For a show filled with constant troublemakers, it makes sense that "The Simpsons" would feature multiple recurring lawyer characters. The most memorable is Lionel Hutz, the incompetent bozo who usually represents a member of the Simpson family; when he's taking on the case, that's a sure sign that whoever he's defending is going to jail. He's a familiar archetype, one we see echoes of with the incompetent alien chicken lawyer on "Futurama" or the perpetually anxious Ted on "Scrubs." Any lawyer who strays from the expected image of a smart, calculating, dignified man is always a welcome addition to a sitcom, but "The Simpsons" is unique in that it offers a counterpart.
Mr. Burns' lawyer, the blue-eyed New Yorker with the nasal voice, is the polar opposite of Lionel Hutz. He's an extremely efficient soulless drone, someone who tends to win his cases even if his methods aren't particularly ethical.
Mr. Burns' lawyer, the blue-eyed New Yorker with the nasal voice, is the polar opposite of Lionel Hutz. He's an extremely efficient soulless drone, someone who tends to win his cases even if his methods aren't particularly ethical.
- 5/12/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Shout! Studios has re-acquired the previously held worldwide home entertainment, broadcast and digital distribution rights for Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee’s Playhouse. In addition, the studio has newly acquired AVOD (advertising supported video on demand) rights, bringing the show to AVOD and the streaming service Shout! TV for the first time as part of the deal. Shout! TV channels include Mystery Science Theater 3000, The Carol Burnett Show, Johnny Carson TV, TokuSHOUTsu, Alf, Farscape, Non-Stop ’90s, and Wild West TV.
Under the pact, Shout! Studios now has extensive distribution rights to all 45 episodes of Pee-wee’s Playhouse as well as Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special. You can watch a promo below.
Since its initial premiere on CBS in 1986, the multiple Emmy-winning Pee-wee’s Playhouse became Saturday morning appointment viewing for kids in the ’80s and ’90s and has been a staple in the pop culture zeitgeist ever since.
Pee-wee’s Playhouse is an educational, artistic, and...
Under the pact, Shout! Studios now has extensive distribution rights to all 45 episodes of Pee-wee’s Playhouse as well as Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special. You can watch a promo below.
Since its initial premiere on CBS in 1986, the multiple Emmy-winning Pee-wee’s Playhouse became Saturday morning appointment viewing for kids in the ’80s and ’90s and has been a staple in the pop culture zeitgeist ever since.
Pee-wee’s Playhouse is an educational, artistic, and...
- 5/9/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
After Deadline broke the news last week that New Line was in pole position to land the package A Chris Farley Story, the studio made it official today, having acquired the biopic starring Paul Walter Hauser as the legendary comedian. Josh Gad directs, with Lorne Michaels and Erin David producing via Broadway Video.
The pitch is based on the book by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby and will be adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. This marks the second major package Warner Bros. has landed this week with the main studio acquiring Avengelyne which is being developed as a star vehicle for Margot Robbie.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler,...
The pitch is based on the book by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby and will be adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. This marks the second major package Warner Bros. has landed this week with the main studio acquiring Avengelyne which is being developed as a star vehicle for Margot Robbie.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: No decision has been made official, but sources tell Deadline that New Line is the favorite to land the package that is based on the biography The Chris Farley Show with Paul Walter Hauser attached to play the legendary comedian. The pitch is based on the book by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby and will be adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber with Josh Gad directing. Lorne Michaels, who found and cast Farley in Saturday Night Live in the ’90s, is producing through his Broadway Video.
Insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project. The studio had no comment.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler, David Spade,...
Insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project. The studio had no comment.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler, David Spade,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Walter Hauser will play comedian Chris Farley in a so-far untitled biopic. Here’s what we know at present:
A biopic based on the biography The Chris Farley Show: A Biography In Three Acts by the late comedian’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colb is in the works.
With full endorsement from Farley’s family, Richard Jewell star Paul Walter Hauser will play him in the film. It will be the directorial debut of Frozen star Josh Gad, with Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber writing the screenplay according to Deadline. They previously adapted the surreal true story of Tommy Wiseau’s experience making cult film The Room into 2017 film The Disaster Artist.
A feature film examining the origins of Saturday Night Live is also in production. Jason Reitman is directIng SNL 1975 from a script he wrote with Gil Keenan. It will star Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels,...
A biopic based on the biography The Chris Farley Show: A Biography In Three Acts by the late comedian’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colb is in the works.
With full endorsement from Farley’s family, Richard Jewell star Paul Walter Hauser will play him in the film. It will be the directorial debut of Frozen star Josh Gad, with Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber writing the screenplay according to Deadline. They previously adapted the surreal true story of Tommy Wiseau’s experience making cult film The Room into 2017 film The Disaster Artist.
A feature film examining the origins of Saturday Night Live is also in production. Jason Reitman is directIng SNL 1975 from a script he wrote with Gil Keenan. It will star Gabriel Labelle as series creator Lorne Michaels,...
- 4/15/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Now here is a package coming together that is sure to set the town and market on fire. Deadline is hearing that a script based on The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts is being shopped with Paul Walter Hauser attached to play the iconic late comic and actor.
Josh Gad will direct with Lorne Michaels, who found and cast Farley in Saturday Night Live in the ’90s, producing through his Broadway Video. The package will be sold as a pitch based on the book with Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber penning the script.
Based on the biography by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby — insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project — the film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley...
Josh Gad will direct with Lorne Michaels, who found and cast Farley in Saturday Night Live in the ’90s, producing through his Broadway Video. The package will be sold as a pitch based on the book with Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber penning the script.
Based on the biography by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby — insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project — the film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley...
- 4/12/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Playwright Christopher Durang died earlier this week from complications of primary progressive aphasia.
A Tony Award-winner for his 2012 play Vanya and Sonia and Mash and Spike, his work on and off-broadway spanned decades, and included several collaborations with the actress Sigourney Weaver.
He also played a little-known part in Saturday Night Live history.
It was his friendship with Weaver that brought Durang to Saturday Night Live on October 11th, 1986 for the show’s first episode of its 12th season (an episode that also saw the debut of Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman).
Weaver hosted that night, and she introduced Durang to the audience in her opening monologue before two participated in a somewhat stilted gag about Lorne Michaels convincing Weaver to appear on the show out of his love for Bertolt Brecht.
