In 1980, Richard Gere had a breakout role in the film American Gigolo, a part that led many to consider him a sex symbol. Since then, the actor has starred in films like Pretty Women and Chicago. While he’s had a fruitful career, he doesn’t like the sex symbol label that stuck with him for decades. After one interview, he even threatened legal action against the program for referring to him as such.
Richard Gere once threatened legal action when a talk show host called him a ‘sex symbol’
In 1989, Gere appeared on the talk show Aspel & Company. While introducing Gere, host Michael Aspel made the mistake of referring to Gere as a sex symbol. Before it aired, Gere’s team reached out, warning them to cut the phrase out of the interview.
“When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him, and at the end I said,...
Richard Gere once threatened legal action when a talk show host called him a ‘sex symbol’
In 1989, Gere appeared on the talk show Aspel & Company. While introducing Gere, host Michael Aspel made the mistake of referring to Gere as a sex symbol. Before it aired, Gere’s team reached out, warning them to cut the phrase out of the interview.
“When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him, and at the end I said,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Richard Gere’s breakout role in 1980’s “American Gigolo” might have made him a household name, but that didn’t mean the actor wanted to be labeled a “sex symbol,” according to veteran British talk show host Michael Aspel.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Aspel recalled Gere’s appearance on his talk show “Aspel and Company” in 1989.
“When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him and at the end I said, and ‘he’s done this, he’s done that,’ and I used the phrase ‘sex symbol,'” Aspel said. “After the interview, we had a phone call from his agent saying if I didn’t remove the sex symbol thing, they were going to take it up with their lawyer.”
Aspel continued, “He would not be known as a sex symbol. It was very odd. But he took himself very seriously because he did a lot of...
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Aspel recalled Gere’s appearance on his talk show “Aspel and Company” in 1989.
“When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him and at the end I said, and ‘he’s done this, he’s done that,’ and I used the phrase ‘sex symbol,'” Aspel said. “After the interview, we had a phone call from his agent saying if I didn’t remove the sex symbol thing, they were going to take it up with their lawyer.”
Aspel continued, “He would not be known as a sex symbol. It was very odd. But he took himself very seriously because he did a lot of...
- 10/1/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Gere threatened to bring his lawyers down on a British TV chat show unless they removed the words “sex symbol” from his introduction.
Veteran British TV chat show host Michael Aspel was this weekend recalling some his encounters with Hollywood luminaries, including the An Officer and a Gentleman star who came onto his primetime show in the UK in 1989.
Aspel recalled to the Daily Mail:
“When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him and at the end I said, and ‘he’s done this, he’s done that,’ and I used the phrase ‘sex symbol.’
“After the interview, we had a phone call from his agent saying if I didn’t remove the sex symbol thing, they were going to take it up with their lawyer.
“He would not be known as a sex symbol. It was very odd. But he took himself very seriously, because he...
Veteran British TV chat show host Michael Aspel was this weekend recalling some his encounters with Hollywood luminaries, including the An Officer and a Gentleman star who came onto his primetime show in the UK in 1989.
Aspel recalled to the Daily Mail:
“When Richard Gere came on the show, I introduced him and at the end I said, and ‘he’s done this, he’s done that,’ and I used the phrase ‘sex symbol.’
“After the interview, we had a phone call from his agent saying if I didn’t remove the sex symbol thing, they were going to take it up with their lawyer.
“He would not be known as a sex symbol. It was very odd. But he took himself very seriously, because he...
- 10/1/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The “Antiques Road Trip” crew is back on their search for incredible treasures! Now, viewers at home can join them and experience the thrill of the hunt. Each episode takes viewers on a fun journey as these seasoned experts discover rare antiques, learn about their origins, and more. Season 21 is available to stream on-demand on PBS Living beginning on Monday, April 17. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of PBS Living.
How to Watch 'Antiques Road Trip' Season 21 Premiere When: Monday, April 17, 2023 Where: PBS Living Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of PBS Living. 7-Day Free Trial$2.99 / month PBS Living via amazon.com About 'Antiques Road Trip' Season 21 Premiere
This new batch of “Antiques Road Trip” episodes is filled with unexpected discoveries as the treasure hunters travel across Great Britain. It follows Michael Aspel, Hugh Scully, and Fiona Bruce as they put their expertise to the ultimate test.
How to Watch 'Antiques Road Trip' Season 21 Premiere When: Monday, April 17, 2023 Where: PBS Living Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of PBS Living. 7-Day Free Trial$2.99 / month PBS Living via amazon.com About 'Antiques Road Trip' Season 21 Premiere
This new batch of “Antiques Road Trip” episodes is filled with unexpected discoveries as the treasure hunters travel across Great Britain. It follows Michael Aspel, Hugh Scully, and Fiona Bruce as they put their expertise to the ultimate test.
