Jerry Seinfeld calls him ‘the most idolised comedian ever’. Yet after five decades at the top, success still makes him cringe. He discusses doubting himself, starring in a documentary – and that Dennis Pennis encounter
I didn’t expect Steve Martin to be funny. Sure, it was his skewwhiff sensibility that made The Jerk, The Man With Two Brains, LA Story and Bowfinger so deliriously inspired. And he was comedy’s first double-platinum-record-selling, stadium-touring megastar; he began wearing a white suit on stage only so that he could be seen by fans in the cheap seats several postcodes away. He crafted riotous slapstick crescendos in All of Me and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and displayed a literary flair even at his silliest. No one who has seen Roxanne, the modern-day interpretation of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac that found Martin investing his comedy with emotional weight for the first time, will...
I didn’t expect Steve Martin to be funny. Sure, it was his skewwhiff sensibility that made The Jerk, The Man With Two Brains, LA Story and Bowfinger so deliriously inspired. And he was comedy’s first double-platinum-record-selling, stadium-touring megastar; he began wearing a white suit on stage only so that he could be seen by fans in the cheap seats several postcodes away. He crafted riotous slapstick crescendos in All of Me and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and displayed a literary flair even at his silliest. No one who has seen Roxanne, the modern-day interpretation of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac that found Martin investing his comedy with emotional weight for the first time, will...
- 3/22/2024
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Don’t call it a career win because few would argue that Robert Downey, Jr. didn’t deliver one of his best performances ever as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” That immense talent was rewarded with his first Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category at the 96th Academy Awards. One of the most popular actors of the past two decades and a three-time Oscar nominee overall, Downey, Jr. earned his first nomination 30 years ago for “Chaplin.”
Read More: 2024 Oscars Winners As They Are Announced [Winners List]
Best known to global audiences for his role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey, Jr.’s prolific resume includes ’80s teen classics such as “Less Than Zero” and “Back to School,” cult ’90s comedies such as “Soapdish,” and celebrated films such as “Natural Born Killers,” “Short Cuts,” “Richard III,” “Wonder Boys,” “Bowfinger,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Zodiac,” “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,...
Read More: 2024 Oscars Winners As They Are Announced [Winners List]
Best known to global audiences for his role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey, Jr.’s prolific resume includes ’80s teen classics such as “Less Than Zero” and “Back to School,” cult ’90s comedies such as “Soapdish,” and celebrated films such as “Natural Born Killers,” “Short Cuts,” “Richard III,” “Wonder Boys,” “Bowfinger,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Zodiac,” “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Iconic actor and comedian Steve Martin is finally getting his own documentary after spending more than half a century in the spotlight.
The “Bowfinger,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and “Only Murders in the Building” star is the subject of Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville’s latest feature, which charts Martin’s personal life to his rise on “SNL” and later, his writing, directing, and acting career.
Titled “Steve! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces,” the film dives into Martin’s extraordinary story from two distinct points of view, with companion documentaries that feature never-before-seen footage and raw insights into Steve’s personal and professional trials and triumphs. The “Then” portion chronicles Martin’s early struggles and meteoric rise to revolutionize standup before walking away at 35. The “Now” section focuses on the present day, with Martin in the golden years of his career, teasing retirement, retracing the transformation that led to happiness in his art and personal life.
The “Bowfinger,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and “Only Murders in the Building” star is the subject of Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville’s latest feature, which charts Martin’s personal life to his rise on “SNL” and later, his writing, directing, and acting career.
Titled “Steve! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces,” the film dives into Martin’s extraordinary story from two distinct points of view, with companion documentaries that feature never-before-seen footage and raw insights into Steve’s personal and professional trials and triumphs. The “Then” portion chronicles Martin’s early struggles and meteoric rise to revolutionize standup before walking away at 35. The “Now” section focuses on the present day, with Martin in the golden years of his career, teasing retirement, retracing the transformation that led to happiness in his art and personal life.
- 3/6/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
When we last hung out with Eddie Murphy's Axel Foley, he was wreaking havoc at a fictional Southern California amusement park (clearly based on Disneyland) while trying to apprehend the facility's chief of security, who murdered Foley's ill-tempered mentor, Inspector Todd (Gil Hill). If you're saying, "Uh, no, he was chasing the Eurotrash criminals who shot up his buddy Chief Bogomil (Ronny Cox)," you are one of the vast majority of moviegoers who skipped John Landis' "Beverly Hills Cop III."
Released over Memorial Day weekend in 1994, Murphy's third go-round as the fast-talking Detroit detective who keeps making unwelcome visits to Los Angeles to avenge dead or badly wounded friends arrived seven years after the last installment, and audiences had moved on. Whereas the first two movies grossed $316 million and $300 million worldwide (the bulk of that money being made in the U.S.), "Beverly Hills Cop III" only...
Released over Memorial Day weekend in 1994, Murphy's third go-round as the fast-talking Detroit detective who keeps making unwelcome visits to Los Angeles to avenge dead or badly wounded friends arrived seven years after the last installment, and audiences had moved on. Whereas the first two movies grossed $316 million and $300 million worldwide (the bulk of that money being made in the U.S.), "Beverly Hills Cop III" only...
- 11/28/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
It was a moment film nerds could only dream of: Actor/director Joe Lynch was seated next to Quentin Tarantino at an event, and they were going deep on lenses. Specifically, how Tarantino had gotten his mitts on Ultra Panavision 70, a 70mm format from Ben Hur, for his 2015 Western The Hateful Eight. Not much could distract Lynch from a moment like that — until he heard Stuart Gordon, of Re-Animator fame, discussing his latest collaboration with screenwriter Dennis Paoli: a modern-day retelling of H.P. Lovecraft’s story “The Thing at the Doorstep” called Suitable Flesh.
- 10/28/2023
- by Brenna Ehrlich
- Rollingstone.com
[Editor’s note: The following interview was conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14, 2023.]
Heather Graham is looking back on her own Hollywood legacy. The “Suitable Flesh” star recently told IndieWire that 1999 meta comedy “Bowfinger” is one of the films she’s “proudest” of starring in. “That’s one of the movies I’m proudest about being in,” Graham said. “I’m so proud and so grateful to be in that movie.”
Graham’s co-star Steve Martin wrote the film, which follows an indie film producer (played by Martin himself) who is looking to helm his big break. Graham portrays an aspiring actress who uses her sexuality to ascend Hollywood’s male-dominated power structures; Eddie Murphy and Christine Baranski co-star. Frank Oz directed.
“Bowfinger” came out two years after Graham’s breakout “Boogie Nights” role. The “Chosen Family” writer-director additionally told IndieWire that the sexist themes parodied by “Bowfinger” are still present in Hollywood today.
“It’s still not totally what I think it should be,...
Heather Graham is looking back on her own Hollywood legacy. The “Suitable Flesh” star recently told IndieWire that 1999 meta comedy “Bowfinger” is one of the films she’s “proudest” of starring in. “That’s one of the movies I’m proudest about being in,” Graham said. “I’m so proud and so grateful to be in that movie.”
Graham’s co-star Steve Martin wrote the film, which follows an indie film producer (played by Martin himself) who is looking to helm his big break. Graham portrays an aspiring actress who uses her sexuality to ascend Hollywood’s male-dominated power structures; Eddie Murphy and Christine Baranski co-star. Frank Oz directed.
“Bowfinger” came out two years after Graham’s breakout “Boogie Nights” role. The “Chosen Family” writer-director additionally told IndieWire that the sexist themes parodied by “Bowfinger” are still present in Hollywood today.
“It’s still not totally what I think it should be,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Heather Joan Graham, an American actress, has captivated audiences with her talent and beauty for decades. From her early beginnings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to her rise as a Hollywood star, Graham’s journey in acting has been nothing short of remarkable. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Heather Graham, highlighting her notable roles, achievements, and impact on the entertainment industry.
Heather Graham was born on January 29, 1970, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joan and James Graham. Her mother, Joan, was a schoolteacher and children’s book author, while her father, James, worked as an FBI agent. Growing up in a strictly Catholic household, Heather and her sister, Aimee Graham, were raised with strong values and a sense of discipline. Despite her shyness, Heather developed a passion for acting at a young age, which would ultimately shape her future.