Durang appeared again minutes later in the debut installment of Church Chat, where he earned the distinction of...
A Tony Award-winner for his 2012 play Vanya and Sonia and Mash and Spike, his work on and off-broadway spanned decades, and included several collaborations with the actress Sigourney Weaver.
He also played a little-known part in Saturday Night Live history.
It was his friendship with Weaver that brought Durang to Saturday Night Live on October 11th, 1986 for the show’s first episode of its 12th season (an episode that also saw the debut of Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman).
Weaver hosted that night, and she introduced Durang to the audience in her opening monologue before two participated in a somewhat stilted gag about Lorne Michaels convincing Weaver to appear on the show out of his love for Bertolt Brecht.
Durang appeared again minutes later in the debut installment of Church Chat, where he earned the distinction of...
- 4/4/2024
- by Jed Rosenzweig
- LateNighter
So what can be said about Andy Dick that the paparazzi and nearly every Judge from West Virginia to Los Angeles hasn’t already said? He was once a rising star in the comedy world with lovably nerdy characters on hit TV series before his demons grabbed a hold of him and took him down an over 25 year path of endless headlines with his name often times preceding the word “arrested.” In those years, he has compiled more Mug Shots than Head Shots and went from Star on the Rise to Registered Sex Offender. Yeah, I don’t know how else to say this other than: Wtf Happened to Andy Dick?!
But as always we must begin at the beginning and the beginning began on his birthday, December 21, 1965 in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating high school in the suburbs of Illinois, Andy would study at the famed Second City and...
But as always we must begin at the beginning and the beginning began on his birthday, December 21, 1965 in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating high school in the suburbs of Illinois, Andy would study at the famed Second City and...
- 4/2/2024
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Larry H. Parker, the attorney known for decades to Angelenos for his “we’ll fight for you” personal injury ads, has died at 75.
His law firm partner Ron Beck told TMZ on Friday that the company’s founder and lead partner had passed away, but did not provide further details. Parker’s daughter-in-law also confirmed the news to the outlet.
In his ubiquitous TV spots and numerous billboards around town, the ever-serious Parker vowed to fight for his clients in cases involving car accidents, dog bites, serious injury or wrongful death, along with a plethora of other circumstances.
He also recruited local celebrities, including former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, to appear in his commercials.
“They’ll fight for you,” said the sports legend in a 2016 ad in which he compared his career longevity — and success rate — with Parker.
The attorney started his Long Beach-based law practice in 1974 and...
His law firm partner Ron Beck told TMZ on Friday that the company’s founder and lead partner had passed away, but did not provide further details. Parker’s daughter-in-law also confirmed the news to the outlet.
In his ubiquitous TV spots and numerous billboards around town, the ever-serious Parker vowed to fight for his clients in cases involving car accidents, dog bites, serious injury or wrongful death, along with a plethora of other circumstances.
He also recruited local celebrities, including former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, to appear in his commercials.
“They’ll fight for you,” said the sports legend in a 2016 ad in which he compared his career longevity — and success rate — with Parker.
The attorney started his Long Beach-based law practice in 1974 and...
- 3/16/2024
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Steve Lawrence, the Fifties and Sixties crooner, actor, and comedian who teamed with his wife Eydie Gormé to form the duo Steve and Eydie, has died at the age of 88.
Lawrence died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles from complications from Alzheimer’s disease, a spokesperson for the family told Variety; Lawrence was forced to retire from touring after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019.
“My Dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son David Lawrence said in a statement. “But, to me, he was just this charming,...
Lawrence died Thursday at his home in Los Angeles from complications from Alzheimer’s disease, a spokesperson for the family told Variety; Lawrence was forced to retire from touring after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019.
“My Dad was an inspiration to so many people,” his son David Lawrence said in a statement. “But, to me, he was just this charming,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Office Space is celebrating its 25th anniversary following its delayed path to success, although hopefully no one would get their ass kicked for saying something like that.
Released Feb. 19, 1999, director Mike Judge’s enduring and endlessly quotable workplace satire follows computer programmer Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), who decides to stop caring about his day job and teams up with Initech co-workers Michael Bolton (David Herman) and Samir Nagheenanajar (Ajay Naidu) to defraud the company. The Fox comedy — featuring such on-the-rise performers as Jennifer Aniston, John C. McGinley, Gary Cole and Stephen Root — collected just $10 million at the time but became a cult favorite after finding a following through cable and home video.
Other standouts from the cast include Richard Riehle as engineer liaison Tom Smykowski, who defends his job (“I have people skills!”) to Paul Willson and McGinley as the two Bobs who are put in charge of layoffs. In...
Released Feb. 19, 1999, director Mike Judge’s enduring and endlessly quotable workplace satire follows computer programmer Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), who decides to stop caring about his day job and teams up with Initech co-workers Michael Bolton (David Herman) and Samir Nagheenanajar (Ajay Naidu) to defraud the company. The Fox comedy — featuring such on-the-rise performers as Jennifer Aniston, John C. McGinley, Gary Cole and Stephen Root — collected just $10 million at the time but became a cult favorite after finding a following through cable and home video.
Other standouts from the cast include Richard Riehle as engineer liaison Tom Smykowski, who defends his job (“I have people skills!”) to Paul Willson and McGinley as the two Bobs who are put in charge of layoffs. In...
- 2/24/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the 1993 "The Simpsons" episode "Marge vs. the Monorail," the corrupt nuclear power plant owner Mr. Burns (Harry Shearer) is busted by the Epa for stuffing glowing toxic waste into trees at the local park (the trees sprout tentacles and the squirrels gain eyeball lasers). As punishment, Mr. Burns is fined $3 million, which he happens to have in his wallet. Springfield, suddenly flush with cash, has a town meeting debating what to spend it on. Marge Simpson (Julie Kavner) proposes that they use the money to fix up pothole-strewn Main Street, but a mysterious flim-flam man named Lyle Lanley (Phil Hartman) interrupts her. Using a broad smile and heaps of smarmy charm -- and a "Music Man"-style musical number -- Lanley convinces Springfield to spend the money on a monorail that he will build himself.
Clearly, Lanley is a con man who sells shoddy monorails to unsuspecting cities and...
Clearly, Lanley is a con man who sells shoddy monorails to unsuspecting cities and...
