Aaron Sorkin has revealed he is writing a movie about the January 6th attack on the United States Capitol Building. During a live episode of The Town with Matt Belloni podcast, the film was teased as a potential sequel to The Social Network tracing the rise of online misinformation.
When asked what role Facebook and other social networks should play in “responsibly moderating our news media and thus our democracy,” Sorkin glanced at his publicist before pulling back the curtain on his next project.
“I’ll be writing about this. I blame Facebook for January 6th,” Sorkin said, adding that we’d need “to buy a movie ticket” to find out why he believes the social network played a crucial role in the coup attempt.
Sorkin continued by criticizing the social platform in a more general sense, saying, “Facebook has been, among other things, tuning its algorithm to promote the...
When asked what role Facebook and other social networks should play in “responsibly moderating our news media and thus our democracy,” Sorkin glanced at his publicist before pulling back the curtain on his next project.
“I’ll be writing about this. I blame Facebook for January 6th,” Sorkin said, adding that we’d need “to buy a movie ticket” to find out why he believes the social network played a crucial role in the coup attempt.
Sorkin continued by criticizing the social platform in a more general sense, saying, “Facebook has been, among other things, tuning its algorithm to promote the...
- 4/26/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
On the East Coast, all eyes are on Donald Trump and his criminal trial over alleged hush-money payments made to porn actress Stormy Daniels and others.
And on the West Coast, another hearing is happening. Yet it, too, involves a beautiful, blond woman and a charismatic showman with a penchant for pulling the wool over people’s eyes.
But this tribunal is unfolding within the insular walls of the Magic Castle — the legendary private club for magicians set inside a foreboding Victorian mansion, formerly a private residence, perched upon a Hollywood hilltop and established in 1963.
The defendant is Murray the Magician, aka Murray Sawchuck, a veteran stage illusionist and comedian who for years has held a residency at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. (The Tropicana shuttered April 2 and is expected to be demolished later this year — but Murray will be touring the world with his act until he installs himself...
And on the West Coast, another hearing is happening. Yet it, too, involves a beautiful, blond woman and a charismatic showman with a penchant for pulling the wool over people’s eyes.
But this tribunal is unfolding within the insular walls of the Magic Castle — the legendary private club for magicians set inside a foreboding Victorian mansion, formerly a private residence, perched upon a Hollywood hilltop and established in 1963.
The defendant is Murray the Magician, aka Murray Sawchuck, a veteran stage illusionist and comedian who for years has held a residency at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. (The Tropicana shuttered April 2 and is expected to be demolished later this year — but Murray will be touring the world with his act until he installs himself...
- 4/19/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Phil Karlson’s The Scarface Mob was originally made as a two-part pilot for the Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse anthology series before the 80-minute episodes were re-cut for theatrical release. Given the sterility of so much dramatic television in the 1950s, it’s hard to imagine Karlson—best known for hard-hitting noirs like Kansas City Confidential and The Phenix City Story—seeing the format as suitable for his style. But Desi Arnaz, a huge admirer of the latter film, promised Karlson no studio interference. And while The Scarface Mob’s story presents a clear battle between good and evil in the form of Eliot Ness (Robert Stack) and Al Capone’s (Neville Brand) Chicago bootlegging empire, Karlson’s gritty brutality finds its way on-screen as the film conflates the maniacal ruthlessness of both men’s actions.
Stack’s performance went a long way in cementing Ness’s legacy in the public imagination.
Stack’s performance went a long way in cementing Ness’s legacy in the public imagination.
- 4/12/2024
- by Derek Smith
- Slant Magazine
If there’s one thing Marvel is very good at, it’s casting. From Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man to Chris Hemsworth as Thor, the studio has a knack for finding the ideal actors to bring their favorite comic book characters to life. And it appears that they might have their sights set on another prominent face in the industry for their next big bad: Javier Bardem.
Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, could be portrayed by none other than the Spanish Oscar-winning actor in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. This follows on the heels of the announcement that Pedro Pascal is slated to star as Mr. Fantastic, providing yet another reason to look forward to the eagerly awaited superhero flick.
Galactus (via Marvel comics)
Bardem, known for his outstanding portrayal in No Country for Old Men and Everybody Knows, is reportedly Marvel’s first choice for the cosmic antagonist,...
Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, could be portrayed by none other than the Spanish Oscar-winning actor in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. This follows on the heels of the announcement that Pedro Pascal is slated to star as Mr. Fantastic, providing yet another reason to look forward to the eagerly awaited superhero flick.
Galactus (via Marvel comics)
Bardem, known for his outstanding portrayal in No Country for Old Men and Everybody Knows, is reportedly Marvel’s first choice for the cosmic antagonist,...
- 2/17/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
"I Love Lucy" began more than 70 years ago, yet, in some ways, the show still feels modern. Sitcoms today still lift some of their best comedic bits straight from plots of the classic, plus the series was shaped by a woman and a Latino man who were both groundbreaking leaders in their industry. Unfortunately, though, one distressing story from the show's production -- in which a male director made the woman the show was named after break down in tears -- also sounds like it could've happened yesterday.
The anecdote comes from a 2003 piece in DGA Quarterly documenting filmmaker William Asher's takeover as director in the show's second season. "Asher's first day on the set though nearly ended his association with the show," Ted Elrick wrote, explaining that when the filmmaker stepped away to deal with a technical problem, he came back to find Lucy herself, Lucille Ball, "giving directions backstage.
The anecdote comes from a 2003 piece in DGA Quarterly documenting filmmaker William Asher's takeover as director in the show's second season. "Asher's first day on the set though nearly ended his association with the show," Ted Elrick wrote, explaining that when the filmmaker stepped away to deal with a technical problem, he came back to find Lucy herself, Lucille Ball, "giving directions backstage.
- 1/31/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
In the world of classic television, I Love Lucy stands alone as groundbreaking for many reasons. It was the first series to use multiple, simultaneously filming cameras and a live studio audience. It was also one of the first TV shows to be shot on 35mm film rather than broadcast live. However, its Christmas episode was revolutionary and introduced a television first.
Before the ‘I Love Lucy’ Christmas show, this now-standard TV practice didn’t exist
The I Love Lucy Christmas show aired on December 24th, 1956, midway through the sitcom’s sixth and final season. The installment was not included alongside the 179 regular episodes in the syndication package for the CBS series.
Deadline reported that “The Christmas Episode” finds Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) and Ethel and Fred Mertz (Vivian Vance and William Frawley) decorating Lucy and Ricky’s Christmas tree. Together, the couples reminisce about...
Before the ‘I Love Lucy’ Christmas show, this now-standard TV practice didn’t exist
The I Love Lucy Christmas show aired on December 24th, 1956, midway through the sitcom’s sixth and final season. The installment was not included alongside the 179 regular episodes in the syndication package for the CBS series.
Deadline reported that “The Christmas Episode” finds Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) and Ethel and Fred Mertz (Vivian Vance and William Frawley) decorating Lucy and Ricky’s Christmas tree. Together, the couples reminisce about...