While attending high school, Heather’s love for acting...
Heather Graham was born on January 29, 1970, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joan and James Graham. Her mother, Joan, was a schoolteacher and children’s book author, while her father, James, worked as an FBI agent. Growing up in a strictly Catholic household, Heather and her sister, Aimee Graham, were raised with strong values and a sense of discipline. Despite her shyness, Heather developed a passion for acting at a young age, which would ultimately shape her future.
While attending high school, Heather’s love for acting...
- 10/19/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Steve Martin has responded to allegations made by Miriam Margolyes, his co-star in 1986’s Little Shop of Horrors.
In her new memoir Oh Miriam: Stories From An Extraordinary Life, the veteran actress wrote of playing a dental assistant to Martin’s Orin Scrivello D.D.S., specifically a sequence in which Martin’s character slams a door in the face of Margolyes’ character and punches her.
“I was hit all day by doors opening in my face; repeatedly punched, slapped and knocked down by an unlovely and unapologetic Steve Martin – perhaps he was method acting – and came home grumpy with a splitting headache.”
Her overall appraisal? Martin was “undeniably brilliant, but horrid to me.”
Martin addressed the allegations in a statement to Deadline:
“When I first read Miriam Margolyes’ pejorative account of our scene in Little Shop of Horrors, I was surprised. My memory is that we had a good communication as professional actors.
In her new memoir Oh Miriam: Stories From An Extraordinary Life, the veteran actress wrote of playing a dental assistant to Martin’s Orin Scrivello D.D.S., specifically a sequence in which Martin’s character slams a door in the face of Margolyes’ character and punches her.
“I was hit all day by doors opening in my face; repeatedly punched, slapped and knocked down by an unlovely and unapologetic Steve Martin – perhaps he was method acting – and came home grumpy with a splitting headache.”
Her overall appraisal? Martin was “undeniably brilliant, but horrid to me.”
Martin addressed the allegations in a statement to Deadline:
“When I first read Miriam Margolyes’ pejorative account of our scene in Little Shop of Horrors, I was surprised. My memory is that we had a good communication as professional actors.
- 9/16/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Look at us! Here we are! Right where we belong ... in 4K Ultra HD, that is!
It's true: "The Muppets Take Manhattan" is getting a fresh coat of paint for its new release on home media courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The third "Muppets" feature film and, sadly, the last one that creator Jim Henson and puppeteer Richard Hunt worked on prior to their untimely deaths, "Manhattan" sees Kermit and the gang graduating from college and headed to New York City in the hopes of turning their humble little stage musical, "Manhattan Melodies," into a Broadway sensation. But as you might expect, the suits that run the theatrical industry aren't quite as enthused about the prospect of a show all about frogs and dogs and bears and chickens and ... stuff.
I've already gotten on my soapbox about how I feel "The Muppets Take Manhattan" doesn't get the credit it...
It's true: "The Muppets Take Manhattan" is getting a fresh coat of paint for its new release on home media courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The third "Muppets" feature film and, sadly, the last one that creator Jim Henson and puppeteer Richard Hunt worked on prior to their untimely deaths, "Manhattan" sees Kermit and the gang graduating from college and headed to New York City in the hopes of turning their humble little stage musical, "Manhattan Melodies," into a Broadway sensation. But as you might expect, the suits that run the theatrical industry aren't quite as enthused about the prospect of a show all about frogs and dogs and bears and chickens and ... stuff.
I've already gotten on my soapbox about how I feel "The Muppets Take Manhattan" doesn't get the credit it...
- 8/24/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
As the calendar turns to August, Peacock is going to be home to some of the most exciting sporting events and movies on streaming. In addition to being the streaming home for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the NBCUniversal streaming service will host the WWE’s Summerslam, college football’s premiere Week 0 matchup between Notre Dame and Navy from Ireland.
In addition to all of the sports action, the streamer will become the exclusive streaming home of the most successful movie of the year, all of Hallmark Channel’s Summer Nights movies, and one of the most exciting Viking epics ever made.
Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com What Are the Best Shows and Movies Coming to Peacock in August 2023? 2023 Women’s World Cup Finals | Aug. 20
The United States Women’s National Team is just two games into its quest to win its third-straight Women’s World Cup, but the excitement is already ramping up,...
In addition to all of the sports action, the streamer will become the exclusive streaming home of the most successful movie of the year, all of Hallmark Channel’s Summer Nights movies, and one of the most exciting Viking epics ever made.
Sign Up $5.99+ / month peacocktv.com What Are the Best Shows and Movies Coming to Peacock in August 2023? 2023 Women’s World Cup Finals | Aug. 20
The United States Women’s National Team is just two games into its quest to win its third-straight Women’s World Cup, but the excitement is already ramping up,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
It was a magnificent movie weekend. Barbie, Oppenheimer, Sound of Freedom. All hits, a blowout!
So what else have you got?
The question sounds obnoxious, like its near-cousin, the always infuriating: “What have you done for me lately?”
But it’s an honest query, and an important one for a strike-bound, streaming-bent, pandemic-emergent industry that is still in need of revival.
The record-breaking weekend is a wonderful tonic, a welcome reminder that the audience, given half a chance, is still willing. But one weekend, even with the anticipated hold-over business from its hits, doesn’t mean a return to health.
That requires yet more watchable movies, lots of them, preferably offered in quick succession, while the viewers are showing an appetite. And those won’t be easy to come by in a Hollywood that has been shut down by dual strikes — raising the prospect of potential scheduling delays — and is...
So what else have you got?
The question sounds obnoxious, like its near-cousin, the always infuriating: “What have you done for me lately?”
But it’s an honest query, and an important one for a strike-bound, streaming-bent, pandemic-emergent industry that is still in need of revival.
The record-breaking weekend is a wonderful tonic, a welcome reminder that the audience, given half a chance, is still willing. But one weekend, even with the anticipated hold-over business from its hits, doesn’t mean a return to health.
That requires yet more watchable movies, lots of them, preferably offered in quick succession, while the viewers are showing an appetite. And those won’t be easy to come by in a Hollywood that has been shut down by dual strikes — raising the prospect of potential scheduling delays — and is...
- 7/24/2023
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Barry Newman alongside the iconic white Dodge Challenger in Vanishing Point
52 years after he became a cult icon by starring in Richard C Sarafian's Vanishing Point, Barry Newman has passed away. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he died of natural causes at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
The Boston-born actor, who originally trained as an anthropologist, appeared on Broadway and had small roles in a number of films and TV series before Vanishing Point made him a star, first in Europe and then in the US. He remained in the industry well into old age, retiring just eight years ago, and his career included appearances in Bowfinger, The Limey and, more recently, What The Bleep Do We Know!? He got back behind the wheel in 1972's Fear Is The Key, and continued to choose thrillers in his later years.
He is survived by his wife Angela....
52 years after he became a cult icon by starring in Richard C Sarafian's Vanishing Point, Barry Newman has passed away. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he died of natural causes at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
The Boston-born actor, who originally trained as an anthropologist, appeared on Broadway and had small roles in a number of films and TV series before Vanishing Point made him a star, first in Europe and then in the US. He remained in the industry well into old age, retiring just eight years ago, and his career included appearances in Bowfinger, The Limey and, more recently, What The Bleep Do We Know!? He got back behind the wheel in 1972's Fear Is The Key, and continued to choose thrillers in his later years.
He is survived by his wife Angela....
- 6/5/2023
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Barry Newman, best known for starring in the action-thriller “Vanishing Point”, has died. He was 92.
Newman’s wife, Angela, confirmed the news of Newman’s death to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday. The actor died of natural causes on May 11 at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Newman had a number of smaller screen roles and performed on Broadway until he was cast in the 1971 car chase classic “Vanishing Point”, by director Richard C. Sarafian. He starred as a former race car driver named Kowalski who drives a Dodge Challenger across the US while avoiding cops and getting entangled in a deadly criminal conspiracy.
