Netflix’s live special of The Roast of Tom Brady was expected to hit off with a blast, and so it did. However, things didn’t exactly go as planned or as anticipated, as the audience realized a few minutes into the episode. This was because the millions of viewers who were airing it live were met with a whole new round of discomfort due to a joke Jeff Ross made.
The Roast of Tom Brady | Netflix
Why? Well, to put it simply, the joke that the 58-year-old comedian cum actor made was a bit inappropriate in itself due to previous controversies surrounding Brady because of it. But what made it even worse was the former NFL quarterback’s reaction to it. And ever since, netizens have been sharing the most hilarious reactions to this awkward live situation.
Tom Brady Couldn’t Handle Jeff Ross’ Live Massage Joke
The Roast of Tom Brady...
The Roast of Tom Brady | Netflix
Why? Well, to put it simply, the joke that the 58-year-old comedian cum actor made was a bit inappropriate in itself due to previous controversies surrounding Brady because of it. But what made it even worse was the former NFL quarterback’s reaction to it. And ever since, netizens have been sharing the most hilarious reactions to this awkward live situation.
Tom Brady Couldn’t Handle Jeff Ross’ Live Massage Joke
The Roast of Tom Brady...
- 5/6/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Maude Apatow and Olivia Rosenbloom have partnered to launch Jewelbox Pictures, a film and television production company with an eye towards bold and complex human stories, which already has three films in development.
As the duo tells Deadline, they came to launch a shingle together as best friends who have been working together since high school. “We have both always been drawn to flawed and complicated characters and using comedy as a tool to tell their stories,” Apatow and Rosenbloom stated. “We are so excited to launch Jewelbox and hope it can be a home for artists with distinct voices and perspectives to develop compelling original ideas.”
First up for development on Jewelbox’s slate is Poetic License, which will mark Apatow’s feature directorial debut. Written by Raffi Donatich, the film watches as two inseparable best friends, Sam and Ari, start to unravel as they compete for the affection of Liz,...
As the duo tells Deadline, they came to launch a shingle together as best friends who have been working together since high school. “We have both always been drawn to flawed and complicated characters and using comedy as a tool to tell their stories,” Apatow and Rosenbloom stated. “We are so excited to launch Jewelbox and hope it can be a home for artists with distinct voices and perspectives to develop compelling original ideas.”
First up for development on Jewelbox’s slate is Poetic License, which will mark Apatow’s feature directorial debut. Written by Raffi Donatich, the film watches as two inseparable best friends, Sam and Ari, start to unravel as they compete for the affection of Liz,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Elvis Presley put on a thrilling act that captivated audiences for years. His most ardent fans wouldn’t say a negative word about Elvis, even when the quality of his shows declined through the 1970s. This wasn’t the case when an audience hadn’t paid to see an Elvis show, though. Once, he took the stage during comedian Don Rickles’ act. His chosen method of entertaining the audience was uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Elvis bored Don Rickles and his audience at a show in Las Vegas
While Elvis’ audiences attended his shows to hear him sing, he often treated them to other forms of entertainment, such as karate demonstrations or readings from his favorite books. Once, Elvis did this to the audience at someone else’s show.
Elvis was watching Don Rickles perform his comedy act in Las Vegas. Rickles invited Elvis onstage, and the singer was only too happy to oblige.
Elvis bored Don Rickles and his audience at a show in Las Vegas
While Elvis’ audiences attended his shows to hear him sing, he often treated them to other forms of entertainment, such as karate demonstrations or readings from his favorite books. Once, Elvis did this to the audience at someone else’s show.
Elvis was watching Don Rickles perform his comedy act in Las Vegas. Rickles invited Elvis onstage, and the singer was only too happy to oblige.
- 3/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Renowned comedian Richard Lewis, famous for his stand-up performances and memorable role on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, died on Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home after he suffered a heart attack. He was 76 years old.
The news of Lewis’s death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April 2023. In a statement, Lewis’s wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expressed gratitude for the love, friendship and support people had extended, and asked for privacy at this difficult time.
Born as Richard Philip Lewis on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Lewis went on to graduate from Ohio State University. He emerged in the 1970s comedy scenes of New York and Los Angeles alongside future stars like Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer and Elayne Boosler. Lewis quickly gained popularity and made appearances on late-night shows such...
The news of Lewis’s death was confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April 2023. In a statement, Lewis’s wife, Joyce Lapinsky, expressed gratitude for the love, friendship and support people had extended, and asked for privacy at this difficult time.
Born as Richard Philip Lewis on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Lewis went on to graduate from Ohio State University. He emerged in the 1970s comedy scenes of New York and Los Angeles alongside future stars like Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer and Elayne Boosler. Lewis quickly gained popularity and made appearances on late-night shows such...
- 2/29/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Richard Lewis, the wild, eccentric, ultra-neurotic stand-up comedian and comic actor who most recently served as a semi-regular alongside Larry David on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” is dead. He was 76. Lewis suffered a fatal heart attack Tuesday night less than a year after announcing in April 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from performing stand-up comedy. Lewis’ death was confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham, who noted, “His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for the love, friendship and support and asks everyone for privacy at this time.”
He appeared this month on the 12th and final season of “Curb” after begging off of the show in its 11th season while recovering from a series of surgeries. But he wound up shooting a scene in an episode that year, anyway.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2024: In Memoriam Gallery
A beloved and respected comedian known to be the kind...
He appeared this month on the 12th and final season of “Curb” after begging off of the show in its 11th season while recovering from a series of surgeries. But he wound up shooting a scene in an episode that year, anyway.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2024: In Memoriam Gallery
A beloved and respected comedian known to be the kind...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Richard Lewis, the master of self-deprecating comedy who whined his way to stardom with stand-up TV specials, a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall and turns on Anything but Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm, has died. He was 76.
Lewis died peacefully Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack, his publicist told The Hollywood Reporter. The actor and comic revealed in April that he had been living with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from stand-up.
“For the last three-and-a-half years, I’ve had sort of a rocky time,” he said on social media when sharing his health woes publicly after wrapping Curb‘s 12th season, which would eventually be announced as the last for the Larry David HBO comedy. Lewis had stepped away in 2021, appearing on only one season 11 episode, and returned for the now-airing final season.
Lewis, who was dealing with illness while they filmed season 12, “was a champ,...
Lewis died peacefully Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack, his publicist told The Hollywood Reporter. The actor and comic revealed in April that he had been living with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from stand-up.
“For the last three-and-a-half years, I’ve had sort of a rocky time,” he said on social media when sharing his health woes publicly after wrapping Curb‘s 12th season, which would eventually be announced as the last for the Larry David HBO comedy. Lewis had stepped away in 2021, appearing on only one season 11 episode, and returned for the now-airing final season.
Lewis, who was dealing with illness while they filmed season 12, “was a champ,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Lewis, the stand-up comedian who also starred alongside Larry David in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” died Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home due to a heart attack, Variety has confirmed. He was 76.
Lewis announced last April he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from stand-up comedy. He most recently appeared in Season 12 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” currently airing on HBO.
In 2021, Lewis announced he would not appear in Season 11 of “Curb” in order to recover from three surgeries. He surprised viewers by returning to set for one Season 11 episode, telling Variety at the time, “When I walked in and they applauded, I felt like a million bucks. Larry doesn’t like to hug, and he hugged me and told me how happy he was after we shot our scene.”
Lewis, who played a semi-fictionalized version of himself throughout the 24 years of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” was known for his neurotic,...
Lewis announced last April he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was retiring from stand-up comedy. He most recently appeared in Season 12 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” currently airing on HBO.
