ReportWire

Tag: comedy

  • It’s a quiet box office weekend as ‘GOAT’ edges ‘Wuthering Heights’

    [ad_1]

    It was a battle of the holdovers at the North American box office this weekend, with the family friendly film “GOAT” edging out the R-rated “Wuthering Heights.”

    Sony Pictures Animation’s “GOAT” took in $17 million, while Warner Bros.’ “Wuthering Heights” earned $14.2 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Both films are in their second weekend.

    Overall, it was a quiet weekend at movie theaters around the country, with new offerings all opening under $10 million. Those results applied to the faith-based sequel “I Can Only Imagine 2,” the Glen Powell black comedy “How to Make a Killing” and the horror film “Psycho Killer,” which currently has a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One bright spot in theaters was Baz Luhrmann’s immersive documentary “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” which earned $3.3 million from only 325 locations in its limited IMAX release. That film expands to nationwide distribution on Feb. 27.

    “GOAT” dropped a slim 38% in its second weekend in theaters, which the studio attributed to positive word-of-mouth. The Stephen Curry-produced movie, about a small goat with big sports dreams (voiced by “Stranger Things’” Caleb McLaughlin) has made over $58.3 million. Globally, its running total is at $102.3 million.

    “Wuthering Heights” meanwhile fell 57% from its opening last weekend, bringing its domestic total to $60 million. Internationally it added another $26.3 million, pushing its global total to $151.7 million against an $80 million production budget. The movie’s top international market continues to be the U.K., where it has made $22.5 million alone.

    Third place for the weekend went to Lionsgate and Kingdom Story’s “I Can Only Imagine 2,” a follow-up to the 2018 Dennis Quaid movie that made $86 million against a $7 million budget. The sequel opened with $8 million, a far cry from the first film’s $17 million launch, though that was in line with expectations. It did score a rare A+ CinemaScore.

    Amazon and MGM’s “Crime 101” fell 59% in its second weekend, bringing in $5.8 million to take fourth place. The Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo heist thriller has now made $24.7 million against a reported $90 million budget. “Send Help” rounded out the top five with $4.5 million.

    “How to Make a Killing” landed in sixth place with $3.6 million. A24 released the StudioCanal movie in 1,600 North American theaters. The film, loosely inspired by “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” stars Powell as a man who, in a quest to acquire a $28 billion inheritance, decides to kill off his family members. Directed by John Patton Ford (“Emily the Criminal”), “How to Make a Killing” was not well-received by critics: it’s sitting at a “rotten” 47% on Rotten Tomatoes.

    “Pyscho Killer,” released by 20th Century Studios, fared much worse and opened outside of the top 10. The horror-thriller written by Andrew Kevin Walker ( “Seven” ) and directed by Gavin Polone (a notable television and film producer in his directorial debut) tanked in its first weekend in theaters with $1.6 million in ticket sales from 1,110 theaters. Audiences were not any happier with it than critics; According to PostTrak, only 31% of ticket buyers would “definitely recommend” it.

    With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

    1. “GOAT,” $17 million.

    2. “Wuthering Heights,” $14.2 million.

    3. “I Can Only Imagine 2,” $8 million.

    4. “Crime 101,” $5.8 million.

    5. “Send Help,” $4.5 million.

    6. “How to Make a Killing,” $3.6 million.

    7. “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” $3.3 million.

    8. “Solo Mio,” $2.6 million.

    9. “Zootopia 2,” $2.3 million.

    10. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” $1.8 million.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Series pilot about Salem wins awards at NY festival

    [ad_1]

    SALEM — Local comedian Allie Del Franco recently debuted the pilot episode of her comedy series “Witch City,” taking home multiple awards from the NYC TV Festival for her showcase of the fast-growing comedy scene in Salem.

    Del Franco, who moved to Salem six years ago, is locally recognized as a major driving force behind the creation of Salem’s comedy scene over the past three years.

    This page requires Javascript.

    Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

    kAmq68:??:?8 2E vF=FvF=F r276 2?5 6G6?EF2==J 6IA2?5:?8 E@ @E96C G6?F6D DF49 2D E96 $2E2?:4 %6>A=6[ w2==@H65 vC@F?5 2?5 q:E q2C[ s6= uC2?4@’D “(:E49 r:EJ r@>65J” 8C@FA H9:49 D96 D2JD 92D 9@DE65 >@C6 E92? d__ 4@>65:2?D D:?46 :ED :?46AE:@? E9C66 J62CD 28@ ?@H 9@=5D >@C6 E92? ad_ 4@>65J 6G6?ED 2 J62C 24C@DD a_ $2=6> G6?F6D]k^Am

    kAm“xE DE2CE65 @FE 2D DF49 2 4=:496 @A6? >:4[ H96C6 H6 925 ?@ 2F5:6?46 2?5 2 H66<=J 964<=6Cj :E H2D G6CJ 32C63@?6D 4@>65J[” s6= uC2?4@ D2:5] “$@ x ;FDE DE2CE65 6 J@FC D=@H6DE ?:89E[’ 2?5 x <6AE :?G:E:?8 >@C6 4@>:4D] xE’D C62==J 8C@H? @G6C E96 A2DE b J62CD[ 2?5 ?@H H6 92G6 @FC @H? D46?6] r@>65:2?D 7C@> 2== @G6C E96 4@F?ECJ 2C6 >6DD28:?8 >6 E@ E6== >6 E96J’C6 4@>:?8 E@ $2=6>] xE’D C62==J 4@@=]”k^Am

    kAmp44@C5:?8 E@ |:D92 %CF3D[ H9@ 92D 366? A6C7@C>:?8 😕 $2=6> 😕 C646?E J62CD[ E96 4:EJ’D 4@>65J D46?6 6IA=@565 D:?46 E96 62C=J 52JD @7 @A6? >:4D 2E vF=FvF=F]k^Am

    kAm“%96C6 H2D?’E >F49 4@>65J 8@:?8 @?[ W3FEX E96? 2== @7 2 DF556? :E A@AA65 FA 2?5 :E H2D ;FDE E@@ >F49 😕 >J 7246 7@C >6 E@ ?@E A2CE:4:A2E6[” %CF3D D2:5] “(96? :E DE2CE65 @FE 2E vF=FvF=F[ :E H2D >@DE=J >FD:4[ D@ J@F <:?5 @7 925 E@ 36 =@F5 2?5 >2<6 J@FCD6=7 AC6D6?E 7@C 2?J@?6 E@ 962C J@FC 2H7F= ;@<6D] qFE 7@CEF?2E6=J[ E9:?8D 92G6 8C@H? 96C6 E92?256 :E 2== 92AA6?]”k^Am

    kAmr@>65:2?D DF49 2D s6= uC2?4@ D2J E96 $2=6> 4@>65J D46?6 D6ED :ED6=7 2A2CE 7C@> @E96C 4@>>F?:E:6D 😕 :ED @A6??6DD E@ ?6H G@:46D 2?5 4@>:4D E2<:?8 4C62E:G6 C:D :?5FDECJ]k^Am

    kAm“xE’D 2 G6CJ 7C:6?5=J 2?5 H6=4@>:?8 D46?6[” s6= uC2?4@ D2:5] “x7 J@F 8@ E@ 2? @A6? >:4 😕 }6H *@C< r:EJ @C {p[ 2 =@E @7 E96 A6@A=6 😕 E96 2F5:6?46 2C6 4@>:4D E96>D6=G6D] x E9:?< @?6 @7 E96 3:886DE 5:776C6?46D H6 92G6 96C6 😀 E96 E@FC:D>] (6 42? E2<6 25G2?E286 @7 E96 A6@A=6 96C6[ E96 4F=EFC6[ 2?5 E96 H:E49 92ED[ 2?5 E92E’D C62==J 96=A65 >6 E@ D92A6 E96 3C2?5]”k^Am

    kAmr9C:D {66592>[ 2 =:76=@?8 $2=6> C6D:56?E[ D2:5 A2CE @7 E96 =@42= 4@>65J D46?6’D 492C> 😀 E96 F?:BF6?6DD @7 6249 4@>65:2?’D DEJ=6[ D@>6E9:?8 96 😀 6I4:E65 E@ 3C:?8 E@ E96 HC:E:?8 D6DD:@?D 7@C 7FEFC6 6A:D@56D @7 E96 %’ D6C:6D]k^Am

    kAm“!6@A=6 ;FDE E2<6 2 =:EE=6 3:E >@C6 C:D65J[” 96 D2:5] “p?5 ;FDE 2D 2 H9@=6[ E96 4@>>F?:EJ C62==J H@C6C G:36 96C6] }@H[ H6’C6 2== 8@:?8 E@ DE2CE HC:E:?8 2?5 4@>:?8 FA H:E9 :562D W7@C E96 D6C:6DX G6CJ D@@?[ 2?5 6G6CJ@?6’D 2==@H65 E@ 36 2D 4C62E:G6 2?5 7C66 H:E9 :E 2D E96J H2?E E@ 36]”k^Am

    kAm%96 A:=@E 6A:D@56 @7 “(:E49 r:EJ” 7@==@HD 2DA:C:?8 4@>:4 qC:586E[ A=2J65 3J s6= uC2?4@[ H9@ >@G6D E@ $2=6> 7C@> }6H *@C<[ H@C<:?8 E@ >2<6 6?5D >66E 2E E@FC 8F:56 3FD:?6DD6D[ C6DE2FC2?ED[ 2?5 @E96C =@42= G6?F6D 😕 9@A6D @7 6G6?EF2==J <:465J 42C66C] uFEFC6 6A:D@56D 2C6 A=2??65 E@ 92G6 >F=E:A=6 :?E6CD64E:?8 DE@CJ=:?6D 2?5 492C24E6CD[ D9@H42D:?8 DE@C:6D 7C@> A@AF=2C $2=6> =@42=6D]k^Am

    kAm“x’> D@ 6I4:E65[ 3642FD6 x’> DF49 2 $2=6> ?6C5[” s6= uC2?4@ D2:5] “(6 92G6 E9:?8D =:<6 ‘w@4FD !@4FD’ 2?5 D@>6 9@CC@C >@G:6D E92E 92G6 366? 7:=>65 96C6[ 3FE ?@ @?6 92D C62==J E24<=65 $2=6> J6E 7C@> E96 =@42= A6CDA64E:G6[ D9@H:?8 H92E :E’D C62==J =:<6 E@ =:G6 96C6] $@ x 42== :E 2 =@G6 =6EE6C E@ E96 =@42=D]”k^Am

    kAmw2G:?8 H@C<65 H:E9 G2C:@FD =@42= G6?F6D E@ 4@>3:?6 E96:C C68F=2C @776C:?8D H:E9 2 4@>65J D9@H – DF49 2D E:4<6ED E@ D9@HD 2E E96 $2E2?:4 %6>A=6 2=D@ AC@G:5:?8 2446DD E@ E96 $2=6> pCE v2==6CJ – s6= uC2?4@ 92D 4@>6 E@ 2?J @7 E96 =@42= 3FD:?6DD =6256CD 2?5 6>A=@J66D H9@ >2<6 $2=6> E96 56DE:?2E:@? :E :D]k^Am

    kAm%96 $2=6> r@>65J rC2H=[ 2? 6G6?E E92E (:E49 r:EJ r@>65J DE2CE65[ D66D d_ 4@>:4D CF??:?8 2C@F?5 E@ 7:G6 5:776C6?E =@42= G6?F6D 😕 2 D:?8=6 ?:89E[ H:E9 E9C66>:?FE6 D6ED A24<65 E:89E :?E@ 2? 9@FC=@?8 A6C7@C>2?46]k^Am

    kAmpE E96 $2E2?:4 %6>A=6[ H9:49 DE2CE65 9@DE:?8 (:E49 r:EJ r@>65J =2DE DAC:?8[ >2?286C 2?5 4FC2E@C @7 E96 $2=6> pCE v2==6CJ w2??29 z2E9CJ? D2:5 E92E s6= uC2?4@’D 565:42E:@? E@ 8C@H:?8 E96 =@42= D46?6 2?5 92G:?8 4@>65:2?D 7C@> @FE @7 DE2E6 7=J 😕 E@ $2=6> 92D =65 E@ C:D:?8 A@AF=2C:EJ]k^Am

    kAm“xE’D 366? 2>2K:?8 92G:?8 p==:6 3C:?8 😕 4@>65:2?D 7C@> }6H *@C< 2?5 @FE @7 DE2E6[ 2?5 86EE:?8 E96D6 >@C6 H6==6D 7C@> 2C62D H96C6 D96 H2D DE2CE:?8 96C 4@>65J 42C66C[” z2E9CJ? D2:5] “xE’D 366? 8C62E 92G:?8 E96> 96C6[ 2?5 6G6CJ@?6 😀 D@ 2446AE:?8 @7 E96 G6?F6 36:?8 E96 $2E2?:4 %6>A=6] *@F’5 E9:?< D@>6 @7 E96 4@>65:2?D 7C@> 72CE96C 2H2J >:89E 36 H6:C565 @FE[ 3FE E96J’C6 2== C62==J 6I4:E65 E@ 36 96C6]”k^Am

    kAm}@H[ s6= uC2?4@[ 😕 255:E:@? E@ D9@@E:?8 D46?6D 2E C64@8?:K23=6 =@42= 3FD:?6DD6D 2?5 G6?F6D[ 😀 9@A:?8 E@ 8:G6 =@42= 3FD:?6DD6D 2? @AA@CEF?:EJ E@ 4@?EC:3FE6 E@ E96 HC:E:?8 AC@46DD E@ AC@5F46 2 D4C:AE E92E’D 2FE96?E:4 E@ =:76 😕 $2=6>]k^Am

