The resonant baritone of James Earl Jones – the Emmy Award-, Grammy Award-, and Tony Award-winning actor who also received an honorary Oscar, making him a non-competitive Egot designee – has gone silent. At age 93, the actor, best known for voicing the evil Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy and later the regal Mufasa in “The Lion King,” began his career on stage, in productions of “Othello” and the boxing biography “The Great White Hope.” The latter won him his first of three Tonys, as well as an Academy Award nomination for the film version in 1970.
His other notable work over the years included “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Hunt for Red October” (and its sequels), “Conan the Barbarian,” John Sayles’s labor struggle drama “Matewan,” the Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Fences,” the uneasy racial comedy “Soul Man,” and the South Africa-set “Cry, the Beloved Country.” He was also a...
His other notable work over the years included “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Hunt for Red October” (and its sequels), “Conan the Barbarian,” John Sayles’s labor struggle drama “Matewan,” the Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Fences,” the uneasy racial comedy “Soul Man,” and the South Africa-set “Cry, the Beloved Country.” He was also a...
- 9/10/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
As Dan Aykroyd reminds us in his enjoyable new Audible Original, Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude, there was a moment in 1978 when his friend and collaborator John Belushi was at the center of a smash-hit album, movie, and TV show, all at once. The album in question was Briefcase Full of Blues, by the Blues Brothers, Aykroyd and Belushi’s band — who went from a fun side project to a powerhouse band with their own, now-legendary movie, 1980’s The Blues Brothers. (The movie, of course, was Animal House, and...
- 7/28/2024
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
L-r: Julia Louis-Dreyfus in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Downhill, and You Hurt My Feelings Screenshot: Warner Bros. Entertainment/YouTube Julia Louis-Dreyfus is one of the most successful television performers of all time. That’s not a personal opinion—it’s a statistic. She holds not one but two records...
- 6/24/2024
- by Emma Keates
- avclub.com
L-r: Julia Louis-Dreyfus in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Downhill, and You Hurt My FeelingsScreenshot: Warner Bros. Entertainment/YouTube, Searchlight Pictures/YouTube, Photo: A24
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is one of the most successful television performers of all time. That’s not a personal opinion—it’s a statistic. She holds not...
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is one of the most successful television performers of all time. That’s not a personal opinion—it’s a statistic. She holds not...
- 6/24/2024
- by Emma Keates
- avclub.com
Jamila Wignot understood going in to her assignment as director of the four-part HBO documentary series “Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A.” that she had her work cut out to hit a certain sweet spot. She was tasked to satisfy both people who have no clue about the legendary and influential Memphis-based record label and soul music producer that launched the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, Booker T. and the M.G.’s, Sam and Dave and many other acts through the 1960s and ’70s – and those who were completely steeped in its colorful (pun intended) history. “It was very challenging,” she admits, “because music fanatics can be exceptionally particular about what they want their favorite label or music doc to cover. But I think the goal is to always try to satisfy he folks who are already kind of deeply in the know and hopefully provide them...
- 6/15/2024
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
As a child of the 1980s, I thought I knew pretty much everything I needed to know about Wham!, just as I thought I had a pretty good handle on the behind the scenes of the late-night all-star recording of “We Are the World.” But maybe that’s why I enjoyed the docs “Wham!” and “The Greatest Night in Pop” so much — a mix of the familiar with those moments of surprise.
In the case of “Wham!,” it’s how Andrew Ridgeley managed to be so gracious as his buddy George Michael went on to a massively successful solo career. In “The Greatest Night in Pop,” I learned just how instrumental Lionel Richie was in serving as traffic cop for producer Quincy Jones in creating “We Are The World” with dozens of A-list musicians over just one late night. The doc is filled with legend-help-legend moments, like when Stevie Wonder...
In the case of “Wham!,” it’s how Andrew Ridgeley managed to be so gracious as his buddy George Michael went on to a massively successful solo career. In “The Greatest Night in Pop,” I learned just how instrumental Lionel Richie was in serving as traffic cop for producer Quincy Jones in creating “We Are The World” with dozens of A-list musicians over just one late night. The doc is filled with legend-help-legend moments, like when Stevie Wonder...
- 5/31/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
You don’t have to be an expert on classic soul and R&b to recognize the American music monuments that emerged from Stax Records in the Sixties and Seventies. Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” Otis Redding’s “Respect” and “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” Isaac Hayes’ “Theme From Shaft,” and the Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” — just a few of Stax’s greatest hits — made the case that the Memphis-based record company was the Southern version of Motown.
Whether anyone fully realizes that is another matter.
Whether anyone fully realizes that is another matter.
- 5/20/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Get ready to delve deeper into the rich history of soul music with “Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A.” Season 1 Episode 2 titled “Chapter Two: Soul Man,” airing this Monday, May 20th, at 10:00 Pm on HBO. In this captivating episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the highs and lows of the iconic Stax Records as it breaks through to the white market with the smash hit “Soul Man.”
As the episode unfolds, viewers will witness the impact of “Soul Man” on the music industry and its role in bringing soul music to a wider audience. However, amidst the success, cracks begin to appear in the company’s façade as Stax grapples with the untimely death of its star, Otis Redding, and the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Against the backdrop of legal obstacles and ongoing racial tensions in Memphis, the episode explores the challenges...
As the episode unfolds, viewers will witness the impact of “Soul Man” on the music industry and its role in bringing soul music to a wider audience. However, amidst the success, cracks begin to appear in the company’s façade as Stax grapples with the untimely death of its star, Otis Redding, and the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Against the backdrop of legal obstacles and ongoing racial tensions in Memphis, the episode explores the challenges...
- 5/13/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Some of the most beautiful music ever recorded has come when two complementary voices join together, sometimes resulting in a love duet, other times a dance hit and many times a top ten hit that becomes ingrained in the pop culture movement of that generation. There are solo singers, bands and vocal groups, but there is something unique and special about a duo harmonizing.
Since the early days of rock and roll, duos have found great success across all genres, with brothers Don and Phil Everly charting with singles like “Wake Up Little Susie” in the late 1950s, and influencing the generations of rock and pop artists that have followed. In the 1960s, with the creation of Motown, duos like Sam and Dave led the way for Black musicians to appeal to white audiences with hits like “Soul Man,” while California musicians Jan and Dean were influential in popularizing “surf music.
Since the early days of rock and roll, duos have found great success across all genres, with brothers Don and Phil Everly charting with singles like “Wake Up Little Susie” in the late 1950s, and influencing the generations of rock and pop artists that have followed. In the 1960s, with the creation of Motown, duos like Sam and Dave led the way for Black musicians to appeal to white audiences with hits like “Soul Man,” while California musicians Jan and Dean were influential in popularizing “surf music.
- 1/17/2024
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
David Finfer, the Academy Award-nominated film editor of “The Fugitive,” died on Monday following complications that resulted from a heart attack. He was 80.
Finfer was nominated for the Oscar as well as the American Cinema Editors and BAFTA awards for editing the 1993 film “The Fugitive,” which starred Harrison Ford.
