When it comes to the race to win an Emmy, there will be a collective buzz around the award’s 60+ categories until Sept. 15 when we find out who gets the gold.
Arguably one of the most highly competitive awards doesn’t happen at the main event but the weekend before at the Creative Arts ceremony. That’s when the winners in the four guest performer categories (which include guest actor and actress in both comedy and drama genres) are awarded for a one-time or re-curring role. (Think Jamie Lee Curtis’ two-episode performance on FX’s “The Bear” — a likely candidate.)
In looking back at early precursors, this award has quite a checkered past with numerous category name changes and head-scratching nominee groupings over the years. For example, in 1977, the bracket was called outstanding single appearance in a comedy or drama series. There was no separation by genre, so nominees included...
Arguably one of the most highly competitive awards doesn’t happen at the main event but the weekend before at the Creative Arts ceremony. That’s when the winners in the four guest performer categories (which include guest actor and actress in both comedy and drama genres) are awarded for a one-time or re-curring role. (Think Jamie Lee Curtis’ two-episode performance on FX’s “The Bear” — a likely candidate.)
In looking back at early precursors, this award has quite a checkered past with numerous category name changes and head-scratching nominee groupings over the years. For example, in 1977, the bracket was called outstanding single appearance in a comedy or drama series. There was no separation by genre, so nominees included...
- 6/6/2024
- by Jim Halterman
- Variety Film + TV
Elizabeth MacRae, who played girlfriends of Gomer Pyle and Festus Haggen on television and a woman who seduces Gene Hackman’s surveillance expert in The Conversation, has died. She was 88.
MacRae died Monday in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she was raised, her family announced.
MacRae showed up as Lou-Ann Poovie on 15 episodes of the CBS comedy Gomer Pyle: Usmc during its final three seasons (1966-69). She was signed to work just one episode, “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” on the Jim Nabors starrer but impressed producers enough to stick around for more.
Earlier, she portrayed April Clomley, the girlfriend of deputy marshal Festus (Ken Curtis), on CBS’ Gunsmoke on four installments from 1962-64.
In The Conversation (1974), written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, MacRae played Meredith, who dances with Hackman’s Harry Caul in his apartment, sleeps with him and then swipes one of his audiotapes. The actress was among...
MacRae died Monday in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she was raised, her family announced.
MacRae showed up as Lou-Ann Poovie on 15 episodes of the CBS comedy Gomer Pyle: Usmc during its final three seasons (1966-69). She was signed to work just one episode, “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” on the Jim Nabors starrer but impressed producers enough to stick around for more.
Earlier, she portrayed April Clomley, the girlfriend of deputy marshal Festus (Ken Curtis), on CBS’ Gunsmoke on four installments from 1962-64.
In The Conversation (1974), written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, MacRae played Meredith, who dances with Hackman’s Harry Caul in his apartment, sleeps with him and then swipes one of his audiotapes. The actress was among...
- 5/29/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elizabeth MacRae, known for her recurring roles in General Hospital and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., has died. She was 88.
MacRae died on May 27 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she grew up.
After graduating, MacRae pursued a career in acting and auditioned for Otto Preminger’s production of Saint Joan in 1956. Although she didn’t land a role, she continued to pursue acting. She moved to New York City where she studied with Uta Hagen at the Herbert Berghof Studio and gained experience in off-Broadway productions.
MacRae landed her first television role playing a witness in the courtroom series The Verdict Is Yours. Over a career that spanned 25 years, MacRae would be featured in television shows like Route 66, Surfside 6, Rendezvous, The Fugitive, Judd for the Defense, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, I Dream of Jeannie, The Andy Griffith Show, and many more.
One of her most prominent roles was in Gomer Pyle,...
MacRae died on May 27 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she grew up.
After graduating, MacRae pursued a career in acting and auditioned for Otto Preminger’s production of Saint Joan in 1956. Although she didn’t land a role, she continued to pursue acting. She moved to New York City where she studied with Uta Hagen at the Herbert Berghof Studio and gained experience in off-Broadway productions.
MacRae landed her first television role playing a witness in the courtroom series The Verdict Is Yours. Over a career that spanned 25 years, MacRae would be featured in television shows like Route 66, Surfside 6, Rendezvous, The Fugitive, Judd for the Defense, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, I Dream of Jeannie, The Andy Griffith Show, and many more.
One of her most prominent roles was in Gomer Pyle,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Months before she won the 2023 Best Comedy Supporting Actress Emmy for the first season of FX’s “The Bear,” it was reported that Ayo Edebiri would move up to lead for season two. According to our odds chart, she looks set to become the 12th woman to reap both supporting and lead Emmy bids (in that order) for a single role on a single series. If she takes the gold again, she will become the first to win both comedy actress awards in that order for one show.
Edebiri’s win in the supporting race at the strike-delayed 75th Emmys was preceded by victories in lead for season two at the 2024 Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards. Having just blocked Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”) from achieving back-to-back supporting Emmy honors, she now faces the challenge of fending off two former lead champions: Jean Smart and Quinta Brunson.
Edebiri would...
Edebiri’s win in the supporting race at the strike-delayed 75th Emmys was preceded by victories in lead for season two at the 2024 Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards. Having just blocked Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”) from achieving back-to-back supporting Emmy honors, she now faces the challenge of fending off two former lead champions: Jean Smart and Quinta Brunson.
Edebiri would...
- 5/8/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Ayo Edebiri‘s upgrade to lead for Season 2 of “The Bear” has been an unqualified success. She won the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy Actress in January, along with the Screen Actors Guild Awards’ single comedy actress prize. In the midst of all that, she took home the Best Comedy Supporting Actress statuette for Season 1 at the delayed Emmy ceremony. And now Edebiri is the odds-on favorite to win the Best Comedy Actress Emmy for Season 2 in September, which would put her on a short list of women who’ve won both comedy lead and supporting trophies.
Since the categories were standardized in 1966, five ladies have completed the sweep. The first to achieve it was Valerie Harper, who three-peated in supporting from 1971-73 for her turn as Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” before she headlined her own spin-off, “Rhoda,” for which she won...
Since the categories were standardized in 1966, five ladies have completed the sweep. The first to achieve it was Valerie Harper, who three-peated in supporting from 1971-73 for her turn as Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” before she headlined her own spin-off, “Rhoda,” for which she won...
- 3/26/2024
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Francis Ford Coppola's "The Conversation" is his masterpiece in between masterpieces. The legendary filmmaker wrapped principal photography in late February 1973, just one month before he would win the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay Oscars for "The Godfather" (Albert Ruddy took home the Best Picture Oscar as the mafia classic's producer). Had Paramount released the film that year, it almost certainly would've received nominations for Best Picture and Director (over the wholly forgotten "A Touch of Class"), giving Coppola three consecutive nods in the latter category, a feat only accomplished once in Academy Awards history (by William Wyler). Instead, he wound up competing against himself a year later, when he added three more Oscars to his trophy case with "The Godfather Part II."
While "The Godfather" movies placed him atop Hollywood's director A-list for the rest of the decade, some cinephiles believe "The Conversation" is the superior film. The...
While "The Godfather" movies placed him atop Hollywood's director A-list for the rest of the decade, some cinephiles believe "The Conversation" is the superior film. The...
- 3/24/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Throughout the seven seasons of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," the android Data (Brent Spiner) often struggled with his inability to connect with his crewmates. Unlike Data, his organic peers were all emotional beings who could laugh, get angry, and intuit friendly interactions via their feelings and social acumen. Data had no emotions, at least not demonstrably, and had to rely on analysis and study to understand humans. Data longed to be human and often asked his friends to explain their baffling idiosyncrasies. Data's emotionlessness was not a flaw, but a design choice by his creator.
Later in the series, Data secured an emotion chip built specially for him by his presumed-dead creator. At first, he was afraid to install it, but after a prank gone awry in the 1994 film "Star Trek: Generations," Data finally decided to give himself the emotions he had been longing for. It's a pity that...
Later in the series, Data secured an emotion chip built specially for him by his presumed-dead creator. At first, he was afraid to install it, but after a prank gone awry in the 1994 film "Star Trek: Generations," Data finally decided to give himself the emotions he had been longing for. It's a pity that...
- 12/25/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Frasier" had a bevy of guest stars throughout its original eleven-season run, but you might not recognize some of them on first watch. That's because many of the most famous actors to appear on the beloved sitcom did so in voice only, calling into psychologist Frasier Crane's (Kelsey Grammer) Seattle radio show for all manner of life advice. Casting a celebrity who viewers never actually see felt like a new gimmick when the series first premiered, and it's frankly still a rarity now.
In an oral history of the series published by Vanity Fair in 2018, series co-creators Peter Casey and David Lee, casting director Jeff Greenberg, and director Jimmy Burrows talked about how the call-in guest stars idea originated, who showed up on the other end of the line, and which celebrities turned "Frasier" down. "Early on, someone suggested getting guest voices," Casey recalled. "Kelsey agreed, as long as they weren't goofy calls.
In an oral history of the series published by Vanity Fair in 2018, series co-creators Peter Casey and David Lee, casting director Jeff Greenberg, and director Jimmy Burrows talked about how the call-in guest stars idea originated, who showed up on the other end of the line, and which celebrities turned "Frasier" down. "Early on, someone suggested getting guest voices," Casey recalled. "Kelsey agreed, as long as they weren't goofy calls.
- 11/19/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Heading into the 81st Golden Globe Awards, legendary performer Harrison Ford is eligible for two different small screen prizes – Best TV Drama Actor and Best TV Supporting Actor – thanks to his respective turns on the inaugural seasons of “1923” and “Shrinking.” These possible dual bids would come 22 years after he was named the 48th recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille career achievement award and make him a proper Golden Globe competitor for the first time since 1996. Given the fact that 33 other DeMille awardees will have preceded him in subsequently landing regular nominations, it only makes sense to analyze those instances to determine just how great his chances of victory at the 2024 ceremony really are.
Until “1923” premiered on Paramount Plus last December, the 81-year-old Ford had never appeared in a regular capacity on a TV program of any kind. Within six weeks, however, he was officially a multi-series star showcasing...
Until “1923” premiered on Paramount Plus last December, the 81-year-old Ford had never appeared in a regular capacity on a TV program of any kind. Within six weeks, however, he was officially a multi-series star showcasing...
- 11/6/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
After both making good on their recent efforts to become first-time lead acting Emmy contenders, formerly supporting “Succession” cast mates Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook are naturally expected to be similarly bumped up on the next Golden Globes ballot. If they do achieve their first Best TV Drama Actor and Best TV Drama Actress notices this winter, the on-screen siblings will join a group of 10 other Golden Globe nominees who succeeded in rebranding their initially supporting characters as lead ones. As it stands, said club has not welcomed a new member – regardless of genre or gender – in two full decades.
Culkin’s Golden Globes resume currently includes three fruitless featured bids for “Succession,” on which he was bested by Ben Whishaw, Stellan Skarsgård and O Yeong-su. Although Snook only has a 2022 supporting nomination for the HBO series to her name, she actually prevailed, even against awards magnet Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus...
Culkin’s Golden Globes resume currently includes three fruitless featured bids for “Succession,” on which he was bested by Ben Whishaw, Stellan Skarsgård and O Yeong-su. Although Snook only has a 2022 supporting nomination for the HBO series to her name, she actually prevailed, even against awards magnet Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus...
- 10/3/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” gave way to “Rhoda”; “Cheers” eventually brought us “Frasier.” Could the legacy of “And Just Like That” be the London-set dramedy “Samantha”?
Yes, it’s unlikely; a potential spinoff based on the ongoing adventures of Kim Cattrall’s character from “And Just Like That” and “Sex and the City” necessitates the participation of, well, Cattrall, who’s been very clear that her cameo on the “Ajlt” finale was a once-ever thing. But that cameo, too, once seemed unlikely-to-impossible, given the haze of bad feeling between Cattrall and her former castmates. And on “Samantha,” just like Frasier in Seattle, she’d get to make a whole new set of friends!
I’m being facetious, but only a little. I agree with my colleague Alison Herman that Samantha’s cameo was electric, and I’d go further: It provided a much-needed jolt for an episode of television that at times felt lugubrious.
Yes, it’s unlikely; a potential spinoff based on the ongoing adventures of Kim Cattrall’s character from “And Just Like That” and “Sex and the City” necessitates the participation of, well, Cattrall, who’s been very clear that her cameo on the “Ajlt” finale was a once-ever thing. But that cameo, too, once seemed unlikely-to-impossible, given the haze of bad feeling between Cattrall and her former castmates. And on “Samantha,” just like Frasier in Seattle, she’d get to make a whole new set of friends!
I’m being facetious, but only a little. I agree with my colleague Alison Herman that Samantha’s cameo was electric, and I’d go further: It provided a much-needed jolt for an episode of television that at times felt lugubrious.
- 8/25/2023
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Geoffrey Neigher, the TV writer-producer who penned episodes of The Bob Newhart Show, Rhoda and Murder One and shared an Emmy for outstanding drama series for his work on Picket Fences, has died. He was 78.
Neigher died Aug. 10 at his Hancock Park home in Los Angeles of complications from cancer, his wife, Karen, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Neigher had a writing credit/story editor credit on about two dozen episodes of CBS’ Rhoda during its first three seasons (1974-77) while also serving as executive script consultant on the Valerie Harper sitcom.
Neigher wrote and produced for CBS’ Picket Fences on its second and third seasons from 1993-95 and shared the top drama Emmy with series creator David E. Kelley and others in 1994.
A year earlier, he received an Emmy nomination for writing an episode of Northern Exposure; he wrote for and produced that CBS drama during its fourth season (1992-...
Neigher died Aug. 10 at his Hancock Park home in Los Angeles of complications from cancer, his wife, Karen, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Neigher had a writing credit/story editor credit on about two dozen episodes of CBS’ Rhoda during its first three seasons (1974-77) while also serving as executive script consultant on the Valerie Harper sitcom.
Neigher wrote and produced for CBS’ Picket Fences on its second and third seasons from 1993-95 and shared the top drama Emmy with series creator David E. Kelley and others in 1994.
A year earlier, he received an Emmy nomination for writing an episode of Northern Exposure; he wrote for and produced that CBS drama during its fourth season (1992-...
- 8/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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
Since the fourth season of HBO’s “Succession” focuses on finally providing an answer as to whether Logan Roy’s media empire can survive in the hands of his three youngest children, it’s only fitting for the actors who play said offspring to now be on the same tier when it comes to awards consideration. Soon after former supporting Emmy nominee Kieran Culkin joined his TV brother (Jeremy Strong) and dad (Brian Cox) in submitting as a lead this year, Sarah Snook, who portrays youngest Roy sibling Shiv, followed suit. This move means she will very likely be counted among nine other women who each procured supporting and lead Emmy bids (in that order) for a single role on a single series.
As a featured “Succession” performer, Snook earned her first two TV academy notices in 2020 and 2022. She lost on both outings to “Ozark” actress Julia Garner, who she...
As a featured “Succession” performer, Snook earned her first two TV academy notices in 2020 and 2022. She lost on both outings to “Ozark” actress Julia Garner, who she...
- 5/25/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Robert Crutchfield, who served as a top publicity executive in television for Mtm Enterprises, Lorimar and Universal, has died. He was 85.
Crutchfield died April 7 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, after a long illness, a family spokesperson announced.
A onetime Houston radio deejay and 20th Century Fox contract player, Crutchfield in 1974 began an eight-year stint as vp marketing and publicity for Mtm Enterprises, where he handled such acclaimed series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Wkrp in Cincinnati, The Bob Newhart Show, Lou Grant, Phyllis, Rhoda and The White Shadow.
He joined Lorimar as senior vp publicity in 1982 and orchestrated the landmark “Who Shot J.R.?” campaign for Dallas while overseeing other shows including The Waltons, Knots Landing, Eight Is Enough and Falcon Crest, which starred his longtime friend, Jane Wyman. (He also was pals with actor Ed Asner.)
Crutchfield was on the job in 1986 when the parents...
Crutchfield died April 7 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, after a long illness, a family spokesperson announced.
A onetime Houston radio deejay and 20th Century Fox contract player, Crutchfield in 1974 began an eight-year stint as vp marketing and publicity for Mtm Enterprises, where he handled such acclaimed series as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Wkrp in Cincinnati, The Bob Newhart Show, Lou Grant, Phyllis, Rhoda and The White Shadow.
He joined Lorimar as senior vp publicity in 1982 and orchestrated the landmark “Who Shot J.R.?” campaign for Dallas while overseeing other shows including The Waltons, Knots Landing, Eight Is Enough and Falcon Crest, which starred his longtime friend, Jane Wyman. (He also was pals with actor Ed Asner.)
Crutchfield was on the job in 1986 when the parents...
- 4/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Emily Marshall, who parlayed a gig as a secretary for producer Fred de Cordova on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show into a two-decade career as a sitcom writer on Newhart, Rhoda, Wkrp in Cincinnati and Designing Women, has died. She was 79.
Marshall died March 17 of lung cancer at her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, her friend and mentor, Emmy-nominated writer-producer Barry Kemp, said. She served as a staff writer on Newhart, which he created, from 1982-84.
Marshall was the third wife of Doc Severinsen. She married the colorful Tonight Show bandleader and trumpet player in 1980 and was with him for nearly 40 years through 2013.
Marshall also created the 1988-89 CBS sitcom Coming of Age, which starred Paul Dooley, Phyllis Newman, Alan Young, Glynis Johns, Kevin Pollak and Ruta Lee. The comedy, set in an Arizona retirement community, opened with Severinsen performing the boisterous big band number “Sing, Sing,...
Marshall died March 17 of lung cancer at her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, her friend and mentor, Emmy-nominated writer-producer Barry Kemp, said. She served as a staff writer on Newhart, which he created, from 1982-84.
Marshall was the third wife of Doc Severinsen. She married the colorful Tonight Show bandleader and trumpet player in 1980 and was with him for nearly 40 years through 2013.
Marshall also created the 1988-89 CBS sitcom Coming of Age, which starred Paul Dooley, Phyllis Newman, Alan Young, Glynis Johns, Kevin Pollak and Ruta Lee. The comedy, set in an Arizona retirement community, opened with Severinsen performing the boisterous big band number “Sing, Sing,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Lerner, the character actor known from films like “Godzilla,” “Elf,” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Barton Fink,” has died, as per a report in Variety. He was 81 years old.
The news was broken by his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, a series regular on “The Goldbergs.” He wrote on his Instagram page that “it’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.” He added, “Rip Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.”
A carousel of images included pictures of Lerner on set in various costumes over the years,...
The news was broken by his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, a series regular on “The Goldbergs.” He wrote on his Instagram page that “it’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.” He added, “Rip Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.”
A carousel of images included pictures of Lerner on set in various costumes over the years,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Michael Lerner, an actor who appeared in television shows like Clueless and Glee and was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Barton Frink, has died. He was 81 years old.
Lerner died Saturday evening, his nephew and The Goldbergs actor Sam Lerner confirmed in a tribute post on Instagram.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Sam posted. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.”
Sam continued, “Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was — in the best way. I’m so lucky I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky we can continue to...
Lerner died Saturday evening, his nephew and The Goldbergs actor Sam Lerner confirmed in a tribute post on Instagram.
“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Sam posted. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.”
Sam continued, “Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was — in the best way. I’m so lucky I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky we can continue to...
- 4/9/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
At the age of nine, Christina Ricci made her breakout debut in the 1990 film “Mermaids” alongside Cher and Winona Rider. Now, at 43 years old, Ricci has over three decades of credits to her name and could be on the brink of a historic double Emmy nomination for her roles as Misty in the Showtime drama “Yellowjackets” and Marilyn Thornhill in the Netflix comedy “Wednesday.” Bids for both would make her the second woman in history to be nominated for Best Drama Supporting Actress and Best Comedy Supporting Actress in the same year. The first was Nancy Walker in 1975, nominated for “McMillan & Wife” and “Rhoda.”
Ricci’s role in “Yellowjackets” earned the actress her second Emmy nomination last year. She was first nominated in 2006 for a guest-starring role in “Grey’s Anatomy.” During a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Ricci revealed she was “terrified” to return to...
Ricci’s role in “Yellowjackets” earned the actress her second Emmy nomination last year. She was first nominated in 2006 for a guest-starring role in “Grey’s Anatomy.” During a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Ricci revealed she was “terrified” to return to...
- 4/3/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Weigel Broadcasting Co. is flipping its digital broadcast network Decades into the sitcom-centric Catchy Comedy on March 27, Variety has learned exclusively. The over-the-air network will focus on a library of classic comedies, with an emphasis on key female stars including the signature shows from Lucille Ball, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Burnett.
But also central to the Catchy Comedy lineup are key series from Norman Lear, as well as some of the most lauded sitcoms of all time – including the original “Night Court,” which is back in the spotlight thanks to the success of the revival series on NBC.
Unlike Decades, which wasn’t measured by ratings, Catchy Comedy will be Nielsen-rated. “That takes it into a different sphere, in terms of advertiser availability and access,” said Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting Co. “There are many advertisers that won’t look at these networks unless they’re rated,...
But also central to the Catchy Comedy lineup are key series from Norman Lear, as well as some of the most lauded sitcoms of all time – including the original “Night Court,” which is back in the spotlight thanks to the success of the revival series on NBC.
Unlike Decades, which wasn’t measured by ratings, Catchy Comedy will be Nielsen-rated. “That takes it into a different sphere, in terms of advertiser availability and access,” said Neal Sabin, vice chairman of Weigel Broadcasting Co. “There are many advertisers that won’t look at these networks unless they’re rated,...
- 2/13/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
When I saw that both the Golden Globes (coming to a TV set or streaming monitor near you next Tuesday) and the Critics Choice Awards had nominated “The Bear” and its lead actor Jeremy Allen White — and in the case of the Critics Choice, supporting actress Ayo Edebiri, too — in Comedy categories, I thought maybe there was something wrong with my laugh detector. So I sat my wife down to watch a couple of episodes of the FX on Hulu freshman series about the drama inside a Chicago sandwich shop so we could find the hilarity together. We emerged pleasantly exhausted from the experience of taking in the show’s excitement, intensity and superb performances — but we didn’t laugh once. In point of fact, we didn’t even crack a smile.
“What’s wrong with us?” I asked Jill.
“Nothing,” she replied. “This show is a lot of things,...
“What’s wrong with us?” I asked Jill.
“Nothing,” she replied. “This show is a lot of things,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
David Davis, a veteran comedy writer who co-created the indelible ensemble comedies “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Taxi,” died Nov. 4 in Los Angeles.
Davis’ death was confirmed Saturday by his daughter, Samantha Davis-Friedman. Survivors also include his wife of many decades, “Rhoda” star Julie Kavner, now best known as the voice of Marge Simpson from Fox’s “The Simpsons.”
Davis was known for his work in the Mtm Television stable. He wrote for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Rhoda” and in addition to helping to craft two Hall of Fame sitcoms. After retiring from writing in 1979, Davis worked as a consultant on TV and film projects including the ABC TV series “Phenom” and noted pics including 1987’s “Broadcast News” and the 1983 Oscar winner “Terms of Endearment.”
Born in Brooklyn in 1936, Davis got his start in TV as a script supervisor on such early 1960s comedies as “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis...
Davis’ death was confirmed Saturday by his daughter, Samantha Davis-Friedman. Survivors also include his wife of many decades, “Rhoda” star Julie Kavner, now best known as the voice of Marge Simpson from Fox’s “The Simpsons.”
Davis was known for his work in the Mtm Television stable. He wrote for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Rhoda” and in addition to helping to craft two Hall of Fame sitcoms. After retiring from writing in 1979, Davis worked as a consultant on TV and film projects including the ABC TV series “Phenom” and noted pics including 1987’s “Broadcast News” and the 1983 Oscar winner “Terms of Endearment.”
Born in Brooklyn in 1936, Davis got his start in TV as a script supervisor on such early 1960s comedies as “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis...
- 11/5/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
When “House of the Dragon” premieres on HBO tonight, it will mark the beginning of a new era for the “Game of Thrones” franchise. While the spin-off is unlikely to fully live up to all expectations, the series will serve as an effective way to gauge fans’ appetites for future adventures in Westeros. If enthusiasm turns out to be high, HBO has no shortage of other ideas in the pipeline.
In a new interview with the New York Times, “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin offered more detail about the wide range of spin-offs that HBO has in development and the approach that he hopes to see the network take when it comes to producing them.
“We are developing a number of other spin-offs,” Martin said. “There’s the Jon Snow sequel show, and the rest are all prequels. There’s ‘Ten Thousand Ships’ about Nymeria — that’s like...
In a new interview with the New York Times, “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin offered more detail about the wide range of spin-offs that HBO has in development and the approach that he hopes to see the network take when it comes to producing them.
“We are developing a number of other spin-offs,” Martin said. “There’s the Jon Snow sequel show, and the rest are all prequels. There’s ‘Ten Thousand Ships’ about Nymeria — that’s like...
- 8/21/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Streamers have been the saviors for hundreds of our all-time favorite television programs, from the 1950s to shows being produced today. It’s amazing that we are able to watch all seasons of our childhood and adulthood classics. But there have been quite a few great shows that still aren’t available to stream for free. Enjoy touring our photo gallery featuring 30 shows we desperately wish were available to watch anytime we want.
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
- 4/26/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Streamers have been the saviors for hundreds of our all-time favorite television programs, from the 1950s to shows being produced today. It’s amazing that we are able to watch all seasons of our childhood and adulthood classics. But there have been quite a few great shows that still aren’t available to stream for free. Enjoy touring our photo gallery featuring 30 shows we desperately wish were available to watch anytime we want.
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
- 4/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Scoey Mitchell, the actor best known for his work on the one-season run of the sitcom “Barefoot in the Park,” died on March 19 in Torrance, Calif., his brother, Billy Mitchell, confirmed to Variety. He was 92.
In a Facebook post Monday, Mitchell’s brother wrote, “He sacrificed much in the struggle to get Blacks behind the camera, into production and into positions that are taken for granted today. It’s important to remember those few that opened up the doors for so many.”
Born as Roscoe Mitchell Jr. on March 12, 1930, in New York, he began his career as a stand-up comedian in nightclubs. One of his first jobs was on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” in 1967, which was followed by dozens of comedic television appearances, including on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Tonight Show” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Before making the switch to acting, Mitchell had a spot on the...
In a Facebook post Monday, Mitchell’s brother wrote, “He sacrificed much in the struggle to get Blacks behind the camera, into production and into positions that are taken for granted today. It’s important to remember those few that opened up the doors for so many.”
Born as Roscoe Mitchell Jr. on March 12, 1930, in New York, he began his career as a stand-up comedian in nightclubs. One of his first jobs was on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” in 1967, which was followed by dozens of comedic television appearances, including on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Tonight Show” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Before making the switch to acting, Mitchell had a spot on the...
- 3/24/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
In the early 1970s, Valerie Harper set a precedent among TV supporting actresses by winning three consecutive Emmys as Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Her character’s popularity led to the spinoff series “Rhoda” in 1974, and she ended up taking home a lead acting prize for the show’s inaugural season. This made her the first performer to earn nominations as one character across multiple categories for multiple programs. In the nearly five decades since, 11 more actors have joined the group, including three more double winners.
