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Actor Tony Randall Dead at 84; A New Ripple to Prisoner Abuse Scandal in Iraq

Aired May 18, 2004 - 10:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the top stories at this hour. The U.S. government reportedly will no longer make monthly payments to the Iraqi National Congress. That is the group headed by Ahmed Chalabi. The former exiled leader was once viewed as a potential leader of Iraq, but has since fallen into disfavor for prewar intelligence that proved faulty. According to "The New York Times," the group says its been told the payments will end with next month's transfer of power.
Just minutes ago, CNN confirmed death of actor Tony Randall. He was 84 years old and suffered a prolonged illness. Randall starred in movies and five separate television series, but is probably best known for his role of Felix, the fastidious half of the 1970 sitcom "The Odd Couple."

Rock star and political activist Bono seizing the political stage this morning. He's testifying on Capitol Hill. He's now appearing before a Senate subcommittee to discuss next year's budget to fight the global spread of AIDS. Bono has long urged Western governments to help the poverty stricken, undeveloped nations.

Five cities have made the cut for finalist for the 2012 Summer Olympics. London, Paris, Moscow, Madrid and New York City are in the running. Four other cities were eliminated from contention. Paris is believed to be the front-runner. A final decision is expected next summer.

Gas prices are rising as fast as the mercury, so summer travel season must be here. This hour, AAA, The Motor Club and The Travel Industry Association of America are releasing their summer travel and Memorial Day forecasts. Despite record gas prices, a recovering economy will nudge a rise in auto travel by some 3.4 percent.

There's a new ripple to the prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq. The administration's proposed payouts to Iraqi victims have angered other former prisoners, Americans who suffered abuse at Iraqi hands, but have had their payouts thrown into limbo.

Our Kathleen Koch has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF TICE, GULF WAR POW: It's a rather brutal experience.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Jeff Tice knows about torture in Abu Ghraib Prison. He was on the receiving end there in the first Gulf War.

TICE: I was essentially beaten, tortured and starved.

KOCH: Ties and 16 other U.S. POWs brutally tortured in 1991 by Saddam Hussein's troops sued Iraq, and in July won $653 million in damages. But by then, the U.S. government had appropriated the $1.7 billion in frozen Iraqi assets they were to be paid from Iraqi reconstruction.

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECY.: They were resources required for the urgent national security needs of rebuilding Iraq.

KOCH: So the POWs were stunned when the defense secretary promised to compensate Iraqis abused in Abu Ghraib Prison.

TICE: Well, I thought that it was utterly unfair for secretary Rumsfeld to say that, well, we're going to pay these Iraqi prisoners from U.S. funds, at the same time, our own government is blocking us from receiving compensation from Iraqi funds.

JEFF FOX, GULF WAR POW: There's inconsistency there that is, quite frankly, a little embarrassing.

KOCH: Former POW Jeff Fox sent a letter to Donald Rumsfeld expressing his, quote, "frustration and disbelief" and asking for an explanation. One senator vows to block any payments to Iraqi prisoners.

SEN. HARRY REID (D), NEVADA: I'm going to do everything I can to throw roadblocks into compensating Iraqi prisoners of war when American prisoners of war have not been compensated. It is unfair.

KOCH (on camera): The POWs eventually hope to be paid from Saddam Hussein assets hidden overseas or future Iraqi governments, though the federal government is now trying to overturn the initial court ruling entitling hem them to compensation.

(voice-over): For the men and their attorneys, the administration opposition sends a troubling message.

HAWK: OK, active duty military, if you're in combat, you're captured and tortured, deal with it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And sends the wrong message to the next torturers, that you can get away with it.

KOCH: The former POWs say they realize they may never be compensated.

TICE: I tell people I won the lottery already because I came back.

KOCH: Kathleen Koch, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE) KAGAN: We're at 35 minutes past the hour. Let's go to the White House now, the administration has concluded this hour's informal briefing. We call it the gaggle, and they are talking about a proposal that some Democrats, some Democrats pushing forward to go to the oil reserves to lower gas prices.

Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House with the response to that request.

Suzanne, good morning.

SUZANNNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Well, Scott McClellan saying they would not tap into that reserve, saying they're going to continue to push Congress to push forward for the comprehensive energy plan, also to encourage foreign allies who pump oil not to contribute to the problem, but they say, categorically, that that oil reserve would only be used in the case of emergency. This is not considered an emergency, despite those rising gas prices.