- 12/25/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Almost every year, there is at least one performer who finally takes home that elusive Oscar. In 2022, Jessica Chastain won for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” after two prior nominations, and, in 2020, Joaquin Phoenix prevailed for “Joker” after three previous bids. Expect this year to be no different — we have a whole crew searching for their first Oscar wins after years of nominations, near-misses, or just plain being snubbed. Here are a so far unlucky seven contenders who could break that curse this year and win long overdue Oscars. (We’ve updated this post to include Ryan Gosling after his absence was pointed out by several readers.)
Annette Bening — “Nyad” (Netflix)
Dir: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Co-Starring: Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans
Release Date: October 20 in theaters, November 3 on Netflix
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
“64-year-old marathon swimmer, Diana Nyad, attempts to become the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida.
Annette Bening — “Nyad” (Netflix)
Dir: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Co-Starring: Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans
Release Date: October 20 in theaters, November 3 on Netflix
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
“64-year-old marathon swimmer, Diana Nyad, attempts to become the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida.
- 11/15/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Albert Brooks and Rob Reiner, now both 76, have been best friends since high school, having met in the drama club at Beverly Hills High. (Richard Dreyfuss was also in their class.) Both were what might now be referred to as “nepo babies” in that both of their fathers had successful careers in comedy — Rob as son of the legendary Carl Reiner, creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Albert the son of Harry Einstein (yes — his real name is Albert Einstein), a radio comedian who found fame as a character called Parkyakarkus. Harry might have gone on to greater heights had he not suffered a fatal heart attack moments after his routine at a roast of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1958. Eleven-year-old Albert was listening live on the radio that night.
We learn those amazing facts and so many more on HBO’s Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,...
We learn those amazing facts and so many more on HBO’s Albert Brooks: Defending My Life,...
- 11/11/2023
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the world of television, first impressions are everything. A great pilot episode is a promise to the audience, telling them what the show is about and how it will go about it, in the hopes that people will be so impressed that they'll tune in every week. If you don't grab them early, you might lose them altogether.
Case in point: If you watch the first episode of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone" you'll find that it is one of the most striking TV series debuts in history. The disturbing standalone tale "Where Is Everybody?" stars Earl Holliman ("Police Woman") as a man who finds himself in a town without any people in it. It's completely deserted from top to bottom, or is it? He keeps coming across signs that people were here, and he only just missed them. Trapped in a completely open world, alone in a...
Case in point: If you watch the first episode of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone" you'll find that it is one of the most striking TV series debuts in history. The disturbing standalone tale "Where Is Everybody?" stars Earl Holliman ("Police Woman") as a man who finds himself in a town without any people in it. It's completely deserted from top to bottom, or is it? He keeps coming across signs that people were here, and he only just missed them. Trapped in a completely open world, alone in a...
- 11/4/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Timothée Chalamet will host the Nov. 11 “Saturday Night Live” episode, with Boygenius as the musical guest.
In the most recent “SNL” episode, Nate Bargatze, who is currently touring the U.S. with a standup set titled “Be Funny,” made his hosting debut. Foo Fighters — made up of Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Josh Freese — had their ninth appearance as the musical guest.
Season 49 kicked off with Pete Davidson and Ice Spice as the host and musical guest duo, respectively. The premiere episode drew in 4.8 million viewers, with Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce making a surprise appearance. Kelce appeared in a skit mocking the NFL’s obsession with his romance with Swift. Other notable sketches included Davidson’s “I’m Just Pete” anthem, a spoof of Ryan Goslings’ “I’m Just Ken” musical number from “Barbie.” The episode scored a...
In the most recent “SNL” episode, Nate Bargatze, who is currently touring the U.S. with a standup set titled “Be Funny,” made his hosting debut. Foo Fighters — made up of Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Josh Freese — had their ninth appearance as the musical guest.
Season 49 kicked off with Pete Davidson and Ice Spice as the host and musical guest duo, respectively. The premiere episode drew in 4.8 million viewers, with Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce making a surprise appearance. Kelce appeared in a skit mocking the NFL’s obsession with his romance with Swift. Other notable sketches included Davidson’s “I’m Just Pete” anthem, a spoof of Ryan Goslings’ “I’m Just Ken” musical number from “Barbie.” The episode scored a...
- 10/29/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's fierce, real-life chemistry fueled their roles as the bickering but loving couple on their trailblazing sitcom "I Love Lucy." No matter how aggravating Lucy's goofy schemes became, at the end of the day Ricky always forgave her and couldn't help but be charmed by her wild antics. But behind the scenes, Lucy and Desi's actual marriage was far from the cookie-cutter image they presented in their beloved television series.
There was a tension between Lucy and Desi that would impact the "I Love Lucy" production even from the very start. Amy Poehler's fantastic documentary "Lucy and Desi," assembles private audio tapes recorded by the couple with home movies and photographs, giving a unique insight into their own personal thoughts and feelings — especially regarding the fractured state of their marriage and how working on "I Love Lucy" exacerbated many of their pre-existing conflicts. "It's...
There was a tension between Lucy and Desi that would impact the "I Love Lucy" production even from the very start. Amy Poehler's fantastic documentary "Lucy and Desi," assembles private audio tapes recorded by the couple with home movies and photographs, giving a unique insight into their own personal thoughts and feelings — especially regarding the fractured state of their marriage and how working on "I Love Lucy" exacerbated many of their pre-existing conflicts. "It's...
- 10/9/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
f it was the summer of the megawatt blockbusters “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” September has turned into a month of sequelitis with “The Nun 2,” “Equalizer 3” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.” Even Kenneth Branagh’s “A Hunting in Venice,” is the third installment in the actor/director’s Hercule Poirot mystery series. It’s all a bit of a snooze. That wasn’t the case 70 years ago this month.
There were some oddball films that were released September, 1953 including “Cat-Women of the Moon” with Sonny Tufts and Marie Windsor and “The Sins of Jezebel” starring Paulette Goddard. But 70 years ago, audiences were introduced to a new wide-screen format and young actress who would become one of the biggest stars of the 1950s and ‘60s and Clark Gable returning to a role he originated in 1932.
Twentieth Century Fox’s Darryl F. Zanuck unveiled the studio’s new widescreen process Cinemascope...
There were some oddball films that were released September, 1953 including “Cat-Women of the Moon” with Sonny Tufts and Marie Windsor and “The Sins of Jezebel” starring Paulette Goddard. But 70 years ago, audiences were introduced to a new wide-screen format and young actress who would become one of the biggest stars of the 1950s and ‘60s and Clark Gable returning to a role he originated in 1932.
Twentieth Century Fox’s Darryl F. Zanuck unveiled the studio’s new widescreen process Cinemascope...
- 9/19/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
I think modern television gets a little too much credit for being revolutionary. Yes, there have been big strides in what kind of stories get told on TV, especially in regards to the structural and thematic experiments many programs take on, but I do feel like there is this strange mindset that TV wasn't all that innovative prior to "The Sopranos" premiering in 1999. Part of this has to do with the many people's either inability or refusal to appreciate art made before a certain time period. When it comes to film, that cutoff point is in the 1970s, where "real movies" began with the likes of "The Godfather," "Jaws," and "Star Wars," and anything older than that is stale, crusty, and homework. Because television is a newer medium, that cutoff point is somewhere in the 1990s, which also just so happens to be the time period where a majority of...
