BackinMemphis

Actor who played James Dean in 2001 movie could write and direct the new project. James Franco is returning to Rebel Without a Cause. Franco, who won a Golden Globe for playing James Dean in a 2001 TV movie, has optioned film rights to a just-released biography of Sal Mineo, the enigmatic actor who shared memorable scenes with Dean in the 1955 classic. Mineo led a freewheeling lifestyle and became the youngest performer nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar (for Rebel) before being murdered at age 37. Franco optioned the property himself for his Rabbit Bandini shingle as a potential writing-and-directing vehicle. He currently does not plan to star but that could change. Sal Mineo: A Biography, by artist and photographer Michael Gregg Michaud, was published in November by Random House. It details Mineo’s rise to fame in such films as Rebel and 1960’s Exodus, his conflicted sexuality and friendships with Dean and Natalie Wood, as well as his 1976 death in West Hollywood after

Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul" has cancer. A close relative of Aretha Franklin Al Allen says that they are very concerned. At this time Franklin's family says she is doing "OK", but they are asking for the continued prayers and thoughts from the community. A report by The National Enquirer that Franklin has incurable pancreatic cancer. It is not confirmed the type of cancer that Franklin has. Last week she underwent surgery for a mystery illness. The surgery was deemed a success, but it came under mysterious circumstances. A few weeks ago Franklin canceled all concerts through May 2011 due to "medical reasons." This is a statement released by Franklin following her surgery last Thursday (December 2nd): The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers! -- The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin