Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel engaged to writer

THE ABC talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was heading to the altar* to marry Molly McNearney, a co-head writer on his late night program "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," the comedian's spokesman confirmed on August 15.

Celebrity news Web site People.com reported that the 44-year-old Kimmel proposed to McNearney, 34, while on vacation at Kruger National Park in South Africa. Kimmel was previously married for 13 years and has two children. He also had a high-profile relationship with comedian Sarah Silverman that lasted five years.

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte lands first TV role

Olympic champion swimmer Ryan Lochte, who emerged as one of the hottest new stars from the London Games, has signed on for his first acting role.

Lochte, 28, who won two gold medals in London, will play himself in a cameo* appearance in the high-school TV series "90210" in October, producers said on August 14.

The U.S. swimmer will cross paths with Naomi Clark, played by AnnaLynne McCord, and Max Miller (Josh Zuckerman), at a resort where they are trying to rebuild their rocky relationship.

Miss China crowned Miss World 2012

China's Yu Wenxia, a 23-year-old music lover who wants to work with the poor, was crowned* Miss World 2012 at a ceremony in Inner Mongolia, pageant organizers said on August 18.

Wearing a sparkling blue gown, Yu waved to the audience in the Dongsheng Stadium in Ordos, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Organizers said Yu beat out 115 contestants, a record, in the highly publicized annual international beauty pageant*.

'Real World' star Joey Kovar found dead

Reality television performer Joey Kovar, who starred in MTV's "The Real World: Hollywood" and VH1's "Celebrity Rehab," was found dead at a friend's home near Chicago on August 17, according to media reports.

Kovar, 29, who had a history of drug addiction*, was found by a female friend who noticed blood coming out of his ears and nose, celebrity news Web site TMZ.com reported.