- 9/10/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
How much juice did Lucille Ball have in the late 1960s? While many of her contemporaries struggled to remain relevant as America seemed on the brink of a cultural and political revolution, the old-school Ball was still one of television's most reliable entertainers. "I Love Lucy," the paradigm-setting sitcom she created with her husband Desi Arnaz, was a syndication powerhouse. Five years after ending the series, she shook off the Broadway failure of 1960's "Wildcat" and scored another sitcom hit with "The Lucy Show." At the end of the series' sixth season, it was the second highest-rated show on television, but when Ball sold Desilu Productions to Gulf+Western in 1967, she decided to pull the plug.
Why? Because she didn't want to star in a show owned by someone else. So when "The Lucy Show" aired its final episode on March 11, 1968, Ball turned around and created "Here's Lucy," which premiered...
Why? Because she didn't want to star in a show owned by someone else. So when "The Lucy Show" aired its final episode on March 11, 1968, Ball turned around and created "Here's Lucy," which premiered...
- 9/4/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
For four of its legendary six seasons, "I Love Lucy" was the most-watched show on American television. The real-life husband–and-wife combination of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz was a sitcom match made in heaven from jump, and the series continues to air in (what remains of) syndication to this day.
It didn't take long for "I Love Lucy" to find a massive, devoted audience, but the interracial pairing of the very Caucasian Ball with the Cuban-born Arnaz turned off most potential advertisers. The CBS show desperately needed a major sponsor, so when the tobacco giant Philip Morris stepped up, they gladly took the corporation's money. In fact, they were so grateful for the support, that the stars personally, and eagerly, plugged the company's cigarettes in extended commercials before and during each episode.
These ads didn't stick with the show when it moved to syndication (televised cigarette ads were banned...
It didn't take long for "I Love Lucy" to find a massive, devoted audience, but the interracial pairing of the very Caucasian Ball with the Cuban-born Arnaz turned off most potential advertisers. The CBS show desperately needed a major sponsor, so when the tobacco giant Philip Morris stepped up, they gladly took the corporation's money. In fact, they were so grateful for the support, that the stars personally, and eagerly, plugged the company's cigarettes in extended commercials before and during each episode.
These ads didn't stick with the show when it moved to syndication (televised cigarette ads were banned...
- 9/3/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Something I think a lot of film and television fans forget is how everyone who helps create those films and shows are just going to their jobs like any other person. Just like everybody else, a work-life balance needs to be struck in order to live a fulfilling life. Not everything an actor, director, writer, or any other cinematic professional does is in service of the business. They go on vacations, go home to their parents' house for Thanksgiving, have relationships, and decide to have children.
Chances are good that someone in your office has been pregnant and only stopped coming in when they went into labor. In terms of the day-to-day work life of pregnant people, not much changes, aside from it maybe taking a little more effort to do things than usual. For an actor, however, it is one of the few jobs where your physical appearance matters a great deal,...
Chances are good that someone in your office has been pregnant and only stopped coming in when they went into labor. In terms of the day-to-day work life of pregnant people, not much changes, aside from it maybe taking a little more effort to do things than usual. For an actor, however, it is one of the few jobs where your physical appearance matters a great deal,...
- 8/26/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
When Ryan White’s phone jolted to life the morning of July 12, buzzing with texts and calls, the filmmaker wasn’t expecting it. Yes, it was Emmy nomination day, but no, he hadn’t counted on recognition for his Netflix documentary about Pamela Anderson.
Yet there it was, in black and white on the Emmys.com website: For Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Pamela, A Love Story, about the actress and former Playboy Playmate who swept from Canada onto television screens, magazine covers and scandal sheets in the 1990s.
“I think if you went back two and a half years or three years, whenever I first met Pamela, I think we would’ve both burst into laughter if you had told us that we were going make an Emmy-nominated film,” White says. “That was not the goal at all. And I don’t think either of us thought that was a possibility.
Yet there it was, in black and white on the Emmys.com website: For Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Pamela, A Love Story, about the actress and former Playboy Playmate who swept from Canada onto television screens, magazine covers and scandal sheets in the 1990s.
“I think if you went back two and a half years or three years, whenever I first met Pamela, I think we would’ve both burst into laughter if you had told us that we were going make an Emmy-nominated film,” White says. “That was not the goal at all. And I don’t think either of us thought that was a possibility.
- 8/13/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
The TV studio Desilu was founded in 1950 by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, which you can probably tell by the name. The famous performing couple initially pitched a TV adaptation of the marriage-based radio sitcom "My Favorite Husband" to the execs at CBS, but that show eventually mutated into "I Love Lucy," more explicitly sold as a vehicle for Ball. To this day, "I Love Lucy" remains one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, and every modern comedy show contains traces of its DNA. The series ran for 180 episodes over six seasons, ending its run in 1957. Lucy and Desi divorced a few years later, and Ball became the sole owner of Desilu.
Desilu oversaw a wide spectrum of shows, from sitcoms like "Our Miss Brooks" and variety shows like "Shower of Stars," but also Westerns like "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" and adventure programs like "Whirlybirds.
Desilu oversaw a wide spectrum of shows, from sitcoms like "Our Miss Brooks" and variety shows like "Shower of Stars," but also Westerns like "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp" and adventure programs like "Whirlybirds.
- 8/13/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The beloved TV show I Love Lucy has been off the air for over half a century, but it still boasts a massive cult following. The show, which followed the adventures of a wacky redhead named Lucy Ricardo and her hotheaded yet patient bandleader husband, is seen as an icon of 1950s culture.
When it was first released, it made stars out of Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz. While the couple would go on to divorce after the show ended, they are intertwined forever in the memories of fans around the world.
For fans who want to take their love of Lucy to the next level, Airbnb is offering a stunning deal. The “Lucy House” gives aficionados a chance to stay in the glorious Palm Springs property beloved by Arnaz and Ball during their days of wedded bliss.
Lucy and Ricky | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images Related
‘I Love Lucy...
When it was first released, it made stars out of Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz. While the couple would go on to divorce after the show ended, they are intertwined forever in the memories of fans around the world.
For fans who want to take their love of Lucy to the next level, Airbnb is offering a stunning deal. The “Lucy House” gives aficionados a chance to stay in the glorious Palm Springs property beloved by Arnaz and Ball during their days of wedded bliss.
Lucy and Ricky | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images Related
‘I Love Lucy...
- 8/10/2023
- by Suse Forrest
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s been a long and winding road so far for Hollywood during its summer of strikes, and the path forward is anything but clear. As the Writers Guild of America and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reach the 100-day milestone of the work stoppage, here is a timeline of the key events, pivotal moments and snapshots of an industry in turmoil.
Hollywood Braces for a Possible Writers Strike: Why the WGA and Studios Are on a Collision Course April
17: WGA Approves Strike Authorization With 97.9% Voting Yes
30: What Price Hollywood? For WGA Contract Talks, History Doesn’t Have to Repeat Itself
Hollywood Braces for Fallout as a Possible Writers Strike Looms May
1: AMPTP, WGA talks break down; WGA Calls for Strike to Begin Tuesday, Slams Studios for Creating ‘Gig Economy’ That Aims to Turn Writing into ‘Entirely Freelance’ Profession
2: First day of picketing in...
