Jeff Harris and Bernie Kukoff's sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" debuted in 1978 and ran 189 episodes over a whopping eight seasons. The series starred Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, two impoverished kids from Harlem whose mother had recently died. They were adopted by the wealthy Mr. Drummond (Conrad Bain), a Park Avenue millionaire. The series revolved around the relationship Arnold and Willis developed with their adopted father, new sister Kimberly (Dana Plato), and one of three kindly housekeepers. In the 1984 season, Mr. Drummond married a woman named Maggie, and she was played by Dixie Carter for two years before being replaced by Mary Ann Mobley.
"Diff'rent Strokes" wasn't just overwhelmingly popular, but it also served as a template for a decade's worth of booming sitcoms. It was "Diff'rent Strokes" that famously presented "very special episodes" about serious issues like drug addiction, homelessness, eating disorders, and looking out...
"Diff'rent Strokes" wasn't just overwhelmingly popular, but it also served as a template for a decade's worth of booming sitcoms. It was "Diff'rent Strokes" that famously presented "very special episodes" about serious issues like drug addiction, homelessness, eating disorders, and looking out...
- 5/27/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When a sitcom reaches a certain level of longevity, it can be easy for writers to take their audience for granted. Storylines get lightly reworked, if not recycled wholesale. Cheap ratings are scored by having a significant character get married (call it the "Rhoda boost"). And there's no better way to guarantee the maximum amount of eyeballs than to have a major celebrity play themselves within the world of our favorite characters.
This typically works. Who can forget the time Bobby Brady faked a serious illness to earn a bedside visit from Joe Namath on "The Brady Bunch," or the time that pint-sized prankster Arnold Jackson pulled the same trick to get Muhammad Ali up to the Drummond's penthouse on "Diff'rent Strokes?" These are memorable episodes to be sure, but there's nothing more to them than the cameo.
It's far more satisfying when you can drop the celeb into...
This typically works. Who can forget the time Bobby Brady faked a serious illness to earn a bedside visit from Joe Namath on "The Brady Bunch," or the time that pint-sized prankster Arnold Jackson pulled the same trick to get Muhammad Ali up to the Drummond's penthouse on "Diff'rent Strokes?" These are memorable episodes to be sure, but there's nothing more to them than the cameo.
It's far more satisfying when you can drop the celeb into...
- 2/17/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Rob Mills touched on a variety of issues related to the unscripted world and late-night in a wide-ranging interview that went everywhere from Howard Stern to AI Bachelors.
Mills, EVP, Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, also talked about the future of the Live in Front of a Studio Audience franchise following the death of Norman Lear and whether he’s thinking about putting the ‘golden’ touch to other ABC shows such as American Idol or Shark Tank in light of the success of The Bachelor spinoff.
Lear died in December at the age of 101. He was working right up until his death and over the last few years one of his most high-profile series has been Live in Front of a Studio Audience, a series of live specials re-creating comedies such as All In The Family, Good Times, The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes with stars such as Woody Harrelson,...
Mills, EVP, Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, also talked about the future of the Live in Front of a Studio Audience franchise following the death of Norman Lear and whether he’s thinking about putting the ‘golden’ touch to other ABC shows such as American Idol or Shark Tank in light of the success of The Bachelor spinoff.
Lear died in December at the age of 101. He was working right up until his death and over the last few years one of his most high-profile series has been Live in Front of a Studio Audience, a series of live specials re-creating comedies such as All In The Family, Good Times, The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes with stars such as Woody Harrelson,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Sudden success is a hell of a drug. Be it entertainment, sports, or certain, shockingly competitive sectors of the healthcare industry, you can count on numerous fast risers to get high on their own supply and take an ego-fueled torch to their career.
Television actors are especially susceptible to these vain slip-ups, and it's easy to understand why. Before the advent of prestige TV, the small-screen medium was, particularly for young-ish performers, viewed as a potential springboard to big-screen stardom. Sometimes it works out. Chevy Chase bolted from "Saturday Night Live" midway through its second season and instantly became a movie star on the strength of his work in Colin Higgins' sporadically hilarious "Foul Play" (even though he's far from the funniest element of the film). And sometimes you're David Caruso, who quit "NYPD Blue" to topline a pair of 1995 flops in Barbet Schroder's "Kiss of Death" (underrated) and William Friedkin's "Jade".
Generally,...
Television actors are especially susceptible to these vain slip-ups, and it's easy to understand why. Before the advent of prestige TV, the small-screen medium was, particularly for young-ish performers, viewed as a potential springboard to big-screen stardom. Sometimes it works out. Chevy Chase bolted from "Saturday Night Live" midway through its second season and instantly became a movie star on the strength of his work in Colin Higgins' sporadically hilarious "Foul Play" (even though he's far from the funniest element of the film). And sometimes you're David Caruso, who quit "NYPD Blue" to topline a pair of 1995 flops in Barbet Schroder's "Kiss of Death" (underrated) and William Friedkin's "Jade".
Generally,...
- 1/7/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Norman Lear, who recently passed away at the age of 101, transformed the network television sitcom in the 1970s by confronting America's cultural contentiousness head-on and daring viewers to laugh at a bigot like Archie Bunker on "All in the Family" or the white-folks-hating George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons." People were more than ready to accept this challenge. "All in the Family" was the top-rated show on television for six of its nine seasons, while "The Jeffersons" ranked in the top 10 for four of its remarkable 11 seasons. Along with "Good Times," "Sanford and Son," "Maude," "One Day at a Time" and "Diff'rent Strokes," Lear basically dominated the decade. It was a creative hot streak that's never been matched and one that Lear could never replicate.
After the 1978 premiere of "Diff'rent Strokes," Lear went ice cold. "The Baxters" and "Palmerstown, USA" only hung around for two seasons, while "Hanging In" and "aka...
After the 1978 premiere of "Diff'rent Strokes," Lear went ice cold. "The Baxters" and "Palmerstown, USA" only hung around for two seasons, while "Hanging In" and "aka...
- 12/24/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Norman Lear was woke before “woke” became a derogatory smear. He was woke before it was briefly appropriated in mainstream parlance as a liberal badge of honor. Before he died on Tuesday at the age of 101, Norman Lear was one of the few people alive who entirely preceded the term, which can trace its origins to as far back as 1931 as a warning among African Americans to stay vigilant for racist threats.
That was also the year that Lear, then a 9-year-old Jewish American boy growing up in Connecticut, experienced the awakening of his own social consciousness, coming across a broadcast from the antisemitic Father Charles Coughlin (considered a progenitor of hate radio). “I started to pay a lot more attention to people who were even more different in the eyes of people like Father Coughlin,” Lear told NPR in 2012.
His cognizance of and desire to confront social bigotry permeated...
That was also the year that Lear, then a 9-year-old Jewish American boy growing up in Connecticut, experienced the awakening of his own social consciousness, coming across a broadcast from the antisemitic Father Charles Coughlin (considered a progenitor of hate radio). “I started to pay a lot more attention to people who were even more different in the eyes of people like Father Coughlin,” Lear told NPR in 2012.
His cognizance of and desire to confront social bigotry permeated...
- 12/9/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tributes continue to pour in after the death this week of 101-year-old television pioneer Norman Lear.
