Following news of O.J. Simpson’s passing, many are learning about his career in football and entertainment.
He was a Heisman Trophy winner in college and an NFL star throughout the 1980s. Like other athletes, he ventured into roles in movies and television.
Some of Simpson’s television roles came the year of his Heisman Trophy win, including single-episode appearances in popular shows Dragnet, Ironside, and It Takes a Thief.
In the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, he was a recurring character in the popular Naked Gun series.
The detective spoof films starred the late Leslie Nielson as Detective Frank Drebin and Simpson as Detective Fred Nordberg.
Based on scarce details, Simpson’s last movie may have been from the Naked Gun series. However, others might see him listed for the upcoming film Mayday Z.
Eric Roberts and Tara Reid to star in Mayday Z
Based on the cast and synopsis,...
He was a Heisman Trophy winner in college and an NFL star throughout the 1980s. Like other athletes, he ventured into roles in movies and television.
Some of Simpson’s television roles came the year of his Heisman Trophy win, including single-episode appearances in popular shows Dragnet, Ironside, and It Takes a Thief.
In the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, he was a recurring character in the popular Naked Gun series.
The detective spoof films starred the late Leslie Nielson as Detective Frank Drebin and Simpson as Detective Fred Nordberg.
Based on scarce details, Simpson’s last movie may have been from the Naked Gun series. However, others might see him listed for the upcoming film Mayday Z.
Eric Roberts and Tara Reid to star in Mayday Z
Based on the cast and synopsis,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Despite evident passion from the film-makers, this personal transformation through sporting achievement story borders on parody
Traditionally, genre labels gave a broad sense of what kind of experience you might be in for, whether horror, comedy or action. In the streaming era, things are much more specific, with platforms such as Netflix offering ever more niche microgenres: “Cynical Comedies Featuring a Strong Female Lead” for example, or “Classic Feelgood Opposites-Attract Movies”. Bobcat Moretti feels tailor-made for this kind of categorisation. Here we have an “Inspirational Personal Transformation Following Tragic Life Event Sports Movie”, in which a man with multiple sclerosis takes up boxing as part of an effort to turn his life around after a horrific family tragedy.
The passion and commitment of the film-makers are evident. Starring as the eponymous Bobcat, Tim Realbuto also co-wrote the script (with director Rob Margolies) and lost 70kg (11st) during the course of making the film.
Traditionally, genre labels gave a broad sense of what kind of experience you might be in for, whether horror, comedy or action. In the streaming era, things are much more specific, with platforms such as Netflix offering ever more niche microgenres: “Cynical Comedies Featuring a Strong Female Lead” for example, or “Classic Feelgood Opposites-Attract Movies”. Bobcat Moretti feels tailor-made for this kind of categorisation. Here we have an “Inspirational Personal Transformation Following Tragic Life Event Sports Movie”, in which a man with multiple sclerosis takes up boxing as part of an effort to turn his life around after a horrific family tragedy.
The passion and commitment of the film-makers are evident. Starring as the eponymous Bobcat, Tim Realbuto also co-wrote the script (with director Rob Margolies) and lost 70kg (11st) during the course of making the film.
- 4/8/2024
- by Catherine Bray
- The Guardian - Film News
By the estimation of "Futurama," Christmas will be celebrated very differently in the early 30th century. For one, festive, decorated fir trees will be replaced with palm trees. Also, the spelling of "Christmas" will officially evolve into "Xmas." Most importantly, Xmas will see the release of a real-life robot Santa Claus, built many years ago to gauge the niceness and naughtiness of the world's children and distribute worldwide gifts accordingly. Sadly, Robot Santa's programming had a glitch, and he now gauges everyone to be naughty, a sin punishable by death. Jolly Old St. Nick now takes to the skies on Xmas armed with missiles and bombs, merrily murdering anyone he sees on the streets. Fearful citizens huddle inside shielded beneath anti-Santa armor, a standard feature of most 30th-century buildings.
This is a wonderfully irreverent concept that blends Christmas imagery with science fiction in a blithe and silly fashion. In his...
This is a wonderfully irreverent concept that blends Christmas imagery with science fiction in a blithe and silly fashion. In his...
- 1/14/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
An Air Force veteran who previously claimed she was drugged and sexually assaulted by rapper T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, sued the couple in Los Angeles late Tuesday.
The Jane Doe plaintiff says she was around 22 or 23 years old and stationed in Los Angeles in 2005 when she attended a party at Coolio’s house and met a man who purportedly worked for the Atlanta rapper and his wife. She alleges the man, who went by the name Caviar, helped facilitate a meeting with the couple at a club the following night.
The Jane Doe plaintiff says she was around 22 or 23 years old and stationed in Los Angeles in 2005 when she attended a party at Coolio’s house and met a man who purportedly worked for the Atlanta rapper and his wife. She alleges the man, who went by the name Caviar, helped facilitate a meeting with the couple at a club the following night.
- 1/3/2024
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Classic rock wouldn’t be the same without classical music. The Beatles’ “Let It Be” is based on one of the most famous classical pieces ever. So are a lot of other pop songs!
The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ is 1 of several pop songs inspired by Pachelbel’s Canon
In his 2020 book A Sound Mind: How I Fell in Love With Classical Music (and Decided to Rewrite Its Entire History), music writer Paul Morley discussed the impact of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D, a piece of classical music also known as Pachelbel’s Canon. “Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D major [is] the original source of ambient music,” he said. “It was written possibly for his mentee Johann Bach’s (J. S. Bach’s father) wedding in 1694, more likely for just the kind of ordinary domestic function Telemann’s Table Music was designed for, and after being rediscovered in the 1920s,...
The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ is 1 of several pop songs inspired by Pachelbel’s Canon
In his 2020 book A Sound Mind: How I Fell in Love With Classical Music (and Decided to Rewrite Its Entire History), music writer Paul Morley discussed the impact of Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D, a piece of classical music also known as Pachelbel’s Canon. “Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D major [is] the original source of ambient music,” he said. “It was written possibly for his mentee Johann Bach’s (J. S. Bach’s father) wedding in 1694, more likely for just the kind of ordinary domestic function Telemann’s Table Music was designed for, and after being rediscovered in the 1920s,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s a good time to be a fan of filmmaker Mike Mendez. Not only did he contribute to the horror anthology Satanic Hispanics, which received a theatrical release a few months ago and is coming soon to Blu-ray, but now Synapse Films has given his awesome 2000 horror comedy The Convent (watch it Here) a limited edition 4K release! Copies of this release can be purchased directly from Synapse Films, or through Diabolik DVD.
Directed by Mendez from a screenplay by Chaton Anderson, The Convent has the following synopsis: In 1960, a young woman named Christine enters St. Francis Boarding School for Girls and lays waste to the resident nuns. Four decades later, a group of college students head to the long-abandoned building late one night to tag it with their fraternity letters, little knowing that rumors of the place being haunted are terrifyingly true. Stir in a couple of disapproving...
Directed by Mendez from a screenplay by Chaton Anderson, The Convent has the following synopsis: In 1960, a young woman named Christine enters St. Francis Boarding School for Girls and lays waste to the resident nuns. Four decades later, a group of college students head to the long-abandoned building late one night to tag it with their fraternity letters, little knowing that rumors of the place being haunted are terrifyingly true. Stir in a couple of disapproving...
- 12/1/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Synapse Films have announced a Limited Edition Uhd & Blu-ray Slipcover combo for Mike Mendez’s much-cherished The Convent (a personal fave of mine Fyi).
From its opening massacre, set to the strains of (appropriately enough) Lesley Gore, The Convent is an in-your-face fright film with a full-blooded sense of humor. Director Mike Mendez both embraces and skewers the traditions of supernatural/possession cinema, with wicked twists that upend expectations and deliver jolts and laughs in equal measure. Not for the devout or the easily offended, the film gives Barbeau one of her best roles as the motorcycle-riding, shotgun-wielding Christine, with bonus appearances by fellow genre icon Bill Moseley (The Devils Rejects) and rapper/actor Coolio. The Convent rocked audiences at festivals including Sundance and Fantasia, but has long been unavailable on disc. Now you can possess its uncensored U.S. debut remastered in Dolby Vision 4K from the original uncut...
