Grapevine: Ron Perlman to throw first pitch Friday
Actor Ron Perlman to throw out first pitch Friday
“Sons of Anarchy” star Ron Perlman will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Tigers vs. Rangers game Friday at Comerica Park. The film and television actor, also known for his role as the comic book character Hellboy, is throwing the pitch to promote this weekend’s Motor City Comic Con, Friday-Sunday at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Perlman is one of many pop culture figures scheduled to attend the con. Visit motorcitycomiccon.com for more information.
House donated by Ellen to Avalon Village arrives
The house that Ellen Degeneres promised Detroit’s Mama Shu was delivered to Highland Park this week. The comedian and talk show host surprised the Detroit activist with the $100,000 pre-fab house when she appeared on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” in September. Shu (whose real name is Shamayim Harris) raised $250,000 through Kickstarter to develop a sustainable community called Avalon Village in Highland Park between Woodward and Second. Shu said on “Ellen” that she hopes to offer a place for women entrepreneurs, students, urban gardens and more. It will be days before the house is moved to the plot where the foundation is being finished, said Avalon Village publicist Robin Schwartz. A large deck, landscaping and items to furnish the home have also been donated.
Rosario Dawson finds her cousin dead in her home
“Daredevil” star Rosario Dawson found her 26-year-old cousin Vanez Ines Vasquez unresponsive in her home Thursday. Dawson, 38, called paramedics immediately, according to reports, but first responders were unable to revive Vasquez. TMZ reports that Vasquez, also an actress, recently had migraines and hypertension and had no history of substance abuse. Toxicology results are pending, but a source told TMZ that early autopsy results indicate that she died of natural causes.
Dave Chappelle ‘sorry’ about saying to give Trump a chance
Comedian Dave Chappelle apologized to the audience at the Robin Hood Gala in New York City on Monday night regarding statements he made about President Donald Trump. “I was the first guy on TV to say ‘Give Trump a chance,’ ” said Chappelle on a video posted to Instagram by an audience member. He was likely referring to his monologue on “Saturday Night Live,” which he hosted just after the election. “I (expletive) up. Sorry.” Chappelle, who is at the Fillmore Detroit May 23-27, went on to joke about Trump, saying “he’s actually what you thought a black president would be.”
Compiled by Melody Baetens
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
Wednesday’s Birthdays
Enya, 56
Craig Ferguson, 55
Hill Harper, 51
Trent Reznor, 52
Kandi Burress, 41
Derek Hough, 32