Amid the celebration of and reflection on his towering legacy, a present-day realization has dawned about Lear’s singular catalog, which includes shows like All in the Family, The Jeffersons and Maude. With the exception of Sanford & Son and Good Times on Peacock and 227 on Hulu, no Lear-created show can be accessed on a subscription streaming outlet. Instead, some shows can be purchased for download and many stream on free, ad-supported services like Pluto, Freevee and Tubi.
Joe Adalian brought up the void Thursday in his Buffering newsletter for Vulture, noting that Lear shows like the trailblazing Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman are completely Mia.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, which controls rights to Lear’s catalog, declined to comment to Deadline on the streaming presence of his shows. The company’s CEO, Tony Vinciquerra,...
Amid the celebration of and reflection on his towering legacy, a present-day realization has dawned about Lear’s singular catalog, which includes shows like All in the Family, The Jeffersons and Maude. With the exception of Sanford & Son and Good Times on Peacock and 227 on Hulu, no Lear-created show can be accessed on a subscription streaming outlet. Instead, some shows can be purchased for download and many stream on free, ad-supported services like Pluto, Freevee and Tubi.
Joe Adalian brought up the void Thursday in his Buffering newsletter for Vulture, noting that Lear shows like the trailblazing Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman are completely Mia.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, which controls rights to Lear’s catalog, declined to comment to Deadline on the streaming presence of his shows. The company’s CEO, Tony Vinciquerra,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the highlights in the final chapter of Norman Lear’s legendary career were the Live In Front Of a Studio Audience specials recreating episodes from his classic sitcoms. He executive produced them with Jimmy Kimmel, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) together while also developing a close friendship.
On Wednesday night, hours after news broke that Lear had died Tuesday night at the age of 101, Kimmel opened his ABC late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live with a moving tribute to his idol and friend.
“Norman was the genius who brought us some of the greatest television shows and characters of all time,” a visibly emotional Kimmel said, listing some of Lear’s most famous series, including All in the Family, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Maude, The Facts of Life; Diff’Rent Strokes; Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, and Fernwood Tonight.
“He...
On Wednesday night, hours after news broke that Lear had died Tuesday night at the age of 101, Kimmel opened his ABC late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live with a moving tribute to his idol and friend.
“Norman was the genius who brought us some of the greatest television shows and characters of all time,” a visibly emotional Kimmel said, listing some of Lear’s most famous series, including All in the Family, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Maude, The Facts of Life; Diff’Rent Strokes; Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, and Fernwood Tonight.
“He...
- 12/7/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The great Norman Lear died on Dec. 5 at the age of 101. Over his eight-decade career in showbiz, the television wizard developed more than 100 shows, many of which presented a more idealistic vision for America: All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, Diff’rent Strokes. Lear’s shows tackled hot-button issues — including racism, sexuality, misogyny, and abortion with brutal honesty — thrusting important conversations into the cultural zeitgeist, while remaining entertaining and funny.
There will never be another Norman Lear, and on the day of his death,...
There will never be another Norman Lear, and on the day of his death,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Broadcast television, the medium to which Norman Lear dedicated most of his career, will honor him in primetime Wednesday evening.
In a rare joint effort, all of the major broadcast networks will run a simulcast of “an on-air in memoriam card” paying tribute to the iconic TV writer and producer. The tribute, “in recognition of Norman Lear’s vast accomplishments and influence across television,” will run on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and The CW at 8 p.m., the networks said in a statement.
Lear died Tuesday at 101 years old.
His death sparked a flood of tributes from actors, writers, executives, networks and companies, all honoring his career, which spanned the 1950s into the 2020s.
While his work in Hollywood as both a writer and producer spanned both film and television, there was perhaps no one else more closely associated with the medium of broadcast TV over the course of his career.
In a rare joint effort, all of the major broadcast networks will run a simulcast of “an on-air in memoriam card” paying tribute to the iconic TV writer and producer. The tribute, “in recognition of Norman Lear’s vast accomplishments and influence across television,” will run on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and The CW at 8 p.m., the networks said in a statement.
Lear died Tuesday at 101 years old.
His death sparked a flood of tributes from actors, writers, executives, networks and companies, all honoring his career, which spanned the 1950s into the 2020s.
While his work in Hollywood as both a writer and producer spanned both film and television, there was perhaps no one else more closely associated with the medium of broadcast TV over the course of his career.
- 12/6/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Legendary television writer/producer Norman Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 101 years old.
“It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather,” his family posted to his official Instagram page. “Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end.
More from TVLineNorman Lear Tribute to Air on All Five Broadcast TV Networks TonightExtreme Weight Loss Star Brandi Mallory's Cause of Death RevealedRoseanne Star Pays Tribute to the Late Glenn Quinn...
“It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather,” his family posted to his official Instagram page. “Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end.
More from TVLineNorman Lear Tribute to Air on All Five Broadcast TV Networks TonightExtreme Weight Loss Star Brandi Mallory's Cause of Death RevealedRoseanne Star Pays Tribute to the Late Glenn Quinn...
- 12/6/2023
- by Charlie Mason
- TVLine.com
Writer-producer-developer Norman Lear, who revolutionized American comedy with such daring, immensely popular early-‘70s sitcoms as “All in the Family” and “Sanford and Son,” died on Tuesday. He was 101.
Lear’s publicist confirmed to Variety that he died at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes. A private service for immediate family will be held in the coming days.
“Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather,” Lear’s family said in a statement. “Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being.”
Lear had already established himself as a top...
Lear’s publicist confirmed to Variety that he died at his home in Los Angeles of natural causes. A private service for immediate family will be held in the coming days.
“Thank you for the moving outpouring of love and support in honor of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather,” Lear’s family said in a statement. “Norman lived a life of creativity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all. Knowing and loving him has been the greatest of gifts. We ask for your understanding as we mourn privately in celebration of this remarkable human being.”
Lear had already established himself as a top...
- 12/6/2023
- by Chris Morris
- Variety Film + TV
Shelley Smith, the ’70s super model turned actor known for her work on “The Associates” and “For Love and Honor,” died Tuesday after going into cardiac arrest days earlier. She was 70.
Smith died at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, her husband Michael Maguire said in a video posted to Facebook on Wednesday.
“She loved helping people. Most of all, she helped me. She made me a much better person than I ever would have been. We had a great marriage,” Maguire said in the video. “I don’t know how to go on without her. But I know that we had an incredible relationship and it was as pure as anything could be.”
Smith kicked off her modeling career in the early 1970s, landing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar and getting features in Vogue, Mademoiselle and Glamour magazines. In 1979, she stepping into the television world and made her star debut on “The Associates” alongside Martin Short,...
Smith died at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, her husband Michael Maguire said in a video posted to Facebook on Wednesday.
“She loved helping people. Most of all, she helped me. She made me a much better person than I ever would have been. We had a great marriage,” Maguire said in the video. “I don’t know how to go on without her. But I know that we had an incredible relationship and it was as pure as anything could be.”
Smith kicked off her modeling career in the early 1970s, landing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar and getting features in Vogue, Mademoiselle and Glamour magazines. In 1979, she stepping into the television world and made her star debut on “The Associates” alongside Martin Short,...
- 8/12/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
We should all be so lucky to live as long as Norman Lear. The legendary television producer marked his 101st birthday Thursday — yes, you read that right: his 101st birthday! — by offering words of wisdom to his 60,000 Instagram followers about the “joy and privilege” of living in the moment.
Related Stories Laverne Cox, George Wallace to Star in Norman Lear Comedy Clean Slate Ordered to Series at Freevee Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life Go Live: Norman Lear and Brent Miller Talk Unusual Casting Picks, Surprises TVLine Items: Kung Fu Adds CW Vets, Norman Lear Birthday Special and More
“Norman Lear here,...
Related Stories Laverne Cox, George Wallace to Star in Norman Lear Comedy Clean Slate Ordered to Series at Freevee Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life Go Live: Norman Lear and Brent Miller Talk Unusual Casting Picks, Surprises TVLine Items: Kung Fu Adds CW Vets, Norman Lear Birthday Special and More
“Norman Lear here,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Jimmy Weldon, the cheery ventriloquist, kids TV host and actor who provided the voice for the endangered duck Yakky Doodle on Hanna-Barbera cartoons starting in the early 1960s, has died. He was 99.
Weldon’s death on Thursday in Paso Robles, California, was reported by American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood, where he was chaplain emeritus.
With the puppet Webster Webfoot, a duck he created in the 1940s, Weldon hosted TV shows for youngsters in New York, Los Angeles and cities in the San Joaquin Valley. The Texan also appeared on episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dragnet, The Waltons, S.W.A.T., B.J. and the Bear, Dallas, The Rockford Files, Diff’rent Strokes and It’s a Living.
Weldon voiced Yakky Doodle, a yellow duckling with green wings who is constantly being bailed out of trouble by his best friend, a protective bulldog named Chopper, on recurring segments of The Yogi Bear Show in 1961-62.
From left: Yogi Bear,...
Weldon’s death on Thursday in Paso Robles, California, was reported by American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood, where he was chaplain emeritus.
With the puppet Webster Webfoot, a duck he created in the 1940s, Weldon hosted TV shows for youngsters in New York, Los Angeles and cities in the San Joaquin Valley. The Texan also appeared on episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Dragnet, The Waltons, S.W.A.T., B.J. and the Bear, Dallas, The Rockford Files, Diff’rent Strokes and It’s a Living.
Weldon voiced Yakky Doodle, a yellow duckling with green wings who is constantly being bailed out of trouble by his best friend, a protective bulldog named Chopper, on recurring segments of The Yogi Bear Show in 1961-62.
From left: Yogi Bear,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Victoria Justice was one of the biggest teen stars of the 2000s, appearing in TV shows like Victorious, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and iCarly. However, the actor surprisingly made a large salary for Zoey 101, despite only having a supporting role.
Victoria Justice’s role on ‘Zoey 101’
Justice began acting when she was 10 years old with a small part in an episode of Gilmore Girls. Just two years later, she scored the gig on Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101. Justice played Lola Martinez, the main character Zoey’s (played by Jamie Lynn Spears) boarding school roommate.
Her character debuted in Season 2 of the popular teen show. Lola was an aspiring actor with dreams of Hollywood stardom. She often put her acting skills to use during various schemes she and the rest of the characters pulled off, from disguising herself as a goth or a boy, to faking a British accent.
Victoria Justice’s role on ‘Zoey 101’
Justice began acting when she was 10 years old with a small part in an episode of Gilmore Girls. Just two years later, she scored the gig on Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101. Justice played Lola Martinez, the main character Zoey’s (played by Jamie Lynn Spears) boarding school roommate.
Her character debuted in Season 2 of the popular teen show. Lola was an aspiring actor with dreams of Hollywood stardom. She often put her acting skills to use during various schemes she and the rest of the characters pulled off, from disguising herself as a goth or a boy, to faking a British accent.
- 2/19/2023
- by India McCarty
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Director Matt Shakman has, in his decades-long directing career, amassed quite the pop culture imprimatur. He began as a child actor, having appeared as a regular on the 1988 "Growing Pains" spin-off, "Just the Ten of Us." As a kid, he had guest spots on multiple ultra-popular shows, including "Diff'rent Strokes," "Night Court," and "The Facts of Life." He retired from acting to attend college, afterward beginning a career in TV directing. Throughout the '00s, he helmed multiple single episodes of just about every popular show on TV, from "Judging Amy" and "Boston Legal" to "Six Feet Under." He directed five episodes of "Psych" and five episodes of "House" before landing the plum gig of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" in 2007. He was behind 43 episodes of that show.
Shakman kept working on popular shows throughout the 2010s, and listing his credits here would take far too long. Needless to say,...
Shakman kept working on popular shows throughout the 2010s, and listing his credits here would take far too long. Needless to say,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Facts of Life is one of the most memorable series of its time. From its debut in 1979 until it went off the air in 1988, fans followed these young girls’ lives as they lived at their fancy private school. The sitcom was a spinoff of the show Diff’rent Strokes, and it worked. Not many spinoffs like this one do, but The Facts of Life worked. In fact, so many fans watched the show so often then that they want to know what happened to the Facts of Life Cast since the show went off the air. Keep reading
Where are the Main Characters From The Facts of Life Cast Now?...
Where are the Main Characters From The Facts of Life Cast Now?...
- 2/6/2023
- by Tiffany Raiford
- TVovermind.com
Adam Rich, the former child actor best known for starring as the youngest child on the ABC dramedy “Eight Is Enough,” died Jan. 7, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was 54.
No details about Rich’s death were available. TMZ was first to report the news, saying the one-time TV star was found “lifeless” at his home in the Los Angeles area. TMZ reported that law enforcement sources indicated there were no signs of criminal or questionable activity.
Rich was a regular throughout the five-season run of “Eight Is Enough,” produced by Lorimar Television. The ABC series starred Dick Van Patten as the widowed father of eight who begins a new relationship with a teacher, played by Betty Buckley.
The series’ original cast included Mark Hamill, just as he was about to break out as part of the cast of 1977’s “Star Wars,” and Diana Hyland, who played...
No details about Rich’s death were available. TMZ was first to report the news, saying the one-time TV star was found “lifeless” at his home in the Los Angeles area. TMZ reported that law enforcement sources indicated there were no signs of criminal or questionable activity.
Rich was a regular throughout the five-season run of “Eight Is Enough,” produced by Lorimar Television. The ABC series starred Dick Van Patten as the widowed father of eight who begins a new relationship with a teacher, played by Betty Buckley.
The series’ original cast included Mark Hamill, just as he was about to break out as part of the cast of 1977’s “Star Wars,” and Diana Hyland, who played...
- 1/8/2023
- by Katie Reul
- Variety Film + TV
Clarence Gilyard, a veteran actor who had notable roles in Die Hard, Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger who would later become a theater professor and author, has died. He was 66.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts, where Gilyard taught, announced his death on Monday afternoon, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He had been suffering from a long illness. No further details were released.
In a rich and varied career that spanned five decades, Gilyard achieved success in film, television and on stage. For film fans, he is perhaps best known for playing Theo, Hans Gruber’s cocky computer hacker in 1988’s Die Hard. In the 1990s, Gilyard was a familiar face on primetime television, first for playing private investigator Conrad McMasters on the legal drama Matlock and then, in a career-defining role, as Ranger James Trivette in the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts, where Gilyard taught, announced his death on Monday afternoon, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He had been suffering from a long illness. No further details were released.
In a rich and varied career that spanned five decades, Gilyard achieved success in film, television and on stage. For film fans, he is perhaps best known for playing Theo, Hans Gruber’s cocky computer hacker in 1988’s Die Hard. In the 1990s, Gilyard was a familiar face on primetime television, first for playing private investigator Conrad McMasters on the legal drama Matlock and then, in a career-defining role, as Ranger James Trivette in the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger.
- 11/29/2022
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Clarence Gilyard Jr., a prolific actor best known for his pivotal, series-long role on “Walker, Texas Ranger” and for his scene-stealing turn as Theo, the heist crew’s hacker in “Die Hard,” died Monday following a long illness. He was 66.
In addition to his acclaimed career, Gilyard was a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
“Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him. Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was ‘Blessed!’ But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!,” Unlv film chair Heather Addison said in a statement Monday.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal first reported the news.
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Born in 1955 in Moses Lake,...
In addition to his acclaimed career, Gilyard was a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
“Professor Gilyard was a beacon of light and strength for everyone around him. Whenever we asked him how he was, he would cheerfully declare that he was ‘Blessed!’ But we are truly the ones who were blessed to be his colleagues and students for so many years. We love you and will miss you dearly, Professor G!,” Unlv film chair Heather Addison said in a statement Monday.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal first reported the news.
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Born in 1955 in Moses Lake,...
- 11/29/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
This story about Gina Prince-Bythewood first appeared in the College Issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
On a warm October afternoon in Westwood, Gina Prince-Bythewood walked between buildings on the UCLA campus and grinned. “It looks like nothing’s changed,” she said as she took a shortcut from the School of Theater, Film and Television’s Melnitz Hall to the nearby Freud Playhouse. “Even the paint looks the same.” She laughed. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.”
Of course, Prince-Bythewood is an unabashed booster of UCLA’s Tft, from which she graduated in 1991. And paint color notwithstanding, there have definitely been changes since she spent time in these halls: For instance, the James Bridges Theater, where many of her student films screened, had yet to be updated and upgraded when she was here, and the framed posters that lined the lobby definitely didn’t include her own film debut,...
On a warm October afternoon in Westwood, Gina Prince-Bythewood walked between buildings on the UCLA campus and grinned. “It looks like nothing’s changed,” she said as she took a shortcut from the School of Theater, Film and Television’s Melnitz Hall to the nearby Freud Playhouse. “Even the paint looks the same.” She laughed. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.”
Of course, Prince-Bythewood is an unabashed booster of UCLA’s Tft, from which she graduated in 1991. And paint color notwithstanding, there have definitely been changes since she spent time in these halls: For instance, the James Bridges Theater, where many of her student films screened, had yet to be updated and upgraded when she was here, and the framed posters that lined the lobby definitely didn’t include her own film debut,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Ron Masak, a character actor best known for his recurring role as Sheriff Mort Metzger in Murder, She Wrote, has died. He was 86. According to a Facebook post from his daughter, he passed away on Thursday, October 20, surrounded by his wife and six children. Masak’s passing comes just nine days after Murder, She Wrote lead star Angela Lansbury died at age 96. Born on July 1, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Masak began his career as a stage performer before making the transition to film and television. He served in the Army, where he displayed his all-around talents for performing, writing, and directing, and in 1960-61, toured the world doing vocal impressions in the all-Army show titled Rolling Along. Masak appeared in several classic TV shows, including The Twilight Zone, The Flying Nun, The Monkees, and Diff’rent Strokes. However, he is most remembered for his time on Murder, She Wrote as the Cadillac...
- 10/21/2022
- TV Insider
Ron Masak, a prolific character actor best known to television audiences as Sheriff Mort Metzger on “Murder, She Wrote,” died Thursday of natural causes, his family announced. He was 86.
Masak’s death comes just nine days after “Murder, She Wrote” star Angela Lansbury, who died Oct. 10 at age 96.
Born in Chicago in 1936, Masak began his entertainment career while serving in the U.S. Army before moving to Los Angeles. He made his screen debut on an episode of “The Twilight Zone” in 1960. He went on to appear in numerous notable productions of the era, including “The Monkees,” “Ice Station Zebra,” “Bewitched,” and “The Flying Nun,” among others.
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He worked consistently during the 1970s and ’80s, racking up appearances on shows like “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Quincy, M.E.” But it was his regular recurring role on “Murder, She Wrote,...
Masak’s death comes just nine days after “Murder, She Wrote” star Angela Lansbury, who died Oct. 10 at age 96.
Born in Chicago in 1936, Masak began his entertainment career while serving in the U.S. Army before moving to Los Angeles. He made his screen debut on an episode of “The Twilight Zone” in 1960. He went on to appear in numerous notable productions of the era, including “The Monkees,” “Ice Station Zebra,” “Bewitched,” and “The Flying Nun,” among others.
Also Read:
The ‘One Chicago’ Franchise Sparks a Wednesday Primetime Ratings Win for NBC
He worked consistently during the 1970s and ’80s, racking up appearances on shows like “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Quincy, M.E.” But it was his regular recurring role on “Murder, She Wrote,...
- 10/21/2022
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
As he prepares to celebrate two decades in late night, Jimmy Kimmel has agreed to stick around for at least three more years. Kimmel announced on Tuesday that he would continue his run as host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” through the show’s 23rd season, extending his contract — which was set to expire in the next year.
Kimmel has fronted “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as host and executive producer since 2003. “After two decades at ABC, I am now looking forward to three years of what they call ‘quiet quitting,’” he quipped in a statement.
News comes as Kimmel prepares to return to Brooklyn next week for the show’s sixth visit to the borough. This marks the first time “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has been back in New York since 2019. The late night talk show will once again tape in front of a live studio audience at the Brooklyn Academy...
Kimmel has fronted “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as host and executive producer since 2003. “After two decades at ABC, I am now looking forward to three years of what they call ‘quiet quitting,’” he quipped in a statement.
News comes as Kimmel prepares to return to Brooklyn next week for the show’s sixth visit to the borough. This marks the first time “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has been back in New York since 2019. The late night talk show will once again tape in front of a live studio audience at the Brooklyn Academy...
- 9/20/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Miller, the prolific actor and screenwriter writer best known for Please Don’t Eat The Daisies and Guestward, Ho! has died. His daughter, actress Penelope Ann Miller, confirmed the news on Twitter. He was 97.
Miller portrayed college professor Jim Nash on Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which ran from 1965-1967 and then in syndication. The NBC-MGM sitcom, which ran for 58 half-hour episodes, was loosely based on the theatrical film of the same name starring Doris Day and David Niven. The series did well initially, but its ratings took a hit in Season 2 when it was moved opposite The Jackie Gleason Show.
Miller had substantial runs on other big shows, most notably Desilu’s Guestward Ho! on ABC in 1960. He played one half of a New York City couple, the Hootens, who relocate to a dude ranch in New Mexico. Guestward Ho! ran for one season alongside The Donna Reed Show on Thursday evenings.
Miller portrayed college professor Jim Nash on Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which ran from 1965-1967 and then in syndication. The NBC-MGM sitcom, which ran for 58 half-hour episodes, was loosely based on the theatrical film of the same name starring Doris Day and David Niven. The series did well initially, but its ratings took a hit in Season 2 when it was moved opposite The Jackie Gleason Show.
Miller had substantial runs on other big shows, most notably Desilu’s Guestward Ho! on ABC in 1960. He played one half of a New York City couple, the Hootens, who relocate to a dude ranch in New Mexico. Guestward Ho! ran for one season alongside The Donna Reed Show on Thursday evenings.
- 9/14/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Super Bowl Halftime Show Wins Live Variety Emmy for First Time as Hip-Hop Breaks Through in Category
Click here to read the full article.
It was “Dre Day” once again as the Dr. Dre-focused 2022 Super Bowl halftime show prevailed at Saturday’s first night of the Creative Arts Emmys.
This year’s Emmy for best live variety special went to NBC’s broadcast of the halftime show that aired during the NFL championship game on Feb. 13. The special was officially titled The Pepsi Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.
Notably, this is the first time that a Super Bowl halftime show has prevailed in the category, although previous halftime shows have won in other crafts categories. The winners for the show were executive producers Shawn Carter, Desiree Perez and Jesse Collins; co-executive producers Dionne Harmon and Dave Meyers; supervising producer Aaron B. Cooke; and performers Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem,...
It was “Dre Day” once again as the Dr. Dre-focused 2022 Super Bowl halftime show prevailed at Saturday’s first night of the Creative Arts Emmys.
This year’s Emmy for best live variety special went to NBC’s broadcast of the halftime show that aired during the NFL championship game on Feb. 13. The special was officially titled The Pepsi Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.
Notably, this is the first time that a Super Bowl halftime show has prevailed in the category, although previous halftime shows have won in other crafts categories. The winners for the show were executive producers Shawn Carter, Desiree Perez and Jesse Collins; co-executive producers Dionne Harmon and Dave Meyers; supervising producer Aaron B. Cooke; and performers Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem,...
- 9/4/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Where else but at the Emmys could you expect to see legendary TV producer Norman Lear go up against hip-hop legends like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar? They’re all nominated for Best Variety Special (Live), one of the widest-ranging categories at this year’s Creative Arts Emmys. Who among these strange bedfellows will prevail?
According to the combined predictions of more than 1,000 Gold Derby users, the award will go to Lear and his fellow producers for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” the recurring program that features live performances of classic Lear sitcoms, in this case “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes.” It gets leading odds of 10/3, and for good reason: it won both times it was nominated before (2019-2020). In 2020 it defeated a Super Bowl Halftime Show, an Oscars telecast, and a Tonys telecast. This year it’s up against another Halftime Show, Oscars telecast,...
According to the combined predictions of more than 1,000 Gold Derby users, the award will go to Lear and his fellow producers for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” the recurring program that features live performances of classic Lear sitcoms, in this case “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes.” It gets leading odds of 10/3, and for good reason: it won both times it was nominated before (2019-2020). In 2020 it defeated a Super Bowl Halftime Show, an Oscars telecast, and a Tonys telecast. This year it’s up against another Halftime Show, Oscars telecast,...
- 9/2/2022
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Nothing has been set in stone for now, but Norman Lear and Brent Miller have a pretty good idea what they’d like to do if ABC decides to air another edition of Live In Front of a Studio Audience.
“We’ve talked about Maude for a handful of years and I guess now more than ever, it feels like the right choice,” says Miller, who joined Lear for Deadline’s Contenders Television: The Nominees. “Because of obvious reasons with Roe v. Wade [being overturned], and it having one of the most iconic episodes of television, not just for Maude but for television in general.”
Miller is speaking about the 1972 two-parter dubbed “Maude’s Dilemma,” in which the comedy’s title character played by Bea Arthur discovers that, at 47, she was pregnant. At the time, Lear — who created the show for CBS — opted to have Maude terminate her pregnancy because of her age.
“We’ve talked about Maude for a handful of years and I guess now more than ever, it feels like the right choice,” says Miller, who joined Lear for Deadline’s Contenders Television: The Nominees. “Because of obvious reasons with Roe v. Wade [being overturned], and it having one of the most iconic episodes of television, not just for Maude but for television in general.”
Miller is speaking about the 1972 two-parter dubbed “Maude’s Dilemma,” in which the comedy’s title character played by Bea Arthur discovers that, at 47, she was pregnant. At the time, Lear — who created the show for CBS — opted to have Maude terminate her pregnancy because of her age.
- 8/6/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
The 64th Annual Grammy Awards (CBS)
The Trevor Noah-hosted celebration of music aired April 3 (more recently than any rival), featured performances from winners Silk Sonic and Olivia Rodrigo, and landed five Emmy nominations (tied for category best). But only the 2021 Grammys telecast attracted fewer viewers, and no Grammys telecast has ever won this award.
The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back! (CBS)
This commemoration of Broadway’s rebound from Covid aired in September (another Tonys has aired since), was hosted by Tony winners Audra McDonald and Leslie Odom Jr. and featured musical performances and award presentations. But with just two noms, it’s tied for a category low, and a Tonys telecast hasn’t won this prize since 2017.
The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back!
The Oscars (ABC)
March’s telecast will forever be remembered for the moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
The 64th Annual Grammy Awards (CBS)
The Trevor Noah-hosted celebration of music aired April 3 (more recently than any rival), featured performances from winners Silk Sonic and Olivia Rodrigo, and landed five Emmy nominations (tied for category best). But only the 2021 Grammys telecast attracted fewer viewers, and no Grammys telecast has ever won this award.
The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back! (CBS)
This commemoration of Broadway’s rebound from Covid aired in September (another Tonys has aired since), was hosted by Tony winners Audra McDonald and Leslie Odom Jr. and featured musical performances and award presentations. But with just two noms, it’s tied for a category low, and a Tonys telecast hasn’t won this prize since 2017.
The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back!
The Oscars (ABC)
March’s telecast will forever be remembered for the moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.
- 8/2/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Can that nostalgic feeling be enough to garner an Emmy nomination? If the 2022 list of nominees is any guide, the answer is yes.
In the live variety special category, the proof is in the pudding. Per usual, the Grammys, the Tonys and the Oscars — slap and all — are nominated. However, the final two slots are filled by ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: The Facts of Life and Diff ’rent Strokes” and NBC’s “Pepsi Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show.”
The Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel live special has been nominated each time it has aired previously — first for the recreation of “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” in 2019 and in 2020, with “Good Times” in the mix. With “The Facts of Life” and “Diff ’rent Strokes” this year, not only were old stories retold, more A-list stars — and talent from the original shows— joined in.
“Diff ’rent Strokes...
In the live variety special category, the proof is in the pudding. Per usual, the Grammys, the Tonys and the Oscars — slap and all — are nominated. However, the final two slots are filled by ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: The Facts of Life and Diff ’rent Strokes” and NBC’s “Pepsi Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show.”
The Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel live special has been nominated each time it has aired previously — first for the recreation of “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” in 2019 and in 2020, with “Good Times” in the mix. With “The Facts of Life” and “Diff ’rent Strokes” this year, not only were old stories retold, more A-list stars — and talent from the original shows— joined in.
“Diff ’rent Strokes...
- 7/27/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Norman Lear Celebrates His 100th Birthday With a New Tribute Set to Air This Fall on ABC (Exclusive)
Television icon Norman Lear is celebrating his 100th birthday on Wednesday with some big news befitting the legend: ABC has revealed plans to celebrate Lear’s centennial with a primetime special this fall. Variety has exclusively learned that ABC will air “Norman Lear: 100 Years of Music and Laughter” on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. Et.
The two-hour special will honor the life and legacy of Lear, including his work as a producer, activist and philanthropist. The list of celebrity guests and musical performances set to appear on the special and pay homage to Lear will be announced at a later date.
The special will come just ten days after the 74th Emmy Awards, which Lear — already the TV Academy’s oldest Emmy nominee and winner ever — plans to attend in person. Lear, who has won two Emmys in recent years for his “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” specials with Jimmy Kimmel on ABC,...
The two-hour special will honor the life and legacy of Lear, including his work as a producer, activist and philanthropist. The list of celebrity guests and musical performances set to appear on the special and pay homage to Lear will be announced at a later date.
The special will come just ten days after the 74th Emmy Awards, which Lear — already the TV Academy’s oldest Emmy nominee and winner ever — plans to attend in person. Lear, who has won two Emmys in recent years for his “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” specials with Jimmy Kimmel on ABC,...
- 7/27/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
How does one preview a milestone birthday? By crooning a little “That’s Amore” and sharing a few pearls of wisdom, naturally.
In his final hours as a 99-year-old legend, Norman Lear recorded a video for Instagram in which he marvels at the wonders of modern science and how it got him to his 100th year of life.
“My God the miracle of being alive with everything that’s available to us,” he begins after covering a Dean Martin classic. “Me turning 100 tomorrow. Did you hear me? Tomorrow I turn 100. That’s as believable to me as today I’m 99.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Norman Lear (@thenormanlear)
Lear then waxes on about moments and how everyone should treasure that period between the “after” and the “next.” The video was shot by his daughter in Vermont.
The five-time Emmy winner is up for his sixth (with...
In his final hours as a 99-year-old legend, Norman Lear recorded a video for Instagram in which he marvels at the wonders of modern science and how it got him to his 100th year of life.
“My God the miracle of being alive with everything that’s available to us,” he begins after covering a Dean Martin classic. “Me turning 100 tomorrow. Did you hear me? Tomorrow I turn 100. That’s as believable to me as today I’m 99.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Norman Lear (@thenormanlear)
Lear then waxes on about moments and how everyone should treasure that period between the “after” and the “next.” The video was shot by his daughter in Vermont.
The five-time Emmy winner is up for his sixth (with...
- 7/27/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Norman Lear knows a thing or two about timely topics. So, what better time than now to recreate the famous “Maude” abortion episode, which originally aired in November 1972 — two months before Roe v. Wade made it legal across the United States.
The two-part episode, “Maude’s Dilemma,” featured the lead character (played by Bea Arthur) grappling with what to do when she discovers that she’s pregnant, at age 47. Maude ultimately decides to have an abortion — a rare storyline back then, and a storyline that continued to be rare on television over the next 50 years, even when Roe v. Wade was the rule of the land. Does Lear think it would be possible to tell through today’s lens?
“It’s such an interesting question, and I have no idea,” Lear told Variety in a new interview. “My guess is certainty you can tell it. What the reaction would be...
The two-part episode, “Maude’s Dilemma,” featured the lead character (played by Bea Arthur) grappling with what to do when she discovers that she’s pregnant, at age 47. Maude ultimately decides to have an abortion — a rare storyline back then, and a storyline that continued to be rare on television over the next 50 years, even when Roe v. Wade was the rule of the land. Does Lear think it would be possible to tell through today’s lens?
“It’s such an interesting question, and I have no idea,” Lear told Variety in a new interview. “My guess is certainty you can tell it. What the reaction would be...
- 7/20/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Kim Fields knows sitcoms — she’s starred on three of TV’s most beloved. She played Dorothy “Tootie” Ramsey/Didi on Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life from 1979 to 1988 and Regine Hunter on Living Single from 1993 to 1998. Now, she’s helping bring multi-cam sitcoms back with The Upshaws on Netflix (Season 2 Part 1 is streaming now). Fields plays family matriarch Regina Upshaw in the comedy alongside Mike Epps‘ Bennie Upshaw and Wanda Sykes‘ Lucretia Turner. Regina and Bennie are trying to move their family forward while navigating life’s ups and downs, and Lucretia is always nearby to help her sister through the drama and hilarity of it all. Lisa Rose/Netflix No matter the medium, Fields is happy to be a storyteller. “I’m a content creator and a character creator, so I love that whatever means and whatever formats and genres we use, I’m in an industry...
- 7/8/2022
- TV Insider
Click here to read the full article.
While the episodes chosen from All in the Family, The Jeffersons and Good Times for the first installments of ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience, which aired in 2019, were picked to reflect the timeliness of ’70s politics and social issues, it was a different topical phenomenon altogether that dictated the theme of the 2021 television special from executive producers Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel. “We had all just come off a two-year pandemic. It was an exhausting time, and we wanted to just have fun,” says executive producer Brent Miller of the decision to re-create episodes from the classic NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes and its spinoff The Facts of Life. (Sony Pictures Television Studios, which owns the rights to both series, was a producing partner.) “The episodes that we chose were intentionally lighter. We wanted to enjoy the fact that we...
While the episodes chosen from All in the Family, The Jeffersons and Good Times for the first installments of ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience, which aired in 2019, were picked to reflect the timeliness of ’70s politics and social issues, it was a different topical phenomenon altogether that dictated the theme of the 2021 television special from executive producers Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel. “We had all just come off a two-year pandemic. It was an exhausting time, and we wanted to just have fun,” says executive producer Brent Miller of the decision to re-create episodes from the classic NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes and its spinoff The Facts of Life. (Sony Pictures Television Studios, which owns the rights to both series, was a producing partner.) “The episodes that we chose were intentionally lighter. We wanted to enjoy the fact that we...
- 6/23/2022
- by Carita Rizzo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Critically acclaimed Disney Channel show “Gravity Falls” concluded in 2016 and has been declared one of the best animated series of all time. Yet let’s just say that Disney execs didn’t always see the kid appeal — rather, more of a Nsfw tint.
“Gravity Falls” creator Alex Hirsch shared “real emails from the Disney TV Standards and Practices Department” in a Twitter video on June 16, over six years since the series wrapped.
“Ever curious about the fights I had with the censors on ‘Gravity Falls’? I probably shouldn’t share this buttttt here are some Real Notes from Disney S&P and my Real Replies,” Hirsch captioned. “You are not prepared #10YearsOfGravityFalls.”
Hirsch, who currently is writing and producing an as-yet-untitled Netflix series, added, “I have literally *thousands* of these. Each one still haunts me.”
The series centered on twins Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel (Kristen Schaal) who spend the...
“Gravity Falls” creator Alex Hirsch shared “real emails from the Disney TV Standards and Practices Department” in a Twitter video on June 16, over six years since the series wrapped.
“Ever curious about the fights I had with the censors on ‘Gravity Falls’? I probably shouldn’t share this buttttt here are some Real Notes from Disney S&P and my Real Replies,” Hirsch captioned. “You are not prepared #10YearsOfGravityFalls.”
Hirsch, who currently is writing and producing an as-yet-untitled Netflix series, added, “I have literally *thousands* of these. Each one still haunts me.”
The series centered on twins Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel (Kristen Schaal) who spend the...
- 6/16/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Following a one-year break necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, executive producers Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Brent Miller, Will Ferrell, Kerry Washington, Justin Theroux, Kerry Washington, James Burroughs, and co-executive producer Eric Cook got their proverbial band back together in December for the latest installment of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience.”