    kAm“x HC@E6 E96 7F== A:=@E[ 3FE H6’C6 92G:?8 @FC 7:CDE HC:E6CD >66E:?8 😕 2 H66<[ 2?5 H6’C6 8@:?8 E@ A:E49 :562D E92E 92G6 2 DA@E=:89E @? 5:776C6?E G6?F6D[” D96 D2:5] “u@C 6I2>A=6[ H6’== E2=< E@ z6==J w@>2?[ H9@ 4@@H?D #65’D $2?5H:49 $9@A[ 7@C 2? 6A:D@56 H96C6 qC:586E H@C E96C6 2=@?8 H:E9 2 3F?49 @7 @E96C 3FD:?6DD6D] $@ H6’== :?G:E6 H@C<6CD :?E@ E96 HC:E6CD C@@> 2?5 2D< ‘(92E 2C6 D@>6 9@CC@C DE@C:6Dn’ @C ‘w@H 42? H6 86E E96 5:2=@8F6 244FC2E6n’k^Am

    kAm“u@C E96 ?6IE G6CD:@? @7 E96 A:=@E[ x’> 2=D@ 567:?:E6=J 8@:?8 E@ H@C< 4=@D6C H:E9 E96 =@42= 7:=> 4@>>F?:EJ 96C6[” D96 D2:5] “q642FD6 H96? J@F’C6 EC2:?65 😕 %’ HC:E:?8[ AC@5F4E:@? :D?’E E96 ?F>36C @?6 7@4FD — E96 7@4FD 😀 E96 D4C:AE 2?5 5:2=@8F6] $@ :E’D 8@:?8 E@ 36 4@@= E@ 4@==23@C2E6]”k^Am

    kAm(9:=6 E96 7F== A:=@E 😀 A=2??65 E@ 36 D9@H42D65 H:E9 2 DA64:2= D4C66?:?8[ >@DE =:<6=J 2E r:?6>2 $2=6> 😕 E96 7:CDE H66< @7 pAC:=[ E96 7:CDE A:=@E 92D 2=C625J C646:G65 2 8C62E C646AE:@? 2E E96 }*r %’ u6DE:G2=[ H96C6 :E H@? 2H2C5D 7@C “q6DE %’ $9@H 😕 2 r@>65J” 2?5 “q6DE p4EC6DD 😕 2 r@>65J”]k^Am

    kAm“(6 D9@E E96 A:=@E 😕 ;FDE 7@FC 52JD[” s6= uC2?4@ D2:5] “p?5 H92E x E9:?< H@? A6@A=6 @G6C 😀 E92E :E ;FDE 76=E D@ C62=] xE C62==J D9@HD H96? D@>6E9:?8 😀 32D65 @? C62= =:76 6IA6C:6?46D[ 2?5 $2=6> 😀 ;FDE DF49 2 =@G:?8 4@>>F?:EJ]”k^Am

    kAm*@F 42? 7:?5 >@C6 23@FE (:E49 r:EJ r@>65J 2E k2 9C67lQ9EEAi^^:?DE28C2>]4@>^(:E49r:EJr@>65JQm:?DE28C2>]4@>^(:E49r:EJr@>65Jk^2m]k^Am

    kAm|:4926= |4wF89 42? 36 4@?E24E65 2E k2 9C67lQ>2:=E@i>>49F89o?@CE9@73@DE@?]4@>Qm>>49F89o?@CE9@73@DE@?]4@>k^2m @C 2E fg`fhhda_ak^Am

    [ad_2]

    By Michael McHugh | Staff Writer

    Source link

  • How many feet are in 500 miles? Nobody knows, at least Nate Bargatze doesn’t at the Daytona 500

    [ad_1]

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Nate Bargatze considered squeezing a big, dumb joke into his command for drivers to start their engines at the Daytona 500.

    “At first, I thought about doing like, how many feet are in 500 miles,” Bargatze said. “Nobody knows.”

    Bargatze laughed when he said the proposed joke, which is a riff on his popular “Washington’s Dream” sketches on “Saturday Night Live,” fell flat when he tested it Saturday night during a gig in Indianapolis.

    “I was going to do another one with Jimmie Johnson being older to let the younger drivers know that his left blinker will be on the whole race,” Bargatze said. “Then when I got here and talked about it, it’s like, I think you just need to do, normal? You have all these hopes and dreams to do something funny.”

    Bargatze kept it straight in his role as grand marshal for Sunday’s Daytona 500.

    “It’s going to be insanity,” Bargatze said. “It’s been a dream to be asked to do this.”

    Bargatze’s day at Daytona — where he mingled with drivers such as Denny Hamlin — is just the latest dream job for one of the most popular stand-ups currently working. He hosted the Emmy Awards, released three Netflix specials and just won a Best Comedy Album Grammy Award for “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze.”

    His “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour” set a record for biggest one-year gross by a comedy performer in history and has set more than 40 arena attendance records.

    They served as warm-up acts for his first starring role in a movie, “The Breadwinner.” Bargatze co-wrote the script for the film he said was influenced by his stand-up and old-school funny, family movies such as “Mr. Mom” and “Home Alone.”

    “You want it to be broad, the whole family can come,” Bargatze said. “It’s like what I do with stand-up, you kind of just want everybody to come.”

    Mandy Moore plays Bargatze’s wife in the comedy, which also includes Colin Jost and Will Forte and opens May 29.

    “Obviously overwhelming,” Bargatze said. “I don’t know how to act. Learning that on the fly was a good time.”

    The 46-year-old Bargatze resumes his stand-up tour this week in Rockford, Illinois, and he’s set to host the ABC game show, “The Greatest Average American.”

    The title seemed fitting when Bargatze was gifted one of only 500 specialty Daytona 500 hats. The hat was numbered 302. Average.

    “It’s not bragging,” Bargatze said. “I’m right in the middle. That’s where the average American would be. It’s humility. It’s how you go.”

    ___

    AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Comedian Steve Treviño believes Hollywood rejects him for promoting ‘family, God and country’

    [ad_1]

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Comedian Steve Treviño opened up about how he believes Hollywood has turned its back on him due to his conservative values, including his promotion of family, faith and country.

    During a Wednesday appearance on the “Like A Farmer” podcast, the 48-year-old comic questioned why he was not offered another Netflix deal after his 2024 stand-up special “Steve Treviño: Simple Man,” which premiered in March 2024, ranked near the top of the platform’s comedy charts.

    “Hollywood does not like us,” he said. “Hollywood does not want anything to do with us. And it’s unfortunate, right?” 

    Comedian Steve Treviño believes his conservative values have caused him to be rejected by Hollywood.  (JC Olivera/Getty Images)

    Treviño noted that the material in his special focused on his family life, his marriage, parenting and his faith. He said the lack of follow-up from Netflix surprised him given how the special performed relative to others released around the same time. Netflix does not publicly release detailed viewership data, but Treviño said his special ranked among the platform’s top comedy offerings that debuted that year.

    ZACHARY LEVI SAYS HE’S ‘GRAYLISTED’ BY HOLLYWOOD, VOWS TO KEEP SPEAKING HIS TRUTH DESPITE BLOWBACK

    “I was top five, numbers-wise,” he said. “I beat 35 of them. All the ones that I beat are getting offers again — I did not get another one.”

    According to Treviño, dozens of stand-up specials were released during the same period, and several comedians whose projects performed worse by comparison were offered additional deals. The Texas native explained that the discrepancy led him to question whether ideology, rather than performance, played a role.

    “You have to ask why,” Treviño said. “I don’t care if you like me or not — sell tickets. The numbers are the numbers.”

    Steve Trevino on stage

    Treviño said that he has not received another comedy special offer from Netflix despite his previous success on the platform.  (Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)

    CANDACE CAMERON BURE REFUSES TO LET CANCEL CULTURE TAKE HER DOWN DESPITE INDUSTRY BACKLASH

    Treviño said he believes his emphasis on traditional values may have put him at odds with the entertainment industry.

    “I promote family. I promote God. I promote loving this country,” he said.

    During his podcast appearance, Treviño also recalled another experience with Amazon Prime Video that he said reinforced his concerns. He claimed that he was asked to remove a moment from a project in which he thanked U.S. military members.

    COMEDIAN JEFF DYE ON LEAVING LOS ANGELES AND THE POLITICS DRIVING COMEDY’S NEW DIVIDE

    “They said, ‘Can Steve not thank the troops at the end? It’s too political,’” Treviño said. “And I’m like, how is thanking the men and women who serve political?”

    “So you have to wonder — is it because I’m conservative?” he said. “Is it because I love this country? Is it because I promote family? Is it because I promote God?”

    Steve Trevino with his hands up

    The comedian said he stands by his material, which promotes “family, God and country.” (Michael Schwartz/WireImage)

    Treviño did not point to any explicit explanation for the lack of offers, but said he has struggled to find another reason aside from his values.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

    “It has to be,” he said. “I don’t know what else. The numbers are the numbers.”

    Fox News Digital has reached out to representatives for Netflix and Amazon Prime for comment. 

    Treviño’s comments come amid ongoing debates about politics and ideology in Hollywood, particularly as several comedians and entertainers have publicly accused the industry of sidelining voices they believe fall outside mainstream cultural norms.

    LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

    Steve Trevino performing a comedy show

    The Texas native said that he is currently working on independent projects.  (Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

    Despite his frustrations, Treviño explained that he is continuing to build his career independently, relying on touring and engaging with fans directly rather than waiting for another major streaming deal. He also shared that he is developing new projects, including a sitcom called “Travel Ball” about youth travel baseball as well and an animated show.

    “Stand-up’s what pays the bills,” Treviño said. “And if Netflix doesn’t want to give us another offer, we’ll figure it out again. We always do.”

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    Treviño said that he is also working on another stand-up special and its material continues to reflect the same themes that have defined his career, regardless of whether it finds a home on a major streaming platform.

    “I’m proud of it,” he said. “It promotes family, promotes God, promotes love for this country — and we’ll see where it lands.”

    Ashley Hume is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to ashley.hume@fox.com and on Twitter: @ashleyhume

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • What to Stream: ‘Splitsville,’ J. Cole, ‘Puppy Bowl,’ Keke Palmer, Nick Jonas and Nioh 3

    [ad_1]

    The goofy and wry relationship comedy “Splitsville” landing on Hulu and fresh albums by J. Cole and Nick Jonas are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

    Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Keke Palmer starring in a TV adaptation of the 1989 Tom Hanks movie “The ’Burbs” for Peacock, gamers getting fast and bloody samurai action with Nioh 3 and Netflix’s “The Lincoln Lawyer” returning for Season 4.

    — One of last year’s funniest original movies, the goofy and wry relationship comedy “Splitsville,” is streaming on Hulu starting Thursday. Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin, the duo behind “The Climb” bring the audience along on a metaphorical ( and literal ) roller coaster a comedy about open relationships, divorce and human mistakes, in which they star opposite Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that, “though there are elaborately choreographed long takes that smack of contemporary moviemaking, ‘Splitsville’ belongs more to a screwball tradition stretching back to the 1930s,” adding “the performer here who would have been most at home in that bygone comedy heyday is Johnson.”

    — Also coming to Hulu, on Thursday, is James L. Brooks’ “Ella McCay,” a starry political dramedy with Emma Mackey playing an ambitious and idealistic lieutenant governor who has to take over for her boss. The film was a major flop with audiences and critics during its theatrical run. The AP’s Jocelyn Noveck, in her review, called it “bafflingly disjointed, uneven, unfunny and illogical,” adding that Mackey is the only reason to watch the film.

    — Filmmaker Rory Kennedy (“Downfall: The Case Against Boeing”) tells the story of Judit Polgár, the Hungarian girl who dreamed of conquering men’s chess and defeat champion Garry Kasparov, in “Queen of Chess.” The documentary just premiered at the Sundance Film Festival but will already be available to stream on Netflix on Thursday.

    — AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

    — Nick Jonas, the youngest of the Jonas Brothers trio and fresh off a successful stadium run with his siblings, will release his first solo album in just under five years on Friday, Feb. 6 titled “Sunday Best.” The first taste arrived in the form of lead single “Gut Punch.” It is smooth adult pop — as is his bread and butter — easy listening for those in need of a love song.

    — Also on tap: the innovative rapper and producer J. Cole returns with his seventh studio album, “The Fall-Off.” Some fans theorize it may be his final record — and with good reason. The music video for “Disc 2 Track 2,” released in January, begins with a note from Cole describing that he knew “in my heart I would one day get to the finish line.” That track recalls Nas’ 2001 hit “Rewind,” which may offer a tease as to what the album may sound like: a love letter to hip-hop, and the career it has given Cole.

    — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

    — It may be cold outside, but there’s a heatwave on Bravo as the reality series “Summer House” returns for a 10th season. The show features Manhattanites sharing a shore house in the Hamptons, although recent seasons have also followed the gang when they’re back in New York during the week. It streams on Peacock beginning Wednesday.

    — Netflix’s “The Lincoln Lawyer” is back for Season 4 beginning Thursday. Based on novels by Michael Connelly, the series follows talented Los Angeles attorney Mickey Haller (played by Manuel García-Rulfo) as he takes on high-profile defendants. This season Haller is the one who needs a strong defense when he’s falsely accused of murder.

    — “Puppy Bowl,” the annual TV event promoting animal adoption airs its 22nd iteration on Sunday, Feb. 8. “Puppy Bowl XXII” will simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+. Another call-to-action special, The “Great American Rescue Bowl” also takes place Sunday. This one highlights both adoptable dogs and cats and will be available on Great American Pure Flix, Great American Family, and GFAM+.

    — Keke Palmer stars in a TV adaptation of the 1989 Tom Hanks movie “The ‘Burbs” for Peacock. All eight-episodes drop Sunday, Feb. 8. Palmer and Jack Whitehall play a couple who move to suburbia with their new baby to live a nice, quiet life. The neighborhood seems less idyllic once the wife becomes fixated on one of her neighbors, whom she connects with a decades-long missing person case.