- 4/17/2023
- by Aubrey Chorpenning
- The Streamable
The years haven’t been kind to Gene Wilder and his underplayed performance as the sadistic chocolatier in a cheap and poorly made adaptation
When confirmation landed last month that Warner Bros’ planned prequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was officially a go – with Paddington’s Paul King directing and Timothée Chalamet to star as the younger incarnation of Roald Dahl’s zany chocolatier – the news was as unsurprising as it was deflating. Origin stories are all the rage these days, and the idea of one for Wonka has been kicking around the industry for a few years now. Are people clamouring for it? Well, Hollywood franchises tend to run on an “if we build it, they will come” basis lately, so perhaps a wee Wonka adventure is just what the masses didn’t know they wanted.
Related: Why a Willy Wonka origins movie could be bad news...
When confirmation landed last month that Warner Bros’ planned prequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was officially a go – with Paddington’s Paul King directing and Timothée Chalamet to star as the younger incarnation of Roald Dahl’s zany chocolatier – the news was as unsurprising as it was deflating. Origin stories are all the rage these days, and the idea of one for Wonka has been kicking around the industry for a few years now. Are people clamouring for it? Well, Hollywood franchises tend to run on an “if we build it, they will come” basis lately, so perhaps a wee Wonka adventure is just what the masses didn’t know they wanted.
Related: Why a Willy Wonka origins movie could be bad news...
- 6/30/2021
- by Guy Lodge
- The Guardian - Film News
Andrew Walsh rehearsing a scene with Will Weatheritt.
Producer Roberto Chuter and writer-director Andrew Walsh are preparing to shoot How Deep is the Ocean, a tragicomic feature about a troubled young woman who is purified by the ocean.
Due to shoot in Melbourne in April and budgeted at about $1 million, the film will star Will Weatheritt, Ryan Bown and Richard Aspel.
The role of the protagonist Eleanor, a mysterious young woman who arrives in Melbourne with the clothes on her back, little money and a past she’d rather forget, will be cast in the next few weeks.
Living in a broken-down boarding house on the outskirts of the city, she works in a series of dead-end jobs.
Weatheritt, whose credits include James Pentecost’s crime comedy Broken Contract, True Story with Hamish & Andy and Utopia, plays Matt, a hopeless romantic and sensitive soul.
After crossing paths with the impulsive and naïve Eleanor,...
Producer Roberto Chuter and writer-director Andrew Walsh are preparing to shoot How Deep is the Ocean, a tragicomic feature about a troubled young woman who is purified by the ocean.
Due to shoot in Melbourne in April and budgeted at about $1 million, the film will star Will Weatheritt, Ryan Bown and Richard Aspel.
The role of the protagonist Eleanor, a mysterious young woman who arrives in Melbourne with the clothes on her back, little money and a past she’d rather forget, will be cast in the next few weeks.
Living in a broken-down boarding house on the outskirts of the city, she works in a series of dead-end jobs.
Weatheritt, whose credits include James Pentecost’s crime comedy Broken Contract, True Story with Hamish & Andy and Utopia, plays Matt, a hopeless romantic and sensitive soul.
After crossing paths with the impulsive and naïve Eleanor,...
- 1/8/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Long-time Antiques Roadshow presenter Hugh Scully has died, aged 72.
Scully passed away at his Cornwall home yesterday (October 8) while watching television, his son Oliver told BBC News.
Scully was for many the face of Antiques Roadshow, having presented the series for 19 years between 1981 and 2000.
He left the series to launch an internet auction company, ultimately being replaced by Michael Aspel.
During his illustrious career, the presenter also worked on Nationwide, Britain's Finest and radio's Collector's World.
Hugh was married to wife Barbara for more than 40 years prior to her death in 2009.
Scully passed away at his Cornwall home yesterday (October 8) while watching television, his son Oliver told BBC News.
Scully was for many the face of Antiques Roadshow, having presented the series for 19 years between 1981 and 2000.
He left the series to launch an internet auction company, ultimately being replaced by Michael Aspel.
During his illustrious career, the presenter also worked on Nationwide, Britain's Finest and radio's Collector's World.
Hugh was married to wife Barbara for more than 40 years prior to her death in 2009.
- 10/9/2015
- Digital Spy
Gold has ordered a new biography series about comedians - with a difference.
The Interviews - a six part series - will focus on a different star in each episode by using their appearances on British chat shows.