In 2021, Lewis announced he would not appear in Season 11 of “Curb” in order to recover from three surgeries. He surprised viewers by returning to set for one Season 11 episode, telling Variety at the time, “When I walked in and they applauded, I felt like a million bucks. Larry doesn’t like to hug, and he hugged me and told me how happy he was after we shot our scene.”
Lewis, who played a semi-fictionalized version of himself throughout the 24 years of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” was known for his neurotic,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Lewis, one of America’s most beloved and revered stand-up comics who also played a fictionalized version of himself on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. He was 76.
His death was confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April 2023.
“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham said.
Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.
Related: Remembering Richard Lewis: A Career In Photos
Richard Lewis on ‘The Tonight Show’ in late-’70s
Born Richard Philip Lewis on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn and raised in Englewood, NJ, Lewis — after a childhood he would describe as difficult — graduated from Ohio State University before landing in the New York and Los Angeles comedy scenes of the 1970s.
His death was confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April 2023.
“His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time,” Abraham said.
Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.
Related: Remembering Richard Lewis: A Career In Photos
Richard Lewis on ‘The Tonight Show’ in late-’70s
Born Richard Philip Lewis on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn and raised in Englewood, NJ, Lewis — after a childhood he would describe as difficult — graduated from Ohio State University before landing in the New York and Los Angeles comedy scenes of the 1970s.
- 2/28/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ringo Starr has been a professional musician for years and has dedicated his life to creating and consuming rock music. In the early 1960s, when The Beatles rose to fame, they had the opportunity to see and meet many other bands. One night, they attended a concert in Miami for a band Starr loved. He was disgusted by the way other people were enjoying the music, though.
Ringo Starr was not happy to see people dancing to rock music
In 1964, The Beatles went to America. As they traveled around the country, they often crossed paths with the American band The Coasters.
“When we were in New York, The Coasters were on there, and then when we were in Florida, they were there, too,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “Everywhere we went, even when we were in California, The Coasters were advertised.”
The Beatles went to see The Coasters in Miami.
Ringo Starr was not happy to see people dancing to rock music
In 1964, The Beatles went to America. As they traveled around the country, they often crossed paths with the American band The Coasters.
“When we were in New York, The Coasters were on there, and then when we were in Florida, they were there, too,” George Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “Everywhere we went, even when we were in California, The Coasters were advertised.”
The Beatles went to see The Coasters in Miami.
- 2/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
During The Beatles’ 1964 trip to America, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr went to a comedy show. Don Rickles was doing standup in Miami and the band stopped in to see him. They weren’t familiar with his comedy but quickly discovered that he liked poking fun at his audience. Harrison said that if they had been in their own element, they could have hit back at Rickles.
George Harrison said The Beatles could have ripped Don Rickles to shreds
The Beatles were some of the most famous people in the world in 1964, so, naturally, Rickles poked fun at them during his show.
“He went on, ‘It’s great. They just lie up there on the ninth floor, between satin sheets and every time they hear the girls screaming they “Oooohh”‘ McCartney recalled in The Beatles Anthology. “Very funny, we thought. We were not amused, as I recall.
George Harrison said The Beatles could have ripped Don Rickles to shreds
The Beatles were some of the most famous people in the world in 1964, so, naturally, Rickles poked fun at them during his show.
“He went on, ‘It’s great. They just lie up there on the ninth floor, between satin sheets and every time they hear the girls screaming they “Oooohh”‘ McCartney recalled in The Beatles Anthology. “Very funny, we thought. We were not amused, as I recall.
- 2/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Late comedian Don Rickles is often branded as one of the best comedians, thanks to his quickest wits. He was also known for his sharp tongue among his peers. He was a true original, beloved by his audiences and by the comedy community. However, he became world-famous not by cracking jokes but by insulting his audience.
Don Rickles in Casino (1995)
For his comedic style, he was often regarded as the master insult comic. His sharp wit, sarcasm, and put-downs spared nobody, not even any celebrity. And, Pretty Woman actress Julia Roberts was one of them whom he insulted in a public place where hundreds of A-listers were also present.
Suggested“You are a lousy actor”: Don Rickles’ Grave Insult For Clint Eastwood Even Took Jim Carrey By Surprise Comedian Don Rickles Roasted Julia Roberts in a Hall Full of Celebrities
Don Rickles kept pouring insulting jokes on nightclub stages,...
Don Rickles in Casino (1995)
For his comedic style, he was often regarded as the master insult comic. His sharp wit, sarcasm, and put-downs spared nobody, not even any celebrity. And, Pretty Woman actress Julia Roberts was one of them whom he insulted in a public place where hundreds of A-listers were also present.
Suggested“You are a lousy actor”: Don Rickles’ Grave Insult For Clint Eastwood Even Took Jim Carrey By Surprise Comedian Don Rickles Roasted Julia Roberts in a Hall Full of Celebrities
Don Rickles kept pouring insulting jokes on nightclub stages,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Prantik Prabal Roy
- FandomWire
When The Beatles traveled to America in 1964, they stopped in at one of Don Rickles’ shows in Miami. The band had not yet heard of Rickles, but he immediately recognized them. As he spent a significant portion of his shows poking fun at his audience, he took the opportunity to joke about one of the biggest bands in the world. The Beatles were not prepared for this, and it shocked them.
The Beatles were taken aback by Don Rickles’ jokes
In 1964, The Beatles stayed at the Deauville Hotel in Miami. Though they had a tight schedule, they made time to stop in at one of Rickles’ shows despite not knowing him.
“Probably everyone has heard of Don Rickles now, but we hadn’t in those days, and he was playing in the Deauville Hotel where we stayed,” Ringo Starr said in The Beatles Anthology. “He was a vicious type of comedian.
The Beatles were taken aback by Don Rickles’ jokes
In 1964, The Beatles stayed at the Deauville Hotel in Miami. Though they had a tight schedule, they made time to stop in at one of Rickles’ shows despite not knowing him.
“Probably everyone has heard of Don Rickles now, but we hadn’t in those days, and he was playing in the Deauville Hotel where we stayed,” Ringo Starr said in The Beatles Anthology. “He was a vicious type of comedian.
- 2/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you didn't know Quentin Tarantino hosted "Saturday Night Live" in the 1990s, and had to guess when he took the Studio 8H stage, your best options would be early 1995 (when the zeitgeisty "Pulp Fiction" was speeding toward an Academy Awards showdown with "Forrest Gump"), early 1996 (to promote "From Dusk till Dawn") or late 1997/early 1998 (in support of "Jackie Brown"). None of these would be correct.
No, the brash indie filmmaking sensation guested on November 11, 1995, with nothing to promote but himself. This might seem peculiar now, but it made perfect sense at the time because, after the Oscars, Tarantino was hitting the talk show circuit harder than Don Rickles. Could you blame him? He'd skyrocketed from know-it-all video store clerk to generational filmmaking genius. The problem here was that Tarantino knew he was a genius before critics and fans started telling him so. As a result, he felt free to...
No, the brash indie filmmaking sensation guested on November 11, 1995, with nothing to promote but himself. This might seem peculiar now, but it made perfect sense at the time because, after the Oscars, Tarantino was hitting the talk show circuit harder than Don Rickles. Could you blame him? He'd skyrocketed from know-it-all video store clerk to generational filmmaking genius. The problem here was that Tarantino knew he was a genius before critics and fans started telling him so. As a result, he felt free to...
- 2/19/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Only Murders In The Building is returning for a fourth series, and it’s confirmed that Meryl Streep will reprise her role.
Spoilers for season 3 of Only Murders In The Building lie ahead.
One of the most delightful surprises of the last few years has been the runaway success of Hulu’s (Disney+ in the UK) Only Murders In The Building.
Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the show follows Charles Haden-Savage (Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), three neighbours in a New York City apartment called the Arconia, who form an unlikely bond as they come together to record a true crime podcast about the murders of their fellow residents, for which they are continually framed.
