The NBC sitcom "Night Court" was a satirical take on the zany and chaotic underworld of the midnight shift at the courthouse. With an unconventional, free-loving judge at the helm of this circus, there's no telling what might happen. The series was such a massive hit that it ran for nine whole seasons, featuring a cast of relatively unknown actors that, when assembled, formed one of the most acclaimed ensembles of all time. The show won eight Primetime Emmys and was nominated no less than 32 times. "Night Court" won in a variety of categories, but the actor that ended up taking home the most gold was John Larroquette, who played egotistical D.A. Dan Fielding.
A "Night Court" reboot landed on NBC in 2023. Sadly, few members of the original cast are still around to reprise their old roles, and the show is comprised almost entirely of new characters. Harry Anderson,...
A "Night Court" reboot landed on NBC in 2023. Sadly, few members of the original cast are still around to reprise their old roles, and the show is comprised almost entirely of new characters. Harry Anderson,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
As 2023 comes to a close, we here at JoBlo.com would like to take a moment to pay tribute to some of the people who sadly passed away this year. Our deepest respect goes out to everyone in the industry we have lost, and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of those who died in 2023. These talented individuals will always be remembered for their impact on the world of film and television.
In Memory Of…
Earl Boen
Earl Boen died at the age of 81 on January 5th. The actor was best known as Dr. Peter Silberman in The Terminator, a role he reprised in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, making him the only other actor aside from Arnold Schwarzenegger to appear in the first three movies.
Boen always wanted to inject a little more humour into his performance, but director James Cameron kept telling him no…...
In Memory Of…
Earl Boen
Earl Boen died at the age of 81 on January 5th. The actor was best known as Dr. Peter Silberman in The Terminator, a role he reprised in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, making him the only other actor aside from Arnold Schwarzenegger to appear in the first three movies.
Boen always wanted to inject a little more humour into his performance, but director James Cameron kept telling him no…...
- 1/1/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
With titles such as “Beijing Dream”, “The Rib” and “Empty Nest” under his belt, Zhang Wei is one of the most internationally renowned Chinese independent filmmakers. On the occasion of him being the filmmaker in focus in this year's Nyaff, the festival also presents his latest movie, “Redemption with Life”.
Redemption with Life is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
The movie begins with a motorcycle convoy riding in the Tibetan mountains, before a series of flashbacks brings us further and further back in time, examining the life story of three friends. Jianhua is essentially the protagonist, who used to work with Li Gang in an investment company that ended up losing the money from all the investors the former managed to convince to give him their money, and sending him to prison for two years. After he is released, Jianhua once more tries to cooperate with Li Gang,...
Redemption with Life is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
The movie begins with a motorcycle convoy riding in the Tibetan mountains, before a series of flashbacks brings us further and further back in time, examining the life story of three friends. Jianhua is essentially the protagonist, who used to work with Li Gang in an investment company that ended up losing the money from all the investors the former managed to convince to give him their money, and sending him to prison for two years. After he is released, Jianhua once more tries to cooperate with Li Gang,...
- 7/30/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Although not a clinical condition, Empty Nest syndrome is a feeling of grief and loneliness parents may feel when their children move out of the family home, such as to live on their own, which does result in negative psychological statuses for parents all over the world. Zhang Wei combines this concept with the growing concern about elderly in China living isolated lives and falling victims to a number of scams and their own loneliness, in order to come up with “Empty Nest”, a movie that is a drama as much as it is a comedy and a crime film.
Empty Nest is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
Based on the novel “The Empty Nest” by Xue Yiwei, the story focuses on Zhao Yimei, an elderly woman who lives alone, nursing the wounds of her husband's betrayal and being estranged from her son, in a series of events...
Empty Nest is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
Based on the novel “The Empty Nest” by Xue Yiwei, the story focuses on Zhao Yimei, an elderly woman who lives alone, nursing the wounds of her husband's betrayal and being estranged from her son, in a series of events...
- 7/26/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto to receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has revealed the features that will compete for its Uncaged Award and announced that Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto will receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nine-strong competition for best feature film at the festival, running July 14-30, will include the world premieres of Hong Kong horror Back Home and Chinese films Flaming Cloud and Redemption With Life.
Back Home is a suspense horror that marks the feature directorial debut of Nate Ki and stars Anson...
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has revealed the features that will compete for its Uncaged Award and announced that Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto will receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nine-strong competition for best feature film at the festival, running July 14-30, will include the world premieres of Hong Kong horror Back Home and Chinese films Flaming Cloud and Redemption With Life.
Back Home is a suspense horror that marks the feature directorial debut of Nate Ki and stars Anson...
- 6/23/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Roku is doing up its house and has tasked Liza Koshy to help.
The streamer has ordered Empty Nest Refresh from Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn’s Velvet Hammer Media.
Koshy, who starred in YouTube original series Liza on Demand and was the first female transformer in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, will host the series with interior designer Orlando Soria serving as the series’ design expert.
Empty Nest Refresh follows young adults moving out of their parents’ houses, but before they go, to show their love and appreciation, they’re turning their childhood bedrooms into the rooms of their parents’ dreams.
Dean Ollins serves as showrunner on the six-episode series and will exec produce alongside O’Connell, Quinn and Koshy. Nick Alarcon serves as a co-executive producer.
“Our streamers are huge fans of home renovation series, and we’re thrilled to work with the production team, Liza, and Orlando to bring a fresh,...
The streamer has ordered Empty Nest Refresh from Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn’s Velvet Hammer Media.
Koshy, who starred in YouTube original series Liza on Demand and was the first female transformer in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, will host the series with interior designer Orlando Soria serving as the series’ design expert.
Empty Nest Refresh follows young adults moving out of their parents’ houses, but before they go, to show their love and appreciation, they’re turning their childhood bedrooms into the rooms of their parents’ dreams.
Dean Ollins serves as showrunner on the six-episode series and will exec produce alongside O’Connell, Quinn and Koshy. Nick Alarcon serves as a co-executive producer.
“Our streamers are huge fans of home renovation series, and we’re thrilled to work with the production team, Liza, and Orlando to bring a fresh,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
I laugh when I hear people talk about how “Succession” is a sure thing winner for Best Drama Series and that it’s such a lock nothing whatsoever can derail it. Ha! Ha I say! Oh, it’s naturally going to be nominated and will likely remain the overwhelming frontrunner clear through Emmy season and up to Emmy night, all right. In the Gold Derby combined Emmy odds, it’s running away with this race, with “The White Lotus” Sicily” a very distant second. But if Emmy history has taught us anything, it’s that upsets happen, even giant ones. So you can absolutely never say never.
What upsets are we talking about? Well, let’s flash back and check out 15 of them, shall we?
See‘Succession’ way out front to win Best Drama Series Emmy 1952: “The Red Skelton Hour” beats “I Love Lucy” for “Best Comedy Show” – “Lucy...
What upsets are we talking about? Well, let’s flash back and check out 15 of them, shall we?
See‘Succession’ way out front to win Best Drama Series Emmy 1952: “The Red Skelton Hour” beats “I Love Lucy” for “Best Comedy Show” – “Lucy...
- 4/24/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
At the end of season 4 of “Yellowstone,” Paramount Network’s wildly popular drama, bumbling but endearing ranch hand Jimmy (Jefferson White) is absolved of his debts. He’s still a branded man but he has the freedom to leave the Yellowstone Ranch. And he chooses to stay at the 6666 Ranch in Texas; he’s met a nice girl in Texas. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) lets him go. And we didn’t hear much from Jimmy for the first part of season 5 of “Yellowstone,” until events in the mainline series coalesced to set up a new spinoff (yes another one!)
That’s right, “6666” is coming very soon and if you want to know all of the details, including how “Yellowstone” season 5 sets up the new series, look no further!
What is “6666?”
Unlike the other, similarly numerically titled “Yellowstone” spinoffs “1883” and “1923,” “6666” isn’t a year but the name of a ranch – the Four Sixes Ranch,...
That’s right, “6666” is coming very soon and if you want to know all of the details, including how “Yellowstone” season 5 sets up the new series, look no further!
What is “6666?”
Unlike the other, similarly numerically titled “Yellowstone” spinoffs “1883” and “1923,” “6666” isn’t a year but the name of a ranch – the Four Sixes Ranch,...