The film went on to be a cult classic and genre-defining epic that went on to be revered for its action set-pieces and proved to be influential on the next generation of blockbuster filmmakers.
Newman later went on to play defence lawyer Anthony J. Petrocelli...
Newman’s wife, Angela, confirmed the news of Newman’s death to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday. The actor died of natural causes on May 11 at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Newman had a number of smaller screen roles and performed on Broadway until he was cast in the 1971 car chase classic “Vanishing Point”, by director Richard C. Sarafian. He starred as a former race car driver named Kowalski who drives a Dodge Challenger across the US while avoiding cops and getting entangled in a deadly criminal conspiracy.
The film went on to be a cult classic and genre-defining epic that went on to be revered for its action set-pieces and proved to be influential on the next generation of blockbuster filmmakers.
Newman later went on to play defence lawyer Anthony J. Petrocelli...
- 6/5/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Barry Newman, who somehow made souped-up muscle cars look even cooler in the 1971 film “Vanishing Point” and starred in the titular role on NBC’s legal drama “Petrocelli,” has died. He was 92 years old.
Newman died at Columbia University Irving Medical Center on May 11, according to media reports.
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, he took a college course with renowned acting instructor Lee Strasberg, who inspired him to become an actor. After graduating from Brandeis University and serving time in the army, Newman moved to New York City to study with Strasberg.
Newman went on to perform in various Broadway and New York theater shows before moving into feature films like 1971’s “The Lawyer” and, of course, “Vanishing Point,” in which he played Kowalski, a car delivery driver known for transporting hot rods in record time — but with a knack for running into trouble with highway cops.
He went...
Newman died at Columbia University Irving Medical Center on May 11, according to media reports.
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, he took a college course with renowned acting instructor Lee Strasberg, who inspired him to become an actor. After graduating from Brandeis University and serving time in the army, Newman moved to New York City to study with Strasberg.
Newman went on to perform in various Broadway and New York theater shows before moving into feature films like 1971’s “The Lawyer” and, of course, “Vanishing Point,” in which he played Kowalski, a car delivery driver known for transporting hot rods in record time — but with a knack for running into trouble with highway cops.
He went...
- 6/5/2023
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Barry Newman, the Emmy-nominated actor who starred in the 1971 cult action thriller “Vanishing Point” and as the eponymous lawyer in the NBC series “Petrocelli,” died on May 11. He was 92. No further details are currently available on his death.
In “Vanishing Point,” Newman played former race car driver Kowalski, a speedster that darts around in a Dodge Challenger after becoming entangled in a criminal conspiracy. The film is regarded as one of the defining American action films of the ’70s by genre enthusiasts.
Two decades and change later, Newman would play a heavy in Steven Soderbergh’s fractured crime yarn “The Limey,” which featured a second act car chase involving the actor getting back behind the wheel.
Newman was born in Boston on Nov. 7, 1938, where he would attend Boston Latin School and go on to attend Brandeis University. During his education, Newman met Lee Strasberg and became inspired to pursue acting.
In “Vanishing Point,” Newman played former race car driver Kowalski, a speedster that darts around in a Dodge Challenger after becoming entangled in a criminal conspiracy. The film is regarded as one of the defining American action films of the ’70s by genre enthusiasts.
Two decades and change later, Newman would play a heavy in Steven Soderbergh’s fractured crime yarn “The Limey,” which featured a second act car chase involving the actor getting back behind the wheel.
Newman was born in Boston on Nov. 7, 1938, where he would attend Boston Latin School and go on to attend Brandeis University. During his education, Newman met Lee Strasberg and became inspired to pursue acting.
- 6/4/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Barry Newman, star of the 1971 hot rod classic “Vanishing Point”, has died at age 92.
Newman’s wife, Angela, told The Hollywood Reporter that Newman died May 11 at New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
After appearing in Broadway, Newman was cast in 1970 feature “The Lawyer”. That led to a starring role in director Richard C. Sarafian’s 1971 “Vanishing Point”, which went on to become a cult classic that has influenced the likes of Steven Spielberg.
Read More: Canadian Actor Gordon Pinsent, Who Starred In ‘Away From Her’, Has Died At 92
Newman then reprised his role in “The Lawyer” — brash young attorney Anthony Petrocelli — in the 1974 made-for-tv movie “Night Games”, which was spun off as the series “Petrocelli”, which ran from 1974 until 1976.
Among Newman’s extensive list of credits are the TV movies “King Crab”, “City on Fire”, “Amy” and “Good Advice”, and TV series including “L.A. Law”, “Murder, She Wrote...
Newman’s wife, Angela, told The Hollywood Reporter that Newman died May 11 at New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
After appearing in Broadway, Newman was cast in 1970 feature “The Lawyer”. That led to a starring role in director Richard C. Sarafian’s 1971 “Vanishing Point”, which went on to become a cult classic that has influenced the likes of Steven Spielberg.
Read More: Canadian Actor Gordon Pinsent, Who Starred In ‘Away From Her’, Has Died At 92
Newman then reprised his role in “The Lawyer” — brash young attorney Anthony Petrocelli — in the 1974 made-for-tv movie “Night Games”, which was spun off as the series “Petrocelli”, which ran from 1974 until 1976.
Among Newman’s extensive list of credits are the TV movies “King Crab”, “City on Fire”, “Amy” and “Good Advice”, and TV series including “L.A. Law”, “Murder, She Wrote...
- 6/4/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Just a few days ago, we published a list of great car movies (which is about to get a follow-up), and one of the movies we highlighted was 1971’s Vanishing Point. Many people consider it the greatest car movie ever made, with Quentin Tarantino paying homage to it in Death Proof, with the “hero car” a 1970 Dodge Challenger, just like the one featured in that movie. Sadly, the star of Vanishing Point, Barry Newman, is no more, with THR reporting the iconic seventies actor has died at 92.
In the movie, Newman plays Kowalski, a disaffected ex-cop turned car delivery driver who makes a wager that he can drive from Denver to San Francisco in two days. Hopped up on speed and driving up to 160 miles an hour, he quickly runs afoul of the law, but nothing will stop him from delivering the Dodge Charger by the agreed-upon delivery date. He soon becomes a counter-culture hero,...
In the movie, Newman plays Kowalski, a disaffected ex-cop turned car delivery driver who makes a wager that he can drive from Denver to San Francisco in two days. Hopped up on speed and driving up to 160 miles an hour, he quickly runs afoul of the law, but nothing will stop him from delivering the Dodge Charger by the agreed-upon delivery date. He soon becomes a counter-culture hero,...
- 6/4/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Barry Newman, who propelled a supercharged Dodge Challenger across the American West in Vanishing Point and portrayed a defense attorney on the NBC series Petrocelli, has died. He was 92.
Newman died May 11 of natural causes at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center, his wife, Angela, told The Hollywood Reporter.
After appearing on Broadway and starring in The Lawyer (1970), the Boston-born actor was up for a change of pace when he was offered the role of a man tasked with transporting a car from Denver to San Francisco in the action-packed Fox film Vanishing Point (1971), directed by Richard C. Sarafian.
“This was very unique,” he said. “I had just done this film about a lawyer, a Harvard graduate, and I thought this is a different kind of thing. The guy was the rebel, the antihero. I enjoyed doing that very much.”
Newman’s taciturn character, Kowalski, was a Vietnam veteran, former...
Newman died May 11 of natural causes at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center, his wife, Angela, told The Hollywood Reporter.
After appearing on Broadway and starring in The Lawyer (1970), the Boston-born actor was up for a change of pace when he was offered the role of a man tasked with transporting a car from Denver to San Francisco in the action-packed Fox film Vanishing Point (1971), directed by Richard C. Sarafian.
“This was very unique,” he said. “I had just done this film about a lawyer, a Harvard graduate, and I thought this is a different kind of thing. The guy was the rebel, the antihero. I enjoyed doing that very much.”
Newman’s taciturn character, Kowalski, was a Vietnam veteran, former...
