Names and faces

A&E Television Networks will resume production of Duck Dynasty with family patriarch Phil Robertson after the family expressed regret forhis remarks in GQ magazine about homosexuality. “He and his family have publicly stated they regret the ‘coarse language’ he used and the misinterpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article,” New Yorkbased A&E said Friday in an emailed statement. “He also made it clear he would ‘never incite or encourage hate.’” The network, which suspended Robertson from the reality show earlier this month, said it will air a national public service campaign promoting “unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people.”

Actor Jet Li is being treated for an overactive thyroid, but he said he’s determined to fight the condition head-on. The Chinese action star known for his kung fu skills discussed his diagnosisthis week during the taping of a talent show he’s judging in China. In Tuesday’s taping, the 50-year-old Li appeared to have a fuller face and heavier frame. He said his weight has fluctuated but he’s taking it all in stride. Li joked about his weight gain and said, “I’m fat, I don’t have the time to lose it. It’s a fact!” He explained that exercise is not advised with the medication he’s taking. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, causes changes in a person’s metabolism and heart rate, among other symptoms, but is generally treatable with medications.Li was diagnosed in 2010. He kept his condition under control with medication, but it came back with a vengeance recently. He said that he’s tackling his illness headon. “I’m just a regular guy, I’m not Wong Fei Hung, I’m not Huo Yuan Jia,” he said, referring to kung fu heroes he portrays on film. “I’m not a hero. I’m just like you.” A martial-arts champion at a young age, Li turned to acting and began showing off his kung fu skills on big screens in the 1980s. He catapulted to fame in the ’90s with the Once Upon a Time in China films, where he portrayed martial-arts master Wong Fei Hung. His Hollywood career includes such titles as Lethal Weapon 4, RomeoMust Die and more recently The Expendables 2. Li confessed there are times he’s unsure whether he’s able to carry on with work, but he’s determined. “I’m in pain, but I’m not suffering. I’m happy,” he said.