- 1/29/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Character actor and voice actor Earl Boen had a long list of credits, working on nearly 300 different projects over the course of a career that began in 1974. But for most movie fans, Boen will always be remembered for playing the role of Dr. Peter Silberman in The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, T2 3-D: Battle Across Time, and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Sadly, it has been confirmed by Deadline that Boen passed away in Hawaii yesterday, January 5th, at the age of 81. A friend of Boen’s and his family revealed that Boen had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in the fall of 2022.
Born on August 4, 1941, Boen made his screen acting debut in a 1974 episode of the PBS series Great Performances. The many credits he racked up after that appearance include the films The Main Event, Battle Beyond the Stars, 9 to 5, Soggy Bottom USA,...
Born on August 4, 1941, Boen made his screen acting debut in a 1974 episode of the PBS series Great Performances. The many credits he racked up after that appearance include the films The Main Event, Battle Beyond the Stars, 9 to 5, Soggy Bottom USA,...
- 1/6/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
In 1953, Danny Thomas began his TV career as the star of ABC’s “Make Room for Daddy,” which eventually migrated to CBS and became known as “The Danny Thomas Show.” Thomas played family man Danny Williams for a total of 11 seasons, ultimately electing to end the show while its ratings were still high. Afterward, he earned an Emmy bid for producing “The Mod Squad,” guest starred on such programs as “Happy Days” and “Here’s Lucy,” and reprised his most well-known role on the single-season sequel series “Make Room for Granddaddy.”
Thomas’s final role was on an episode of the NBC sitcom “Empty Nest,” which aired just four days before his death in 1991 at age 79. His portrayal of the mentor of lead character Dr. Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan) resulted in an Emmy nomination – his first since earning four for his eponymous show over three decades earlier. He was originally the...
Thomas’s final role was on an episode of the NBC sitcom “Empty Nest,” which aired just four days before his death in 1991 at age 79. His portrayal of the mentor of lead character Dr. Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan) resulted in an Emmy nomination – his first since earning four for his eponymous show over three decades earlier. He was originally the...
- 8/28/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
In 1953, Danny Thomas began his TV career as the star of ABC’s “Make Room for Daddy,” which eventually migrated to CBS and became known as “The Danny Thomas Show.” Thomas played family man Danny Williams for a total of 11 seasons, ultimately electing to end the show while its ratings were still high. Afterward, he earned an Emmy bid for producing “The Mod Squad,” guest starred on such programs as “Happy Days” and “Here’s Lucy,” and reprised his most well-known role on the single-season sequel series “Make Room for Granddaddy.”
Thomas’s final role was on an episode of the NBC sitcom “Empty Nest,” which aired just four days before his death in 1991 at age 79. His portrayal of the mentor of lead character Dr. Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan) resulted in an Emmy nomination – his first since earning four for his eponymous show over three decades earlier. He was originally the...
Thomas’s final role was on an episode of the NBC sitcom “Empty Nest,” which aired just four days before his death in 1991 at age 79. His portrayal of the mentor of lead character Dr. Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan) resulted in an Emmy nomination – his first since earning four for his eponymous show over three decades earlier. He was originally the...
- 8/28/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Many people throughout the years have been referred to as “Disney Legends,” usually based on their close proximity to the company or for working on multiple projects with them. But starting in the late 1980s, becoming a Disney Legend was something that would actually happen – you’d get a statue and a golden, lifetime ticket to all of the Disney Parks and your handprints would soon be immortalized in Legends Plaza, an area on the Disney Lot in Burbank (formerly the reflection pool for the masterful Team Disney Burbank building designed by postmodern architect Michael Graves). In recent years, a lavish ceremony has been added to the D23 Expo, the all-Disney version of Comic-Con, that happens every two years in Anaheim.
While this year’s inductees have yet to be announced, we have some ideas about who should be honored this year:
Robert A.M. Stern Disney
Like Graves, Stern is...
While this year’s inductees have yet to be announced, we have some ideas about who should be honored this year:
Robert A.M. Stern Disney
Like Graves, Stern is...
- 8/9/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
For over four decades, character actor Christopher McDonald has maintained a reputation as a reliable portrayer of smarmy scoundrels, with his quintessential role being that of Shooter McGavin in 1996’s “Happy Gilmore.” His hundreds of film and TV projects have allowed him to both expand his range and perfect the practice of mining nuggets of humanity from his usually roguish characters. Now, he has finally caught the attention of Emmy voters in the Best Comedy Guest Actor category for the HBO Max comedy series “Hacks.”
McDonald has appeared in 11 “Hacks” episodes as Marty Ghilain, the CEO of the fictional Palmetto casino in Las Vegas. Throughout the show’s two seasons, Ghilain has been involved in a power struggle with the Palmetto’s former headliner, stand-up comic Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). In “The One, the Only” (the second season finale that serves as McDonald’s episode submission), the pair of frenemies...
McDonald has appeared in 11 “Hacks” episodes as Marty Ghilain, the CEO of the fictional Palmetto casino in Las Vegas. Throughout the show’s two seasons, Ghilain has been involved in a power struggle with the Palmetto’s former headliner, stand-up comic Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). In “The One, the Only” (the second season finale that serves as McDonald’s episode submission), the pair of frenemies...
- 8/1/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
History was made when the 2022 Primetime Emmy nominations were announced, as Chadwick Boseman (“What If…?”) and Jessica Walter (“Archer”) became the first pair of direct competitors to be recognized posthumously. They are both up for the Best Character Voice-Over Performance prize after having passed away in August 2020 and March 2021, respectively.
Walter is now the only performer to ever receive two post-death Emmy bids, having just contended in the same category last summer. Now including Boseman, the list of departed acting Emmy nominees consists of 26 entrants, four of whom were honored with wins.
The first actor to be nominated for and win an Emmy posthumously was Alice Pearce, who was awarded the Best Comedy Supporting Actress trophy for “Bewitched” two months after her death in 1966. The other three champs, all of whom triumphed for TV movie performances, are supporting players David Burns and Diana Hyland and lead Raul Julia.
Two more...
Walter is now the only performer to ever receive two post-death Emmy bids, having just contended in the same category last summer. Now including Boseman, the list of departed acting Emmy nominees consists of 26 entrants, four of whom were honored with wins.
The first actor to be nominated for and win an Emmy posthumously was Alice Pearce, who was awarded the Best Comedy Supporting Actress trophy for “Bewitched” two months after her death in 1966. The other three champs, all of whom triumphed for TV movie performances, are supporting players David Burns and Diana Hyland and lead Raul Julia.
Two more...
- 7/14/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Click here to read the full article.
Maureen Arthur, who starred on Broadway and the big screen as the ambitious mistress and secretary Hedy La Rue in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, has died. She was 88.
Arthur died Wednesday of natural causes at her home in Beverly Hills after a long bout with Alzheimer’s disease, her brother Gerald told The Hollywood Reporter.
The vivacious Arthur also portrayed a nudie-magazine cover girl opposite Don Knotts and Edmond O’Brien in The Love God? (1969), a divorced woman who romances Bob Hope in How to Commit Marriage (1969) and an office tramp alongside John Phillip Law in The Love Machine (1971), based on a Jacqueline Susann novel.
Arthur played the bubble-headed Hedy in the national touring company of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which had opened on Broadway in October 1961 en route to a spectacular run of more than 1,400 performances,...
Maureen Arthur, who starred on Broadway and the big screen as the ambitious mistress and secretary Hedy La Rue in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, has died. She was 88.
Arthur died Wednesday of natural causes at her home in Beverly Hills after a long bout with Alzheimer’s disease, her brother Gerald told The Hollywood Reporter.
The vivacious Arthur also portrayed a nudie-magazine cover girl opposite Don Knotts and Edmond O’Brien in The Love God? (1969), a divorced woman who romances Bob Hope in How to Commit Marriage (1969) and an office tramp alongside John Phillip Law in The Love Machine (1971), based on a Jacqueline Susann novel.
Arthur played the bubble-headed Hedy in the national touring company of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which had opened on Broadway in October 1961 en route to a spectacular run of more than 1,400 performances,...
- 6/21/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Streamers have been the saviors for hundreds of our all-time favorite television programs, from the 1950s to shows being produced today. It’s amazing that we are able to watch all seasons of our childhood and adulthood classics. But there have been quite a few great shows that still aren’t available to stream for free. Enjoy touring our photo gallery featuring 30 shows we desperately wish were available to watch anytime we want.