Kenneth Williams, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson, Oliver Reed, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore will each feature in an instalment of The Interviews, with Dawn French providing a voiceover for the series.
As well as using footage with interviewers such as Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Melvyn Bragg, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Michael Aspel, Des O'Connor and Mavis Nicholson, the series will use clips from personal documentary interviews and radio specials.
Gold's commissioning editor Iain Coyle described the series as a "compelling show that perfectly captures the personalities of our comedy legends".
"The Interviews is a unique way of doing biography through chat show appearances, as the guests' stories are told straight from the horse's mouth,...
The Interviews - a six part series - will focus on a different star in each episode by using their appearances on British chat shows.
Kenneth Williams, The Two Ronnies, Les Dawson, Oliver Reed, Spike Milligan, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore will each feature in an instalment of The Interviews, with Dawn French providing a voiceover for the series.
As well as using footage with interviewers such as Michael Parkinson, Terry Wogan, Melvyn Bragg, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Michael Aspel, Des O'Connor and Mavis Nicholson, the series will use clips from personal documentary interviews and radio specials.
Gold's commissioning editor Iain Coyle described the series as a "compelling show that perfectly captures the personalities of our comedy legends".
"The Interviews is a unique way of doing biography through chat show appearances, as the guests' stories are told straight from the horse's mouth,...
- 4/1/2015
- Digital Spy
Adam Afriyie denies he's plotting to oust David Cameron. Why replace one wealthy Tory smoothiechops with another?
✒There is something hilarious about the Tories' anguish over their leadership, and especially hilarious that the stalking horse may turn out to be the backbencher Adam Afriyie, a half-Ghanaian multimillionaire. Somebody must have sat down in a bar, or perhaps a hotel room swept for bugs, and said "look, the public are fed up with the country being run by a wealthy smoothiechops. What we need to do is replace him – with another wealthy smoothiechops! That'll show how inclusive we are. When it comes to millionaires, we Tories are colour blind!"
✒It's one of those trick pub quiz questions like "into which ocean does the western end of the Panama Canal flow?" The answer is, surprisingly, the Atlantic, as the canal runs more or less north to south but on a slant. Another is "what is 10 in London,...
✒There is something hilarious about the Tories' anguish over their leadership, and especially hilarious that the stalking horse may turn out to be the backbencher Adam Afriyie, a half-Ghanaian multimillionaire. Somebody must have sat down in a bar, or perhaps a hotel room swept for bugs, and said "look, the public are fed up with the country being run by a wealthy smoothiechops. What we need to do is replace him – with another wealthy smoothiechops! That'll show how inclusive we are. When it comes to millionaires, we Tories are colour blind!"
✒It's one of those trick pub quiz questions like "into which ocean does the western end of the Panama Canal flow?" The answer is, surprisingly, the Atlantic, as the canal runs more or less north to south but on a slant. Another is "what is 10 in London,...
- 2/2/2013
- by Simon Hoggart
- The Guardian - Film News
BBC Radio 2 DJ Simon Mayo is to host a brand new series of cult hexagon based quiz show Blockbusters, Challenge TV have announced.
Produced by Thames and filmed at Sky’s new production facility Sky Studios, Blockbusters will return to our screens later this spring.
The move comes just a few weeks after the sad death of Bob Holness, the long running host who was synonymous with the UK favourite program that actually debuted in the Us in 1980, but enjoyed its best run between 1983 and 1994 in this country. Less notable hosts Michael Aspel and Liza Tarbuck have hosted revived versions of Blockbusters in the years since Holness left.
“Blockbusters is the ultimate cult TV quiz, and we think that Simon Mayo is the perfect host to bring it back to our screens,” commented Barbara Gibbon, director of Challenge TV. “We hope that it will be popular not only with those...
Produced by Thames and filmed at Sky’s new production facility Sky Studios, Blockbusters will return to our screens later this spring.
The move comes just a few weeks after the sad death of Bob Holness, the long running host who was synonymous with the UK favourite program that actually debuted in the Us in 1980, but enjoyed its best run between 1983 and 1994 in this country. Less notable hosts Michael Aspel and Liza Tarbuck have hosted revived versions of Blockbusters in the years since Holness left.
“Blockbusters is the ultimate cult TV quiz, and we think that Simon Mayo is the perfect host to bring it back to our screens,” commented Barbara Gibbon, director of Challenge TV. “We hope that it will be popular not only with those...
