Tag: Talk shows

McConaughey, Kunis among People mag’s ‘People of the Year’

Matthew McConaughey, Mila Kunis, Jennifer Hudson and “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson have been named People magazine’s 2022 “People of the Year.”

LOS ANGELES — Matthew McConaughey, Mila Kunis, Jennifer Hudson and “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson have been named People magazine’s 2022 “People of the Year.”

The magazine unveiled its annual list Wednesday, with Editor in Chief Wendy Naugle explaining this year’s honorees were selected because of their efforts to help others.

McConaughey was chosen for his advocacy efforts after the Uvalde school shooting rocked his hometown. Kunis was lauded for her fundraising — which People said has topped $37 million — for Ukraine, where she was born.

Hudson and Brunson were honored for their onscreen work. Hudson, who launched a daytime talk show this year, was cited for her efforts to create an inclusive show where everyone felt welcome. Brunson’s “Abbott Elementary,” a critical hit that turned her into an Emmy winner, was praised as a show that brought many joy and showed that different generations can work well together.

Each of the honorees are featured on a special cover that highlights their contributions. Kunis’ includes the quote, “I’m proud to be from Ukraine,” while Brunson includes her statement: “I’m a sign that times are changing.”

McConaughey’s proclaims, “We have to do better for our kids,” while Hudson’s says, “I’m living my dream — and learning as I go.”

Previous People honorees have included George Clooney, Regina King, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Sandra Oh, Selena Gomez and Simone Biles. This year’s special editions will be released Friday.

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November 30, 2022
Joanna Simon, acclaimed singer, TV correspondent, dies at 85

NEW YORK — Joanna Simon, an acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Emmy-winning TV correspondent and one of the three singing Simon sisters who include pop star Carly, has died at age 85.

Simon, the eldest of four, died Wednesday, just a day before her sister Lucy died, according to Lucy’s daughter, Julie Simon. Their brother Peter, a photographer, died in 2018 at 71. All three had cancer.

“In the last 2 days, I’ve been by the side of both my mother and my aunt, Joanna, and watched them pass into the next world. I can’t truly comprehend this,” Julie wrote on Facebook.

Joanna Simon, who died of thyroid cancer, rose to fame in the opera world and as a concert performer in the 1960s. She was a frequent guest on TV talk shows. After her retirement from singing, she became an arts correspondent for PBS’s “MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour,” where she won an Emmy in 1991 for a report on mental illness and creativity.

“I am filled with sorrow to speak about the passing of Joanna and Lucy Simon. Their loss will be long and haunting. As sad as this day is, it’s impossible to mourn them without celebrating their incredible lives that they lived,” Carly Simon said in a statement Saturday.

She added: “We were three sisters who not only took turns blazing trails and marking courses for one another. We were each other’s secret shares. The co-keepers of each other’s memories.”

Joanna Simon was married to novelist and journalist Gerald Walker from 1976 until his death in 2004. She was the companion of Walter Cronkite from 2005 until his death in 2009.

On stage, she made her professional debut in 1962 as Cherubino in Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” at New York City Opera. That year, she won the Marian Anderson Award for promising young singers. Simon took on a range of material. As a concert performer, she leaned into classic and contemporary songs of her time.

The siblings were born to publishing giant Richard Simon and his wife, Andrea. Carly and Lucy once performed as the Simon Sisters, opening for other acts in Greenwich Village folk clubs.

“I have no words to explain the feeling of suddenly being the only remaining direct offspring of Richard and Andrea Simon,” Carly Simon said. “They touched everyone they knew and those of us they’ve left behind will be lucky and honored to carry their memories forward.”

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October 22, 2022
George Martorano Has Been Added as a Featured Speaker to the TEDxPenn at the University of PA

George Martorano, self-taught prolific writer, poet, educator, and mentor is appearing as a featured speaker tomorrow, April 10, during the TEDxPenn event hosted at the University of Pennsylvania. Martorano, who was recently released from prison after serving a ridiculous 32-year sentence for a non-violent offense without a chance for parole, endured one of the saddest tragedies ever handed down in the American justice system. https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/17048 – Event is open to the public.

Press Release
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Apr 9, 2016

Philadelphia, PA, April 9, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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TEDxPenn announced today that Philadelphia native, George Martorano has been added as a featured speaker to the list of some of the brightest, most inspiring and engaging business leaders, professionals, students and alumni, who are reshaping some of today’s thought-provoking ideas and newest possibilities, bringing eureka moments that pioneer our society.

Martorano, who was recently released from prison, intends on sharing his inspiring message of hope, even where there was none.

“No matter what you are going through in life, there is always hope, never surrender, never give up”.

George Martorano, Speaker

While serving time as an exemplary prisoner, Martorano helped prevent a plane hijacking of prisoners. During his incarceration, he graduated over 8000 student prisoners in lifestyle change classes. 2016 is a very important year especially as a prelude to an election year, where our justice system needs to be addressed in campaign topics. Today, Martorano remains focused on spreading his message of hope and introducing successful re-entry programs for non-violent offenders.

Martorano is a writer/author with published works online who looks forward to penning his fascinating life story to be played out on the big screen one day. From LaFamilia, to the godson of Angelo Bruno to the stiffest penalty ever handed down to a non-violent offender to a writer, teacher, coach & humanitarian.

About TEDxPenn – The program is designed to help communities, organizations and individuals to spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences.

About George Martorano – George Martorano @ Writer. When sentenced to life in prison without parole, George Martorano did not give up. He graduated over 8,000 inmates during his 27 years in prison and taught them how to start a business.

Why you should listen – George Martorano is a self-taught prolific writer, poet, educator, and mentor. While in prison, he taught inmates yoga, prevented the hijacking of an aircraft by inmates, started a creative writing course, authored 31 books, pioneered a prison course called Release Preparation: Starting a Business for Under $1,000, among others. Thus, George became a role model and a positive influence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Released in October 2015 under the Department of Justice’s Compassionate Release program, George is the longest incarcerated non-violent offender. He has been featured in Philly Mag and Salem News and is now sought out to be featured by the United Nations. He resides in Philadelphia and continues to write and inspire others.

For all interviews, appearances, speaking engagements and business dealings please contact TPD Marketing at 888.859.8824.

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April 9, 2016