Harper was first followed by two of her “Mary Tyler Moore Show” castmates: Cloris Leachman (1976) and Ed Asner (1978). Their respective characters, Phyllis Lindstrom and Lou Grant, were promoted to lead placement on spinoffs of their own, which were appropriately titled “Phyllis” and “Lou Grant.” Leachman won as a supporting actress (1974) and a guest performer (1975) for the original series but never for her own show.
Harper was first followed by two of her “Mary Tyler Moore Show” castmates: Cloris Leachman (1976) and Ed Asner (1978). Their respective characters, Phyllis Lindstrom and Lou Grant, were promoted to lead placement on spinoffs of their own, which were appropriately titled “Phyllis” and “Lou Grant.” Leachman won as a supporting actress (1974) and a guest performer (1975) for the original series but never for her own show.
- 9/17/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Hello, everyone! As we begin to look forward to a new month, we have one last round of home media releases coming our way to finish out the last few days of June first. Prospect, one of this writer’s favorite indie sci-fi films of the last few years, is getting the 4K treatment from Vinegar Syndrome and Gunpowder & Sky, and Scream Factory has put together a Limited Edition Steelbook for Battle Beyond the Stars. Other Blu-ray and DVD releases for June 29th include Night Terror (Aka Night Drive), Scare Us, and Night Things.
Battle Beyond the Stars: Limited Edition Steelbook
Seven mercenaries are recruited from throughout the galaxy to save a peaceful planet from the threat of an evil tyrant bent on dominating the entire universe. Among them are a lizard-like humanoid, a space cowboy, a female warrior and a brooding killer-for-hire.
Bonus Content:
2K Scan of the...
Battle Beyond the Stars: Limited Edition Steelbook
Seven mercenaries are recruited from throughout the galaxy to save a peaceful planet from the threat of an evil tyrant bent on dominating the entire universe. Among them are a lizard-like humanoid, a space cowboy, a female warrior and a brooding killer-for-hire.
Bonus Content:
2K Scan of the...
- 6/29/2021
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Mike Henry, a former NFL linebacker and actor known for playing Tarzan in the 1960s, has died. He was 84.
Henry died Jan. 8 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after many years of dealing with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Parkinson’s disease brought on by the head injuries in the NFL and at the University of Southern California.
He traded football for acting and went on to star in the Tarzan films of the 1960s and worked alongside Burt Reynolds in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies.
Henry grew up in East Los Angeles. In high school, former city council member John Ferraro saw him play football and facilitated his tryout for USC’s football team. After college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, for which he played from 1958 to 1961. Wanting to try his luck with acting, Henry requested a transfer to play for the Los Angeles Rams.
In...
Henry died Jan. 8 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after many years of dealing with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Parkinson’s disease brought on by the head injuries in the NFL and at the University of Southern California.
He traded football for acting and went on to star in the Tarzan films of the 1960s and worked alongside Burt Reynolds in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies.
Henry grew up in East Los Angeles. In high school, former city council member John Ferraro saw him play football and facilitated his tryout for USC’s football team. After college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, for which he played from 1958 to 1961. Wanting to try his luck with acting, Henry requested a transfer to play for the Los Angeles Rams.
In...
- 2/4/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Allan Burns, the Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated screenwriter and producer who co-wrote and co-created “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died on Jan. 30, his son, Matt Burns, confirmed to Variety. He was 85.
His “Mary Tyler Moore Show” co-creator and longtime creative partner, James L. Brooks, announced Burns’ death on Twitter Sunday. “Alan Burns, my writing partner during the Mary Tyler Moore days, died yesterday. His singular writing career brought him every conceivable recognition,” Brooks wrote. “But, you had to know him to appreciate his full rarity. He was simply the finest man I have ever known. A beauty of a human.”
Alan Burns, my writing partner during the Mary Tyler Moore days, died yesterday. His singular writing career brought him every conceivable recognition. But, you had to know him to appreciate his full rarity. He was simply the finest man I have every known. A beauty of a human
— james l. brooks...
His “Mary Tyler Moore Show” co-creator and longtime creative partner, James L. Brooks, announced Burns’ death on Twitter Sunday. “Alan Burns, my writing partner during the Mary Tyler Moore days, died yesterday. His singular writing career brought him every conceivable recognition,” Brooks wrote. “But, you had to know him to appreciate his full rarity. He was simply the finest man I have ever known. A beauty of a human.”
Alan Burns, my writing partner during the Mary Tyler Moore days, died yesterday. His singular writing career brought him every conceivable recognition. But, you had to know him to appreciate his full rarity. He was simply the finest man I have every known. A beauty of a human
— james l. brooks...
- 1/31/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Allan Burns, a television producer and screenwriter best known for cocreating and cowriting for the television sitcoms The Munsters, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Rhoda, died Saturday at home. He was 85 and no details were immediately available on the cause of death.
Dan Pasternack, a producer and programming executive and longtime friend of the family, said Burns was a mentor to many. “As much of a legend as he was, and as diverse of a career as he enjoyed, the most remarkable thing about Allan Burns was how kind he was to so many people.”
Burns was born May 18, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended the University of Oregon from 1953 to 1957 before heading to Los Angeles and breaking into show business.
His first venture included working in animation for Jay Ward on The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Dudley Do-Right, and George of the Jungle. He also is credited with cowriting...
Dan Pasternack, a producer and programming executive and longtime friend of the family, said Burns was a mentor to many. “As much of a legend as he was, and as diverse of a career as he enjoyed, the most remarkable thing about Allan Burns was how kind he was to so many people.”
Burns was born May 18, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended the University of Oregon from 1953 to 1957 before heading to Los Angeles and breaking into show business.
His first venture included working in animation for Jay Ward on The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Dudley Do-Right, and George of the Jungle. He also is credited with cowriting...
- 1/31/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
David Lander, who is best known to TV audiences for playing the latter half of Laverne & Shirley‘s irrepressible Lenny and Squiggy, died on Friday after living for 37 years with multiple sclerosis. He was 73.
As reported by TMZ, Lander’s wife of 41 years, Kathy, along with their daughter Natalie and her husband, were at his side when he passed.
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Penny Marshall, who played the Happy Days...
As reported by TMZ, Lander’s wife of 41 years, Kathy, along with their daughter Natalie and her husband, were at his side when he passed.
More from TVLineLaverne & Shirley Star-Turned-Film Director Penny Marshall Dead at 75Letterkenny Returns to Hulu: Watch the First Three Minutes of Season 9Mario Lopez Is Hunky Colonel Sanders in Lifetime/KFC 'Movie' -- Watch Trailer
Penny Marshall, who played the Happy Days...
- 12/5/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Carol Arthur, an actress best known for her several collaborations with Mel Brooks including “Blazing Saddles,” has died, Variety has confirmed. She was 85.
Arthur died on Sunday at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s Mary Pickford House in Woodland Hills, Calif.