- 2/9/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Pee-wee’s Playhouse was the culmination of a character created back in the 70s by the multi-talented Paul Reubens. Reubens had joined the comedy group the Groundlings in the 70s. The Groundlings was the jumping-off point for several famous comedians and icons. This would include Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Cassandra Peterson, Craig T. Nelson, a who’s who list of SNL Alumni, Conan O’Brien, JJ Abrams, and well…just a lot of people.
A number of the troupe who were there when Reubens was a part of the Groundlings would wind up as part of not only Pee-wee’s Playhouse but also other Pee-wee projects. I mean…who can forget Cassandra Peterson, Aka Elvira, as the biker gang badass chick who wanted a go at Pee Wee first?
From his time creating the character at The Groundlings, Reubens had a go for Saturday Night Live which didn’t happen. After this, he...
A number of the troupe who were there when Reubens was a part of the Groundlings would wind up as part of not only Pee-wee’s Playhouse but also other Pee-wee projects. I mean…who can forget Cassandra Peterson, Aka Elvira, as the biker gang badass chick who wanted a go at Pee Wee first?
From his time creating the character at The Groundlings, Reubens had a go for Saturday Night Live which didn’t happen. After this, he...
- 1/8/2024
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
A fun thing about getting into old musicals after watching "The Simpsons" your whole life is that you'll find yourself experiencing a never-ending string of realizations like, "Oh, so this is where that 'Simpsons' scene came from." Such is the case for "The Music Man," the 1962 musical about a conman who goes into a naive small town, stirs up a moral panic, and then uses said panic to sell them band instruments. This is all encapsulated in the musical number "Ya Got Trouble," where main character Harold Hill (Robert Preston) uses his charisma to get the town fully on board with his money-making scheme.
To a "Simpsons" fan, the song's tone, meaning, and rhythm should quickly feel familiar. That's because it's the same basic song Lyle Lanley (voiced by Phil Hartman) sings to the town of Springfield to get them to invest in a monorail they don't need.
To a "Simpsons" fan, the song's tone, meaning, and rhythm should quickly feel familiar. That's because it's the same basic song Lyle Lanley (voiced by Phil Hartman) sings to the town of Springfield to get them to invest in a monorail they don't need.
- 12/24/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Christmas just isn’t the same without Arnold Schwarzenegger – and we’re not just talking about holiday classic Jingle All the Way. Arnold has gotten into the Christmas spirit in a big way yet again this year, giving out presents at a youth center in Los Angeles, something he has been doing for over three decades. And he has a pretty sincere reason for doing so.
As he wrote on TikTok, “There is a reason I have been handing out presents at the Hollenback Center in Boyle Heights for over 30 years. When I first came to America, my friends at Gold’s Gym were so generous. They brought me in during Christmas time and made me feel so happy and included. I love being able to give back and see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get their gifts. Merry Christmas to all!” The caption accompanied a video of Arnold handing out Christmas gifts,...
As he wrote on TikTok, “There is a reason I have been handing out presents at the Hollenback Center in Boyle Heights for over 30 years. When I first came to America, my friends at Gold’s Gym were so generous. They brought me in during Christmas time and made me feel so happy and included. I love being able to give back and see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get their gifts. Merry Christmas to all!” The caption accompanied a video of Arnold handing out Christmas gifts,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Welcome to YouTube Millionaires, where we profile channels that have recently crossed the one million subscriber mark. There are channels crossing this threshold every week, and each creator has a story to tell about YouTube success. Read previous installments here.
Back in 2018, Drew Talbert committed to making one video a week on YouTube.
“After a year of faithfully doing this, I had a total of 200 subscribers,” he says. “I quit.”
But that experience wasn’t time wasted. “It wasn’t showing any fruit, but I tell people that’s where we learned a lot of good stuff,” he says. “I had already learned editing, but just faster editing and learning some tricks, along the way of how to create these videos, playing different characters. I had all that ready to go because of that failed year and the years of struggling out here in LA and all that.”
Talbert had...
Back in 2018, Drew Talbert committed to making one video a week on YouTube.
“After a year of faithfully doing this, I had a total of 200 subscribers,” he says. “I quit.”
But that experience wasn’t time wasted. “It wasn’t showing any fruit, but I tell people that’s where we learned a lot of good stuff,” he says. “I had already learned editing, but just faster editing and learning some tricks, along the way of how to create these videos, playing different characters. I had all that ready to go because of that failed year and the years of struggling out here in LA and all that.”
Talbert had...
- 12/15/2023
- by James Hale
- Tubefilter.com
On November 14, 2023, at 10:00 Pm, Vice TV brings viewers the latest episode of “Dark Side of Comedy,” shedding light on the life and tragic fate of the iconic comedian Phil Hartman.
This episode delves into the life of Phil Hartman, a beloved figure in the world of comedy, known for his roles on “SNL” and “The Simpsons.” Despite his squeaky clean image on-screen, Hartman’s personal life was shrouded in turmoil due to a toxic marriage that ultimately ended in a heart-wrenching murder-suicide.
“Dark Side of Comedy” explores the stark contrast between Hartman’s public persona and the private struggles he faced. This episode takes an unvarnished look at the complexities and tragedy that surrounded his life.
For those interested in the often-hidden aspects of the entertainment industry and the lives of beloved comedians, this series provides a factual and sobering account. Tune in to Vice TV on November 14 at...
This episode delves into the life of Phil Hartman, a beloved figure in the world of comedy, known for his roles on “SNL” and “The Simpsons.” Despite his squeaky clean image on-screen, Hartman’s personal life was shrouded in turmoil due to a toxic marriage that ultimately ended in a heart-wrenching murder-suicide.
“Dark Side of Comedy” explores the stark contrast between Hartman’s public persona and the private struggles he faced. This episode takes an unvarnished look at the complexities and tragedy that surrounded his life.
For those interested in the often-hidden aspects of the entertainment industry and the lives of beloved comedians, this series provides a factual and sobering account. Tune in to Vice TV on November 14 at...
- 11/7/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
If you’re a child of the nineties, chances are you grew up loving Sinbad. Also known as David Atkins, Sinbad began his comedy career as a contestant on Star Search before nabbing his breakout role on the Cosby Show spin-off, A Different World, where he played Coach Walter Oakes; he served as a mentor to the main cast, who all played students at the fictional Hillman College. His distinctive look made him instantly identifiable, and it wasn’t long before he started showing up in movies, with roles in Necessary Roughness and Coneheads.