    — Alicia Rancilio

    — Koei Tecmo’s Nioh series has built a cult audience among gamers who like their samurai action fast and bloody. Nioh 3, from Tokyo-based developer Team Ninja, adds some twists. Tokugawa Takechiyo is about to be appointed shogun when his jealous brother unleashes a horde of yōkai — ghouls, demons and other supernatural creatures drawn from Japanese folklore. Takechiyo can fight back with brute-force samurai skills, or switch to more acrobatic ninja tactics, all in a vast open world that promises more freedom than previous installments. Take up arms Friday, Feb. 6, on PlayStation 5 or PC.

    — Lou Kesten

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Catherine O’Hara’s Friends and Collaborators Pay Tribute

    [ad_1]

    The friends, former collaborators, and countless admirers of Catherine O’Hara are paying public tribute to her after her death on January 30 following a brief illness. The comic actress was an Emmy Award winner and a beloved entertainer across generations. Hollywood and beyond mourned her 50-year career, including her co-stars from Home Alone, her fellow nominees from her recent project The Studio, and longtime collaborators from what ended up being her final project, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

    Below, find all the celebrity tributes to the legendary Catherine O’Hara.

    Schitt’s Creek co-creator Dan Levy spoke on behalf of him and his father Eugene Levy on Instagram. “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years,” he wrote. “Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my Dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it. I will cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her.” Busy Philipps commented on his post “sending you and your family and her family so much love.”

    The comedians remembered the “sweetest angel” when they raised a toast in her honor during their comedy show in Austin, Texas on Friday night. “I met her when she was 18 years of age, and all these years later, she’s been the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel that any of us worked with,” Short said. “God bless her.” The two raised their glasses as the audience cheered.

    Burton, who directed O’Hara in both Beetlejuice films, shared a photo of them together, alongside the cast of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. He wrote, “Catherine, I love you . This picture shows how much light you gave to all of us. You were a special part of my life and after life.”

    Martin Scorsese directed Catherine O’Hara in After Hours, a “one bad night” comedy that has achieved cult status over the years. “To lose Catherine O’Hara… it feels impossible to me, and to millions of others as well, I’m sure,” the director said in a statement obtained by IndieWire. His daughter, Francesca, posted a screenshot of their FaceTime when she presumably shared the news. “For me, and for most of my friends, it’s SCTV: all I have to do is think about one of the characters she created, like Lola Heatherton or Dusty Towne, and I’m laughing. Catherine was a true comic genius, a true artist, and a wonderful human being. I was blessed to be able to work with her on After Hours, and I’m going to miss her presence and her artistry. We all are.”

    Balaban, who co-starred with O’Hara in many a Christopher Guest film, said he was “devastated” by her passing and praised the actress for her “gift of loopiness,” something he ascribed to being Canadian. “Catherine O’Hara had an extraordinary kindness that so many Canadians seem to have,” he told Page Six. “She also had the gift of loopiness that so many Canadian comic actors have, too — Eugene Levy, Marty Short, John Candy, for example.” Balaban suspects that the Canadian loopiness and kindness both come from “having to wear a woolen hat with earflaps for too many months of the year.”

    “Catherine was as smart as a person can be, but never showy,” he added. “And effortlessly creative with material. She had great generosity, which she would often use to bolster another actor’s performance…And you have to love a person who, after they beat you at a big, big hand of poker, apologizes.”

    In an Instagram post, Keaton said he and O’Hara “go back before the first Beetlejuice.” He also shared his condolences with O’Hara’s husband, Bo Welch. “She’s been my pretend wife, my pretend nemesis and my real life, true friend,” he wrote. “This one hurts. Man am I gonna miss her.”

    Baldwin, who co-starred with O’Hara in Beetlejuice, called the actor “one of the greatest comic talents in the movie business” in a statement to Page Six. “She had a quality that was all her own and my sympathy goes out to Bo and their family,” he said. His wife, Dancing With the Stars contestant Hilaria Baldwin, posted a TikTok of Baldwin and O’Hara on the set of the 1988 film.

    McKean worked with O’Hara going all the way back to SCTV — a troupe that has already lost John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Tony Rosato, and Harold Ramis. “Only one Catherine O’Hara, and now none. Heartbreaking,” he wrote on Twitter. “Catherine’s knowledge of humanity was always at the center of her comedy, no matter how absurd the character or loopy the material. She could play heartless because she was warm, brainless because she was brilliant, careless because she truly cared. Everyone loved her and everyone learned from her. This is a deep loss.”

    She was nominated for an Emmy for her work on Seth Rogen’s award-winning series The Studio for playing his former boss, studio executive Patty Leigh. “I told O’Hara when I first met her I thought she was the funniest person I’d ever had the pleasure of watching on screen,” Rogen wrote in a tribute on Instagram. “Home Alone was the movie that made me want to make movies. Getting to work with her was a true honour.” Variety reports that season two of the series had just started filming.

    Macaulay Culkin starred as O’Hara’s son Kevin McCallister in the Home Alone films. He mourned O’Hara on Instagram with side-by-side photos of them together when he was a child, then again as an adult. “Mama,” he wrote. “I thought we had time. I wanted more. I wanted to sit in a chair next to you.” In the comments, he added, “I’m mad about this…”

    Actor-director Ron Howard directed O’Hara in the 1994 film The Paper and wrote on X that “This is shattering news.”

    Pedro Pascal and Catherine O’Hara acted together in the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us. “Eternally grateful,” Pascal wrote on Instagram. “There is less light in my world, this lucky world that had you, will keep you, always.”

    O’Hara worked with Theroux on the 2024 film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. He posted a photo of her on-set chair from that production.

    Amy Sedaris and O’Hara both voiced characters in the 2005 movie Chicken Little, but Sedaris’s admiration went beyond that. “Catherine O’Hara was such an inspiration to me,” Sedaris wrote alongside a clip of O’Hara in Waiting for Guffman on Instagram. “I was obsessed with her and SCTV.”

    Actor Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird) talked about loving O’Hara during press for his 2025 film The Naked Gun, then posted a tribute when she died. “She was my Meryl Streep,” he wrote in his post. “I could watch her in anything. Didn’t matter how good or bad the film or show was. I wanted to see what she would do.”

    Rita Wilson and O’Hara never worked together, though they did come up in Hollywood at similar times and knew each other. Wilson paid tribute to O’Hara on Instagram. “A woman who was authentic and truthful in all she did,” Wilson called O’Hara in her post. “You saw it in her work, if you knew her you saw it in her life, and you saw it in her family.”

    Comedian Kevin Nealon and Catherine O’Hara crossed paths multiple times. In 1991, she hosted Saturday Night Live while he was still in the cast. He wrote about her on X. “From the chaos and heart of Home Alone to the unforgettable precision of Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, she created characters we’ll rewatch again and again,” he wrote.

    [ad_2]

    Jason P. Frank

    Source link

  • ‘Clueless,’ ‘The Karate Kid’ among 25 movies entering National Film Registry

    [ad_1]

    As if they’d leave “Clueless” off the list.

    Cher Horowitz fans, rejoice: Amy Heckerling’s 1995 teen comedy is one of 25 classic movies chosen this year by the Library of Congress for its National Film Registry.

    And if “Clueless” wasn’t your jam — whatever! — maybe this will send you deep into your dreams: Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending “Inception” is in the mix. Other films chosen for preservation include “The Karate Kid,” “Glory,” “Philadelphia,” “Before Sunrise,” “The Incredibles” and “Frida.” There are four documentaries, including “Brooklyn Bridge” by Ken Burns. From old Hollywood, there’s the 1954 musical “White Christmas,” and the 1956 “High Society,” Grace Kelly’s last movie before marrying into royalty.

    Since 1988, the Library of Congress has selected 25 movies each year for preservation due to their “cultural, historic or aesthetic importance.” The films must be at least 10 years old.

    The oldest of the 2025 picks dates from 1896, filmmaker William Selig’s “The Tramp and the Dog.” The newest of the group is from 2014: Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” which, the registry noted, involved “meticulous historical research at the Library of Congress to create visually striking scenery.”

    Turner Classic Movies will host a TV special March 19 to screen a selection of the films.

    “The Tramp and the Dog” (1896): Once deemed lost, but discovered in 2021 at the National Library of Norway, Selig’s silent film tells the story of a tramp who tries to steal a pie from a backyard windowsill — and is foiled by a dog. The registry notes it’s an early example of “pants humor” — “where a character loses (or almost loses) its pants during an altercation.”

    “The Maid of McMillan” (1916): This 15-minute silent film, a “whimsical silent romance” shot by students at a drama club at Washington University in St. Louis, tells the story of the track team captain, Jack, who’s in love with Myrtle, “a pretty coed,” according to the university’s library. It is known, the registry says, as the first student film on record.

    “Ten Nights in a Barroom” (1926): A silent film featuring an all-Black cast, it’s based on a stage melodrama adapted from “Ten Nights in a Bar-room and What I Saw There,” an 1854 “temperance novel” written to discourage readers from drinking alcohol.

    “High Society” (1956): In what the registry calls “the last great musical of the Golden Age of Hollywood,” Bing Crosby appeared with Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly, in her last movie before retiring and marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco. Louis Armstrong appeared with his band. Kelly wore her Cartier engagement ring during filming, the registry notes.

    “Brooklyn Bridge” (1981): Ken Burns’ first documentary broadcast on PBS, in which the filmmaker recounted the building of the iconic landmark. “More than just a filmmaker, Burns has become a trusted public historian,” the registry says.

    “The Big Chill” (1983): Lawrence Kasdan’s era-defining story of a group of friends reuniting after a suicide features Glenn Close, William Hurt, JoBeth Williams, Kevin Kline, Jeff Goldblum and Meg Tilly in an ensemble that “portrays American stereotypes of the time — the yuppie, the drug dealer, the TV star — and deftly humanizes them.”

    “The Karate Kid (1984): The first film in the franchise, starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, is “as American as they come,” the registry says — “a hero’s journey, a sports movie and a teen movie — a feel-good movie, but not without grit.”

    “Glory” (1989): Denzel Washington won an Oscar as Private Trip in this story of the 54th Regiment, a unit of Black soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The cast also included Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes and Andre Braugher.

    “Philadelphia” (1993): Tom Hanks starred — and won an Oscar — in one of the first big studio movies to confront the HIV/AIDS crisis. The film is also known for Bruce Springsteen’s Oscar-winning song, “The Streets of Philadelphia.”

    “Before Sunrise” (1995): The first film of Richard Linklater’s deeply romantic “Before” trilogy, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The registry notes Linklater’s “innovative use of time as a defining and recurring cinematic tool.”

    “Clueless” (1995): Heckerling’s teen comedy, starring Alicia Silverstone, was a loose adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma” and forever enshrined the phrase “As if!” into popular culture. The registry hails “its peak-1990s colorful, high-energy, soundtrack-focused on-screen dynamism.”

    “The Wrecking Crew” (2008): Danny Tedesco’s documentary — not to be confused with the 2026 buddy cop movie of the same name — looks at a group of Los Angeles studio musicians who played on hit songs of the ‘60s and ’70s like “California Dreamin’” and “The Beat Goes On.”

    “Inception” (2010): In a movie that asks whether it’s possible to influence a person’s thoughts by manipulating their dreams, Nolan “once again challenges audiences with multiple interconnected narrative layers while delivering thrilling action sequences and stunning visual effects.”

    “The Tramp and the Dog” (1896)

    “The Oath of the Sword” (1914)

    “The Maid of McMillan” (1916)

    “The Lady” (1925)

    “Sparrows” (1926)

    “Ten Nights in a Barroom” (1926)

    “White Christmas” (1954)

    “High Society” (1956)

    “Brooklyn Bridge” (1981)

    “Say Amen, Somebody” (1982)

    “The Thing” (1982)

    “The Big Chill” (1983)

    “The Karate Kid” (1984)

    “Glory” (1989)

    “Philadelphia” (1993)

    “Before Sunrise” (1995)

    “Clueless” (1995)

    “The Truman Show” (1998)

    “Frida” (2002)

    “The Hours” (2002)

    “The Incredibles” (2004)

    “The Wrecking Crew” (2008)

    “Inception” (2010)

    “The Loving Story” (2011)

    “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014)

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Michael J. Fox and Harrison Ford on ‘Shrinking,’ Parkinson’s, and Donald Trump

    [ad_1]

    Last January, Michael J. Fox received a presidential medal of freedom in recognition of his Parkinson’s advocacy work from outgoing president Joe Biden. In USA Today, he wrote about how the incoming Trump administration could help find a cure for the disease he was diagnosed with in 1991 at age 29. They’d be wise to take the actor turned advocate seriously: His Michael J. Fox Foundation has funded more than $2.5 billion in Parkinson’s research over the last 25 years, raising more than $100 million in research annually. “Our foundation directs more money towards Parkinson’s research than the federal government,” Fox tells Vanity Fair. When asked for an update on working with President Donald Trump a year later, Fox retorts, “He’s busy with Greenland. More pressing concerns, I guess.”

    If all goes to plan, Fox says he’ll soon meet with US Department of Health and Human Services head Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “I’m going to Washington next month and hopefully talk to Kennedy and find out what the government’s game plan is on addressing brain research in general and taking a more serious approach to some of these things that are soluble,” he says. “It’s just a weird disease. We always say genetics loads a gun and environment pulls the trigger. We’re trying to figure out what’s biological and what’s chemical.”

    In season three of Shrinking (which premieres on January 28), coping with a Parkinson’s diagnosis fuels Fox’s storyline opposite Harrison Ford, who plays a therapist living with the degenerative brain disease. At this point in the conversation, a stoic, but engaged, Ford interjects: “Michael raises more money for and has done more Parkinson’s research than almost anybody in the world.”

