Actor Billy Dee Williams has come out in support of performers wearing ‘blackface’, as he believes actors should be able to perform in blackface. In a new episode of Bill Maher’s ‘Club Random’ podcast, the ‘Star Wars’ actor recalled watching Laurence Olivier in 1965’s ‘Othello’, where Olivier wore blackface to portray the title role.
“When he did ‘Othello’, I fell out laughing,” Williams said.
“He stuck his a** out and walked around, you know, because Black people are supposed to have big a***s. I thought it was hysterical. I loved it,” Williams added, reports variety.com.
“I love that kind of stuff.”
The podcast host asked, “Today, they would never let you do that,” to which Williams replied, “Why?”
“Blackface?” Maher questioned in a tone of surprise.
The actor said: “Why not? You should do it. If you’re an actor, you should do anything you want to do.
“When he did ‘Othello’, I fell out laughing,” Williams said.
“He stuck his a** out and walked around, you know, because Black people are supposed to have big a***s. I thought it was hysterical. I loved it,” Williams added, reports variety.com.
“I love that kind of stuff.”
The podcast host asked, “Today, they would never let you do that,” to which Williams replied, “Why?”
“Blackface?” Maher questioned in a tone of surprise.
The actor said: “Why not? You should do it. If you’re an actor, you should do anything you want to do.
- 4/9/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Billy Dee Williams believes actors should be able to perform in blackface.
In a new episode of Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, the “Star Wars” actor recalled watching Laurence Olivier in 1965’s “Othello,” in which Olivier wore blackface to portray the title role.
“When he did ‘Othello,’ I fell out laughing,” Williams said of Olivier. “He stuck his ass out and walked around with his ass, you know, because Black people are supposed to have big asses.”
“I thought it was hysterical. I loved it,” Williams added. “I love that kind of stuff.”
Maher noted that “today, they would never let you do that,” to which Williams replied, “Why?”
“Blackface?” Maher questioned in a tone of surprise.
“Why not? You should do it,” Williams said. “If you’re an actor, you should do anything you want to do.”
Maher then pointed out that Williams, 87, “actually lived in a period...
In a new episode of Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, the “Star Wars” actor recalled watching Laurence Olivier in 1965’s “Othello,” in which Olivier wore blackface to portray the title role.
“When he did ‘Othello,’ I fell out laughing,” Williams said of Olivier. “He stuck his ass out and walked around with his ass, you know, because Black people are supposed to have big asses.”
“I thought it was hysterical. I loved it,” Williams added. “I love that kind of stuff.”
Maher noted that “today, they would never let you do that,” to which Williams replied, “Why?”
“Blackface?” Maher questioned in a tone of surprise.
“Why not? You should do it,” Williams said. “If you’re an actor, you should do anything you want to do.”
Maher then pointed out that Williams, 87, “actually lived in a period...
- 4/9/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Warning: This post contains mentions of sexual assault.
As the golden era of "The Simpsons" started to die down in the late '90s, a bunch of other adult animated sitcoms rose to prominence, all vying for the cultural power Matt Groening's series once had. From "Futurama" to "King of the Hill" to "South Park," there was no shortage of shows that put their own spin on "The Simpsons" formula, and many of them are still going strong even today. But whereas the "South Park" writers stayed pretty respectful towards "The Simpsons," acknowledging explicitly in their 2006 "Cartoon Wars" special that the older show is far classier and more prestigious than their own, the writers of another prominent raunchy cartoon aimed for far more of a rivalry.
"Family Guy," with its familiar premise of an oafish father trying and failing to do right by his long-suffering wife and his three children,...
As the golden era of "The Simpsons" started to die down in the late '90s, a bunch of other adult animated sitcoms rose to prominence, all vying for the cultural power Matt Groening's series once had. From "Futurama" to "King of the Hill" to "South Park," there was no shortage of shows that put their own spin on "The Simpsons" formula, and many of them are still going strong even today. But whereas the "South Park" writers stayed pretty respectful towards "The Simpsons," acknowledging explicitly in their 2006 "Cartoon Wars" special that the older show is far classier and more prestigious than their own, the writers of another prominent raunchy cartoon aimed for far more of a rivalry.
"Family Guy," with its familiar premise of an oafish father trying and failing to do right by his long-suffering wife and his three children,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Pluto TV, Paramount’s free streaming service, has revealed its April highlights. The Pluto TV April 2024 schedule celebrates the service’s 10th anniversary, highlights star-studded dramas, and marks the halfway point to Halloween with April Ghouls, where you’ll find spooky marathons across its channels.
Pluto TV is the leading free streaming television service, delivering hundreds of live, linear channels and thousands of titles on-demand to a global audience.
The Emmy Award-winning service curates a diverse lineup of channels in partnership with over 400 international media companies. It offers a wide array of genres, languages, and categories featuring movies, television series, sports, news, lifestyle, kids, and much more.
Pluto TV April 2024 Programming
10th Anniversary
Pluto TV is giving the gift of great TV and movies for its birthday.
April 1 at 8 p.m. Et on Action Drama: 10-Hour Seal Team marathon.
April 1 on Pluto TV Spotlight: 2014 Movie Marathon featuring Big Eyes, Noah,...
Pluto TV is the leading free streaming television service, delivering hundreds of live, linear channels and thousands of titles on-demand to a global audience.
The Emmy Award-winning service curates a diverse lineup of channels in partnership with over 400 international media companies. It offers a wide array of genres, languages, and categories featuring movies, television series, sports, news, lifestyle, kids, and much more.
Pluto TV April 2024 Programming
10th Anniversary
Pluto TV is giving the gift of great TV and movies for its birthday.
April 1 at 8 p.m. Et on Action Drama: 10-Hour Seal Team marathon.
April 1 on Pluto TV Spotlight: 2014 Movie Marathon featuring Big Eyes, Noah,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
After Lucille Ball's spunky housewife Lucy signed off on the last episode of "I Love Lucy" but before Mary Tyler Moore did away with the nuclear family sitcom model with her own self-titled show, another actress was one of the faces of womanhood in comedy. Oscar-winning actress Donna Reed headlined "The Donna Reed Show" from 1958 to 1966, playing middle-class mother and housewife Donna Stone in the popular black-and-white series. Reed starred opposite Carl Betz, who played Donna's husband, pediatrician Dr. Alex Stone. In season 5, family friends Midge and Dave joined the fun, but for the most part, the show was all about the lighthearted hijinks of the Stone family.
Though "The Donna Reed Show" was popular upon release, it's now perhaps most often referenced as a pop cultural window into a time before second-wave feminism, when women were expected to spend their time cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing while men went to work.
Though "The Donna Reed Show" was popular upon release, it's now perhaps most often referenced as a pop cultural window into a time before second-wave feminism, when women were expected to spend their time cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing while men went to work.
- 3/29/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
There’s nothing IndieWire loves more than directors talking about their favorite movies. So, of course, we took notice when, in late 2023, Turner Classic Movies started looping in directors to share their favorites from TCM’s lineup each month: Steven Spielberg’s TCM picks kicked things off, then Martin Scorsese waxed rhapsodic about “Madonna of the Seven Moons,” and Guillermo del Toro gushed about the greatness of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Suspicion.”
Now Chris Columbus is sharing his own TCM picks, along with some especially insightful anecdotes. Watch the video above.
Columbus starts off sharing his love of “Singin’ in the Rain”: “An amazing, almost flawless movie. You can say that about very few movies. I showed ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ to my 16-month-old granddaughter who was absolutely absorbed in the musical numbers. Moreso than any Disney animated films. I go back to it once or twice a year.
Particularly...
Now Chris Columbus is sharing his own TCM picks, along with some especially insightful anecdotes. Watch the video above.
Columbus starts off sharing his love of “Singin’ in the Rain”: “An amazing, almost flawless movie. You can say that about very few movies. I showed ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ to my 16-month-old granddaughter who was absolutely absorbed in the musical numbers. Moreso than any Disney animated films. I go back to it once or twice a year.
Particularly...
- 3/1/2024
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Phil Alden Robinson's "Field of Dreams" was the sleeper hit of spring 1989. Based on W.P. Kinsella's wistful novel "Shoeless Joe," the film connected with audiences of all ages, but Baby Boomers in particular. Kevin Costner's Ray Kinsella, like many former hippies, became estranged from his parents during the late 1960s. All Ray had was his dad, and all they had in common was baseball, but even that became a contentious issue. A young and fiery Ray finally hit his breaking point, said something awful to his dad, and never saw him again.
That awful utterance and subsequent shunning gets rectified in the waning moments of "Field of Dreams," and if you saw the film during its initial theatrical release, you beheld the heartening spectacle of mainstream moviegoers, especially men, hanging out through the credits longer than usual. Robinson had crafted the most pulverizing male weepie since Buzz Kulik's "Brian's Song,...
That awful utterance and subsequent shunning gets rectified in the waning moments of "Field of Dreams," and if you saw the film during its initial theatrical release, you beheld the heartening spectacle of mainstream moviegoers, especially men, hanging out through the credits longer than usual. Robinson had crafted the most pulverizing male weepie since Buzz Kulik's "Brian's Song,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Billy Dee Williams was primed for stardom in the 1970s. He reduced grown men to tears as Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers in the classic made-for-tv movie "Brian's Song," and made a super suave impression as Diana Ross' manager in the Billie Holiday biopic "Lady Sings the Blues." Handsome as hell and armed with a velvety bass voice, Williams was a seduction machine in search of the right vehicle to vault him to the Hollywood A-list.
This being the 1970s, when Black leads were generally relegated to the Blaxploitation arena, that vehicle never arrived. He was terrific in the title role of John Badham's "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings," but he couldn't build off its box office success because the studios weren't developing movies with Black protagonists.
Although he was in his leading-man prime, Williams disappeared from the big screen for four years after "Bingo Long.
This being the 1970s, when Black leads were generally relegated to the Blaxploitation arena, that vehicle never arrived. He was terrific in the title role of John Badham's "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings," but he couldn't build off its box office success because the studios weren't developing movies with Black protagonists.
Although he was in his leading-man prime, Williams disappeared from the big screen for four years after "Bingo Long.
- 11/4/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Pierce Brosnan (Fast Charlie), Samuel L. Jackson (Argylle), and Brandon Lessard (Murder at Yellowstone City) are in Montana shooting Unholy Trinity, a Western helmed by Richard Gray (Robert the Bruce), which has secured a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement.
Described as a tale of revenge, dark secrets, and buried treasures, the film is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1870s Montana. It picks up in the moments before the execution of Isaac Broadway, as he gives his estranged son, Henry (Lessard), an impossible task: murder the man who framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Intent on fulfilling his promise, Henry travels to the remote town of Trinity, where an unexpected turn of events traps him in town and leaves him caught between Gabriel Dove (Brosnan), the town’s upstanding new sheriff, and a mysterious figure named St. Christopher (Jackson).
The writer behind the pic, shooting at Yellowstone Film Ranch,...
Described as a tale of revenge, dark secrets, and buried treasures, the film is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1870s Montana. It picks up in the moments before the execution of Isaac Broadway, as he gives his estranged son, Henry (Lessard), an impossible task: murder the man who framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Intent on fulfilling his promise, Henry travels to the remote town of Trinity, where an unexpected turn of events traps him in town and leaves him caught between Gabriel Dove (Brosnan), the town’s upstanding new sheriff, and a mysterious figure named St. Christopher (Jackson).
The writer behind the pic, shooting at Yellowstone Film Ranch,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The list of things you can call "all-American" and not mean it in a bad way grows smaller and smaller as time marches ever onward, but today the title solemnly fits: we lost a true all-American star in Dick Butkus. The trailblazing football player and Hall of Fame inductee, widely considered one of the best linebackers who ever lived, has died at the age of 80. The Butkus family released a statement earlier today announcing that Butkus had passed "peacefully in his sleep overnight." George H. McCaskey, the Chairman of Butkus' career-long team, the Chicago Bears, released his own statement shortly after memorializing Butkus thusly:
"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."
In their touching obituary,...
"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."
In their touching obituary,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Ryan Coleman
- Slash Film
Former Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, who also appeared in countless films, TV shows and commercials, died Thursday at the age of 80.
TV Stars We Lost in 2023 View Gallery64 Images
Though an official cause of death was not released, Butkus’ family tells the Chicago Tribune that he died “peacefully in his sleep overnight at home” in Malibu, Calif.
More from TVLineBilly Miller Remembered by Y&r's Amelia Heinle in Touching TributeWild 'N Out Star Jacky Oh's Cause of Death RevealedTrailblazing Senator Dianne Feinstein Dead at 90
Along with his legendary career with the Bears, which spanned from 1965 to 1973, Butkus also cultivated an impressive acting resume,...
TV Stars We Lost in 2023 View Gallery64 Images
Though an official cause of death was not released, Butkus’ family tells the Chicago Tribune that he died “peacefully in his sleep overnight at home” in Malibu, Calif.
More from TVLineBilly Miller Remembered by Y&r's Amelia Heinle in Touching TributeWild 'N Out Star Jacky Oh's Cause of Death RevealedTrailblazing Senator Dianne Feinstein Dead at 90
Along with his legendary career with the Bears, which spanned from 1965 to 1973, Butkus also cultivated an impressive acting resume,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Dick Butkus, a Hall of Famer who was among the greatest, most respected and most feared players in NFL history and also had a long acting career in TV, film and commercials, died overnight in his sleep at his Malibu home. He was 80.
His family confirmed the news on social media.
After back-to-back All-America seasons at the University of Illinois, Butkus was picked No. 3 overall by his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965. A fearsome force on the field and rather gentle giant off of it, he spent his entire injury-shortened nine-season career with the club, redefining the linebacker position in the process.
Dick Butkus circa 1965
Active from 1965-73, Butkus was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and ’70s and was selected for the All-Time NFL Team in 2000. A six-time All-nfl selection and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he played in eight consecutive Pro Bowls and...
His family confirmed the news on social media.
After back-to-back All-America seasons at the University of Illinois, Butkus was picked No. 3 overall by his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965. A fearsome force on the field and rather gentle giant off of it, he spent his entire injury-shortened nine-season career with the club, redefining the linebacker position in the process.
Dick Butkus circa 1965
Active from 1965-73, Butkus was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and ’70s and was selected for the All-Time NFL Team in 2000. A six-time All-nfl selection and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he played in eight consecutive Pro Bowls and...