The warmth and wit of the writing combined with the chemistry between the three has ensured that the show is among the most streamed on the platform, and...
Spoilers for season 3 of Only Murders In The Building lie ahead.
One of the most delightful surprises of the last few years has been the runaway success of Hulu’s (Disney+ in the UK) Only Murders In The Building.
Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the show follows Charles Haden-Savage (Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), three neighbours in a New York City apartment called the Arconia, who form an unlikely bond as they come together to record a true crime podcast about the murders of their fellow residents, for which they are continually framed.
The warmth and wit of the writing combined with the chemistry between the three has ensured that the show is among the most streamed on the platform, and...
- 2/19/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Rita McKenzie, known for staging the longest-running one-woman show in theatrical history, died Feb. 17 in Los Angeles days before her 77th birthday. She succumbed to what her family described as a long-term illness.
A powerhouse stage voice and theatrical personality, McKenzie’s 1988 off-Broadway one-woman show, Ethel Merman’s Broadway, became the longest-running one- woman show in theatrical history.
McKenzie had a wide theatrical resume. She played Lita Encore in the Los Angeles premiere of Ruthless! The Musical and reprised the role in the recent New York revival of the show.
She also performed a wide range of stage roles throughout the U..S , including Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes!, appeared in the 50th Anniversary tour of Annie Get Your Gun, played Rose in Gypsy, and starred in a three-year U.S. tour of Neil Simon’s The Female Odd Couple, co-starring with Barbara Eden.
Additionally, she was the opening act...
A powerhouse stage voice and theatrical personality, McKenzie’s 1988 off-Broadway one-woman show, Ethel Merman’s Broadway, became the longest-running one- woman show in theatrical history.
McKenzie had a wide theatrical resume. She played Lita Encore in the Los Angeles premiere of Ruthless! The Musical and reprised the role in the recent New York revival of the show.
She also performed a wide range of stage roles throughout the U..S , including Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes!, appeared in the 50th Anniversary tour of Annie Get Your Gun, played Rose in Gypsy, and starred in a three-year U.S. tour of Neil Simon’s The Female Odd Couple, co-starring with Barbara Eden.
Additionally, she was the opening act...
- 2/18/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The conservative news streaming service is off to the races, showing off an impressive subscriber total for its first 30 days.
It’s hard to underestimate the importance of live news, even as cord-cutting continues to impact the TV-watching audience. One survey from September found that all age groups used their broadcast TV channels to watch news more than any other type of programming.
The conservative news streaming service Newsmax+ launched at the beginning of November. At the end of that month, the service had already accrued 150,000 subscribers. The figure is impressive for a streamer with a niche audience and a narrow selection of content. How is Newsmax+ Doing?
When Newsmax+ first launched earlier this month, it was undoubtedly a gamble for Newsmax. After all, the channel’s content had been streaming on a free ad-supported TV (Fast) channel on platforms like Roku and YouTube, so it was no guarantee that...
It’s hard to underestimate the importance of live news, even as cord-cutting continues to impact the TV-watching audience. One survey from September found that all age groups used their broadcast TV channels to watch news more than any other type of programming.
The conservative news streaming service Newsmax+ launched at the beginning of November. At the end of that month, the service had already accrued 150,000 subscribers. The figure is impressive for a streamer with a niche audience and a narrow selection of content. How is Newsmax+ Doing?
When Newsmax+ first launched earlier this month, it was undoubtedly a gamble for Newsmax. After all, the channel’s content had been streaming on a free ad-supported TV (Fast) channel on platforms like Roku and YouTube, so it was no guarantee that...
- 11/30/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
The hard-right news channel now has its own subscription streaming platform, with prices starting at $4.99 per month.
The removal of Newsmax from Directv earlier this year drew sharp protests from ultra-conservative viewers of the channel, who were quick to cry censorship at its withdrawal. Directv insisted there was no political motivation behind the removal, and eventually a new carriage deal brought the channel back to airwaves for Directv customers.
Carriage disputes are only becoming more common as cable and satellite lose customers, however. To help allay audience anxiety that the channel may be pulled from other providers in the future, Newsmax has launched its own direct-to-consumer (Dtc) service, imaginatively named Newsmax+, which is available now.
What Is Newsmax+?
How Much is a Subscription to Newsmax+?
Does Newsmax+ Come with a Free Trial?
What Other Content is Available on Newsmax+?
Is Newsmax Still Free to Stream?
What Devices Can You Use...
The removal of Newsmax from Directv earlier this year drew sharp protests from ultra-conservative viewers of the channel, who were quick to cry censorship at its withdrawal. Directv insisted there was no political motivation behind the removal, and eventually a new carriage deal brought the channel back to airwaves for Directv customers.
Carriage disputes are only becoming more common as cable and satellite lose customers, however. To help allay audience anxiety that the channel may be pulled from other providers in the future, Newsmax has launched its own direct-to-consumer (Dtc) service, imaginatively named Newsmax+, which is available now.
What Is Newsmax+?
How Much is a Subscription to Newsmax+?
Does Newsmax+ Come with a Free Trial?
What Other Content is Available on Newsmax+?
Is Newsmax Still Free to Stream?
What Devices Can You Use...
- 11/1/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
As a Jew, you are taught early on that you are different and people will hate you for it and maybe kill you. They’ve done it since the beginning of Jews. We watched Holocaust documentaries at Hebrew school to make sure we understood. It didn’t seem like something I really had to worry about here as an American Jew.
I’ve been working professionally as a comic since 1988. When I was a kid, most of my favorite comics were Jews. Old Jews. Don Rickles, Buddy Hackett, Rodney Dangerfield, Woody Allen, Richard Lewis, Lenny Bruce. Comedy was basically Jewish in my mind for years. When I started doing comedy, I didn’t embrace my Jewishness. I didn’t want to honor the stereotype.
I just believed that being a Jewish comic had to be more than a schtick or neurosis or a way of talking and acting. I didn...
I’ve been working professionally as a comic since 1988. When I was a kid, most of my favorite comics were Jews. Old Jews. Don Rickles, Buddy Hackett, Rodney Dangerfield, Woody Allen, Richard Lewis, Lenny Bruce. Comedy was basically Jewish in my mind for years. When I started doing comedy, I didn’t embrace my Jewishness. I didn’t want to honor the stereotype.
I just believed that being a Jewish comic had to be more than a schtick or neurosis or a way of talking and acting. I didn...
- 10/18/2023
- by Marc Maron
- Variety Film + TV
Bianca Del Rio has nothing but fond and funny memories of meeting one of her idols, Joan Rivers, shortly before the legendary comedian’s death.
Rivers died nine years ago this week after being placed in a medically induced coma following complications from throat surgery.
TheWrap recently caught up with Del Rio and asked her about taping an episode of “In Bed With Joan” in 2014. The drag queen, who counts Rivers as one of her comedic inspirations, was the icon’s second-to-last guest on the YouTube series.
Del Rio had been crowned the winner of the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” a few months prior, and in hindsight, the comic queen’s own quick wit and criticisms, which she styled after insult comics like Rivers and Don Rickles, helped her dominate the entire season.
“A friend of mine by the name of Tony Tripoli, who’s a comedian and...
Rivers died nine years ago this week after being placed in a medically induced coma following complications from throat surgery.
TheWrap recently caught up with Del Rio and asked her about taping an episode of “In Bed With Joan” in 2014. The drag queen, who counts Rivers as one of her comedic inspirations, was the icon’s second-to-last guest on the YouTube series.
Del Rio had been crowned the winner of the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” a few months prior, and in hindsight, the comic queen’s own quick wit and criticisms, which she styled after insult comics like Rivers and Don Rickles, helped her dominate the entire season.