- 2/6/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
The War Game (1965) Direction and Screenplay: Peter Watkins Narration: Michael Aspel and Peter Graham Oscar Movies Peter Watkins' The War Game By Dan Schneider of Cosmoetica: For anyone who thinks that those 50-pack mega-dvd sets of public domain films put out by several different video companies are worthless, I would argue that the amount of films you get for the money is worth it, even if all were mediocre. I would also add that each DVD package comes with at least 8-10 enjoyable films, a few true classics like Carnival of Souls or Night of the Living Dead, and every so often a great little film will pop up that makes the package a total steal. One such 50-pack I got, "Nightmare Worlds," features one such film: Peter Watkins' 1965 BBC documentary (not broadcast until 1985) The War Game, winner of the Best Feature Documentary Academy Award in 1967. Granted, film...
- 3/28/2011
- by Dan Schneider
- Alt Film Guide
Over the past week, Ronan Keating has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The previously squeaky clean Boyzone star has had to face a barrage of accusations about his private life and the end of his marriage. Whether all the rumours are true remains to be seen, but what's evident is that there's more to Mr Keating than meets the eye. Here are our ten fast facts about the Irish boyband icon. 1. Ronan Patrick John Keating was born on March 3, 1977. His mother Marie was a hairdresser, his father Gerry a taxi driver. He has two sisters, Ciaran and Linda, and two brothers, Gerard and Gary. 2. What have Ronan, Bob Hope, Judith Chalmers, Michael Aspel and Tim Vincent all got in common? They have all hosted the Miss World competition! The Irish singer helmed the beauty pageant in 1998 with Eden Harel. 3. Ronan has collected many awards down the years,...
- 5/26/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing series eight might take place at Blackpool Tower, say reports. According to The Sun, the BBC is in negotiations with Leisure Parcs, which owns the Tower, about hosting this year's show there. The famous destination was the original venue for Strictly's popular BBC predecessor Come Dancing. The ballroom dancing competition, which was hosted by presenters including Michael Aspel, Judith Chalmers, Rosemarie (more)...
- 2/2/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
When people think of Michael Aspel, they often throw back the criticisms "dull", "old-fashioned" and "ordinary". Here at Digital Spy however, we prefer to use the words "distinguished", "all-rounder" and "dependable". Whether he was handing out his big red book on This Is Your Life or bringing celebs down to the ground on Aspel and Company, the Battersea-born star always had a relaxed, easy-going charm - not too dissimilar to your granddad after a few too many glasses of sherry. In the world of entertainment, Aspel has been there, done that and got the T-shirt. Whether it's (more)...
- 10/30/2009
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Katy Perry has apparently revealed that her dream job would be to host the BBC's Antiques Roadshow. The 'I Kissed A Girl' singer told The Sun that she loves the "thrill" and the "chase" of hunting bargains. "I wish they had asked me to host Antiques Roadshow when Michael Aspel left. It would be my dream job," she said. "When I was a kid my dad would wake (more)...
- 11/10/2008
- by By Sarah Rollo
- Digital Spy
Antiques Roadshow fans have complained that Fiona Bruce is "dumbing down" the show. The newsreader, who is following in the footsteps of Hugh Scully and Michael Aspel, has been accused by some irate viewers of taking over the BBC show and having little knowledge on the subject matter. One fan wrote on the BBC website: "I started watching Antiques Roadshow only to realise that it has become The Fiona Bruce Show. In the past, the antiques and the members of the public were the story - now it's all about her. Get her off before she ruins it." Another called Bruce "another case of a female newsreader being catapulted into an established programme to, for want of a better (more)...
- 10/16/2008
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Fiona Bruce has admitted that she fears being "quietly dropped" by the BBC in the future. The journalist and TV host became a household name in 1999 when she started presenting the corporation's Six O'Clock News bulletin. She has since fronted the BBC News at Ten, Crimewatch UK and Real Story, her own documentary series. Most recently, Bruce was named as the new host of Antiques Roadshow, taking over from Michael Aspel. Despite this, she worries that her days as the BBC's golden girl are numbered. "I know there's going to come a point in the not-too-distant future when I will be quietly dropped from something," Bruce told the Daily Mail. "I won't be bitter and twisted when I'm fired. I work in a visual medium and I am judged by my appearance." "There's going to come a time when (more)...
- 8/23/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Comedian Rory Bremner is the favourite to succeed Des O'Connor as host of Countdown, according to reports. It has also been claimed that Carol Vorderman's future on the show is in doubt - despite bookies giving odds of 8-1 on the long-time co-host taking over the main presenter role. Other possibilities are said to include chorister-turned-presenter Aled Jones, Gyles Brandreth and Michael Aspel. The producers of Countdown (more)...
- 7/25/2008
- by By Dave West
- Digital Spy
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