“This time around, it was all about having a good time,” Miller tells Gold Derby in an exclusive video interview. The third in a series of live specials that recreates classic sitcoms produced by Lear, the 2021 version of the two-time Emmy winner in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category unearthed episodes of “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes” with an all-star cast that included Jennifer Aniston, Ann Dowd, Kevin Hart, Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Jon Stewart and Gabrielle Union, among others.
SEEStephan Olson interview: ‘Live in Front of a Studio Audience’ production designer
“We came off the...
“This time around, it was all about having a good time,” Miller tells Gold Derby in an exclusive video interview. The third in a series of live specials that recreates classic sitcoms produced by Lear, the 2021 version of the two-time Emmy winner in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category unearthed episodes of “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes” with an all-star cast that included Jennifer Aniston, Ann Dowd, Kevin Hart, Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Jon Stewart and Gabrielle Union, among others.
SEEStephan Olson interview: ‘Live in Front of a Studio Audience’ production designer
“We came off the...
- 6/9/2022
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
“It’s really about capturing all of that detail and then you’re deconstructing it and you’re reconstructing it and figuring it out how it all plays together,” reveals production designer Stephan Olson about ABC’s latest iteration its “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” series of live specials, who recently won the Art Directors Guild Award for production design on a Variety Special. “What we did on this and what they did in years prior is go through old videotapes or on YouTube and just screenshot every possible angle of the set and every architectural detail and furnishing, and just screenshot everything,” he explains, adding for our recent Q&a, “we did find some drawings of one of the sets, but they were preliminary drawings and they weren’t ‘as built,’ so they were kind of helpful too.” We talked with Olson as part of Gold Derby...
- 6/7/2022
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Jimmy Kimmel has sadly been here before. Many times, as a matter of fact. As he approaches his 20th anniversary in late night, the late night host has been at the helm of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” long enough to address several national tragedies over the year. In some ways, it only gets harder, particularly after another shooting massacre leaves 19 young children and two adults murdered in an elementary school.
“There is a certain amount of pessimism that infects you, when you’ve talked about this multiple times,” he tells Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “Because the first time you think, ‘what I’m saying seems to make sense. It’s pretty much what everyone else is thinking. Maybe this will get through to somebody. Maybe there’ll be a handful of Republican senators, Congresspeople who go hey, This is nuts. We can’t this can’t keep happening.’
“But then it doesn’t.
“There is a certain amount of pessimism that infects you, when you’ve talked about this multiple times,” he tells Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “Because the first time you think, ‘what I’m saying seems to make sense. It’s pretty much what everyone else is thinking. Maybe this will get through to somebody. Maybe there’ll be a handful of Republican senators, Congresspeople who go hey, This is nuts. We can’t this can’t keep happening.’
“But then it doesn’t.
- 6/2/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Six top TV production designers will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022 Emmy Awards contenders. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Thursday, June 2, at 4:00 p.m. Pt; 7:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Rob Licuria and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
The First Lady (Showtime)
Synopsis: Many of history’s most impactful and world-changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic first ladies.
Bio: Tony Fanning was an Emmy winner for “The West Wing.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
The First Lady (Showtime)
Synopsis: Many of history’s most impactful and world-changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic first ladies.
Bio: Tony Fanning was an Emmy winner for “The West Wing.
- 5/26/2022
- by Chris Beachum and Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Molly Shannon is sharing her memories of an upsetting encounter with the late child star Gary Coleman. The actress appeared on SiriusXM's The Howard Stern Show where she was asked about meeting the Diff'rent Strokes star. She wrote about the alleged incident in her new memoir, Hello, Molly! According to Shannon, Coleman invited her to his hotel's presidential suite where things got uncomfortable. "I think he was like, 'Sit down [on the bed].' It was very sweet," she told Howard Stern on April 12. "And then he's, like, tickling me a little. This and that." "I...
- 4/14/2022
- E! Online
Molly Shannon said on a recent episode of “The Howard Stern Show” (via People) that she was sexually harassed by comedian and “Diff’rent Strokes” star Gary Coleman. The “Saturday Night Live” veteran also detailed the alleged incident in her new memoir, “Hello, Molly!” Shannon said she had just signed with Coleman’s manager at the time and got the chance to meet him at his penthouse hotel room.
“I think he was like, ‘Sit down [on the bed].’ It was very sweet,” Shannon said. “And then he’s, like, tickling me a little. This and that.”
Shannon told Coleman that she was “a virgin” and she tried “to be polite” about turning down his advances. Coleman allegedly only became more aggressive with her.
“He was relentless,” Shannon said. “Then, he was like trying to kiss me and get on top and I was like, ‘No, Gary. Stop.’ So, I push him off. Then,...
“I think he was like, ‘Sit down [on the bed].’ It was very sweet,” Shannon said. “And then he’s, like, tickling me a little. This and that.”
Shannon told Coleman that she was “a virgin” and she tried “to be polite” about turning down his advances. Coleman allegedly only became more aggressive with her.
“He was relentless,” Shannon said. “Then, he was like trying to kiss me and get on top and I was like, ‘No, Gary. Stop.’ So, I push him off. Then,...
- 4/13/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, a very exciting Super Bowl aired, and during that Super Bowl countless commercials for the new “Law & Order” were featured. Usually they are only advertising big shows weeks down the road, but here we are, and here “Law & Order” is. But don’t worry, Dick Wolf’s immortal crime-and-court classic isn’t the only thing to debut this week, with a lengthy new Abraham Lincoln documentary, the latest Tyler Perry-led “Madea” sequel and another few episodes with shambling zombies all coming home.
On with the television!
Sam Waterston as D.A. Jack McCoy in “Law & Order” (Michael Greenberg/NBC)
“Law & Order”
Thursday, February 24 at 8 p.m., NBC
Dun-dun. That immortal noise began every episode of “Law & Order,” which ran for 20 glorious seasons on NBC and inspired countless spinoffs and continuations (still ongoing). Now, the original flagship series is back, 12 years after the last season aired.
On with the television!
Sam Waterston as D.A. Jack McCoy in “Law & Order” (Michael Greenberg/NBC)
“Law & Order”
Thursday, February 24 at 8 p.m., NBC
Dun-dun. That immortal noise began every episode of “Law & Order,” which ran for 20 glorious seasons on NBC and inspired countless spinoffs and continuations (still ongoing). Now, the original flagship series is back, 12 years after the last season aired.
- 2/18/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Just moments after UFC champion Miesha Tate became the first Head of Household of “Celebrity Big Brother 3” in Episode 1, host Julie Chen Moonves revealed the first “game-changing power” of the season. As it turned out, the mystery box that had been in plain sight throughout the entire Met Gala-inspired endurance competition actually contained a secret twist. “Now, there is another power up for grabs this week,” she teased to the 11 celeb houseguests. “I cannot tell you what it is. But I can tell you that it is inside the gala gift.”
Comedian Chris Kattan responded in a private confessional, “Julie makes this announcement about something being in the gift box. We have no idea what’s in the gift box. I want what’s in that box so bad. ‘Cause I’ve always wanted what’s in the box. That’s just me — I’m that kind of guy. I’ve always wondered,...