From its opening massacre, set to the strains of (appropriately enough) Lesley Gore, The Convent is an in-your-face fright film with a full-blooded sense of humor. Director Mike Mendez both embraces and skewers the traditions of supernatural/possession cinema, with wicked twists that upend expectations and deliver jolts and laughs in equal measure. Not for the devout or the easily offended, the film gives Barbeau one of her best roles as the motorcycle-riding, shotgun-wielding Christine, with bonus appearances by fellow genre icon Bill Moseley (The Devils Rejects) and rapper/actor Coolio. The Convent rocked audiences at festivals including Sundance and Fantasia, but has long been unavailable on disc. Now you can possess its uncensored U.S. debut remastered in Dolby Vision 4K from the original uncut...
- 11/22/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
In the 31st century of Matt Groening's and David X. Cohen's "Futurama," Christmas has evolved. Instead of fir trees, for instance, people decorate palm trees. Gift exchanges are still common, but families don't merely gather together to enjoy the warmth of the holiday season. They gather together because a rogue robotic Santa Claus, judging the entire world to be "naughty," annually flies around the Earth murdering anyone outdoors with guns and missiles. Families gather out of fear. Robot Santa was initially played by John Goodman, but the role was taken over by John Dimaggio after his first appearance.
Eventually joining Robot Santa in his holiday shenanigans was the Kwanzaa-Bot played by late rapper Coolio, and, with the release of "Bender's Big Score" in 2007, the Chanukah Zombie played by Mark Hamill. The machinations of the film's plot had all of Earth's denizens stranded at the North Pole of Neptune,...
Eventually joining Robot Santa in his holiday shenanigans was the Kwanzaa-Bot played by late rapper Coolio, and, with the release of "Bender's Big Score" in 2007, the Chanukah Zombie played by Mark Hamill. The machinations of the film's plot had all of Earth's denizens stranded at the North Pole of Neptune,...
- 11/4/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
It’s been almost a year since Coolio tragically passed away, but thanks to Futurama, fans get to hear a brand new song from the pioneering rapper. Coolio’s character, Kwanzaa-bot, made a final appearance in the latest episode of the show’s 11th season, in which he delivered a fresh rap about the holiday season, Futurama style. Watch the animated video of the song below.
The song comes at the very end of the episode, with lyrics detailing Kwanzaa-bot’s “Futurama Xmas list for 3023” and addressed to Santa-Bot himself. Kicking things off with the warning that he’s “about to get nice,” Coolio delivers a delightful list of everything the Kwanza-explaining robot is wishing for, including “12 Slurms a-slurping/ 11 Benders burping/ 10 episodes dropping/ Nine Scruffys mopping,” and more.
Coolio continues with references to characters like Leela, Zoidberg, and Kwanzaa-bot’s Jewish counterpart, Chanukah Zombie. Then, he finishes things out by...
The song comes at the very end of the episode, with lyrics detailing Kwanzaa-bot’s “Futurama Xmas list for 3023” and addressed to Santa-Bot himself. Kicking things off with the warning that he’s “about to get nice,” Coolio delivers a delightful list of everything the Kwanza-explaining robot is wishing for, including “12 Slurms a-slurping/ 11 Benders burping/ 10 episodes dropping/ Nine Scruffys mopping,” and more.
Coolio continues with references to characters like Leela, Zoidberg, and Kwanzaa-bot’s Jewish counterpart, Chanukah Zombie. Then, he finishes things out by...
- 8/30/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
The final appearance made by late rapper Coolio in Hulu’s reboot of “Futurama” featured a holiday-themed hip-hop song and a tribute to the musician.
“Yo, Santabot, I’ma drop my ‘Futurama’ X-Mas list for 3023. Y’all ready for this? I’m about to get nice!” Coolio said in a 45-second clip, before running off with his rhymes. “Kwanzaabot, yeah! Gimme 12 Slurms a-slurping, 11 Benders burping, 1o episodes dropping!”
Coolio originally played Kwanzaa-Bot in two previous episodes of “Futurama” in 2001.
While many of Coolio’s fans know him for his hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “C U When U Get There,” he also had a stint in the acting realm, with one of his roles being Kwanzaa-Bot — Santabot’s counterpart — in the newly rebooted “Futurama.” His X-Mas list rap was his final appearance as the character before his death last year. And it’s featured in the episode, “I Know What You Did Next Xmas,...
“Yo, Santabot, I’ma drop my ‘Futurama’ X-Mas list for 3023. Y’all ready for this? I’m about to get nice!” Coolio said in a 45-second clip, before running off with his rhymes. “Kwanzaabot, yeah! Gimme 12 Slurms a-slurping, 11 Benders burping, 1o episodes dropping!”
Coolio originally played Kwanzaa-Bot in two previous episodes of “Futurama” in 2001.
While many of Coolio’s fans know him for his hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “C U When U Get There,” he also had a stint in the acting realm, with one of his roles being Kwanzaa-Bot — Santabot’s counterpart — in the newly rebooted “Futurama.” His X-Mas list rap was his final appearance as the character before his death last year. And it’s featured in the episode, “I Know What You Did Next Xmas,...
- 8/28/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
The quest to build the perfect collection for the Universal Hip Hop Museum leads to a trove of Notorious B.I.G.’s artifacts in this new clip from the upcoming series, Hip Hop Treasures.
The new show — premiering Aug. 12 on A&e — follows LL Cool J, Ice-t, and an assortment of collectors and curators as they work to acquire items for the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which is set to open in the Bronx next year. In this new clip, one of the show’s collectors, famed DJ Cipha Sounds, links up with Biggie’s daughter,...
The new show — premiering Aug. 12 on A&e — follows LL Cool J, Ice-t, and an assortment of collectors and curators as they work to acquire items for the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which is set to open in the Bronx next year. In this new clip, one of the show’s collectors, famed DJ Cipha Sounds, links up with Biggie’s daughter,...
- 8/11/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
People may be surprised to learn that staying out of the ocean won’t guarantee their safety from sharks. In fact, a dip in a river or pond could lead to an encounter with one of the most aggressive sharks in the world: the bull shark. Strangely enough, though, the Carcharhinus leucas doesn’t show up in sharksploitation movies anywhere near as much as its larger and more popular cousin, the great white. Many don’t even know of its existence until they hear of a sighting or attack in an unlikely place.
Jaws led to great whites becoming the face of shark horror. Of course, there are exceptions — Deep Blue Sea features bio-engineered mako sharks, and Syfy went through a period of unleashing one variety of mutant shark after another — yet as a whole, sharksploitation prefers great whites. Then in 2003, TBS Superstation mixed things up by having a bull...
Jaws led to great whites becoming the face of shark horror. Of course, there are exceptions — Deep Blue Sea features bio-engineered mako sharks, and Syfy went through a period of unleashing one variety of mutant shark after another — yet as a whole, sharksploitation prefers great whites. Then in 2003, TBS Superstation mixed things up by having a bull...
- 8/4/2023
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
It’s been a minute, but “Futurama” is back, with new episodes of “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening’s cult-hit animated space comedy debuting on Disney+ next month.
In advance of the upcoming premiere, the streamer unveiled a new trailer for the long-awaited 11th season, in addition to new key art.
Read More: John Dimaggio To Voice Bender Once Again On ‘Futurama’ Reboot
The full original cast is returning, including John Dimaggio, Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice Lamarche, Lauren Tom, Phil Lamarr and David Herman.
“After a brief 10-year hiatus, ‘Futurama’ has crawled triumphantly from the cryogenic tube, its full original cast and satirical spirit intact,” declares the synopsis.