McClellan also talking about the president's Middle East plan. It was earlier today the president spoke before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. It is a powerful pro-Isreal lobbying group here in Washington, and the president emphasizing the Middle East policies, specifically the support of Israel Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement plan to pull out of Gaza and only portions of the West Bank.

He also made the case that progress is going to be made inside of Iraq, despite a certain uncertainty there, despite the violence that the transfer of power to the Iraqis, is important that it has to happen on that June 30th deadline. It's a matter of security to the United States.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In time, Iraq will be a free and Democratic nation at the heart of the Middle East. This will send a message, a powerful message, from Damascus to Tehran, that democracy can bring hope to lives in every culture. And this advance of freedom will bring greater security to America and to the world. These are historic times. It's an historic opportunity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, the president also specifically talking about what we have seen, the unfolding violence in Gaza, the demolition of some of the Palestinian homes there. Israelis saying that as necessary, they're trying to stop a smuggling operation through a series of tunnels. McClellan saying this morning, reiterating the president's position that he finds it troubling, the violence there. They accept that explanation, but, again, the administration is in contact with Israeli officials over just what is happening. They are concerned about this renewed violence of the last 24 hours -- Daryn. KAGAN: Suzanne, I want ask about the story we were talking about a little bit earlier, that they cutoff a payment to Ahmed Chalabi and his group, one of the most controversial figures, even within the White House, has his supporters and his non-supporters. Any reaction to cutting off those payments?

MALVEAUX: Well, not yet from the White House, but certainly, as you know, Chalabi has been a very controversial figure from the very beginning. A lot of support from the Pentagon initially. A lot of calls from Congress saying that it was simply a waste of money and, of course, complaints from the State Department about the intelligence, or faulty intelligence, that they believe was connected to his organization. Certainly a lot of members in Congress believe that is this the right thing to do, but it was a very difficult decision for the administration.

KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Suzanne, thank you.

And the election campaign is bringing together some former foes. Presumptive Democratic nominee John Kerry made his first trip to Oregon just in time for today's primary there. Look who was by his side, former presidential candidate Howard Dean, who still enjoys strong support in Oregon. Polls show Kerry with a slight lead over President Bush in that Northwestern state.

The Iraqi prison abuse scandal has stirred strong emotions around the world and provoked a statement on the streets of Seattle.

We get details now from reporter Pat McReynolds of our Seattle affiliate KING.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAT MCREYNOLDS, KING-TV REPORTER (voice-over): What would evoke such emotion that grown men would scuffle in the streets of Seattle? Only the disturbing snapshot viewed around the world recreated in Fremont.

It started with an anonymous artist voicing silent protest, placing black hoods on the statues known as "Waiting for the Inner Urban." He even placed an electric chair hooked to a car battery in front.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know this is headline news right here in Fremont.

MCREYNOLDS: Passersby couldn't help but be moved by the image.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it's really scary. My first reaction was, oh my God, why would somebody do that?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: First I thought it looked like the five guys behind the guy they just beheaded last week.

MCREYNOLDS: But suddenly, this man charged the display, snatching the hoods and tearing off down the street before ditching the cloth in the waters of Lake Union.

TRIP ALLEN, GAVE CHASE: I asked him if it was his art piece, his statement and he said it is mine now.

MCREYNOLDS: Trip Allen gave chase.

ALLEN: I wanted to get those bags back. I felt like the statement, that art, it's someone's statement that they made and he is violating that free speech. I wanted the bags back.

MCREYNOLDS: So did Tom Mellado who fished them out of the lake to bring back to the statues.

TOM MELLADO, RETRIEVED BAGS: There are venues for everyone's opinion. And I think if you -- if you decide to do something constructive to voice your own opinion, I mean that's fine. But to actually destroy someone else's opinion, I think that's a tragedy and I don't think it belongs in this country.

ALLEN: I think with a slipknot, tie them tight.

MCREYNOLDS: In the end, these strangers felt compelled to recreate the shocking display, not necessarily because they agree with it, but because no voice should be tossed aside.

MELLADO: I don't know how long it's going to last like this, but I think for a little while longer it will be great.

MCREYNOLDS: The artist for the work remains anonymous, but if their intention was to get people to think, they more than succeeded.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And that was reported Pat McReynolds of our affiliate in Seattle, KING.

