Hollywood is always buzzing with news and juicy gossip, and this summer is no exception. Between the birth of two very famous babies, and the death of a beloved television star, there were certainly no dull days in Hollywood this summer.
Reality television star Kim Kardashian, from the show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” and rapper Kanye West, gave birth to a baby on Saturday, June 15th, 2013, at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills. The baby has been given the name “North West” by her parents, who call her “Nori” for short. They had previously joked about Kayne wanting to name the baby “North,” but Kim had denied the name, saying it wasn’t an option. However, “Kaidence” (“Kai” for short) was a definite contender. Despite her odd name, North West is loved deeply by both of her parents. Kanye, according to Glamour, is said to be very affectionate with little North. He purchased two “Prombon Iron Diamonds” by Dartz Motorz, at 1.2 million dollars apiece, for his daughter and her mother. The Dartz website explains that the Iron Diamonds are vehicles that “prevent kidnapping, hijacking, and other problems which can meet a rich and lonely lady on the street.” Kayne has made sure no one will harm his two girls.
Speaking of new fathers, our beloved Prince William across the pond became a Dad very shortly after Kayne did. In fact, their babies due dates were only one day apart! However, North came early and the royal baby came late. For months, the public waited for the world’s most famous couple to have a baby, and it has finally happened. Prince George Alexander Louis was born on July 22nd, 2013 to Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton, weighing 8 pounds and 6 ounces. He was born in St. Mary’s Hospital, in London, England, in the Lindo Wing. Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry, were born in the same hospital, to their mother, Princess Diana. When asked by CNN about his emotions after the birth of his first child, Prince William responded by saying, “I think the last few weeks for me have been just a very different emotional experience, something I never thought I would feel myself, and I find, again, it’s only been a short period, but a lot of things affect me differently now.” He also spoke about how his son’s nursery will be “African” themed, in the hopes that his son will have the same love for the continent as he does. Both parents also spoke about how Prince George is a “rascal,” since he never wants to settle down before bed. That just goes to show that even soon-to-be Kings are just normal kids! Prince George is third in line to succeed his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, after his grandfather, and father. It’s funny that one day our children or grandchildren will read about Prince George in school, and we will have the pleasure of saying “I remember when he was born.”
On a more serious note, Cory Allen Michael Monteith, a Canadian actor and musician, known for his role as “Finn Hudson” on the Fox television series “Glee,” was found dead in his hotel room in Vancouver on July 13th, 2013. It has been reported that his death was caused by a combination of heroin and alcohol. Born on May 11th, 1982, in Calgary, Canada, Cory Monteith didn’t lead an easy life. At age twelve, he was already abusing substances, and left school at age sixteen. Finally, at age nineteen, his family and friends stepped in. After their intervention he entered drug rehabilitation. Not too long after being released, his audition tape, in which he sang “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” helped land him his role on “Glee.”
In 2009, Lea Michele, a born and raised New Yorker, was welcomed onto the cast of “Glee,” and was casted as Cory’s character’s love interest. In early 2012, their love was carried off the set and into real-life. Just a year later, on March 31st, 2013 Monteith’s publicist announced that the actor had admitted himself into a treatment facility for substance addiction. Lea Michele commented on the subject saying that she was “grateful and proud he made this decision,” adding “I stand by him through this.” Less than a month later, on April 26th, he completed his treatment. The couple lived happily engaged up until his death on July 13th, a shocking and sad day for his friends, family, and, of course, all of the “Gleeks” around the world.