- 10/5/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
In the second and final season of Showtime series Your Honor, Bryan Cranston reprises the role of disgraced judge Michael Desiato. At the end of Season 1, Desiato’s son was murdered by the Baxter crime family, and fresh out of prison himself, Desiato not only seeks to avenge his son’s death but to rediscover his own moral compass and find some kind of redemption. It’s another nuanced performance in a storied career that includes such roles as the inimitable Walter White in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, the titular character in Trumbo, Hal in Malcolm in the Middle and Stan in Little Miss Sunshine. Here, Cranston muses on his French country retirement plans, explains the glaring absence of karaoke in his life, and reveals his dreams of making a Broadway musical and why his desert island TV picks definitely won’t include Breaking Bad.
My First Film Lesson
Don’t be late.
My First Film Lesson
Don’t be late.
- 6/19/2023
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
Stalked By My Doctor.Recently I was flipping through the seasonal calendar at a Boston-area repertory cinema, and a program dedicated to the enterprising feminist filmmaker Joyce Chopra caught my eye. I wondered how Chopra’s six-decade career, spanning everything from short-form documentaries and TV movies to Sundance-winning features and stage plays televised for PBS, would be condensed into a curated selection of screenings. In fact it would only be two: Smooth Talk (1985), one of Chopra’s two theatrically-released features, and Joyce at 34 (1972), a short documentary that she co-directed with Claudia Weill early in her career.I’m not ignorant of the creative merits or historical importance of these films, nor the rights/access issues resolved by Criterion’s recent physical release of a 4K restoration of Smooth Talk, which includes Joyce at 34 as a special feature. But as I look at rep theater programs across the country and see...
- 6/7/2023
- MUBI
"The Hunter" was not Steve McQueen's finest hour, but it was his final hour-and-a-half on screen, so it's not as forgettable as it might've been. Written by Ted Leighton and Peter Hyams (who was fired from the project prior to principal photography), the lunk-headed action film is based on the real-life exploits of skip tracer Ralph "Papa" Thorson. It's the kind of role McQueen could nail in his sleep, but, despite being ill (though not yet diagnosed) with the cancer that would claim his life in 1980, he's admirably engaged. The movie might stink, but he does the best he can with poorly written material.
TV-movie specialist Buzz Kulik (who made many a grown man cry with 1971's "Brian's Song") is the credited director, but McQueen reportedly called the shots on set. The film is essentially a stunt showcase, and, as such, delivers a few memorable smash-ups. There's a fun car-versus-combine confrontation in a cornfield,...
TV-movie specialist Buzz Kulik (who made many a grown man cry with 1971's "Brian's Song") is the credited director, but McQueen reportedly called the shots on set. The film is essentially a stunt showcase, and, as such, delivers a few memorable smash-ups. There's a fun car-versus-combine confrontation in a cornfield,...
- 9/12/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Throughout his career, the recently departed actor James Caan took on a number of roles that would've stumped lesser actors than he: a hotheaded and doomed mob boss' son in "The Godfather," a crippled and subdued author in "Misery," and a cold-hearted cynic who denies the existence of Santa Claus in "Elf."
Yet, all of those characters were relative walks in the park for the tough guy performer, especially since Caan was more than comfortable with playing complicated, tragic and unlikeable people — as his work in "Brian's Song" and "The Gambler" proved early on in his career.
One of Caan's greatest challenges was instead playing a man who's outwardly competent, fair, motivated, and decent, but inwardly is dealing with a raging turmoil of frustration and a sense of lost time: the professional safecracker Frank in Michael Mann's feature debut, "Thief." The complexities of the part combined with Mann's insistence...
Yet, all of those characters were relative walks in the park for the tough guy performer, especially since Caan was more than comfortable with playing complicated, tragic and unlikeable people — as his work in "Brian's Song" and "The Gambler" proved early on in his career.
One of Caan's greatest challenges was instead playing a man who's outwardly competent, fair, motivated, and decent, but inwardly is dealing with a raging turmoil of frustration and a sense of lost time: the professional safecracker Frank in Michael Mann's feature debut, "Thief." The complexities of the part combined with Mann's insistence...
- 9/5/2022
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Think this year’s outstanding TV movie category is a bit weird? It’s always been a category with an identity problem. Flash back for a moment to 1972, the year that the ABC TV movie “Brian’s Song” won five Emmys. “Brian’s Song” is considered one of the seminal TV movies of all time, a tear-jerker starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams about Chicago Bears player Brian Piccolo (Caan), who discovered he had cancer soon after turning pro.
Nominated for 11 Emmys overall, “Brian’s Song” was so popular, and so successful, that it helped put the ABC “Movie of the Week,” as the franchise was called, front and center — cementing the TV movie as a network staple. The “movie of the week” idea was so groundbreaking that the entire industry continued to call TV movies “MOWs” long after ABC had ditched the name.
But there was no TV movie category then,...