Coming up, the pope turns 84. Find out how the Vatican marked that day.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: News into CNN, we have confirmed that actor Tony Randall has passed away. He was 84 years old. We understand he died after a long illness. His wife, Heather, was by his side. He died at NYU Medical Center. Randall had an incredibly long career in Hollywood, on the stage, in the movie, and of course probably best known to for his role as Felix Unger, which he played from 1970 to '75 in "The Odd Couple." He won an Emmy for playing Unger. And, interesting twist, he won that Emmy after the show had been canceled. And when he won, had a little clip, "I'm so happy I won. Now if I only had a job." Tony Randall, a very interesting wit and longtime personality, he died at 84, two young children left behind, along with his wife, Heather. Much more about him and with him just ahead.

It is a first for women in men's professional basketball. Find out why a 22-year-old is making sports history.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: That's a chorus of celebration for the leader of the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II turned 84 today. There are no official ceremonies planned, but he is said to be quietly celebrating with family and supporters.

Our Delia Gallagher joins us live from Rome.

Delia, I understand you were actually able to see the pope today on his birthday?

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's right, Daryn. This morning, I met with the pope. I wished him a happy birthday. It's a regular working day here for the pope, no time off for his birthday, and he was meeting with the prime minister of Portugal, and the Portuguese broke out into songs, singing happy birthday in Portuguese, so I thought it was the least I could do is wish him happy birthday.

He's in good spirits, as you say, and he celebrated with a small lunch with some of his closest cardinal advisers today -- Daryn.

KAGAN: How would you say his health appeared today, Delia?

GALLAGHER: Well, he's basically the way that we've seen him in the last few months, frankly. He hasn't changed. He still has a tremor in his left hand. But he's following all of the conversation, and he was able to talk to the people. So I'd say his spirits are very good, but physically, he hasn't changed from what we've seen in the recent past.

KAGAN: As we were saying, there is not a huge celebration planned for the pope. He doesn't make a big deal of his birthday, but there is a book he has a new book coming out today.

GALLAGHER: That's right. Not only is he 84 today, but he managed to find time to write a book last year. It's an autobiography. It's the second part of his autobiography. He first wrote a book in 1996 describing his life as a priest, and this is his life from the time he was nominated for bishop in 1958 through his papacy. It's published today in Italian, and it tells some stories.

For example, in 1958 when he received the nomination, he was in a canoe reading, of all things, Ernest Hemmingway, "The Old Man in the Sea," and he received the news he had been nominated bishop, and he had to come back to Krakow, and the archbishop, the then archbishop of Krakow, introducing him to the public, said (UNINTELLIGIBLE), which is the phrase that they use after the conclave when they elect a new pope. So he tells this sort of prophetic anecdote of the archbishop of Krakow 1958, prophetizing that the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) would become pope.

So there are many little anecdotes in this book. It will be published in English in about a month's time -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And also the other -- the epilogue of that story, didn't he then ask, now that I've been given this commission, can I go back and finish my canoe trip?

GALLAGHER: Yes, he wanted to go back. He's a pastoral pope. That's what he loves to do.

KAGAN: Very good. Delia Gallagher, thank you, joining us from Rome.

Coming up in the next hour of CNN LIVE TODAY, actress Glenn Close joins me to talk about her new project. It's on Showtime. It's called "The Lion in Winter," as well as what it's like to be a Stepford wife.

And, after the break, not only playing with the big boys, this woman is coaching them, too. She's making sports history. That story is up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Once again, want to share with you the news that we learned within the last hour, that actor Tony Randall has passed away. He was 84 years old, best known, of course, for his role as Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple." Actually only played that role for five years, from 1970 to 1975, had a very long career on the stage and the movies and other television appearances as well. He dies after a prolonged illness. He was 84, and he leaves behind a wife and two young children. Tony Randall, 84 years old, passing away today in New York City.

Well, you might have expected a man but take a look. A young woman, only 22 years old, Ashley McGillme, becomes the first woman to lead a men's pro basketball team as named head coach of the new Nashville Rhythm. That is an expansion team, part of the new ABA. She is a Tennessee native. She was a star player at Vanderbilt, and she played for the U.S. at the 2001 World University Games, making sports history.

(WEATHER UPDATE)

KAGAN: Let's get started as that second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

We're going to take a look at the latest developments at this hour. The entertainment world mourns the death of veteran actor Tony Randall, who is probably best known for his role as Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple." He have a long list of television, and movie and stage credits, often appearing as a comic foil in the Doris Day-Rock Hudson film. We'll have more on his life and legacy, just ahead. The 9/11 probe goes to the scene of one of the attacks. The panel is hearing testimony at this hour in New York City, not far from where the World Trade Center stood. Commission members are examining how emergency crews responded to the crisis.

