Will & Grace fans have Joan Collins to thank for the gift that was Beverley Leslie.
In the wake of Leslie Jordan‘s sudden death this week, former Will & Grace exec producer Jeff Greenstein is revealing the surprising story behind the creation of the late actor’s signature, Emmy-winning role.
More from TVLineMelissa Villaseñor Reveals Why She Left Saturday Night Live After 6 SeasonsLa Brea Recap: Future Shock -- Plus, Will Eve Ever Get Back Her Shearling?!The Voice's Last Battles Axe (Argh!) Two Especially Promising Contestants
“I’ve been thinking a lot about Leslie Jordan, obviously, reflecting upon his brilliance,...
In the wake of Leslie Jordan‘s sudden death this week, former Will & Grace exec producer Jeff Greenstein is revealing the surprising story behind the creation of the late actor’s signature, Emmy-winning role.
More from TVLineMelissa Villaseñor Reveals Why She Left Saturday Night Live After 6 SeasonsLa Brea Recap: Future Shock -- Plus, Will Eve Ever Get Back Her Shearling?!The Voice's Last Battles Axe (Argh!) Two Especially Promising Contestants
“I’ve been thinking a lot about Leslie Jordan, obviously, reflecting upon his brilliance,...
- 10/26/2022
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
This coming Sunday, April 26, a cast of 13 actors, including Gary Cole, Julie Bowen, Alan Tudyk, Vella Lovell, Brenda Song and Chris Williams, will perform an online table read of Half-Assed, an unproduced TV comedy pilot by rising writer/director Tracie Laymon (Mixed Signals). While Laymon is not a household name, most of the other auspices on- and off-screen are, including Betsy Thomas, who is directing the event, and Will & Grace and Grace & Frankie casting director Tracy Lilienfield, who was key in getting the talent.
The idea originated with Laymon. She had close ties to Kious Kelly, who made national headlines as the first New York nurse to die of Covid-19. Laymon also is friends with an ER doctor at a major La hospital who was admitted into the ICU for days after being diagnosed with the virus. In both cases, a lack or shortage of protective gear was blamed for the infections.
The idea originated with Laymon. She had close ties to Kious Kelly, who made national headlines as the first New York nurse to die of Covid-19. Laymon also is friends with an ER doctor at a major La hospital who was admitted into the ICU for days after being diagnosed with the virus. In both cases, a lack or shortage of protective gear was blamed for the infections.
- 4/22/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
1. “BoJack Horseman” Season 6, Part II (available January 31)
Why Should I Watch? Offering an incomparable blend of laughing ’til you cry and weeping from deep, emotional distress, “BoJack Horseman” is wrapping up its potent, perfect series this month. After its eponymous star (voiced by Will Arnett) went through a successful stint at rehab in the first half of Season 6, the back half will test his newfound resolve as past mistakes come back to haunt the man-horse. Whatever’s in store from creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and his excellent production team is bound to be intense, so strap in and take it slow. The very best aspect of splitting the final season in two is allowing us to savor the wide array of emotions “BoJack” so beautifully evokes.
Bonus Reason: Insiders tell me that the penultimate episode of “BoJack Horseman” is one of the season’s best, if not the best. Reviews are...
Why Should I Watch? Offering an incomparable blend of laughing ’til you cry and weeping from deep, emotional distress, “BoJack Horseman” is wrapping up its potent, perfect series this month. After its eponymous star (voiced by Will Arnett) went through a successful stint at rehab in the first half of Season 6, the back half will test his newfound resolve as past mistakes come back to haunt the man-horse. Whatever’s in store from creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and his excellent production team is bound to be intense, so strap in and take it slow. The very best aspect of splitting the final season in two is allowing us to savor the wide array of emotions “BoJack” so beautifully evokes.
Bonus Reason: Insiders tell me that the penultimate episode of “BoJack Horseman” is one of the season’s best, if not the best. Reviews are...