Nominated for 11 Emmys overall, “Brian’s Song” was so popular, and so successful, that it helped put the ABC “Movie of the Week,” as the franchise was called, front and center — cementing the TV movie as a network staple. The “movie of the week” idea was so groundbreaking that the entire industry continued to call TV movies “MOWs” long after ABC had ditched the name.
But there was no TV movie category then,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The “made for television movie” began in the 1960s. In fact, one of the most famous TV movies Don Siegel’s 1964 version of “The Killers” featuring Ronald Reagan in his last film role as a ruthless villain, ended up being released theatrically because it was considered too violent for television.
But the genre came of age in the 1970s.
Some of these movies that aired on the three broadcast networks were sheer shlock and others were pilots for prospective TV series. But it was also an embarrassment of riches. Who could forget the beloved 1971 ABC biopic “Brian’s Song,” starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, which was nominated for 11 Emmys and won five including outstanding single program (drama or comedy). The four-hankie weepie was so popular it was released theatrically.
Also briefly released theatrically was Steven Spielberg’s pulsating 1971 classic “Duel” starring Dennis Weaver which aired on ABC. Considered one...
But the genre came of age in the 1970s.
Some of these movies that aired on the three broadcast networks were sheer shlock and others were pilots for prospective TV series. But it was also an embarrassment of riches. Who could forget the beloved 1971 ABC biopic “Brian’s Song,” starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, which was nominated for 11 Emmys and won five including outstanding single program (drama or comedy). The four-hankie weepie was so popular it was released theatrically.
Also briefly released theatrically was Steven Spielberg’s pulsating 1971 classic “Duel” starring Dennis Weaver which aired on ABC. Considered one...
- 8/15/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
James Caan, the celebrated actor known for his work in “Thief” and “The Godfather” films who passed away on July 6, died from a combination of various heart issues.
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, the primary cause of death was a heart attack, followed by coronary artery disease, which he had been diagnosed with three years prior.
The document also noted that the 82-year-old suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.
Also Read:
15 of James Caan’s Most Memorable Roles (Photos)
As his family announced via his Twitter account the following morning, Caan died the evening of July 6. The death certificate confirms that he passed at 9:02 p.m. local time, at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was laid to rest at Eden Memorial Park.
Upon the news of his death, the New York-born actor was lauded by Hollywood and...
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, the primary cause of death was a heart attack, followed by coronary artery disease, which he had been diagnosed with three years prior.
The document also noted that the 82-year-old suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.
Also Read:
15 of James Caan’s Most Memorable Roles (Photos)
As his family announced via his Twitter account the following morning, Caan died the evening of July 6. The death certificate confirms that he passed at 9:02 p.m. local time, at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was laid to rest at Eden Memorial Park.
Upon the news of his death, the New York-born actor was lauded by Hollywood and...
- 7/23/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
James Caan, whose remarkable performances in The Godfather, Elf and Misery made him a screen icon, has had his cause of death revealed by the Los Angeles County Coroner.
The 82-year-old Caan died earlier this month of a heart attack and coronary artery disease, according to the county report.
His family announced his death earlier in July on the actor’s official Twitter account.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” the tweet reads. “The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
After a decade in the business, Caan shot to fame in the early 1970s with back-to-back signature roles. He earned an Emmy nom as the real-life cancer-stricken Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo in ABC’s Brian’s Song, alongside Billy Dee Williams...
The 82-year-old Caan died earlier this month of a heart attack and coronary artery disease, according to the county report.
His family announced his death earlier in July on the actor’s official Twitter account.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6,” the tweet reads. “The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
After a decade in the business, Caan shot to fame in the early 1970s with back-to-back signature roles. He earned an Emmy nom as the real-life cancer-stricken Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo in ABC’s Brian’s Song, alongside Billy Dee Williams...
- 7/23/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Norman Jewison’s 1975 dystopian sports allegory, Rollerball, looms large as an icon of cult filmmaking, but its power in the science fiction pantheon is grossly underestimated. The film has the force of a deeply personal vision from its director, and the full support of a nuanced performance from the late James Caan as Jonathan E., aka the star Rollerballer.
Prior to redefining movie gangsters in The Godfather, Caan executed a game-changing role in Brian’s Song. He played Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo against Billy Dee Williams’ Gayle Sayers, his rival and roommate in an era when Black and white players did not share rooms. They bond over much more than a mutual love of football; the Emmy-winning 1971 ABC Movie of the Week about the terminally ill rookie was a cultural event on TV.
“When I was casting Rollerball, I was looking for an actor who was tough and athletic,...
Prior to redefining movie gangsters in The Godfather, Caan executed a game-changing role in Brian’s Song. He played Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo against Billy Dee Williams’ Gayle Sayers, his rival and roommate in an era when Black and white players did not share rooms. They bond over much more than a mutual love of football; the Emmy-winning 1971 ABC Movie of the Week about the terminally ill rookie was a cultural event on TV.
“When I was casting Rollerball, I was looking for an actor who was tough and athletic,...