He worked with Albert Brooks on several movies including “Real Life,” “”Lost in America,” “Modern Romance” and “Defending Your Life.”
Finfer’s career as a film editor took off with his first feature credit on “Ya Gotta Walk it like You Talk it or You’ll Lose that Beat.” He continued to work on a number of comedy and teen/family movies including “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” “Snow Day,” “Waiting…” and “The Tooth Fairy.”
His other editing credits include “Inside Out,” “Soul Man” and “Boxing Helena.”
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942, Finfer...
Finfer was nominated for the Oscar as well as the American Cinema Editors and BAFTA awards for editing the 1993 film “The Fugitive,” which starred Harrison Ford.
He worked with Albert Brooks on several movies including “Real Life,” “”Lost in America,” “Modern Romance” and “Defending Your Life.”
Finfer’s career as a film editor took off with his first feature credit on “Ya Gotta Walk it like You Talk it or You’ll Lose that Beat.” He continued to work on a number of comedy and teen/family movies including “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” “Snow Day,” “Waiting…” and “The Tooth Fairy.”
His other editing credits include “Inside Out,” “Soul Man” and “Boxing Helena.”
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942, Finfer...
- 4/7/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Many artists count Bruce Springsteen as one of their biggest musical influences, but who does the Boss look up to? Springsteen recently shared that he got the chance to work with Sam Moore, one of his musical heroes, on his latest album.
Bruce Springsteen’s long career as a rock star Bruce Springsteen and Sam Moore performs together in 2009 | Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Springsteen became a well known rocker in the early ’70s, but it wasn’t until 1975’s Born to Run that he became a household name. His success continued with The River, Nebraska, and the record-breaking Born in the U.S.A.
His music is known for its blue collar influences and classic rock sound, but when it comes to musical influences, Springsteen looked to a very different type of artist. During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, he shared his thoughts on Moore and how...
Bruce Springsteen’s long career as a rock star Bruce Springsteen and Sam Moore performs together in 2009 | Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Springsteen became a well known rocker in the early ’70s, but it wasn’t until 1975’s Born to Run that he became a household name. His success continued with The River, Nebraska, and the record-breaking Born in the U.S.A.
His music is known for its blue collar influences and classic rock sound, but when it comes to musical influences, Springsteen looked to a very different type of artist. During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, he shared his thoughts on Moore and how...
- 2/28/2023
- by India McCarty
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Click here to read the full article.
Gayle S. Maffeo, the three-time Emmy-nominated producer who worked on the first season of Roseanne and all eight seasons of another hit ABC sitcom, the Tim Allen-starring Home Improvement, has died. She was 81.
Maffeo died Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief battle with cancer, her daughter, Laura, announced.
Maffeo had produced specials starring Frank Sinatra, Jack Benny and George Burns in the 1960s and ’70s before she segued to sitcoms including Nell Carter’s Gimme a Break!, Dabney Coleman’s Buffalo Bill, Mary Tyler Moore’s Mary, Head of the Class and Open All Night.
She served as senior vp television for Matt Williams and David McFadzean’s Wind Dancer Productions, where she produced Roseanne in 1988-89, Home Improvement from 1991-99 and other shows such as Carol Burnett’s Carol & Company, Dan Aykroyd’s Soul Man, Thunder Alley and Buddies.
Gayle S. Maffeo, the three-time Emmy-nominated producer who worked on the first season of Roseanne and all eight seasons of another hit ABC sitcom, the Tim Allen-starring Home Improvement, has died. She was 81.
Maffeo died Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a brief battle with cancer, her daughter, Laura, announced.
Maffeo had produced specials starring Frank Sinatra, Jack Benny and George Burns in the 1960s and ’70s before she segued to sitcoms including Nell Carter’s Gimme a Break!, Dabney Coleman’s Buffalo Bill, Mary Tyler Moore’s Mary, Head of the Class and Open All Night.
She served as senior vp television for Matt Williams and David McFadzean’s Wind Dancer Productions, where she produced Roseanne in 1988-89, Home Improvement from 1991-99 and other shows such as Carol Burnett’s Carol & Company, Dan Aykroyd’s Soul Man, Thunder Alley and Buddies.
- 9/14/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon Freevee has given the greenlight to “Clean Slate,” a new comedy from Norman Lear’s Act III Productions, starring Laverne Cox and comedian George Wallace. The original comedy has been in development at Freevee since February 2021, back when the ad-supported streamer was known as IMDb TV.
“Clean Slate,” which comes from Cox, Wallace and Dan Ewen, centers on car wash owner Henry (Wallace), whose estranged child comes home to Alabama after 17 years. But he must do some soul searching as he comes to terms with the fact that his adult child is a trans woman, Desiree (Cox). There’s no word yet on an episodic order, when the series might shoot or an estimated premiere date.
Ewen serves as executive producer and writer on “Clean Slate,” and he has story credit along with Cox and Wallace. Cox will also serve as an executive producer on the show, while Wallace is a producer.
“Clean Slate,” which comes from Cox, Wallace and Dan Ewen, centers on car wash owner Henry (Wallace), whose estranged child comes home to Alabama after 17 years. But he must do some soul searching as he comes to terms with the fact that his adult child is a trans woman, Desiree (Cox). There’s no word yet on an episodic order, when the series might shoot or an estimated premiere date.
Ewen serves as executive producer and writer on “Clean Slate,” and he has story credit along with Cox and Wallace. Cox will also serve as an executive producer on the show, while Wallace is a producer.
- 9/6/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Directors James Lee Hernandez and Brian Lazarte discuss the movies that inspired them while making The Big Conn.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Boogie Nights (1997)
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Happiness (1998)
World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
Windy City Heat (2003)
Ocean’s 11 (1960)
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Bad Boys (1995)
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
Munich (2005)
Fargo (1996)
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Delicatessen (1991)
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (2013)
The Hole (2009) – Joe Dante’s U.S. trailer commentary, Joe Dante’s Italian trailer commentary, Joe Dante’s British trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
Dial M For Murder (1954) – Mark Pellington’s trailer commentary
Jaws 3D (1983)
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
U2 3D (2008)
The Pink Panther (1963) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Goodfellas (1990) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Children of Men (2006)
The Imposter (2012)
Other Notable Items
The Big Conn podcast (2022)
The Big Conn docuseries (2022)
Bronzeville...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Boogie Nights (1997)
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Happiness (1998)
World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
Windy City Heat (2003)
Ocean’s 11 (1960)
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Bad Boys (1995)
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
Munich (2005)
Fargo (1996)
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Delicatessen (1991)
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (2013)
The Hole (2009) – Joe Dante’s U.S. trailer commentary, Joe Dante’s Italian trailer commentary, Joe Dante’s British trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review
Dial M For Murder (1954) – Mark Pellington’s trailer commentary
Jaws 3D (1983)
Cave Of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)
U2 3D (2008)
The Pink Panther (1963) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Goodfellas (1990) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Children of Men (2006)
The Imposter (2012)
Other Notable Items
The Big Conn podcast (2022)
The Big Conn docuseries (2022)
Bronzeville...