“A friend of mine by the name of Tony Tripoli, who’s a comedian and...
- 9/6/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
One thing you can always count on from horror anthology shows is that eventually, they'll get to an episode about ventriloquist dolls. Don Rickles starred in an episode of "Tales from the Crypt" about a ventriloquist and his dummy and the granddaddy of them all, "The Twilight Zone," had multiple episodes centered around a ventriloquist and his little wooden pal.
And why wouldn't they? Ventriloquist dummies exist on that same uncanny valley plane as overly realistic porcelain dolls that everybody's grandmother collected for some reason. They're just creepy.
For episode 98, titled "The Dummy," the storytellers wanted to convey a tale about a down-and-out ventriloquist convinced his puppet is alive and being uncooperative. Of course, to the outside world it looks like the dude is having a mental break, but in true "Twilight Zone" fashion the big twist is that the main character's doll is indeed alive. The shocking reveal goes one step further because,...
And why wouldn't they? Ventriloquist dummies exist on that same uncanny valley plane as overly realistic porcelain dolls that everybody's grandmother collected for some reason. They're just creepy.
For episode 98, titled "The Dummy," the storytellers wanted to convey a tale about a down-and-out ventriloquist convinced his puppet is alive and being uncooperative. Of course, to the outside world it looks like the dude is having a mental break, but in true "Twilight Zone" fashion the big twist is that the main character's doll is indeed alive. The shocking reveal goes one step further because,...
- 7/30/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Ginnie Newhart, the wife of famed comedian Bob Newhart who came up with the innovative idea for how to conclude his Vermont-based sitcom by combining with it with his earlier Chicago-based show, has died. She was 82.
She died Sunday at their home in Century City after a long illness, publicist Jerry Digney told The Hollywood Reporter. She and Bob recently celebrated their 60-year wedding anniversary.
Bob Newhart starred for six seasons (1972-78) as clinical psychologist Bob Hartley on CBS’ The Bob Newhart Show opposite Suzanne Pleshette as his wife, then played Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on CBS’ Newhart for another eight seasons (1982-90), when his wife was played by Mary Frann.
In one of the most admired series finales in TV history, Newhart winds up with a cheeky scene in which Dick wakes up in the middle of the night as Bob Hartley — he’s in bed with Pleshette in...
She died Sunday at their home in Century City after a long illness, publicist Jerry Digney told The Hollywood Reporter. She and Bob recently celebrated their 60-year wedding anniversary.
Bob Newhart starred for six seasons (1972-78) as clinical psychologist Bob Hartley on CBS’ The Bob Newhart Show opposite Suzanne Pleshette as his wife, then played Vermont innkeeper Dick Loudon on CBS’ Newhart for another eight seasons (1982-90), when his wife was played by Mary Frann.
In one of the most admired series finales in TV history, Newhart winds up with a cheeky scene in which Dick wakes up in the middle of the night as Bob Hartley — he’s in bed with Pleshette in...
- 4/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don Rickles isn't afraid of insulting anyone, and a young Quentin Tarantino was no exception. Some of the biggest legends in Hollywood converged when the "Pulp Fiction" director met Martin Scorsese for the first time on the set of his 1995 film "Casino," in which Rickles played a supporting role. Rickles was a mutual friend of Scorsese and Tarantino, but he went out of his way to make Tarantino blush that day. Believe it or not, the famous insult comic didn't humiliate the young filmmaker with an insult — he did him in with a compliment.
"I was acting in a movie in Vegas and it turned out that during that time Scorsese was doing 'Casino' in Vegas," Tarantino revealed on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave Podcast. This was presumably the crime film "Destiny Turns on the Radio," which was released the same year as "Casino." "I'd never really met Martin Scorsese before,...
"I was acting in a movie in Vegas and it turned out that during that time Scorsese was doing 'Casino' in Vegas," Tarantino revealed on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave Podcast. This was presumably the crime film "Destiny Turns on the Radio," which was released the same year as "Casino." "I'd never really met Martin Scorsese before,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
Paramount Global is consolidating the casting operation at its two TV studios.
Deborah Aquila, the head of casting at Paramount Television Studios, will add CBS Studios to her purview as well. The change comes as Meg Liberman, who has overseen casting at CBS Studios for the past 14 years, announced her retirement on Wednesday.
“I have really loved the last 14 years I’ve spent at CBS Studios for two important reasons: the people and the projects,” Liberman wrote in a note to CBS Studios staff (read it in full, below). “I have learned so much and it has been a privilege to work with such a truly talented and creative group of individuals, many of whom I consider friends for life.”
Liberman has worked in casting for more than 40 years. Prior to joining CBS Studios, she worked as a casting director on films and TV series ranging from Seinfeld to Band of Brothers.
Deborah Aquila, the head of casting at Paramount Television Studios, will add CBS Studios to her purview as well. The change comes as Meg Liberman, who has overseen casting at CBS Studios for the past 14 years, announced her retirement on Wednesday.
“I have really loved the last 14 years I’ve spent at CBS Studios for two important reasons: the people and the projects,” Liberman wrote in a note to CBS Studios staff (read it in full, below). “I have learned so much and it has been a privilege to work with such a truly talented and creative group of individuals, many of whom I consider friends for life.”
Liberman has worked in casting for more than 40 years. Prior to joining CBS Studios, she worked as a casting director on films and TV series ranging from Seinfeld to Band of Brothers.
- 1/11/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of the top TV casting executives in the business, Meg Liberman, currently EVP and head of casting at CBS Studios, has announced her retirement after 47 years in casting, the last 14 at the studio. The studio’s new casting department structure is expected to be announced shortly.
“As I look back on my 40-plus-year career in casting, I’ve decided that I’m ready to embark on my next adventure and will be retiring,” Liberman said in her farewell note to staff. (You can read it in full below.)
Liberman, an Emmy-winning casting director, joined then-CBS Television Studios in August 2008 as SVP, Casting, and was promoted to EVP in September 2017. During her time at the studio, she has overseen casting of more than 350 projects – series and pilots across broadcast, streaming and cable, including The Good Wife and The Good Fight, the NCIS and Star Trek franchises, Dead To Me,...
“As I look back on my 40-plus-year career in casting, I’ve decided that I’m ready to embark on my next adventure and will be retiring,” Liberman said in her farewell note to staff. (You can read it in full below.)
Liberman, an Emmy-winning casting director, joined then-CBS Television Studios in August 2008 as SVP, Casting, and was promoted to EVP in September 2017. During her time at the studio, she has overseen casting of more than 350 projects – series and pilots across broadcast, streaming and cable, including The Good Wife and The Good Fight, the NCIS and Star Trek franchises, Dead To Me,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: CBS Studios has tapped Deborah Aquila to lead casting for both CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios. The news comes after Meg Liberman announced her retirement as the head of casting for CBS Studios earlier on Wednesday.
In the new role, Aquila will report directly to Ptvs president Nicole Clemens and CBS Studios president David Stapf. Both studios casting teams will report to Aquila. She will assume oversight of the combined department this spring following a transitional period with Liberman.
Aquila has overseen casting at Paramount TV Studios since early 2020, where she led talent efforts on series such as “The Offer,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” as well as the upcoming “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” and “Fatal Attraction.”
Her resume includes the Academy Award-winning films “Coda” and “La La Land,” as well as “Sex, Lives and Videotape” and “The Shawshank Redemption.” On the TV side, she’s worked...
In the new role, Aquila will report directly to Ptvs president Nicole Clemens and CBS Studios president David Stapf. Both studios casting teams will report to Aquila. She will assume oversight of the combined department this spring following a transitional period with Liberman.
