'Partridge Family' mom divorces from comedian

LOS ANGELES -- Shirley Jones, the Oscar-winning actress and former matriarch of "The Partridge Family" television show, has filed for divorce from her husband of 25 years, comedian Marty Ingels.

Jones cited irreconcilable differences in her petition, according to court papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Though best known for lighter roles, Jones won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role as the vengeful prostitute Lulu Bains in the 1960 film "Elmer Gantry." Ingels was on the 1960s television series "I'm Dickens, He's Fenster" and more recently created a company to line up stars to do television commercials.

Bodyguard's relatives sue R&B company

MIAMI -- Relatives of a bodyguard who died in the plane crash that killed R&B singer and actress Aaliyah sued the young star's record company Friday, alleging wrongful death.

Virgin Records and its affiliated music and video production units are liable for Scott Gallin's death because they handled the arrangements for the video shoot in the Bahamas, according to the suit filed by Gallin's ex-wife, Becky, for their 15-year-old son, Lyle.

Aaliyah had been in the Bahamas' Abaco Island to film a video for the song "Rock the Boat."

The Florida-bound plane carrying Aaliyah, Gallin and seven others crashed shortly after takeoff from an airfield in the Bahamas on Aug. 25. Everyone aboard died. Investigators said the twin-engine plane was at least 700 pounds overweight.

Actor Downey readies for mystery writer role

LOS ANGELES -- Robert Downey Jr., still recovering from drug problems that led to his arrest more than a year ago, has signed on to star in a film based on the popular British miniseries "The Singing Detective."

The film, being financed by Mel Gibson's Icon Productions, is to begin shooting in April, Downey's publicist, Alan Nierob, said Thursday.

Downey has turned down several other offers while undergoing drug rehabilitation therapy, Nierob said.

In "The Singing Detective," he'll play a mystery writer who fantasizes himself into one of his novels. The story was a hit with British audiences when it first aired on the BBC as a miniseries.

Downey, 36, serving a year sentence at a Malibu treatment center, has periodically battled substance abuse since 1996.

'Cheers' Danson links up with ocean group

LOS ANGELES -- Actor Ted Danson says the American Oceans Campaign, which he helped found, is linking up with an international group that shares his goal of trying to protect and restore the world's seas.

The American Oceans Campaign formed a partnership with the international sea protection group Oceana and will soon adopt its name, Danson said Thursday.

Danson, who won two Emmys for playing bartender Sam Malone in the sitcom "Cheers," predicted the combined group would have "a new surge of energy and expertise" in its fight against overfishing and pollution.

-- From wire reports