- 7/16/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Over the course of his career, James Caan brought a series of tough guys, gangsters and military men to vivid life on screen. But few films captured the actor’s swaggering physicality better than “Rollerball,” the 1975 dystopian classic with Caan as the star attraction of a futuristic game that devolves into gladiatorial chaos. Norman Jewison, the film’s director, says that Caan, who died July 6 at 82, was the only performer at the time who combined athleticism and heart.
Jewison spoke with Variety about their experience making “Rollerball” and the ineffable quality that made Caan such a great actor.
When I was casting “Rollerball,” I was looking for an actor who was tough and athletic, and I couldn’t think of anyone else other than Jimmy, who could put on a pair of roller skates and hang on to a motorbike. I don’t think he’d ever roller-skated in his life,...
Jewison spoke with Variety about their experience making “Rollerball” and the ineffable quality that made Caan such a great actor.
When I was casting “Rollerball,” I was looking for an actor who was tough and athletic, and I couldn’t think of anyone else other than Jimmy, who could put on a pair of roller skates and hang on to a motorbike. I don’t think he’d ever roller-skated in his life,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
From The Associated Press:
(AP) — James Caan, the curly-haired tough guy known to movie fans as the hotheaded Sonny Corleone of “The Godfather” and to television audiences as both the dying football player in the classic weeper “Brian’s Song” and the casino boss in “Las Vegas,” has died. He was 82.
His manager Matt DelPiano said he died on Wednesday. No cause was given and Caan’s family, who requests privacy, said that no further details would be released at this time.
Read The Academy’s post on this great actor here: https://aframe.oscars.org/news/post/james-caan-the-godfather-actor-dead-at-82
Many of his collaborators wrote condolences on Twitter Thursday.
So sorry to hear the news. I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. Love to the family.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) July 7, 2022
Adam Sandler, who acted with him in “Bulletproof...
(AP) — James Caan, the curly-haired tough guy known to movie fans as the hotheaded Sonny Corleone of “The Godfather” and to television audiences as both the dying football player in the classic weeper “Brian’s Song” and the casino boss in “Las Vegas,” has died. He was 82.
His manager Matt DelPiano said he died on Wednesday. No cause was given and Caan’s family, who requests privacy, said that no further details would be released at this time.
Read The Academy’s post on this great actor here: https://aframe.oscars.org/news/post/james-caan-the-godfather-actor-dead-at-82
Many of his collaborators wrote condolences on Twitter Thursday.
So sorry to hear the news. I loved working with him. And the only Jew I knew who could calf rope with the best of them. Love to the family.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) July 7, 2022
Adam Sandler, who acted with him in “Bulletproof...
- 7/7/2022
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Josh Duhamel took to social media on Thursday to share an emotional remembrance of his former Las Vegas co-star James Caan, who died Wednesday at the age of 82.
In an Instagram story, Duhamel — fighting back tears — shared, “I just want to take a minute to remember Jimmy Caan: one of the kindest, coolest, funniest people I’ve ever met, one of my mentors. And you’ll be missed, Jimmy Caan. I love you.” (Watch the video here.)
More from TVLineLittle House on the Prairie's Hersha Parady Dead at 78Wwe Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79 - Ric Flair...
In an Instagram story, Duhamel — fighting back tears — shared, “I just want to take a minute to remember Jimmy Caan: one of the kindest, coolest, funniest people I’ve ever met, one of my mentors. And you’ll be missed, Jimmy Caan. I love you.” (Watch the video here.)
More from TVLineLittle House on the Prairie's Hersha Parady Dead at 78Wwe Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79 - Ric Flair...
- 7/7/2022
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Veteran Hollywood actor James Caan, who had memorable roles in The Godfather and Misery, has passed away at the age of 82.
The actor’s official Twitter account announced the news on Thursday: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
More from TVLineLittle House on the Prairie's Hersha Parady Dead at 78Wwe Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79 - Ric Flair and Mick Foley Pay...
The actor’s official Twitter account announced the news on Thursday: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jimmy on the evening of July 6. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
More from TVLineLittle House on the Prairie's Hersha Parady Dead at 78Wwe Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79 - Ric Flair and Mick Foley Pay...
- 7/7/2022
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
After years of second-class citizenship, it appears that music for television is finally being taken seriously by Grammy voters, based on this year’s unprecedented number of TV nominations in the visual media categories.
Seven of the 18 nominations, or more than one-third of the total in the score soundtrack, compilation soundtrack, and original song categories, originated in projects for the home screen.
By comparison, during the previous 20 years of Grammy nominations, Grammy voters chose only seven scores, 13 compilation albums and seven songs to compete in those three categories. And only three won: a song from “Malcolm in the Middle” (2001), the soundtrack from “Boardwalk Empire” (2011) and the score for “Chernobyl” (2019).
Grammy has rewarded TV music occasionally through the years. Henry Mancini’s jazzy “Peter Gunn” soundtrack won album of the year for 1958, the only time a TV soundtrack has actually triumphed in one of the top three categories.