- 5/17/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Mike Hagerty, the prolific character actor who recently starred in HBO’s critically acclaimed dramedy “Somebody Somewhere,” died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 67.
Bridget Everett, who played Hagerty’s on-screen daughter in “Somebody Somewhere,” shared the news via her Instagram on Friday.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bridget Everett (@bridgeteverett)
A veteran character actor with over 100 credits in various television shows and movies, Hagerty was also known for his recurring role in the hit NBC sitcom “Friends,” where he played Mr. Treeger, the superintendent of the apartment complex that the majority of the main cast lived in. He also was a main cast member on Fox’s “The George Carlin Show” and on HBO’s “Lucky Louie.” Born and raised in Chicago, Hagerty was noted for his distinctive mustache and thick Chicago accent and got his start as a performer at the city’s famed improv theater company Second City.
Bridget Everett, who played Hagerty’s on-screen daughter in “Somebody Somewhere,” shared the news via her Instagram on Friday.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bridget Everett (@bridgeteverett)
A veteran character actor with over 100 credits in various television shows and movies, Hagerty was also known for his recurring role in the hit NBC sitcom “Friends,” where he played Mr. Treeger, the superintendent of the apartment complex that the majority of the main cast lived in. He also was a main cast member on Fox’s “The George Carlin Show” and on HBO’s “Lucky Louie.” Born and raised in Chicago, Hagerty was noted for his distinctive mustache and thick Chicago accent and got his start as a performer at the city’s famed improv theater company Second City.
- 5/6/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Stax Records, the label responsible for hits such as Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” and Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” is getting the docuseries treatment.
HBO is behind a new multi-part series telling the story of the fabled Memphis-based label.
Jamila Wignot — who directed Ailey, a portrait of the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey, and has worked on HBO’s Axios — is directing, with Oj: Made in America helmer Ezra Edelman and producer Caroline Waterlow exec producing. Nigel Sinclair and Nicholas Ferrall of White Horse Pictures, the company behind Martin Scorsese’s doc No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, also are EPs.
The series will explore the rise and fall of the label, which was founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart. Stewart, a country music fan, and his sister Estelle Axton, who mortgaged her house to afford recording equipment, released “Fool in Love” by the Veltones under its original name Satellite Records.
HBO is behind a new multi-part series telling the story of the fabled Memphis-based label.
Jamila Wignot — who directed Ailey, a portrait of the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey, and has worked on HBO’s Axios — is directing, with Oj: Made in America helmer Ezra Edelman and producer Caroline Waterlow exec producing. Nigel Sinclair and Nicholas Ferrall of White Horse Pictures, the company behind Martin Scorsese’s doc No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, also are EPs.
The series will explore the rise and fall of the label, which was founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart. Stewart, a country music fan, and his sister Estelle Axton, who mortgaged her house to afford recording equipment, released “Fool in Love” by the Veltones under its original name Satellite Records.
- 5/3/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite being the third actor to play the role inside of six years, it’s no small thing to portray the Clown Prince of Crime. Indeed, as soon as The Batman opened in theaters last month, almost the entire internet chatter was about that cameo where out of seemingly nowhere, Barry Keoghan showed up under heavy prosthetics as an unnamed Arkham Asylum inmate. One who is obviously the Joker.
With his intensely disfigured facial scars and green hair he stands a long way from either Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar winning Mistah J or the one portrayed by Jared Leto in Suicide Squad. He even has little in common with the last Joker to have a major appearance in a Batman movie, the unforgettable Heath Ledger. But that is unmistakably the Joker who consoles Paul Dano’s Riddler about his plan going sideways, just as it’s unmistakably Barry Keoghan giving...
With his intensely disfigured facial scars and green hair he stands a long way from either Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar winning Mistah J or the one portrayed by Jared Leto in Suicide Squad. He even has little in common with the last Joker to have a major appearance in a Batman movie, the unforgettable Heath Ledger. But that is unmistakably the Joker who consoles Paul Dano’s Riddler about his plan going sideways, just as it’s unmistakably Barry Keoghan giving...
- 4/23/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Israeli conman Simon Leviev conned a number of women out of a lot of money on dating app Tinder.
His actions, however, have helped Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler become the streamer’s most-watched doc to date.
Netflix revealed during its financial results that, with 166M hours watched in its first 28 days, the feature doc from The Imposter and Don’t F*ck with Cats producer Raw TV, AGC Television and Gaspin Media has topped its list.
Last year, the streamer noted that American Murder: The Family Next Door was its most watched documentary with around 52M subscribers watching (the streamer has subsequently changed the way it reports its data).
The Tinder Swindler, which launched February 2, recorded 45.8M hours in its four days on the service, before rising to 64.7M in its first full week.
The doc, which was directed by Felicity Morris, looks at Leviev’s cons as well...
His actions, however, have helped Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler become the streamer’s most-watched doc to date.
Netflix revealed during its financial results that, with 166M hours watched in its first 28 days, the feature doc from The Imposter and Don’t F*ck with Cats producer Raw TV, AGC Television and Gaspin Media has topped its list.
Last year, the streamer noted that American Murder: The Family Next Door was its most watched documentary with around 52M subscribers watching (the streamer has subsequently changed the way it reports its data).
The Tinder Swindler, which launched February 2, recorded 45.8M hours in its four days on the service, before rising to 64.7M in its first full week.
The doc, which was directed by Felicity Morris, looks at Leviev’s cons as well...
- 4/19/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "The Imposter"
Where You Can Stream It: Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy
The Pitch: Bart Layton's gripping, endlessly twisty documentary tells the story of a family reunited, then unraveled. A Texas family whose son, Nicholas, had been missing for three years gets word that he's been found in Spain. Overjoyed, they bring him home, and he resumes his previous life. Only, Nicholas seems different -- not just subdued by whatever trauma he's endured,...
The post The Daily Stream: The Imposter Tests the Limits of the Phrase 'Stranger Than Fiction' appeared first on /Film.
The Movie: "The Imposter"
Where You Can Stream It: Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy
The Pitch: Bart Layton's gripping, endlessly twisty documentary tells the story of a family reunited, then unraveled. A Texas family whose son, Nicholas, had been missing for three years gets word that he's been found in Spain. Overjoyed, they bring him home, and he resumes his previous life. Only, Nicholas seems different -- not just subdued by whatever trauma he's endured,...
The post The Daily Stream: The Imposter Tests the Limits of the Phrase 'Stranger Than Fiction' appeared first on /Film.
- 3/29/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
One of the big questions we’re always asked whenever there’s a new superhero movie is what comics should someone who only knows a character from TV or movies check out. Sometimes this question is easier to answer than other times, but with The Batman, it’s an incredibly easy answer. Batman: The Imposter, which is now available in hardcover from DC Comics, reads like a direct sequel to the new movie. It isn’t one, to be clear, but if all you know about the character and his world is what you just saw on the screen? Then The Imposter is a perfect next step.
