Short takes/Celeb birthdays: Wednesday, November 4, 2009

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Published: November 4, 2009

BIRTHDAYS

→Actress Doris Roberts ("Everybody Loves Raymond”), 79.

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→Actress Loretta Swit ("MASH”), 72.

→Singer Harry Elston (Friends of Distinction), 71.

→Singer Delbert McClinton, 69.

→Actress Markie Post, 59.

→Singer-guitarist Chris Difford (Squeeze), 55.

→Country singer Kim Forester (Forester Sisters), 49.

→Actress Kathy Griffin, 49.

→Actor Ralph Macchio, 48.

→ "Survivor” host Jeff Probst, 48.

→Actor Matthew McConaughey, 40.

→Rapper-producer Diddy (Sean Combs), 40.

→Singer Shawn Rivera (Az Yet), 38.

→Actress Heather Tom ("Bold and the Beautiful,” "One Life To Live”), 34.

TV BRIEF

‘Law & Order’ actress takes on ‘Rizzoli’

Angie Harmon, who played leading roles on "Law & Order” and "Women’s Murder Club,” is returning to the crime-solving world as the title character in "Rizzoli,” a new TNT pilot based on Tess Gerritson’s popular Jane Rizzoli mystery novels.

"Angie Harmon is not only a terrific actress, but also a favorite of crime drama fans,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. "She will bring a combination of toughness and sensitivity to the challenging lead role. We’re thrilled to have Angie on board for what could be an outstanding addition to TNT’s collection of strong female characters.”

Gerritson has written seven books featuring Jane Rizzoli, a Boston detective. Rizzoli works closely on her cases with medical examiner Maura Isles, who also will be a part of the series.

From Staff and Wire Reports