TV themes have...
Seven of the 18 nominations, or more than one-third of the total in the score soundtrack, compilation soundtrack, and original song categories, originated in projects for the home screen.
By comparison, during the previous 20 years of Grammy nominations, Grammy voters chose only seven scores, 13 compilation albums and seven songs to compete in those three categories. And only three won: a song from “Malcolm in the Middle” (2001), the soundtrack from “Boardwalk Empire” (2011) and the score for “Chernobyl” (2019).
Grammy has rewarded TV music occasionally through the years. Henry Mancini’s jazzy “Peter Gunn” soundtrack won album of the year for 1958, the only time a TV soundtrack has actually triumphed in one of the top three categories.
TV themes have...
- 12/17/2021
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
In the age of streaming, the phrase “TV-movie” has been rendered all but meaningless. It now encompasses everything from a Disney Channel musical like “Zombies 2” to “My Dinner with Hervé” to “Mank.” But 30 or 40 years ago, the phrase “TV-movie” meant something specific — a two-hour drama made for one of the big three networks (who were the only game in town), and it also meant a “movie” that had a certain cheesy overexplicit cardboard quality. Not to be a snob about it, but a TV-movie wasn’t cinema; it was…TV. (This was back when pointing that out wasn’t insulting an art form.)
To be sure, there were a small number of great TV-movies, like “Brian’s Song” or Spielberg’s “Duel” or the Sally Field tour de force “Sybil.” But most of the time the form was decidedly declassé. And on Nov. 20, 1983, when ABC aired “The Day After,” its...
To be sure, there were a small number of great TV-movies, like “Brian’s Song” or Spielberg’s “Duel” or the Sally Field tour de force “Sybil.” But most of the time the form was decidedly declassé. And on Nov. 20, 1983, when ABC aired “The Day After,” its...
- 11/15/2020
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
William Blinn, the Emmy-winning screenwriter of Brian’s Song, the Roots miniseries and Prince’s Purple Rain film, has died at the age of 83.
Blinn’s family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the screenwriter died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, California.
After starting his career as a writer on TV Westerns like Gunsmoke, Rawhide and Bonanza, Blinn has tasked with adapting Gale Sayers’ memoir about the Chicago Bears running back’s friendship with his terminally ill teammate Brian Piccolo as the television movie...
Blinn’s family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the screenwriter died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, California.
After starting his career as a writer on TV Westerns like Gunsmoke, Rawhide and Bonanza, Blinn has tasked with adapting Gale Sayers’ memoir about the Chicago Bears running back’s friendship with his terminally ill teammate Brian Piccolo as the television movie...
- 10/24/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
William Blinn, a longtime writer responsible for “Purple Rain” and “Starsky & Hutch,” died on Thursday. He was 83.
Blinn passed away due to natural causes at an assisted living facility in Burbank, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, told multiple media outlets.
Blinn enjoyed a four-decade career where, along with penning the script for the Prince-starring film, he also served as a writer for TV productions including “Roots,” “Bonanza” and “Fame.” In the 1970s, Blinn adapted Chicago Bears’ running back Gale Sayers’ autobiography, “I Am Third” into the ABC TV film, “Brian’s Song.” Based on the relationship between Sayers and his Bears teammate, Brian Piccolo, it is the fourth most-watched made-for-tv film. “Brian’s Song” earned Blinn one of his two Emmy awards.
In 1975, Blinn created “Starsky & Hutch,” which ran for 93 episodes over four seasons on ABC. It was originally presented as a 70-minute “movie of the week” before being turned into a TV show.
Blinn passed away due to natural causes at an assisted living facility in Burbank, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, told multiple media outlets.
Blinn enjoyed a four-decade career where, along with penning the script for the Prince-starring film, he also served as a writer for TV productions including “Roots,” “Bonanza” and “Fame.” In the 1970s, Blinn adapted Chicago Bears’ running back Gale Sayers’ autobiography, “I Am Third” into the ABC TV film, “Brian’s Song.” Based on the relationship between Sayers and his Bears teammate, Brian Piccolo, it is the fourth most-watched made-for-tv film. “Brian’s Song” earned Blinn one of his two Emmy awards.
In 1975, Blinn created “Starsky & Hutch,” which ran for 93 episodes over four seasons on ABC. It was originally presented as a 70-minute “movie of the week” before being turned into a TV show.
- 10/24/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
William Blinn, the two-time Emmy-winning screenwriter of “Brian’s Song” and “Roots,” died on Thursday, his daughter Anneliese Johnson confirmed to Variety. He was 83.
Blinn died of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, according to his daughter.
Blinn penned two landmark TV productions of the 1970s, both for ABC. The 1971 TV movie “Brian’s Song” was a commercial and creative triumph that garnered five Emmys and other accolades.
The film revolved around the true story of two Chicago Bears pro football players — one white, one Black — who forge a deep bond as one of them dies of cancer. Sayers died last month at the age of 77. It was viewed by 55 million people when it premiered on Nov. 30, 1971. At the time it ranked as the fourth most-watched film ever to air on television.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Blinn moved to Los Angeles for college, where he launched his career as...