- 1/5/2020
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
“I was in inappropriate rooms, and I was placed in hotel rooms. It is because of the casting director that I was a protected child in this industry. And even to the point of risking their own career, I have a couple of memories of the casting director saying, ‘No, I’m staying,'” Laura Dern said in her speech while accepting the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement at the Casting Society of America’s 34th annual Artios Awards held on Thursday at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Two ceremonies took place on opposite coasts. At Stage 48 in New York, Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond received the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award. In L.A., festivities were hosted by June Diane Raphael of “Grace and Frankie” and “Black Monday” star Paul Scheer.
“I’ve literally grown up with this community of amazing artists. They really have championed my career,...
Two ceremonies took place on opposite coasts. At Stage 48 in New York, Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond received the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award. In L.A., festivities were hosted by June Diane Raphael of “Grace and Frankie” and “Black Monday” star Paul Scheer.
“I’ve literally grown up with this community of amazing artists. They really have championed my career,...
- 2/1/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- Variety Film + TV
“Vice,” “Green Book,” “Crazy Rich Asians” and “BlackKklansman” all emerged as winners at the 34th annual Artios Awards on Thursday, chosen by members of the Casting Society of America.
“Black Panther” also picked up a special Zeitgeist Award, while “Isle of Dogs” won for casting of an animated film. “The Kindergarten Teacher” and “Madeline’s Madeline” were honored in the low-budget and micro-budget film categories.
TV winners included the first season of “Ozark” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” as well as the ongoing series “Atlanta” and “The Crown.”
Also Read: Artios Awards Give Top Casting Honors to 'La La Land,' 'Hidden Figures'
The Los Angeles event was hosted by actress and comedian June Diane Raphael and SAG Award-winning actor Paul Scheer, and the New York event was hosted by comic performer Bridget Everett.
This year’s honorees included Laura Dern, who received the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement.
“Black Panther” also picked up a special Zeitgeist Award, while “Isle of Dogs” won for casting of an animated film. “The Kindergarten Teacher” and “Madeline’s Madeline” were honored in the low-budget and micro-budget film categories.
TV winners included the first season of “Ozark” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” as well as the ongoing series “Atlanta” and “The Crown.”
Also Read: Artios Awards Give Top Casting Honors to 'La La Land,' 'Hidden Figures'
The Los Angeles event was hosted by actress and comedian June Diane Raphael and SAG Award-winning actor Paul Scheer, and the New York event was hosted by comic performer Bridget Everett.
This year’s honorees included Laura Dern, who received the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement.
- 2/1/2019
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
The Casting Society of America held its annual Artios Awards tonight and gave its top film prizes to awards-season regulars Green Book (Big Budget – Comedy), Vice (Big Budget – Drama), Crazy Rich Asians (Studio or Independent Comedy) and BlackKklansman (Studio or Indie Drama).
Other film winners included Black Panther (the Zeitgeist Award) and Isle of Dogs (Feature Animation). Trophies were handed out in 30 categories spanning film, TV and theater during dual ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York. Check out the full list of winners below.
Top winners on the TV side included The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ozark, Atlanta, The Crown, Godless and Rick and Morty.
This year’s honorees were Laura Dern, who received the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement; Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond, the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award for outstanding commitment to the New York entertainment industry through their collaboration with casting directors; and Robert J. Ulrich,...
Other film winners included Black Panther (the Zeitgeist Award) and Isle of Dogs (Feature Animation). Trophies were handed out in 30 categories spanning film, TV and theater during dual ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York. Check out the full list of winners below.
Top winners on the TV side included The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ozark, Atlanta, The Crown, Godless and Rick and Morty.
This year’s honorees were Laura Dern, who received the Lynn Stalmaster Award for Career Achievement; Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond, the Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award for outstanding commitment to the New York entertainment industry through their collaboration with casting directors; and Robert J. Ulrich,...
- 2/1/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” HBO’s “Barry,” Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and CBS’ “Young Sheldon” are among the TV nominees for the 34th annual Artios Awards from the Casting Society of America.
On the legit side, “The Boys in the Band,” “Lobby Hero” and “Angels in America” were among the productions recognized.
The Artios kudos will be handed out on Jan. 31 in simultaneous ceremonies held in Beverly Hills and New York.
The casting team behind shows such as “American Horror Story,” “Glee,” and “Supernatural” will be honored. Robert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson and Carol Kritzer of Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer Casting will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award for their outstanding contribution to the casting profession.
“It has been an exceptional year on stage and screen,” said Russell Boast, Csa president in announcing the first wave of Artios nominations. Nominees for feature film will be unveiled early next year.
Csa members submitted...
On the legit side, “The Boys in the Band,” “Lobby Hero” and “Angels in America” were among the productions recognized.
The Artios kudos will be handed out on Jan. 31 in simultaneous ceremonies held in Beverly Hills and New York.
The casting team behind shows such as “American Horror Story,” “Glee,” and “Supernatural” will be honored. Robert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson and Carol Kritzer of Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer Casting will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award for their outstanding contribution to the casting profession.
“It has been an exceptional year on stage and screen,” said Russell Boast, Csa president in announcing the first wave of Artios nominations. Nominees for feature film will be unveiled early next year.
Csa members submitted...
- 9/20/2018
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
The Deuce, Atlanta, Game of Thrones, The Boys in the Band and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert are among the Artios Awards nominees in television, theater and short film announced today by the Casting Society of America.
Recognizing outstanding achievement in casting, the 34th Annual Artios Awards will take place January 31, 2019, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles & Stage 48 in New York City.
“It has been an exceptional year on stage and screen,” said Russell Boast, Csa President. “As the profession of casting gains more and more industry recognition we are pleased to announce our first slate of nominees – many of whom have also recently been recognized by our peers at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the American Theatre Wing among many others this awards season.”
All nominees, submitted by Csa members, represent projects that were aired, released or performed between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018. Nominees for...
Recognizing outstanding achievement in casting, the 34th Annual Artios Awards will take place January 31, 2019, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles & Stage 48 in New York City.
“It has been an exceptional year on stage and screen,” said Russell Boast, Csa President. “As the profession of casting gains more and more industry recognition we are pleased to announce our first slate of nominees – many of whom have also recently been recognized by our peers at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the American Theatre Wing among many others this awards season.”
All nominees, submitted by Csa members, represent projects that were aired, released or performed between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018. Nominees for...
- 9/20/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Niecy Nash is putting the badge back on for her new pilot, “The Enforcers.” The “Reno 911!” alum is joining forces with Christine Woods for Fox’s new comedy pickup about two polar opposite—as required by TV law—single mothers who set out to acquire their dream jobs as police officers. The plan hiccups when they’re assigned to a department that solely deals with minor code violations like noise complaints and water misuse. Los Angeles will host the project with a mid-March shoot date, and Tim Payne will handle additional casting for the pilot. Millennials strike again in CBS’ new series. The network is looking to skew younger with its new pilot pickup “The Great Indoors.” The comedy will take an adventurous reporter indoors where he will lead a group of techy 20-somethings in the digital department of a magazine. “Community” commodity Joel McHale will star, along with Shaun Brown and Chris Williams.
- 3/2/2016
- backstage.com
Gilmore Girls won’t be the only Amy Sherman Palladino-created series featured at the Atx Television Festival, taking place June 4-7 in Austin, TX.
The event will host a “cancelled too soon” screening of the ABC Family dramedy Bunheads, with Palladino and cast members Kelly Bishop, Sutton Foster and Stacey Oristano in attendance.
RelatedGilmore Girls Reunion at Atx TV Festival: 9 More Castmembers Joining Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel
Additional programming announcements, which can be found below, include a Dawson’s Creek script reading and sessions for Suits, Hannibal and more.
The fest has also announced that TV icon James L. Brooks...
The event will host a “cancelled too soon” screening of the ABC Family dramedy Bunheads, with Palladino and cast members Kelly Bishop, Sutton Foster and Stacey Oristano in attendance.
RelatedGilmore Girls Reunion at Atx TV Festival: 9 More Castmembers Joining Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel
Additional programming announcements, which can be found below, include a Dawson’s Creek script reading and sessions for Suits, Hannibal and more.
The fest has also announced that TV icon James L. Brooks...