    Ford in season three of Shrinking.Kevin Estrada/Apple TV

    Image may contain Michael J. Fox Face Head Person Photography Portrait Adult Sitting Clothing Pants and Body Part

    Fox in season three of Shrinking.Courtesy of Apple

    “It’s a credit to our great people,” Fox replies. “It’s frustrating to know we’re putting everything we can into it, and it would be nice to have the government behind us, but it seems that they’re involved in other things that have less impact on peoples’ lives.”

    In 2004, Fox and Ford were photographed shaking hands at a charity event where Nancy Reagan advocated for stem cell research in finding a cure for illnesses like Alzheimer’s, which afflicted her husband, Ronald. “I’m sure I was very excited to see Harrison,” says Fox, glancing across the Zoom screen at a smiling Ford. “And Nancy Reagan—she was a force.” The former first lady was one of few conservatives at the time to publicly support embryonic stem cell research, which Republican lawmakers are still fighting to restrict at the federal level. Fox supports stem cell research in finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease. “For someone like Mrs. Reagan to step outside of political or ideological groupings and just speak to what she believes…is tremendously valuable,” he told reporters at the 2004 event.

    Image may contain Harrison Ford Accessories Formal Wear Tie Blazer Clothing Coat Jacket Suit and Person

    Fox poses alongside Ford and his wife Calista Flockhart at a 2004 charity event honoring former First Lady Nancy Reagan, who advocated for stem cell research in the study of diseases like Parkinson’s.Vince Bucci/Getty Images

    After playing the conservative son of former-hippie parents on Family Ties, then a know-it-all political strategist on Spin City, Fox returns to his TV roots in Shrinking, which last year earned Ford the first Emmy nomination of his career. Given Fox’s longtime friendship with series creator Bill Lawrence, whom he previously worked with on Spin City, the invite felt overdue. “It was a short and profane conversation,” Fox recalls. “I said, ‘You’re doing a fucking show about Parkinson’s with Harrison fucking Ford, and you don’t call me?’” Ford tilts his head back with a chuckle.

    “Well, I’m calling you now,” Lawrence said, to which Fox replied, “‘No, I’m calling you.” It was a fitting moment, as Lawrence has “a history of pulling me back out of retirement,” Fox says. “I did Scrubs [which Lawrence created] in the early ’00s after I’d retired from Spin City, and so I knew he’d make it happen. He always was a talented kid. Talented kid.” Fox shakes his head, “He’s what, 60 years old?” (Lawrence is 57; Fox is 64.)

    Although nearly two decades younger than a now 83-year-old Ford, both men, and their characters on Shrinking, grapple with their mortality. “We’re on the same shitty train to sucksville,” Fox’s character, Jerry, says to Ford’s character, Paul, as both men await Parkinson’s treatment. Later in the season, the curmudgeonly Paul finds renewed zest for his profession—and strategies for living with his diagnosis—when he provides therapy to other people with Parkinson’s disease, including Gerry. “The thing about therapy is it’s a talking cure, but there’s no talking cure for Parkinson’s, so those two worlds have always had an uneasy relationship,” Fox explains. “I couldn’t have gotten through Parkinson’s without therapy, but you find yourself educating the therapist as much as they’re educating you. You have to paint a picture of the ground you’re living on. And it’s very hard to explain to people.”

    [ad_2]

    Savannah Walsh

    Source link

  • Stephen Colbert to Win an Award for Yelling at His Boss

    [ad_1]

    Winner, winner, catered dinner.
    Photo: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images

    Stephen Colbert is living the dream: getting an award for yelling at your boss. It is also a nightmare: losing your dream job of over a decade because an increasingly authoritarian government makes an example of you. So … kind of an up-and-downer. The Writers Guild of America East is presenting Colbert with the Walter Bernstein Award at its New York ceremony this year. Named after blacklisted writer Walter Bernstein, the award “is presented to a Guild member who has demonstrated with creativity, grace and bravery a willingness to confront social injustice in the face of adversity,” the Guild said in a press release. With Colbert calling out his CBS (and Paramount, and Skydance, and U.S. government) overlords, even after The Late Show was canceled, it’s a fitting tribute.

    “It’s a great honor to receive the Walter Bernstein award from our Guild,” Colbert said in a statement. “I assume this is mostly for my work on The Dana Carvey Show (possibly available on Blu-Ray!).” In actuality, it’s for saying that CBS settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump for $16 million is a “big fat bribe,” continuing to speak out against the Trump administration and CBS after getting canceled, decrying the FCC’s attempt to rewrite its own equal-time rules related to political candidates appearing on talk shows, and even sassing George W. Bush to his face at the 2006 White House Correspondents” Dinner. Though working on The Dana Carvey Show probably didn’t hurt. Colbert will receive the Wally (we assume it’s called that) on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at New York’s Edison Ballroom.

    [ad_2]

    Bethy Squires

    Source link

  • Chris D’Elia blasts comedians as ‘spineless’ after sexual misconduct allegations derailed his career

    [ad_1]

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Chris D’Elia is blasting the comedy world that he says deserted him.

    D’Elia, 45, accused fellow comedians of being “spineless” while reflecting on the fallout from the sexual misconduct allegations that derailed his career.

    In a recent conversation on the “Trying Not to Die” podcast with Jack Osbourne and Ryan Drexler, the comedian said he was blindsided by how quickly people he’d known for years distanced themselves after the scandal unfolded in 2020. Drexler asked D’Elia if it shocked him that longtime peers failed to stand by him during the public backlash.

    “It blew my mind kind of because, like comedians are so … community, I thought, was what mattered … but comedians are just so — most comedians are just pretty spineless,” D’Elia said.

    ‘SEINFELD’ STAR MICHAEL RICHARDS MOUNTS WILD COMEBACK AFTER INFAMOUS RANT SPARKED COMEDY EXODUS

    Chris D’Elia was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women in 2020. (Michael S. Schwartz/Getty Images)

    “You know their whole life they’ve been the outcast, and they finally get some recognition because of laughter, and it’s like, ‘I’m not letting go of that.’ And f— that. I’m not … If that’s what a comedian is, then I’ll do something else. I’ll be something else. I’ll be on stage making people laugh, but don’t call me that because that’s weird to me.”

    D’Elia said the experience revealed what he believes is a rush to judgment and a drive to tear people down, particularly within the industry.

    “I was surprised. Yeah. By a few people … But you know, it is interesting because you really realize that people can’t f—ing wait to hate you … it blew my mind, and it still kind of blows my mind, but that’s how people are,” he said. “And particularly, you know, I can say people at least that I know like in comedians and in the arts, but like, you know, everyone else, they’re cool.”

    BILL MURRAY WAS ‘DEVASTATED’ BY MISCONDUCT CLAIMS THAT SHUT DOWN MOVIE, DIRECTOR AZIZ ANSARI SAYS

    Chris D'Elia

    The comedian previously faced a federal lawsuit alleging he sexually exploited a minor in 2014. (Michael Schwartz/Getty Images)

    The conversation then shifted to addiction and how different behaviors are judged in the public eye.

    “And other addictions, whether it’s, you know, gambling or whatever, and sex, you’re considered the worst of the worst of the worst,” Osbourne remarked.

    D’Elia agreed and described the backlash against him as having unfolded during one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history. He said the timing of the allegations — coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social unrest — amplified fear and silence across the entertainment industry.

    “Yeah. It’s weird … Look, 2020 was the craziest time … Period. When it all started with COVID and then George Floyd and then everything, and then people were afraid to say anything wrong, and then that’s when my whole thing went down and then everyone’s afraid to say anything wrong,” D’Elia said.

    The comedian then appeared to acknowledge his own misconduct, describing how he viewed his behavior in hindsight and tying it to addiction.

    “I was a f—ing liar and I would use sex … looking back now … I think also age has a lot to do with it. Now that I’m 45 … thinking about how I didn’t think the other shoe was going to drop, now that I think about that, I’m like, ‘Oh, I was crazy. I was delusional … what the f—? Why would — why would that not happen?’”

    Chris D'Elia

    In 2021, D’Elia was accused of sexually exploiting a minor and soliciting child pornography. (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

    The remarks come years after D’Elia became embroiled in serious legal allegations.

    In March 2021, the comedian was accused in a federal lawsuit of sexually exploiting a minor and soliciting child pornography. The lawsuit, filed in California on behalf of a Jane Doe, alleged that D’Elia sexually abused a 17-year-old girl in 2014 and demanded sexually explicit images from her after they connected on social media.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

    According to court documents obtained by Fox News at the time, the accuser — described as a fan — initially messaged D’Elia on Instagram before he suggested moving their conversations to Snapchat. The messages allegedly “became sexual very quickly,” with D’Elia accused of requesting nude photos and videos.

    Chris D'Elia

    D’Elia has kept a relatively low public profile since the accusations surfaced. (Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

    “Ms. Doe sent Defendant D’Elia approximately 5-10 sexually explicit photos and videos of herself before she met him in person,” the lawsuit states. “Ms. Doe was only 17 years old at the time.”

    The suit also alleged that D’Elia “psychologically punished” the teen when she refused to comply with instructions regarding the images.

    At the time, a spokesperson for D’Elia strongly denied the allegations. The plaintiff later voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    D’Elia has kept a relatively low public profile since the accusations surfaced.

    Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Nikki Glaser avoided political jokes while hosting Golden Globes because they’re ‘not funny’

    [ad_1]

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Nikki Glaser revealed why she steered clear of politics while hosting the 83rd Golden Globe Awards ceremony Sunday night. 

    During an appearance Tuesday on Sirirus XM’s “The Howard Stern Show,” the 41-year-old comedian, who received overwhelmingly positive reviews for her second consecutive turn as the Golden Globes emcee, explained the absence of political jabs in her opening monologue.

    “It’s not funny,” she said. “I was going to come in at some point and say, ‘I’m hearing from the bar that we’re out of ice. And you know, we don’t really need ice. And actually, I hate ice.’ It just felt like, ‘Oh, even that’s just being too trivial.’ That’s what it felt like. This isn’t even that anymore. It’s hard to strike the right tone.”

    Nikki Glaser explained why she left political jokes out of the Golden Globes ceremony.  (Rich Polk/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty Images)

    Glaser told Stern, 72, that comedy legend Steve Martin wrote a joke for her that mentioned President Donald Trump but later asked her to scrap it.

    GOLDEN GLOBES HOST NIKKI GLASER NAMES THE ONE HOLLYWOOD STAR ‘YOU CANNOT MAKE FUN OF’

    “[My writer] said, ‘Hey, Steve sent in a joke.’ And he read it to me,” Glaser recalled. “And later on he said, ‘Steve said don’t do that. It’s not the right tone for the night.’ And he was right.”

    The “Trainwreck” actress explained that the axed joke referred to the renaming of Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center to include Trump’s name. Last month, the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees unanimously decided to rename the building The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. 

    Shortly after, crews installed Trump’s name on the building’s exterior signage and the center’s website was updated with the new branding.

    Nikki Glaser poses at "The Howard Stern Show"

    The comedian discussed hosting the awards ceremony for the second time during an appearance on “The Howard Stern Show.” (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

    WANDA SYKES ACCEPTS GOLDEN GLOBE ON BEHALF OF RICKY GERVAIS, THANKS ‘GOD AND THE TRANS COMMUNITY’

    “It was some version of ‘I just got back from D.C. from performing at the Trump Kennedy Center,’” Glaser recalled of Martin’s joke. “It was something about [the] Trump Kennedy Center. And here I’m at the Trump Beverly Hilton. It was something about that.

    “And it was like, you just don’t wanna say that guy’s name,” she said. “I just don’t wanna give it space.”

    Glaser said she also nixed a joke about the nominees’ demographics after deciding it was “too woke.”

    She told Stern the joke was “Martin Short, Jeremy Allen White, Gary Oldman: these are three actors nominated tonight. Actually, short, white, old men are also most of the actors nominated tonight.”

    “And that was just cut because it felt too woke,” Glaser said. “It was clever, but it wasn’t funny.”

    Nikki Glaser on stage at Golden Globes in gown and baseball cap

    Glaser revealed that Steve Martin asked her to cut a Trump joke that he wrote for her.  (Rich Polk/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty Images)

    While Glaser opted to avoid overtly political jabs, she did include quips about two hot-button topics that have received extensive media coverage, including the Epstein files and CBS News’ recent controversy.

    TRUMP’S KENNEDY CENTER HONORS OVERHAUL DELIVERS STAR-STUDDED LINEUP, NEW MEDALLION AND HISTORIC HOSTING ROLE

    During her monologue, Glaser referenced convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to celebrities without directly mentioning the late billionaire’s name.

    “I cannot believe the amount of star power we have in this room tonight. It’s insane. There’s so many A-listers,” Glaser said during the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton. “And by A-listers, I do mean people who are on a list that has been heavily redacted.

    “And the Golden Globe for best editing goes to the Justice Department,” she added.

    Nikki Glaser in audience at Golden Globes

    Glaser said she also axed a joke that she said was “too woke.” (Michael Buckner/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty Images)

    During Glaser’s interview with Stern, the shock jock praised her for mocking CBS News despite the Golden Globes airing on CBS. 

    “And the award for ‘most editing’ goes to CBS News. Yes, CBS News, America’s newest place to see BS news,” Glaser joked at the Golden Globes.

    Over the past year, CBS has experienced several controversies and new ownership that led to new leadership, which have some critics accusing the network of losing its credibility.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

    CBS has faced backlash from some liberal commentators after its parent company, Paramount, reached a $16 million settlement with Trump and has been accused of acquiescing to the Trump administration through Paramount’s new CEO, David Ellison. 

    Ellison has focused on revitalizing CBS News since becoming CEO, installing The Free Press founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief in October.

    Nikki Glaser next to Golden Globes statue

    The comedian did include jokes about the Epstein files and CBS’ recent controversies.  (Kevork Djansezian/CBS via Getty Images)

    LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

    Several progressive commentators have also slammed Weiss for making significant decisions behind the scenes, including pulling a “60 Minutes” segment about allegations of abuses at the notorious El Salvador prison CECOT just hours before it was scheduled to air.

