Kennedy Center Honors Martin, Ross

WASHINGTON - From "Good Vibrations" to "GoodFellas," Brian Wilson and Martin Scorsese scored. Steve Martin strutted as one of the "wild and crazy guys." Diana Ross sang to Motown stardom. Pianist Leon Fleisher surmounted a debilitating injury.

Their contributions to American culture won them a visit Sunday to the White House and recognition by President Bush, followed by an evening of celebration at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For their career achievements, the five were named in September as members of the 30th class of Kennedy Center honorees.

Robert De Niro, who starred in Scorsese's "Mean Streets," "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull," told the director: "You still have the same passion, drive and intensity you had when we were starting out together. And as for me, well, I'm doing comedy. But don't worry, Marty - I still have enough misery in me for us to do a few more pictures together."

Steve Carell, star of NBC's "The Office," said: "I am in awe of Steve Martin. I admire his career. I respect him more than anyone, with the possible exception of Martin Scorsese."

During the tribute to Diana Ross, Ciara sang "I'm Coming Out," Yolanda Adams sang "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and Vanessa Williams sang "Touch Me in the Morning."

The two-hour event will air Dec. 26 on CBS.

Recipients are cited for their excellence in the performing arts - dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television - and selected by the center's board of trustees.

For this year's group, the center also noted:

•Singer and songwriter Wilson, 65, for his popular work with the Beach Boys and his "era-defining transformation of the sound of music."

•Fleisher, 79, for a career that is a "moving testament to the life-affirming power of art." Fleisher lost the use of his right hand for much of his career because of a rare neurological disease but fought to return to two-handed playing.

As he stood for photos in the White House East Wing, Fleisher told reporters he had gotten a classic dose of Martin's humor. The two saw each other as they left their hotel, and Martin joked to Fleisher, "I hope you win." Fortunately, unlike at the Academy Awards, the Kennedy Center honorees have no such worries.

Still, actor and comedian Martin Short gave his pal some ribbing. Asked what he thought about the Kennedy Center honor for Steve Martin, Short said: "It's fantastic. It's amazing what bribery will do.."

Today's Birthdays

Country singer Ferlin Husky is 82. Singer Andy Williams is 80. Movie director Jean-Luc Godard is 77. Singer Jaye P. Morgan is 76. Actress Mary Alice is 66. Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne is 59. Actress Heather Menzies is 58. Country musician Paul Gregg (Restless Heart) is 53. Actor Steven Culp is 52. Actress Daryl Hannah is 47. Actress Julianne Moore is 47. Actor Brendan Fraser is 39. Singer Montell Jordan is 39. Actor Royale Watkins is 38. Actor Bruno Campos is 34. Actress Holly Marie Combs is 34. Actress Lauren Roman is 32. Actress Anna Chlumsky is 27. Actor Brian Bonsall is 26. Actor Michael Angarano is 20.

Source: The Associated Press