- 6/4/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Help” is coming to Freevee on June 1. The top-notch cast includes Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain. The plot focuses on two black maids who work in white homes in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s. Stone plays a writer who wants to help the women chronicle the hardships they face, so their injustices are exposed nationwide. “The Help” chronicles real-life conditions in the Deep South, while celebrating female friendship and empowerment.
Watch the trailer for “The Help”:
Also streaming on June 1 is the hit dystopian thriller “The Hunger Games,” turned into a four-film franchise, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In the first, the nation of Panem pits one girl and one boy from 12 tribes to fight to the death each year in the games. There can be only one survivor. The story is written from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, who takes her sister’s place...
Watch the trailer for “The Help”:
Also streaming on June 1 is the hit dystopian thriller “The Hunger Games,” turned into a four-film franchise, starring Jennifer Lawrence. In the first, the nation of Panem pits one girl and one boy from 12 tribes to fight to the death each year in the games. There can be only one survivor. The story is written from the perspective of a 16-year-old girl, who takes her sister’s place...
- 5/25/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
The sun has set on Charlie Day’s “Fool’s Paradise” before it’s even risen.
The cringe comedy that serves as both a farcical ode to Old Hollywood and a Charlie Chaplin-esque platform for writer-director-star Day is…not good. Pair the off-beat script with a slew of celebrity cameos and the film feels more like a “Threat Level Midnight” inside joke amongst Day’s A-lister pals. It’s an Adam Sandler sensibility of filmmaking without the wide-appeal marketability. At best, “Fool’s Paradise” could have been a hilarious “The Other Two” episode about the hollow insanity of Hollywood and the sleight-of-hand trick behind the magic of movies. Sadly, “Fool’s Paradise” instead keeps viewers trapped in the nine circles of hell.
Day pulls double (quadruple?) duty as a psychiatric patient who has lost the ability to speak due to severe trauma, and his misbehaving Method actor doppleganger, Thomas Bingsley. The film...
The cringe comedy that serves as both a farcical ode to Old Hollywood and a Charlie Chaplin-esque platform for writer-director-star Day is…not good. Pair the off-beat script with a slew of celebrity cameos and the film feels more like a “Threat Level Midnight” inside joke amongst Day’s A-lister pals. It’s an Adam Sandler sensibility of filmmaking without the wide-appeal marketability. At best, “Fool’s Paradise” could have been a hilarious “The Other Two” episode about the hollow insanity of Hollywood and the sleight-of-hand trick behind the magic of movies. Sadly, “Fool’s Paradise” instead keeps viewers trapped in the nine circles of hell.
Day pulls double (quadruple?) duty as a psychiatric patient who has lost the ability to speak due to severe trauma, and his misbehaving Method actor doppleganger, Thomas Bingsley. The film...
- 5/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Heather Graham admitted she was “so nervous” over her iconic “Boogie Nights” nude scene.
The actress reflected on the 1997 Paul Thomas Anderson film in a recent interview with Yahoo!, sharing that it was the first time she stripped down onscreen.
“That was my first time [doing a nude scene], and I was so nervous about it. But at that point in my career I was also like, ‘Beggars can’t be choosers,'” Graham said. “It was a great script and Paul [Thomas Anderson] was an amazing talent. I had a great time making that movie even though it was terrifying doing a nude scene.”
Graham’s co-star Mark Wahlberg infamously donned a large prosthetic penis for his nude scenes, which Graham called out as not being comparable to her role.
“He’s wearing a fake penis so it’s not exactly the same,” she said.
And learning how to be comfortable on camera...
The actress reflected on the 1997 Paul Thomas Anderson film in a recent interview with Yahoo!, sharing that it was the first time she stripped down onscreen.
“That was my first time [doing a nude scene], and I was so nervous about it. But at that point in my career I was also like, ‘Beggars can’t be choosers,'” Graham said. “It was a great script and Paul [Thomas Anderson] was an amazing talent. I had a great time making that movie even though it was terrifying doing a nude scene.”
Graham’s co-star Mark Wahlberg infamously donned a large prosthetic penis for his nude scenes, which Graham called out as not being comparable to her role.
“He’s wearing a fake penis so it’s not exactly the same,” she said.
And learning how to be comfortable on camera...
- 4/11/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Heather Graham is reflecting on how Hollywood has changed — or hasn’t — since she began her career in the 1980s.
The “Boogie Nights” actress recognized that sexism is now openly addressed in the industry, but “nothing has changed drastically” enough when it comes to getting female-led stories greenlit.
“No one really thought about it or commented on it. At that point, people thought they were being really evolved and now we look back and go, ‘Whoa, that was so sexist.’ I’m glad that we are growing as a culture,” Graham told People magazine, adding that “some of the movies from that time period, they were so sexist.”
The “Bowfinger” star continued, “I feel like nothing has changed drastically. More people care, but it’s not suddenly equal. It’s still pretty sexist, to be honest. Every phase of the business, whether it’s financing, distribution, the reviewers, all those people are mostly men.
The “Boogie Nights” actress recognized that sexism is now openly addressed in the industry, but “nothing has changed drastically” enough when it comes to getting female-led stories greenlit.
“No one really thought about it or commented on it. At that point, people thought they were being really evolved and now we look back and go, ‘Whoa, that was so sexist.’ I’m glad that we are growing as a culture,” Graham told People magazine, adding that “some of the movies from that time period, they were so sexist.”
The “Bowfinger” star continued, “I feel like nothing has changed drastically. More people care, but it’s not suddenly equal. It’s still pretty sexist, to be honest. Every phase of the business, whether it’s financing, distribution, the reviewers, all those people are mostly men.
- 4/8/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
When filmmaker Raine Allen-Miller pictured her debut film, she had a few ideas she couldn’t shake. It would be set in her own stomping grounds of South London, and it definitely had to be funny. One thing she didn’t consider? “I can tell you that it wouldn’t have been a rom-com. I never really thought I would direct a rom-com,” the director told IndieWire during a recent interview.
Surprise! With “Rye Lane,” Allen-Miller didn’t just make a rom-com, she made a great rom-com. The film, which debuted at Sundance in January to acclaim, winningly mashes up everything from “Before Sunrise” to “Notting Hill” as it follows the charming Dom (David Jonsson) and the effervescent Yas (Vivian Oparah) as they walk and talk their way through South London after a meet-cute in a public bathroom.
“I think it was the right thing because I was able to...
Surprise! With “Rye Lane,” Allen-Miller didn’t just make a rom-com, she made a great rom-com. The film, which debuted at Sundance in January to acclaim, winningly mashes up everything from “Before Sunrise” to “Notting Hill” as it follows the charming Dom (David Jonsson) and the effervescent Yas (Vivian Oparah) as they walk and talk their way through South London after a meet-cute in a public bathroom.
“I think it was the right thing because I was able to...
- 3/30/2023
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Marisol Nichols (Riverdale) will star alongside Jenna Ortega, Percy Hynes White and Adam Rodriguez in the romantic drama Winter Spring Summer or Fall, marking the feature directorial debut of Holidate and About Fate scribe Tiffany Paulsen.
The film billed as Before Sunrise meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower is written by Dan Schoffer, with revisions by Paulsen, and tells the story of teens (Ortega and White) on the cusp of adulthood who meet and fall in love over four significant days of the year.
Nichols will play Ortega’s overbearing attorney mother, who is focused on getting her only daughter into Harvard. Rodriguez is playing Ortega’s father, as previously announced. Mpca’s Brad Krevoy, Wall Fly’s Josh Shader and David Wulf are producing the pic, with Ortega serving as exec producer. Paramount Global Content Distribution is the film’s distributor.
Best known for her role as...
The film billed as Before Sunrise meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower is written by Dan Schoffer, with revisions by Paulsen, and tells the story of teens (Ortega and White) on the cusp of adulthood who meet and fall in love over four significant days of the year.
Nichols will play Ortega’s overbearing attorney mother, who is focused on getting her only daughter into Harvard. Rodriguez is playing Ortega’s father, as previously announced. Mpca’s Brad Krevoy, Wall Fly’s Josh Shader and David Wulf are producing the pic, with Ortega serving as exec producer. Paramount Global Content Distribution is the film’s distributor.
Best known for her role as...