    After the Golden Globes aired, several critics pointed out that the ceremony was notably apolitical compared to recent years. Trump’s name was not directly invoked by Glaser, presenters or winners during the award show’s broadcast.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    Any political commentary was mostly relegated to red carpet interviews ahead of the ceremony, where both nominee Mark Ruffalo, winner Jean Smart and presenter Wanda Sykes took the opportunity to share their thoughts on current affairs. 

    Ruffalo, Smart and Sykes were also among the celebrities who wore pins with slogans that said, “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT.” The pins, which were also sported by Ariana Grande, Natasha Lyonne and others, were intended as a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement days after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good.

    Ashley Hume is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to ashley.hume@fox.com and on Twitter: @ashleyhume

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ tops box office for fourth straight week

    [ad_1]

    LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Avatar: Fire and Ash” kept on smoldering at the box office, taking the top spot for a fourth straight week on a relatively quiet weekend as the January doldrums began setting in for the industry.

    The third chapter in James Cameron’s Pandora epic brought in $21.3 million in North American theaters for The Walt Disney Co., according to studio estimates Sunday.

    In total after four weeks, “Fire and Ash” has grossed $342.6 million in North America and $888 million in the rest of the world. Last week it joined its two predecessors as a billion-dollar earner.

    The week’s top-grossing new release was Paramount Pictures rampaging-chimp horror film “Primate,” which earned $11.3 million domestically.

    Disney’s “Zootopia 2” has shown remarkable staying power since its November release. It continues to be a global juggernaut and a sensation in China. Globally, the animated sequel has piled up $1.65 billion. That put it just on the edge of becoming Disney’s highest grossing animated movie ever, trailing only the $1.66 billion brought in by 2019’s photorealistic “The Lion King.”

    In its seventh week, it was fourth at the North American box office with $10.1 million for a domestic total of $378.8 million.

    The Sydney Sweeney-driven thriller “The Housemaid” continues to be a good earner for Lionsgate, which earlier this week greenlit a sequel. It collected $11.2 million in North America in its fourth weekend for a total of $94.15 million after costing just $35 million to make.

    The figures came on a Sunday when much of Hollywood’s attention is on the Golden Globe Awards. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Zootopia 2” are nominated for two awards apiece.

    But among contenders in top categories at the Globes, only A24’s “Marty Supreme” is in this weekend’s box office top 10, finishing sixth with a $7.6 million take and a $70.1 million four-week total in North America.

    It’s nominated for best picture musical or comedy, with star Timothée Chalamet nominated for best actor in a comedy and cowriter and director Josh Safdie nominated for best screenplay.

    On the whole, Hollywood started 2026 strongly. Revenues this weekend were up 23% from the same weekend in 2025, according to data firm Comscore. And the 2026 total so far is also up 23% from last year.

    The movie industry is coming off a poor 2025, where domestic moviegoing continued to slide. But studios are hoping 2026 could be the best box-office year of the decade as they await the releases of new “Avengers,” “Spider-Man,” “Toy Story,” “Super Mario Bros” and “Dune” movies.

    With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

    1. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” $21.3 million.

    2. “Primate,” $ 11.3 million

    3. “The Housemaid,” $11.2 million.

    4. “Zootopia 2,” $10.1 million.

    5. “Greenland 2: Migration,” $8.5 million

    6. “Marty Supreme,” $7.6 million.

    7. “Anaconda,” $5.1 million.

    8. “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” $3.8 million.

    9. “David,” $3.1 million.

    10. “Song Sung Blue,” $3 million.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Laura Dern and Carol Burnett on the Inspiration Behind That Emotional ‘Palm Royale’ Twist

    [ad_1]

    So began a decades-long friendship that entered a new phase when they were both cast in Palm Royale, which premiered in March 2024. Set in 1969 Palm Beach, the Apple TV series follows Kristen Wiig’s Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, a spry social climber eager to infiltrate high society. Dern, an executive producer on the series, who also plays feminist activist Linda Shaw, had one person in mind for the role of Norma Dellacorte, the flask-toting matriarch who rules the area’s social scene. “I had a mission to get as close to Carol as possible,” Dern says, “and if I had to produce a show to make it happen, I was going to do it.”

    The first season earned Burnett an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress—and a group of new female industry friends, including her costars Allison Janney and Leslie Bibb. “What’s wonderful is, at my age now, I’ve got new young girlfriends,” Burnett laughs. “But with Laura, it’s really a deep love. I do feel that it’s kind of like a mother-daughter thing. Not even kind of like. It is a mother-daughter thing, and I’m grateful for it.”

    Carol Burnett and Laura Dern pose at Burnett’s hand and footprint ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 20, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images

    It was fitting, then, that the penultimate episode of Palm Royale season two reveals that Burnett’s character is actually the birth mother of Dern’s character, and her real name is Agnes. Years ago, the real Norma Dellacorte died and Agnes, her boarding school roommate, assumed her identity for a better life. Upon realizing that she was pregnant with a married man’s baby, Agnes allowed her daughter—born Penelope, then renamed Linda—to be adopted by birth father Skeet (played in season one by Dern’s real-life Oscar-nominated dad, Bruce) and his wife, Evelyn (Janney).

    “Being here in this room where I first became someone else, I can be myself again,” Norma tells Linda, explaining that she sacrificed her daughter so that her life wouldn’t be marred by the scandal of being born out of wedlock. “Losing you was the greatest pain of my entire life. I love you,” Norma tells Linda, who is happy to be found.

    The show’s season two finale, premiering January 14, extends the long-awaited mother-daughter reunion. “The last moment of Carol at the end of our season is just one of the most breathtaking things, as an actor, I’ve ever witnessed,” Dern says, “looking in those eyes and seeing her love of her daughter in that seemingly simple but profound look. You realize this is a woman who did everything for her daughter.”

    Image may contain Carol Burnett Face Head Person Photography Portrait Adult Clothing Dress Photobombing and Happy

    Carrie Hamilton and Carol Burnett in 1983.Images Press/Getty Images

    Image may contain Diane Ladd Laura Dern Accessories Earring Jewelry Face Head Person Photography and Portrait

    Diane Ladd and Laura Dern in 1994.Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

    I ask Burnett where that moment may have originated. “Well, in a way, just from my memory about my relationship with Carrie, and how much I loved her and what she meant to me,” she says of her late daughter Carrie Hamilton, who died in 2002 at age 38 from pneumonia as a complication of lung and brain cancer. “Deep down, I might’ve been thinking about that. It finally came full circle, and I could love her and she could love me. It was easy to play.”

    A third season of Palm Royale, which would presumably delve deeper into 1970s Palm Beach, has not been renewed as of press time. But what are the actors’ thoughts on the modern-day community, now the setting of a new Netflix reality series and the gated locale where Donald Trump rang in the New Year? “Let’s leave it to Shakespeare,” says Dern: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. If we follow the money train, where there is wealth and influence, there are sometimes remarkable people doing extraordinary things, but most of the time when we’re following power and influence, there’s a lot of corruption throughout the world.”

    [ad_2]

    Savannah Walsh

    Source link

  • Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser names the one Hollywood star ‘you cannot make fun of’

    [ad_1]

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Nikki Glaser revealed the one A-Lister that she doesn’t dare to roast when she returns as host of the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. 

    The 41-year-old comedian, who became the first woman to host the awards ceremony solo last year, was tapped as emcee again after earning overwhelmingly positive reviews for her debut. 

    During a Tuesday appearance on “CBS Mornings,” Glaser shed some light on what the awards attendees and viewers can expect from her performance this year. She explained that she has been testing her material for the upcoming show at some of her stand-up gigs and admitted that there was one star that she would avoid mocking. 

    GOLDEN GLOBES HOST NIKKI GLASER RIPS ALEC BALDWIN, NICOLE KIDMAN IN JOKES TOO PROVOCATIVE FOR TV

    “I’m trying out my monologue around LA at the clubs here and just even any joke about Julia Roberts, they are not there for,” she said. 

    Nikki Glaser revealed the one celebrity that she won’t roast at the 2026 Golden Globes (Rich Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty Images)

    “You cannot make fun of America’s sweetheart,” she continued. “Whatever I end up saying about her, that is the most fine-tuned joke that I’ve worked on so hard, because it is very delicate.”

    “I mean, they were booing, and I was like, ‘Is she here?’” Glaser added. “It’s insane.”

    “Nikki, Julia is everywhere,” “CBS Mornings” host Gayle King said.

    JULIA ROBERTS JOKES ABOUT HOW MANY ‘MOVIES LEFT’ IN HER CAREER, FEELS A ‘COMPULSION’ TO RETURN TO THEATER

    Julia Roberts at a screening for "After the Hunt" in Los Angeles in October 2025.

    The comedian said her stand-up audiences responded poorly to jokes about Julia Roberts. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

    “Yeah, she’s all around us always,” Glaser agreed. 

    King noted that Glaser had contacted some celebrities last year for their input regarding jokes she planned to make about them and asked if she had reached out to anyone this year. 

    “Not yet, but I was wondering if anyone there had Sean Penn’s number because I would like to get his approval,” she said with a laugh. “Last year I was able to reach out to Benny Blanco. I had a friend of a friend who knew him and he seemed like someone I could kind of cold text, but I don’t even know if Leo [DiCaprio] has a phone.”

    EMMYS HOST NATE BARGATZE PROMISES NO POLITICAL JOKES AT AWARDS SHOW AFTER KIRK ASSASSINATION

    “There’s certain people that I don’t even know what I would say,” Glaser continued. “It’s almost like some of these jokes you think about, ‘OK, if I got their number, would I write them and ask them?’ And then I go, ‘You know what, they might say no.’ And I know the joke isn’t that mean. I would rather ask for forgiveness later at the after party when they’re drunk.”

    Nikki Glaser at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards in a brown dress.

    Glaser is returning to host the Golden Globes for the second year in a row.  (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

    The “Trainwreck” actress explained that she viewed the Golden Globes hosting gig as a “covert mission” since she has to please both the viewers at home and the stars in the audience at the ceremony. 

    “You have to be very delicate about making jokes that aren’t going to ruin anyone’s night, but you also want to give the people at home something to laugh at, and you want to poke fun at the people that they’re dying for you to make fun of,” she said. “Like people at home want you to make fun of the A-listers.”

    “They want you to make them feel a little bit uncomfortable,” Glaser added. “So, it’s covert in the sense that I want to get away with those jokes without just ruining the vibe in the room. So, it’s really strategic, and it’s one of the most difficult jobs I’ve ever had is picking the perfect jokes.”

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

    Nikki Glaser at Tom Brady's roast

    Glaser was deemed one of the standout performers at Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”  (Getty Images)

    Glaser has previously participated in several celebrity roasts, including those of Rob Lowe, Bruce Willis and Tom Brady and she has become known for her scathing jabs and fearless takedowns. The comedian was hailed as one of the standout performers at Brady’s roast in May 2024, which significantly raised her profile and led to her selection as the Golden Globes host for the 2025 awards show. 

    During her appearance on “CBS Mornings,” Glaser noted that her approach to performing at a roast differed from how she handles Golden Globes hosting duties.

    LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

    Comedian Nikki Glaser wears sparkling silver dress at the Golden Globes

    Glaser said that she was taking a “different approach” to emceeing the awards ceremony this year.  (Rich Polk)

    “I leave the mean for the roast,” she said. “I think people have known me as like, ‘Wow, she tells really mean jokes.’ I really save that for the roast because that’s the place to do them. People have signed up for that.” 

    “This, I feel like, I don’t know, I am a huge fan of these people, and this year’s a little bit different because we have so like many huge A-listers that I grew up kind of really admiring, and it’s easy for me to take down the newer batch of actresses and actors who are younger than me,” Glaser explained.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    “It’s like ‘OK, I can make fun of you. I’m like a veteran,’” she continued. “But when it’s like people that I grew up admiring, it’s ‘Oh my gosh.’” 

    “It’s a different approach this year.”

    Ashley Hume is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to ashley.hume@fox.com and on Twitter: @ashleyhume

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Things to do in Denver this weekend, Jan. 2-4

    [ad_1]

    By Cassidy Ritter, Special to Denverite

    Happy New Year!

    Ring in 2026 this weekend by attending a vision board party, intention-setting event or a Colorado Mammoth game.

    This weekend is also your last chance to explore several holiday- and winter-themed events and exhibits, such as Magical Winter Nights at Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Zoo Lights.

    Whatever you do, make it a great weekend! 

    (P.S.: Next week, Thursday, Jan. 8, the National Western Stock Show gets underway with a parade in downtown Denver near Union Station.)

    Notes: Events with an * are taking place virtually or outdoors.

    Friday, Jan. 2

    Just for fun

    Magical Winter Nights. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4:15-9 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under), $19.95 (guests ages 3-18), $21.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $24.95 (adults). Discounted rates for members.

    *Blossom of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – York Street, 1007 York St. 4:30-9 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $20-$29 (members), $24-$33 (non-members).

    Elitch Holidays (formerly Luminova Holidays). Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle. 5-9 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $20.26 (adults, when purchased online).

    *Christmas in Color. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 5-9:30 p.m. Starting at $34.99.

    New Year’s Sound Bath. Dandy Lion Coffee Co., 5225 E. 38th Ave. 6-7:30 p.m. $33.85. Advance registration recommended.

    *Trail of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. 5-8 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $10-$12 (children ages 3-15), $16-$18 (ages 65 and older), $18-$20 (adults).

    *Hudson Holidays. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. 5-9:30 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $17.06 (ages 3-12), $20.26 (ages 65 and older), $22.40 (adults).  

    Kids and family

    ICE! Featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Last Day. Gaylord Rockies, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora. 9 a.m.-8:45 p.m. Starting at $31. 