His career was unusual because most people went to TV after their movie careers cooled down. For Sinbad, it was the opposite. His solo TV show, The Sinbad Show, was a flop, but shortly afterwards, his movie career went into high gear, with him appearing in a string of hit movies. His biggest hit was Houseguest opposite the late Phil Hartman,...
His career was unusual because most people went to TV after their movie careers cooled down. For Sinbad, it was the opposite. His solo TV show, The Sinbad Show, was a flop, but shortly afterwards, his movie career went into high gear, with him appearing in a string of hit movies. His biggest hit was Houseguest opposite the late Phil Hartman,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
On several occasions, including during a 2020 video interview with Vanity Fair, prolific voice actor Billy West has explained his inspiration for the role of Zapp Brannigan, the sexist, egomaniacal, blowhard starship captain on "Futurama." He noted that Zapp is what would happen if actor William Shatner ran the U.S.S. Enterprise and not Captain Kirk. Shatner, West noted, was an odd man with a large ego ... just like Zapp Brannigan. Zapp gave West a chance to employ some juicy vocal histrionics.
West plays multiple roles on "Futurama," including the feckless delivery boy Philip J. Fry, the elderly coot Professor Farnsworth, the impoverished crustacean Dr. Zoidberg, and dozens of other smaller, incidental roles. West is one of the titans of his craft, and entire scenes can elapse with West having conversations with himself. Fry, West said, was modeled on his own voice at age 25, while Dr. Zoidberg was based partially...
West plays multiple roles on "Futurama," including the feckless delivery boy Philip J. Fry, the elderly coot Professor Farnsworth, the impoverished crustacean Dr. Zoidberg, and dozens of other smaller, incidental roles. West is one of the titans of his craft, and entire scenes can elapse with West having conversations with himself. Fry, West said, was modeled on his own voice at age 25, while Dr. Zoidberg was based partially...
- 10/8/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Hillary Clinton wasn’t impressed by Julia Sweeney’s 1993 “Saturday Night Live” impression of her then-teenage daughter, Chelsea Clinton.
Sweeney, 63, recalled the sketch while appearing on Wednesday’s episode of fellow “SNL” alums Dana Carvey and David Spade’s “Fly on the Wall” podcast during a conversation about the show’s lack of female representation in the early ’90s. The group discussed how political figures, like Hilary and Sarah Palin, presented the show an opportunity to include women in sketches.
Spade then jogged Sweeney’s memory, recounting that she once played Chelsea, who was 13 years old at the time, stressing that her portrayal “rubbed somebody wrong.”
Read More: ‘SNL’ Star Julia Sweeney Reveals She Still ‘Gets A Lot Of S**t’ For ‘Pat’ Impression
“Yeah, Hillary,” Sweeney replied, revealing that the politician and former secretary of state “wrote a letter” to “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels, criticizing the sketch.
“People were...
Sweeney, 63, recalled the sketch while appearing on Wednesday’s episode of fellow “SNL” alums Dana Carvey and David Spade’s “Fly on the Wall” podcast during a conversation about the show’s lack of female representation in the early ’90s. The group discussed how political figures, like Hilary and Sarah Palin, presented the show an opportunity to include women in sketches.
Spade then jogged Sweeney’s memory, recounting that she once played Chelsea, who was 13 years old at the time, stressing that her portrayal “rubbed somebody wrong.”
Read More: ‘SNL’ Star Julia Sweeney Reveals She Still ‘Gets A Lot Of S**t’ For ‘Pat’ Impression
“Yeah, Hillary,” Sweeney replied, revealing that the politician and former secretary of state “wrote a letter” to “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels, criticizing the sketch.
“People were...
- 8/31/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Julia Sweeney revealed on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s “Fly on the Wall” podcast (via Entertainment Weekly) that Hillary Clinton was so upset over the show’s portrayal of her daughter, Chelsea Clinton, that she personally “wrote a letter” to showrunner Lorne Michaels. Sweeney played a teenage Chelsea in a January 1993 episode, with Phil Hartman and Jan Hooks playing Bill and Hillary, respectively (see photo above).
“People were saying how unattractively I was playing Chelsea, and all I did was not wear makeup and put braces on,” Sweeney said. “If you say that, you’re saying I’m unattractive!”
Sweeney maintained that she “wasn’t trying to play [Chelsea] unattractive,” but that doesn’t mean targeting someone’s child on national television was a smart idea. Clinton’s letter expressed her disapproval over the sketch, the cast member said. Variety has reached out to Clinton’s representative for comment.
“People were saying how unattractively I was playing Chelsea, and all I did was not wear makeup and put braces on,” Sweeney said. “If you say that, you’re saying I’m unattractive!”
Sweeney maintained that she “wasn’t trying to play [Chelsea] unattractive,” but that doesn’t mean targeting someone’s child on national television was a smart idea. Clinton’s letter expressed her disapproval over the sketch, the cast member said. Variety has reached out to Clinton’s representative for comment.
- 8/31/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Hillary Clinton was not pleased with how Saturday Night Live depicted daughter Chelsea in 1993, as revealed by former cast member Julia Sweeney during an interview on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast.
Sweeney and the hosts recalled how after she played a teenaged Chelsea in a skit alongside Phil Hartman and Jan Hooks, Clinton “wrote a letter” to SNL creator Lorne Michaels to express her disapproval.
“People were saying how unattractively I was playing Chelsea, and all I did was not wear makeup and put braces on,...
Sweeney and the hosts recalled how after she played a teenaged Chelsea in a skit alongside Phil Hartman and Jan Hooks, Clinton “wrote a letter” to SNL creator Lorne Michaels to express her disapproval.
“People were saying how unattractively I was playing Chelsea, and all I did was not wear makeup and put braces on,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Vice TV has set the premiere date and released the trailer for “Dark Side of Comedy” Season 2, its “Dark Side” spinoff series that explores the behind-the-scenes stories of iconic comedians.
Season 2 subjects include Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, Joan Rivers, Carlos Mencia, Phil Hartman, Tracy Morgan, the sitcom “Family Matters,” Ellen DeGeneres, Norm MacDonald and Gilda Radner.
“Dark Side of Comedy” Season 2 is narrated by Dave Foley with commentators including Pauly Shore, Marc Maron, Tiffany Haddish, Pamela Aldon, Sally Jesse Raphael, Mike Binder and Rolanda Watts.