- 4/9/2015
- TVLine.com
A slate of new comedy pilots, including John Leguizamo’s project at CBS, have casting directors attached, Backstage has learned. Leguizamo’s untitled project with “Family Guy” producer Chris Sheridan will look at the comedian’s life on the Upper West Side and how it contrasts with his roots in the Bronx. The ABC pilot is being cast by Alexis Koczara and Christine Shevchenko. It’s set to shoot in April. CBS’s untitled Tad Quill project will be cast by Julie Ashton. The pilot centers on a recently widowed father of a preteen son who tries to start dating again. It shoots in April. “Jacked Up,” a CBS comedy pilot about a beloved baseball player (“Rules of Engagement” star Patrick Warburton) who has trouble filling his days post-retirement, will be cast by Tracy Lilienfield. It shoots in March. Lilienfield is also casting “Ground Floor” for TBS, a multi-camera comedy...
- 2/22/2013
- backstage.com
Casting directors have been hired for two more drama pilots for the CW, Back Stage confirmed. Production dates for both pilots are Tba.Tracy Lilienfield and Jeff Meshel are casting the CW drama pilot "Joey Dakota," a romantic sci-fi musical about a time-traveling documentary filmmaker who must find a way to save her rock star boyfriend from an untimely death. Based on the successful Israeli half-hour series "Danny Hollywood," the pilot is written by Bert Royal ("Easy A"). Royal is also executive producing with Mark Harmon, Eric and Kim Tannenbaum, and Martha Haight for CBS TV Studios.Lilienfield and Meshel have just formed a new casting partnership, and "Dakota" will be one of the first projects for their new office. Lilienfield's casting credits include the CBS comedies "$#*! My Dad Says" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine," the TBS comedy "My Boys," and NBC's "Will & Grace." Meshel cast the TV.
- 2/13/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Daniel Lehman)
- backstage.com
Casting directors Tracy Lilienfield and Jeff Meshel have formed a new partnership, Back Stage has confirmed.Both Lilienfield and Meshel are longtime TV casting directors with multiple credits to their names.Some of Lilienfield's more recent credits include the CBS comedies "$#*! My Dad Says" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and TBS comedy "My Boys." She also cast NBC's long-running sitcom "Will & Grace."Meshel, formerly partnered with Robin Lippin, cast the CW dramas "Life Unexpected," which ran for two seasons, and "The Beautiful Life," which ran for two episodes. He's also cast several telefilms.Meshel and Lilienfield are currently casting the CW drama pilot "Dakota."...
- 2/10/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Pete Keeley)
- backstage.com
Veteran comedian and comedy writer Carol Leifer is taking an entrepreneurial approach with her new half-hour spec script Have a Great Day. Instead of pitching it to the networks, the Seinfeld alumna is staging a live table read for network and studio buyers and producers. Leifer has assembled a cast of actors she has worked with on other shows as well as other talent brought in by casting director Tracy Lilienfield (Will & Grace). Starring in Have a Great Day, an ensemble comedy based Leifer’s life as a comedian and comedy writer living in La with her partner and extended family, are Andy Kindler (Everybody Loves Raymond), Rachael Harris (The Hangover), Kym Whitley (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Emily Rutherfurd (New Adventures of Old Christine), Eric Allan Kramer (Good Luck Charlie) and Valerie Harper. If Have a Great Day is picked up, "it's my hope to retain this cast, subject to their availability,...
- 10/18/2010
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Crime dramas, conspiracy thrillers, and down-home narratives about youthful angst will be among the new shows entering our homes this fall TV season. All will be seeking actors for a range of roles: guest spots, recurring, perhaps even a principal part. We spoke to CDs of several shows to find out what they might need. "Body of Proof," Drama, ABCAs the title suggests, "Body of Proof" is a crime drama. But it's somewhat different from the usual fare, says casting director Rosalie Joseph. In addition to solving murders, the characters are advocates for the victims, giving peace and closure to their survivors. Set in Philadelphia (but shot in Providence, R.I.), the story centers on Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delaney), a top-notch neurosurgeon who is forced to give up her medical practice in the wake of a devastating car crash and resume her career as a medical examiner. But within...
- 9/1/2010
- backstage.com
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