    *Snow Days. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr. Opens at 9 a.m. Free (children under 1 year of age and members), $17.75 (1-year-olds and visitors ages 60 and older), $19.75 (ages 2-59). All ages.

    *Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele St. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Free (ages 2 and under), $19 (ages 3-15), $26 (ages 16 and older).

    Comedy and theater

    Emo Philips. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. $25-$30.

    Eddie Ifft. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. $25-$30. 

    Rotating Tap Comedy. River North Brewery – Blake Street Taproom, 3400 Blake St. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free.

    Secret Late Night Comedy Show and Free Pizza. Denver Comedy Underground, 675 22nd St. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. $25 (in advance), $30 (at the door). 

    Art, culture, and media

    Moments That Made US. History Colorado, 1200 Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (children ages 18 and under), $15 (adults).

    The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (members and children age 18 and younger), $22-$27 (students, teachers, active military members, veterans, seniors ages 65 and older), $25-$30 (adults). 

    Perfectly Lost. Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Ave., Unit A. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

    Lumonics Immersed. Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery, 800 E. 73rd Ave., Unit 11. 8-10 p.m. $15-$25. Advance registration required.

    Eat and drink

    Blitzen’s at Shep’s. Omni Interlocken, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield. 11 a.m.-midnight. No cover.

    Jingle Bao Rock. Bao Brewhouse, 1317 14th St. Noon-midnight. No cover.

    Italian Regional Cooking: Tuscany. Cook Street, 43 W. 9th Ave. 6-9:30 p.m. $132 (per person). Advance registration required.

    Grabados Y Gustación: Printmaking & Mezcal. Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. 6-11 p.m. $8 (workshop only), $15 (workshop and tasting).

    Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class. The Chocolate Therapist, 2560 W. Main St., Littleton. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $44.52. Advance registration required.

    Music and nightlife

    Laser Billie Eilish. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Prices vary.

    Paloma Rose: Tribute to Nina Simone. Dazzle at The Arts Complex, 1080 14th St. 6:30 p.m. Prices vary.

    Worakls. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $30.66-$39.94.

    Sports and fitness

    *Denver Nuggets at Cleveland Cavaliers. Watch on Altitude or Prime Video, or listen at 92.5 FM. 5:30 p.m.

    *Ice Skating. Throughout the Denver metro, locations listed here. Times vary. Costs vary.

    Saturday, Jan. 3

    Just for fun

    Coffee & Donuts for the Coworking-Curious. The Process, 1060 Bannock St., Suite 200. 8-10 a.m. Free.

    Clock Tower Self-Guided Tours. Denver Clocktower, 1601 Arapahoe St. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (children ages 5 and under), $8 (Historic Denver and Molly Brown House Museum members), $10 (general public).

    Manifest your 2026 – Vision Board Party. West + Main Homes office, 2010 Youngfield St., Lakewood. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Advance registration required.

    2026 Vision Boards. Hazel, 1581 S. Pearl St. 1-3 p.m. $33.85 (includes craft supplies and one cocktail).

    Journal Workshop. Ember and Stitch, 918 W. Eights Ave. 1 p.m. $119.22.

    Elitch Holidays (formerly Luminova Holidays). Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle. 4-9 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $20.26 (adults, when purchased online).

    Magical Winter Nights. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4:15-9 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under), $19.95 (guests ages 3-18), $21.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $24.95 (adults). Discounted rates for members.

    *Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele St. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Free (ages 2 and under), $19 (ages 3-15), $26 (ages 16 and older).

    *Blossom of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – York Street, 1007 York St. 4:30-9 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $20-$29 (members), $24-$33 (non-members).

    *Christmas in Color. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 5-9:30 p.m. Starting at $34.99.

    *Hudson Holidays. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. 5-9:30 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $17.06 (ages 3-12), $20.26 (ages 65 and older), $22.40 (adults). 

    *Trail of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. 5-8 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $10-$12 (children ages 3-15), $16-$18 (ages 65 and older), $18-$20 (adults).

    1/3 Look on the Flipside LIVE! with Ian Gibbs. Flipside Theatre, 502 Center Dr., Unit M, Superior. 7-9 p.m. $12.

    Kids and family

    *Snow Days. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr. Opens at 9 a.m. Free (children under 1 year of age and members), $17.75 (1-year-olds and visitors ages 60 and older), $19.75 (ages 2-59). All ages.

    Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made with LEGO Bricks. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under and members), $20.95 (guests ages 3-18), $22.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $25.95 (adults). (Learn more about the exhibit here.)

    Arabic Stories & Language Hour. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Virginia Village Branch Library, 1500 Dahlia St. Free. Ideal for ages 12 and under, when accompanied by an adult.

    Kids’ Matinee: The Playmakers, Snow White & The Dazzle Dwarves, An Interactive Event. Dazzle at The Arts Complex, 1080 14th St. Noon. $6.45. All ages.

    Comedy and theater

    Kibbles ‘N Bits: An Animal Rescue Comedy Show. Denver Comedy Underground, 675 22nd St. 4 p.m. $17.50 (in advance), $25 (at the door). 

    Eddie Ifft. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. $25-$30. 

    Emo Philips. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. $25-$30.

    Art, culture, and media

    Moments That Made US. History Colorado, 1200 Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (children ages 18 and under), $15 (adults).

    Perfectly Lost. Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Ave., Unit A. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

    Demo Artist: Miriam Dubinsky. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. Noon-3 p.m. Free (members and children age 18 and younger), $22-$27 (students, teachers, active military members, veterans, seniors ages 65 and older), $25-$30 (adults). 

    She Makes an Impression: Colorado Women Take a Look at Themselves – Artist Panel Discussion. D’art Gallery, 900 Santa Fe Dr. 1-3 p.m. No cover.

    Lumonics Immersed. Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery, 800 E. 73rd Ave., Unit 11. 8-10 p.m. $15-$25. Advance registration required.

    Eat and drink

    Blitzen’s at Shep’s. Omni Interlocken, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield. 11 a.m.-midnight. No cover.

    Anchors Aweigh – Off to the Next Dock Celebration. Dry Dock Brewing Co., 15120 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora. Noon-8 p.m. No cover.

    Jingle Bao Rock. Bao Brewhouse, 1317 14th St. Noon-midnight. No cover.

    French Regional Cooking: Provence. Cook Street, 43 W. 9th Ave. 6-9:30 p.m. $132 (per person). Advance registration required.

    Chocolate & Wine Pairing Class. The Chocolate Therapist, 2560 W. Main St., Littleton. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $44.52. Advance registration required.

    Music and nightlife

    Dub Wub Wonky Bass January. River, 3759 Chestnut Place. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. $19.63.

    Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Unit 15. 7:30 p.m. $19.20-$131.84.

    Nora en Pure. Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. 8 p.m. Prices vary.

    Want more live music? Check out the Indie 102.3 concert calendar.

    Sports and fitness

    New Year’s Intention Setting: Morning Sound Healing & Slow Flow Yoga. Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Suite 100. 9-11:30 a.m. Pay what you can. Advance registration recommended.

    Coffee & Free Meditation Class. Kadampa Meditation Center Colorado, 4840 W. 29th Ave. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.

    *Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes. Watch on Altitude. 5 p.m. 

    Rochester Knighthawks at Colorado Mammoth. Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle. Watch on ESPN+. 7 p.m. Prices vary.

    *Ice Skating. Throughout the Denver metro, locations listed here. Times vary. Costs vary.

    Sunday, Jan. 4

    Just for fun 

    Magical Winter Nights – Last Day. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4:15-9 p.m. Free (guests ages 2 and under), $19.95 (guests ages 3-18), $21.95 (guests ages 65 and older), $24.95 (adults). Discounted rates for members.

    *Zoo Lights. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele St. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Free (ages 2 and under), $19 (ages 3-15), $26 (ages 16 and older).

    *Blossom of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – York Street, 1007 York St. 4:30-9 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $20-$29 (members), $24-$33 (non-members).

    *Trail of Lights. Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. 5-8 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $10-$12 (children ages 3-15), $16-$18 (ages 65 and older), $18-$20 (adults).

    Elitch Holidays (formerly Luminova Holidays). Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle. 5-9 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $20.26 (adults, when purchased online).

    *Hudson Holidays. Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. 5-9:30 p.m. Free (children ages 2 and under), $17.06 (ages 3-12), $20.26 (ages 65 and older), $22.40 (adults).  

    Comedy and theater

    Georgia Comstock and Friends. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. 7 p.m. $14.

    Art, culture, and media

    Moments That Made US. History Colorado, 1200 Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (children ages 18 and under), $15 (adults).

    The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (members and children age 18 and younger), $22-$27 (students, teachers, active military members, veterans, seniors ages 65 and older), $25-$30 (adults). 

    What We’ve Been Up To: Landscape – Last Day. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (members and children age 18 and younger), $22-$27 (students, teachers, active military members, veterans, seniors ages 65 and older), $25-$30 (adults). 

    Eat and drink

    Drag Queen Bingo Brunch. Denver Milk Market, 1800 Wazee St., Suite 100. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. No cover.

    Blitzen’s at Shep’s. Omni Interlocken, 500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield. 11 a.m.-midnight. No cover.

    Jingle Bao Rock – Last Day. Bao Brewhouse, 1317 14th St. Noon-midnight. No cover.

    Date Night: Garlic Lover’s Feast. Stir to Learn, 3215 Zuni St. 5-8 p.m. $240 (for two). Advance registration required.

    Music and nightlife

    Laser Billie Eilish. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 4 p.m. Prices vary.

    Neighborhood Music Jazz Jam. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora. 6-9 p.m. Free.

    Sports and fitness

    Rainforest Yoga. Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster. 7:45 a.m. $12 (member), $15 (non-member). Advance registration required.

    Mother–Daughter Bodyweight Bootcamp + Craft Class. Athleta, 3000 E. First Ave. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free.

    *Denver Nuggets at Brooklyn Nets. Watch on Altitude2, or listen at 950 AM. 1:30 p.m.

    *Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos. Empower Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St. Watch on CBS. 2:25 p.m. Prices vary.

    *Colorado Avalanche at Florida Panthers. Watch on Altitude. 3 p.m. 

    *Ice Skating. Throughout the Denver metro, locations listed here. Times vary. Costs vary.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Inside Filming Around Los Angeles for Rachel Sennott’s ‘I Love LA’ – LAmag

    [ad_1]

    Spoiler note: This article discusses I Love LA episodes 1-7 

    I Love LA had bear wranglers as part of its production team.  

    If you aren’t among the nearly 2 million average viewers per episode, the new series is not a survival thriller or forest-set drama. Rather, it’s a Los Angeles-set comedy about a group of late 20-somethings navigating ambition, love, careers and the chaos of the city itself. With season one coming to a close on Dec. 21, HBO notes the show is among its fastest growing original comedies and second top freshman comedy in platform history.  

    And as the name suggests, the series filmed all across Los Angeles (aside from the upcoming stint in the finale’s New York City-set episode). Much of the show rolls around the Eastside at hotspots in Silver Lake and Echo Park, but filming also took the crew into Los Angeles County’s less urban terrain, like the charming town of Sierra Madre on the edge of the San Gabriel Mountains. These foothills happened to have the perfect house for an episode set at an influencer party taking place at Elijah Wood’s home. 

    “We had probably four or five [black] bears patrolling the property trying to get onto the street and knock over trash cans,” says location manager Jonathan Jansen (Barry), who recalls that there were also deer, coyotes and a couple of rattlesnakes. “They were more focused on the trash cans than on what we were doing up there.” 

    Rachel Sennott and True Whitaker in episode four.
    Credit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
    Elijah Wood, Rachel Sennott and True Whitaker in episode four.
    Credit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO

    Over the course of eight episodes, I Love LA creator, writer and star Rachel Sennott — whose profile first rose on the internet and in the alt-NYC comedy scene before earning laughs in applauded comedies like Shiva Baby,Bodies Bodies Bodies and Bottoms — weaves a transplant’s earnest love letter to Los Angeles.  

    Scroll to continue reading

    “I love that every neighborhood is its own world,” Sennott shares over Zoom. “You never feel like you know the whole city. It’s changing and moving, and you get to keep exploring.”  

    I Love LA positions its version of L.A. very specifically as a place where people go to execute big city dreams, particularly ones with goal posts like 5 million TikTok followers and giftings from Balenciaga. In the show, the city is (for its focal characters, as it is for many people) a projection of ambition and fantasy. Even when it knocks you on your ass.  

    I Love LAI Love LACredit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO

    The comedy follows Maia (Sennott), a newly 27 aspiring influencer talent manager battling a reckless best friend/ client (Odessa A’zion), a drifting-away boyfriend (Josh Hutcherson), an impossible boss (Leighton Meester) and the turmoil of her Saturn Return (an astrological milestone that, as touched on in the first episode, throws your life into chaos before you achieve an authentic version of yourself around age 30). She also has her best friends — stylist Charlie (Jordan Firstman) and Alani (True Whitaker), the daughter of a famous director born-and-raised in Los Angeles — by her side.  

    While I Love LA makes the occasional drop into the likes of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, it, at its core, is an homage to the Eastside, which Sennott considers home. Maia and co. make a showcase of the region from the Silver Lake Reservoir to Tenants of the Trees, Capri Club and Canyon Coffee (though we love the nods to Dan Tana’s, Katsuya and Din Tai Fung). 

    I Love LAI Love LA
    Jordan Firstman, True Whitaker and Odessa A’Zion in episode 1.
    Credit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO

    The show forgoes tackling traditional Hollywood for the more timely world of content creators and their adjacent bubbles (“I think that a lot of today’s artists are artists online,” Sennott says.), so it only makes sense that I Love LA unfolds in be-seen locales for affluent Angelenos (and the aspiring-to-be affluent).  

    This is perhaps most notable in the pilot’s montage of Erewhon, described by Charlie as “an experience, not a grocery store.” Sennott recalls that she loved to go to the Silver Lake location (where they filmed) when she first moved to L.A. from New York. After smoking a joint, she’d walk around for hours, enjoying the beautiful products and colorful juices, but not buy anything. “Shooting it and make it feel how it feels when you go in there and you’re high was fabulous.”  

