune’ a damning review, questioning why the music industry had forgiven the singer for his crimes and calling the album ‘boring.’ She urged readers to avoid buying it.” CHICAGO TRIBUNE
First pictures emerge of Naomi Watts as Princess Diana: “The Oscar-nominated Australian actress, whose big screen credits include ‘Mulholland Drive’ and ‘The Ring,’ has been photographed on the set of ‘Caught in Flight’ in Croatia. The Oliver Hirschbiegel-directed drama will center on the last two years of the Princess’s life as it explores her alleged affair with heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan. Watts said of her casting in February: ‘It is such an honor to be able to play this iconic role – Princess Diana was loved across the world, and I look forward to rising to the challenge of playing her on screen.'” DIGITAL SPY
Jay-Z pulls a Kanye West by interrupting Kanye West at the BET Awards: “The rapper was forced to face the music at last night’s BET awards, when Jay-Z mocked his infamous interruption as the pair accepted the award for Best Video. As Kanye began to make his speech for their track ‘Otis,’ his pal stepped in and said: ‘Excuse me, Kanye, I’m going to let you continue, but…’ prompting the crowd to roar with laughter. The music mogul was referring to Kanye’s protest when Taylor Swift beat Beyonce to win Best Female Video in 2009 … Jay-Z’s gag seemed to go down well with the ‘Touch The Sky’ star, who laughed ‘I am trying to defend your girl, man!'” THE SUN
John Lloyd Young has returned to his Tony-winning role in “Jersey Boys” on Broadway: “John Lloyd Young, who won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for creating the role of Frankie Valli in Broadway’s ‘Jersey Boys,’ returns to that Tony-winning Best Musical for a limited engagement beginning July 3. Young, who also won Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards, will continue in the role through Sept. 30 at the August Wilson Theatre. He joins a cast that features Matt Bogart (Nick Massi), Quinn VanAntwerp (Bob Gaudio) and Andy Karl (Tommy DeVito) as The Four Seasons …” PLAYBILL
Will Eva Longoria return to her role as psychotic Isabella on “The Young and the Restless“? “Eva Longoria’s return as crazy ‘Isabella’ was again teased during a July 3 airing of ‘The Young and the Restless’ that’s still hurting after earning no major 2012 Daytime Emmy Awards; with hopes that this former ‘Desperate Housewives‘ star will boast ratings. Stay tuned to the CBS TV soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’ to see if Eva Longoria really does return as the evil Isabella Brana after the show dropped a pre-4th of July bombshell this week with Isabella’s crazed son Ricky being killed by his father Paul Williams.” HULIQ