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
- 4/26/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Streamers have been the saviors for hundreds of our all-time favorite television programs, from the 1950s to shows being produced today. It’s amazing that we are able to watch all seasons of our childhood and adulthood classics. But there have been quite a few great shows that still aren’t available to stream for free. Enjoy touring our photo gallery featuring 30 shows we desperately wish were available to watch anytime we want.
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
Our gallery includes a mix of Emmy-winning comedies and dramas. Some of the shows on our list were extremely popular during their time, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Dynasty,” “Home Improvement,” “Knot’s Landing,” “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Rhoda.” Others with pretty short lives but passionate fan bases: “Bosom Buddies,” “Millennium,” “Once and Again,” “Quantum Leap” and “Wkrp in Cincinnati.”
Some of these series used a lot of popular music, and therefore have major...
- 4/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Jay Sandrich, the prolific Emmy-winning TV director who was an instrumental player in such series as “The Cosby Show” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died Sept. 22 in Los Angeles, CAA confirmed. He was 89.
Sandrich was beloved in the creative community and was considered a mentor to a generation of TV directors, notably James Burrows. Sandrich had a major influence on TV comedy as the director of pilots for “Soap,” “The Golden Girls,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Empty Nest,” “Night Court” and “A Different World.” His career began on the set of “I Love Lucy” and stretched through “Two and a Half a Men.”
His father, Mark Sandrich, was a famed movie director of musicals such as “Holiday Inn” and “Top Hat.”
Jay Sandrich earned five Emmys for directing throughout his career, including two for “The Cosby Show” in 1985 and 1986, plus two for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1971 and...
Sandrich was beloved in the creative community and was considered a mentor to a generation of TV directors, notably James Burrows. Sandrich had a major influence on TV comedy as the director of pilots for “Soap,” “The Golden Girls,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Empty Nest,” “Night Court” and “A Different World.” His career began on the set of “I Love Lucy” and stretched through “Two and a Half a Men.”
His father, Mark Sandrich, was a famed movie director of musicals such as “Holiday Inn” and “Top Hat.”
Jay Sandrich earned five Emmys for directing throughout his career, including two for “The Cosby Show” in 1985 and 1986, plus two for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1971 and...
- 9/23/2021
- by Jordan Moreau and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
There is no doubt that Ted Danson is a talented actor who has had one heck of a career, but if you need the cold, hard facts, look no further than the Emmy nominations he’s accrued over the years. Of his 18 total bids, 14 have come in Best Comedy Actor, and now he’s eyeing a possible 15th in the category for his turn as a former businessman who runs for mayor of Los Angeles on NBC’s freshman comedy “Mr. Mayor.”
The former “Cheers” star is currently in fifth place in Gold Derby’s combined odds for Best Comedy Actor, sitting behind reigning Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild Award champ Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”), as well as Michael Douglas (“The Kominsky Method”), Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) and Kenan Thompson (“Kenan”). Ralph Macchio (“Cobra Kai”) rounds out the top six.
Should Danson receive his 15th comedy actor nom this summer,...
The former “Cheers” star is currently in fifth place in Gold Derby’s combined odds for Best Comedy Actor, sitting behind reigning Golden Globe, Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild Award champ Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”), as well as Michael Douglas (“The Kominsky Method”), Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) and Kenan Thompson (“Kenan”). Ralph Macchio (“Cobra Kai”) rounds out the top six.
Should Danson receive his 15th comedy actor nom this summer,...
- 5/18/2021
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
David Richardson, the veteran writer and showrunner of such television comedies as “The Simpsons,” “Two and a Half Men” and “Malcolm in the Middle,” died Monday from heart failure. He was 65.
Richardson, who was a cancer survivor for almost 30 years, began his three-decade career as a comedy writer on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series “Grand” starring Bonnie Hunt, as well as the family-friendly “Zoobilee Zoo” with Ben Vereen and “The Pat Sajak Show”.
He went on to be one of the most successful writer-producers in television, wearing both hats on shows like “Empty Nest,” “The Simpsons,” “The John Larroquette Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Two and a Half Men” and, most recently, the adult animated series “F Is for Family,” which just wrapped its fifth and final season on Netflix.
He also served as co-executive producer on “Phenom” (starring Judith Light), “Soul Man” (starring Dan Aykroyd), “What About Joan...
Richardson, who was a cancer survivor for almost 30 years, began his three-decade career as a comedy writer on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series “Grand” starring Bonnie Hunt, as well as the family-friendly “Zoobilee Zoo” with Ben Vereen and “The Pat Sajak Show”.
He went on to be one of the most successful writer-producers in television, wearing both hats on shows like “Empty Nest,” “The Simpsons,” “The John Larroquette Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Two and a Half Men” and, most recently, the adult animated series “F Is for Family,” which just wrapped its fifth and final season on Netflix.
He also served as co-executive producer on “Phenom” (starring Judith Light), “Soul Man” (starring Dan Aykroyd), “What About Joan...
- 1/19/2021
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Veteran comedy showrunner David Richardson passed away today, Jan. 18, from heart failure. He celebrated his 65th birthday on Christmas Eve.
Richardson had recently wrapped the upcoming fifth and final season of Netflix’s adult animated series F Is for Family, on which he served as executive producer.
A nearly 30-year cancer survivor, Richardson started his TV comedy writing career in 1985 on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series Grand, starring Pamela Red and Bonnie Hunt. He spent two seasons on the sitcom Empty Nest before segueing to animation with a stint on The Simpsons.
Richardson went on to work on a numerous live-action TV comedies. While on the staff of Witt-Thomas’s The John Larroquette Show, he won a Humanitas Prize for his episode “Faith.” Richardson spent three seasons on Two and a Half Men and also wrote and produced for Malcolm in the Middle, 8 Simple Rules, Phenom, Ed and What About Joan,...
Richardson had recently wrapped the upcoming fifth and final season of Netflix’s adult animated series F Is for Family, on which he served as executive producer.
A nearly 30-year cancer survivor, Richardson started his TV comedy writing career in 1985 on Michael Leeson/Carsey-Werner’s NBC series Grand, starring Pamela Red and Bonnie Hunt. He spent two seasons on the sitcom Empty Nest before segueing to animation with a stint on The Simpsons.
Richardson went on to work on a numerous live-action TV comedies. While on the staff of Witt-Thomas’s The John Larroquette Show, he won a Humanitas Prize for his episode “Faith.” Richardson spent three seasons on Two and a Half Men and also wrote and produced for Malcolm in the Middle, 8 Simple Rules, Phenom, Ed and What About Joan,...
- 1/19/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The miraculous prospects of international funding initiatives and the opportunities and pitfalls offered by streaming platforms were among the topics discussed by leading Argentine producers during an online Ventana Sur panel on Thursday.
Diego Dubcovsky of Varsovia Films, Santiago Gallelli of Rei Cine and Paula Zyngierman of Maravillacine also looked back at the dynamic New Argentine Cinema wave that characterized the 1990s, and addressed the role of state funding for the sector, and the silver lining of the Covid-19 crisis.
Already racked by crippling inflation and a plunging peso, the Argentine film industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, which has led to a sharp decline in the cinema admissions and TV advertising that fund the country’s Instituto Nacional de Cinematografia y las Artes Audiovisuals (Incaa).
Dubcovsky, whose credits include “The Motorcycle Diaries,” Daniel Burman films like “Lost Embrace” and “Empty Nest,” as well as such recent pics...
Diego Dubcovsky of Varsovia Films, Santiago Gallelli of Rei Cine and Paula Zyngierman of Maravillacine also looked back at the dynamic New Argentine Cinema wave that characterized the 1990s, and addressed the role of state funding for the sector, and the silver lining of the Covid-19 crisis.
Already racked by crippling inflation and a plunging peso, the Argentine film industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, which has led to a sharp decline in the cinema admissions and TV advertising that fund the country’s Instituto Nacional de Cinematografia y las Artes Audiovisuals (Incaa).
Dubcovsky, whose credits include “The Motorcycle Diaries,” Daniel Burman films like “Lost Embrace” and “Empty Nest,” as well as such recent pics...
- 12/4/2020
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
For the second year in a row, Don Cheadle has scored the sole Emmy nomination for “Black Monday,” in Best Comedy Actor. Hoping to score his first career victory, he has submitted the Halloween episode, “Who Are You Supposed to Be?”, for consideration, which Cheadle himself has dubbed as “crazy.”