Read More: Coolio Recorded New Music, Dialogue For ‘Futurama’ Prior To Death
“The 10 all-new episodes of season 11 have something for everyone,” the synopsis continues. “New viewers will be able to pick up the series from here, while long-time fans will...
In advance of the upcoming premiere, the streamer unveiled a new trailer for the long-awaited 11th season, in addition to new key art.
Read More: John Dimaggio To Voice Bender Once Again On ‘Futurama’ Reboot
The full original cast is returning, including John Dimaggio, Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice Lamarche, Lauren Tom, Phil Lamarr and David Herman.
“After a brief 10-year hiatus, ‘Futurama’ has crawled triumphantly from the cryogenic tube, its full original cast and satirical spirit intact,” declares the synopsis.
Read More: Coolio Recorded New Music, Dialogue For ‘Futurama’ Prior To Death
“The 10 all-new episodes of season 11 have something for everyone,” the synopsis continues. “New viewers will be able to pick up the series from here, while long-time fans will...
- 6/27/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
“For Khadija” is billed as a documentary about French Montana, but there’s a reason that it’s named not after the hip-hop alter ego of Moroccan expatriate Karim Kharbouch, but his mother. “I felt like my mother’s story, the beginning to the end, the closure of her going back to Morocco, is when I was like, okay, now the story has a meaning,” French tells Variety. “This goes out to all the mothers that struggle, that have kids, that was forced to sacrifice.”
Given the other films made about rappers and their families — including “Dear Mama,” about Afeni and Tupac Shakur and “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell,” which heavily features Notorious B.I.G.’s mother Violetta Wallace — it’s not necessarily an unexpected place to start. But the documentary, which premieres June 16 at the Tribeca film Festival, uses the relationship between Karim and Khadija to highlight the...
Given the other films made about rappers and their families — including “Dear Mama,” about Afeni and Tupac Shakur and “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell,” which heavily features Notorious B.I.G.’s mother Violetta Wallace — it’s not necessarily an unexpected place to start. But the documentary, which premieres June 16 at the Tribeca film Festival, uses the relationship between Karim and Khadija to highlight the...
- 6/16/2023
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Coolio‘s cause of death has been revealed more than six months after he was found dead at a friend’s house in Los Angeles.
The rapper, 59, died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
The coroner’s report also included cardiomyopathy, asthma and phencyclidine, or Pcp, as contributors to his death.
According to the CDC, cardiomyopathy is a “collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle” that can make its ability to pump blood more difficult.
Coolio’s spokesperson said the rapper went to the bathroom at a friend’s house. When he didn’t come out, the friend called for help. Once responders arrived, Coolio was pronounced dead.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
Several musicians and celebrities paid tribute following the announcement of his death, including Weird Al Yankovic, Ice Cube and Michelle Pfeiffer.
The rapper, 59, died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
The coroner’s report also included cardiomyopathy, asthma and phencyclidine, or Pcp, as contributors to his death.
According to the CDC, cardiomyopathy is a “collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle” that can make its ability to pump blood more difficult.
Coolio’s spokesperson said the rapper went to the bathroom at a friend’s house. When he didn’t come out, the friend called for help. Once responders arrived, Coolio was pronounced dead.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
Several musicians and celebrities paid tribute following the announcement of his death, including Weird Al Yankovic, Ice Cube and Michelle Pfeiffer.
- 4/7/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
Rapper Coolio, who helped define the sound of the 1990s, died in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2022, at the age of 59, his manager, Jarez Posey, confirmed to Rolling Stone at the time. (Popsugar previously reached out to Coolio's rep for confirmation but did not hear back.)
On April 6, nearly seven months after his death, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed that Coolio died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. The coroner's report, which is available online, also noted cardiomyopathy unspecified, asthma, and recent phencyclidine (Pcp) use as other significant contributors to his death.
Coolio was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Monessen, Pa, in 1963. He later moved to the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles, home to many other notable rappers including members of the group N.W.A, Kendrick Lamar, and Roddy Ricch. Coolio released his debut album, "It Takes a Thief," in 1994, and the following year, he released the seminal "Gangsta's Paradise.
On April 6, nearly seven months after his death, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed that Coolio died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. The coroner's report, which is available online, also noted cardiomyopathy unspecified, asthma, and recent phencyclidine (Pcp) use as other significant contributors to his death.
Coolio was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Monessen, Pa, in 1963. He later moved to the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles, home to many other notable rappers including members of the group N.W.A, Kendrick Lamar, and Roddy Ricch. Coolio released his debut album, "It Takes a Thief," in 1994, and the following year, he released the seminal "Gangsta's Paradise.
- 4/7/2023
- by Kelsey Garcia
- Popsugar.com
Los Angeles, April 7 (Ians) American rapper Coolio died due to fentanyl, his manager Jarel (Jarez) Posey has confirmed. The rapper’s family said he also had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system.
Coolio died on September 28 at the age of 59. The cause of his death was not immediately known at the time, though it was later believed that he suffered a heart attack, reports Variety.
According to TMZ, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer and actor was found at a friend’s house. Coolio was best known for his 1995 hit ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’, which he recorded for the film ‘Dangerous Minds’ starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
It quickly became one of the most popular rap songs of all time, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and ending 1995 as the No. 1 single of that year in the United States.
As per Variety, in 1996, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ was nominated for record of the...
Coolio died on September 28 at the age of 59. The cause of his death was not immediately known at the time, though it was later believed that he suffered a heart attack, reports Variety.
According to TMZ, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer and actor was found at a friend’s house. Coolio was best known for his 1995 hit ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’, which he recorded for the film ‘Dangerous Minds’ starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
It quickly became one of the most popular rap songs of all time, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and ending 1995 as the No. 1 single of that year in the United States.
As per Variety, in 1996, ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ was nominated for record of the...
- 4/7/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Coolio’s 28 September 2022 death was caused by an accidental overdose of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine, a coroner has ruled.
No cause of death was given at the time when the “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper was found dead at a friend’s house in Los Angeles, California.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner report, which was seen by People, also reportedly listed cardiomyopathy unspecified, asthma and recent phencyclidine use as other significant conditions that contributed to his death.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart that makes it harder for the heart muscle to pump blood to the rest of the body.
TMZ first reported the news of the coroner’s ruling, adding that – according to family spokesperson Jarel (Jarez) Posey – Coolio’s next of kin plan to honour him through documentaries and film.
“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,...
No cause of death was given at the time when the “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper was found dead at a friend’s house in Los Angeles, California.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner report, which was seen by People, also reportedly listed cardiomyopathy unspecified, asthma and recent phencyclidine use as other significant conditions that contributed to his death.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart that makes it harder for the heart muscle to pump blood to the rest of the body.
TMZ first reported the news of the coroner’s ruling, adding that – according to family spokesperson Jarel (Jarez) Posey – Coolio’s next of kin plan to honour him through documentaries and film.
“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Music
Compton-based rapper Coolio died from the effects of fentanyl, his manager Jared Posey confirmed to Deadline Thursday. He also had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system.
Coolio died September 28, 2022 in Los Angeles. Posey told TMZ at the time that the rapper was found on the floor of a bathroom at a friend’s home, but an immediate cause of death was not known. He was 59.
The rapper won a Grammy in 1996 for his No. 1 smash “Gangsta’s Paradise” from the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer-starring film Dangerous Minds The title track form the late 1995 album was a rap take on “Pastime Paradise,” a track from Stevie Wonder’s Grammy-winning 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 and other charts around the world, including the UK. It also won the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, scored a pair of MTV Video Music...
Coolio died September 28, 2022 in Los Angeles. Posey told TMZ at the time that the rapper was found on the floor of a bathroom at a friend’s home, but an immediate cause of death was not known. He was 59.
The rapper won a Grammy in 1996 for his No. 1 smash “Gangsta’s Paradise” from the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer-starring film Dangerous Minds The title track form the late 1995 album was a rap take on “Pastime Paradise,” a track from Stevie Wonder’s Grammy-winning 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 and other charts around the world, including the UK. It also won the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, scored a pair of MTV Video Music...