There’s a good reason for that. Batman: The Imposter is written by Mattson Tomlin, who is an uncredited writer on The Batman screenplay. The Imposter takes place in year three of Batman’s career, in a very grounded Gotham City, and features...
There’s a good reason for that. Batman: The Imposter is written by Mattson Tomlin, who is an uncredited writer on The Batman screenplay. The Imposter takes place in year three of Batman’s career, in a very grounded Gotham City, and features...
- 3/11/2022
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
Netflix is taking viewers back to the world of Tiger King.
The streamer on Thursday dropped a teaser for the highly-anticipated follow-up to one of the biggest shows in the history of the streaming service.
The series is set to return sometime in the fall, but a definite date is Tbd.
"The global hit Tiger King, which attracted 64 million households in the first four weeks after its March 2020 premiere, will return to Netflix for more madness and mayhem," Netflix shared in a new statement regarding the series.
Indeed, Tiger King was the show everyone was talking about when it launched last year. It's hard to believe it's been a year since the show, especially when you consider we had Carole Baskin on Dancing With the Stars last year.
The project propelled everyone associated to stardom -- some of it good, and some of it not so much.
The series arrived...
The streamer on Thursday dropped a teaser for the highly-anticipated follow-up to one of the biggest shows in the history of the streaming service.
The series is set to return sometime in the fall, but a definite date is Tbd.
"The global hit Tiger King, which attracted 64 million households in the first four weeks after its March 2020 premiere, will return to Netflix for more madness and mayhem," Netflix shared in a new statement regarding the series.
Indeed, Tiger King was the show everyone was talking about when it launched last year. It's hard to believe it's been a year since the show, especially when you consider we had Carole Baskin on Dancing With the Stars last year.
The project propelled everyone associated to stardom -- some of it good, and some of it not so much.
The series arrived...
- 9/23/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
A Tiger King sequel is coming to Netflix this year as part of a new true crime line-up of documentaries to be released.
Although the streamer announced the project on Thursday, it is as yet unknown what the angle for Tiger King 2 will be. The first installment profiled wildcat owners with a focus on Joe Exotic (Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage), the former owner of the G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes against his animals and his role in a murder for hire plot against his nemesis Carole Baskin.
Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin will re-team as directors and executive producers; Chris Smith and Fisher Stevens will also serve as EPs. It is being produced by A Goode Films Production in association with Library Films and Article 19 Films.
Goode and Chaiklin have remained connected with Exotic since he began serving his sentence.
Although the streamer announced the project on Thursday, it is as yet unknown what the angle for Tiger King 2 will be. The first installment profiled wildcat owners with a focus on Joe Exotic (Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage), the former owner of the G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Oklahoma who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes against his animals and his role in a murder for hire plot against his nemesis Carole Baskin.
Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin will re-team as directors and executive producers; Chris Smith and Fisher Stevens will also serve as EPs. It is being produced by A Goode Films Production in association with Library Films and Article 19 Films.
Goode and Chaiklin have remained connected with Exotic since he began serving his sentence.
- 9/23/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
When The Imposter premiered at Sundance back in January 2012, it set a new benchmark for narrative documentaries, especially those with a mysterious or investigative angle. The story’s brazen absurdity did much of the work fordirector Bart Layton, but he packaged it into a narrative that remains taut, artfuland painfully suspenseful. So, how does Misha and the Wolves compare to this seminal documentary?
Well, it’s a very curious story. The ‘Misha’ in the title refers to Misha Defonseca, a US-based Belgian writer who published Misha: A Memoire of the Holocaust Years, which recounted how she, as a seven-year-old Jewish girl, survived the Holocaust after searching for her parents across Belgium, Germany and Poland. At some point during this vast journey, Misha was adopted by a roving pack of wolves that provided ample leftovers for the diminutive child, who managed to fatally stab a German soldier ‘twice her size’.
Sounds far-fetched,...
Well, it’s a very curious story. The ‘Misha’ in the title refers to Misha Defonseca, a US-based Belgian writer who published Misha: A Memoire of the Holocaust Years, which recounted how she, as a seven-year-old Jewish girl, survived the Holocaust after searching for her parents across Belgium, Germany and Poland. At some point during this vast journey, Misha was adopted by a roving pack of wolves that provided ample leftovers for the diminutive child, who managed to fatally stab a German soldier ‘twice her size’.
Sounds far-fetched,...
- 7/29/2021
- by Jack Hawkins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Exclusive: Documentary+, the non-fiction streaming service established by studio Xtr, is to share viewership data with its filmmakers, potentially becoming the first digital platform to reveal ratings.
The move is an interesting one given the often nebulous data put out by many of the more established streamers. Netflix has started to release some data for hit titles over their first 28 days, but generally only if they do particularly or surprisingly well, while many of the others release vague statements of success.
Alongside the news that it will share data with its filmmakers, the service revealed that between January and May, its top performing title on the service was Western, a documentary about life at the border of Mexico and Texas directed by Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross, followed by Cartel Land and The Imposter.
It will give filmmakers information including a gender identity breakdown, age range, which platform, such as Roku,...
The move is an interesting one given the often nebulous data put out by many of the more established streamers. Netflix has started to release some data for hit titles over their first 28 days, but generally only if they do particularly or surprisingly well, while many of the others release vague statements of success.
Alongside the news that it will share data with its filmmakers, the service revealed that between January and May, its top performing title on the service was Western, a documentary about life at the border of Mexico and Texas directed by Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross, followed by Cartel Land and The Imposter.
It will give filmmakers information including a gender identity breakdown, age range, which platform, such as Roku,...
- 6/14/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Demi Lovato is returning to scripted television in a food issues comedy that is in the works at NBC.
Lovato, who got her break in the Disney Channel’s Camp Rock franchise and starred in Sonny with a Chance, is to star in and exec produce Hungry, which has received a put pilot commitment from NBC.
The single-camera comedy is being written and exec produced by Will & Grace writer and Hot In Cleveland creator Suzanne Martin. It comes from Hazy Mills and Sb Projects in association with Universal Television.
Hungry follows a group of friends who belong to a food issues group help each other as they look for love, success and the perfect thing in the fridge that’s going to make it all better.
Lovato, herself, appeared in a guest role in the final season of Will & Grace, her first role since guest starring on Glee in 2013. The singer,...
Lovato, who got her break in the Disney Channel’s Camp Rock franchise and starred in Sonny with a Chance, is to star in and exec produce Hungry, which has received a put pilot commitment from NBC.
The single-camera comedy is being written and exec produced by Will & Grace writer and Hot In Cleveland creator Suzanne Martin. It comes from Hazy Mills and Sb Projects in association with Universal Television.
Hungry follows a group of friends who belong to a food issues group help each other as they look for love, success and the perfect thing in the fridge that’s going to make it all better.
Lovato, herself, appeared in a guest role in the final season of Will & Grace, her first role since guest starring on Glee in 2013. The singer,...
- 1/25/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
David Richardson, the veteran writer and showrunner of such television comedies as “The Simpsons,” “Two and a Half Men” and “Malcolm in the Middle,” died Monday from heart failure. He was 65.