Hollywood Braces for a Possible Writers Strike: Why the WGA and Studios Are on a Collision Course April
17: WGA Approves Strike Authorization With 97.9% Voting Yes
30: What Price Hollywood? For WGA Contract Talks, History Doesn’t Have to Repeat Itself
Hollywood Braces for Fallout as a Possible Writers Strike Looms May
1: AMPTP, WGA talks break down; WGA Calls for Strike to Begin Tuesday, Slams Studios for Creating ‘Gig Economy’ That Aims to Turn Writing into ‘Entirely Freelance’ Profession
2: First day of picketing in...
- 8/9/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Every year, there are one or two performers who finally land the Oscar wins that they have been long overdue. Last year, Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis both won for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” after years of never quite getting the attention they deserved. In 2022, Jessica Chastain won for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” after two prior nominations, and, in 2020, Joaquin Phoenix won for “Joker” after three previous bids. Expect this year to be no different — we have a whole crew of actors all searching for their first Oscar wins after years of nominations, near-misses, or just plain being snubbed. Here are eight actors who could break that curse this year.
Annette Bening — “Nyad” (Netflix)
Dir: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Co-Starring: Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans
Release Date: October 20 in theaters, November 3 on Netflix
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
“64-year-old marathon swimmer, Diana Nyad, attempts to become the first...
Annette Bening — “Nyad” (Netflix)
Dir: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Co-Starring: Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans
Release Date: October 20 in theaters, November 3 on Netflix
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
“64-year-old marathon swimmer, Diana Nyad, attempts to become the first...
- 7/19/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
History repeated itself last week when actors went on strike at the same time as writers, who have been picketing for more than two months. This is only the second time in the history of the industry that both guilds have halted work simultaneously, with advancements in technology at the root of their cause, and it’s been 63 year since that event shook Hollywood. Today, writers and performers are fighting for their fair share of residuals in a world that has now largely turned to streaming services, and to protect their work from being taken over by AI, whereas in 1960, they were fighting for residuals from reruns and theatrical films being shown on a relatively new medium — television. Let’s turn back time and flashback to life during that history-making time of the 1960 strikes.
The WGA began their strike on January 16, 1960, followed by the actors strike on March 7. Future United...
The WGA began their strike on January 16, 1960, followed by the actors strike on March 7. Future United...
- 7/18/2023
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis held a packed union meeting at their Beverly Hills home. Desi Arnaz poured his heart out in an open letter to the industry while Lew Wasserman worked the numbers quietly behind the scenes. And it was none other than future Oval Office occupant Ronald Reagan who led the Screen Actors Guild through the war in 1960, the last time that Hollywood experienced such a season of labor strife with actors and the Writers Guild of America on strike at the same time.
And it was already a tumultuous time for the industry. In 1959, Congress and the Justice Department were deep into their investigation of “payola” corruption involving music labels and radio station owners. Congress also held hearings that year on the notorious TV quiz show scandals (see 1994’s “Quiz Show” for a primer).
For Hollywood, the “Mad Men” era began with strike fever. Coverage of the...
And it was already a tumultuous time for the industry. In 1959, Congress and the Justice Department were deep into their investigation of “payola” corruption involving music labels and radio station owners. Congress also held hearings that year on the notorious TV quiz show scandals (see 1994’s “Quiz Show” for a primer).
For Hollywood, the “Mad Men” era began with strike fever. Coverage of the...
- 7/17/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
I Love Lucy remains the most iconic television series of all time, and Lucy and Ricky Ricardo are among the most easily recognizable sitcom couple. When the series opened in the 1950s, Lucy and Ricky were already married, just like the actors who played them. Still, Lucy’s past was revisited on occasion. In fact, the feisty redhead’s maiden name was mentioned multiple times in the series. Before marrying Ricky, Lucy Ricardo was known as Lucille Esmerelda McGillicuddy.
When was Lucy Ricardo’s Maiden name mentioned?
Fans first met Lucy as Lucy Ricardo in 1951. By the end of season one, they learned Lucy Ricardo’s maiden name. In the season one episode, aptly named “The Marriage License,” Lucy freaks out when she notices that Ricardo is misspelled as Bacardi. Lucy, fearing the marriage isn’t legal, sets out to rectify the problem. The episode is the first time fans...
When was Lucy Ricardo’s Maiden name mentioned?
Fans first met Lucy as Lucy Ricardo in 1951. By the end of season one, they learned Lucy Ricardo’s maiden name. In the season one episode, aptly named “The Marriage License,” Lucy freaks out when she notices that Ricardo is misspelled as Bacardi. Lucy, fearing the marriage isn’t legal, sets out to rectify the problem. The episode is the first time fans...
- 7/15/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
I Love Lucy may be considered the most iconic television show of all time, but the road to getting the series produced was not smooth. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had to jump through several hurdles to get the show on the air, and finding a sponsor was especially difficult. Eventually, Philip Morris, the famed cigarette company, agreed to sponsor the show. There was one big problem, though. Ball, a heavy smoker, had a preferred brand of cigarettes, and Philip Morris wasn’t it.
‘I Love Lucy’ didn’t have a sponsor until Philip Morris came around to the concept
I Love Lucy quickly became a hit. The series is beloved even today, but the concept was a hard sell before production began. According to several sources, concerns over Lucy and Ricky’s relationship being “believable” scared many sponsors away. Eventually, Philip Morris took a chance on the series, but...
‘I Love Lucy’ didn’t have a sponsor until Philip Morris came around to the concept
I Love Lucy quickly became a hit. The series is beloved even today, but the concept was a hard sell before production began. According to several sources, concerns over Lucy and Ricky’s relationship being “believable” scared many sponsors away. Eventually, Philip Morris took a chance on the series, but...
- 7/2/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/14/2023
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/13/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Best known for her starring role in the classic sitcom I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball was an iconic comedian, actor, and producer. Many people don’t realize she was also a professor at California State University.
A pioneer in the television industry, the fiery redhead is credited for setting new standards, becoming the first female owner of a major independent television studio, Desilu Productions.
She had a broad range of characterization, expert timing, and a knack for physical comedy. The beloved actor shared her passion and knowledge of the industry with fortunate college students, eager to learn from the one-of-a-kind professional.
The queen of comedy Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at a charity dinner circa 1945 | Archive Photos/Getty Images Related
‘I Love Lucy’: Here’s Who Played Fred and Ethel Mertz
Born in 1911, Ball was destined to be in show business. At 15 years of age, she enrolled in drama...
A pioneer in the television industry, the fiery redhead is credited for setting new standards, becoming the first female owner of a major independent television studio, Desilu Productions.
She had a broad range of characterization, expert timing, and a knack for physical comedy. The beloved actor shared her passion and knowledge of the industry with fortunate college students, eager to learn from the one-of-a-kind professional.
The queen of comedy Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at a charity dinner circa 1945 | Archive Photos/Getty Images Related
‘I Love Lucy’: Here’s Who Played Fred and Ethel Mertz
Born in 1911, Ball was destined to be in show business. At 15 years of age, she enrolled in drama...