Aquila has overseen casting at Paramount TV Studios since early 2020, where she led talent efforts on series such as “The Offer,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” as well as the upcoming “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” and “Fatal Attraction.”
Her resume includes the Academy Award-winning films “Coda” and “La La Land,” as well as “Sex, Lives and Videotape” and “The Shawshank Redemption.” On the TV side, she’s worked...
- 1/11/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Emmy-winning casting executive Meg Liberman, EVP of casting at CBS Studios, is retiring after a 40-plus-year career, she and CBS Studios announced on Wednesday.
Later Wednesday, it was additionally announced that Deborah Aquila, who currently heads casting for Paramount TV Studios, will step up as head of casting for both Ptvs and CBS Studios. Aquila will resume joint responsibilities for casting across studios this spring.
In her 14 years at the studio, Liberman oversaw casting of more than 350 projects, including the “NCIS” and “Star Trek” franchises, “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” “Dead to Me,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “Jane the Virgin.”
Prior to joining CBS Studios, she cast such illustrious series as “Seinfeld,” “The Comeback,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Band of Brothers,” “Fame,” “From the Earth to the Moon,” “That ‘70s Show,” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.”
Also Read:
20 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2023, According to Fans | Chart
Liberman began casting with her mother,...
Later Wednesday, it was additionally announced that Deborah Aquila, who currently heads casting for Paramount TV Studios, will step up as head of casting for both Ptvs and CBS Studios. Aquila will resume joint responsibilities for casting across studios this spring.
In her 14 years at the studio, Liberman oversaw casting of more than 350 projects, including the “NCIS” and “Star Trek” franchises, “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” “Dead to Me,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “Jane the Virgin.”
Prior to joining CBS Studios, she cast such illustrious series as “Seinfeld,” “The Comeback,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Band of Brothers,” “Fame,” “From the Earth to the Moon,” “That ‘70s Show,” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.”
Also Read:
20 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2023, According to Fans | Chart
Liberman began casting with her mother,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
With 2010's "Toy Story 3," Pixar and director Lee Unkrich were faced with punishingly high expectations. Besides the first two entries in the series being certified modern animated classics, there was also the question of purpose. For Pixar, a production company known at the time for its refusal to do sequels unless there was a story to justify one, to do a sequel over a decade after the previous entry, something good must have been in store.
The original "Toy Story," which was released in 1995, changed animation forever. Its 1999 sequel -- a moving allegory for the stages of life -- managed somehow to be even better. A follow-up couldn't simply take viewers back to the world of toy cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) and toy astronaut Buzz (Tim Allen). Nor could it take the eventual route of "The Incredibles 2," which ignored the gap in time between movies. The series was always surprisingly deep,...
The original "Toy Story," which was released in 1995, changed animation forever. Its 1999 sequel -- a moving allegory for the stages of life -- managed somehow to be even better. A follow-up couldn't simply take viewers back to the world of toy cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks) and toy astronaut Buzz (Tim Allen). Nor could it take the eventual route of "The Incredibles 2," which ignored the gap in time between movies. The series was always surprisingly deep,...
- 12/19/2022
- by Anthony Crislip
- Slash Film
Los Angeles, CA. September 24, 2018: Jerry Seinfeld at the Los Angeles premiere for “A Star Is Born” at the Shrine Auditorium. Picture: Paul Smith/Featureflash. Depostiphotos
Jerome “Jerry” Seinfeld is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and television and film producer, known for playing a semi-fictional version of himself in the situation comedy Seinfeld (1989–1998), which he co-created and co-wrote with Larry David, and, in the show’s final two seasons, co-executive-produced. In his first major foray back into the media since the finale of Seinfeld, he co-wrote and co-produced the film Bee Movie, also taking on the lead role of Barry B. Benson. In February 2010, Seinfeld premiered a reality TV series called The Marriage Ref on NBC. Seinfeld was more recently directing Colin Quinn in the Broadway show Long Story Short at the Helen Hayes Theater in New York which ran until January 8, 2011.
Description above from the Wikipedia article Jerry Seinfeld,...
Jerome “Jerry” Seinfeld is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and television and film producer, known for playing a semi-fictional version of himself in the situation comedy Seinfeld (1989–1998), which he co-created and co-wrote with Larry David, and, in the show’s final two seasons, co-executive-produced. In his first major foray back into the media since the finale of Seinfeld, he co-wrote and co-produced the film Bee Movie, also taking on the lead role of Barry B. Benson. In February 2010, Seinfeld premiered a reality TV series called The Marriage Ref on NBC. Seinfeld was more recently directing Colin Quinn in the Broadway show Long Story Short at the Helen Hayes Theater in New York which ran until January 8, 2011.
Description above from the Wikipedia article Jerry Seinfeld,...
- 12/5/2022
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Click here to read the full article.
As hard as this might be to believe, Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee turns 10 this year. The road-trip talk show — in which Seinfeld and his comedian pals hop in vintage cars and talk shop on their way to grab a cup of java — premiered July 19, 2012, on Crackle, then moved on to greener streaming pastures at Netflix in 2018.
Over its 11 seasons, Seinfeld has hosted just about every influential comic in the business — his Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, David Letterman, the late Don Rickles, Chris Rock, Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Steve Martin and Tracy Morgan, among them. Along the way, he’s hosted a few comedy-adjacent folks, too: Then-President Barack Obama joined him in a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray in season seven, then had coffee with Seinfeld in the White House staff dining room.
To commemorate its tin anniversary, Seinfeld has compiled some...
As hard as this might be to believe, Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee turns 10 this year. The road-trip talk show — in which Seinfeld and his comedian pals hop in vintage cars and talk shop on their way to grab a cup of java — premiered July 19, 2012, on Crackle, then moved on to greener streaming pastures at Netflix in 2018.
Over its 11 seasons, Seinfeld has hosted just about every influential comic in the business — his Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, David Letterman, the late Don Rickles, Chris Rock, Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Steve Martin and Tracy Morgan, among them. Along the way, he’s hosted a few comedy-adjacent folks, too: Then-President Barack Obama joined him in a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray in season seven, then had coffee with Seinfeld in the White House staff dining room.
To commemorate its tin anniversary, Seinfeld has compiled some...
- 11/16/2022
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before a relatively unknown Al Pacino was cast as Michael Corleone, the shy young man who will eventually take the reins of his embattled mob family in The Godfather, there were other names bandied about for that crucial role. Warren Beatty. Dustin Hoffman. Jack Nicholson. Robert Redford. Martin Sheen. And one other person: James Caan, although he hadn’t put himself forward for the gig. “One night,” Caan later recalled, “I got a call from Francis…and I could tell in his voice that this was not his idea: ‘Jimmy,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Tim Grierson
- Rollingstone.com
Click here to read the full article.
James Caan, the self-assured star who played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather and a rough-and-tumble athlete in Rollerball but had the self-assurance to showcase a sensitive side during his long career, has died. He was 82.
Caan died Wednesday night in Los Angeles, his rep Arnold Robinson told The Hollywood Reporter, confirming a post on the actor’s Twitter account. Neither he nor the family would reveal a cause of death.
Caan will best be remembered for his explosive performance as Sonny in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972). Mesmerizing as the volatile and confrontational eldest son and heir apparent to his family’s criminal empire, he earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
Caan almost didn’t get to play the part that would become his signature role. Paramount originally cast him as younger brother Michael and Carmine Caridi as Sonny. But Coppola,...
James Caan, the self-assured star who played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather and a rough-and-tumble athlete in Rollerball but had the self-assurance to showcase a sensitive side during his long career, has died. He was 82.
Caan died Wednesday night in Los Angeles, his rep Arnold Robinson told The Hollywood Reporter, confirming a post on the actor’s Twitter account. Neither he nor the family would reveal a cause of death.