Richardson, who was a cancer survivor for almost 30 years, began his three-decade career as a comedy writer on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series “Grand” starring Bonnie Hunt, as well as the family-friendly “Zoobilee Zoo” with Ben Vereen and “The Pat Sajak Show”.
He went on to be one of the most successful writer-producers in television, wearing both hats on shows like “Empty Nest,” “The Simpsons,” “The John Larroquette Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Two and a Half Men” and, most recently, the adult animated series “F Is for Family,” which just wrapped its fifth and final season on Netflix.
He also served as co-executive producer on “Phenom” (starring Judith Light), “Soul Man” (starring Dan Aykroyd), “What About Joan...
Richardson, who was a cancer survivor for almost 30 years, began his three-decade career as a comedy writer on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series “Grand” starring Bonnie Hunt, as well as the family-friendly “Zoobilee Zoo” with Ben Vereen and “The Pat Sajak Show”.
He went on to be one of the most successful writer-producers in television, wearing both hats on shows like “Empty Nest,” “The Simpsons,” “The John Larroquette Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Two and a Half Men” and, most recently, the adult animated series “F Is for Family,” which just wrapped its fifth and final season on Netflix.
He also served as co-executive producer on “Phenom” (starring Judith Light), “Soul Man” (starring Dan Aykroyd), “What About Joan...
- 1/19/2021
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Niecy Nash has joined the cast of the upcoming ABC limited anthology series “Women of the Movement,” Variety has learned.
The series will tell the story of key female figures in the Civil Rights Movement. Season 1 will focus on Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. Mamie will be played by Adrienne Warren. Nash will play Alma, Till’s grandmother. After Emmett’s murder in Mississippi, Alma, a young grandmother who had been like a second mother to Emmett, fought to protect her family in Chicago while her daughter travelled the country seeking justice in Emmett’s name.
Nash currently leads the TNT drama series “Claws.” She has been nominated for three Emmy Awards throughout her career — two for the HBO series “Getting On” and other for the Netflix limited series “When They See Us.” She played the role of Officer Raineesha Williams in “Reno 911,” a role she reprised in...
The series will tell the story of key female figures in the Civil Rights Movement. Season 1 will focus on Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. Mamie will be played by Adrienne Warren. Nash will play Alma, Till’s grandmother. After Emmett’s murder in Mississippi, Alma, a young grandmother who had been like a second mother to Emmett, fought to protect her family in Chicago while her daughter travelled the country seeking justice in Emmett’s name.
Nash currently leads the TNT drama series “Claws.” She has been nominated for three Emmy Awards throughout her career — two for the HBO series “Getting On” and other for the Netflix limited series “When They See Us.” She played the role of Officer Raineesha Williams in “Reno 911,” a role she reprised in...
- 11/13/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
How the 1940s standard “Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe” failed to be adapted into a Joe Biden campaign song until now is a mystery, but Cher recognized the obvious pairing of classic song and candidate and has recorded her rewrite of the tune, which was originally sung by Ethel Waters in the 1943 film “Cabin in the Sky.”
The song, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, was nominated for an Oscar after Waters sang it in the Black-themed Vincente Minnelli film. Many of the original lyrics would not do — Waters refers to “little Joe” in the film version, which sounds more like a nickname Donald Trump would apply to the candidate than something they’d want in a campaign anthem. So that reference gets changed to “president Joe” in Cher’s version, among other alterations.
Cher introduced the song Sunday night in closing “I Will Vote,...
The song, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, was nominated for an Oscar after Waters sang it in the Black-themed Vincente Minnelli film. Many of the original lyrics would not do — Waters refers to “little Joe” in the film version, which sounds more like a nickname Donald Trump would apply to the candidate than something they’d want in a campaign anthem. So that reference gets changed to “president Joe” in Cher’s version, among other alterations.
Cher introduced the song Sunday night in closing “I Will Vote,...
- 10/26/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Brandi Carlile, Cyndi Lauper, Cynthia Erivo, Yola and Laurie Anderson will be among the stars paying tribute to honorees like John Prine, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Philip Glass, Chicago and Philip Glass in “Great Performances: Grammy Salute to Music Legends,” set to air Oct. 16 on PBS.
The annual special, now in its fifth year, offers a fuller celebration of the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement winners, after they are acknowledged earlier in the year in passing at the Grammys. The show is usually recorded before a live audience, but this year’s, of course, will be filmed with the participating stars in remote locations.
Other performers on tap for the show include Chris Isaak, the duo of Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, Sam Moore, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Philip Bailey. Additional honorees include Roberta Flack, Isaac Hayes, mid-20th-century talent agent Frank Walker and the 40-year executive producer of the Grammy Awards telecast,...
The annual special, now in its fifth year, offers a fuller celebration of the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement winners, after they are acknowledged earlier in the year in passing at the Grammys. The show is usually recorded before a live audience, but this year’s, of course, will be filmed with the participating stars in remote locations.
Other performers on tap for the show include Chris Isaak, the duo of Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, Sam Moore, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Philip Bailey. Additional honorees include Roberta Flack, Isaac Hayes, mid-20th-century talent agent Frank Walker and the 40-year executive producer of the Grammy Awards telecast,...
- 9/16/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Raw, the production company behind hit documentaries including Don’t F*ck With Cats and Three Identical Strangers, has found its next case after unearthing a development with TNT.
The WarnerMedia-backed broadcaster is working with the All3Media-backed company on a new docuseries project. It is the network’s latest move into the true crime genre following the Dick Wolf-produced Cold Justice, which previously aired on TNT before moving to Oxygen.
This comes after Raw scored an Emmy last night at the Creative Arts Emmys for Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction Program. Mark Lewis, who wrote the Netflix series, which explored the digital search for the killer of Jun Lin, beat out Apple TV+’s Beastie Boys Story, Nat Geo’s The Cave, Netflix’s Circus Of Books and HBO’s McMillion$ in the hotly contested category.
As with many of Raw’s documentaries and series, there...
The WarnerMedia-backed broadcaster is working with the All3Media-backed company on a new docuseries project. It is the network’s latest move into the true crime genre following the Dick Wolf-produced Cold Justice, which previously aired on TNT before moving to Oxygen.
This comes after Raw scored an Emmy last night at the Creative Arts Emmys for Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction Program. Mark Lewis, who wrote the Netflix series, which explored the digital search for the killer of Jun Lin, beat out Apple TV+’s Beastie Boys Story, Nat Geo’s The Cave, Netflix’s Circus Of Books and HBO’s McMillion$ in the hotly contested category.
As with many of Raw’s documentaries and series, there...
- 9/15/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker Tabitha Jackson has been named the incoming director of the Sundance Film Festival, succeeding outgoing director John Cooper.
Sundance, America’s premiere festival and sales market for global independent film, elevates Jackson from her previous role as director of the Sundance Institute’s documentary film program. Cooper, who vacates the role after 11 years, has been named director emeritus.