In the episode, Mo (Cheadle) is dressed as Prince Akeem from the 1988 Eddie Murphy film “Coming to America.” The episode opens with Mo riffing and reminiscing with Dawn (Regina Hall) while spiking the punch. We then see him juggle relationships as he tries to make a deal with the FBI, get Blair (Andrew Rannells) caught for insider trading, convince Dawn to keep her hands clean, and try to figure out who Keith (Paul Scheer) is working for.
When Marcus (Dule Hill) arrives in a regal Prince Akeem costume, the two men fight over who can dance with Dawn. This results...
In the episode, Mo (Cheadle) is dressed as Prince Akeem from the 1988 Eddie Murphy film “Coming to America.” The episode opens with Mo riffing and reminiscing with Dawn (Regina Hall) while spiking the punch. We then see him juggle relationships as he tries to make a deal with the FBI, get Blair (Andrew Rannells) caught for insider trading, convince Dawn to keep her hands clean, and try to figure out who Keith (Paul Scheer) is working for.
When Marcus (Dule Hill) arrives in a regal Prince Akeem costume, the two men fight over who can dance with Dawn. This results...
- 9/19/2020
- by Matt Noble
- Gold Derby
This year the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will look a little different in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Jimmy Kimmel will be hosting a virtual ceremony; exactly how this will be carried out will be another interesting and likely memorable part of our current times. However, there have been quite a few times the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has been challenged by an outside event affecting the ceremony, with one such event forty years ago also resulting in a largely empty auditorium – but for an entirely different reason.
An ongoing strike by members of the Screen Actors Guild resulted in a very small crowd at the 32nd gala, which was hosted by Steve Allen and Dick Clark at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on September 7, 1980. Most presenters and 51 of the 52 nominated performers opted to boycott the event, with the exception of one brave soul who chose to accept his statuette in person.
An ongoing strike by members of the Screen Actors Guild resulted in a very small crowd at the 32nd gala, which was hosted by Steve Allen and Dick Clark at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on September 7, 1980. Most presenters and 51 of the 52 nominated performers opted to boycott the event, with the exception of one brave soul who chose to accept his statuette in person.
- 8/27/2020
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
Mary Pat Gleason, a prolific character actress with more than 100 TV and film credits, including CBS’ sitcom Mom and A Cinderella Story, died of cancer June 2, according to a post on her Facebook page. She was 70.
Born in Lake City, Mn, Gleason began her decades-long career in 1982 with a role in NBC soap opera Texas. She went on to star as Jane Hogan in daytime drama The Guiding Light, and won a daytime Emmy as part of the writing team on the show, which ran for 72 seasons on CBS.
Since then she has appeared on dozens of television series including Full House, Dear John, Murphy Brown, Empty Nest, L.A. Law, Saved by the Bell, Murder, She Wrote, Friends, Step by Step, Suddenly Susan, Will & Grace, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, Family Matters, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Middleman, Up All Night, 1600 Penn, Motive, Baby Daddy, Grey’s Anatomy, Partners,...
Born in Lake City, Mn, Gleason began her decades-long career in 1982 with a role in NBC soap opera Texas. She went on to star as Jane Hogan in daytime drama The Guiding Light, and won a daytime Emmy as part of the writing team on the show, which ran for 72 seasons on CBS.
Since then she has appeared on dozens of television series including Full House, Dear John, Murphy Brown, Empty Nest, L.A. Law, Saved by the Bell, Murder, She Wrote, Friends, Step by Step, Suddenly Susan, Will & Grace, Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, Family Matters, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Middleman, Up All Night, 1600 Penn, Motive, Baby Daddy, Grey’s Anatomy, Partners,...
- 6/3/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Ted Danson has two Best Comedy Actor Emmy nominations under his belt for “The Good Place,” but he’s lost both to “Barry’s” Bill Hader. With the two-time defending champ Mia this year, the third time could be the charm for Danson, who’d become just one of three men to win the category for multiple shows.
Sixteen men have won Best Comedy Actor more than once, but 14 of them did so for one show, including Danson, who triumphed in 1990 and ’93 for “Cheers.” Only Richard Mulligan and Michael J. Fox have managed to bag statuettes for two shows; the former won for “Soap” in 1980 and “Empty Nest” in 1989, while the latter three-peated for “Family Ties” from 1986-88 and then took home a record-tying fourth Emmy in 2000 for “Spin City.”
To be fair, a lot of these multiple champs were only ever nominated for one show, usually their best-known work,...
Sixteen men have won Best Comedy Actor more than once, but 14 of them did so for one show, including Danson, who triumphed in 1990 and ’93 for “Cheers.” Only Richard Mulligan and Michael J. Fox have managed to bag statuettes for two shows; the former won for “Soap” in 1980 and “Empty Nest” in 1989, while the latter three-peated for “Family Ties” from 1986-88 and then took home a record-tying fourth Emmy in 2000 for “Spin City.”
To be fair, a lot of these multiple champs were only ever nominated for one show, usually their best-known work,...
- 5/7/2020
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Madrid — Spain’s two most recognizable cinematic faces, Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz, will co-star in a new film from Madrid’s The Mediapro Studio, titled “Competencia Oficial” (Official Competition), directed by Argentine filmmakers Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat.
The pair recently both starred in Pedro Almodóvar’s “Pain and Glory,” although they never appeared together on screen. Banderas went on to win best actor at the Cannes Festival, a Spanish Academy Goya Award, and is now nominated for best actor at the Oscars.
Although the two have seen plenty of each other over the past year, promoting “Pain and Glory,” the last time they shared a scene was in 2013’s “I’m So Excited.”
Cohn and Duprat have recruited one of their most popular Argentine mature leading men to join the endeavor as well in Oscar Martínez, a Venice best actor winner for his work in “The Distinguished Citizen...
The pair recently both starred in Pedro Almodóvar’s “Pain and Glory,” although they never appeared together on screen. Banderas went on to win best actor at the Cannes Festival, a Spanish Academy Goya Award, and is now nominated for best actor at the Oscars.
Although the two have seen plenty of each other over the past year, promoting “Pain and Glory,” the last time they shared a scene was in 2013’s “I’m So Excited.”
Cohn and Duprat have recruited one of their most popular Argentine mature leading men to join the endeavor as well in Oscar Martínez, a Venice best actor winner for his work in “The Distinguished Citizen...
- 1/30/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Douglas had a very good Monday. Not only did he celebrate dad/icon Kirk Douglas‘ 103rd birthday, but he received his second straight Golden Globe nomination for Best TV Comedy/Musical Actor for “The Kominsky Method.” As the reigning champ, he now could do what no one has done in a decade: win back-to-back awards.
The last person to defend his comedy/musical actor crown was Alec Baldwin 10 years ago for the third-going-into-fourth seasons of “30 Rock.” That was actually his third Globe, following his first win for the first season. Not counting Douglas, everyone since has been a one-time champ: Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), Matt LeBlanc (“Episodes”), Don Cheadle (“House of Lies”), Andy Samberg (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent”), Gael Garcia Bernal (“Mozart in the Jungle”), Donald Glover (“Atlanta”), Aziz Ansari (“Master of None”).
See Here’s the full list of Golden Globe nominations
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association...
The last person to defend his comedy/musical actor crown was Alec Baldwin 10 years ago for the third-going-into-fourth seasons of “30 Rock.” That was actually his third Globe, following his first win for the first season. Not counting Douglas, everyone since has been a one-time champ: Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), Matt LeBlanc (“Episodes”), Don Cheadle (“House of Lies”), Andy Samberg (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Jeffrey Tambor (“Transparent”), Gael Garcia Bernal (“Mozart in the Jungle”), Donald Glover (“Atlanta”), Aziz Ansari (“Master of None”).
See Here’s the full list of Golden Globe nominations
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association...
- 12/10/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Ted Danson is in a league of his own in the Best Comedy Actor Emmy category, having extended his own record to 13 nominations this year with a second straight bid for “The Good Place.” If he manages to take home the prize, he’d join even more rarified air as one of three men to have won the award for multiple shows.
The only two men to have to have been honored here for different shows are Richard Mulligan, who triumphed for “Soap” in 1980 and “Empty Nest” in 1989, and Michael J. Fox, who three-peated for “Family Ties” from 1986-88 and scored a record-tying fourth win for “Spin City” in 2000. All of the other 13 multiple Best Comedy Actor champs prevailed for one respective show, including Danson. He has two Emmys for “Cheers,” winning in 1990 and ’93, and was nominated for the entirety of the sitcom’s 11-season run. He returned to the...
