Splits
Citing irreconcilable differences, '70s TV star Mackenzie Phillips (One Day at a Time), 40, filed for divorce Feb. 16 from her husband of three years, musician Michael Barakan, 45. The couple have agreed to share custody of their son, Shane Adams Barakan, 13.

Lawsuits
Aaron Spelling, 73, filed a $100 million lawsuit Feb. 15 against Gear magazine and its owner, Bob Guccione Jr., 43, alleging defamation. The suit stems from seminude photos of March cover girl Jessica Biel, 17, star of Spelling's family drama 7th Heaven. Since he's credited (jokingly) as a senior editor in the same issue, the producer asserts that Gear makes him "appear responsible for this tawdry sexual exploitation of a minor female employee." Spelling also claims he was falsely quoted as saying he "owned" Biel. Guccione attorney Victor A. Kovner says Spelling is "seeking to make a mountain of a molehill."

Deaths
Costume designer Miles White, 85, of a heart attack, Feb. 17, in Manhattan. White is best known for outfitting the characters in Rodgers and Hammerstein's early Broadway hits Oklahoma! and Carousel.... Interactive-TV pioneer Harry W. Prichett Sr., 79, of unknown causes, Feb. 5, in Manhattan. He launched the '50s kids' cartoon Winky-Dink and You.

Additional reporting by Judith I. Brennan.

Originally posted Mar 03, 2000 Published in issue #528 Mar 03, 2000 Order article reprints
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