Jackson will work closely with programming chief Kim Yutani and senior leadership to craft the festival’s overall vision and strategy. She comes out ahead of over 700 applicants, festival executive director Keri Putnam told Variety, who scoured international art and non-profit organizations for the role.
“Tabitha is fiercely devoted to independent artists, has been a visionary member of the Sundance Institute’s leadership team for the last 6 years. Her authenticity, experience and perspective will serve her well in leading the festival forward as a beacon for independent artists and audiences,” said Putnam.
Sundance, America’s premiere festival and sales market for global independent film, elevates Jackson from her previous role as director of the Sundance Institute’s documentary film program. Cooper, who vacates the role after 11 years, has been named director emeritus.
Jackson will work closely with programming chief Kim Yutani and senior leadership to craft the festival’s overall vision and strategy. She comes out ahead of over 700 applicants, festival executive director Keri Putnam told Variety, who scoured international art and non-profit organizations for the role.
“Tabitha is fiercely devoted to independent artists, has been a visionary member of the Sundance Institute’s leadership team for the last 6 years. Her authenticity, experience and perspective will serve her well in leading the festival forward as a beacon for independent artists and audiences,” said Putnam.
- 2/2/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
After nine days of films, episodics, events, premieres and snow, Sundance is winding down and its ending with huge news as the Park City fest has announced Tabitha Jackson as the new Director of the Sundance Film Festival.
Jackson, who joined the Sundance Institute as the Director of the Documentary Film Program in 2013, will take the torch from John Cooper, who announced he was stepping down from the post last June. Sundance 2020 was Cooper’s last fest as director. Jackson will oversee the Festival’s overall vision and strategy while leading a senior team in close collaboration with Director of Programming, Kim Yutani. Cooper will take on the newly-created role of Emeritus Director. He will oversee special projects including preparations for the Institute’s 40th anniversary in 2021.
“I founded Sundance Institute with the clear mission of celebrating and supporting independent artists, said Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford in a statement,...
Jackson, who joined the Sundance Institute as the Director of the Documentary Film Program in 2013, will take the torch from John Cooper, who announced he was stepping down from the post last June. Sundance 2020 was Cooper’s last fest as director. Jackson will oversee the Festival’s overall vision and strategy while leading a senior team in close collaboration with Director of Programming, Kim Yutani. Cooper will take on the newly-created role of Emeritus Director. He will oversee special projects including preparations for the Institute’s 40th anniversary in 2021.
“I founded Sundance Institute with the clear mission of celebrating and supporting independent artists, said Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford in a statement,...
- 2/2/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Kim Yutani remains director of programming
Sundance Institute has announced that its head of the Documentary Film Program Tabitha Jackson will succeed John Cooper as Sundance Film Festival director.
The appointment of the British-born industry veteran and former head of arts and performance at Channel 4 Television was unveiled during Saturday’s awards ceremony (February 1) and follows months of speculation.
Outgoing festival director Cooper announced last June he would step down from the role after this year’s festival (and 11 years in the role) and is preparing to segue into the title of inaugural emeritus director. His mandate and special...
Sundance Institute has announced that its head of the Documentary Film Program Tabitha Jackson will succeed John Cooper as Sundance Film Festival director.
The appointment of the British-born industry veteran and former head of arts and performance at Channel 4 Television was unveiled during Saturday’s awards ceremony (February 1) and follows months of speculation.
Outgoing festival director Cooper announced last June he would step down from the role after this year’s festival (and 11 years in the role) and is preparing to segue into the title of inaugural emeritus director. His mandate and special...
- 2/2/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
The success of this film says quite a lot about Britain 2019
So I’ve finally seen Last Christmas, the critically panned rom (ummm) com (errrr) written by Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings, and the first thing to say is, “Hooo boy.” The second thing is, “Whatever Emma was smoking when she came up with that movie’s plot twist, which has now ruined Wham! for ever, well, I’ll have what she’s having.” Actually, you know what? I’m all right, Emma. Keep it for yourself.
Last Christmas is one of those films that is so deranged it feels like a strange fever dream. In this sense, it’s like the 80s comedy Mannequin, a charming romantic comedy about a man finding true love with a plastic doll. Or maybe it’s closer to Soul Man – another movie, like Last Christmas, that ruined a good song by stealing its...
So I’ve finally seen Last Christmas, the critically panned rom (ummm) com (errrr) written by Emma Thompson and Bryony Kimmings, and the first thing to say is, “Hooo boy.” The second thing is, “Whatever Emma was smoking when she came up with that movie’s plot twist, which has now ruined Wham! for ever, well, I’ll have what she’s having.” Actually, you know what? I’m all right, Emma. Keep it for yourself.
Last Christmas is one of those films that is so deranged it feels like a strange fever dream. In this sense, it’s like the 80s comedy Mannequin, a charming romantic comedy about a man finding true love with a plastic doll. Or maybe it’s closer to Soul Man – another movie, like Last Christmas, that ruined a good song by stealing its...
- 12/7/2019
- by Hadley Freeman
- The Guardian - Film News
Keep in mind that we haven’t seen “Cats.” Or a single one of the half-dozen Nicolas Cage movies released “on demand” (to zero demand?) this past year. Still, in the ongoing quest to find the next masterpiece, film critics inevitably have to sit through a lot more turkeys than your typical moviegoer. Rather than let all that “cinemasochism” go to waste, we might as well amuse you with the fruits of our suffering. Below, Variety taste-makers Peter Debruge and Owen Gleiberman name — and shame — the most ill-conceived, ineptly executed, and all-around disappointing films of 2019.
Peter Debruge’s Five Worst Movies:
1. “Dumbo”
In a decade or two, we’ll look back at this period as the moment that Disney went through its archive, identified its most beloved classics, and rebooted them all as bombastic CG eyesores. Whereas the re-imagineering process has yielded mostly charming results on stage and ice (e.
Peter Debruge’s Five Worst Movies:
1. “Dumbo”
In a decade or two, we’ll look back at this period as the moment that Disney went through its archive, identified its most beloved classics, and rebooted them all as bombastic CG eyesores. Whereas the re-imagineering process has yielded mostly charming results on stage and ice (e.
- 12/6/2019
- by Peter Debruge and Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Bet Networks and Tyler Perry Studios have set a Thursday, Sept. 19 launch date for Bet+, its new Svod platform that will feature more than 1,000 hours of premium content, including original programming, fan-favorite series, movies and specials from Bet Networks and a host of leading African American content creators.
Priced at $9.99 per month, Bet+ will at launch offer several “firsts” including the long-in-the-works First Wives Club series, based on the 1996 film; Bigger, a Will Packer-produced look at a single black woman in East Atlanta whose life is upended by the random death of a college acquaintance; the classic sitcom Martin‘s...
Priced at $9.99 per month, Bet+ will at launch offer several “firsts” including the long-in-the-works First Wives Club series, based on the 1996 film; Bigger, a Will Packer-produced look at a single black woman in East Atlanta whose life is upended by the random death of a college acquaintance; the classic sitcom Martin‘s...