In the Season 2 trailer, Binder says Williams was “running with a lot of really scary figures — and Robin himself was kind of a scary figure for a while.” Haddish says Rivers “was a hustler,” and describes her as “mean as hell.” And Watts describes an experience where DeGeneres “sat there as if we weren’t even there.”
Per Vice TV’s description for the new installment: “‘Dark Side of Comedy,...
Season 2 subjects include Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, Joan Rivers, Carlos Mencia, Phil Hartman, Tracy Morgan, the sitcom “Family Matters,” Ellen DeGeneres, Norm MacDonald and Gilda Radner.
“Dark Side of Comedy” Season 2 is narrated by Dave Foley with commentators including Pauly Shore, Marc Maron, Tiffany Haddish, Pamela Aldon, Sally Jesse Raphael, Mike Binder and Rolanda Watts.
In the Season 2 trailer, Binder says Williams was “running with a lot of really scary figures — and Robin himself was kind of a scary figure for a while.” Haddish says Rivers “was a hustler,” and describes her as “mean as hell.” And Watts describes an experience where DeGeneres “sat there as if we weren’t even there.”
Per Vice TV’s description for the new installment: “‘Dark Side of Comedy,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier this week, we were devastated to hear that Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian best known for playing the character Pee-wee Herman, had passed away at the age of 70, following a six year private battle with cancer. Among the many people who took to social media to mourn the loss of Reubens was special makeup effects artist Mark Shostrom, whose long list of credits includes The Slumber Party Massacre, The Beastmaster, The Mutilator, From Beyond, Witchboard, Prince of Darkness, Poltergeist III, Phantasm II and III, the first three Nightmare on Elm Street movies, and Evil Dead II. And while paying tribute to Reubens, Shostrom revealed that an iconic effect from Evil Dead II drew inspiration from an iconic effect in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure!
Shostrom said, “Paul Reubens provided huge inspiration for my work on Evil Dead II. I had been watching Pee-wee’s Big Adventure on VHS on repeat while sculpting.
Shostrom said, “Paul Reubens provided huge inspiration for my work on Evil Dead II. I had been watching Pee-wee’s Big Adventure on VHS on repeat while sculpting.
- 8/4/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
On the surface, the whimsy of Pee-wee’s Playhouse appears to be worlds apart from the solemnity of Boyz N the Hood, other than the curious resemblance between Cowboy Curtis and Furious Styles. But it’s no coincidence that Laurence Fishburne and other key creatives were part of both projects.
As a USC film student in the late 1980s, John Singleton spent one summer working as a security guard-slash-production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. “John was the lowest of lowly PAs,” recalled Fishburne on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1995. “He was working on the door and his job was to stop people at the door and go, ‘Are you supposed to be here? Do you have the proper ID?’”
Singleton would press Fishburne for stories of working with Spike Lee, as the actor had appeared in School Daze a few months prior. The budding filmmaker...
As a USC film student in the late 1980s, John Singleton spent one summer working as a security guard-slash-production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. “John was the lowest of lowly PAs,” recalled Fishburne on Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1995. “He was working on the door and his job was to stop people at the door and go, ‘Are you supposed to be here? Do you have the proper ID?’”
Singleton would press Fishburne for stories of working with Spike Lee, as the actor had appeared in School Daze a few months prior. The budding filmmaker...
- 8/4/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rob Zombie is among the many artists and fans honoring the late Paul Reubens following the Pee-wee Herman actor’s passing this week. The rocker/filmmaker recalled his experience working on Pee-wee’s Playhouse in an Instagram tribute posted on Monday (July 31st),
As Zombie has revealed in the past, one of his earliest industry gigs was being a production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse in the mid ’80s.
He explained at the time that he was mostly a runner — “delivering stuff to doing little crap work around the set … lowest rung on the ladder” — but as a Pee-wee Herman fan, it was “cool” to be on the set around Reubens and other comedians like Phil Hartman.
In his tribute, Zombie offered an anecdote about his sole one-on-one interaction with Reubens:
“So sad to hear about death of Paul Reubens. He was amazing. Back in 1986 I was lucky enough...
As Zombie has revealed in the past, one of his earliest industry gigs was being a production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse in the mid ’80s.
He explained at the time that he was mostly a runner — “delivering stuff to doing little crap work around the set … lowest rung on the ladder” — but as a Pee-wee Herman fan, it was “cool” to be on the set around Reubens and other comedians like Phil Hartman.
In his tribute, Zombie offered an anecdote about his sole one-on-one interaction with Reubens:
“So sad to hear about death of Paul Reubens. He was amazing. Back in 1986 I was lucky enough...
- 8/1/2023
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Film News
Rob Zombie is among the many artists and fans honoring the late Paul Reubens following the Pee-wee Herman actor’s passing this week. The rocker/filmmaker recalled his experience working on Pee-wee’s Playhouse in an Instagram tribute posted on Monday (July 31st),
As Zombie has revealed in the past, one of his earliest industry gigs was being a production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse in the mid ’80s.
He explained at the time that he was mostly a runner — “delivering stuff to doing little crap work around the set … lowest rung on the ladder” — but as a Pee-wee Herman fan, it was “cool” to be on the set around Reubens and other comedians like Phil Hartman.
In his tribute, Zombie offered an anecdote about his sole one-on-one interaction with Reubens:
“So sad to hear about death of Paul Reubens. He was amazing. Back in 1986 I was lucky enough...
As Zombie has revealed in the past, one of his earliest industry gigs was being a production assistant on the set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse in the mid ’80s.
He explained at the time that he was mostly a runner — “delivering stuff to doing little crap work around the set … lowest rung on the ladder” — but as a Pee-wee Herman fan, it was “cool” to be on the set around Reubens and other comedians like Phil Hartman.
In his tribute, Zombie offered an anecdote about his sole one-on-one interaction with Reubens:
“So sad to hear about death of Paul Reubens. He was amazing. Back in 1986 I was lucky enough...
- 8/1/2023
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
"Pee-wee's Playhouse" was an anomaly. It premiered a year after the surprise box office success of Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," and, like "The Pee-wee Herman Show" before it, seemed to be strictly kids' stuff. But Paul Reubens' overgrown child act uniquely appealed to the inner brat in all of us. It wasn't like Looney Tunes, where artists snuck in adult-skewing references, nor was it a full-on, off-color parody of the kiddie show format that you'd find on "Saturday Night Live." It was honestly, disarmingly, good clean fun. Its target audience could enjoy it over a bowl of Frosted Flakes, while college students and beyond could enjoy it over a bowl of Frosted Flakes preceded by a bowl of ... something else.