- 2/17/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
You People. (L to R) Jonah Hill (Writer-Producer) as Ezra and Eddie Murphy as Akbar in You People. Cr. Tyler Adams/Netflix © 2023.
For those of us who grew up with comedian and actor Eddie Murphy, our first exposure to this gifted entertainer was on Saturday Night Live’s “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood“.
For decades now, Murphy has always been there, whether on TV or in the movies, and continues to have loyal, diehard fans who grew up in the 80’s to his hilarious standups “Delirious” and “Raw”, as well as his pop single “Party All The Time”.
Personally, while my siblings and I were in high school, after moving cross country from Connecticut to Idaho, Murphy saved us as we listened repeatedly to the cassette of Delirious in 1984. He had us laughing and made us forget our feelings of being the “new kids” in a new town at a new school.
For those of us who grew up with comedian and actor Eddie Murphy, our first exposure to this gifted entertainer was on Saturday Night Live’s “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood“.
For decades now, Murphy has always been there, whether on TV or in the movies, and continues to have loyal, diehard fans who grew up in the 80’s to his hilarious standups “Delirious” and “Raw”, as well as his pop single “Party All The Time”.
Personally, while my siblings and I were in high school, after moving cross country from Connecticut to Idaho, Murphy saved us as we listened repeatedly to the cassette of Delirious in 1984. He had us laughing and made us forget our feelings of being the “new kids” in a new town at a new school.
- 1/26/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Steve Martin is still writing his “L.A. Story,” just not for the screen.
The iconic comedian has been in Hollywood for over 60 years, but Martin said that after his beloved Hulu whodunnit series “Only Murders in the Building” ends, he’s ready to step away from the screen.
“When this television show is done, I’m not going to seek others,” Martin told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m not going to seek other movies. I don’t want to do cameos. This is, weirdly, it.”
However, Martin assured he will still be in the public eye.
“My wife keeps saying, ‘You always say you’re going to retire and then you always come up with something,'” Martin, who is making a documentary about his life story with Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom”) said. “I’m really not interested in retiring. I’m not. But I would just work a little less.
The iconic comedian has been in Hollywood for over 60 years, but Martin said that after his beloved Hulu whodunnit series “Only Murders in the Building” ends, he’s ready to step away from the screen.
“When this television show is done, I’m not going to seek others,” Martin told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m not going to seek other movies. I don’t want to do cameos. This is, weirdly, it.”
However, Martin assured he will still be in the public eye.
“My wife keeps saying, ‘You always say you’re going to retire and then you always come up with something,'” Martin, who is making a documentary about his life story with Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom”) said. “I’m really not interested in retiring. I’m not. But I would just work a little less.
- 8/10/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Steve Martin finally has his first chance at an Emmy nomination in the Best Comedy Actor category for his performance as Charles-Haden Savage on Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” a series he created with John Hoffman. Playing a once-successful actor who now leads a lonely life in a lavish apartment building, Martin brings his gifts for comedy and drama to a dazzling, three-dimensional performance I think is his best since 1999’s “Bowfinger” more than 20 years ago.
The actor’s comedic line deliveries and moments of slapstick humor are inspired, and the more complex dramatic shades he brings to this well-written character make the performance shine. As Joel Keller (Decider) praises, “It’s been a minute since we’ve seen Martin, but we appreciate his later-in-life desire to find the funny in emotional moments and less broad, physical shtick.” Emmys voters, take notice.
“Only Murders in the Building” tells...
The actor’s comedic line deliveries and moments of slapstick humor are inspired, and the more complex dramatic shades he brings to this well-written character make the performance shine. As Joel Keller (Decider) praises, “It’s been a minute since we’ve seen Martin, but we appreciate his later-in-life desire to find the funny in emotional moments and less broad, physical shtick.” Emmys voters, take notice.
“Only Murders in the Building” tells...
- 5/27/2022
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
Six top TV casting directors will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022 Emmy Awards contenders. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Tuesday, May 17, at 4:00 p.m. Pt; 7:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Joyce Eng and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
As We See It (Amazon Prime)
Synopsis: Three autistic roommates find a way to live together and strive for similar things in life.
Bio: Cami Patton is an Emmy winner for “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.” Other...
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
As We See It (Amazon Prime)
Synopsis: Three autistic roommates find a way to live together and strive for similar things in life.
Bio: Cami Patton is an Emmy winner for “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.” Other...
- 5/11/2022
- by Chris Beachum and Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Heather Graham (Half Magic), Brandy Norwood (Queens), Jason Biggs (Outmatched) and Matt Cedeño (Power) have signed on to star in the Netflix holiday film Best. Christmas. Ever. from director Mary Lambert.
The film written by Charles Shyer (Father of the Bride) and Todd Calgi Gallicano (Sam London Adventure book series) centers on Jackie (Norwood), who every Christmas, without fail, sends a boastful holiday newsletter that makes her old college friend Charlotte (Graham) feel like a lump of coal. When a twist of fate lands Charlotte, her husband Rob (Biggs), and their family on Jackie’s and her husband Valentino’s (Cedeño) snowy doorstep just days before Christmas, Charlotte seizes the opportunity to prove her old friend’s “perfect” life can’t possibly be that perfect. But in her overzealous attempt to expose Jackie, Charlotte nearly ruins Christmas for both families and must team...
The film written by Charles Shyer (Father of the Bride) and Todd Calgi Gallicano (Sam London Adventure book series) centers on Jackie (Norwood), who every Christmas, without fail, sends a boastful holiday newsletter that makes her old college friend Charlotte (Graham) feel like a lump of coal. When a twist of fate lands Charlotte, her husband Rob (Biggs), and their family on Jackie’s and her husband Valentino’s (Cedeño) snowy doorstep just days before Christmas, Charlotte seizes the opportunity to prove her old friend’s “perfect” life can’t possibly be that perfect. But in her overzealous attempt to expose Jackie, Charlotte nearly ruins Christmas for both families and must team...
- 3/22/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran producer Joel Silver (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s Team Downey and Amazon Studios are partnering to develop a series of feature film and television projects based on Donald E. Westlake’s series of highly popular Parker crime fiction novels, written under the pseudonym Richard Stark.
The first project emerging from the deal will be the film Play Dirty, in which Downey Jr. (Marvel’s Avengers franchise) is set to star as Parker, a professional thief who approaches his job with a straightforward, no-nonsense work ethic. He’s a craftsman. He’s brutal, brilliant. He’s also deadly. He’s whatever it takes to get the money and get away clean. The Parker character was first introduced in 1962’s The Hunter from Pocket Books and featured in 23 other titles from Westlake, subsequently serving as the basis for such films as Parker with Jason Statham,...
The first project emerging from the deal will be the film Play Dirty, in which Downey Jr. (Marvel’s Avengers franchise) is set to star as Parker, a professional thief who approaches his job with a straightforward, no-nonsense work ethic. He’s a craftsman. He’s brutal, brilliant. He’s also deadly. He’s whatever it takes to get the money and get away clean. The Parker character was first introduced in 1962’s The Hunter from Pocket Books and featured in 23 other titles from Westlake, subsequently serving as the basis for such films as Parker with Jason Statham,...
- 3/3/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s international flight plan for Peacock starts this week: Starting Nov. 16, Sky TV and Now customers in the U.K. and Ireland will get access to the streaming service for no additional fee.
Comcast had announced plans this summer to launch Peacock as a free add-on for Sky’s satellite TV customers in Europe, representing a base of close to 20 million households. According to NBCU, after the “soft launch” in the U.K. and Ireland, Peacock will continue to roll out across Sky platforms in territories including Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland in the next few months.
Sky TV customers and subscribers to the Now Entertainment package in the U.K. and Ireland will get “early access” to the new ad-supported Peacock destination, with original and library TV shows and movies from across NBCU although the content availability will differ from what’s available on Peacock in the U.
Comcast had announced plans this summer to launch Peacock as a free add-on for Sky’s satellite TV customers in Europe, representing a base of close to 20 million households. According to NBCU, after the “soft launch” in the U.K. and Ireland, Peacock will continue to roll out across Sky platforms in territories including Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland in the next few months.