She appeared in the 1974 comedy “Blazing Saddles,” directed by Brooks, as the schoolmistress Harriett Johnson. Arthur also held roles in three more films helmed by Brooks: 1976’s “Silent Movie,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” in 1993 and 1995’s “Dracula: Dead and Loving It.”
Born on Aug. 4, 1935 in in Hackensack, N.J., Arthur first met her husband-to-be, actor Dom DeLuise, in 1964 while working on theater productions. The two married a year later and shared three sons: Peter, Michael and David, who all pursued careers in acting as well.
Arthur’s first acting appearances were as herself on 10 episodes of “The Dom DeLuise Show” in 1968 and five episodes of “It Takes Two...
Arthur died on Sunday at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s Mary Pickford House in Woodland Hills, Calif.
She appeared in the 1974 comedy “Blazing Saddles,” directed by Brooks, as the schoolmistress Harriett Johnson. Arthur also held roles in three more films helmed by Brooks: 1976’s “Silent Movie,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” in 1993 and 1995’s “Dracula: Dead and Loving It.”
Born on Aug. 4, 1935 in in Hackensack, N.J., Arthur first met her husband-to-be, actor Dom DeLuise, in 1964 while working on theater productions. The two married a year later and shared three sons: Peter, Michael and David, who all pursued careers in acting as well.
Arthur’s first acting appearances were as herself on 10 episodes of “The Dom DeLuise Show” in 1968 and five episodes of “It Takes Two...
- 11/3/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Rhonda Fleming, star of the 1940s and ’50s who was dubbed the “Queen of Technicolor” and appeared in “Out of the Past” and “Spellbound,” died Wednesday in Santa Monica, Calif., according to her secretary Carla Sapon. She was 97.
Fleming appeared in more than 40 films and worked with directors such as Alfred Hitchcock on “Spellbound,” Jacques Tourneur on “Out of the Past” and Robert Siodmak on “The Spiral Staircase.”
Later in life, she became a philanthropist and supporter of numerous organizations fighting cancer, homelessness and child abuse.
Her starring roles include classics such as the 1948 musical fantasy “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” alongside Bing Crosby, 1957 Western “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” and the noir “Slightly Scarlet” alongside John Payne.
Her co-stars over the years included Kirk Douglas, Glenn Ford, Burt Lancaster, Bob Hope, Rock Hudson and Ronald Reagan, with whom she made four films. Other notable roles included Fritz Lang...
Fleming appeared in more than 40 films and worked with directors such as Alfred Hitchcock on “Spellbound,” Jacques Tourneur on “Out of the Past” and Robert Siodmak on “The Spiral Staircase.”
Later in life, she became a philanthropist and supporter of numerous organizations fighting cancer, homelessness and child abuse.
Her starring roles include classics such as the 1948 musical fantasy “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” alongside Bing Crosby, 1957 Western “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” and the noir “Slightly Scarlet” alongside John Payne.
Her co-stars over the years included Kirk Douglas, Glenn Ford, Burt Lancaster, Bob Hope, Rock Hudson and Ronald Reagan, with whom she made four films. Other notable roles included Fritz Lang...
- 10/17/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Fifty years ago she turned the world on with her smile, and we haven’t stopped laughing since. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” debuted on September 19, 1970. It’s one of a handful of sitcoms from the CBS network that changed the way television comedies were made. Throughout its seven seasons, the show received 67 Emmy nominations, winning 29, which was a record until 2002 when “Frasier” won its 30th award. It received a nomination for Best Comedy Series each year of its run, winning for each of the last three seasons, and spawned three successful spinoffs: sister sitcoms “Rhoda” and “Phyllis” and acclaimed drama “Lou Grant.” Although the shag carpet, plaid suits and bell bottoms will forever associate “Mtm” with the 1970s, the characters and stories are timeless and just as funny today as they were 50 years ago.
SEEEmmy flashback 45 years to 1975: ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show’ finally wins Comedy Series, plus Lucy...
SEEEmmy flashback 45 years to 1975: ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show’ finally wins Comedy Series, plus Lucy...
- 9/19/2020
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Fifty years ago she turned the world on with her smile, and we haven’t stopped laughing since. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” debuted on September 19, 1970. It’s one of a handful of sitcoms from the CBS network that changed the way television comedies were made. Throughout its seven seasons, the show received 67 Emmy nominations, winning 29, which was a record until 2002 when “Frasier” won its 30th award. It received a nomination for Best Comedy Series each year of its run, winning for each of the last three seasons, and spawned three successful spinoffs: sister sitcoms “Rhoda” and “Phyllis” and acclaimed drama “Lou Grant.” Although the shag carpet, plaid suits and bell bottoms will forever associate “Mtm” with the 1970s, the characters and stories are timeless and just as funny today as they were 50 years ago.
Mary Richards (Moore) is a 30-year-old woman who moves to the big city of Minneapolis after a bad break up.
Mary Richards (Moore) is a 30-year-old woman who moves to the big city of Minneapolis after a bad break up.
- 9/15/2020
- by Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Lucy forgot her glasses, CBS was the king of the networks with 55 major nominations and three film legends found love among Emmy voters. The 27th Emmy Awards was held on May 19, 1975, and was the first of four ceremonies in its 72-year history without a host; however, the evening was not without laughs. Let’s flashback to the Emmys 45 years ago.
Leave it to the first Queen of Television Comedy to provide some entertainment for the host-less evening. Lucille Ball was given the honor of announcing the winner for Best Comedy Series, but the 63-year-old forgot her eyeglasses. After fumbling with the envelopes, she despaired that she was “really in trouble.” But an old friend and fellow comedy legend came to her aid — Milton Berle jumped onstage and offered an empty wine glass to look through. Did our favorite redhead forget her glasses, or did this comic duo plan the laughs?...
Leave it to the first Queen of Television Comedy to provide some entertainment for the host-less evening. Lucille Ball was given the honor of announcing the winner for Best Comedy Series, but the 63-year-old forgot her eyeglasses. After fumbling with the envelopes, she despaired that she was “really in trouble.” But an old friend and fellow comedy legend came to her aid — Milton Berle jumped onstage and offered an empty wine glass to look through. Did our favorite redhead forget her glasses, or did this comic duo plan the laughs?...
- 9/4/2020
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
Billy Goldenberg, a two-time Emmy-winning composer and 21-time nominee who was musical director for Elvis Presley’s 1968 “Comeback Special” and worked on scores of shows ranging from Night Gallery and The Young and the Restless to Columbo, Kojak, Rhoda and Steven Spielberg’s Duel, has died. He was 84.
The news was confirmed on social media by Goldenberg’s friends Leonard Slatkin and Gary Gerani, but no cause of death was given. Read their tributes below.
Goldenberg worked on hundreds of films and TV programs — mostly the latter — during a career that spanned four decades. His early work included 1960s TV specials from Barbra Streisand and Ann-Margret and serving as music coordinator for the pop music series Hullabaloo.
In 1968, he was set as musical director for NBC’s Presley program that would come to be known as the ’68 Comeback Special. A few years later, Goldenberg would work his another showbiz legend,...