A weekly half-hour dose of Pee-wee was bliss in 1986. I'd just started junior high, which is when your action figures are immediately consigned to the attic, so admitting...
A weekly half-hour dose of Pee-wee was bliss in 1986. I'd just started junior high, which is when your action figures are immediately consigned to the attic, so admitting...
- 8/1/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
It says everything about who Paul Reubens was – and just how much of the curtain surrounding him he was comfortable opening – that the obituaries marking the brilliant 70-year-old comedian’s death Sunday night make his name inseparable from that of his most-famous character creation, Pee-wee Herman. It’s not “Paul Reubens” but “Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee Herman” or “a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman.” The man would have been honored that this was his legacy, as he always seemed much more comfortable being the bizarro dude with the signature flattop haircut, grey plaid suit and small red bowtie. I mean, his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame reads “Pee-wee Herman” and not “Paul Reubens.” If we’re judging success based purely on how inextricably linked our identity is to a fictitious persona we created, that must be a grand slam.
Reubens died after what was termed “a private bout with cancer.
Reubens died after what was termed “a private bout with cancer.
- 7/31/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
It was the laugh that got you first: A staccato giggle combined with what sounded like a T. rex’s roar. If you watch The Pee-wee Herman Show, the HBO special taken from Paul Reubens’ 1981 stage show that — along with a handful of appearances on Late Night with David Letterman — introduced this hyperactive goofball to a larger audience, you actually hear that arrrgghhhh–heh-heh-heh-heh-heh before you see him. And then, when Herman pokes his head through a window and bursts through a jagged front door (if the set looks like...
- 7/31/2023
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Forget the pleasantries, today sucks. Paul Reubens, best known for his incomparable work as Pee-wee Herman, has passed away. The weird, wacky, and wonderful comedy figure is one of the most influential creatives ever to do it, and left in his wake is an irreplaceable void of silly, absurdist joy. Reubens' created the character of Pee-wee Herman while performing with The Groundlings, the legendary improvisational comedy troupe boasting alumni like Laraine Newman, Pat Morita, Craig T. Nelson, Jon Lovitz, Adrienne Barbeau, Conan O'Brien, Phil Hartman, Phil Lamarr, Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Coolidge, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Will Forte, Annie Mumolo, Kaitlin Olson, Edi Patterson, Tony Cavalero, and a ridiculous number of other eventual "Saturday Night Live" players.
Pee-wee Herman was an immediate hit and led to Reubens writing, producing, directing, and starring in "The Pee-wee Herman Show." He quickly became a household name, and the Pee-wee character would get another show,...
Pee-wee Herman was an immediate hit and led to Reubens writing, producing, directing, and starring in "The Pee-wee Herman Show." He quickly became a household name, and the Pee-wee character would get another show,...
- 7/31/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
"Pee-wee's Playhouse" was a staple of television from 1986-1990, both for kids who loved the silly talking chair, puppets, and silly scenarios, and for adults who loved the tongue-in-cheek humor. Sadly, Paul Reubens, who hosted the show as Pee-wee Herman, has died at the age of 70. The beloved comedian had a huge career, including roles in "The Blacklist," "Portlandia," "The Smurfs," "Pushing Daisies," "Blow," and the movie "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," as well as a very meta appearance in "What We Do in the Shadows." Still, his Pee-wee Herman persona is what Reubens is best known for, returning to the role in 2016 in "Pee-wee's Big Holiday," which he also wrote and produced.
"Pee-wee's Playhouse" is remembered as being incredibly smart and innovative for a children's show and boasted some big acting names like S. Epatha Merkerson, Phil Hartman, and Laurence Fishburne. There were a lot of rather mature jokes in there,...
"Pee-wee's Playhouse" is remembered as being incredibly smart and innovative for a children's show and boasted some big acting names like S. Epatha Merkerson, Phil Hartman, and Laurence Fishburne. There were a lot of rather mature jokes in there,...
- 7/31/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
In the 1980s, Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman was an icon. Created at The Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, the character became wildly popular thanks to the Tim Burton movie “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The Saturday morning series, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” made the character a beloved companion for kids. It won 15 Emmys during its 5-season run.
Reubens died Sunday night after a private battle with cancer. The entertainer was 70.
In a statement published after his death, Reubens wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
To celebrate this unique performer, check out these career highlights, many of which can be streamed for free.
Pee-wee's Big Adventure July 26, 1985
The eccentric and childish Pee-wee...
Reubens died Sunday night after a private battle with cancer. The entertainer was 70.
In a statement published after his death, Reubens wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
To celebrate this unique performer, check out these career highlights, many of which can be streamed for free.
Pee-wee's Big Adventure July 26, 1985
The eccentric and childish Pee-wee...
- 7/31/2023
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Today’s secret word is sadness! Paul Reubens, the gifted actor and comedian best known for portraying Pee-wee Herman, died on Sunday at 70. According to Reubens’ estate, the red bowtie-loving ball of energy passed away after a private battle with cancer.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote in an Instagram message posted to fans. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” wrote Reubens’ estate in an Instagram post “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for...
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote in an Instagram message posted to fans. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” wrote Reubens’ estate in an Instagram post “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for...
- 7/31/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Paul Reubens, known best by his character name Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday after a private six-year battle with cancer. He was 70.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote on an Instagram message posted today. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
The post’s caption, written by his estate, reads: “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness. Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy...
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens wrote on an Instagram message posted today. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
The post’s caption, written by his estate, reads: “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness. Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy...
- 7/31/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Reubens, who disappeared behind a tight gray suit and bright red bow tie to create and star as the awkward man-child Pee-wee Herman onstage, on a groundbreaking kids TV show and on the big screen, has died. He was 70.
His death in Los Angeles was announced Monday on his official Facebook page.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement read. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Reubens created Pee-wee (named for a brand of harmonica he had when...
His death in Los Angeles was announced Monday on his official Facebook page.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement read. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Reubens created Pee-wee (named for a brand of harmonica he had when...
- 7/31/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Reubens, the actor who portrayed beloved character Pee-wee Herman that amused kids and adults of multiple generations, died on Sunday night at the age of 70. The cause of death was an unspecified cancer.
“Last night, we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a post on the actor’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts read.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer...
