Universal inks deal with Ferrell's company

Hollywood's Universal Media Studios says it has signed a deal with Gary Sanchez Productions Television, headed by producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay.

Ferrell and McKay are the producers of "Step Brothers," "The Other Guys," "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," "Eastbound and Down." They also are the creators of the "Funny or Die" video Web site.

The deal between their production company and Universal was announced Monday by Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment.

"This development deal with Will and Adam is a major step forward for our studio," Greenblatt said in a statement. "They know how to make people laugh, aren't afraid to take risks, and are among the elite of the entertainment industry's creative leaders."

Ferrell began his career on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" and recently appeared in a multiple-story arc on the network's comedy series "The Office."

McKay directed and wrote Ferrell's films "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," "Talledega Nights," "Step Brothers" and "The Other Guys."

Liu to appear in Season 4 of 'Southland'

Lucy Liu is joining the cast of "Southland" for the U.S. police drama's fourth season, TNT announced Monday.

Starring Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, Regina King and Ben McKenzie, the show is slated to begin its new season in January.

Liu will appear throughout the season as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department, the cable network said.

Her film credits include the "Kung Fu Panda," "Charlie's Angels" and "Kill Bill" films. She also was a co-star on TV's "Ally McBeal" and "Cashmere Mafia."

Buble to star in NBC holiday special

Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Buble is to headline his first network television variety special in December, NBC said.

The announcement was made Monday by Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment.

The 1-hour special is being produced by Emmy Award winners Ben Silverman and Lorne Michaels.

The program will feature Buble as he performs hits from his latest holiday CD, combined with sketch comedy segments,the network said.

"Michael Buble's popularity as a recording artist and performer transcends generations as he has entertained audiences across the world during his concert tours," Greenblatt said in a statement. "His 2010 appearance on ["Saturday Night Live"] was the top-rated network telecast of the night and demonstrated that his considerable talents extend beyond singing. NBC is pleased to kick off the holiday season by presenting Michael's first network television special."

DJ Sam Ronson arrested for alleged DUI

Celebrity disc jockey Sam Ronson, best known as Lindsay Lohan's ex-girlfriend, has been arrested for alleged driving under the influence outside Baker, Calif.

TMZ cited law enforcement sources it did not name as saying Ronson, 33, was pulled over by police for speeding as she drove home from Las Vegas Monday morning after working at the Lavo nightclub in the Palazzo hotel.

She failed a field sobriety test, refused to submit to a breathalyzer and was arrested, TMZ said.

The musician blew over the legal blood-alcohol limit when she finally took the breathalyzer test at the police station where she was booked, the report said.

DiCaprio is highest-earning actor

Leonardo DiCaprio is Hollywood's highest-earning actor, making $77 million between May 2010 and May 2011, Forbes.com said Monday.

Coming in at No. 2 during the same period was Johnny Depp with $50 million, followed by Adam Sandler with $40 million at No. 3, Will Smith with $36 million and Tom Hanks with $35 million.

Rounding out the top tier are Ben Stiller with $34 million at No. 6, Robert Downey Jr. with $31 million at No. 7, Mark Wahlberg with $28 million at No. 8, and Tim Allen and Tom Cruise with $22 million at No. 9.

Kings of Leon cancel U.S. tour

The Kings of Leon said on its Web site Monday the rock band has canceled the rest of its U.S. concert tour.

The announcement followed an incident in Dallas Friday night during which lead singer Caleb Followill left the stage, complaining of the heat and a failing voice. A subsequent show in The Woodlands, Texas, was canceled Sunday.

"We are so sorry to say Kings of Leon are canceling their entire U.S. tour due to Caleb Followill suffering from vocal issues and exhaustion," the group said in a statement Monday. "The band is devastated, but in order to give their fans the shows they deserve, they need to take this break."

Followill said the U.S. dates cannot be rescheduled due to the band's international tour schedule. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase, he said. Tickets purchased online or via phones will be automatically refunded.

The band will resume touring in Canada at the Rogers Center in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sept. 28, he said. That show was originally scheduled for Sept. 14.

Drone attack kills 6 suspected militants

Six suspected militants were killed in a drone attack on a vehicle in Pakistan's tribal region of South Waziristan Monday, intelligence officials said.

The Pakistani officials told CNN a drone fired two missiles at the vehicle.

South Waziristan is on Pakistan's border with Afghanistan and the majority of drone strikes have been in areas in North and South Waziristan, the officials said.

Intelligence experts say the areas are havens for militants.

The United States normally doesn't comment on drone strikes but is the only country in the region known to have the ability to launch missiles from remote-controlled drones.