Caan will best be remembered for his explosive performance as Sonny in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972). Mesmerizing as the volatile and confrontational eldest son and heir apparent to his family’s criminal empire, he earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
Caan almost didn’t get to play the part that would become his signature role. Paramount originally cast him as younger brother Michael and Carmine Caridi as Sonny. But Coppola,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amber Heard said Monday she put on a brave face and attended a series of red carpet events, despite having a swollen face and other injuries after fights with Johnny Depp.
Heard ended her direct testimony and faced cross-examination Monday afternoon from Depp’s attorney Camille Vasquez. The jury was shown a picture of the “Aquaman” actress with a bruise on her arm from March 2013. Vasquez quoted Heard’s earlier testimony in the Fairfax, Virginia courtroom and asked her if she had sought medical treatment. “Despite hitting you several times that you lost count with rings on his fingers?” the attorney asked. Heard said she did not seek medical treatment.
Pictures of Heard at “The Lone Ranger” premiere in Russia were shown to jurors. Heard alleged that Depp “whacked” her in the face and made her nose bleed but there were no visible signs of abuse in photos. The court...
Heard ended her direct testimony and faced cross-examination Monday afternoon from Depp’s attorney Camille Vasquez. The jury was shown a picture of the “Aquaman” actress with a bruise on her arm from March 2013. Vasquez quoted Heard’s earlier testimony in the Fairfax, Virginia courtroom and asked her if she had sought medical treatment. “Despite hitting you several times that you lost count with rings on his fingers?” the attorney asked. Heard said she did not seek medical treatment.
Pictures of Heard at “The Lone Ranger” premiere in Russia were shown to jurors. Heard alleged that Depp “whacked” her in the face and made her nose bleed but there were no visible signs of abuse in photos. The court...
- 5/16/2022
- by Jenyne Donaldson
- The Wrap
Lucille Ball is very much back in the public eye due to the success of the acclaimed film "Being the Ricardos". Here's a blast from the past, provided by Shout! Factory- the complete Dean Martin Roasts program "honoring" Lucille Ball. The lineup of greats is almost surrealistic: Jack Benny, Dan Rowan, Don Rickles, Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers, Dick Martin, Totie Fields, Milton Berle, Henry Fonda, Nipsey Russell, Vivian Vance, Rich Little, Foster Brooks, Phyllis Diller, Gale Gordon, and, of course, Dino. This time capsule from 1975 is the epitome of what would now be called politically incorrect humor, but it thankfully preserves a period of time in which people could not only take a joke about themselves, but were honored to be the recipient of those pointed barbs. - Lee Pfeiffer...
- 4/4/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Estelle Harris, who memorably played George’s mother Estelle Costanza on “Seinfeld” and was the indelible voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” franchise, died on April 2 of natural causes at 93 years old, her representative Michael Eisenstadt confirmed to Variety.
Harris was best known for her distinctive voice and comedic timing, forever cemented by her role as the mother of George (Jason Alexander) in “Seinfeld,” where she appeared on 27 episodes. Her foil was Jerry Stiller, who played Frank Costanza, and the three characters engaged in countless scenes of lovable bickering.
She also had a robust voice career, anchored by her work as Mrs. Potato Head in the second, third and fourth chapters of the “Toy Story” series. Channelling the verve of her “Seinfeld” role, she had a loving and nagging relationship with Mr. Potato Head, perfectly voiced by Don Rickles. From there, she popped up in many animated projects large and small,...
Harris was best known for her distinctive voice and comedic timing, forever cemented by her role as the mother of George (Jason Alexander) in “Seinfeld,” where she appeared on 27 episodes. Her foil was Jerry Stiller, who played Frank Costanza, and the three characters engaged in countless scenes of lovable bickering.
She also had a robust voice career, anchored by her work as Mrs. Potato Head in the second, third and fourth chapters of the “Toy Story” series. Channelling the verve of her “Seinfeld” role, she had a loving and nagging relationship with Mr. Potato Head, perfectly voiced by Don Rickles. From there, she popped up in many animated projects large and small,...
- 4/3/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
The Godfather, which opened 50 years ago on March 24, 1972, is the premiere gangster film of all time, elevating the genre to high art and taking all of filmmaking with it. Francis Ford Coppola adapted Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel to tell the story of an immigrant family crashing the dance of the American dream. The singer is Johnny Fontane, paying homage to his benefactor, Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). The character may also be something less than a tribute to The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra.
“Frank, I make fun of you, but what could you do to me,” Don Rickles asked Sinatra from the stage at his 80th Birthday Celebration in 1995. Audiences and investigative agencies have been asking the same question for years! Jokes and gossip about Ol Blue Eyes’ ties to organized crime are legendary. But is Frank Sinatra an actual Og?
The Godfather never uses the word...
“Frank, I make fun of you, but what could you do to me,” Don Rickles asked Sinatra from the stage at his 80th Birthday Celebration in 1995. Audiences and investigative agencies have been asking the same question for years! Jokes and gossip about Ol Blue Eyes’ ties to organized crime are legendary. But is Frank Sinatra an actual Og?
The Godfather never uses the word...
- 3/26/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Jimmy Kimmel was overcome with emotion on Monday night as he added to the many tributes pouring in for late comedian Bob Saget.
“If you read anything about Bob online last night… a word that came up a lot was ‘the sweetest,’ and Bob was the sweetest. He was the sweetest man,” Kimmel began in the video above, voice breaking as he addressed Jimmy Kimmel Live‘s home audience before his studio audience arrived for Monday’s taping. “I have so many wonderfully kind and supportive texts and emails and calls from Bob. He always had a compliment. He would...
“If you read anything about Bob online last night… a word that came up a lot was ‘the sweetest,’ and Bob was the sweetest. He was the sweetest man,” Kimmel began in the video above, voice breaking as he addressed Jimmy Kimmel Live‘s home audience before his studio audience arrived for Monday’s taping. “I have so many wonderfully kind and supportive texts and emails and calls from Bob. He always had a compliment. He would...
- 1/11/2022
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Jimmy Kimmel offered a tribute to the late Bob Saget in his opening monologue on Monday’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” eulogizing the late actor and comedian by sharing memories of his friendship, performances and philanthropic work.
“Bob was the sweetest. He was the sweetest man,” Kimmel said. “I have so many wonderfully kind and supportive texts and emails and calls from Bob. He always had a compliment. He’d write sometimes just to tell me he loved me and I know he did that for many people… He had something funny to say about everything and nothing bad to say about anyone. Never.”
Kimmel also took time to recount Saget’s efforts to fundraise for the fight against scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. After Saget’s sister, Gay, was diagnosed with the disease, he joined the board of directors for the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Kimmel directed viewers to...
“Bob was the sweetest. He was the sweetest man,” Kimmel said. “I have so many wonderfully kind and supportive texts and emails and calls from Bob. He always had a compliment. He’d write sometimes just to tell me he loved me and I know he did that for many people… He had something funny to say about everything and nothing bad to say about anyone. Never.”
Kimmel also took time to recount Saget’s efforts to fundraise for the fight against scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. After Saget’s sister, Gay, was diagnosed with the disease, he joined the board of directors for the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Kimmel directed viewers to...
- 1/11/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Norm Macdonald, the deadpan comedian, actor, writer and “Saturday Night Live” star, has died after a battle with cancer, Variety has confirmed. He was 61.
Macdonald privately battled the disease for almost a decade. “Norm was an original! He defined American humor with honesty and blunt force,” Jeff Danis, president of Dpn Talent and one of Macdonald’s reps, told Variety in a statement.
Dozens of comedians, including Seth Rogen, Jon Stewart, Ron Funches and Jim Gaffigan, paid tribute to Macdonald, “one of the greatest comedians to have ever lived,” on social media.