“Last night, we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a post on the actor’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts read.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer...
- 7/31/2023
- by Althea Legaspi, Ej Dickson and Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Paul Reubens, the creator of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” who starred in several projects as the goofy, child-like Pee-wee Herman including 1985’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” has died at age 70, his estate said Monday.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” his estate posted to Facebook.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit,” the post continued.
The actor wrote a posthumous statement explaining why he chose not to disclose his cancer diagnosis. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” his estate posted to Facebook.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit,” the post continued.
The actor wrote a posthumous statement explaining why he chose not to disclose his cancer diagnosis. “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.
- 7/31/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Paul Reubens, the actor who portrayed Pee-wee Herman, has died at the age of 70 following a private battle with cancer.
“Last night [July 30th] we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” read a statement posted to Pee-wee Herman’s Facebook page. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
In a separate statement posthumously released by Reubens, he wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing for the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends,...
“Last night [July 30th] we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” read a statement posted to Pee-wee Herman’s Facebook page. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
In a separate statement posthumously released by Reubens, he wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing for the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends,...
- 7/31/2023
- by Scoop Harrison and Liz Shannon Miller
- Consequence - Film News
I remember her hands trembling. They did not tremble. She was not afraid. She was too fired up, too righteous, too right to know fear in that moment.
My memory is tainted by the ensuing smear campaign, a campaign that did not end until today, when Sinéad O'Connor died at the infuriatingly young age of 56 -- and I'm probably a fool to believe this denigration will cease just because she's not around to defend herself anymore. I've never seen a popular musician face such unremitting scorn. Not even close. But O'Connor -- contrary to the narrative seared into our psyches by a media that could not bear her scorched-earth declaration that the Catholic Church is, charitable works be damned, a factory of institutionally abetted child abuse -- never stopped speaking her truth. That continues to be our truth and our shame.
That she did so with a shaved head, which...
My memory is tainted by the ensuing smear campaign, a campaign that did not end until today, when Sinéad O'Connor died at the infuriatingly young age of 56 -- and I'm probably a fool to believe this denigration will cease just because she's not around to defend herself anymore. I've never seen a popular musician face such unremitting scorn. Not even close. But O'Connor -- contrary to the narrative seared into our psyches by a media that could not bear her scorched-earth declaration that the Catholic Church is, charitable works be damned, a factory of institutionally abetted child abuse -- never stopped speaking her truth. That continues to be our truth and our shame.
That she did so with a shaved head, which...
- 7/26/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Heidi Gardner has become one of the Saturday Night Live seniors after having joined the venerable NBC show in season 43.
After a slew of cast members including Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson left last summer, Gardner, along with the likes of Ego Nwodim and Bowen Yang, have stepped up to fill the gap left. And she’s enjoying being “passed the ball more”.
In fact, Gardner had the joint second most cast appearances by segment, tied with Chloe Fineman and behind veteran Kenan Thompson, according to stats compiled by the Saturday Night Network.
Gardner is known for characters such as teen film critic Bailey Gismert and Deidre, one half of a couple who describe their vacation to their friends, as well as every boxer’s girlfriend from every movie about boxing ever, Angel, who she brought back this year.
Promoted to repertory status in season 45 in 2019, Gardner has...
After a slew of cast members including Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson left last summer, Gardner, along with the likes of Ego Nwodim and Bowen Yang, have stepped up to fill the gap left. And she’s enjoying being “passed the ball more”.
In fact, Gardner had the joint second most cast appearances by segment, tied with Chloe Fineman and behind veteran Kenan Thompson, according to stats compiled by the Saturday Night Network.
Gardner is known for characters such as teen film critic Bailey Gismert and Deidre, one half of a couple who describe their vacation to their friends, as well as every boxer’s girlfriend from every movie about boxing ever, Angel, who she brought back this year.
Promoted to repertory status in season 45 in 2019, Gardner has...
- 6/24/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Pee-wee Herman is a character loved and appreciated worldwide. It was created by comedian and actor Paul Reubens in late 1970s. Pee-wee first appeared in a stage show and quickly became the star of his own TV show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which aired from 1986 to 1990 and even won 15 Emmy Awards. Over the years, Pee-wee has become a pop culture icon, known for his zany sense of humor and childlike behavior. Originally, Pee-wee Herman was conceived as a nervous guy struggling to complete his set. Reubens created the character along with Phil Hartman. He used a small gray glen...
- 6/5/2023
- by deepajay
- TVovermind.com
If Vin Diesel is famous for anything, it's his sincerity. People may make jokes about how often he says "family" in these "Fast & Furious" films, but Diesel himself never gives any indication that he thinks it's a joke. He takes Dom's character arc seriously, even if nobody else does, and that's a big part of why we're still tuning into these films long after they've long since lost their foot on reality. Do we agree with Diesel when he says this franchise is the "Lord of the Rings" of action films? Not necessarily, but we're glad Diesel has this much confidence in these movies.
Not all the actors in this series have quite as stoic an approach, however. In the latest film, Jason Momoa is clearly having the time of his life as the unhinged, chaotic new villain Dante. The guy is basically this series' version of The Joker,...
Not all the actors in this series have quite as stoic an approach, however. In the latest film, Jason Momoa is clearly having the time of his life as the unhinged, chaotic new villain Dante. The guy is basically this series' version of The Joker,...
- 5/20/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Months after his life was suddenly cut short, Emmy winner Leslie Jordan has a chance to receive more TV academy love for his final small screen performance as Phil on Fox’s “Call Me Kat.” If he does land in this year’s Best Comedy Supporting Actor lineup, he will join a group of 12 other comedy or drama series regulars who posthumously achieved Emmy recognition. If he scores his second victory, he will make history as the first deceased male actor to win an Emmy for a continuing program.
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
- 5/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
After the surprising rise and appallingly steady excellence of The Simpsons’ first decade, many long-time supporters felt the show would have gone out on top if it ended around 2001-2002. The late 1990s era was hit with a traumatic loss with the death of comic genius Phil Hartman. After a pay dispute, voice actress Maggie Roswell left from 1999 to 2002, resulting in the death of the Maude Flanders in the episode “Alone Again, Natura-Diddily.” But the first cracks in the series’ “Golden Age” appeared when Principal Skinner was redacted and retrofitted for “The Principal and the Pauper,” from season 9. It was seen as a major copout.
