Gwen Stefani to host fund-raiser for Obama

No Doubt's lead vocalist Gwen Stefani will host a fund-raiser with the US First Lady Michelle Obama as part of Barack Obama's re-election campaign. The musician will stage the event, dubbed "Family Day", at her Beverly Hills home on August 12. A family of four can join the party for US$1,000 (Dh3,670). It follows recent Obama events co-hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker and George Clooney. - IANS

Ernest Borgnine dies at the age of 95

Ernest Borgnine, who won the best actor Oscar for 1955's Marty, died on Sunday of kidney failure. He was 95. Borgnine starred in 115 films including From Here to Eternity and The Dirty Dozen. He also lent his unmistakable voice to SpongeBob SquarePants's Mermaid Man from 1999 to 2011. Tributes poured in on Twitter. The actress Marlee Matlin wrote: "So sad to read about passing of Ernest. We spoke recently at Paramount's 100th anniversary photo. A true legend and a gentleman." The actor Gary Sinise posted: "An amazingly strong spirit. RIP Ernie." - AP

Katy Perry denies dating Robert Ackroyd

Katy Perry has quashed rumours she's dating the rocker Robert Ackroyd. The singer, who split from her husband Russell Brand in December, has been repeatedly spotted out with the Florence and the Machine guitarist. But she's adamant she's not looking for love. "That's not even appropriate to label. There are times I go out and meet people but it's not really appropriate to have anything serious," she told USA Today. "Right now, I'm not looking. I'm just looking to heal. I'm not down on love." - IANS

Adam Levine talks debut film role

Appearing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last week, the Maroon 5 vocalist Adam Levine talked about his first acting role for the new film Can a Song Save Your Life?, which requires him to grow a full beard. "John Carney's directing, the guy that did Once, which is an incredible movie," he said. "I told him I have never acted - this didn't seem to bother him very much. And now I think maybe I can act, maybe. Hopefully." He also revealed he will appear in an episode of the television series American Horror Story. When Fallon asked if being a movie star has gone to his head, Levine joked: "Ever since I became an actor, I've become really high maintenance." The film also stars Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley.

Tunisian actress to co-direct film fest

The Tunisian actress Hend Sabry will co-direct Tropfest Arabia, the Arabic edition of the world's largest short film festival, which takes place on October 26 in Abu Dhabi. Sabry has starred in more than 20 films. "I'm looking forward to viewing the work of young talented filmmakers," she said in a statement. Visit www.tropfestarabia.com for details.