Brando Hit With Court Bill

Big star has big payout...

Oscar-winner Marlon Brando and a former girlfriend have settled two lawsuits she filed against him over child support issues.

Donald Woldman, an attorney for Maria Cristina Ruiz, said:

"We've reached an overall, amicable settlement of all issues between the parties."

Ruiz claimed that Brando fathered three children with her during a romantic relationship that lasted 14 years.

She said the relationship ended in 2001 but Brando "promised that he would always provide for and financially support" her and their children.

In her court petition, Ruiz sought $100m (£63m) in damages plus unspecified monthly financial support, claiming that she:

"devoted all aspects of her life to...Brando's needs, the interests of their children, his personal interests and well being, to the exclusion of her own."

Brando, known for his brooding performances, has won many awards, including a Best Actor Oscar in 1954 for On The Waterfront.

In 1972 he won a Best Actor Oscar for The Godfather but refused to accept the award.