- 5/13/2023
- by Mama Rita
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the grand scheme of television history, The Honeymooners didn’t air for terribly long. The show was filmed over a single calendar year. Still, the iconic sitcom has a cult following and has provided the world with plenty of pop culture references. Fans of the series might have noticed that the cast often wore the same wardrobe, but not many people realize one staple wardrobe piece came from an actor’s personal collection. Art Carney portrayed Ed Norton in The Honeymooners and provided the character’s iconic porkpie hat.
Jackie Gleason (1916 – 1987), Art Carney (1918 – 2003), Audrey Meadows (1922 – 1996), and Joyce Randolph | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images Related
Lucille Ball’s Palm Springs Home Was Built on a Lot That Desi Arnaz Won in a Poker Game By a Man Who Wouldn’t Be Allowed in the Neighborhood
Norton’s ‘The Honeymooners’ ensemble is iconic
Art Carney’s wardrobe for The Honeymooners was very specific.
Jackie Gleason (1916 – 1987), Art Carney (1918 – 2003), Audrey Meadows (1922 – 1996), and Joyce Randolph | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images Related
Lucille Ball’s Palm Springs Home Was Built on a Lot That Desi Arnaz Won in a Poker Game By a Man Who Wouldn’t Be Allowed in the Neighborhood
Norton’s ‘The Honeymooners’ ensemble is iconic
Art Carney’s wardrobe for The Honeymooners was very specific.
- 5/13/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lucille Ball is a comedy legend. She made history many times over, first for her work in the beloved TV series I Love Lucy and later for her role as the head of a major TV studio. A tough, no-nonsense woman who dedicated everything to her craft, Ball remains a pop culture icon decades after her 1989 death. Though Ball excelled at comedy, she also dabbled in drama, most notably in a 1985 movie where she portrayed a homeless person. Ball worked so hard to inhabit the character that she lost over 20 pounds.
Lucille Ball dominated comedy
The lovable #LucilleBall was born on this day in 1911. In honor of her birthday, we celebrate the Queen of Comedy with a look back at her movie and television career. https://t.co/6vffOcwSFq pic.twitter.com/Fc1vw6flBt
— IMDb (@IMDb) August 6, 2018
Ball’s hard work and determination defined her rise to the top.
Lucille Ball dominated comedy
The lovable #LucilleBall was born on this day in 1911. In honor of her birthday, we celebrate the Queen of Comedy with a look back at her movie and television career. https://t.co/6vffOcwSFq pic.twitter.com/Fc1vw6flBt
— IMDb (@IMDb) August 6, 2018
Ball’s hard work and determination defined her rise to the top.
- 4/19/2023
- by Christina Nunn
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
I Love Lucy ran on CBS for six seasons from 1951-1957. The series, which centered around Lucy and Ricky Ricardo and their friends Fred and Ethel Mertz, was a sensation in its time and still lives in syndication seven decades later.
I Love Lucy is considered one of the funniest shows of all time. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo were played by real-life husband and wife, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Much of the comedy stemmed from their real-life issues and Lucy’s ability to always get herself into trouble.
The Ricardos did not go it alone. Their landlords, neighbors, and friends were couple Fred and Ethel Mertz. Ethel was alongside Lucy for most of her shenanigans, but there was a lot more to the Mertzs than just being sidekicks to the Ricardos.
Who played Ethel Mertz on ‘I Love Lucy’?
Lucy’s bestie, Ethel Mertz, was played by Vivian Vance.
I Love Lucy is considered one of the funniest shows of all time. Lucy and Ricky Ricardo were played by real-life husband and wife, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Much of the comedy stemmed from their real-life issues and Lucy’s ability to always get herself into trouble.
The Ricardos did not go it alone. Their landlords, neighbors, and friends were couple Fred and Ethel Mertz. Ethel was alongside Lucy for most of her shenanigans, but there was a lot more to the Mertzs than just being sidekicks to the Ricardos.
Who played Ethel Mertz on ‘I Love Lucy’?
Lucy’s bestie, Ethel Mertz, was played by Vivian Vance.
- 4/16/2023
- by Stacy Feintuch
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Keith Thibodeaux, then billed as Richard Keith, landed the role of Little Ricky in I Love Lucy at the ripe old age of five. A drumming prodigy, Thibodeaux beat out 200 or more child actors to become the fictional son of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. He went on to appear in over 20 episodes of the iconic series and several of its spinoffs. Believe it or not, it wasn’t his first brush with fame. Thibodeaux was already a veteran employee when I Love Lucy came around. In fact, he was making $500 per week by the age of three.
Keith Thibodeaux landed his first gig with ‘The Horace Heidt Show’
Thibodeaux was just three years old when he auditioned for The Horace Heidt Show as a drummer, the acclaimed musician told the Television Academy in an interview. Thibodeaux explained that he was initially turned down, with Heidt telling his father that the...
Keith Thibodeaux landed his first gig with ‘The Horace Heidt Show’
Thibodeaux was just three years old when he auditioned for The Horace Heidt Show as a drummer, the acclaimed musician told the Television Academy in an interview. Thibodeaux explained that he was initially turned down, with Heidt telling his father that the...
- 4/12/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
PBS landed eight nominations, the most of any outlet, as Peabody Awards Board of Jurors announced this year’s 27 nominees for its documentary and news categories. Among PBS series, “Frontline” landed four noms, the most of any program.
Peabody Award nominees are “selected to represent the most compelling and empowering stories released in 2022 across broadcasting and streaming media,” the org said. Nominations are chosen by a unanimous vote of 17 jurors from over 1,200 entries from television, podcasts/radio and the web in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service and multimedia programming.
Additional nominations in categories including entertainment, arts, children’s/youth, podcast/radio, interactive & immersive, and public service will be announced on Thursday, April 13. The 83rd annual Peabody Awards will announce winners on May 9, followed by a celebratory ceremony on Sunday, June 11 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
“Whether covering breaking news on the front lines or illuminating historically significant figures,...
Peabody Award nominees are “selected to represent the most compelling and empowering stories released in 2022 across broadcasting and streaming media,” the org said. Nominations are chosen by a unanimous vote of 17 jurors from over 1,200 entries from television, podcasts/radio and the web in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service and multimedia programming.
Additional nominations in categories including entertainment, arts, children’s/youth, podcast/radio, interactive & immersive, and public service will be announced on Thursday, April 13. The 83rd annual Peabody Awards will announce winners on May 9, followed by a celebratory ceremony on Sunday, June 11 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
“Whether covering breaking news on the front lines or illuminating historically significant figures,...
- 4/11/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Before computers and onscreen guides, you had one way to find out what was on TV, and it was your trusted TV Guide Magazine, which helped you find what you wanted to watch and when it would air. There were no VDRs or DVRs to capture your shows, you had to wait patiently for your favorites to come on. Commercial breaks were for bathroom breaks and gathering snacks, and if you missed anything important, you might not ever see it again. Family members would yell ”It’s on! It’s back on” to warn you when the program returned. It was 70 years ago today that the very first national edition of TV Guide Magazine was introduced to consumers. Can you remember who was on the cover? It was none other than Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz‘s son Desi Arnaz Jr. On April 3, 1953, the first national issue of TV Guide...
