Entertainment briefs 3/25/15

New Julie Andrews memoir in 2017

NEW YORK -- Julie Andrews' next memoir will tell the backstory of "Mary Poppins," "The Sound of Music" and other beloved works during her years as one of the world's most popular entertainers. Hachette Books announced the Oscar-winning actress is working on a follow-up to the 2008 release "Home," which covers her childhood and early years in show business. The next book, still untitled, begins in the 1960s and takes readers through her next three decades, including her hit films and her marriage to director Blake Edwards. The new book is scheduled for September 2017. Andrews recently helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of "The Sound of Music," one of the most popular movies of all time.

Martin Sheen to get honorary degree

DAYTON, Ohio -- The University of Dayton will give actor Martin Sheen an honorary degree in recognition of his activism for peace, social justice and human rights. Born Ramon Estevez, Sheen grew up near the Catholic university and had attended the Catholic Chaminade high school but wanted to pursue his acting career. He has said Marianist teachings he was exposed to helped shape his social beliefs. Sheen's many roles have included performances as president in the TV series "The West Wing," a killer on a violent spree in the movie "Badlands" and a soldier on a grim mission in "Apocalypse Now." The school says the 74-year-old Sheen will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at graduation ceremonies May 3 at the University of Dayton Arena.

Brandy to perform in 'Chicago' play

NEW YORK -- Grammy Award winner Brandy will make her Broadway debut next month as a woman behind bars in "Chicago." Producers said Tuesday the singer and actress will play Roxie Hart starting April 28 at the Ambassador Theatre. Brandy Norwood earned a Grammy in 1999 and had hits with "I Wanna Be Down" and "The Boy Is Mine." She began her recording career at 14 and starred on the sitcom "Moesha" from 1996 to 2001. She made history in Disney's TV film "Cinderella" as its first black princess, starring with Whitney Houston. Set in the 1920s, "Chicago" is a satire of how show business and the media make celebrities out of criminals.

Stiller talks about 'Zoolander' stunt

NEW YORK -- Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson made many "Zoolander" fans giddy when they closed the Valentino runway show during Paris Fashion Week earlier this month as their model characters from the 2001 comedy. It was a maneuver to announce a sequel, "Zoolander 2," next year, which Stiller will direct. The actors were met with cheers and whistles as guests hurried to catch the moment on their cellphones. "I was a little surprised," Stiller said about the reaction while attending Monday's premiere of his movie "While We're Young." "I mean it's been 15 years since the movie came out so we really didn't know if people remembered or cared, and it was nice to know that there was a little bit of a connection there that people had." Stiller said he was "just happy we were able to keep it a surprise and nobody tripped."

-- Associated Press