- 4/6/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The rapper Coolio’s cause of death has been attributed to fentanyl, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner, the New York Times reports. The conclusion comes nearly seven full months since the rapper died on Sept. 28, 2022 at age 59. He also reportedly had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system.
The medical examiner cited other “significant conditions”: the rapper had a history of asthma and had cardiomyopathy, and records reportedly showed that he had recently used phencyclidine,.
At the time of his death, the musician and actor...
The medical examiner cited other “significant conditions”: the rapper had a history of asthma and had cardiomyopathy, and records reportedly showed that he had recently used phencyclidine,.
At the time of his death, the musician and actor...
- 4/6/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
The Los Angeles Coroner has confirmed Coolio‘s cause of death. The rapper, whose real name was Leon Ivey Jr., died on Sept. 28, 2022. He was 59.
According to the coroner, at the time of his death, Coolio had fentanyl in his system and traces of heroin and methamphetamines. Other factors that led to his death are said to have been cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, asthma and the use of phencyclidine, also known as Pcp.
In October, Coolio’s rep shared with Et how his kids planned to honor the “Gangsta’s Paradise” emcee. The children along with other family members were to receive a pendant to hold his ashes in as well as a necklace. Each of his offspring were going to be able to pick customized inscriptions for their jewelry and...
According to the coroner, at the time of his death, Coolio had fentanyl in his system and traces of heroin and methamphetamines. Other factors that led to his death are said to have been cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, asthma and the use of phencyclidine, also known as Pcp.
In October, Coolio’s rep shared with Et how his kids planned to honor the “Gangsta’s Paradise” emcee. The children along with other family members were to receive a pendant to hold his ashes in as well as a necklace. Each of his offspring were going to be able to pick customized inscriptions for their jewelry and...
- 4/6/2023
- by Divya Goyal
- ET Canada
Rapper Coolio died of a fentanyl overdose and also had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system, his manager and family spokesperson, Jarel Posey, told The Hollywood Reporter.
According to Posey, the family recently got the news from the coroner and was told that Coolio’s struggles with asthma and his history as a cigarette smoker were additional factors in his death. Posey shared that the star’s loved ones continue to remember him as a great man, both onstage and off.
On Sept. 28, Coolio was found dead at a friend’s home in Los Angeles at age 59. The rapper was known for the global success of “Gangsta’s Paradise,” the Grammy Award-winning hit that was featured in the film Dangerous Minds. Other singles included “Fantastic Voyage,” “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” and “C U When U Get There.”
Among his Hollywood work was his credit for composing the theme...
According to Posey, the family recently got the news from the coroner and was told that Coolio’s struggles with asthma and his history as a cigarette smoker were additional factors in his death. Posey shared that the star’s loved ones continue to remember him as a great man, both onstage and off.
On Sept. 28, Coolio was found dead at a friend’s home in Los Angeles at age 59. The rapper was known for the global success of “Gangsta’s Paradise,” the Grammy Award-winning hit that was featured in the film Dangerous Minds. Other singles included “Fantastic Voyage,” “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New)” and “C U When U Get There.”
Among his Hollywood work was his credit for composing the theme...
- 4/6/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nearly seven months after the sudden passing of Coolio, the rapper’s cause of death has been revealed.
TMZ reports that the “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage” performer died due to fentanyl. The site also reports that Coolio had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system.
More from TVLineRapper Coolio Dead at 59S Club 7's Paul Cattermole Dead at 46Manifest Season 4, Part 2: Release Date for Final Episodes Set at Netflix -- Watch the Teaser
Coolio died Sept. 28 at the age of 59.
“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio,” his rep said at the time.
TMZ reports that the “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage” performer died due to fentanyl. The site also reports that Coolio had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system.
More from TVLineRapper Coolio Dead at 59S Club 7's Paul Cattermole Dead at 46Manifest Season 4, Part 2: Release Date for Final Episodes Set at Netflix -- Watch the Teaser
Coolio died Sept. 28 at the age of 59.
“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio,” his rep said at the time.
- 4/6/2023
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Coolio died from a fentanyl overdose, a family spokesperson has revealed to TMZ.
The “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper died in September 2022 at the age of 59. At the time, the cause of death was reported as the result of cardiac arrest.
According to a newly released coroner’s report, Coolio had fentanyl and traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system at the time of his death.
Coolio’s severe asthma and decades-long use of cigarettes also played contributing factors in his death, the family spokesperson said.
A month after his family, Coolio’s family released a posthumous single called “Do You Want It.”
Coolio’s Cause of Death Revealed
Alex Young...
The “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper died in September 2022 at the age of 59. At the time, the cause of death was reported as the result of cardiac arrest.
According to a newly released coroner’s report, Coolio had fentanyl and traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system at the time of his death.
Coolio’s severe asthma and decades-long use of cigarettes also played contributing factors in his death, the family spokesperson said.
A month after his family, Coolio’s family released a posthumous single called “Do You Want It.”
Coolio’s Cause of Death Revealed
Alex Young...
- 4/6/2023
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
The estate of rapper Coolio announced plans to release a posthumous album later this year with singles the Grammy award-winning artist was working on before his death, according to the Associated Press.
The album titled “Long Live Coolio” is the first posthumous album release from the “Gangsta’s Paradise” hip-hop star. The first single, “Tag ‘You It,’” was released on Friday and featured California rappers Too $hort and DJ Wino.
The music video showed Coolio and Too $hort in a boxing ring as women twerked. It marks the last piece of visual content Coolio appeared in before his death from cardiac arrest on Sept. 28, 2022, at age 59.
In 1995, Coolio won a Grammy for best solo rap performance for “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which came from the “Dangerous Minds” soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film. He also performed the theme music, “Aw, Here It Goes!” for the ’90’s Nickelodeon sitcom “Kenan & Kel.
The album titled “Long Live Coolio” is the first posthumous album release from the “Gangsta’s Paradise” hip-hop star. The first single, “Tag ‘You It,’” was released on Friday and featured California rappers Too $hort and DJ Wino.
The music video showed Coolio and Too $hort in a boxing ring as women twerked. It marks the last piece of visual content Coolio appeared in before his death from cardiac arrest on Sept. 28, 2022, at age 59.
In 1995, Coolio won a Grammy for best solo rap performance for “Gangsta’s Paradise,” which came from the “Dangerous Minds” soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film. He also performed the theme music, “Aw, Here It Goes!” for the ’90’s Nickelodeon sitcom “Kenan & Kel.
- 3/19/2023
- by Joshua Vinson
- The Wrap
Long Live Coolio, the forthcoming album from the “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper, will be released later this year as the first posthumous project since he died at age 59 last year. The announcement of the record, which will feature material Coolio was working on prior to his death, arrives alongside the new single “Tag, ‘You It'” assisted by collaborators Too $hort and DJ Wino.
The song and video were presumably completed before his death, with Coolio making an appearance alongside Too $hort in a boxing ring, where a group of women...
The song and video were presumably completed before his death, with Coolio making an appearance alongside Too $hort in a boxing ring, where a group of women...
- 3/17/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Sunday’s SAG Awards ceremony will be a streaming event for the first time on the Netflix YouTube channel. One of the highlights each year is the special In Memoriam segment. It’s been a particularly rough year with over 100 deaths of prominent actors and actresses who were likely members of SAG/AFTRA. Show producers typically are able to include approximately 40-50 people in a tribute.
Among that group will certainly be Oscar winners Louise Fletcher, William Hurt and Irene Cara, plus nominees Angela Lansbury (a SAG life achievement recipient) and Melinda Dillon. Emmy champs Mary Alice, Kirstie Alley, Leslie Jordan, Ray Liotta, Stuart Margolin, Robert Morse and Barbara Walters.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2023: In Memoriam Gallery
Here is our expansive list of over 100 people who died since last year’s ceremony, several of whom will be honored on Sunday’s event:
Ralph Ahn
J. Grant Albrecht
Mary Alice
Rae Allen...