In India, Sonia Ghandi has -- says that she is taking her name out of consideration to become India's next prime minister. Ghandi had been widely expected to be sworn in to the position tomorrow. She's been attacked for being a Roman Catholic born in Italy.

London could host the 2012 Summer Olympics, or it could be New York, Paris, Madrid or Moscow. Those are the five finalist considered by the International Olympic Committee. The panel is weighing security, among other issues, in makings its final selection. That will take place next summer.

All right, well let's -- We are moving right along. It is 11:00 a.m. on the east coast and 8:00 a.m. on the West Coast. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning, once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Up first on CNN, remembering the Emmy Award-winning actor Tony Randall. He will always be the fastidious Felix Unger to many sitcom fans, the uptight half of TV's "Odd Couple." Randall has died. He died last night at the age of 84.

Our Adaora Udoji is in New York City this with a look at his life and legacy.

Adaora, hello.

ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Daryn.

A family spokesman says Tony Randall died in his sleep at the New York Medical Center with his wife, Heather, at his side. He died at 84 due to complications, they said, from a prolonged illness. Now, he was -- Randall a prolific actor, as you mentioned some of his accolades. He was actually born Leonard Rosenberg in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His career spanned 60 years, starting first on the stage, later, dozens of movies and television shows.

For most of America, as you mentioned, he will be remembered fondly for his role as the uptight Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple." For that role, he did win an Emmy, and the show ran from 1970-'75. He worked alongside his very good friend Jack Klugman.

The award-winning actor once said that there's only one thing worst than a man who doesn't have strong likes and dislikes, and that's a man who has strong likes and dislikes without the courage to voice them. For that kind of candor, he was a very popular in his -- entertainer. He often favored on "Johnny Carson" and "The Sonny and Cher" show over his long and successful career. Tony Randall leaves behind two young children, a daughter, 7, and a son, 5 -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Adaora Udoji, in New York City, thank you for that. We're going to have much more on Tony Randall, some remembrances ahead. Once again, Tony Randall has died at the age of 84. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired May 18, 2004 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the top stories at this hour. The U.S. government reportedly will no longer make monthly payments to the Iraqi National Congress. That is the group headed by Ahmed Chalabi. The former exiled leader was once viewed as a potential leader of Iraq, but has since fallen into disfavor for prewar intelligence that proved faulty. According to "The New York Times," the group says its been told the payments will end with next month's transfer of power.
Just minutes ago, CNN confirmed death of actor Tony Randall. He was 84 years old and suffered a prolonged illness. Randall starred in movies and five separate television series, but is probably best known for his role of Felix, the fastidious half of the 1970 sitcom "The Odd Couple."

Rock star and political activist Bono seizing the political stage this morning. He's testifying on Capitol Hill. He's now appearing before a Senate subcommittee to discuss next year's budget to fight the global spread of AIDS. Bono has long urged Western governments to help the poverty stricken, undeveloped nations.

Five cities have made the cut for finalist for the 2012 Summer Olympics. London, Paris, Moscow, Madrid and New York City are in the running. Four other cities were eliminated from contention. Paris is believed to be the front-runner. A final decision is expected next summer.

Gas prices are rising as fast as the mercury, so summer travel season must be here. This hour, AAA, The Motor Club and The Travel Industry Association of America are releasing their summer travel and Memorial Day forecasts. Despite record gas prices, a recovering economy will nudge a rise in auto travel by some 3.4 percent.

There's a new ripple to the prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq. The administration's proposed payouts to Iraqi victims have angered other former prisoners, Americans who suffered abuse at Iraqi hands, but have had their payouts thrown into limbo.

Our Kathleen Koch has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF TICE, GULF WAR POW: It's a rather brutal experience.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Jeff Tice knows about torture in Abu Ghraib Prison. He was on the receiving end there in the first Gulf War.

TICE: I was essentially beaten, tortured and starved.

KOCH: Ties and 16 other U.S. POWs brutally tortured in 1991 by Saddam Hussein's troops sued Iraq, and in July won $653 million in damages. But by then, the U.S. government had appropriated the $1.7 billion in frozen Iraqi assets they were to be paid from Iraqi reconstruction.