- 4/3/2023
- TV Insider
This Unstable review contains no spoilers.
Having real-life relatives pair up in movies and TV shows is a strategy as old as motion entertainment itself. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were married while starring in the pioneering classic I Love Lucy. Dan and Eugene Levy both won critical acclaim and adulation for their father-son roles in the recently finished Schitt’s Creek. When audiences know that the actors are related in real life, it often feels like it adds an authenticity to the performances that otherwise wouldn’t be present.
Netflix is trying to take advantage of this long-running casting trend by pairing Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe together in a workplace/family dramedy mix that resembles shows like Parks and Recreation. The concept of Unstable is creative and zany on the surface, but does the acting and writing back up the proposed ingenuity of the series?
Rob...
Having real-life relatives pair up in movies and TV shows is a strategy as old as motion entertainment itself. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were married while starring in the pioneering classic I Love Lucy. Dan and Eugene Levy both won critical acclaim and adulation for their father-son roles in the recently finished Schitt’s Creek. When audiences know that the actors are related in real life, it often feels like it adds an authenticity to the performances that otherwise wouldn’t be present.
Netflix is trying to take advantage of this long-running casting trend by pairing Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe together in a workplace/family dramedy mix that resembles shows like Parks and Recreation. The concept of Unstable is creative and zany on the surface, but does the acting and writing back up the proposed ingenuity of the series?
Rob...
- 3/30/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
March Madness is well underway, as is our Ultimate TV Couple bracket for these few weeks. So who has made it into our Final Four? Well, all four couples have been off-air for some time already (some more than others). ER‘s Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney) and Nurse Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) are facing off against Bones‘ Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz), while Modern Family‘s Mitch Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cam Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) are going head to head with I Love Lucy‘s Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz). Remember, we started with 32 couples from shows past and present, comedy and drama. Now, we’re heading into our final two rounds, running from now through March 23, then March 23 through March 25 (rounds start at 2:30 p.m. Et on the noted day). And there have been some big surprises so far.
- 3/21/2023
- TV Insider
On The Vampire Diaries, both Candice King and Nina Dobrev played admirable women. Sure, they made mistakes in love and became vampires themselves, but who hasn’t made a few regrettable decisions? Elena (Dobrev) and Caroline (King) made the most of their situations, and the actors once said they looked up to pioneering women like Lucille Ball and Angelina Jolie.
L-r: Candice King, Nina Dobrev | Amy Graves/WireImage/Getty Images
King and Dobrev were on a 2011 Television Critics Association panel with their fellow Kick-Ass Women of The CW. Representing The Vampire Diaries, King and Dobrev shared their admiration for their predecessors. The Vampire Diaries is now streaming on Peacock and HBO Max.
Candice King admired Lucille Ball who could do it all
Love, drama and vampirism were a lot to balance, but King recognized she had it easy by comparison. She looked up to Lucille Ball, who did it all plus comedy.
L-r: Candice King, Nina Dobrev | Amy Graves/WireImage/Getty Images
King and Dobrev were on a 2011 Television Critics Association panel with their fellow Kick-Ass Women of The CW. Representing The Vampire Diaries, King and Dobrev shared their admiration for their predecessors. The Vampire Diaries is now streaming on Peacock and HBO Max.
Candice King admired Lucille Ball who could do it all
Love, drama and vampirism were a lot to balance, but King recognized she had it easy by comparison. She looked up to Lucille Ball, who did it all plus comedy.
- 2/22/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Carole Cook, “Sixteen Candles” actress, Broadway star and longtime collaborator and friend of Lucille Ball, has died. She was 98. Cook’s rep, Robert Malcolm, confirmed the sad news to Et on Wednesday, revealing that Cook died three days shy of her 99th birthday.
“She was one of my favourites. She passed away from heart failure today. She was in the hospital. She came home last week. Her birthday would have been Saturday. She would have been 99. She died peacefully, and her husband was there,” Malcolm shared.
“She was a wonderfully gifted and outrageous woman. She could say the dirtiest things and you would never be offended,” he added. “She was a lovely, lovely person. She was an incredibly talented woman and loved what she did.”
Cook came to Hollywood in 1959 from Texas, getting her start on an episode of Ball’s “Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse”. Born Mildred Frances Cook, Ball convinced...
“She was one of my favourites. She passed away from heart failure today. She was in the hospital. She came home last week. Her birthday would have been Saturday. She would have been 99. She died peacefully, and her husband was there,” Malcolm shared.
“She was a wonderfully gifted and outrageous woman. She could say the dirtiest things and you would never be offended,” he added. “She was a lovely, lovely person. She was an incredibly talented woman and loved what she did.”
Cook came to Hollywood in 1959 from Texas, getting her start on an episode of Ball’s “Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse”. Born Mildred Frances Cook, Ball convinced...
- 1/12/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Carole Cook, who used a career boost from Lucille Ball to build a career that included three turns on Broadway and roles in Sixteen Candles and The Incredible Mr. Limpet, has died. She was 98.
Cook died of heart failure on Wednesday, three days shy of her birthday, in Beverly Hills, her husband, actor Tom Troupe, announced.
On television, Cook showed up as the ex-wife of Walter Findlay (Bill Macy) on Maude, as the bar owner of the cop hangout Stella’s on Kojak, as madam Cora Van Husen on Dynasty and as Donna La Mar, the girlfriend of Charlie Cagney (Dick O’Neill), on Cagney & Lacey.
The fun-loving Texan came to Hollywood at Ball’s behest and appeared on a 1959 episode of the comedienne’s Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse. Ball convinced her to change her first name from Mildred to Carole in honor of the actress she most admired, Carole Lombard.
Cook...
Cook died of heart failure on Wednesday, three days shy of her birthday, in Beverly Hills, her husband, actor Tom Troupe, announced.
On television, Cook showed up as the ex-wife of Walter Findlay (Bill Macy) on Maude, as the bar owner of the cop hangout Stella’s on Kojak, as madam Cora Van Husen on Dynasty and as Donna La Mar, the girlfriend of Charlie Cagney (Dick O’Neill), on Cagney & Lacey.
The fun-loving Texan came to Hollywood at Ball’s behest and appeared on a 1959 episode of the comedienne’s Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse. Ball convinced her to change her first name from Mildred to Carole in honor of the actress she most admired, Carole Lombard.
Cook...
- 1/11/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The world of journalism would not be what it is if not for the contributions made by Barbara Walters. The legendary journalist recently passed away, shining a new light on her decades of interviewing everyone from world leaders to those involved in celebrity sex scandals. While Walters has rightfully come under fire for moments in which she pushed a little too hard or attempted to silence the voices of people crying out to be heard, her legacy is undeniable. The way that interviews are conducted by journalists across the globe has been modeled after Walters, with everyone from Diane Sawyer to even conspiracy-theory-peddling wackos with podcasts all emulating her style. As we look back at the over a half-century of interviews conducted by Walters, a handful of intimate discussions with some of Hollywood's biggest stars represent some of her best work. A staple of pop culture herself, Walters often connected...
- 1/4/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Updated, 8:30 Am: The man who prosecutors say used the Desilu Studios name associated with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s TV production company to lure investors whose money he spent on himself pleaded not guilty today to federal charges.