Among that group will certainly be Oscar winners Louise Fletcher, William Hurt and Irene Cara, plus nominees Angela Lansbury (a SAG life achievement recipient) and Melinda Dillon. Emmy champs Mary Alice, Kirstie Alley, Leslie Jordan, Ray Liotta, Stuart Margolin, Robert Morse and Barbara Walters.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2023: In Memoriam Gallery
Here is our expansive list of over 100 people who died since last year’s ceremony, several of whom will be honored on Sunday’s event:
Ralph Ahn
J. Grant Albrecht
Mary Alice
Rae Allen...
- 2/24/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The 2023 Grammy Awards honored the lives and careers lost in the music industry this past year in a touching In Memoriam segment, with performances by Kacey Musgraves, Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood, Bonnie Raitt and Quavo.
Host Trevor Noah introduced the tribute, acknowledging the importance of how music can unite people through their differences, while also acknowledging the influence of Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons in hip-hop over the years. “It’s Black kids and white kids rejecting segregation in the 1950s, and instead, blending R&b, country and even gospel into rock and roll,” Noah said. “In the 1980s, a young Black rapper from Queens and a Jewish white kid in his NYU dorm came together to make some of the greatest hip-hop of all time. They made a powerful new sound together because they were different.”
He continued, “Music isn’t just the harmony of sound. It’s the...
Host Trevor Noah introduced the tribute, acknowledging the importance of how music can unite people through their differences, while also acknowledging the influence of Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons in hip-hop over the years. “It’s Black kids and white kids rejecting segregation in the 1950s, and instead, blending R&b, country and even gospel into rock and roll,” Noah said. “In the 1980s, a young Black rapper from Queens and a Jewish white kid in his NYU dorm came together to make some of the greatest hip-hop of all time. They made a powerful new sound together because they were different.”
He continued, “Music isn’t just the harmony of sound. It’s the...
- 2/6/2023
- by Sydney Odman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2023 Grammy Awards took time to honor some of the iconic stars we've lost in the last year on Sunday night.
Kacey Musgraves opened the show's in memoriam tribute with Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" to honor the country music legend, who died on Oct. 4, 2022. Quavo - with help from Maverick City Music - then performed his emotional ode "Without You" to honor Takeoff, his nephew and fellow Migos member who died on Nov. 1, 2022. Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood, and Bonnie Raitt closed out the touching performance by singing Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird" to pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie, who died on Nov. 30, 2022.
Other members of the music world who were honored during the tribute include Jeff Beck, Coolio, David Crosby, Olivia Newton-John, and Lisa Marie Presley. See photos from the Grammys performance ahead.
Related: All the Stars We've Lost in 2023...
Kacey Musgraves opened the show's in memoriam tribute with Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" to honor the country music legend, who died on Oct. 4, 2022. Quavo - with help from Maverick City Music - then performed his emotional ode "Without You" to honor Takeoff, his nephew and fellow Migos member who died on Nov. 1, 2022. Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood, and Bonnie Raitt closed out the touching performance by singing Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird" to pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie, who died on Nov. 30, 2022.
Other members of the music world who were honored during the tribute include Jeff Beck, Coolio, David Crosby, Olivia Newton-John, and Lisa Marie Presley. See photos from the Grammys performance ahead.
Related: All the Stars We've Lost in 2023...
- 2/6/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Mick Fleetwood Enlists Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt to Honor ‘Songbird’ Christine McVie at 2023 Grammys
Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, and Mick Fleetwood joined forces to pay tribute to Christine McVie during the In Memoriam segment of the 2023 Grammy Awards.
The performance began with Kacey Musgraves, who sang a shattering cover of Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (Lynn died in October at 90). Quavo then took the stage, joined by Maverick City Music, to honor his nephew Takeoff, who died in November at the age of 28 after being shot at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
And to bring the In Memoriam segment to a close,...
The performance began with Kacey Musgraves, who sang a shattering cover of Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (Lynn died in October at 90). Quavo then took the stage, joined by Maverick City Music, to honor his nephew Takeoff, who died in November at the age of 28 after being shot at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
And to bring the In Memoriam segment to a close,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Larisha Paul and Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
It was another difficult year in 2022, and the sadness extended to many beloved and groundbreaking people in the show business and media worlds who died during the past 12 months.
Scroll through a photo gallery above, which also includes the obituaries.
The acting world lost giants including Sidney Poitier and Angela Lansbury, along with such big names as James Caan, Anne Heche, Bob Saget, Kirstie Alley, Ray Liotta, Nichelle Nichols, William Hurt, Louise Fletcher, Robert Clary, Emilio Delgado, Sally Kellerman, Robbie Coltrane, Monica Vitti, Leslie Jordan, John Aniston, Tony Sirico, Charlbi Dean, Tony Dow, Irene Papas, Howard Hesseman and Seinfeld moms Estelle Harris and Liz Sheridan.
We also pay tribute to directors including Ivan Reitman, Peter Bogdanovich and Marvin J. Chomsky.
Musicians who left us this past year include Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Olivia Newton-John, Meat Loaf, Ronnie Spector, Naomi Judd, Ramsey Lewis, Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Coolio. Many key...
Scroll through a photo gallery above, which also includes the obituaries.
The acting world lost giants including Sidney Poitier and Angela Lansbury, along with such big names as James Caan, Anne Heche, Bob Saget, Kirstie Alley, Ray Liotta, Nichelle Nichols, William Hurt, Louise Fletcher, Robert Clary, Emilio Delgado, Sally Kellerman, Robbie Coltrane, Monica Vitti, Leslie Jordan, John Aniston, Tony Sirico, Charlbi Dean, Tony Dow, Irene Papas, Howard Hesseman and Seinfeld moms Estelle Harris and Liz Sheridan.
We also pay tribute to directors including Ivan Reitman, Peter Bogdanovich and Marvin J. Chomsky.
Musicians who left us this past year include Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Olivia Newton-John, Meat Loaf, Ronnie Spector, Naomi Judd, Ramsey Lewis, Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Coolio. Many key...
- 12/31/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
In 2022, Hollywood said goodbye to many actors, singers, performers, creatives, executives and all-around industry icons who had a great impact on the entertainment world during their lifetimes.
The Hollywood Reporter is highlighting some of the most well-known names who died in 2022.
Below are this year’s most notable deaths in Hollywood.
Kirstie Alley Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley, the Emmy-winning comic actress known for her turns on Cheers, Veronica’s Closet and the three Look Who’s Talking films, died in December. She was 71. Full obituary.
Louie Anderson
Louie Anderson, the big-hearted everyman who rose to fame as a stand-up comic, then channeled the spirit of his late mother for his Emmy-winning turn as Christine Baskets on the FX series Baskets, died on Jan. 21. He was 68. Read his obituary.
Peter Bogdanovich Peter Bogdanovich
Peter Bogdanovich, the Oscar-nominated writer-director of The Last Picture Show whose career, which...
In 2022, Hollywood said goodbye to many actors, singers, performers, creatives, executives and all-around industry icons who had a great impact on the entertainment world during their lifetimes.
The Hollywood Reporter is highlighting some of the most well-known names who died in 2022.
Below are this year’s most notable deaths in Hollywood.
Kirstie Alley Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley, the Emmy-winning comic actress known for her turns on Cheers, Veronica’s Closet and the three Look Who’s Talking films, died in December. She was 71. Full obituary.
Louie Anderson
Louie Anderson, the big-hearted everyman who rose to fame as a stand-up comic, then channeled the spirit of his late mother for his Emmy-winning turn as Christine Baskets on the FX series Baskets, died on Jan. 21. He was 68. Read his obituary.
Peter Bogdanovich Peter Bogdanovich
Peter Bogdanovich, the Oscar-nominated writer-director of The Last Picture Show whose career, which...