The only two men to have to have been honored here for different shows are Richard Mulligan, who triumphed for “Soap” in 1980 and “Empty Nest” in 1989, and Michael J. Fox, who three-peated for “Family Ties” from 1986-88 and scored a record-tying fourth win for “Spin City” in 2000. All of the other 13 multiple Best Comedy Actor champs prevailed for one respective show, including Danson. He has two Emmys for “Cheers,” winning in 1990 and ’93, and was nominated for the entirety of the sitcom’s 11-season run. He returned to the...
- 9/5/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
After pulling off a minor surprise last year, Bill Hader looks poised to defend his Best Comedy Actor Emmy crown for “Barry.” He’s way out in front in our early odds, and should he prevail, he’d be the latest repeat champ in this category.
Fifteen men have won this category more than once and a whopping 10 of them did so with at least one run of back-to-back victories. All of the three-time and record four-time champs won at least two in a row. The five who defy this trend are all two-time champs: Jack Klugman, Alan Alda, Judd Hirsch, Ted Danson and Richard Mulligan.
Not counting Hader, in this century, just six people have won comedy actor once for the same role. This decade produced three sets of consecutive wins — two by Jim Parsons “The Big Bang Theory,” 2010-11, 2013-14) and one by Jeffrey Tambor. Only Jon Cryer and Donald Glover,...
Fifteen men have won this category more than once and a whopping 10 of them did so with at least one run of back-to-back victories. All of the three-time and record four-time champs won at least two in a row. The five who defy this trend are all two-time champs: Jack Klugman, Alan Alda, Judd Hirsch, Ted Danson and Richard Mulligan.
Not counting Hader, in this century, just six people have won comedy actor once for the same role. This decade produced three sets of consecutive wins — two by Jim Parsons “The Big Bang Theory,” 2010-11, 2013-14) and one by Jeffrey Tambor. Only Jon Cryer and Donald Glover,...
- 8/3/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Bill Hader pulled off a surprise Emmy win last year, beating favorite and defending champ Donald Glover (“Atlanta”) for Best Comedy Actor for “Barry.” But don’t be surprised in the least if he defends his title this year — not just because of his stellar performance or because he’s now the odds-on favorite — but because this category loves repeat champs.
Of the 15 men who’ve won more than one Best Comedy Actor Emmy, only five of them did so without at least one string of back-to-back wins — all of whom are two-time champs. Jack Klugman (“The Odd Couple”) won his two years apart in 1971 and ’73; Alan Alda (“M*A*S*H”) had an eight-year span between his 1974 and ’82 victories; Judd Hirsch (“Taxi”) prevailed in 1981 and ’83; Ted Danson (“Cheers”) triumphed in 1990 and ’93; and Richard Mulligan won for two shows, “Soap” (1980) and “Empty Nest” (1989).
See Guild awards scorecard: ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,’ ‘Barry’ set...
Of the 15 men who’ve won more than one Best Comedy Actor Emmy, only five of them did so without at least one string of back-to-back wins — all of whom are two-time champs. Jack Klugman (“The Odd Couple”) won his two years apart in 1971 and ’73; Alan Alda (“M*A*S*H”) had an eight-year span between his 1974 and ’82 victories; Judd Hirsch (“Taxi”) prevailed in 1981 and ’83; Ted Danson (“Cheers”) triumphed in 1990 and ’93; and Richard Mulligan won for two shows, “Soap” (1980) and “Empty Nest” (1989).
See Guild awards scorecard: ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,’ ‘Barry’ set...
- 5/20/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Park Overall is best-known for playing wise-cracking country nurse Laverne Todd -- opposite Richard Mulligan as Dr. Harry Weston -- on the NBC "Golden Girls" spinoff "Empty Nest" that spanned the television airways from 1988-1995. Park Overall went on to play Lori Ann in the southern TV show "Reba." Overall also made headlines back in 2012 after she entered the Democratic primary against Bob Corker with a focus on women's issues and the environment but was...
- 4/17/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
It’s been 26 years since NBC’s The Golden Girls retired from the airwaves but the geriatric sitcom is alive and well as a licensing brand name and — as flaky as it may sound — fan demand for The Golden Girls breakfast cereal is so high that boxes are being hawked on eBay for as much as $100.
The limited-edition Golden Girls multigrain cereal was introduced Sept. 30 as an in-store exclusive at Target stores and online but the sold-out quickly. The blue-hued loops were marketed as a “tasty treat, fun to eat” but the real allure was the anime-style collectible Golden Girls vinyl figures tucked inside each of the $7.99 boxes.
The vinyl figures are made by Funko Inc., the Washington state company that specializes in pop-culture tchotchkes. Funko expanded into the cereal business this past summer with a plan to make film, TV and comics properties into breakfast brands.
On Friday, Funko CEO Brian Mariotti told Deadline that two additional flavors of The Golden Girls cereal will be launched soon with new figures based on the sitcom’s quartet of characters: bossy New Yorker Dorothy (Bea Arthur); the naive airhead Rose (Betty White); Southern sexpot Blanche (Rue McClanahan); and cranky Sicilian matriarch Sophia (Estelle Getty). Funko is also launching The Golden Girls as Pez dispensers next month.
Funko often focuses on of-the-moment brands but Mariotti said The Golden Girls has a fanbase that is diverse and passionate — hence the eBay auction prices. “I’m not really surprised. A few years back we did Golden Girls pop figures and action figures, too. They did insanely well. So we knew doing the cereal and our upcoming Pez makes a ton of sense.”
Asked about the cereal flavors, Mariotti said the product is more about look than taste: “Well, the cereal is a fruity flavor, but the key thing here is the color of the cereal. We have additional Golden Girls cereal planned. We wanted to lead off with blue but you can expect to see white and pink colors in the next two editions with new figures in each.”
Mariotti said fan demand is spread evenly among the four characters and he demurred when asked to name his personal favorite. “I think I am too old. I missed this Golden Girls craze. I was working 85-hour work weeks during the Golden Girls TV run. I grew up on dramatic masterpieces like Three’s Company, The Facts of Life and Silver Spoons.”
The senior citizen humor of The Golden Girls kept the show in the Top 10 for six of its seven seasons (1985-1992). The series won 11 Emmys and racked up an additional 57 nominations. It also spawned two spin-offs, The Golden Palace and Empty Nest.
The show has a curious staying power and some celebrity fans. Among them: Winston Duke(Black Panther)who stopped by Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast early this year and didn’t hesitate when asked if he has an surprising obsessions. “Easy. The Golden Girls.” Ryan Reynolds is apparently a fan, too. When Deadpool 2 enjoyed its record-setting opening weekend in May the star tweeted his appreciation to his 11 million followers in the form of a Deadpool spoof of the show’s opening credits, complete with the theme song “Thank You For Being a Friend.”
The show’s merchandise isn’t limited to Funko. Online merchants sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, a “Golden Girls” Monopoly edition, coffee mugs, greeting cards, hot sauce, and, perhaps oddest of all, prayer candles featuring the four cast members in beatified poses with stained-glass backdrops. There are limits to any nostalgia, however, as proven by the Golden Girls-themed cafe that opened in Manhattan in early 2017 — and closed by year’s end.
The limited-edition Golden Girls multigrain cereal was introduced Sept. 30 as an in-store exclusive at Target stores and online but the sold-out quickly. The blue-hued loops were marketed as a “tasty treat, fun to eat” but the real allure was the anime-style collectible Golden Girls vinyl figures tucked inside each of the $7.99 boxes.
The vinyl figures are made by Funko Inc., the Washington state company that specializes in pop-culture tchotchkes. Funko expanded into the cereal business this past summer with a plan to make film, TV and comics properties into breakfast brands.
On Friday, Funko CEO Brian Mariotti told Deadline that two additional flavors of The Golden Girls cereal will be launched soon with new figures based on the sitcom’s quartet of characters: bossy New Yorker Dorothy (Bea Arthur); the naive airhead Rose (Betty White); Southern sexpot Blanche (Rue McClanahan); and cranky Sicilian matriarch Sophia (Estelle Getty). Funko is also launching The Golden Girls as Pez dispensers next month.