- 9/9/2019
- TVLine.com
Make way for another new streaming service.
Bet Plus, a joint venture between Viacom’s Bet Networks and Tyler Perry Studios, will launch domestically on Thursday, Sept. 19. The ad-free subscription video-on-demand service, priced at $9.99 a month, will kick off with more than 1,000 hours of shows, movies and stand-up specials, including content from Tyler Perry, Tracy Oliver, Will Packer and other African American content creators.
“We are thrilled to offer a streaming experience of content curated for the underserved African American audience with Bet [Plus],” said Bet Networks president Scott Mills. “African Americans have a higher Svod adoption rate than any other consumer base on the market, which is why Bet [Plus] is a natural complement of Bet’s linear network, which has been and continues to be the leading home of black culture for decades.”
Bet Plus’ general manager Devin Griffin added, via release, that the service will launch a Bet Plus...
Bet Plus, a joint venture between Viacom’s Bet Networks and Tyler Perry Studios, will launch domestically on Thursday, Sept. 19. The ad-free subscription video-on-demand service, priced at $9.99 a month, will kick off with more than 1,000 hours of shows, movies and stand-up specials, including content from Tyler Perry, Tracy Oliver, Will Packer and other African American content creators.
“We are thrilled to offer a streaming experience of content curated for the underserved African American audience with Bet [Plus],” said Bet Networks president Scott Mills. “African Americans have a higher Svod adoption rate than any other consumer base on the market, which is why Bet [Plus] is a natural complement of Bet’s linear network, which has been and continues to be the leading home of black culture for decades.”
Bet Plus’ general manager Devin Griffin added, via release, that the service will launch a Bet Plus...
- 9/9/2019
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Max Wright, the actor who portrayed the father on the Eighties sitcom Alf, has died. He was 75. On Wednesday, Wright’s son Ben confirmed his death to the Hollywood Reporter. TMZ first reported the death, adding that Wright died at his home in Hermosa Beach, California following a long battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 1995, but was reportedly in remission for several years.
As the news broke of Wright’s death, those in the industry paid tribute to the veteran star on social media. “Rip Max Wright – A hilarious and talented actor,...
As the news broke of Wright’s death, those in the industry paid tribute to the veteran star on social media. “Rip Max Wright – A hilarious and talented actor,...
- 6/27/2019
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Max Wright, best known for playing patriarch Willie Tanner on the sitcom “Alf,” died Wednesday. He was 75.
Wright’s family confirmed his death to TMZ. The actor died in his home in Hermosa Beach, Calif., after years of battling cancer. Wright was diagnosed with Lymphona in 1995.
Wright is most famous for his role as the adoptive father to Alf, a back-talking alien puppet who crash-landed on Earth. The series ran from 1986 to 1990 on NBC and featured Wright in every season. His other television credits include episodes of shows such as “Norm,” “Murphy Brown,” “Friends,” “Quantum Leap,” “Misfits of Science,” “Cheers,” “Buffalo Bill,” “Taxi” and “The Drew Carey Show.”
He also played the manager of the iconic “Friends” coffee shop Central Perk in the early episodes of the series, in addition to Norm MacDonald’s boss in the ABC sitcom “Norm.” His film credits include “All That Jazz,” “Snow Falling on Cedars,...
Wright’s family confirmed his death to TMZ. The actor died in his home in Hermosa Beach, Calif., after years of battling cancer. Wright was diagnosed with Lymphona in 1995.
Wright is most famous for his role as the adoptive father to Alf, a back-talking alien puppet who crash-landed on Earth. The series ran from 1986 to 1990 on NBC and featured Wright in every season. His other television credits include episodes of shows such as “Norm,” “Murphy Brown,” “Friends,” “Quantum Leap,” “Misfits of Science,” “Cheers,” “Buffalo Bill,” “Taxi” and “The Drew Carey Show.”
He also played the manager of the iconic “Friends” coffee shop Central Perk in the early episodes of the series, in addition to Norm MacDonald’s boss in the ABC sitcom “Norm.” His film credits include “All That Jazz,” “Snow Falling on Cedars,...
- 6/27/2019
- by Dano Nissen
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran actor Max Wright, best known as the father in 1980s sitcom Alf, died today after a long cancer battle. He passed away in his Hermosa Beach, Calif. home at age 75.
Wright played Willie Tanner on the puppet-driven sitcom, which ran for four seasons on NBC.
But Wright had a long resume in other venues, appearing in television shows like Cheers, Misfits of Science and Norm, among others.
His film credits included All That Jazz, Reds, The Sting II, Soul Man, and The Shadow.
Survivors include two children. His wife, Linda Ybarrondo, passed in 2017.
Wright played Willie Tanner on the puppet-driven sitcom, which ran for four seasons on NBC.
But Wright had a long resume in other venues, appearing in television shows like Cheers, Misfits of Science and Norm, among others.
His film credits included All That Jazz, Reds, The Sting II, Soul Man, and The Shadow.
Survivors include two children. His wife, Linda Ybarrondo, passed in 2017.
- 6/26/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Max Wright, who famously played the father on the 80s hit sitcom "Alf" -- died Wednesday ... TMZ has learned. Family sources tell TMZ ... the actor passed away in his home in Hermosa Beach, CA ... just outside Los Angeles. We're told Max had battled cancer for years. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 1995, but had been in remission for a long time. Max was a veteran TV star whose most popular role was as Willie Tanner...
- 6/26/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
With the release of Arrow Video’s The Annihilators, read film historian and author Chris Poggiali’s introduction into New World Pictures – Roger Corman’s now legendary cult movie production company that brought it to life….
When Roger Corman cut the ribbon on New World Pictures in May of 1970, he was in the right place at the right time with the right idea in mind for his latest business venture: a production and distribution company that would provide a training ground for young filmmakers eager to get into the business. Less than a year after the release of Easy Rider, every studio in town was trying to duplicate its success by seeking out independent filmmakers with an eye on the youth market and all things counterculture. This was the height of the New Hollywood era, which Corman himself had helped usher in with his trailblazing 1966 smash The Wild Angels. Mostly known as a producer-director,...
When Roger Corman cut the ribbon on New World Pictures in May of 1970, he was in the right place at the right time with the right idea in mind for his latest business venture: a production and distribution company that would provide a training ground for young filmmakers eager to get into the business. Less than a year after the release of Easy Rider, every studio in town was trying to duplicate its success by seeking out independent filmmakers with an eye on the youth market and all things counterculture. This was the height of the New Hollywood era, which Corman himself had helped usher in with his trailblazing 1966 smash The Wild Angels. Mostly known as a producer-director,...
- 5/24/2019
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The winner of season 16 of “The Voice” was announced on May 21, 2019 at the end of the two-hour results show. But in a break with tradition last season’s champion, Chevel Shepherd, was not part of the line-up of talent that performed in the lead-up to the big reveal.
