‘Growing Pains’ actor found dead

The body of actor Andrew Koenig, 41, was found in Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday, said his father, Walter Koenig.

Walter Koenig, best known for playing Pavel Chekov on the original “Star Trek” TV series, said his son took his own life. Walter Koenig was with the search group that discovered his son’s body.

“Andrew had some very close friends here in Vancouver; he really felt this was home,” said Walter Koenig of son Andrew, who played Boner, friend to Kirk Cameron’s character on the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains.”

The Koenigs said they received a letter from Andrew last week in which he wrote in a “despondent tone.” Walter Koenig said Andrew stopped taking antidepressant medication a year ago.
“He was obviously in a lot of pain,” he said.
Jana McGuinness, a Vancouver police spokeswoman, said Koenig’s body was found off a bridle path in a densely wooded area. She wouldn’t confirm the cause of death except to say foul play was not suspected and weapons were not involved.
Koenig, of Venice, Calif., had been visiting friends when he went missing Feb. 14. Besides “Growing Pains,” he also acted in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “G.I. Joe,” “My Two Dads,” and “21 Jump Street.”
Leno adding tunes
Jay Leno is pumping more music into his return to “The Tonight Show,” set for 11:35 p.m. Monday.
Leno is back as host of NBC’s late-night show, and he said he’ll be joined the first two weeks by Adam Lambert, Robin Thicke, Ben Harper, Ryan Bingham and Lifehouse.
Leno’s other announced guests include Jamie Foxx, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Olympic medalists Lindsey Vonn, Shaun White and Apolo Anton Ohno. NBC says Brett Favre has been added as a guest for the show Thursday.
Rumors follow tour
Although video postings of her recent shows in Australia have been less than flattering, Whitney Houston says her tour is going great – and she’s in great health.
A statement Thursday from Houston’s publicist, Kristen Foster, says: “Whitney is in great health and having a terrific time on her tour and with her fans,” who are dancing and singing along to her performances, she said.
That view contrasts news reports quoting disgruntled fans who have complained about the star’s voice and performance. Video snippets of Houston struggling to hit notes in concerts in Sydney and Brisbane have circulated widely on YouTube.
Actor, model to wed
Actor Seth Green is engaged to model-actress Clare Grant, People magazine reports. Green, 36, and Grant, 30, are tightlipped about their upcoming nuptials, E! News reported.

Green is the executive producer and co-creator of Cartoon Network’s “Robot Chicken,” for which Grant does voice-overs. The actor, an original cast member of “Family Guy,” next appears in Disney’s “Mars Needs Moms.”
Rock Hall details out

Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio is inducting rock group Genesis next month into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Wyclef Jean will honor Jimmy Cliff. Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees will induct ABBA. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong is set to honor The Stooges. And Jackson Browne will induct David Geffen.

The ceremony is March 15 in New York and will air live at 8:30 p.m. on Fuse TV.
Son denied bail

Michael Douglas’ troubled son, Cameron, was denied bail and a chance for outpatient addiction treatment Thursday as he awaits sentencing in a federal drug-dealing case.

The screen scion said nothing during the hearing at a Manhattan federal court. He greeted his mother, Diandra, and other supporters as he was taken back to jail. His father didn’t attend.

Douglas, 31, pleaded guilty in January to selling large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine out of a trendy Manhattan hotel. He faces a minimum 10-year prison term at sentencing April 14.