Charles Hensley, 68, of Redondo Beach, faces 11 counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. His trial was set for February 21 in Los Angeles federal court. Read details of the case below.
Previously, August 10: A Southern California man who allegedly used the “Desilu Studios” name to attract investors whose money he later squandered on himself was indicted by a federal grand jury today in Los Angeles. Charles Hensley, 68, of Redondo Beach, faces 11 counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
An arraignment in U.S. District Court will happen in the coming weeks.
The alleged scheme impacted many investors, including some who wired the...
Charles Hensley, 68, of Redondo Beach, faces 11 counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. His trial was set for February 21 in Los Angeles federal court. Read details of the case below.
Previously, August 10: A Southern California man who allegedly used the “Desilu Studios” name to attract investors whose money he later squandered on himself was indicted by a federal grand jury today in Los Angeles. Charles Hensley, 68, of Redondo Beach, faces 11 counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
An arraignment in U.S. District Court will happen in the coming weeks.
The alleged scheme impacted many investors, including some who wired the...
- 12/31/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
A home once owned by the Oscar-winning actress Donna Reed has hit the market in Palm Springs. Listed for 4.175 million and sitting on nearly three-quarters of an acre, the five-bedroom, 4,341-square-foot home is located in the celebrity enclave of Old Las Palmas.
According to Palm Springs Life magazine, the It’s a Wonderful Life and From Here to Eternity actress, who hosted The Donna Reed Show from 1958 to 1966, owned the house from 1966 to 70. Reed died in 1986 at age 64.
The house is a gated compound that includes a California Monterey-style two-story main house plus a detached two-bedroom guest house. Listed with Bill Coveny of Berkshire Hatahway HomeServices California Properties, the residence was completed in 1934 and designed by Pasadena architect Charles Matcham.
Details include a kitchen with a Bertazzooni range, walk-in pantry and wine refrigerator, and a primary suite with its own fireplace. The main rooms...
A home once owned by the Oscar-winning actress Donna Reed has hit the market in Palm Springs. Listed for 4.175 million and sitting on nearly three-quarters of an acre, the five-bedroom, 4,341-square-foot home is located in the celebrity enclave of Old Las Palmas.
According to Palm Springs Life magazine, the It’s a Wonderful Life and From Here to Eternity actress, who hosted The Donna Reed Show from 1958 to 1966, owned the house from 1966 to 70. Reed died in 1986 at age 64.
The house is a gated compound that includes a California Monterey-style two-story main house plus a detached two-bedroom guest house. Listed with Bill Coveny of Berkshire Hatahway HomeServices California Properties, the residence was completed in 1934 and designed by Pasadena architect Charles Matcham.
Details include a kitchen with a Bertazzooni range, walk-in pantry and wine refrigerator, and a primary suite with its own fireplace. The main rooms...
- 11/10/2022
- by Degen Pener
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"I am an actress, writer, and producer, as well as a content creator," Mayan Lopez tells Popsugar when asked to define herself. She's got a new show on NBC this fall, "Lopez vs. Lopez," which she both stars in and produces. Mayan jokes the sitcom is "trying to put the 'fun' back in 'family dysfunction'" by telling the story of a young woman coming into her own and reconciling with her estranged father. Her real-life father, comedian George Lopez, stars alongside her, playing the show's TV dad. Talk about a full-circle moment.
"Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to be a performer," Mayan shares. "I got the acting bug or the comedy acting bug from watching 'I Love Lucy.' I've probably watched it from the beginning four or five times." As someone who identifies as both Mexican and Cuban, Mayan says, "even just seeing Desi Arnaz...
"Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to be a performer," Mayan shares. "I got the acting bug or the comedy acting bug from watching 'I Love Lucy.' I've probably watched it from the beginning four or five times." As someone who identifies as both Mexican and Cuban, Mayan says, "even just seeing Desi Arnaz...
- 10/19/2022
- by Cristina Escobar
- Popsugar.com
The Critics Choice Association revealed the list of honorees for its 2nd annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television taking place on November 13.
The event, hosted by Justina Machado, recognizes standout Latino performances and work, both onscreen and offscreen.
Desi Arnaz will be posthumously honored with the Icon Award for his lengthy and impactful career as an actor, producer, and musician. Arnaz’s daughter with Lucille Ball, Lucille Arnaz, will accept the accolade on his behalf.
The full list of honorees can be found below.
Guillermo del Toro will receive the Career Achievement Award for his decades-long career, and for his recent work on Netflix’s film, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.
Alejandro González Iñárritu will receive the Director Award for Film for Netflix’s Bardo.
Laz Alonso will receive the Actor Award for Television for his performance as Mother’s Milk in the Prime Video series, The Boys.
Gloria Calderón Kellett...
The event, hosted by Justina Machado, recognizes standout Latino performances and work, both onscreen and offscreen.
Desi Arnaz will be posthumously honored with the Icon Award for his lengthy and impactful career as an actor, producer, and musician. Arnaz’s daughter with Lucille Ball, Lucille Arnaz, will accept the accolade on his behalf.
The full list of honorees can be found below.
Guillermo del Toro will receive the Career Achievement Award for his decades-long career, and for his recent work on Netflix’s film, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.
Alejandro González Iñárritu will receive the Director Award for Film for Netflix’s Bardo.
Laz Alonso will receive the Actor Award for Television for his performance as Mother’s Milk in the Prime Video series, The Boys.
Gloria Calderón Kellett...
- 10/14/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The Critics Choice Association (Cca) announced today select honorees for the 2nd annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television.
Hosted by actress and producer Justina Machado, the event will take place on November 13, 2022 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, CA.
The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television showcases standout Latino performances and work, both onscreen and offscreen.
This year’s event has expanded to include television honorees, in addition to film honorees.
Actor, producer, and musician Desi Arnaz will be posthumously honored with the Icon Award for his incredible career.
Arnaz is the subject, alongside his wife and partner Lucille Ball, of Prime Video’s documentary, Lucy and Desi.
Their daughter, actress, singer, and producer Lucie Arnaz, will accept the award on his behalf.
Two-time Oscar-winning producer, writer and director Guillermo del Toro will receive the Career Achievement Award for his decades-long career, and for his...
Hosted by actress and producer Justina Machado, the event will take place on November 13, 2022 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, CA.
The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television showcases standout Latino performances and work, both onscreen and offscreen.
This year’s event has expanded to include television honorees, in addition to film honorees.
Actor, producer, and musician Desi Arnaz will be posthumously honored with the Icon Award for his incredible career.
Arnaz is the subject, alongside his wife and partner Lucille Ball, of Prime Video’s documentary, Lucy and Desi.
Their daughter, actress, singer, and producer Lucie Arnaz, will accept the award on his behalf.
Two-time Oscar-winning producer, writer and director Guillermo del Toro will receive the Career Achievement Award for his decades-long career, and for his...
- 10/14/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Shawn Mendes and Javier Bardem Explain Why ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’ Is More Than ‘Just a Kids’ Movie’
After voicing a CGI singing crocodile named Lyle, Shawn Mendes definitely has dreams to act in live-action form.