The comedian got his start in showbiz as a writer on “Roseanne” in 1992 after making rounds at comedy clubs in Canada. He joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 1993, and the next year, began his memorable stint as “Weekend Update” anchor until early 1998, when he was replaced by Colin Quinn. Macdonald was known for his dry humor,...
Macdonald privately battled the disease for almost a decade. “Norm was an original! He defined American humor with honesty and blunt force,” Jeff Danis, president of Dpn Talent and one of Macdonald’s reps, told Variety in a statement.
Dozens of comedians, including Seth Rogen, Jon Stewart, Ron Funches and Jim Gaffigan, paid tribute to Macdonald, “one of the greatest comedians to have ever lived,” on social media.
The comedian got his start in showbiz as a writer on “Roseanne” in 1992 after making rounds at comedy clubs in Canada. He joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 1993, and the next year, began his memorable stint as “Weekend Update” anchor until early 1998, when he was replaced by Colin Quinn. Macdonald was known for his dry humor,...
- 9/14/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to this week’s debut of All Elite Wrestling: Rampage, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and on this special debut Rampage, which sees Christian Cage challenge Kenny Omega for the Impact World Title, we have a sponsor: Narrator: From Moorvel Studios and Walnit Dizknee Pictures comes the hit of the summer…Spider-Jew! When young Petah Pecker gets bitten by a radioactive Jerry Lewis, he becomes endowed with the power of old Jewish comedy. Petah: Meshuggana! I have super-powers! Aunt Vay: Oy! I’ll make potato pancakes! Narrator: When Doctor Herman Oswald is bitten by a radioactive Don Rickles, he becomes the diabolical super-villain, The Green Hebrew. The Green Hebrew: Yuck! I look sick! I must be a criminal now! Narrator: Now…one man must save the city from evil…Spider-Jew! Murray John: Oh Spider-Jew! Won’t you kiss me? Spider-Jew: No. I only f–k men…...
- 8/16/2021
- by Nathan Favel
- Nerdly
Welcome to Emmy Experts Typing, a weekly column in which Gold Derby editors and Experts Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen discuss the Emmy race — via Slack, of course. This week, we take a serious look at “Saturday Night Live’s” 11 acting nominations.
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! Live from New York, it’s Friday afternoon and time for us to type. We’ve spent a lot of time Slacking each other about the various Emmy categories, but I wanted to focus this week on one of the most recognized shows: “Saturday Night Live.” The long-running sketch comedy series grabbed 21 nominations, including a ridiculous 11 for its performers and hosts. As a result, it’s all but guaranteed to win in the Guest Actor in a Comedy category, where four of the five nominees stood on the Studio 8H stage this past season, as well as Guest Actress in a Comedy, where Maya Rudolph...
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! Live from New York, it’s Friday afternoon and time for us to type. We’ve spent a lot of time Slacking each other about the various Emmy categories, but I wanted to focus this week on one of the most recognized shows: “Saturday Night Live.” The long-running sketch comedy series grabbed 21 nominations, including a ridiculous 11 for its performers and hosts. As a result, it’s all but guaranteed to win in the Guest Actor in a Comedy category, where four of the five nominees stood on the Studio 8H stage this past season, as well as Guest Actress in a Comedy, where Maya Rudolph...
- 8/9/2021
- by Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Jackie Mason, the veteran stand-up comedian known for bringing his Jewish sensibilities and Yiddish culture and delivery straight from the Borscht Belt and into his irreverent sets, has died. He was 93.
Mason, whose death was reported by The New York Times as told by his lawyer Raoul Felder, died at a hospital in Manhattan on Saturday. No cause of death was given.
Mason was a Tony and Emmy winner famous for his one-man shows on Broadway and for bringing in a whole new generation of fans with his well-recognized voice of Rabbi Hyman Krustofski, or Krusty the Clown's dad, on "The Simpsons."
Once a rabbi from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and born to a family of strict Orthodox Jews from a long line of rabbis, Mason got his start doing standup in the Catskills in the 1940 and '50s but managed to keep his career thriving long after the resorts closed their doors,...
Mason, whose death was reported by The New York Times as told by his lawyer Raoul Felder, died at a hospital in Manhattan on Saturday. No cause of death was given.
Mason was a Tony and Emmy winner famous for his one-man shows on Broadway and for bringing in a whole new generation of fans with his well-recognized voice of Rabbi Hyman Krustofski, or Krusty the Clown's dad, on "The Simpsons."
Once a rabbi from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and born to a family of strict Orthodox Jews from a long line of rabbis, Mason got his start doing standup in the Catskills in the 1940 and '50s but managed to keep his career thriving long after the resorts closed their doors,...
- 7/25/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Jackie Mason, the sometimes-controversial standup comedian who unapologetically embraced Jewish themes and political incorrectness, achieving a national profile through a series of successful one-man shows on Broadway without substantial work in film or television, died Saturday in Manhattan. He was 93.
The New York Times said his death was confirmed by his friend Raoul Felder.
Mason was one of the last of the Borscht Belt comedians, and he married that sensibility to strong views on racial and ethnic politics.
He also recurred on “The Simpsons” as the voice of Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, the father of Krusty the Clown, winning his second Emmy for his efforts in 1992 and most recently voicing the character in a 2014 episode. He also appeared as himself in a 2007 episode of “30 Rock.”
In the 2004 TV special “Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time,” he was ranked No. 63.
The comic received a 1987 special Tony Award for his...
The New York Times said his death was confirmed by his friend Raoul Felder.
Mason was one of the last of the Borscht Belt comedians, and he married that sensibility to strong views on racial and ethnic politics.
He also recurred on “The Simpsons” as the voice of Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky, the father of Krusty the Clown, winning his second Emmy for his efforts in 1992 and most recently voicing the character in a 2014 episode. He also appeared as himself in a 2007 episode of “30 Rock.”
In the 2004 TV special “Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time,” he was ranked No. 63.
The comic received a 1987 special Tony Award for his...
- 7/25/2021
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Screenwriter Ed Solomon joins hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss a few of his favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s Bill & Ted character power rankings
Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991)
Bill And Ted Face The Music (2020)
Men In Black (1997)
The French Connection (1971) – Dennis Lehane’s trailer commentary, Mark Pellington’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
No Sudden Move (2021)
A Night At The Opera (1935) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Mosaic (2018)
Take The Money And Run (1969)
Bananas (1971) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Sleeper (1973)
Love And Death (1975)
Annie Hall (1977) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Manhattan (1979)
And Now For Something Completely Different… (1971) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Blazing Saddles (1974) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Blazing Saddles Thanksgiving
Klute (1971) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Parallax View (1974) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s Bill & Ted character power rankings
Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991)
Bill And Ted Face The Music (2020)
Men In Black (1997)
The French Connection (1971) – Dennis Lehane’s trailer commentary, Mark Pellington’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
No Sudden Move (2021)
A Night At The Opera (1935) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Mosaic (2018)
Take The Money And Run (1969)
Bananas (1971) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Sleeper (1973)
Love And Death (1975)
Annie Hall (1977) – Robert Weide’s trailer commentary
Manhattan (1979)
And Now For Something Completely Different… (1971) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Blazing Saddles (1974) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s Blazing Saddles Thanksgiving
Klute (1971) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Parallax View (1974) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Is HBO Max’s “Hacks” really based on the life of comedy legend Joan Rivers, or was she just an “inspiration” for Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance?
The HBO Max dramedy series stars Smart and Hannah Einbinder as comedians on opposing sides of a generational gap, with the former playing a fading showbiz legend very much in the vein of Rivers. And one thing the two have very much in common is their love of being on stage. “This is where I belong,” Rivers, who died in 2014, once said. “Only time I’m truly, truly happy is when I’m on a stage. I am a performer. That’s my life. That is what I am. That’s it.”