Comedian Chris Kattan responded in a private confessional, “Julie makes this announcement about something being in the gift box. We have no idea what’s in the gift box. I want what’s in that box so bad. ‘Cause I’ve always wanted what’s in the box. That’s just me — I’m that kind of guy. I’ve always wondered,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The 11 houseguests on season 3 of “Celebrity Big Brother” moved in last Wednesday. Expect lots of fireworks as these dozen sorta famous folk jockey for camera time when “CBB” premieres on Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. Et/7 p.m. Ct on CBS. Julie Chen is back as host of this “Big Brother” spin-off.
This “CBB” cast of characters includes actors, athletes, reality TV stars and musicians. After taking a look at the roster of talent below, tell us which of them you want to see be evicted first by voting in our poll at the bottom of this post.
See ‘Celebrity Big Brother 3’ spoilers: Who is the first Head of Household?
Cynthia Bailey
Occupation: Model/TV personality
Age: 54
Best-Known For: “Real Housewives of Atlanta”
Todd Bridges:
Occupation: Actor
Age: 56
Best-Known For: “Diff’rent Strokes”
Todrick Hall
Occupation: Entertainer
Age: 36
Best-Known For: YouTube, “The Masked Singer”
Chris Kattan
Occupation: Actor
Age: 51
Best-Known For:...
This “CBB” cast of characters includes actors, athletes, reality TV stars and musicians. After taking a look at the roster of talent below, tell us which of them you want to see be evicted first by voting in our poll at the bottom of this post.
See ‘Celebrity Big Brother 3’ spoilers: Who is the first Head of Household?
Cynthia Bailey
Occupation: Model/TV personality
Age: 54
Best-Known For: “Real Housewives of Atlanta”
Todd Bridges:
Occupation: Actor
Age: 56
Best-Known For: “Diff’rent Strokes”
Todrick Hall
Occupation: Entertainer
Age: 36
Best-Known For: YouTube, “The Masked Singer”
Chris Kattan
Occupation: Actor
Age: 51
Best-Known For:...
- 2/3/2022
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers the music industry has ever known, paving the way for younger icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Britney Spears. But her reign began when she was just a young child, performing at the MGM Casino on the Las Vegas strip with her famous siblings and later starring in TV shows like "Good Times," "Diff'rent Strokes," and "Fame."
After signing a deal with A&m Records in 1982, the then-budding pop star was well on her way to cementing her icon status. Hit singles like "Nasty," "Rhythm Nation," and "That's the Way Love Goes" helped Jackson become one of the best-selling artists of all time, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. Now, 40 years later, Jackson is opening up about her life and career like never before in the long-awaited "Janet Jackson." documentary, which premiered simultaneously on Lifetime and A&e on Jan. 28 and 29.
In the two-night event,...
After signing a deal with A&m Records in 1982, the then-budding pop star was well on her way to cementing her icon status. Hit singles like "Nasty," "Rhythm Nation," and "That's the Way Love Goes" helped Jackson become one of the best-selling artists of all time, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. Now, 40 years later, Jackson is opening up about her life and career like never before in the long-awaited "Janet Jackson." documentary, which premiered simultaneously on Lifetime and A&e on Jan. 28 and 29.
In the two-night event,...
- 1/30/2022
- by Princess Gabbara
- Popsugar.com
The long wait for the cast of Celebrity Big Brother Season 3 is over.
After a day of teases across social media, CBS dropped the entire cast for the long-gestating return of the series.
While many of the cast had been speculated in advance, there are some names we didn't know.
The network has announced 11 people will be competing for the grand prize on the third season, and the names are below:
- Cynthia Bailey-Hill, model/Real Housewives star
- Todd Bridges, Diff’rent Strokes star
- Todrick Hall, singer/choreographer/influencer
- Chris Kattan, comedian/SNL cast member
- Chris Kirkpatrick, singer/N*Sync member
- Carson Kressley, Queer Eye star/TV personality
- Teddi Mellencamp, Real Housewives star
- Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA/actress/reality star
- Mirai Nagasu, Olympic figure skater
- Lamar Odom, former NBA player
- Miesha “Cupcake” Tate, former UFC champion
There is a string...
After a day of teases across social media, CBS dropped the entire cast for the long-gestating return of the series.
While many of the cast had been speculated in advance, there are some names we didn't know.
The network has announced 11 people will be competing for the grand prize on the third season, and the names are below:
- Cynthia Bailey-Hill, model/Real Housewives star
- Todd Bridges, Diff’rent Strokes star
- Todrick Hall, singer/choreographer/influencer
- Chris Kattan, comedian/SNL cast member
- Chris Kirkpatrick, singer/N*Sync member
- Carson Kressley, Queer Eye star/TV personality
- Teddi Mellencamp, Real Housewives star
- Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA/actress/reality star
- Mirai Nagasu, Olympic figure skater
- Lamar Odom, former NBA player
- Miesha “Cupcake” Tate, former UFC champion
There is a string...
- 1/27/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Big Brother is back with another celebrity edition — and the new line-up includes everyone from an NBA star to an Olympian to a ’90s boyband favorite. The Celebrity Big Brother cast was revealed during Wednesday night’s episode of The Amazing Race on CBS. Among the group is ex-Lakers player and Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Lamar Odom, pro figure skater Mirai Nagasu, and *Nsync singer Chris Kirkpatrick. Also set to compete on the popular reality competition series are two Real Housewives stars, Cynthia Bailey-Hill (of Atlanta) and Teddi Mellencamp (of Beverly Hills), Diff’rent Strokes actor Todd Bridges, former Miss USA Shanna Moakler, and Saturday Night Live alum Chris Kattan. Rounding out the cast is Queer Eye for the Straight Guy style guru Carson Kressley, singer/influencer Todrick Hall, and former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate. The third season is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, February...
- 1/27/2022
- TV Insider
Eleven familiar faces are moving into the “Celebrity Big Brother” house and they will likely deliver some serious drama.
CBS dropped the news Wednesday night, saying the season 3 cast of the hit reality series will include two “Real Housewives” stars, an NBA champion, an “SNL” alum, a pop star, and a former Miss USA.
So who are they? The new cast includes in alphabetical order: “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Cynthia Bailey; “Diff’rent Strokes” star Todd Bridges; choreographer Todrick Hall; “SNL” and “A Night at the Roxbury” star Chris Kattan; Nsync singer Chris Kirkpatrick; Emmy-winning “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” alum Carson Kressley; “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave; former Miss USA Shanna Moakler; figure skater Mirai Nagasu; former UFC champion Miesha Tate; and NBA champion/reality TV veteran Lamar Odom.
The celebs will compete for a chance to win $250,000, and Julie Chen Moonves returns in the new season as host.
CBS dropped the news Wednesday night, saying the season 3 cast of the hit reality series will include two “Real Housewives” stars, an NBA champion, an “SNL” alum, a pop star, and a former Miss USA.
So who are they? The new cast includes in alphabetical order: “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Cynthia Bailey; “Diff’rent Strokes” star Todd Bridges; choreographer Todrick Hall; “SNL” and “A Night at the Roxbury” star Chris Kattan; Nsync singer Chris Kirkpatrick; Emmy-winning “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” alum Carson Kressley; “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave; former Miss USA Shanna Moakler; figure skater Mirai Nagasu; former UFC champion Miesha Tate; and NBA champion/reality TV veteran Lamar Odom.
The celebs will compete for a chance to win $250,000, and Julie Chen Moonves returns in the new season as host.
- 1/27/2022
- by Anita Bennett
- The Wrap
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