Actress Leah Remini is expressing appreciation to fans and others after wordof her decision to leave the Church of Scientology. In a statement issued Thursday by her talent agency,the former King of Queens star said she was grateful to the media, her colleagues and fans around the world for their “overwhelmingly positive support.” The statement made no mention of Scientology, and the APA talent and literary agency said Remini had no further comment. But a person familiar with Remini’s decision said the statement referred to her break with the church and public reaction to it. The person, who wasn’t authorized to comment publicly, spoke on condition of anonymity. A message seeking comment from the Church of Scientology International in Los Angeles was not immediately returned Thursday night. Remini has been a longtime member of the church. When she joined CBS’ daytime program The Talk in 2010 as an original co-host, shetold a news conference that she didn’t intend to make her religion part of the show. “I love to make people laugh, entertain them. That other thing is something that is not even part of my discussion,” said Remini, who was with The Talk for a season. She co-starred in the freshman sitcom Family Tools, which ended a brief run this week, and in the 2007-08 comedy In the Motherhood, and starred opposite Kevin James in the long-running King of Queens that aired from 1998-2007.
Sam Mendes is coming back to direct another James Bond film withDaniel Craig after the enormously successful Skyfall . The British director had said earlier that Skyfallwould be his lone entry in the 007 canon, but Bond producers and Sony Pictures announced his return Thursday. Mendes recently debuted a stage adaptation of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory in London. He’s also mounting King Lear for the National Theatre. Mendes said in a statement “that by giving me the time I need to honor all my theater commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24.” The as-yet-titled Bond film is to be released in fall 2015. The script is by Skyfall screenwriter John Logan. Released last year, Skyfall made more than $1.1 billion worldwide.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 07/13/2013