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Philip Roth, one of the world's eminent men of letters, is apparently confused about the meaning of the word "retirement."
All it took to upend his latest farewell was an invitation from Stephen Colbert.
Comedy Central spokesman Steve Albani announced this week that the celebrated novelist has agreed to an “extended interview” in July for the cOlbert Book Club.
The 81-year-old Roth has more than once announced he has given his last interview and over the past two weeks has insisted he’s done with making public appearances. One promise to quit has been kept: He hasn’t released a new book since 2010.
Colbert’s book club, the name spelled with an Oprah-esque capital O, has included segments on Ernest Hemingway and J.D. Salinger. According to Albani, the entire episode will be dedicated to Roth, whom he called an “iconic author.”
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Katy Perry is getting an honor usually reserved for later in life. Her portrait is joining the collection at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington.
The museum said Wednesday that a 2010 portrait of Perry by artist Will Cotton, entitled “Cupcake Katy,” will go on view beginning June 18. It will be part of a rotating display of recently acquired portraits. The tongue-in-cheek picture depicts Perry as a cupcake.
Perry previously collaborated with Cotton on the design for her “California Girls” music video.
Museum Director Kim Sajet says Perry comes from a tradition of strong women entertainers who challenge their supposedly superficial pop personas. She says on closer look, Perry is a complex figure.
Other pop stars in the Smithsonian collection include Beyonce, Madonna and Michael Jackson.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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