The similarities don’t stop there. We’ve taken a very close look at Smart’s snarky but hilarious “Hacks” character and compared it to Rivers’ own words from the 2010 documentary...
The HBO Max dramedy series stars Smart and Hannah Einbinder as comedians on opposing sides of a generational gap, with the former playing a fading showbiz legend very much in the vein of Rivers. And one thing the two have very much in common is their love of being on stage. “This is where I belong,” Rivers, who died in 2014, once said. “Only time I’m truly, truly happy is when I’m on a stage. I am a performer. That’s my life. That is what I am. That’s it.”
The similarities don’t stop there. We’ve taken a very close look at Smart’s snarky but hilarious “Hacks” character and compared it to Rivers’ own words from the 2010 documentary...
- 5/28/2021
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Barbara Rickles, the widow of famed comedian Don Rickles, died Sunday on what would have been the couple’s 56th wedding anniversary. She was 84.
Rickles died at her home in Century City of complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, publicist Paul Shefrin told The Hollywood Reporter. Her husband died in April 2017 of kidney failure at age 90.
Born Barbara Sklar and raised in Philadelphia, she first met the insult comedian when she was working as a secretary for his agent, and they married in 1965. She and Don often vacationed with comic Bob Newhart and his wife, Ginnie.
In his 2007 ...
Rickles died at her home in Century City of complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, publicist Paul Shefrin told The Hollywood Reporter. Her husband died in April 2017 of kidney failure at age 90.
Born Barbara Sklar and raised in Philadelphia, she first met the insult comedian when she was working as a secretary for his agent, and they married in 1965. She and Don often vacationed with comic Bob Newhart and his wife, Ginnie.
In his 2007 ...
- 3/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Barbara Rickles, the widow of famed comedian Don Rickles, died Sunday on what would have been the couple’s 56th wedding anniversary. She was 84.
Rickles died at her home in Century City of complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, publicist Paul Shefrin told The Hollywood Reporter. Her husband died in April 2017 of kidney failure at age 90.
Born Barbara Sklar and raised in Philadelphia, she first met the insult comedian when she was working as a secretary for his agent, and they married in 1965. She and Don often vacationed with comic Bob Newhart and his wife, Ginnie.
In his 2007 ...
Rickles died at her home in Century City of complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, publicist Paul Shefrin told The Hollywood Reporter. Her husband died in April 2017 of kidney failure at age 90.
Born Barbara Sklar and raised in Philadelphia, she first met the insult comedian when she was working as a secretary for his agent, and they married in 1965. She and Don often vacationed with comic Bob Newhart and his wife, Ginnie.
In his 2007 ...
- 3/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Spoken Giants, a royalty administration company for creators of spoken word copyrights, said Friday that the Don Rickles estate and comedian Mike Birbiglia are the latest to sign with the Nashville firm. CEO Jim King also applauded a large payout by digital services to music creators this week, but wondered when authors of spoken word content would also receive “appropriate compensation.”
King, a former executive at music rights group BMI, with comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Records co-founders Ryan Bitzer and Damion Greiman, launched Spoken Giants in October for comedians, podcasters, speechwriters and other wordsmiths — whom King says have been missing out on million in royalties. Early clients include Lewis Black, Dan Cummins, Gerry Dee, Pete Holmes, Kyle Kinane, Kathleen Madigan, the Ralphie May estate, Leanne Morgan and Theo Von.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective two days ago announced that an historic $424 million in unmatched royalties have been collected from Spotify,...
King, a former executive at music rights group BMI, with comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Records co-founders Ryan Bitzer and Damion Greiman, launched Spoken Giants in October for comedians, podcasters, speechwriters and other wordsmiths — whom King says have been missing out on million in royalties. Early clients include Lewis Black, Dan Cummins, Gerry Dee, Pete Holmes, Kyle Kinane, Kathleen Madigan, the Ralphie May estate, Leanne Morgan and Theo Von.
The Mechanical Licensing Collective two days ago announced that an historic $424 million in unmatched royalties have been collected from Spotify,...
- 2/19/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Tributes poured in on Saturday for Larry King, the beloved suspender-wearing TV show host who interviewed everyone from world leaders to Hollywood stars to ordinary Americans over the course of a six-decade broadcast career.
King died Saturday at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he had been hospitalized last month with Covid-19.
“We mourn the passing of our colleague Larry King,” CNN President Jeff Zucker said in a statement. “The scrappy young man from Brooklyn had a history-making career spanning radio and television. His curiosity about the world propelled his award-winning career in broadcasting, but it was his generosity of spirit that drew the world to him. We are so proud of the 25 years he spent with CNN, where his newsmaker interviews truly put the network on the international stage.”
“Just heard the awful news about Larry King,” former late-night host Craig Ferguson tweeted. “He taught me so much.
King died Saturday at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he had been hospitalized last month with Covid-19.
“We mourn the passing of our colleague Larry King,” CNN President Jeff Zucker said in a statement. “The scrappy young man from Brooklyn had a history-making career spanning radio and television. His curiosity about the world propelled his award-winning career in broadcasting, but it was his generosity of spirit that drew the world to him. We are so proud of the 25 years he spent with CNN, where his newsmaker interviews truly put the network on the international stage.”
“Just heard the awful news about Larry King,” former late-night host Craig Ferguson tweeted. “He taught me so much.
- 1/23/2021
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Photo: 'Soul'/Pixar/Disney Pixar’s Reign of Animation Supremacy Holds Strong Since the release of ‘Toy Story’ in 1995, the expectations of what an animated film can accomplish has evolved rapidly. A genre that had been predominantly associated with shallow children’s entertainment with little to offer mature audiences, Disney and Pixar’s joint creation of ‘Toy Story’ signaled a turning tide for the production of animated films at large. Assembling an A-list, Academy Award quality cast that included the likes of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Don Rickles, Disney and Pixar cut no corner carefully cultivating a high caliber film, and the universal acclaim from critics, along with enormous box office success, certified that their efforts paid off. What came to follow the momentous release of ‘Toy Story’ has been decades of historic animated movies made between the Disney and Pixar studios, compiling dozens of fantastical stories and awards.
- 12/27/2020
- by Christopher Davis
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Herbert F. Solow, a longtime television executive who pitched the original “Star Trek” series to NBC while he was at Desilu Studios, along with “Mission Impossible” and “Mannix,” died on Thursday, his wife, Dr. Harrison Solow, confirmed. He was 89.
In later years, he and his wife wrote several books on the “Star Trek” series, including “Inside Star Trek: The Real Story” and “The Star Trek Sketchbook.”
Solow was brought in by Lucille Ball after her divorce from Desi Arnaz to help revive Desilu Studios, where he helped develop and sell “Star Trek” to NBC — after CBS originally turned it down because it already had “Lost in Space” — as well as “Mission: Impossible” and “Mannix” to CBS.
Solow helped guide “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry on their pitch to the network, and continued to champion the series until Ball herself got behind the effort.
Solow told the publication Carpe Articulum that...
In later years, he and his wife wrote several books on the “Star Trek” series, including “Inside Star Trek: The Real Story” and “The Star Trek Sketchbook.”
Solow was brought in by Lucille Ball after her divorce from Desi Arnaz to help revive Desilu Studios, where he helped develop and sell “Star Trek” to NBC — after CBS originally turned it down because it already had “Lost in Space” — as well as “Mission: Impossible” and “Mannix” to CBS.
Solow helped guide “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry on their pitch to the network, and continued to champion the series until Ball herself got behind the effort.
Solow told the publication Carpe Articulum that...
- 11/20/2020
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
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