Kanye West says he 'contemplated suicide'


Kanye West says he's thought about killing himself, but now feels a responsibility to make a meaningful contribution to pop culture and art.

The 33-year-old rapper didn't say when he'd considered suicide.

He told an audience at a screening of his new film Runaway in LA that although there had been times when he "contemplated suicide" he would "not give up on life again".

The star went on to describe himself as a pop icon and "soldier for culture".

He said there were so many people who would never have their voices heard, that he'd "do it for them".

The singer is credited as a director for the 35-minute film, which features portions of nine new Kanye West songs.

The movie is set to premiere this weekend on American cable channels and will accompany his upcoming album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy released on 22 November.

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Tributes paid to Happy Days actor Tom Bosley


Veteran US actor Tom Bosley, most famous for playing all-American father Howard Cunningham in the 1970s TV series Happy Days, has died aged 83.

The star, who had been suffering from lung cancer, passed away at his home just outside Palm Springs, his family said in a statement.

Henry Winkler, who played The Fonz in Happy Days, paid tribute to the actor.

"He was our television father on the sound stage, but a father figure in real life," he said.

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Yulianna Avdeeva scoops Chopin Piano award


Russian musician Yulianna Avdeeva has become the first woman to win the prestigious Chopin Piano Competition in 45 years in Warsaw, Poland.

Ms Avdeeva, 25, who won £26,506, said she had been working towards winning the competition her "whole life".

Held every five years, the contest for young pianists is one of the most important in the classical music world.

Martha Argerich, a past winner and member of the jury, caller Ms Avdeeva a "harmonious artist".

She added: "I am extremely happy about Yulianna, and particularly because she is the first woman after 45 years. After me there was no lady, so I am very happy."

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