- 12/31/2022
- by Carly Thomas, Editor
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Iconic ’90s rapper Coolio tragically died earlier this year without a will in place to divide his estate among his family.
According to The Blast, Coolio died intestate, meaning he had no will. Appraising the late rapper’s estate has begun, and his managers have filed a probate.
Coolio has a huge family to split the wealth around, and seven of his adult children are looking to be the beneficiaries.
Read More: Coolio’s Kids Have A Special Plan To Keep His Ashes Close
According to the petition, the value of the late rapper’s estate is over 300,000, which includes “personal property and demand deposit accounts, financial accounts, insurance policies and royalties.” However, the exact value is yet to be determined.
The “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper tragically passed away in September in his manager Jarez Posey’s home, reportedly due to cardiac arrest.
Read More: Coolio Recorded New Music, Dialogue...
According to The Blast, Coolio died intestate, meaning he had no will. Appraising the late rapper’s estate has begun, and his managers have filed a probate.
Coolio has a huge family to split the wealth around, and seven of his adult children are looking to be the beneficiaries.
Read More: Coolio’s Kids Have A Special Plan To Keep His Ashes Close
According to the petition, the value of the late rapper’s estate is over 300,000, which includes “personal property and demand deposit accounts, financial accounts, insurance policies and royalties.” However, the exact value is yet to be determined.
The “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper tragically passed away in September in his manager Jarez Posey’s home, reportedly due to cardiac arrest.
Read More: Coolio Recorded New Music, Dialogue...
- 12/29/2022
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Emancipation is a 2022 drama movie directed by Antoine Fuqua starring Will Smith.
A period piece based on a true story that brings us up and close to extreme suffering and the resilience required to overcome extreme events. Will Smith proves, yet again, that he has the ability to get into character with unquestionable talent and dedication, and with intensity.
Premise
Inspired by the gripping true story of a man who would do anything for his family—and for freedom. When Peter, an enslaved man, risks his life to escape and return to his family, he embarks on a perilous journey of love and endurance.
‘Emancipation’ (2022) Movie Review
A movie that is beautifully produced, with evocative photography. It is a hefty and very dramatic feature that does not shy away from showing the most grueling sides of mankind. It was not intended to be taken lightly, so if you are seeking...
A period piece based on a true story that brings us up and close to extreme suffering and the resilience required to overcome extreme events. Will Smith proves, yet again, that he has the ability to get into character with unquestionable talent and dedication, and with intensity.
Premise
Inspired by the gripping true story of a man who would do anything for his family—and for freedom. When Peter, an enslaved man, risks his life to escape and return to his family, he embarks on a perilous journey of love and endurance.
‘Emancipation’ (2022) Movie Review
A movie that is beautifully produced, with evocative photography. It is a hefty and very dramatic feature that does not shy away from showing the most grueling sides of mankind. It was not intended to be taken lightly, so if you are seeking...
- 12/9/2022
- by Veronica Loop
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell have reunited with a little help from Keke Palmer!
Palmer made her “Saturday Night Live” debut over the weekend — where she also revealed her exciting pregnancy news — and for one of the night’s pre-recorded sketches, fans got a chance to see exactly what it would look like if she and Thompson rebooted the beloved sitcom “Kenan & Kel”.
In this version, however, it would be Thompson and Palmer as the two leads in the all-new “Kenan & Kelly”.
The sketch was presented as a behind-the-scenes documentary, which gives a glimpse at how Palmer convinced Thompson to do the show without giving him a lot of information — something he came to regret.
“I should have asked more questions,” Thompson shared with the documentary cameras. “I thought it was going to be a Jordan Peele-produced streaming series. I wouldn’t have said yes to ‘Kenan & Kel...
Palmer made her “Saturday Night Live” debut over the weekend — where she also revealed her exciting pregnancy news — and for one of the night’s pre-recorded sketches, fans got a chance to see exactly what it would look like if she and Thompson rebooted the beloved sitcom “Kenan & Kel”.
In this version, however, it would be Thompson and Palmer as the two leads in the all-new “Kenan & Kelly”.
The sketch was presented as a behind-the-scenes documentary, which gives a glimpse at how Palmer convinced Thompson to do the show without giving him a lot of information — something he came to regret.
“I should have asked more questions,” Thompson shared with the documentary cameras. “I thought it was going to be a Jordan Peele-produced streaming series. I wouldn’t have said yes to ‘Kenan & Kel...
- 12/4/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
You’re a lizard, Harry! Weird Al has revealed that Warner Bros. denied his request to write and record a Harry Potter parody titled “Hedwig’s Theme.”
While promoting Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Weird Al revealed that he went to Warner Bros. for permission but was snubbed. “Whenever it was, about a decade or two ago, I approached the movie company just to get a general blessing like, ‘Hey, I’d like to do a Harry Potter parody.’ And I think they said no, or they never responded or whatever…But sometimes when you’re dealing with franchises, and you ask permission, you know, there’s so many people that can say no, and they usually do.”
It should be noted that Yankovic doesn’t actually need permission, as parody falls under fair use. But since he’s the world’s greatest person, he decided to ask for permission anyway.
While promoting Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Weird Al revealed that he went to Warner Bros. for permission but was snubbed. “Whenever it was, about a decade or two ago, I approached the movie company just to get a general blessing like, ‘Hey, I’d like to do a Harry Potter parody.’ And I think they said no, or they never responded or whatever…But sometimes when you’re dealing with franchises, and you ask permission, you know, there’s so many people that can say no, and they usually do.”
It should be noted that Yankovic doesn’t actually need permission, as parody falls under fair use. But since he’s the world’s greatest person, he decided to ask for permission anyway.
- 11/26/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
"Weird Al" Yankovic has parodied countless artists with his distinct brand of musical comedy. Now, his own life story is the subject of a biopic called "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story," starring Daniel Radcliffe. The movie, which premiered on Nov. 4 on the Roku Channel, celebrates Yankovic's life while - in true "Weird Al" fashion - parodying the art of the musician biopic itself.
Yankovic released his first song, "My Bologna" - a parody of the Knack's hit "My Sharona" - in 1979. He went on to release 14 studio albums, parodying everyone from Gloria Gaynor and Coolio to Madonna and Lorde along the way.
In tandem with the biopic's release, 63-year-old Yankovic released a new album, his first since 2014's "Mandatory Fun." The 46-song album serves as the movie's soundtrack and features "a bunch of early Weird Al songs I re-recorded specially for the movie, my brand-new closing credits song 'Now You Know,...
Yankovic released his first song, "My Bologna" - a parody of the Knack's hit "My Sharona" - in 1979. He went on to release 14 studio albums, parodying everyone from Gloria Gaynor and Coolio to Madonna and Lorde along the way.
In tandem with the biopic's release, 63-year-old Yankovic released a new album, his first since 2014's "Mandatory Fun." The 46-song album serves as the movie's soundtrack and features "a bunch of early Weird Al songs I re-recorded specially for the movie, my brand-new closing credits song 'Now You Know,...
- 11/5/2022
- by Eden Arielle Gordon
- Popsugar.com
Daniel Radcliffe has reflected on a “surreal” experience he had on The Graham Norton Show, when Rihanna and Colin Farrell were his fellow guests.
The Harry Potter actor, 33, appeared on the BBC One talk show in 2010.
In a new reader interview inThe Guardian, the star has now talked about how, on the show, he sang Tom Lehrer’s 1959 song, “The Elements”, which lists all the chemical elements in the Periodic Table known at the time.
“My most surreal experience was sitting next to Rihanna and Colin Farrell on Graham Norton and doing the ‘Elements’ song,” he said.
“Now, I’m mortified. ‘You did the nerdiest thing possible next to two of the coolest people on the planet. What were you thinking?’ But doing that and [the 1999 rap song] ‘Alphabet Aerobics’ [on Jimmy Fallon] have both got me jobs.”
He added that singing “The Elements” was “one of the first things that brought me to...
The Harry Potter actor, 33, appeared on the BBC One talk show in 2010.