The news was confirmed on social media by Goldenberg’s friends Leonard Slatkin and Gary Gerani, but no cause of death was given. Read their tributes below.
Goldenberg worked on hundreds of films and TV programs — mostly the latter — during a career that spanned four decades. His early work included 1960s TV specials from Barbra Streisand and Ann-Margret and serving as music coordinator for the pop music series Hullabaloo.
In 1968, he was set as musical director for NBC’s Presley program that would come to be known as the ’68 Comeback Special. A few years later, Goldenberg would work his another showbiz legend,...
- 8/5/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Billy Goldenberg, the Emmy-winning composer and songwriter, died Monday night at his home in New York City. He was 84.
Goldenberg wrote the themes for such 1970s TV series as “Kojak,” “Harry O” and “Rhoda,” composed the pilot scores for “Night Gallery” and “Columbo,” and won Emmys for the TV-movie “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” and miniseries “The Lives of Benjamin Franklin,” “King” and “Rage of Angels.”
He expanded his 1975 “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” song score, with lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman, into the score of the 1978 Broadway musical “Ballroom,” directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett of “A Chorus Line” fame. It earned eight Tony nominations including Best Musical.
Reminiscing Wednesday about their collaboration on “Ballroom,” Alan Bergman told Variety: “Billy was one of the rare composers who was also a dramatist. Lots of people can write melodies, but you could tell Billy the situation, what the characters were feeling,...
Goldenberg wrote the themes for such 1970s TV series as “Kojak,” “Harry O” and “Rhoda,” composed the pilot scores for “Night Gallery” and “Columbo,” and won Emmys for the TV-movie “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” and miniseries “The Lives of Benjamin Franklin,” “King” and “Rage of Angels.”
He expanded his 1975 “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” song score, with lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman, into the score of the 1978 Broadway musical “Ballroom,” directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett of “A Chorus Line” fame. It earned eight Tony nominations including Best Musical.
Reminiscing Wednesday about their collaboration on “Ballroom,” Alan Bergman told Variety: “Billy was one of the rare composers who was also a dramatist. Lots of people can write melodies, but you could tell Billy the situation, what the characters were feeling,...
- 8/5/2020
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Billy Goldenberg, the Emmy-winning composer who collaborated with Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross, wrote the theme songs for Kojak and Rhoda and provided music for Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, Helter Skelter and Steven Spielberg's Duel, has died. He was 84.
Goldenberg died Monday in his Manhattan apartment, friend and screenwriter Gary Gerani, who is doing a documentary about the composer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
For the big screen, Goldenberg worked on films including Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam (1972), Streisand's Up the Sandbox (1972), The Last of Sheila (1973), Busting (1974), Reuben,...
Goldenberg died Monday in his Manhattan apartment, friend and screenwriter Gary Gerani, who is doing a documentary about the composer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
For the big screen, Goldenberg worked on films including Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam (1972), Streisand's Up the Sandbox (1972), The Last of Sheila (1973), Busting (1974), Reuben,...
Billy Goldenberg, the Emmy-winning composer who collaborated with Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross, wrote the theme songs for Kojak and Rhoda and provided music for Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, Helter Skelter and Steven Spielberg's Duel, has died. He was 84.
Goldenberg died Monday in his Manhattan apartment, friend and screenwriter Gary Gerani, who is doing a documentary about the composer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
For the big screen, Goldenberg worked on films including Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam (1972), Streisand's Up the Sandbox (1972), The Last of Sheila (1973), Busting (1974), Reuben,...
Goldenberg died Monday in his Manhattan apartment, friend and screenwriter Gary Gerani, who is doing a documentary about the composer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
For the big screen, Goldenberg worked on films including Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam (1972), Streisand's Up the Sandbox (1972), The Last of Sheila (1973), Busting (1974), Reuben,...
Peggy Pope, who played a secretary in the 1980 movie 9 to 5, appeared in dozens of TV series and acted on Broadway, has died. She was 91. Her family said Pope died May 27 in Fort Collins, Co, but did not give a cause of death.
Born Florence Pope on May 15, 1929, in Montclair, NJ, she began her long career on Broadway in the late 1950s, appearing in small roles in a handful of short-lived plays. She ultimately would appear in seven Main Stem shows through 1975, including the 1970 revival of Harvey, for which James Stewart reprised his Oscar-nominated lead role as Elwood P. Dowd from the 1950 film.
By 1966, she was working in TV and made a couple of big-screen appearances in the early ’70s. In 1973, she landed a series-regular role in Calucci’s Department, a CBS sitcom starring James Coco that lasted only a couple of months. Six years later, Pope scored another regular TV role in Billy,...
Born Florence Pope on May 15, 1929, in Montclair, NJ, she began her long career on Broadway in the late 1950s, appearing in small roles in a handful of short-lived plays. She ultimately would appear in seven Main Stem shows through 1975, including the 1970 revival of Harvey, for which James Stewart reprised his Oscar-nominated lead role as Elwood P. Dowd from the 1950 film.
By 1966, she was working in TV and made a couple of big-screen appearances in the early ’70s. In 1973, she landed a series-regular role in Calucci’s Department, a CBS sitcom starring James Coco that lasted only a couple of months. Six years later, Pope scored another regular TV role in Billy,...
- 6/2/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Film, television, and stage actor Jerry Stiller died of natural causes, as according to his son Ben Stiller. He was 92.
“I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes,” Ben announced on Twitter. “He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad.”
Stiller is known for his TV roles as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld and Arthur Spooner on The King of Queens, and multiple films including, The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three, John Waters’ Hairspray, his son’s Zoolander, and Richard Lester’s adaptation of Terrence McNally’s play, The Ritz, which Jerry also acted in on Broadway.
But he might be best remembered for being part of the comedy team Stiller & Meara, which he performed with his wife, Anne Meara. The pair met in 1953 at a New York casting call,...
“I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes,” Ben announced on Twitter. “He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad.”
Stiller is known for his TV roles as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld and Arthur Spooner on The King of Queens, and multiple films including, The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three, John Waters’ Hairspray, his son’s Zoolander, and Richard Lester’s adaptation of Terrence McNally’s play, The Ritz, which Jerry also acted in on Broadway.
But he might be best remembered for being part of the comedy team Stiller & Meara, which he performed with his wife, Anne Meara. The pair met in 1953 at a New York casting call,...
- 5/11/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Earl Pomerantz, an Emmy-winning television writer who worked on numerous sitcoms over the years, died Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 75.
The announcement was made by Pomerantz’s friend, TV writer Ken Levine, on Levine’s personal blog.
Over the course of his career, Pomerantz wrote scripts for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Rhoda,” “The Tony Randall Show,” “Phyllis,” “Taxi,” “Cheers” and “The Cosby Show,” which he also ran for a period of time. He also was creator and executive producer on “Major Dad” and “Best of the West” and served as a creative consultant on “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Lateline” and “According to Jim.” He won two Emmy Awards, one in 1976 for serving on the writing team of “The Lily Tomlin Special” and another in 1985 for “The Cosby Show.”