    After Jansen, the production manager, spent a few phone calls convincing Erewhon executives (and, eventually, the president) of their vision, the Erewhon shoot took place in the wee hours of the night between the store’s operating hours. The mid-day-set scene required lots of lights, cranes and rigging (and therefore the covering up of nearby apartment windows). “We didn’t get any complaints from the residents,” Jansen says. “There’s a lot of moving pieces on that one, but we made it work.” The result is an approximately seven-second technicolor kaleidoscope of (no doubt organic) produce, juices and pre-packaged meals. “I understood why Rachel really wanted to shoot there because it’s such a symbolic place,” adds production designer Yong Ok Lee (Minari, The Farewell, Drive-Away Dolls).  

    Joining the masses at trendy, pretty places — even if you can’t buy more than a smoothie — can be a balm when navigating uniquely L.A. punches to the gut while on the turbulent path to achieving life’s greatest ambitions. An expensive parking ticket, a grueling crawl up the 405, a stolen catalytic converter, a smashed car window or sudden fender bender (What is SoCal without cars?) can be cured by the tranquilizing effects of a rooftop happy hour drink, a glorious breakfast burrito on a sunny morning at the beach, dinner where the Rat Pack used to feast, strolling a world-famous museum to look at world-famous artifacts or even waiting in line for free sample designer products and matcha at a Melrose Avenue pop-up — depending on your vibe, of course.  

    Credit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
    Credit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO

    These sorts of salves can become more frequent and gratuitous as one’s star (or star adjacency) rises. If you can’t afford health insurance, at least you can get free outfits to wear to Coachella. Whether a micro-influencer or A-lister, events overflowing with bites and drinks and goody bags are abundant. Free omakase goes from a privilege to an expectation.  

    As I Love LA season one comes to an end, Maia is on the cusp of a potential career game changer: getting her client/BFF Tallulah to a high-profile fashion dinner in New York City. The world around Maia is getting prettier (even despite fumbles like accidentally stabbing herself through the foot with a knife) as she also becomes a worse version of herself, mimicking the flourishing, sunny paradise and industrial wasteland reputations of Los Angeles itself.  

    Credit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
    Credit: Kenny Laubbacher/HBO

    This duality is among what Sennott loves most about the city. “L.A. can be so glamorous but so dark or feel haunted, and I love that juxtaposition,” she says. Co-writer and executive producer Emma Barrie, who sits next to Sennott while on Zoom, reminds her of a photo she first took when she got to L.A.“You thought it looked really beautiful,” Barrie says of the hotel rooftop pic, even with the DaVita dialysis billboard in frame.  

    For newcomers, understanding and getting to know the good parts and people of Los Angeles can take time, just as it takes a bit of willpower to not be drowned by power, money and fame (both real and cosplay). “You realize some people — not everyone, of course — but the people who look fake [do so] actually because of their vulnerability,” says Lee. “They are lovely and kind people.”  

    Barrie, who is from L.A., was excited to romanticize her hometown. “It turns these places you’re at every day into this more cinematic experience… It’s so exciting to be able to show other people like, ‘Yes, this place means something to me’ and now we get to see it, and it can live on forever in a way.”  

    “[Los Angeles] feels like a living, breathing thing,” she concludes. “L.A. just constantly is changing for better or worse.” 

    I Love LA is streaming on HBO Max.

    [ad_2]

    Haley Bosselman

    Source link

  • Mary Gallagher – Standing in her Light

    [ad_1]

    Mary Gallagher will tell you she’s “a comic, actor, and writer,” but that doesn’t really cover it. She’s a survivor of Midwestern discipline, a student of chaos, a quiet storm turned loud truth-teller. She’s also a working mother, an educator, a late-night TV comic, a Colbert alum, a voice in the room helping actors find their own voices. And she’s the kind of performer who can walk onstage and, without a script, build a moment that feels alive and electric — and entirely hers.

    “I grew up introverted,” she says. “Not by choice. I was forced to be introverted.”

    Mary was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in what she describes as a conservative household. Both of her parents are former Marines. Being funny, in that environment, was not really encouraged — at least not out loud. “I thought I was funny,” she says. “But I was not allowed to be funny. So I drew a lot of cartoons.” 

    It was her workaround. “My mom really liked the cartoons, so she’d let me be funny on paper, in the other room,” she says. She’d make her mother laugh with sketches and little visual jokes. It wasn’t necessarily about the creativity it was a bid for connection. “It’s such a standard story — trying to get a parent’s approval — but that’s exactly what it was. Trying to get my mom to pay attention.”

    When Mary was just starting to come out of her shell when she left home for the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay and discovered theatre.

    “I said, these people are really weird, I want in on this” So she became an actor but money was a problem. If you’re a college theater major, your days are in class and your nights are in rehearsal. There’s no time to work a normal job. So when she saw a listing for a singing telegram performer — good pay, in and out, fast — she went for it.

    There’s one catch: “I don’t sing,” she says, deadpan.

    But the owner never actually asked if she could.

    So she invented her own version of the job.

    Instead of singing, Mary built a whole character performance around whoever was being “telegraphed.” She’d call the buyer of the telegram and interview them for 45 minutes, gathering inside jokes, embarrassing habits, what their friends teased them about, what they secretly loved about them. Then she’d walk into a bar in character — sometimes as a cop, sometimes as Marilyn Monroe, sometimes a banana — and stage an ambush roast.

    “I’d come in like, ‘Where’s James Thompson? I’ve got an arrest warrant for him,’” she says. “Then I’d handcuff him to the bar, take his beer, drink it, spit it out, and just take the stage.” She’d perform a custom, precision-targeted takedown of this guy in front of his friends and family. “Nobody cared that I wasn’t singing,” she says. “They were too busy laughing.”

    That was her first taste of live comedy: high-risk, high-contact, immediate.

    “I realized, ‘Oh, I’m really good at this.’”

    From there she built a two-woman act in Green Bay. The duo did lip sync sets in gay bars — “way before TikTok,” she says — and started winning contests. That momentum led to a booking that sounds like a dare: opening for Sam Kinison in 1988. “Absolutely the wrong room for two young women,” she laughs. “But I learned. I just kept learning.”

    After college, the move was obvious: Chicago.

    Chicago meant Second City. Second City meant sketch and improv. Improv meant permission — permission to experiment, to say something insane and then justify it, to fail and survive it. It also meant meeting the first real creative lifeline of her career, a fellow performer and writer named Michael Markowitz.

    Markowitz eventually moved to Los Angeles to write professionally (he would go on to co-write “Horrible Bosses” and work on the animated cult series “Duckman”). He called her and said, essentially: You need to get out here. You belong here.

    So she did. Thirty-plus years ago, Mary Gallagher packed up and came to Los Angeles knowing one person.

    From that one person, she met another. And another. “That’s how it works,” she says. “That’s how you build a life.”

    She started booking. Commercials. TV. Voiceover. One of her earliest notable breaks was a guest role as “Tilly” on Friends. The way she even got in the room is perfectly Mary: she was dog-sitting the producer’s dog. “That’s not how I got the part,” she clarifies, “but it is how I got the audition.” She laughs. “I’ve always worked. I’ve always hustled.”

    And she never stopped doing standup.

    “I’ve carved out a life here,” she says. “Got married, got divorced, raised my daughter, kept performing. I stayed in it.”

    Her daughter grew up in Burbank, in and around sets and comedy clubs. “Sometimes I couldn’t get childcare,” Mary says, “so she just came with me. She’d sit through auditions. Sometimes casting would ask, ‘Can we use your daughter to play your daughter in the commercial?’ And I’d say, ‘Sure, let’s put that toward college.’” Her daughter, now 20 and studying pre-law, grew up thinking it was normal to watch Jim Gaffigan’s ‘Hot Pockets’ bit on YouTube every night while eating an actual Hot Pocket because she had just met Jim Gaffigan. “That was just Tuesday in our house,” Mary says.

    Burbank, for Mary, wasn’t just a ZIP code. It was stability. “I moved to Burbank for the schools,” she says. “I wanted my daughter here. I loved that you could live right next to the entertainment industry, but not in it. People think ‘beautiful downtown Burbank’ is just a joke from Carson. But to me, it feels like a village.” She pauses. “I feel really lucky to live here.”

    In recent years, Mary’s work has taken a turn. She’s still a comic. She’s still an actor. She’s still writing and performing. But now she’s also teaching — and not just how to write a joke, but how to survive yourself.

    She began running workshops through SAG-AFTRA’s continuing education program, initially pitched as “standup as wellness.” Actors would come in, she says, not necessarily to “become standups,” but to confront fear. To find voice. To turn their own story into material on their own terms.

    “I love working with actors,” she says. “I love when standup and acting and the self all start to merge.” She’s helped people build five-minute sets, coached them through their first open mics, even prepped actors for film roles. Recently she worked for months with an actor playing a standup in an upcoming romantic comedy, taking him to mics, shaping his material, walking him through that particular terror. “He did great,” she says. “I asked if he’d ever do standup again. He said, ‘Oh God, no.’ I was like, ‘Perfect.’”

    For her, comedy is no longer about polish. It’s about presence.

    “I used to think standup was about crafting jokes and memorizing routines and being clever,” she says. “That’s completely changed. Now, it’s about being in the moment. Truly being in the moment. Letting go of control.”

    The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and guest Mary Gallagher during Friday’s May 18, 2018 show. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    She used to white-knuckle it. She’d write tight, she’d rehearse, she’d go up there and deliver. She climbed the traditional ladder: host → feature → headliner → late night. She landed a set on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She taped a Dry Bar Comedy special. She hit the career markers you’re “supposed” to hit.

    But all along, she says, something was missing.

    “I didn’t really know me in comedy,” she says. “I’d have these flashes where I felt totally free onstage, where I was just alive in the moment, and I’d think, ‘Wow, that felt amazing.’ And then I’d go, ‘Okay, forget that. Go back to the plan.’ Now I understand — no. That was everything.”

    The shift, she says, is personal and it’s late. It came after marriage, after motherhood, after divorce, after burning herself out being the ‘good girl,’ the caretaker, the people-pleaser. “Once I woke up to that,” she says, “it was like: Oh. I’ve been editing myself my entire life.”

    Today, what matters to her onstage is not whether a joke is ‘perfect.’ It’s whether it’s honest. Whether it’s alive. Whether she’s actually there.

    “When I feel whole, I don’t care what anyone thinks,” she says. “And it makes everything so much more real and so much more electric.”

    She laughs and corrects herself. “I used to think ‘not giving a shit’ meant being unprofessional — showing up late, making everyone wait, blowing off the job. That’s not what I mean. What I mean now is: I care about the work, I care about the people I’m working with — but I don’t care if you approve of me existing. That part, I’m done with.”

    Mary is, in a word, opening.

    She’s teaching. She’s studying. “For the last week I’ve just been binging Richard Pryor,” she says. “I’m calling people going, ‘Did you know this?’ And they’re like, ‘Yes, Mary. Welcome to 2025.’” She’s listening to Wayne Fetterman on standup history. She’s talking shop with Jay Leno and Jimmy Brogan. She’s asking questions.

    It’s not nostalgia. It’s appetite.

    “I’m absorbing everything,” she says. “I’m opening up to all of it.”

    And even after three decades in Los Angeles, she still feels new here.

    “Every day I wake up and I feel like I just got to L.A.,” she says. “Like I’m starting over. And I kind of love that.”

    She smiles. “I think that’s the whole point.”

    https://www.myfriendmary.com

    Originally published in The Burbank Bla Bla – Living Arts magazine

    UCLA Health

    [ad_2]

    Brad Bucklin

    Source link

  • AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Chase Sui Wonders’ Harvard astrophysics detour led her to Hollywood

    [ad_1]

    NEW YORK (AP) — You don’t need to major in astrophysics at Harvard to become an actor — but it doesn’t necessarily hurt, either.

    “I thought that’s what you go there to do. It’s like why are you paying all this money to go to this fancy school if you’re not going to study a hard science to try to save the world? … But I was quickly humbled,” chuckled Chase Sui Wonders, who began failing classes within her first few weeks. Her college application essay had been about making movies, so she decided she “might as well just pivot back to what I know best.”

    That calculated redirection paid off for the magna cum laude graduate who’s now a standout cast member of the Emmy-winning comedy “The Studio,” a cynical and satirical take on the film industry.

    Chase Sui Wonders always thought she was “kind of funny,” but it was confirmed when she booked “The Studio” after just one audition. It’s been an eventful year for the AP Breakthrough Entertainer who plays the ambitious assistant-turned-creative executive Quinn Hackett on the Emmy-winning comedy. (Dec. 10)

    Wonders, who also starred in the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot earlier this year, is one of The Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025.

    “The attention’s definitely weird, but can feel good,” said the 29-year-old, flashing her warm smile throughout the interview. “The most energizing thing about the whole thing is when you get recognition, the phone starts ringing more, and these other avenues are opening up that I always kind of dreamed about.”

    “The Studio” amassed an astounding 23 Emmy nominations in its debut season, taking home a record-breaking 13 wins. But Wonders may not have seemed like an obvious choice for comedy with her past roles, including the 2022 film “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and her breakout role, the teen-themed series “Genera+ion,” which was canceled by HBO Max after one season. But all it took was one virtual video audition to land the role of Quinn Hackett, the hyper-ambitious, cutthroat assistant-turned-creative executive under studio head Matt Remick, played by the show’s co-creator and co-executive producer Seth Rogen.

    “I had always … felt like, ‘I think I’m kind of funny,’” she laughed, acknowledging feeling she had to prove herself working alongside comedic heavyweights like Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn and Ike Barinholtz. “That pressure felt really daunting and scary. But I think, hopefully, I rose to the occasion.”