In a new reader interview inThe Guardian, the star has now talked about how, on the show, he sang Tom Lehrer’s 1959 song, “The Elements”, which lists all the chemical elements in the Periodic Table known at the time.
“My most surreal experience was sitting next to Rihanna and Colin Farrell on Graham Norton and doing the ‘Elements’ song,” he said.
“Now, I’m mortified. ‘You did the nerdiest thing possible next to two of the coolest people on the planet. What were you thinking?’ But doing that and [the 1999 rap song] ‘Alphabet Aerobics’ [on Jimmy Fallon] have both got me jobs.”
He added that singing “The Elements” was “one of the first things that brought me to...
- 11/4/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Good news, “Good Burger” fans, the long-awaited sequel to the hit ’90s film could be coming sooner than you think. Et’s Kevin Frazier spoke to Kenan Thompson at Byron Allen’s TheGrio Awards in Beverly Hills Sunday, where he gave an update on where he and Kel Mitchell are with “Good Burger 2”.
“We’re getting really close on ‘Good Burger 2’,” Thompson revealed. “It’s gonna happen, and I think it’s gonna happen soon. We’re gonna figure out when the pocket of time will be to shoot it, but it’s gonna happen.”
“It’s closer than it’s ever been,” the “Saturday Night Live” star added, “So, I don’t think anything is gonna derail it.”
So close in fact, that Thompson said a draft of the script has already been completed.
“We had a reading, like a little private thing just to hear the script that we’ve been working on,...
“We’re getting really close on ‘Good Burger 2’,” Thompson revealed. “It’s gonna happen, and I think it’s gonna happen soon. We’re gonna figure out when the pocket of time will be to shoot it, but it’s gonna happen.”
“It’s closer than it’s ever been,” the “Saturday Night Live” star added, “So, I don’t think anything is gonna derail it.”
So close in fact, that Thompson said a draft of the script has already been completed.
“We had a reading, like a little private thing just to hear the script that we’ve been working on,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Sarah Curran
- ET Canada
Coolio’s seven children have a special plan to keep their father near and dear to their hearts after his recent death.
The rapper — who was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. — died in Los Angeles last Wednesday at the age of 59. His longtime manager, Jarez, confirmed the news to TMZ. Jarez told the outlet that paramedics suspected cardiac arrest was the cause of death, though no official determination has been made.
The outlet later reported that the rapper’s remains are to be cremated according to his death certificate and his children will get pendants to hold his ashes after the process.
Coolio’s rep confirmed to Et that each of his children will get a pendant to hold his ashes, along with a necklace. A few other close family members will get them as well. Each of his children will get to pick customized inscriptions for their jewelry and...
The rapper — who was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. — died in Los Angeles last Wednesday at the age of 59. His longtime manager, Jarez, confirmed the news to TMZ. Jarez told the outlet that paramedics suspected cardiac arrest was the cause of death, though no official determination has been made.
The outlet later reported that the rapper’s remains are to be cremated according to his death certificate and his children will get pendants to hold his ashes after the process.
Coolio’s rep confirmed to Et that each of his children will get a pendant to hold his ashes, along with a necklace. A few other close family members will get them as well. Each of his children will get to pick customized inscriptions for their jewelry and...
- 10/8/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Sara Lee, the former wrestler and winner of season 6 of the “WWE Tough Enough” reality competition show, has died. She was 30.
Sara’s mother, Terri Lee, shared the tragic news to Facebook on Thursday, writing, “It is with heavy hearts we wanted to share that our Sara Weston has gone to be with Jesus. We are all in shock and arrangements are not complete. We ask that you respectfully let our family mourn. We all need prayers especially Cory and her children.”
Lee married fellow WWE wrestler Cory James Weston in 2017, and the couple share three children.
Read More: Judy Tenuta, Grammy-Nominated Comedian, Dead at 72
Lee gained fame when she was crowned the winner of “Tough Enough” in 2015, which earned her a one-year contract with WWE. She appeared and competed in eight matches as part of the organization’s Nxt development brand.
No cause of death has been released.
On Thursday,...
Sara’s mother, Terri Lee, shared the tragic news to Facebook on Thursday, writing, “It is with heavy hearts we wanted to share that our Sara Weston has gone to be with Jesus. We are all in shock and arrangements are not complete. We ask that you respectfully let our family mourn. We all need prayers especially Cory and her children.”
Lee married fellow WWE wrestler Cory James Weston in 2017, and the couple share three children.
Read More: Judy Tenuta, Grammy-Nominated Comedian, Dead at 72
Lee gained fame when she was crowned the winner of “Tough Enough” in 2015, which earned her a one-year contract with WWE. She appeared and competed in eight matches as part of the organization’s Nxt development brand.
No cause of death has been released.
On Thursday,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Grammy-winning country singer Jody Miller has died. She was 80. The celebrated songstress died at her house in Blanchard, Oklahoma, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Miller’s first big hit came in 1964 with her song, “He Walks Like a Man”, followed by her smash-hit single, “Queen of the House”, which earned Miller a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1966.
Miller is celebrated as a pioneer for crossover female vocalists, moving from the pop/folk genre into the country music sphere, which paved the way for many artists who came after, including Linda Ronstadt, Anne Murray and many others.
“Jody Miller’s talent cannot be overstated. She had this innate, God-given ability to interpret and communicate with the most beautiful tones and inflection,” Miller’s longtime rep, Jennifer McMullen, shared in a statement issued on Thursday. “She made it look and sound so easy that it sometimes...
Miller’s first big hit came in 1964 with her song, “He Walks Like a Man”, followed by her smash-hit single, “Queen of the House”, which earned Miller a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1966.
Miller is celebrated as a pioneer for crossover female vocalists, moving from the pop/folk genre into the country music sphere, which paved the way for many artists who came after, including Linda Ronstadt, Anne Murray and many others.
“Jody Miller’s talent cannot be overstated. She had this innate, God-given ability to interpret and communicate with the most beautiful tones and inflection,” Miller’s longtime rep, Jennifer McMullen, shared in a statement issued on Thursday. “She made it look and sound so easy that it sometimes...
- 10/6/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Daniel Radcliffe has admitted he is “concerned” about what the parents of his actor girlfriend, Erin Darke, will think of the new biopic he is starring in, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
The Harry Potter star is portraying the American singer who is famous for parody versions of popular songs, such as the 1996 hit “Amish Paradise”, a humorous spoof of the Coolio track “Gangsta’s Paradise”.
In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Radcliffe was asked what Darke’s reaction was to his portrayal of Yankovic, since she is such a fan of the musical comedian.
“Actually, after [director] Eric [Appel] and Al [Yankovic], the people I’m most concerned about their reaction is probably my in-laws,” Radcliffe said.
“Erin’s dad and brother, because they’re massive fans as well. Erin’s seen the movie but I’ll be interested in what [her father] Ian thinks. I really hope he likes it.”
Radcliffe and...
The Harry Potter star is portraying the American singer who is famous for parody versions of popular songs, such as the 1996 hit “Amish Paradise”, a humorous spoof of the Coolio track “Gangsta’s Paradise”.
In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Radcliffe was asked what Darke’s reaction was to his portrayal of Yankovic, since she is such a fan of the musical comedian.
“Actually, after [director] Eric [Appel] and Al [Yankovic], the people I’m most concerned about their reaction is probably my in-laws,” Radcliffe said.
“Erin’s dad and brother, because they’re massive fans as well. Erin’s seen the movie but I’ll be interested in what [her father] Ian thinks. I really hope he likes it.”
Radcliffe and...
- 10/6/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Film
Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather, whose historic and headline-making surprise appearance at the 1973 Academy Awards was heard around the world, has died at 75 years old.
Littlefeather passed away Sunday in the Northern California city of Novato after a years-long battle with breast cancer that had metastasized in recent years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It’s been nearly 50 years since Littlefeather — then 26 — took the stage in place of Marlon Brando, who won the Best Actor Oscar for “The Godfather”, and delivered a message on Brando’s behalf about the mistreatment and oppression of Native Americans.