Sky TV customers and subscribers to the Now Entertainment package in the U.K. and Ireland will get “early access” to the new ad-supported Peacock destination, with original and library TV shows and movies from across NBCU although the content availability will differ from what’s available on Peacock in the U.
- 11/15/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Eddie Murphy has a new home for his next few movies. As announced by Amazon Studios today, the company has officially closed a three-picture and first-look film deal with the Oscar nominee and star of such pictures as "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Coming to America." Also see: the very underrated "Bowfinger." Under the deal, Murphy will star in three films for Amazon Studios in addition to developing original film projects for Prime Video. Those other projects come with the potential for him to star.
The deal follows the release of the "Coming 2 America" earlier this year. Originally, Paramount was going to release the much-anticipated...
The post Eddie Murphy Strikes Three-Movie Deal With Amazon Studios appeared first on /Film.
The deal follows the release of the "Coming 2 America" earlier this year. Originally, Paramount was going to release the much-anticipated...
The post Eddie Murphy Strikes Three-Movie Deal With Amazon Studios appeared first on /Film.
- 9/22/2021
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
It’s happening. It’s finally happening. What was once a particularly pervasive and aggressive Internet meme is now a reality. HBO Max’s list of new releases for March 2021 is highlighted by none other than the mythical Snyder cut.
The entity now known as Zach Snyder’s Justice League will premiere on March 18. While it was originally planned to be a four-part miniseries, this recut version of 2017’s ill-fated Justice League will in fact be a four-hour movie. But perhaps even four hours won’t be enough for fans who have been waiting years for just such an event.
Read more Movies Zack Snyder’s Original Vision for Justice League Faded Long Before His Exit By Joseph Baxter Movies Justice League: How Christopher Nolan Helped Prevent Zack Snyder from Seeing the Whedon Cut By David Crow
If the Snyder Cut is not to your speed, there are plenty...
The entity now known as Zach Snyder’s Justice League will premiere on March 18. While it was originally planned to be a four-part miniseries, this recut version of 2017’s ill-fated Justice League will in fact be a four-hour movie. But perhaps even four hours won’t be enough for fans who have been waiting years for just such an event.
Read more Movies Zack Snyder’s Original Vision for Justice League Faded Long Before His Exit By Joseph Baxter Movies Justice League: How Christopher Nolan Helped Prevent Zack Snyder from Seeing the Whedon Cut By David Crow
If the Snyder Cut is not to your speed, there are plenty...
- 2/28/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Frank Oz is not interested in talking about Star Wars, so before you ask: No, he hasn’t seen “The Mandalorian,” so the voice of Yoda has no real opinion of its viral infant incarnation. “I have nothing to do with Baby Yoda,” the 75-year-old multi-hyphenate said in an interview this week. “But I heard it’s very cute, and I’m sure Disney has a whole plan for it.”
He tacked on a clarification: “I love doing Yoda. The only thing that bothers me is if people think that I only do Yoda. That’s not a good feeling.”
Indeed, Oz has lived many lives, including a versatile filmmaking career that includes “What About Bob?” and “Bowfinger,” but no legacy has stuck with him more than his work with Jim Henson. The Muppets gave Oz his break, and he never hesitates to celebrate that legacy, even if it means...
He tacked on a clarification: “I love doing Yoda. The only thing that bothers me is if people think that I only do Yoda. That’s not a good feeling.”
Indeed, Oz has lived many lives, including a versatile filmmaking career that includes “What About Bob?” and “Bowfinger,” but no legacy has stuck with him more than his work with Jim Henson. The Muppets gave Oz his break, and he never hesitates to celebrate that legacy, even if it means...
- 5/14/2020
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Exclusive: This week was supposed to be a great and promising one for all the filmmakers who had seen their films accepted into SXSW, a great majority seeking distribution after premiering in front of the usually highly enthusiastic audiences that storm the Austin festival every March. That was before the fear of the coronavirus hit, and late last week SXSW was forced to cancel on orders from the city. That left a lot of ambitious plans in ruins, and only now are some of these films finding new ways to gain attention.
A couple of weeks ago I was shown one of them, director Rod Lurie’s powerful, exciting and ultimately inspiring Afghanistan war film The Outpost. When I saw him at the Paradigm agency screening, Lurie was full of hope for its premiere at SXSW (which was to happen this Friday). The film, which stars Scott Eastwood, Orlando Bloom...
A couple of weeks ago I was shown one of them, director Rod Lurie’s powerful, exciting and ultimately inspiring Afghanistan war film The Outpost. When I saw him at the Paradigm agency screening, Lurie was full of hope for its premiere at SXSW (which was to happen this Friday). The film, which stars Scott Eastwood, Orlando Bloom...
- 3/11/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The resurgence of Eddie Murphy continued on Sunday night at the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award as well as two wins for Dolemite Is My Name including the award for best comedy film.
The 58-year-old comedy icon has been enjoying a brighter spotlight in recent months thanks to his portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore, the struggling comedian who fashioned an alter ego for himself as the cartoonishly obscene pimp king known as Dolemite. Murphy also made a triumphant return to Saturday Night Live in December and is setting his sights on a return to the stage with a stand-up comedy tour.
On Sunday, Murphy was feted by the Broadcast Film Critics Association during their Critics’ Choice Awards gala at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. A montage of his screen career put the star in a reflective mood as he accepted the lifetime achievement trophy.
“To make your living making people laugh is the highest blessing on Earth,” Murphy said. He added:“I’ve played everything: a cop, a robber, a doctor, different ethnicities, animals. I’ve been a donkey. I’ve even played a spaceship once. When young actors come up to me on the street and say, ‘Do you have any advice?’, I say, ‘Never play a spaceship.’”
The donkey gig, of course, was for the Shrek franchise, a pivotal success for Dreamworks Animation. The spaceship role, on the other hand, was for the widely forgotten 2008 film Meet Dave. A few minutes after the standing ovation for Murphy’s lifetime achievement honor the comedy star was back on stage and wearing a satisfied smile after hearing Dolemite’s name called out in a key competitive category.
Dolemite claimed the prize for best comedy, topping a strong and eclectic field that also included Jojo Rabbit, Booksmart, The Farewell, and Knives Out. Ruth E. Carter took home the Netflix film’s second trophy of the night when her blaxploitation era recreations won in the best costume design category.
The 58-year-old comedy icon has been enjoying a brighter spotlight in recent months thanks to his portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore, the struggling comedian who fashioned an alter ego for himself as the cartoonishly obscene pimp king known as Dolemite. Murphy also made a triumphant return to Saturday Night Live in December and is setting his sights on a return to the stage with a stand-up comedy tour.
On Sunday, Murphy was feted by the Broadcast Film Critics Association during their Critics’ Choice Awards gala at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. A montage of his screen career put the star in a reflective mood as he accepted the lifetime achievement trophy.
“To make your living making people laugh is the highest blessing on Earth,” Murphy said. He added:“I’ve played everything: a cop, a robber, a doctor, different ethnicities, animals. I’ve been a donkey. I’ve even played a spaceship once. When young actors come up to me on the street and say, ‘Do you have any advice?’, I say, ‘Never play a spaceship.’”
The donkey gig, of course, was for the Shrek franchise, a pivotal success for Dreamworks Animation. The spaceship role, on the other hand, was for the widely forgotten 2008 film Meet Dave. A few minutes after the standing ovation for Murphy’s lifetime achievement honor the comedy star was back on stage and wearing a satisfied smile after hearing Dolemite’s name called out in a key competitive category.
Dolemite claimed the prize for best comedy, topping a strong and eclectic field that also included Jojo Rabbit, Booksmart, The Farewell, and Knives Out. Ruth E. Carter took home the Netflix film’s second trophy of the night when her blaxploitation era recreations won in the best costume design category.
- 1/13/2020
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
Just who will receive the Critics’ Choice Lifetime Achievement Award this year? It’s Gumby, dammit! Well, Eddie Murphy, to be exact, as the veteran comic and actor’s resurgence continues.