SCOTT MCCLELLAN, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECY.: They were resources required for the urgent national security needs of rebuilding Iraq.

KOCH: So the POWs were stunned when the defense secretary promised to compensate Iraqis abused in Abu Ghraib Prison.

TICE: Well, I thought that it was utterly unfair for secretary Rumsfeld to say that, well, we're going to pay these Iraqi prisoners from U.S. funds, at the same time, our own government is blocking us from receiving compensation from Iraqi funds.

JEFF FOX, GULF WAR POW: There's inconsistency there that is, quite frankly, a little embarrassing.

KOCH: Former POW Jeff Fox sent a letter to Donald Rumsfeld expressing his, quote, "frustration and disbelief" and asking for an explanation. One senator vows to block any payments to Iraqi prisoners.

SEN. HARRY REID (D), NEVADA: I'm going to do everything I can to throw roadblocks into compensating Iraqi prisoners of war when American prisoners of war have not been compensated. It is unfair.

KOCH (on camera): The POWs eventually hope to be paid from Saddam Hussein assets hidden overseas or future Iraqi governments, though the federal government is now trying to overturn the initial court ruling entitling hem them to compensation.

(voice-over): For the men and their attorneys, the administration opposition sends a troubling message.

HAWK: OK, active duty military, if you're in combat, you're captured and tortured, deal with it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And sends the wrong message to the next torturers, that you can get away with it.

KOCH: The former POWs say they realize they may never be compensated.

TICE: I tell people I won the lottery already because I came back.

KOCH: Kathleen Koch, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE) KAGAN: We're at 35 minutes past the hour. Let's go to the White House now, the administration has concluded this hour's informal briefing. We call it the gaggle, and they are talking about a proposal that some Democrats, some Democrats pushing forward to go to the oil reserves to lower gas prices.

Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House with the response to that request.

Suzanne, good morning.

SUZANNNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Well, Scott McClellan saying they would not tap into that reserve, saying they're going to continue to push Congress to push forward for the comprehensive energy plan, also to encourage foreign allies who pump oil not to contribute to the problem, but they say, categorically, that that oil reserve would only be used in the case of emergency. This is not considered an emergency, despite those rising gas prices.

McClellan also talking about the president's Middle East plan. It was earlier today the president spoke before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. It is a powerful pro-Isreal lobbying group here in Washington, and the president emphasizing the Middle East policies, specifically the support of Israel Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement plan to pull out of Gaza and only portions of the West Bank.

He also made the case that progress is going to be made inside of Iraq, despite a certain uncertainty there, despite the violence that the transfer of power to the Iraqis, is important that it has to happen on that June 30th deadline. It's a matter of security to the United States.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In time, Iraq will be a free and Democratic nation at the heart of the Middle East. This will send a message, a powerful message, from Damascus to Tehran, that democracy can bring hope to lives in every culture. And this advance of freedom will bring greater security to America and to the world. These are historic times. It's an historic opportunity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, the president also specifically talking about what we have seen, the unfolding violence in Gaza, the demolition of some of the Palestinian homes there. Israelis saying that as necessary, they're trying to stop a smuggling operation through a series of tunnels. McClellan saying this morning, reiterating the president's position that he finds it troubling, the violence there. They accept that explanation, but, again, the administration is in contact with Israeli officials over just what is happening. They are concerned about this renewed violence of the last 24 hours -- Daryn. KAGAN: Suzanne, I want ask about the story we were talking about a little bit earlier, that they cutoff a payment to Ahmed Chalabi and his group, one of the most controversial figures, even within the White House, has his supporters and his non-supporters. Any reaction to cutting off those payments?

MALVEAUX: Well, not yet from the White House, but certainly, as you know, Chalabi has been a very controversial figure from the very beginning. A lot of support from the Pentagon initially. A lot of calls from Congress saying that it was simply a waste of money and, of course, complaints from the State Department about the intelligence, or faulty intelligence, that they believe was connected to his organization. Certainly a lot of members in Congress believe that is this the right thing to do, but it was a very difficult decision for the administration.

KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Suzanne, thank you.

And the election campaign is bringing together some former foes. Presumptive Democratic nominee John Kerry made his first trip to Oregon just in time for today's primary there. Look who was by his side, former presidential candidate Howard Dean, who still enjoys strong support in Oregon. Polls show Kerry with a slight lead over President Bush in that Northwestern state.

The Iraqi prison abuse scandal has stirred strong emotions around the world and provoked a statement on the streets of Seattle.