With Beavis and Butt-Head amping up cartoons on MTV, Fox had a new dangerous animated show on the block, Family Guy. But with every breakthrough, South Park would point out how “The Simpsons already did it.” Knowing this, The Simpsons softened the sharp-edged animation (moving...
With Beavis and Butt-Head amping up cartoons on MTV, Fox had a new dangerous animated show on the block, Family Guy. But with every breakthrough, South Park would point out how “The Simpsons already did it.” Knowing this, The Simpsons softened the sharp-edged animation (moving...
- 5/7/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
During his Saturday Night Live run in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Dana Carvey created a lot of characters. He did impeccable celebrity impressions of Johnny Carson, George H.W. Bush, Ross Perot, and more. He created several recurring characters that became pop culture phenomena.
L-r: Kevin Nealon, Phil Hartman, and Dana Carvey | Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Carvey had too many roles on Saturday Night Live to list them all. But, here are our six favorites, including his most famous and some of his delightfully obscure ones.
Buddy Precisely had catch phrases you’ll remember
Dana Carvey had so many Saturday Night Live characters, Buddy Precisely may not be one many people immediately remember. But you knew him when he showed up for a sketch. The maitre’d of an exclusive restaurant, Buddy would only seat the biggest stars.
If you weren’t famous enough, he told...
L-r: Kevin Nealon, Phil Hartman, and Dana Carvey | Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Carvey had too many roles on Saturday Night Live to list them all. But, here are our six favorites, including his most famous and some of his delightfully obscure ones.
Buddy Precisely had catch phrases you’ll remember
Dana Carvey had so many Saturday Night Live characters, Buddy Precisely may not be one many people immediately remember. But you knew him when he showed up for a sketch. The maitre’d of an exclusive restaurant, Buddy would only seat the biggest stars.
If you weren’t famous enough, he told...
- 4/1/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This story is part of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2023 Sustainability Issue (click here to read more).
In 1970, 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day. One of the more alarming predictions that day was from Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich, who foresaw a future in which “population will inevitably and completely outstrip whatever small increases in food supplies we make,” resulting in the starvation death of hundreds of millions.
Hollywood took notice and released a string of eco-disaster films in the years to follow.
In 1972’s Silent Running, a science fiction film starring Bruce Dern — and directed by 2001: A Space Odyssey effects master Douglas Trumbull — all plant life on Earth has gone extinct. And 1973’s Soylent Green, with Charlton Heston (who had starred in two other sci-fi hits, 1968’s Planet of the Apes and 1971’s The Omega Man), took Ehrlich’s ideas to scary, if campy, extremes.
Helmed by Richard Fleischer...
In 1970, 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day. One of the more alarming predictions that day was from Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich, who foresaw a future in which “population will inevitably and completely outstrip whatever small increases in food supplies we make,” resulting in the starvation death of hundreds of millions.
Hollywood took notice and released a string of eco-disaster films in the years to follow.
In 1972’s Silent Running, a science fiction film starring Bruce Dern — and directed by 2001: A Space Odyssey effects master Douglas Trumbull — all plant life on Earth has gone extinct. And 1973’s Soylent Green, with Charlton Heston (who had starred in two other sci-fi hits, 1968’s Planet of the Apes and 1971’s The Omega Man), took Ehrlich’s ideas to scary, if campy, extremes.
Helmed by Richard Fleischer...
- 3/22/2023
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Night Court is back on NBC, but the only reason the new-boot could happen was because people loved the original series. Night Court ran for nine seasons from 1984 – 1992, so if you haven’t seen the original yet, it is streaming on Freevee. If you have exhausted all nine seasons plus the new one, don’t worry. Showbiz Cheat Sheet is here to recommend six other shows you might also like if you liked Night Court.
L-r: Charles Robinson, John Larroquette, Harry Anderson, Markie Post, Marsha Warfield, and Richard Moll | Gary Null/NBC via Getty Images ‘The John Larroquette Show’ is a poignant turn for the ‘Night Court’ star
Larroquette went from lawyer to bus station manager in his self-titled show following the end of Night Court two TV seasons later. Dan Fielding (Larroquette) did get to be serious on some Night Court episodes, like the one where he almost died,...
L-r: Charles Robinson, John Larroquette, Harry Anderson, Markie Post, Marsha Warfield, and Richard Moll | Gary Null/NBC via Getty Images ‘The John Larroquette Show’ is a poignant turn for the ‘Night Court’ star
Larroquette went from lawyer to bus station manager in his self-titled show following the end of Night Court two TV seasons later. Dan Fielding (Larroquette) did get to be serious on some Night Court episodes, like the one where he almost died,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“I know you are, but what am I?” With those words, Paul Reubens’ Pee-wee Herman became one of the biggest pop culture sensations of the 1980s, spawning several TV series, toys, movies, and so much more before controversy spelled the temporary end of the character. After a stage show and HBO special, Pee-wee Herman broke into the mainstream with the now classic 1985 film, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. The feature directorial debut of Tim Burton, the film put the young director on the map, allowing him to go on to make Beetlejuice and 1989’s Batman, plus it also established Oingo Boingo frontman Danny Elfman as one of the most talented young composers in Hollywood.
In this episode of Where it Was Made, host Ryan Cultrera takes us behind the scenes of the classic film as he revisits some of the iconic places it was shot at in and around California. We...
In this episode of Where it Was Made, host Ryan Cultrera takes us behind the scenes of the classic film as he revisits some of the iconic places it was shot at in and around California. We...
- 2/27/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
If you're looking to pinpoint the greatest year in hip-hop, it's going to start with a one, followed by a nine, another nine, and end with a number no higher than five. The genre that grew out of Bronx house parties thrown by sonic pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, and survived the faddish exploitation of the early and mid-1980s had finally come of age. Obviously, there were groundbreaking LPs released prior to the '90s, but it wasn't until we entered the final decade of the millennium that explorers like Hank Shocklee, Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, and Prince Paul refined their sounds to bring hard-hitting East Coast beats and blunted West Coast G-funk grooves to the ears of audiophiles across the country.
Hollywood was listening. They weren't necessarily getting it, but they were listening. Mid-'80s films like "Breakin'," "Beat Street" and "Krush Groove" captured the excitement of the...
Hollywood was listening. They weren't necessarily getting it, but they were listening. Mid-'80s films like "Breakin'," "Beat Street" and "Krush Groove" captured the excitement of the...
- 2/20/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
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