The Saturday Night Live alum and Oscar-nominated actor will be feted for his extraordinary roles over the years, most recently his portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore in Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name, for which he is up for Best Actor at the 25th annual Critics’ Choice Awards and the 77th Golden Globes.
The Critics’ Choice Association notes that Murphy is the most commercially successful African-American actor in movie business history and one of the top-five box-office performers overall. He is on the short list of actors who have starred in multiple $100 million pictures during the past three decades, from Beverly Hills Cop to Daddy Day Care. Some of his other most beloved hits include 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Coming to America,...
The Saturday Night Live alum and Oscar-nominated actor will be feted for his extraordinary roles over the years, most recently his portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore in Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name, for which he is up for Best Actor at the 25th annual Critics’ Choice Awards and the 77th Golden Globes.
The Critics’ Choice Association notes that Murphy is the most commercially successful African-American actor in movie business history and one of the top-five box-office performers overall. He is on the short list of actors who have starred in multiple $100 million pictures during the past three decades, from Beverly Hills Cop to Daddy Day Care. Some of his other most beloved hits include 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Coming to America,...
- 12/30/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Christine Baranski, “Power” creator and showrunner Courtney Kemp and ABC Entertainment chief Karey Burke are among the five recipients set for the 2020 Brandon Tartikoff Awards, to be handed out in January as part of the annual Natpe conference in Miami.
Jeff Zucker, chairman of news and sports for WarnerMedia and president of CNN Worldwide, and Telemundo Global Studios chairman Marcos Santana are also set to receive the kudo that recognizes individuals who have left a lasting mark on the global television business.
The 17th annual Tartikoff Awards will be presented on Jan. 22 at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner gala will support the Natpe Educational Foundation and the Broadcasters Federation of America.
The Natpe conference runs Jan. 21-23.
Here are bios of the Tartikoff honorees:
Christine Baranski is an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk and American Comedy Award winner. Baranski...
Jeff Zucker, chairman of news and sports for WarnerMedia and president of CNN Worldwide, and Telemundo Global Studios chairman Marcos Santana are also set to receive the kudo that recognizes individuals who have left a lasting mark on the global television business.
The 17th annual Tartikoff Awards will be presented on Jan. 22 at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner gala will support the Natpe Educational Foundation and the Broadcasters Federation of America.
The Natpe conference runs Jan. 21-23.
Here are bios of the Tartikoff honorees:
Christine Baranski is an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk and American Comedy Award winner. Baranski...
- 11/21/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Sellers played three roles in Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 “Dr. Strangelove.” In December of that year, Variety reported that Columbia was mounting an Oscar campaign for lead actor, but was also considering three supporting-actor campaigns, for each of his characters.
Over the decades, Hollywood has delighted in making films showcasing one actor in multiple roles. Five of them resulted in Oscar nominations: Aside from Sellers, there were Charlie Chaplin, “The Great Dictator”; Lee Marvin in “Cat Ballou” (who won the Academy Award); Meryl Streep, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”; and Nicolas Cage, “Adaptation.”
That lofty group could be joined this year by Lupita Nyong’o, who plays both Adelaide and Red in Universal’s Jordan Peele-directed “Us.”
The technology has gotten much more sophisticated, but ultimately it comes down to the actor.
To get into a character, Nyong’o tells Variety, “I always have rituals, and for this it was vital to do that.
Over the decades, Hollywood has delighted in making films showcasing one actor in multiple roles. Five of them resulted in Oscar nominations: Aside from Sellers, there were Charlie Chaplin, “The Great Dictator”; Lee Marvin in “Cat Ballou” (who won the Academy Award); Meryl Streep, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”; and Nicolas Cage, “Adaptation.”
That lofty group could be joined this year by Lupita Nyong’o, who plays both Adelaide and Red in Universal’s Jordan Peele-directed “Us.”
The technology has gotten much more sophisticated, but ultimately it comes down to the actor.
To get into a character, Nyong’o tells Variety, “I always have rituals, and for this it was vital to do that.
- 11/19/2019
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Rudy Ray Moore was “breezy and funny” in his standup comedy, Variety declared in a 1970 review at the California Sahara nightclub in South Central L.A. Five years later, a Variety film critic saw Moore’s “Dolemite” and sighed “Dull-emite is a more apt title.”
Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name” covers Moore’s career in those years, and the film is a total winner, yet a mass of contradictions.
First, the dialogue features a steady stream of raunch and vulgarities but audiences describe the film as sweet. Second, “For a movie that took 15 years to make, this one happened very fast,” says Larry Karaszewski, who wrote the socko script with Scott Alexander.
Third, while Netflix’s film is set in the 1970s, it’s really about today. Moore battled industry indifference and racism, and ended up starring in films, starting with the 1975 “Dolemite.” Alexander adds that the movie is...
Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name” covers Moore’s career in those years, and the film is a total winner, yet a mass of contradictions.
First, the dialogue features a steady stream of raunch and vulgarities but audiences describe the film as sweet. Second, “For a movie that took 15 years to make, this one happened very fast,” says Larry Karaszewski, who wrote the socko script with Scott Alexander.
Third, while Netflix’s film is set in the 1970s, it’s really about today. Moore battled industry indifference and racism, and ended up starring in films, starting with the 1975 “Dolemite.” Alexander adds that the movie is...
- 11/1/2019
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
It’s safe to assume that Eddie Murphy has always worshipped at the altar of “Dolemite” mastermind Rudy Ray Moore, as the lewd, brash, and infectiously self-possessed blaxploitation icon blazed the trail that Murphy later followed to his own fame. At the very least, Moore’s foul-mouthed comedy records (e.g. “Eat Out More Often”) and his total disregard for white audiences helped light the way forward. But Murphy, who was a Hollywood-minted star by the time he was 25, probably never thought he would relate to Moore’s hardscrabble career quite as much as he has in recent years. Once you get paid $15 million to star in “Beverly Hills Cop III,” you can only have so much in common with a pioneer who self-financed his most famous movie, cast it full of strippers he found at a local club, and four-walled it into a single Indianapolis theater.
But Murphy is...
But Murphy is...
- 9/8/2019
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Who got signed, promoted, hired or fired? The Hollywood Reporter’s Rep Sheet rounds up the week in representation news. To submit announcements for consideration, contact rebecca.sun@thr.com.
There are certain rules
Jamie Kennedy has signed with Apa in all areas. The actor, producer and comedian will next be seen opposite Brad Pitt in James Gray's sci-fi epic Ad Astra, in which he plays a sergeant posted on a Martian base.
Kennedy is known for his roles in the Scream franchise, Romeo + Juliet, Bowfinger and As Good As It Gets, as well as Three Kings, Enemy of the State and Boiler Room. He also created The WB'...
There are certain rules
Jamie Kennedy has signed with Apa in all areas. The actor, producer and comedian will next be seen opposite Brad Pitt in James Gray's sci-fi epic Ad Astra, in which he plays a sergeant posted on a Martian base.
Kennedy is known for his roles in the Scream franchise, Romeo + Juliet, Bowfinger and As Good As It Gets, as well as Three Kings, Enemy of the State and Boiler Room. He also created The WB'...
- 10/22/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Who got signed, promoted, hired or fired? The Hollywood Reporter’s Rep Sheet rounds up the week in representation news. To submit announcements for consideration, contact rebecca.sun@thr.com.
There are certain rules
Jamie Kennedy has signed with Apa in all areas. The actor, producer and comedian will next be seen opposite Brad Pitt in James Gray's sci-fi epic Ad Astra, in which he plays a sergeant posted on a Martian base.
Kennedy is known for his roles in the Scream franchise, Romeo + Juliet, Bowfinger and As Good As It Gets, as well as Three Kings, Enemy of the State and Boiler Room. He also created The WB'...
There are certain rules
Jamie Kennedy has signed with Apa in all areas. The actor, producer and comedian will next be seen opposite Brad Pitt in James Gray's sci-fi epic Ad Astra, in which he plays a sergeant posted on a Martian base.
Kennedy is known for his roles in the Scream franchise, Romeo + Juliet, Bowfinger and As Good As It Gets, as well as Three Kings, Enemy of the State and Boiler Room. He also created The WB'...