Funko often focuses on of-the-moment brands but Mariotti said The Golden Girls has a fanbase that is diverse and passionate — hence the eBay auction prices. “I’m not really surprised. A few years back we did Golden Girls pop figures and action figures, too. They did insanely well. So we knew doing the cereal and our upcoming Pez makes a ton of sense.”
Asked about the cereal flavors, Mariotti said the product is more about look than taste: “Well, the cereal is a fruity flavor, but the key thing here is the color of the cereal. We have additional Golden Girls cereal planned. We wanted to lead off with blue but you can expect to see white and pink colors in the next two editions with new figures in each.”
Mariotti said fan demand is spread evenly among the four characters and he demurred when asked to name his personal favorite. “I think I am too old. I missed this Golden Girls craze. I was working 85-hour work weeks during the Golden Girls TV run. I grew up on dramatic masterpieces like Three’s Company, The Facts of Life and Silver Spoons.”
The senior citizen humor of The Golden Girls kept the show in the Top 10 for six of its seven seasons (1985-1992). The series won 11 Emmys and racked up an additional 57 nominations. It also spawned two spin-offs, The Golden Palace and Empty Nest.
The show has a curious staying power and some celebrity fans. Among them: Winston Duke(Black Panther)who stopped by Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast early this year and didn’t hesitate when asked if he has an surprising obsessions. “Easy. The Golden Girls.” Ryan Reynolds is apparently a fan, too. When Deadpool 2 enjoyed its record-setting opening weekend in May the star tweeted his appreciation to his 11 million followers in the form of a Deadpool spoof of the show’s opening credits, complete with the theme song “Thank You For Being a Friend.”
The show’s merchandise isn’t limited to Funko. Online merchants sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, a “Golden Girls” Monopoly edition, coffee mugs, greeting cards, hot sauce, and, perhaps oddest of all, prayer candles featuring the four cast members in beatified poses with stained-glass backdrops. There are limits to any nostalgia, however, as proven by the Golden Girls-themed cafe that opened in Manhattan in early 2017 — and closed by year’s end.
- 10/27/2018
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
Independent Chinese director Zhang Wei must be one of the best-tempered auteurs in the industry. He repeatedly accepts setbacks like badges of honor, but plows on anyway.
Zhang has produced, directed and financed socially aware films “Factory Boss” and “Sound of a Dream,” with his latest film, “The Rib,” world-premiering at the Busan International Film Festival. But before getting to Korea, it underwent a massive 40- minute cut in a unique censorship process.
The film depicts the strained relationship between a devout Christian father and his son, who is seeking a sex change operation. Initially opposed to his son’s plans, the father seeks further guidance after he is shaken by the suicide of a friend.
“It is very much the father’s journey,” Zhang told Variety. “On one level it is a father-son story. On another, it is an exploration of the Lgbt community that the father goes to consult.
Zhang has produced, directed and financed socially aware films “Factory Boss” and “Sound of a Dream,” with his latest film, “The Rib,” world-premiering at the Busan International Film Festival. But before getting to Korea, it underwent a massive 40- minute cut in a unique censorship process.
The film depicts the strained relationship between a devout Christian father and his son, who is seeking a sex change operation. Initially opposed to his son’s plans, the father seeks further guidance after he is shaken by the suicide of a friend.
“It is very much the father’s journey,” Zhang told Variety. “On one level it is a father-son story. On another, it is an exploration of the Lgbt community that the father goes to consult.
- 10/7/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Many worthy people are still waiting and waiting for their induction into the Television Academy’s TV Hall of Fame. Each year a small committee makes the selection of just a few people to be inducted. You can visit their busts, statues and tributes at their plaza in North Hollywood, California. Our photo gallery above offers up 50 individuals who easily deserve to be include, so please take a look at these choices, esteemed committee members, and let’s induct even more this year.
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky, writer/producer Norman Lear, journalist Edward R. Murrow, CBS founder William S. Paley, and NBC founder David Sarnoff.
The most recent class from late 2017 featured the inductions of production designer Roy Christopher, producer/writer Shonda Rhimes,...
The first induction was held in 1984 and it’s been an annual tradition almost every year. That class of legends consisted of actress/executive Lucille Ball, actor/comedian Milton Berle, writer Paddy Chayefsky, writer/producer Norman Lear, journalist Edward R. Murrow, CBS founder William S. Paley, and NBC founder David Sarnoff.
The most recent class from late 2017 featured the inductions of production designer Roy Christopher, producer/writer Shonda Rhimes,...
- 8/29/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
This year, Emmy voters paid respects to Anthony Bourdain, who committed suicide on June 8, with six nominations for his CNN series “Parts Unknown,” and another for its digital expansion. But whether these accolades end up in the win column as well remains to be seen. If history is any judge, the Academy delivers a mixed bag on posthumous trophies, with sentimentality playing an uneven role.
“The Emmys are quirky,” says awards consultant Jonathan Taylor of Robertson Taylor Partners. “With peak TV there [are] so many shows that anybody who says they know how voters are going to vote is lying.”
Ingrid Bergman won her Emmy for “A Woman Called Golda” in 1982, a month after she died of breast cancer. Audrey Hepburn earned hers in 1993, several months after her death, for “Gardens of the World.” Raul Julia died in 1994, but earned a trophy the next year for “The Burning Season.”
Diana Hyland,...
“The Emmys are quirky,” says awards consultant Jonathan Taylor of Robertson Taylor Partners. “With peak TV there [are] so many shows that anybody who says they know how voters are going to vote is lying.”
Ingrid Bergman won her Emmy for “A Woman Called Golda” in 1982, a month after she died of breast cancer. Audrey Hepburn earned hers in 1993, several months after her death, for “Gardens of the World.” Raul Julia died in 1994, but earned a trophy the next year for “The Burning Season.”
Diana Hyland,...
- 8/21/2018
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Elmarie Wendel, who played the Solomon family’s landlord Mrs. Dubcek on “3rd Rock From the Sun,” has died. She was 89.
Wendel’s daughter confirmed her death on Instagram Saturday.
“#ripelmariewendel,” the post reads. “You were a great mom and a badass dame.”
Wendel’s “3rd Rock” co-star Jim Beaver remembered her on social media as well.
“She was raucous, funny, endearing, and terribly, terribly sweet,” he wrote. “Goodnight, Mrs. Dubcek, wherever you are.”
Beaver starred as Happy Doug on the series.
In addition to her role on “3rd Rock,” Wendel had credits on “Seinfeld,” “Love & War,” “Murphy Brown,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Empty Nest.” She also had a voice role in 2012’s Dr. Seuss adaptation “The Lorax” as Aunt Grizelda. Her most recent recurring role was on “George Lopez” from 2003-2007 as Gina.
Wendel was born Nov. 23, 1928 on a farm in Howard County, Iowa and performed with her...
Wendel’s daughter confirmed her death on Instagram Saturday.
“#ripelmariewendel,” the post reads. “You were a great mom and a badass dame.”
Wendel’s “3rd Rock” co-star Jim Beaver remembered her on social media as well.
“She was raucous, funny, endearing, and terribly, terribly sweet,” he wrote. “Goodnight, Mrs. Dubcek, wherever you are.”
Beaver starred as Happy Doug on the series.
In addition to her role on “3rd Rock,” Wendel had credits on “Seinfeld,” “Love & War,” “Murphy Brown,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Empty Nest.” She also had a voice role in 2012’s Dr. Seuss adaptation “The Lorax” as Aunt Grizelda. Her most recent recurring role was on “George Lopez” from 2003-2007 as Gina.
Wendel was born Nov. 23, 1928 on a farm in Howard County, Iowa and performed with her...
- 7/22/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Elmarie Wendel, best known for her role as the eccentric Mrs. Dubcek on NBC’s long-running sitcom 3rd Rock From The Sun, has died. Her daughter, actress J.C. Wendel, confirmed her mother’s death on Instagram (see below). No cause of death was given. Wendel was 89.
Wendel began her career on the stage in New York City in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She joined the national touring company of Annie, which brought her to Los Angeles, and a successful transition into film and television.
In La, she landed the role of Mrs. Dubcek, the Solomon family’s landlady, NBC’s hit sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. The quirky character was a loose and free-spirited woman, who was known for her many sexual partners, and often acted as a bizarre and unlikely guide for the Solomons in handling problems in their love lives. In one episode “Dick and the Other Guy”, Sally,...