    This image released by Apple TV shows Chase Sui Wonders in a scene from "The Studio." (Apple TV via AP)

    This image released by Apple TV shows Chase Sui Wonders in a scene from “The Studio.” (Apple TV via AP)

    Despite mere degrees of separation from Hollywood as the niece of fashion designer Anna Sui, an acting career seemed unattainable growing up in Bloomfield Township, a Detroit suburb. Born to a father of Chinese descent and a white mother, Wonders and her siblings were primarily raised by their mom after their parents divorced.

    GET TO KNOW CHASE SUI WONDERS

    AGE: 29

    HOMETOWN: Detroit suburbs

    FIRST ROLE: Technically, 2009’s “A Trivial Exclusion,” a feature-length film made with her family. Otherwise, let’s go with the 2019 horror film “Daniel Isn’t Real.”

    YOU MIGHT KNOW HER FROM: “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” “Genera+ion” and her character’s climactic love of quesaritos in “The Studio”

    2025 IN REVIEW: The “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot and “The Studio”

    WHAT’S NEXT: The films “I Want Your Sex” and “October,” as well as a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot series

    HER HARVARD MAJOR: Film studies and production. In the end, she did graduate magna cum laude.

    Want to know more about Chase and our other Breakthrough Entertainers of 2025? Read our survey.

    An extremely shy child and self-described tomboy, she developed a love for sports — she won high school state championships in both ice hockey and golf — and spent much of her childhood making videos with her siblings. Thanks to her mother encouraging her to take performance arts classes, she was able to break out of her shell. But coming from an achievement-driven family, all signs pointed to a career in business.

    A corporate track nearly began after struggling to break into the industry, and she even considered taking a job in Beijing to begin her adult life in the business world. But with only a week to decide on the job offer, she decided to give Hollywood one more shot. Three months later, she booked “Genera+ion.”

    Chase Sui Wonders poses for a portrait in New York on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (Photo by Matt Licari/Invision/AP)

    Photo by Matt Licari/Invision/AP

    “There have been different moments in my life where I’ve been seriously humbled,” said Wonders, who has aspirations of directing. “It just has taught me just not to take it all too seriously. … I do feel absurdly lucky that I get to be on set with all my friends and telling a bunch of jokes and being a weirdo on screen.”

    Next up for Wonders is the Gregg Araki-directed “I Want Your Sex,” starring Olivia Wilde, and she’ll star in A24’s horror thriller “October.” She’ll also appear in the upcoming “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot, with Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao directing the pilot. And of course, a second season for “The Studio” is in the works.

    Gary Gerard Hamilton’s previous Breakthrough Entertainer profiles include Megan Thee Stallion, Sadie Sink, Simu Liu, Tobe Nwigwe and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. His own media breakthrough came in third grade, after recording a PSA about endangered animals for a Houston TV station.

    Red carpets and magazine covers couldn’t be a more antithetical life for the girl who assumed she’d climb the executive ranks at one of the major car companies headquartered in Detroit. Instead, she’s climbing the Hollywood ladder — and she wouldn’t tell her younger self to speed up the process.

    “It’s so fun how life surprises you,” said Wonders. “I wouldn’t tell her anything. I would tell her it’s all going to make sense in the rearview mirror — but no spoilers.”

    ___

    For more on AP’s 2025 class of Breakthrough Entertainers, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ap-breakthrough-entertainers.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 25 holiday TV offerings to watch, ranging from comedies to rom-coms and cozy mysteries

    [ad_1]

    Whether you prefer something naughty, like the animated movie “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer” or nice, like classics “The Sound of Music” and “Home Alone,” streamers, cable and broadcast networks offer up festive choices in December.

    Highlights this year include music specials with Derek Hough and Jimmy Fallon, the Rockefeller Tree lighting hosted by Reba McEntire, Lacey Chabert’s latest Hallmark Channel movie, NFL games and even cozy mysteries with a Christmas theme.

    Here are some highlights.

    Dec. 1

    — “Dancing with the Stars” judge Derek Hough hosts the annual “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” on ABC. Popular recording artists including Nicole Scherzinger, Gwen Stefani, Trisha Yearwood and Mariah the Scientist put their own spin on Christmas classics. Streams next day on Hulu and Disney+.

    Dec. 3

    — Reba McEntire hosts NBC’s annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” which culminates in the lighting of the giant Christmas tree in New York’s Rockefeller Center. This year’s tree is a Norway spruce from Greenbush, New York. It has more than 50,000 colored lights and is topped with a Swarovski star that weighs 900 pounds. The special will also stream live on Peacock.

    (Jake Rosenberg/Netflix via AP)

    — Some people find holiday prep daunting. It comes naturally to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, whose life seems to be a Pinterest page. She’s got ideas to share in a special episode of Netflix’s “With Love, Meghan” lifestyle series. In “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” Meghan taps guests including Naomi Osaka and Tom Colicchio to bake, make treats with holiday flair and craft. “Being a hostess or a host, it’s about making people feel comfortable,” the royal says.

    Dec. 5

    This image released by Apple TV shows Gobo, voiced by John Tartaglia, in a scene from "The First Snow of Fraggle Rock." (Apple TV via AP)

    — In the new Apple TV special, “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock,” the Fraggles are anxiously waiting for snow to kick off their festive season. Instead, a single snowflake falls, leaving Gobo, feeling uninspired to write an annual holiday song. For the first time, he ventures into the human world to seek out ideas. The special is a reminder that unplanned moments can also come with their own magic.

    — Roku Channel has a follow-up to the holiday romance “Jingle Bell Love” starring Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block and Michelle Morgan. In “Jingle Bell Wedding,” Jack and Jessica are engaged and looking forward to a New Year’s Eve wedding. They’re also in charge of organizing an annual Christmas concert. Will all the planning derail their relationship?

    Dec. 6

    This combination of photos shows promotional art for holiday films "Jingle Bell Wedding," from left, "The Christmas Showdown," and "She's Making a List." (Roku/OWN/Hallmark Channel via AP)

    (Roku/OWN/Hallmark Channel via AP)

    — Lacey Chabert works for Santa Claus in the new Hallmark Channel movie “She’s Making a List.” Chabert plays Isabel, whose job is to track kids’ behavior throughout the year. Isabel’s strict rules lighten up a bit when she’s assigned to report on an 11-year-old whose father Jason (Andrew Walker) is a widower. Chabert and Walker previously co-starred in a Valentine’s Day movie for Hallmark in 2018. “She’s Making a List” also streams on Hallmark+.

    — The OWN original, “The Christmas Showdown,” reunites Amber Stevens West and Corbin Reid from the acclaimed Starz comedy “Run the World.” They play former besties competing for the same job who learn it’s better to work as a team. Loretta Devine also stars.

    Dec. 7

    — How about a cozy mystery this Christmas? UPtv offers the new film “A Christmas Murder Mystery.” Vera Vexley is a puzzle editor for her local newspaper who also has a side-gig as a detective. When Vera’s invited to spend the holidays with family friends, a murder launches her into investigative-mode and everyone is a suspect.

    Dec. 9

    — A new two-hour, faith-based special tells the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus in “Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas” for ABC. The Oscar winner serves as host and narrator.

    Dec. 10

    — Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox co-star in a new holiday rom-com called “Merv” for Prime Video. The pair play exes who share joint custody of their dog Merv. When Merv is visibly depressed because his human parents are no longer together, they take him on a trip to cheer him up.

    This image released by Amazon Content Services shows Zooey Deschanel, left, and Charlie Cox in a scene from "Merv." (Wilson Webb/Amazon Content Services via AP)

    Zooey Deschanel, left, and Charlie Cox in a scene from “Merv.” (Wilson Webb/Amazon Content Services via AP)

    — The animated movie “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” is an adaptation on the farcical song of the same name. In the special, airing on The CW Network, a boy sets out to find his missing grandmother on Christmas Eve.

    Dec. 11

    — The Dolly Parton song, “Coat of Many Colors” comes to life in a TV movie airing for the first time on the CW. Set against the Smoky Mountains in the 1950s, it’s about the Parton family and how their love, faith — and a patchwork coat — help them to move past tragedy. Alyvia Alyn Lind plays young Dolly and Jennifer Nettles and Rick Schroeder portray her mom and dad. “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” originally debuted in 2015.

    This image released by The CW shows Alyvia Alyn Lind in a scene from "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors." (The CW Network via AP)

    Alyvia Alyn Lind in a scene from “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.” (The CW Network via AP)

    — Jimmy Fallon’s musical comedy special from last year gets a repeat. In “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular,” the “Tonight Show” host searches a New York apartment building for the holiday spirit and encounters different celebrity guests behind each door. Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, the Roots and “Weird Al” Yankovic all appear.

    Dec. 12

    — AMC’s annual holiday programming includes a marathon of Will Ferrell’s “Elf” beginning at 6 p.m. It broadcasts back-to-back for eight-hours.

    Dec. 13

    — Apple TV streams the beloved favorite “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for free on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14.

    — In “A Suite Holiday Romance” for Hallmark Channel, Jessy Schram stars a ghostwriter who checks-in to a fancy New York hotel for a job writing a memoir. She meets a handsome Brit (Dominic Sherwood) and the two experience a series of misunderstandings until they realize they’re meant to be.

    Dec. 14

    — HGTV returns to the White House at Christmas for a one-hour special that goes behind-the-scenes of its decorating transformation at the holidays. It also streams next day on HBO Max and Discovery+.

    — On the first night of Hanukkah, Hallmark Channel premieres the new movie “Oy to the World!” When the pipes burst at a local synagogue, a church opens its doors for an interfaith service. Brooke D’Orsay and Jake Epstein play choir directors who were also rivals in high school that must work together to put on a successful event for all.

    Dec. 15

    — Acorn TV has a two-part Christmas special of “The Madame Blanc Mysteries” airing Dec. 15 and Dec. 22. British actor Sally Lindsay plays antique dealer Jean White, who visits the France museum Maison Sainte-Victoire on Christmas Eve to authenticate an Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette. It’s discovered that the box contains a ticking time bomb and Jean and her team have just 90 minutes to diffuse it.

    Dec. 16

    This image released by PBS shows English National Ballet dancers in “Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet." (Johan Persson/PBS via AP)

    (Johan Persson/PBS via AP)

    — “The Nutcracker” ballet is a Christmas classic, and PBS is offering a reimagined version taped at the London Coliseum. Still set to Tchaikovsky’s score, this version centralizes Clara’s story and is set in Edwardian London where a street scene has dancing chimney sweeps and suffragettes. “Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet” will also be available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app.

    Dec. 20

    — Lifetime is jumping on the pickleball popularity bandwagon with the new movie “A Pickleball Christmas.” It stars James Lafferty as a tennis pro whose family’s racquet club is on the brink of closing its doors. He and a tennis instructor take part in a holiday tournament to save the day.

    Dec. 21

    — Tate Donovan and Jillian Murphy star in a new Christmas movie for Great American Family called “Mario Lopez Presents: Chasing Christmas.” In the film, Donovan plays a morning show host and Murphy a designer who team up to make a child’s Christmas wish come true. Lopez’s son Dominic also has a role.

    — The Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer classic “The Sound of Music” airs on ABC.

    Dec. 24

    — “Home Alone” airs on ABC. The film made Macaulay Culkin a child star for playing a boy whose parents accidentally leave him home when their large family hurries off on a Christmas vacation. He’s left to defend his house against two clumsy burglars.

    Dec. 25

    — Netflix is gifting us with football on Christmas again this year. The Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game is at 1 p.m. Eastern followed by the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. Eastern.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Things to do in Denver: ‘Santa’s Big Red Sack,’ Magical Winter Nights and more holiday fun

    [ad_1]

    “Santa’s Big Red Sack”

    Thursday-Dec. 24. ‘Tis the final season for the 23-year-old theatrical tradition known as “Santa’s Big Red Sack,” which is returning with “nonstop sketch comedy, music and technology bursting at the seams,” according to its creators. It’s celebrating its last year of offensive glee, so buy a shot and make sure to leave your propriety at the door. (Note: This bawdy production is not, as you may have guessed, for kids.)

    It takes place at various times and dates from Dec. 4 to Dec. 24 at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. in Aurora. Tickets are $39.10 via thepeoplesbuilding.com/tickets.

    (Provided by Denver Museum of Nature & Science)

    Magical Winter Nights

    Through Jan 4. When it comes to holiday light displays in City Park, Denver Zoo Lights tends to have it covered. But don’t count out the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, also located in City Park. The institution this year has launched Magical Winter Nights, its very own holiday celebration running through Jan. 4, 2026. The “dazzling winter wonderland” has “glowing savannah skies, shimmering northern lights and cozy cocoa (to) create memories that will last a lifetime,” according to the museum.

    “This experience takes you on a journey through select areas of the museum, specifically the West Atrium and third-floor diorama halls,” organizers added. “These spaces have been transformed into a series of enchanting winter worlds just waiting to be explored. Under sparkling stars and through a series of immersive scenes, there’s something for everyone in this adventure designed to delight all ages.”

    The first entry is 4:15 p.m. daily, with 21-and-up nights on Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for ages 3-18, and $22 for seniors. 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver. Call 303-370-6000 or visit dmns.org for more.

    The "Moonlight Elves" holiday show blends family-friendly variety acts such as aerial dancers, magicians and more. (Provided by Starry Night Productions)
    The “Moonlight Elves” holiday show blends family-friendly variety acts such as aerial dancers, magicians and more. (Provided by Starry Night Productions)

    Fly, Moonlight Elves!

    Through Dec. 7. Denver’s always-curious (in a good way) Starry Night Productions and Theatre Artibus this year are debuting “Moonlight Elves,” which they dub “a circus-immersive holiday extravaganza,” playing Nov. 26-30 and Dec. 3-7 at Savoy Denver.

    [ad_2]

    John Wenzel

    Source link