On Sunday, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced her passing, tweeting, “Sacheen Littlefeather, Native American civil rights activist who famously declined Marlon Brando’s 1973 Best Actor Academy Award, dies at 75.”
Read More: Coolio Dead at 59: Inside the Hip-Hop Legend’s Career
Sacheen LittlefeatherAcademy Museum ‘An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather’, Los Angeles,...
Littlefeather passed away Sunday in the Northern California city of Novato after a years-long battle with breast cancer that had metastasized in recent years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It’s been nearly 50 years since Littlefeather — then 26 — took the stage in place of Marlon Brando, who won the Best Actor Oscar for “The Godfather”, and delivered a message on Brando’s behalf about the mistreatment and oppression of Native Americans.
On Sunday, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced her passing, tweeting, “Sacheen Littlefeather, Native American civil rights activist who famously declined Marlon Brando’s 1973 Best Actor Academy Award, dies at 75.”
Read More: Coolio Dead at 59: Inside the Hip-Hop Legend’s Career
Sacheen LittlefeatherAcademy Museum ‘An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather’, Los Angeles,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
“I was just like, how can I describe a desperate man that wants to eat it all the time? And I was just like, munch. He’s a munch.” That’s what Bronx rapper Ice Spice tells Rolling Stone‘s Jeff Ihaza about the making of her inescapable hit “Munch (Feelin’ U),” as heard in the new episode of Rolling Stone Music Now.
To hear the entire episode, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or press play above.
Ihaza explains how “Munch” ties into the current state of New York...
To hear the entire episode, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or press play above.
Ihaza explains how “Munch” ties into the current state of New York...
- 10/1/2022
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
Futurama is keeping Coolio's legacy alive. The late rapper, who died on Sept. 28, will still voice the character of KwanzaaBot on an episode of Hulu's upcoming Futurama reboot, producer David X. Cohen told Entertainment Weekly. Coolio also recorded some Futurama-themed rapping, which will air over the end credits of the episode when the reboot hits the streamer in 2023. "All of us at Futurama send our sincere condolences to Coolio's family, friends, and fans. He was one of our favorite guests, always upbeat and enthusiastic," Cohen wrote to EW in a statement. "This news was especially shocking since he looked and sounded great when we saw him in the studio just a few...
- 9/30/2022
- E! Online
Coolio will be heard in the upcoming “Futurama” reboot, with Entertainment Weekly reporting that the rapper and actor recorded his performance prior to his death at age 59 on Wednesday.
Read More: Coolio Dead At 59
As fans of animated comedy will recall, Coolio has voiced the recurring character KwanzaaBot since 2001.
R.I.P. Kwanzaabot pic.twitter.com/tuBPFiMhfK
— Aeolus (Commissions Currently Closed) (@Warren_Aeolus) September 29, 2022
Series producer David X. Cohen confirmed that the “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper will be reprising KwanzaaBot and also recorded a rap that will play over the episode’s closing credits.
“All of us at ‘Futurama’ send our sincere condolences to Coolio’s family, friends, and fans. He was one of our favourite guests, always upbeat and enthusiastic,” Cohen said in a statement to EW.
Read More: Report: Coolio Received CPR For 45 Minutes Before He Was Pronounced Dead
“This news was especially shocking since he looked and...
Read More: Coolio Dead At 59
As fans of animated comedy will recall, Coolio has voiced the recurring character KwanzaaBot since 2001.
R.I.P. Kwanzaabot pic.twitter.com/tuBPFiMhfK
— Aeolus (Commissions Currently Closed) (@Warren_Aeolus) September 29, 2022
Series producer David X. Cohen confirmed that the “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper will be reprising KwanzaaBot and also recorded a rap that will play over the episode’s closing credits.
“All of us at ‘Futurama’ send our sincere condolences to Coolio’s family, friends, and fans. He was one of our favourite guests, always upbeat and enthusiastic,” Cohen said in a statement to EW.
Read More: Report: Coolio Received CPR For 45 Minutes Before He Was Pronounced Dead
“This news was especially shocking since he looked and...
- 9/30/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
We lost a rap legend earlier this week when it was announced that Coolio had passed away at the age of 59. While known predominantly for his contributions to music, Coolio was also a frequent guest star in film and television throughout the 1990s and 2000s, like appearing as a banker in "Batman & Robin" and his untouchable work for the theme of "Kenan and Kel." He most often appeared as himself, but enjoyed plenty of cameo appearances across a variety of genres. One of his most memorable was on the Fox animated series "Futurama," which saw Coolio as the voice of KwanzaaBot. The character first appeared in the 2001 episode "A Tale of Two Santas," but was brought back for subsequent episodes and the direct-to-dvd release, "Bender's Big Score."
KwanzaaBot is the holiday counterpart to the Santa Claus robot and the Hanukkah Zombie, traveling the world during Kwanzaa to pass out...
KwanzaaBot is the holiday counterpart to the Santa Claus robot and the Hanukkah Zombie, traveling the world during Kwanzaa to pass out...
- 9/30/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Coolio recorded lines for the “Futurama” revival at Hulu just weeks before his death at age 59.
“Futurama” executive producer David X. Cohen told TMZ that the rapper reprised his role as Kwanzaa-bot for the revival, even recording some new music as the character.
Fans of the series will recall that Kwanzaa-bot was the counterpart to Robot Santa and the Chanukah Zombie. Every year he flies around the world distributing a book called “What the Hell is Kwanza [sic]?”
He originally appeared in the Season 4 episode “A Tale of Two Santas” and again in the Season 7 episode “The Futurama Holiday Spectacular.” He also made a cameo in the “Futurama” film “Bender’s Big Score.”
“Coolio was one of my favorite guests,” Cohen said. “He was always totally upbeat and genuinely enjoyed coming in to record as his character Kwanzaa-bot.” Cohen also said that the episode in which Coolio appears will be dedicated to him.
“Futurama” executive producer David X. Cohen told TMZ that the rapper reprised his role as Kwanzaa-bot for the revival, even recording some new music as the character.
Fans of the series will recall that Kwanzaa-bot was the counterpart to Robot Santa and the Chanukah Zombie. Every year he flies around the world distributing a book called “What the Hell is Kwanza [sic]?”
He originally appeared in the Season 4 episode “A Tale of Two Santas” and again in the Season 7 episode “The Futurama Holiday Spectacular.” He also made a cameo in the “Futurama” film “Bender’s Big Score.”
“Coolio was one of my favorite guests,” Cohen said. “He was always totally upbeat and genuinely enjoyed coming in to record as his character Kwanzaa-bot.” Cohen also said that the episode in which Coolio appears will be dedicated to him.
- 9/30/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has finally released its controversial Marilyn Monroe drama Blonde – but some viewers have complained that the film is “unwatchable”.
Many viewers specified on social media that they had been unable to make it more than 20 minutes into Blonde before abandoning it.
The 18-rated movie, based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, stars Ana de Armas as Monroe. It has divided critics, with particular scrutiny being levelled at the film’s harrowing depiction of trauma and sexual assault.
In a one-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote: “Blonde is not a bad film because it is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, even though it is all of those things. It’s bad because it’s boring, pleased with itself and doesn’t have a clue what it’s trying to say.”
Other viewers have piled in on Twitter, condemning the film’s failings.
“While the...
Many viewers specified on social media that they had been unable to make it more than 20 minutes into Blonde before abandoning it.
The 18-rated movie, based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, stars Ana de Armas as Monroe. It has divided critics, with particular scrutiny being levelled at the film’s harrowing depiction of trauma and sexual assault.
In a one-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote: “Blonde is not a bad film because it is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, even though it is all of those things. It’s bad because it’s boring, pleased with itself and doesn’t have a clue what it’s trying to say.”
Other viewers have piled in on Twitter, condemning the film’s failings.
“While the...
- 9/30/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
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