“It’s a terrifying place because it’s something I’ve never done truly before,” the Grammy-nominated artist told TheWrap in a recent interview. “But I’m super interested in it, and the more I am involved in the world of movies, the more I love it and the more I fall in love with the people and what they express so yeah, I’d love to [star in a live-action film].”
The “Wonder” singer voices the title character in “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” the adaptation of the children’s book series by Bernard Waber, lending his pipes to a cute crocodile who only sings and never talks. Mendes still relates to Lyle even though his main form of communication is through song rather than speech.
“He’s this huge kind of physical being. But a lot of...
“It’s a terrifying place because it’s something I’ve never done truly before,” the Grammy-nominated artist told TheWrap in a recent interview. “But I’m super interested in it, and the more I am involved in the world of movies, the more I love it and the more I fall in love with the people and what they express so yeah, I’d love to [star in a live-action film].”
The “Wonder” singer voices the title character in “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” the adaptation of the children’s book series by Bernard Waber, lending his pipes to a cute crocodile who only sings and never talks. Mendes still relates to Lyle even though his main form of communication is through song rather than speech.
“He’s this huge kind of physical being. But a lot of...
- 10/7/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Mark Miller, who portrayed the patriarch of a castle-dwelling family on the 1960s NBC sitcom Please Don’t Eat the Daisies and co-wrote the Keanu Reeves-starring romantic drama A Walk in the Clouds, has died. He was 97.
Miler died Friday in Santa Monica of natural causes, a family spokesperson announced. Survivors include his daughter and Tony-nominated actress Penelope Ann Miller.
Miller also wrote, produced and starred in the classic family film Savannah Smiles (1982), which was inspired by and named for his youngest daughter. It’s the story of a runaway girl (Bridgette Andersen) who forms an improvised family with the two escaped convicts (Miller, Donovan Scott) who find her.
On Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which aired for two seasons and 58 episodes from 1965-67, the native Texan played college professor Jim Nash opposite Patricia Crowley as newspaper writer Joan Nash. They are the...
Mark Miller, who portrayed the patriarch of a castle-dwelling family on the 1960s NBC sitcom Please Don’t Eat the Daisies and co-wrote the Keanu Reeves-starring romantic drama A Walk in the Clouds, has died. He was 97.
Miler died Friday in Santa Monica of natural causes, a family spokesperson announced. Survivors include his daughter and Tony-nominated actress Penelope Ann Miller.
Miller also wrote, produced and starred in the classic family film Savannah Smiles (1982), which was inspired by and named for his youngest daughter. It’s the story of a runaway girl (Bridgette Andersen) who forms an improvised family with the two escaped convicts (Miller, Donovan Scott) who find her.
On Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which aired for two seasons and 58 episodes from 1965-67, the native Texan played college professor Jim Nash opposite Patricia Crowley as newspaper writer Joan Nash. They are the...
- 9/14/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
So, what do the 4th Primetime Emmy Awards, which took place Feb. 18, 1952, have in common with the 2022 edition?
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
The stars of the No. 1 TV series, CBS’ “I Love Lucy,” were the hosts of the Emmy ceremony, which was telecast in Los Angeles on Kcea, now known as Kabc. And it was the first time that the Emmys embraced national television networks. Previously, nominations and awards were bestowed on projects that were produced or aired in Los Angeles.
This year, Amy Poehler’s valentine of a film, “Lucy and Desi,” not only received strong reviews but six Emmy nominations including Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special and directing for Poehler. The Amazon Prime doc won two: writer Mark Monroe and composer David Schwartz.
Traveling back to the 1952, the ceremony took places at venerable nightclub, the Cocoanut Grove. It must have been a short show because only seven awards were handed out.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
The stars of the No. 1 TV series, CBS’ “I Love Lucy,” were the hosts of the Emmy ceremony, which was telecast in Los Angeles on Kcea, now known as Kabc. And it was the first time that the Emmys embraced national television networks. Previously, nominations and awards were bestowed on projects that were produced or aired in Los Angeles.
This year, Amy Poehler’s valentine of a film, “Lucy and Desi,” not only received strong reviews but six Emmy nominations including Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special and directing for Poehler. The Amazon Prime doc won two: writer Mark Monroe and composer David Schwartz.
Traveling back to the 1952, the ceremony took places at venerable nightclub, the Cocoanut Grove. It must have been a short show because only seven awards were handed out.
- 9/7/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Click here to read the full article.
This year’s Emmy nominees for best documentary or nonfiction special include four examinations of celebrity in its various forms — from the tabloid target Britney Spears, the comic philosophies of George Carlin, the romantic and working partnership between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to the altruistic efforts of chef José Andrés. Rounding out the category is The Tinder Swindler, a true crime doc about a man who used the dating app to scheme unsuspecting women out of cash. Here is a rundown of the contenders from The Hollywood Reporter’s writers and critics.
Controlling Britney Spears: The New York Times Presents (FX/Hulu)
In the follow-up to Framing Britney Spears, Controlling Britney Spears is directed by Samantha Stark with Liz Day as a supervising producer and reporter, and features interviews with insiders who had knowledge of Spears’ life while in the conservatorship. In their interviews,...
This year’s Emmy nominees for best documentary or nonfiction special include four examinations of celebrity in its various forms — from the tabloid target Britney Spears, the comic philosophies of George Carlin, the romantic and working partnership between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to the altruistic efforts of chef José Andrés. Rounding out the category is The Tinder Swindler, a true crime doc about a man who used the dating app to scheme unsuspecting women out of cash. Here is a rundown of the contenders from The Hollywood Reporter’s writers and critics.
Controlling Britney Spears: The New York Times Presents (FX/Hulu)
In the follow-up to Framing Britney Spears, Controlling Britney Spears is directed by Samantha Stark with Liz Day as a supervising producer and reporter, and features interviews with insiders who had knowledge of Spears’ life while in the conservatorship. In their interviews,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For the third year in a row—and fourth in the last five—White Horse Pictures finds itself in the middle of the Emmy horse race.
In 2020, the White Horse production The Apollo, about the legendary performing arts venue in Harlem, earned Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. Last year, White Horse’s The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart was nominated for six Emmys, winning one. This year it’s back in contention with Lucy and Desi, Amy Poehler’s documentary about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, which is nominated for half a dozen Emmys—more than any other documentary.
“I’m ecstatic,” says White Horse Pictures partner Jeanne Elfant Festa of the Emmy recognition. She’s a producer of the film, along with Poehler, Mark Monroe and White Horse co-founder and principal Nigel Sinclair. “It’s an honor, it’s a thrill. We have the best...
In 2020, the White Horse production The Apollo, about the legendary performing arts venue in Harlem, earned Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. Last year, White Horse’s The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart was nominated for six Emmys, winning one. This year it’s back in contention with Lucy and Desi, Amy Poehler’s documentary about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, which is nominated for half a dozen Emmys—more than any other documentary.
“I’m ecstatic,” says White Horse Pictures partner Jeanne Elfant Festa of the Emmy recognition. She’s a producer of the film, along with Poehler, Mark Monroe and White Horse co-founder and principal Nigel Sinclair. “It’s an honor, it’s a thrill. We have the best...
- 8/15/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
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