- 10/22/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony Sokol Mar 8, 2019
Juliet Rylance will play the title role in ABC's series adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s The Hypnotist’s Love Story.
“How do you make a man do something without nagging? That is the billion-dollar question," Liane Moriarty wrote in her novel The Hypnotist’s Love Story. This may be more problematic when your husband is a Russian mob prince. Juliet Rylance will play the title role in The Hypnotist’s Love Story, ABC's TV series adaptation of the novel, according to Variety.
The series is being executive produced by Heather Graham, who wrote, directed and starred in the romantic comedy Half Magic. ABC Studios and David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Laurie Zaks of Mandeville Television will produce. Graham will play the co-lead, the hypnotist's boyfriend's stalker. Adan Canto plays the boyfriend. Jane Seymour and Liza Lapira co-star. The Hypnotist’s Love Story will be written by...
Juliet Rylance will play the title role in ABC's series adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s The Hypnotist’s Love Story.
“How do you make a man do something without nagging? That is the billion-dollar question," Liane Moriarty wrote in her novel The Hypnotist’s Love Story. This may be more problematic when your husband is a Russian mob prince. Juliet Rylance will play the title role in The Hypnotist’s Love Story, ABC's TV series adaptation of the novel, according to Variety.
The series is being executive produced by Heather Graham, who wrote, directed and starred in the romantic comedy Half Magic. ABC Studios and David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Laurie Zaks of Mandeville Television will produce. Graham will play the co-lead, the hypnotist's boyfriend's stalker. Adan Canto plays the boyfriend. Jane Seymour and Liza Lapira co-star. The Hypnotist’s Love Story will be written by...
- 10/18/2018
- Den of Geek
Heather Graham is about to make you feel very, very sleepy: The actress is set to star in ABC’s series adaptation of The Hypnotist’s Love Story, by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty, our sister site Variety is reporting.
Graham will play Ellen, a successful hypnotherapist who’s optimistic about her new boyfriend after a series of failed relationships. There’s a problem, though: The boyfriend comes with a stalker ex-girlfriend, who Ellen finds herself “intrigued and oddly thrilled” by.
Katie Welch will write and executive-produce the potential series, which earned a put pilot commitment from ABC. Graham...
Graham will play Ellen, a successful hypnotherapist who’s optimistic about her new boyfriend after a series of failed relationships. There’s a problem, though: The boyfriend comes with a stalker ex-girlfriend, who Ellen finds herself “intrigued and oddly thrilled” by.
Katie Welch will write and executive-produce the potential series, which earned a put pilot commitment from ABC. Graham...
- 10/18/2018
- TVLine.com
After casting “Donald Trump” as a bungling pawn-shop robber in their video for “It Ain’t My Fault,” Brothers Osborne once again poke fun at the President — or at least his pie-in-the-sky ideas — in the new clip for “Shoot Me Straight.” Vetting increasingly absurd treatments for their latest video, Tj and John Osborne burst into laughter when they’re presented with one titled “Space Force,” a nod to Trump’s proposal to add a new Star Wars-like branch to the military.
But the “Shoot Me Straight” video, directed by Wes Edwards and Ryan Silver,...
But the “Shoot Me Straight” video, directed by Wes Edwards and Ryan Silver,...
- 8/21/2018
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
To celebrate the August 14 birthday of Steve Martin, we’ve got a special photo gallery featuring his 15 greatest films. The actor, comedian, writer, producer, playwright, author and musician is an American icon who has been celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors and American Film Institute. He also received an honorary Oscar for his movie career in 2013.
Nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, six Grammy Awards (with five wins), as well as two Tony Awards, Martin is one of the great talents of the past few decades. There wasn’t a stand-up comedian alive in the mid-1970s who was on a hotter streak, and his first hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live” led to many more appearances. He also now has 2018 Emmy Awards nominations for producing and writing his Netflix comedy special with Martin Short.
He then jumped into movies and never looked back, with such popular flicks as “The Jerk,...
Nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, six Grammy Awards (with five wins), as well as two Tony Awards, Martin is one of the great talents of the past few decades. There wasn’t a stand-up comedian alive in the mid-1970s who was on a hotter streak, and his first hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live” led to many more appearances. He also now has 2018 Emmy Awards nominations for producing and writing his Netflix comedy special with Martin Short.
He then jumped into movies and never looked back, with such popular flicks as “The Jerk,...
- 8/14/2018
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Hulu has confirmed that several of its original series will be debuting new episodes on the streaming service in August, including more installments in the first season of the critically acclaimed Stephen King thriller “Castle Rock” as well as more of season 2 of the costume drama “Harlots” and season 4 of the comedy “Casual.” And there will also be new to Hulu seasons of some of your favorites from other networks, including season 3 of “Insecure” and season 4 of “Ballers.”
Likewise, there will be plenty of movies making their first Hulu appearances including the Oscar-winning “Leaving Las Vegas” and “Lost in Translation” and the recent nominee “Baby Driver.”
See Netflix schedule: Here’s what is coming and leaving in August
Available August 1
A Conspiracy to Rule: The Illuminati
American Gigolo
American Ninja
American Ninja III: Blood Hunt
Babe
Be Cool
The Beatles: Made on Merseyside
Black Hawk Down
Black Mask
Black Rain...
Likewise, there will be plenty of movies making their first Hulu appearances including the Oscar-winning “Leaving Las Vegas” and “Lost in Translation” and the recent nominee “Baby Driver.”
See Netflix schedule: Here’s what is coming and leaving in August
Available August 1
A Conspiracy to Rule: The Illuminati
American Gigolo
American Ninja
American Ninja III: Blood Hunt
Babe
Be Cool
The Beatles: Made on Merseyside
Black Hawk Down
Black Mask
Black Rain...
- 7/31/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Heather Graham's first turn in the director's chair is heading to the American Film Market and has a distributor already lined up for North America.
Arclight Film will be handling worldwide sales on Half Magic — written, directed and toplined by the Boogie Nights and Bowfinger star — and will screen the completed film to buyers at Afm. A deal for North America was struck ahead of the market, with eOne's Momentum Pictures imprint set to release the film in February. The news was announced Monday by Arclight Films CEO Gary Hamilton.
Half Magic is a satirical comedy about three women...
Arclight Film will be handling worldwide sales on Half Magic — written, directed and toplined by the Boogie Nights and Bowfinger star — and will screen the completed film to buyers at Afm. A deal for North America was struck ahead of the market, with eOne's Momentum Pictures imprint set to release the film in February. The news was announced Monday by Arclight Films CEO Gary Hamilton.
Half Magic is a satirical comedy about three women...
- 10/30/2017
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Growing up, Heather Graham was sure she wanted to be the next Meryl Streep.
"If someone made me cry, I thought that was the ultimate achievement," the 47-year-old actress tells Et, laughing. "I just felt like, 'I want to be in really depressing films that will win an Academy Award.' And then I thought, 'I don't, really -- I just want to laugh and find the humor in things.'"
After starring in 1988's teen adventure film License to Drive and Gus Van Sant's acclaimed crime drama Drugstore Cowboy, released a year later -- "It helped me feel like a legitimate actress," she says -- Graham became a bona fide dude-comedy staple, starring alongside some of the era’s most celebrated comedic actors: Vince Vaughn in 1996's Swingers, Mike Myers in 1999's Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper in two of three Hangover films. She also earned...
"If someone made me cry, I thought that was the ultimate achievement," the 47-year-old actress tells Et, laughing. "I just felt like, 'I want to be in really depressing films that will win an Academy Award.' And then I thought, 'I don't, really -- I just want to laugh and find the humor in things.'"
After starring in 1988's teen adventure film License to Drive and Gus Van Sant's acclaimed crime drama Drugstore Cowboy, released a year later -- "It helped me feel like a legitimate actress," she says -- Graham became a bona fide dude-comedy staple, starring alongside some of the era’s most celebrated comedic actors: Vince Vaughn in 1996's Swingers, Mike Myers in 1999's Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper in two of three Hangover films. She also earned...
- 10/4/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
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