Wendel began her career on the stage in New York City in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She joined the national touring company of Annie, which brought her to Los Angeles, and a successful transition into film and television.
In La, she landed the role of Mrs. Dubcek, the Solomon family’s landlady, NBC’s hit sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. The quirky character was a loose and free-spirited woman, who was known for her many sexual partners, and often acted as a bizarre and unlikely guide for the Solomons in handling problems in their love lives. In one episode “Dick and the Other Guy”, Sally,...
- 7/22/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Elmarie Wendel, best known to TV audiences for her role as 3rd Rock From the Sun landlady Mrs. Dubcek, has died at the age of 89, TMZ reports.
Wendel worked consistently as a character actress before landing 3rd Rock in 1996. Earlier credits include guest spots on Knight Rider, The Jeffersons, The Facts of Life, Murphy Brown, Seinfeld, Major Dad, Santa Barbara, Empty Nest, Weird Science and Murder, She Wrote.
After 3rd Rock ended in 2001, Wendel guest-starred on four episodes of NYPD Blue, then landed a recurring role as the flirtatious Gina on George Lopez. She later appeared in select episodes of...
Wendel worked consistently as a character actress before landing 3rd Rock in 1996. Earlier credits include guest spots on Knight Rider, The Jeffersons, The Facts of Life, Murphy Brown, Seinfeld, Major Dad, Santa Barbara, Empty Nest, Weird Science and Murder, She Wrote.
After 3rd Rock ended in 2001, Wendel guest-starred on four episodes of NYPD Blue, then landed a recurring role as the flirtatious Gina on George Lopez. She later appeared in select episodes of...
- 7/22/2018
- TVLine.com
Could Miguel Ferrer become a posthumous Emmy nominee for “Twin Peaks: The Return”? The veteran character actor died of throat cancer in January 2017 after he shot the Showtime revival, in which he reprised his role as FBI Agent Albert Rosenfield. The TV academy often rewards stars who have died with nominations for their final performances, so could Ferrer compete for Best Movie/Mini Supporting Actor? Despite a long list of TV credits including “The Stand” (1994), “Crossing Jordan” (2001-2007), “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2012-2017) and many more, he never earned an Emmy nomination during his lifetime.
Ferrer first appeared in the original “Twin Peaks” in a recurring role as an abrasive and sarcastic FBI forensics specialist assisting Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) in his murder investigation in the title town. And he also appeared in the 1992 prequel film “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.” The 18-episode limited run in 2017 found him...
Ferrer first appeared in the original “Twin Peaks” in a recurring role as an abrasive and sarcastic FBI forensics specialist assisting Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) in his murder investigation in the title town. And he also appeared in the 1992 prequel film “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.” The 18-episode limited run in 2017 found him...
- 7/10/2018
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Happy Tuesday, "General Hospital" fans. Unfortunately, we have some bad news for you guys in this article. According to a new report from soapcentral.com and other news outlets, Monica Quartermaine portrayer Leslie Charleson recently suffered a pretty bad leg injury while walking her dog. The injury is so bad that she actually has to step down from her General Hospital role temporarily! The official General Hospital Twitter page ran a tweet about this back on April 17, 2018. They wrote, "@lesliecharleson's beloved dog, Riley Rose, was a little too eager for her morning walk and tripped Leslie - injuring her leg. Unfortunately, she will need to be replaced in shows already written. Cont'd... (1/2)." You guys can view that tweet on General Hospital's Twitter page by Clicking Here. Shortly after that, General Hospital wished Leslie a quick recovery, and confirmed that she will be back as soon as she gets better.
- 5/1/2018
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
“He was my brother.” Producer Tony Thomas remembered his longtime partner Paul Junger Witt as an extraordinarily talented producer who had great taste in material and an instinctive skill at pitching shows to network buyers.
Witt died Friday in Los Angeles at age 77 after a long battle with cancer.
“He was a lion — an absolute lion,” Thomas told Variety. “He was laser-brain smart and strong and believed in his convictions and would not be deterred. He had terrific taste and he knew how to tell a story extremely well. He was a great salesman. He knew how to find the right way to articulate to a given network what the show was and the elements that they would respond to.”
Witt and Thomas worked together for more than 45 years. From 1975 on, the two were partners in the prosperous Witt/Thomas Prods., which later expanded to Witt/Thomas/Harris Prods. when writer Susan Harris,...
Witt died Friday in Los Angeles at age 77 after a long battle with cancer.
“He was a lion — an absolute lion,” Thomas told Variety. “He was laser-brain smart and strong and believed in his convictions and would not be deterred. He had terrific taste and he knew how to tell a story extremely well. He was a great salesman. He knew how to find the right way to articulate to a given network what the show was and the elements that they would respond to.”
Witt and Thomas worked together for more than 45 years. From 1975 on, the two were partners in the prosperous Witt/Thomas Prods., which later expanded to Witt/Thomas/Harris Prods. when writer Susan Harris,...
- 4/27/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Junger Witt, the TV producer whose credits include “The Golden Girls” and “Soap,” has died at the age of 77, according to media reports.
According to Variety, Witt passed away in Los Angeles on Friday following a long battle with cancer.
Through his company Witt/Thomas/Harris productions, run with producing partner Tony Thomas and wife Susan Harris, Witt was also behind such shows as “The Partridge Family,” “Benson,” “It’s a Living,” “Empty Nest” and “Blossom” from the 1970s through the ’90s.
Also Read: Happy 96th Birthday, Betty White! Watch 9 of Her All-Time Best TV Moments (Videos)
On the film side, Witt also produced the Robin Williams drama “Dead Poets Society,” Nora Ephron’s “Mixed Nuts” and 2011’s “A Better Life,” which earned an Oscar nomination for star Demián Bichir.
He is survived by Harris and five children.
Read original story Paul Junger Witt, ‘Golden Girls’ Producer, Dies at 77 At TheWrap...
According to Variety, Witt passed away in Los Angeles on Friday following a long battle with cancer.
Through his company Witt/Thomas/Harris productions, run with producing partner Tony Thomas and wife Susan Harris, Witt was also behind such shows as “The Partridge Family,” “Benson,” “It’s a Living,” “Empty Nest” and “Blossom” from the 1970s through the ’90s.
Also Read: Happy 96th Birthday, Betty White! Watch 9 of Her All-Time Best TV Moments (Videos)
On the film side, Witt also produced the Robin Williams drama “Dead Poets Society,” Nora Ephron’s “Mixed Nuts” and 2011’s “A Better Life,” which earned an Oscar nomination for star Demián Bichir.
He is survived by Harris and five children.
Read original story Paul Junger Witt, ‘Golden Girls’ Producer, Dies at 77 At TheWrap...
- 4/27/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Paul Junger Witt, who produced such hit TV shows as Golden Girls, Here Come the Brides and features Dead Poets Society, Three Kings and Insomnia, among others, died Friday morning at his home after a long battle with cancer, his publicist said. He was 77.
Witt, who began his career in the mailroom at Columbia Pictures, rose to become a producer of some TV’s most beloved and successful shows. Witt was behind such hits as The Partridge Family, Golden Girls, Here Come the Brides, Soap, its spinoff Benson, Empty Nest, Blossom and the original Beauty and the Beast.
In addition to his TV work, Witt also was a producer of features Dead Poets Society and Insomnia, both starring Robin Williams; Three Kings; and critically praised A Better Life, along with the classic 1971 TV movie Brian’s Song. The photo at left shows Witt with Williams at the Insomnia premiere in...
Witt, who began his career in the mailroom at Columbia Pictures, rose to become a producer of some TV’s most beloved and successful shows. Witt was behind such hits as The Partridge Family, Golden Girls, Here Come the Brides, Soap, its spinoff Benson, Empty Nest, Blossom and the original Beauty and the Beast.
In addition to his TV work, Witt also was a producer of features Dead Poets Society and Insomnia, both starring Robin Williams; Three Kings; and critically praised A Better Life, along with the classic 1971 TV movie Brian’s Song. The photo at left shows Witt with Williams at the Insomnia premiere in...
- 4/27/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Junger Witt, producer of such TV comedies as “The Golden Girls,” “Benson,” and “Soap” and a principal of the prosperous Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, died Friday in Los Angeles. He was 77.
Witt had faced a long battle with cancer, a family representative said.