We get details now from reporter Pat McReynolds of our Seattle affiliate KING.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAT MCREYNOLDS, KING-TV REPORTER (voice-over): What would evoke such emotion that grown men would scuffle in the streets of Seattle? Only the disturbing snapshot viewed around the world recreated in Fremont.

It started with an anonymous artist voicing silent protest, placing black hoods on the statues known as "Waiting for the Inner Urban." He even placed an electric chair hooked to a car battery in front.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know this is headline news right here in Fremont.

MCREYNOLDS: Passersby couldn't help but be moved by the image.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it's really scary. My first reaction was, oh my God, why would somebody do that?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: First I thought it looked like the five guys behind the guy they just beheaded last week.

MCREYNOLDS: But suddenly, this man charged the display, snatching the hoods and tearing off down the street before ditching the cloth in the waters of Lake Union.

TRIP ALLEN, GAVE CHASE: I asked him if it was his art piece, his statement and he said it is mine now.

MCREYNOLDS: Trip Allen gave chase.

ALLEN: I wanted to get those bags back. I felt like the statement, that art, it's someone's statement that they made and he is violating that free speech. I wanted the bags back.

MCREYNOLDS: So did Tom Mellado who fished them out of the lake to bring back to the statues.

TOM MELLADO, RETRIEVED BAGS: There are venues for everyone's opinion. And I think if you -- if you decide to do something constructive to voice your own opinion, I mean that's fine. But to actually destroy someone else's opinion, I think that's a tragedy and I don't think it belongs in this country.

ALLEN: I think with a slipknot, tie them tight.

MCREYNOLDS: In the end, these strangers felt compelled to recreate the shocking display, not necessarily because they agree with it, but because no voice should be tossed aside.

MELLADO: I don't know how long it's going to last like this, but I think for a little while longer it will be great.

MCREYNOLDS: The artist for the work remains anonymous, but if their intention was to get people to think, they more than succeeded.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And that was reported Pat McReynolds of our affiliate in Seattle, KING.

Coming up, the pope turns 84. Find out how the Vatican marked that day.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: News into CNN, we have confirmed that actor Tony Randall has passed away. He was 84 years old. We understand he died after a long illness. His wife, Heather, was by his side. He died at NYU Medical Center. Randall had an incredibly long career in Hollywood, on the stage, in the movie, and of course probably best known to for his role as Felix Unger, which he played from 1970 to '75 in "The Odd Couple." He won an Emmy for playing Unger. And, interesting twist, he won that Emmy after the show had been canceled. And when he won, had a little clip, "I'm so happy I won. Now if I only had a job." Tony Randall, a very interesting wit and longtime personality, he died at 84, two young children left behind, along with his wife, Heather. Much more about him and with him just ahead.

It is a first for women in men's professional basketball. Find out why a 22-year-old is making sports history.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: That's a chorus of celebration for the leader of the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II turned 84 today. There are no official ceremonies planned, but he is said to be quietly celebrating with family and supporters.

Our Delia Gallagher joins us live from Rome.

Delia, I understand you were actually able to see the pope today on his birthday?

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's right, Daryn. This morning, I met with the pope. I wished him a happy birthday. It's a regular working day here for the pope, no time off for his birthday, and he was meeting with the prime minister of Portugal, and the Portuguese broke out into songs, singing happy birthday in Portuguese, so I thought it was the least I could do is wish him happy birthday.

He's in good spirits, as you say, and he celebrated with a small lunch with some of his closest cardinal advisers today -- Daryn.

KAGAN: How would you say his health appeared today, Delia?

GALLAGHER: Well, he's basically the way that we've seen him in the last few months, frankly. He hasn't changed. He still has a tremor in his left hand. But he's following all of the conversation, and he was able to talk to the people. So I'd say his spirits are very good, but physically, he hasn't changed from what we've seen in the recent past.

KAGAN: As we were saying, there is not a huge celebration planned for the pope. He doesn't make a big deal of his birthday, but there is a book he has a new book coming out today.

GALLAGHER: That's right. Not only is he 84 today, but he managed to find time to write a book last year. It's an autobiography. It's the second part of his autobiography. He first wrote a book in 1996 describing his life as a priest, and this is his life from the time he was nominated for bishop in 1958 through his papacy. It's published today in Italian, and it tells some stories.