Compare that to when Chevel claimed the title in December 2018 and the season 14 winner, Brynn Cartelli, got a chance to sing her new single, “Last Night’s Mascara.” That exposure propelled the song to #19 on the charts. And Brynn then got to spend the first part of 2019 touring the country as the opening act for her coach Kelly Clarkson.
Brynn has done better than the season 13 winner, Chloe Kohanski, who likewise returned to “The Voice” to debut her new single “Come This Far” on last spring’s season 14 finale. While she had made it to No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her...
Compare that to when Chevel claimed the title in December 2018 and the season 14 winner, Brynn Cartelli, got a chance to sing her new single, “Last Night’s Mascara.” That exposure propelled the song to #19 on the charts. And Brynn then got to spend the first part of 2019 touring the country as the opening act for her coach Kelly Clarkson.
Brynn has done better than the season 13 winner, Chloe Kohanski, who likewise returned to “The Voice” to debut her new single “Come This Far” on last spring’s season 14 finale. While she had made it to No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her...
- 5/21/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Jay-z’s The Blueprint, Cyndi Lauper’s She’s So Unusual, Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly soundtrack, Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam” are among the 25 recordings that will be added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry this year.
The eclectic list also includes Earth, Wind and Fire’s hit single “September,” the original Broadway cast recording of the musical Hair, Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” Sylvester’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” and a box set featuring the music of Schoolhouse Rock! The...
The eclectic list also includes Earth, Wind and Fire’s hit single “September,” the original Broadway cast recording of the musical Hair, Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” Sylvester’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” and a box set featuring the music of Schoolhouse Rock! The...
- 3/20/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Shane Battier is off the deeeeeeeep end ... and it's beautiful as hell. The 2-time NBA champ hit the stage to put on his best rendition of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's "Shallow" at his charity karaoke event on Thursday ... and this guy pulled out all the stops. Look ... singing the ballad in front of Anyone requires some guts. But, to do it in front of a huge crowd while wearing a dress And a...
- 3/15/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The season 14 winner of “The Voice” Brynn Cartelli returned to perform her new single, “Last Night’s Mascara,” on Tuesday’s results show. Minutes later it was revealed that Chevel Shepherd took the season 15 title. Let’s hope that Brynn, who like Chevel was coached by Kelly Clarkson, has more success than the season 13 champ Chloe Kohanski.
Chloe had returned to “The Voice” to debut her new single “Come This Far” on last spring’s season 14 finale. While she had made it to No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her winner’s song “Wish I Didn’t Love You” the previous December, that second single didn’t even chart. That might be why we have yet to get an album from Chole, the sixth champion for coach Blake Shelton who has been with the show since the start.
In the photo gallery above, we take a look back at all...
Chloe had returned to “The Voice” to debut her new single “Come This Far” on last spring’s season 14 finale. While she had made it to No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her winner’s song “Wish I Didn’t Love You” the previous December, that second single didn’t even chart. That might be why we have yet to get an album from Chole, the sixth champion for coach Blake Shelton who has been with the show since the start.
In the photo gallery above, we take a look back at all...
- 12/19/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Steve Cropper, the guitarist for Booker T. and the MGs and songwriter of such soul staples as “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “In the Midnight Hour,” was honored with the Bmi Icon Award at Tuesday night’s Bmi Awards in Nashville, a loose Golden Globes-type party that finds artists loudly mingling at tables and the bar. Cropper, a Music City resident, was in attendance as a diverse group of singers — including one surprise guest — paid musical tribute.
Nashville soul powerhouse Mike Farris and songwriter Lucie Silvas kicked...
Nashville soul powerhouse Mike Farris and songwriter Lucie Silvas kicked...
- 11/14/2018
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
I hear people ask, “Who’s gonna be the next queen?” Shut up! Aretha Franklin was the one. She could take a jazz song and make it Aretha. She could take blues and make it Aretha. Puccini’s aria “Nessun Dorma”: She could make it Aretha. There were only two people who could do that — her and Ray Charles.
At the Grammys in 1998, when Pavarotti had a cold and canceled, the producers had an emergency on their hands. They asked: Could she do “Nessun Dorma”? She had been studying opera and she had sung the aria two nights earlier at the MusiCares dinner. That first night, she did it in her key, with her arrangement. But when she was called to fill in for Pavarotti at the Grammys, with almost no rehearsal, she had to do it in his key, with his arrangement. She’d always been great, but...
At the Grammys in 1998, when Pavarotti had a cold and canceled, the producers had an emergency on their hands. They asked: Could she do “Nessun Dorma”? She had been studying opera and she had sung the aria two nights earlier at the MusiCares dinner. That first night, she did it in her key, with her arrangement. But when she was called to fill in for Pavarotti at the Grammys, with almost no rehearsal, she had to do it in his key, with his arrangement. She’d always been great, but...
- 8/21/2018
- by Sam Moore
- Variety Film + TV
Released in theaters a little more than 14 months after its predecessor, Hellbound: Hellraiser II had the unenviable task of following up one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing genre films of the 1980s. Tony Randel took over the directorial duties on Hellbound, and he did a brilliant job sidestepping the pitfalls that can often trip up a sequel film effort, ambitiously blazing a new path in the Hellraiser universe by taking viewers into the labyrinthine realm of Leviathan and providing fans with a greater understanding of the franchise’s Cenobite antiheroes as well. Hellraiser II also introduces one of the series’ most dominant and unforgettable villains by way of Dr. Channard (Kenneth Cranham) and transforms Hellraiser’s wicked stepmother Julia (Clare Higgins) into a bona fide evil queen.
Simply put, Hellraiser II is a perfect example of what every filmmaker at the helm of a sequel should aspire to achieve,...
Simply put, Hellraiser II is a perfect example of what every filmmaker at the helm of a sequel should aspire to achieve,...
- 7/23/2018
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Matt “Guitar” Murphy, best known as one of the stalwarts of the Blues Brothers Band and a renowned sideman with Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Slim, Muddy Waters, James Cotton and many others, has died. He was 88 and his death was confirmed by his nephew, Floyd Murphy Jr., on Facebook.
Murphy gained his biggest audience as a member of the band in the Blues Brothers movies, appearing as the beleagured husband of cafe owner Aretha Franklin, insisting that he was “the man” when Franklin objected to him re-joining the band.
Murphy appeared in the 1980 film and its follow-up, Blues Brothers 2000 (1998), both directed by John Landis. He also played in the Blues Brothers Band with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd when the group played its eventual top 20 pop hit “Soul Man” on Saturday Night Live in 1978. He would perform with the band until the early 2000s, when he was slowed by a stroke.
Murphy gained his biggest audience as a member of the band in the Blues Brothers movies, appearing as the beleagured husband of cafe owner Aretha Franklin, insisting that he was “the man” when Franklin objected to him re-joining the band.
Murphy appeared in the 1980 film and its follow-up, Blues Brothers 2000 (1998), both directed by John Landis. He also played in the Blues Brothers Band with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd when the group played its eventual top 20 pop hit “Soul Man” on Saturday Night Live in 1978. He would perform with the band until the early 2000s, when he was slowed by a stroke.
- 6/16/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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