With producing partner Tony Thomas, Witt in the 1970s and 80s ran Witt/Thomas Productions, which was also home to NBC’s “Empty Nest” and “Blossom” and the original “Beauty and the Beast” series. In 1983, Witt married writer-producer Susan Harris, creator of NBC’s “Golden Girls,” and the company expanded as Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions.
In addition to his TV work, Witt was a producer of such films as 1989’s “Dead Poet’s Society,” 1999’s “Three Kings,” 2002’s “Insomnia,” and 2011’s “A Better Life.”
Born in New York City, Witt graduated from the University of Virginia. He got his start in Hollywood in the mail room of Columbia Pictures.
Witt had faced a long battle with cancer, a family representative said.
With producing partner Tony Thomas, Witt in the 1970s and 80s ran Witt/Thomas Productions, which was also home to NBC’s “Empty Nest” and “Blossom” and the original “Beauty and the Beast” series. In 1983, Witt married writer-producer Susan Harris, creator of NBC’s “Golden Girls,” and the company expanded as Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions.
In addition to his TV work, Witt was a producer of such films as 1989’s “Dead Poet’s Society,” 1999’s “Three Kings,” 2002’s “Insomnia,” and 2011’s “A Better Life.”
Born in New York City, Witt graduated from the University of Virginia. He got his start in Hollywood in the mail room of Columbia Pictures.
- 4/27/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Ken Ziffren grades himself a B-minus when it comes to using new technology, but after more than 50 years as one of Los Angeles’ top attorneys, he remains fully up-to-date on the legal implications of the ongoing digital revolution.
“The experiences that I’ve had get experienced in new bottles, if you will,” says Ziffren. “I look at it as a challenge, but the challenge is the opportunity.”
Recently, Ziffren — who will be the keynote speaker at Variety’s Power of Law breakfast on April 20 — helped spearhead an effort to bring exhibitors and the major studios together on a deal to make films available for early home viewing via premium VOD. Negotiations were derailed by pending mergers, but he’s hopeful they’ll be revived soon.
“The whole VOD movement has changed not just television but also home viewing … so we have to focus on how we develop our programming to work with that audience,...
“The experiences that I’ve had get experienced in new bottles, if you will,” says Ziffren. “I look at it as a challenge, but the challenge is the opportunity.”
Recently, Ziffren — who will be the keynote speaker at Variety’s Power of Law breakfast on April 20 — helped spearhead an effort to bring exhibitors and the major studios together on a deal to make films available for early home viewing via premium VOD. Negotiations were derailed by pending mergers, but he’s hopeful they’ll be revived soon.
“The whole VOD movement has changed not just television but also home viewing … so we have to focus on how we develop our programming to work with that audience,...
- 4/18/2018
- by Todd Longwell
- Variety Film + TV
Susan Anspach died on April 2 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 75.
Anspach's son, Caleb Goddard, announced her death to the New York Times and said the cause was coronary failure.
Anspach was best known for her roles in 1970s films including Bob Rafaelson's Five Easy Pieces, Paul Mazursky's Blume in Love, and Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam.
Later in her career, Anspach landed recurring roles on television series. She starred in the NBC primetime soap oepra The Yellow Rose as Grace McKenzie. She also appeared in the 13-hour mini-series Space and the comedy The Slap Maxwell Story.
Raised in Queens, New York, Anspach graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School before becoming involved with musical theater. She starred in multiple Broadway and off-Broadway shows, such as “Hair” and “A View from the Bridge” with Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. Her first feature...
Anspach's son, Caleb Goddard, announced her death to the New York Times and said the cause was coronary failure.
Anspach was best known for her roles in 1970s films including Bob Rafaelson's Five Easy Pieces, Paul Mazursky's Blume in Love, and Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam.
Later in her career, Anspach landed recurring roles on television series. She starred in the NBC primetime soap oepra The Yellow Rose as Grace McKenzie. She also appeared in the 13-hour mini-series Space and the comedy The Slap Maxwell Story.
Raised in Queens, New York, Anspach graduated from William Cullen Bryant High School before becoming involved with musical theater. She starred in multiple Broadway and off-Broadway shows, such as “Hair” and “A View from the Bridge” with Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. Her first feature...
- 4/17/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Over his remarkable career on the small screen, John Goodman has earned a total of 11 Emmy nominations, including seven for his role as Dan Conner on “Roseanne,” the series that launched his career. However, none of those seven bids proved to be lucky for him. His sole Emmy win came in Best Guest Drama Actor for “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” in 2007.
While Goodman never won an Emmy for his acclaimed turn on “Roseanne,” leading lady Roseanne Barr won once while scene-stealer Laurie Metcalf took home three Best Comedy Supporting Actress trophies. This year, with the much-anticipated revival of the series, Goodman could finally win an Emmy for portraying the Conner family patriarch.
Despite his unsuccessful run at the Emmys, Goodman was no amateur at selecting exceptional episodes of “Roseanne” for voters’ consideration.
See ‘Roseanne’: Which Becky is in opening credits for revival? [Watch]
For the show’s first season,...
While Goodman never won an Emmy for his acclaimed turn on “Roseanne,” leading lady Roseanne Barr won once while scene-stealer Laurie Metcalf took home three Best Comedy Supporting Actress trophies. This year, with the much-anticipated revival of the series, Goodman could finally win an Emmy for portraying the Conner family patriarch.
Despite his unsuccessful run at the Emmys, Goodman was no amateur at selecting exceptional episodes of “Roseanne” for voters’ consideration.
See ‘Roseanne’: Which Becky is in opening credits for revival? [Watch]
For the show’s first season,...
- 3/21/2018
- by Andrew Carden
- Gold Derby
Jada Pinkett Smith feels that her relationship with Tupac Shakur has been misunderstood.
The Girls Trip star candidly opened up about her past with the late rapper on Sway's Universe on Wednesday, where she revealed that at the time the two met, she was a drug dealer.
"It’s kinda hard because I haven't really told the whole story," the 45-year-old actress shared. "One of the things that's very interesting that I've never really said before is that when I first met Pac, when we first met, I was a drug dealer. Yes."
Exclusive: Jada Pinkett Smith Sets the Record Straight on Her Empty Nest: 'They're at the House Every Day'
While not going into more detail -- teasing that more would be revealed in a yet-to-be-written memoir, Pinkett-Smith went on to express her regret that the slain rapper never had the chance she did -- to have a spiritual way out of the life she...
The Girls Trip star candidly opened up about her past with the late rapper on Sway's Universe on Wednesday, where she revealed that at the time the two met, she was a drug dealer.
"It’s kinda hard because I haven't really told the whole story," the 45-year-old actress shared. "One of the things that's very interesting that I've never really said before is that when I first met Pac, when we first met, I was a drug dealer. Yes."
Exclusive: Jada Pinkett Smith Sets the Record Straight on Her Empty Nest: 'They're at the House Every Day'
While not going into more detail -- teasing that more would be revealed in a yet-to-be-written memoir, Pinkett-Smith went on to express her regret that the slain rapper never had the chance she did -- to have a spiritual way out of the life she...
- 7/19/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
In the gallery above, we’ve picked 29 moments among a multitude from “The Golden Girls,” the ‘80s-‘90s comedy that is available to binge in its entirety on Hulu now. Click through for a rough guide to what’s in store when you revisit Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia.
Read More: Friends of Dorothy: Was ‘The Golden Girls’ Really as Queer-Friendly as Its Reputation Suggests?
Created by Susan Harris, who had also created the controversial but critically acclaimed sitcom “Soap,” “The Golden Girls” was unlike anything America had seen before on TV. It centered on four older women living in one house in Miami, who, despite the gray in their hair (some of it camouflaged with dye), still had plenty of zest for life, sex, and troublemaking.
Based on their performances on “Maude” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Rue McClanahan and Betty White were cast first. Director Jay Sandrich...
Read More: Friends of Dorothy: Was ‘The Golden Girls’ Really as Queer-Friendly as Its Reputation Suggests?
Created by Susan Harris, who had also created the controversial but critically acclaimed sitcom “Soap,” “The Golden Girls” was unlike anything America had seen before on TV. It centered on four older women living in one house in Miami, who, despite the gray in their hair (some of it camouflaged with dye), still had plenty of zest for life, sex, and troublemaking.
Based on their performances on “Maude” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Rue McClanahan and Betty White were cast first. Director Jay Sandrich...
- 2/13/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
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