For example, in 1958 when he received the nomination, he was in a canoe reading, of all things, Ernest Hemmingway, "The Old Man in the Sea," and he received the news he had been nominated bishop, and he had to come back to Krakow, and the archbishop, the then archbishop of Krakow, introducing him to the public, said (UNINTELLIGIBLE), which is the phrase that they use after the conclave when they elect a new pope. So he tells this sort of prophetic anecdote of the archbishop of Krakow 1958, prophetizing that the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) would become pope.

So there are many little anecdotes in this book. It will be published in English in about a month's time -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And also the other -- the epilogue of that story, didn't he then ask, now that I've been given this commission, can I go back and finish my canoe trip?

GALLAGHER: Yes, he wanted to go back. He's a pastoral pope. That's what he loves to do.

KAGAN: Very good. Delia Gallagher, thank you, joining us from Rome.

Coming up in the next hour of CNN LIVE TODAY, actress Glenn Close joins me to talk about her new project. It's on Showtime. It's called "The Lion in Winter," as well as what it's like to be a Stepford wife.

And, after the break, not only playing with the big boys, this woman is coaching them, too. She's making sports history. That story is up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Once again, want to share with you the news that we learned within the last hour, that actor Tony Randall has passed away. He was 84 years old, best known, of course, for his role as Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple." Actually only played that role for five years, from 1970 to 1975, had a very long career on the stage and the movies and other television appearances as well. He dies after a prolonged illness. He was 84, and he leaves behind a wife and two young children. Tony Randall, 84 years old, passing away today in New York City.

Well, you might have expected a man but take a look. A young woman, only 22 years old, Ashley McGillme, becomes the first woman to lead a men's pro basketball team as named head coach of the new Nashville Rhythm. That is an expansion team, part of the new ABA. She is a Tennessee native. She was a star player at Vanderbilt, and she played for the U.S. at the 2001 World University Games, making sports history.

(WEATHER UPDATE)

KAGAN: Let's get started as that second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

We're going to take a look at the latest developments at this hour. The entertainment world mourns the death of veteran actor Tony Randall, who is probably best known for his role as Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple." He have a long list of television, and movie and stage credits, often appearing as a comic foil in the Doris Day-Rock Hudson film. We'll have more on his life and legacy, just ahead. The 9/11 probe goes to the scene of one of the attacks. The panel is hearing testimony at this hour in New York City, not far from where the World Trade Center stood. Commission members are examining how emergency crews responded to the crisis.

In India, Sonia Ghandi has -- says that she is taking her name out of consideration to become India's next prime minister. Ghandi had been widely expected to be sworn in to the position tomorrow. She's been attacked for being a Roman Catholic born in Italy.

London could host the 2012 Summer Olympics, or it could be New York, Paris, Madrid or Moscow. Those are the five finalist considered by the International Olympic Committee. The panel is weighing security, among other issues, in makings its final selection. That will take place next summer.

All right, well let's -- We are moving right along. It is 11:00 a.m. on the east coast and 8:00 a.m. on the West Coast. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning, once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Up first on CNN, remembering the Emmy Award-winning actor Tony Randall. He will always be the fastidious Felix Unger to many sitcom fans, the uptight half of TV's "Odd Couple." Randall has died. He died last night at the age of 84.

Our Adaora Udoji is in New York City this with a look at his life and legacy.

Adaora, hello.

ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Daryn.

A family spokesman says Tony Randall died in his sleep at the New York Medical Center with his wife, Heather, at his side. He died at 84 due to complications, they said, from a prolonged illness. Now, he was -- Randall a prolific actor, as you mentioned some of his accolades. He was actually born Leonard Rosenberg in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His career spanned 60 years, starting first on the stage, later, dozens of movies and television shows.

For most of America, as you mentioned, he will be remembered fondly for his role as the uptight Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple." For that role, he did win an Emmy, and the show ran from 1970-'75. He worked alongside his very good friend Jack Klugman.

The award-winning actor once said that there's only one thing worst than a man who doesn't have strong likes and dislikes, and that's a man who has strong likes and dislikes without the courage to voice them. For that kind of candor, he was a very popular in his -- entertainer. He often favored on "Johnny Carson" and "The Sonny and Cher" show over his long and successful career. Tony Randall leaves behind two young children, a daughter, 7, and a son, 5 -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Adaora Udoji, in New York City, thank you for that. We're going to have much more on Tony Randall, some remembrances ahead. Once again, Tony Randall has died at the age of 84. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com