Born in Canada, he got his start in television writing...
The announcement was made by Pomerantz’s friend, TV writer Ken Levine, on Levine’s personal blog.
Over the course of his career, Pomerantz wrote scripts for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Rhoda,” “The Tony Randall Show,” “Phyllis,” “Taxi,” “Cheers” and “The Cosby Show,” which he also ran for a period of time. He also was creator and executive producer on “Major Dad” and “Best of the West” and served as a creative consultant on “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Lateline” and “According to Jim.” He won two Emmy Awards, one in 1976 for serving on the writing team of “The Lily Tomlin Special” and another in 1985 for “The Cosby Show.”
Born in Canada, he got his start in television writing...
- 3/9/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Fred Silverman, whose talent for picking shows like All in the Family, The Waltons, Charlie’s Angels, Roots and Hill Street Blues earned him the nickname "The Man With the Golden Gut" as the only executive to program for CBS, ABC and NBC, has died. He was 82.
One of the most influential executives in television history, Silverman died Thursday at his home in Pacific Palisades, a publicist announced.
Silverman gave David Letterman his first TV show; orchestrated such popular spinoffs as The Jeffersons, Rhoda, Laverne & Shirley, The Bionic Woman and The Facts of Life; brought "Jiggle TV" series like Charlie’s Angels and Three’s Company to the ...
One of the most influential executives in television history, Silverman died Thursday at his home in Pacific Palisades, a publicist announced.
Silverman gave David Letterman his first TV show; orchestrated such popular spinoffs as The Jeffersons, Rhoda, Laverne & Shirley, The Bionic Woman and The Facts of Life; brought "Jiggle TV" series like Charlie’s Angels and Three’s Company to the ...
- 1/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
With 2019 now ending, Gold Derby celebrates over 40 celebrities who died in the past 12 months. Tour our photo gallery above as we feature tributes to these actors, actresses, musicians, producers and entertainers from this past year.
Just a few of the people honored in our special photo gallery:
Iconic singer and actress Diahann Carroll died at age 84 on October 4. She was the first African-American woman to star on her own TV show. She also starred in “Dynasty” and was inducted into the TV Hall of Fame in 2011. She was an Oscar nominee for “Claudine” in 1974.
Tim Conway died on May 14 at age 85. The comedy legend won six Emmy Awards during his lengthy career, including four for “The Carol Burnett Show,” one for “Coach” and one for “30 Rock.” He was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 2002.
SEEDoris Day movies: 20 greatest films ranked worst to best
Legendary singer and...
Just a few of the people honored in our special photo gallery:
Iconic singer and actress Diahann Carroll died at age 84 on October 4. She was the first African-American woman to star on her own TV show. She also starred in “Dynasty” and was inducted into the TV Hall of Fame in 2011. She was an Oscar nominee for “Claudine” in 1974.
Tim Conway died on May 14 at age 85. The comedy legend won six Emmy Awards during his lengthy career, including four for “The Carol Burnett Show,” one for “Coach” and one for “30 Rock.” He was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 2002.
SEEDoris Day movies: 20 greatest films ranked worst to best
Legendary singer and...
- 12/30/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Emmys ‘In Memoriam’ paid tribute to Tim Conway, Valerie Harper and Doris Day – but who was left out?
As alt-pop singer Halsey stirred emotions with her moving rendition of “Time After Time,” the 2019 Emmy Awards that aired on Fox on September 22 paid tribute to the television legends who left us in the last year during the show’s “In Memoriam” segment. They included actors Tim Conway, Valerie Harper, Katherine Helmond, Penny Marshall, Luke Perry, Doris Day and Rip Torn.
Let’s look back at some of the contributions made by these beloved TV icons.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2019: In Memoriam Gallery
Tim Conway died on May 14 at age 85. The comedy legend won six Emmy Awards during his lengthy career, including four for “The Carol Burnett Show,” one for “Coach” and one for “30 Rock.” He was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 2002. And he took pride in getting his co-stars on Burnett’s variety show to laugh at his antics and break character.
Legendary singer and...
Let’s look back at some of the contributions made by these beloved TV icons.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2019: In Memoriam Gallery
Tim Conway died on May 14 at age 85. The comedy legend won six Emmy Awards during his lengthy career, including four for “The Carol Burnett Show,” one for “Coach” and one for “30 Rock.” He was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 2002. And he took pride in getting his co-stars on Burnett’s variety show to laugh at his antics and break character.
Legendary singer and...
- 9/23/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The special “In Memoriam” segment on the 2019 Emmy Awards ceremony will be especially tearful this year. Beloved television legends Tim Conway, Doris Day, Bob Einstein, Valerie Harper, Katherine Helmond, Peggy Lipton, Penny Marshall, Luke Perry, John Singleton and Rip Torn will certainly be just a few people honored with in a musical tribute performed by pop star Halsey.
Let’s take a look back at these TV icons as well as over 60 others who have died since mid-September last year. Many will be included in the memoriam for the live Emmys ceremony for Fox on September 22.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2019: In Memoriam Gallery
Tim Conway died on May 14 at age 85. The comedy legend won six Emmy Awards during his lengthy career, including four for “The Carol Burnett Show,” one for “Coach” and one for “30 Rock.” He was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 2002.
Legendary singer and actress...
Let’s take a look back at these TV icons as well as over 60 others who have died since mid-September last year. Many will be included in the memoriam for the live Emmys ceremony for Fox on September 22.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2019: In Memoriam Gallery
Tim Conway died on May 14 at age 85. The comedy legend won six Emmy Awards during his lengthy career, including four for “The Carol Burnett Show,” one for “Coach” and one for “30 Rock.” He was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 2002.
Legendary singer and actress...
- 9/21/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
German-born fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh, famed for his black-and-white shots of ’90s supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Linda Evangelista, died on Tuesday. He was 74.
News of his passing was first reported on Lindbergh’s official Instagram account, which read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Lindbergh on September 3rd 2019, at the age of 74.”
Linbergh’s work has appeared in countless magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar and The New Yorker. He most recently photographed Salma Hayek Pinault, Greta Thunberg, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, which was guest-edited by Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.
Also Read: Jessi Combs, Race Car Driver and 'Mythbusters' Host, Dies at 36 Trying to Break Her Own Speed Record
Oscar winner Charlize Theron was one of the first to pay tribute to Lindbergh on Wednesday morning.
News of his passing was first reported on Lindbergh’s official Instagram account, which read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Lindbergh on September 3rd 2019, at the age of 74.”
Linbergh’s work has appeared in countless magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar and The New Yorker. He most recently photographed Salma Hayek Pinault, Greta Thunberg, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, which was guest-edited by Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.
Also Read: Jessi Combs, Race Car Driver and 'Mythbusters' Host, Dies at 36 Trying to Break Her Own Speed Record
Oscar winner Charlize Theron was one of the first to pay tribute to Lindbergh on Wednesday morning.
- 9/4/2019
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
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