Blinn died of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, according to his daughter.
Blinn penned two landmark TV productions of the 1970s, both for ABC. The 1971 TV movie “Brian’s Song” was a commercial and creative triumph that garnered five Emmys and other accolades.
The film revolved around the true story of two Chicago Bears pro football players — one white, one Black — who forge a deep bond as one of them dies of cancer. Sayers died last month at the age of 77. It was viewed by 55 million people when it premiered on Nov. 30, 1971. At the time it ranked as the fourth most-watched film ever to air on television.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Blinn moved to Los Angeles for college, where he launched his career as...
- 10/24/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
William Blinn, the screenwriter for Prince’s Purple Rain and creator of Starsky & Hutch, has died at age 83. He passed Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, according to his daughter, Anneliese Johnson.
“If you were an aspiring writer in the 70’s & 80’s, like I was, Bill’s work defined what it was to write powerful, impactful, game-changing drama,” said friend and fellow screenwriter Robbie Fox.
During a four-decade career as a writer, producer and drama specialist, Blinn wrote for Bonanza, developed Eight Is Enough, and created The Interns, The Rookies and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
Blinn co-wrote Purple Rain with director Albert Magnoli. He was offered the 1984 film thanks to his work as a writer and executive producer on Fame, which extensively integrated music into the show.
Blinn was working as a staff writer for Screen Gems when he was tabbed to adapt a chapter...
“If you were an aspiring writer in the 70’s & 80’s, like I was, Bill’s work defined what it was to write powerful, impactful, game-changing drama,” said friend and fellow screenwriter Robbie Fox.
During a four-decade career as a writer, producer and drama specialist, Blinn wrote for Bonanza, developed Eight Is Enough, and created The Interns, The Rookies and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
Blinn co-wrote Purple Rain with director Albert Magnoli. He was offered the 1984 film thanks to his work as a writer and executive producer on Fame, which extensively integrated music into the show.
Blinn was working as a staff writer for Screen Gems when he was tabbed to adapt a chapter...
- 10/24/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
William Blinn, the two-time Emmy winner who penned the Prince-starring Purple Rain, created Starsky & Hutch and wrote for such landmark TV projects as Roots, Fame and Brian’s Song, has died. He was 83.
Blinn died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A writer, producer and drama specialist who received the prestigious Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award from the WGA in 2009, Blinn also served as a staff writer on Bonanza, developed Eight Is Enough and created The Interns, The Rookies and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
In his busy four-decade career, Blinn had just one feature screenplay credit,...
Blinn died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A writer, producer and drama specialist who received the prestigious Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award from the WGA in 2009, Blinn also served as a staff writer on Bonanza, developed Eight Is Enough and created The Interns, The Rookies and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
In his busy four-decade career, Blinn had just one feature screenplay credit,...
- 10/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
William Blinn, the two-time Emmy winner who penned the Prince-starring Purple Rain, created Starsky & Hutch and wrote for such landmark TV projects as Roots, Fame and Brian’s Song, has died. He was 83.
Blinn died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A writer, producer and drama specialist who received the prestigious Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award from the WGA in 2009, Blinn also served as a staff writer on Bonanza, developed Eight Is Enough and created The Interns, The Rookies and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
In his busy four-decade career, Blinn had just one feature screenplay credit,...
Blinn died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A writer, producer and drama specialist who received the prestigious Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award from the WGA in 2009, Blinn also served as a staff writer on Bonanza, developed Eight Is Enough and created The Interns, The Rookies and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
In his busy four-decade career, Blinn had just one feature screenplay credit,...
- 10/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Gale Sayers, the Hall of Fame NFL runningback whose friendship with Chicago Bears teammate Brian Piccolo was memorialized in the 1971 TV movie “Brian’s Song,” has died at the age of 77.
According to the Associated Press, which confirmed his death through the Pro Football Hall of Fame, relatives of Sayers confirmed that he suffered from dementia in recent years.
Sayers played seven seasons for the Bears from 1965 to 1971, and was widely regarded as the best rusher of his era. “His days at the top of his game were numbered, but there was a magic about him that still sets him apart from the other great runningbacks in pro football,” wrote Red Smith, the Pulitzer Prize-winning sports journalist. “He wasn’t a bruiser like Jimmy Brown, but he could slice through the middle like a warm knife through butter, and when he took a pitchout and peeled around the corner, he was...
According to the Associated Press, which confirmed his death through the Pro Football Hall of Fame, relatives of Sayers confirmed that he suffered from dementia in recent years.
Sayers played seven seasons for the Bears from 1965 to 1971, and was widely regarded as the best rusher of his era. “His days at the top of his game were numbered, but there was a magic about him that still sets him apart from the other great runningbacks in pro football,” wrote Red Smith, the Pulitzer Prize-winning sports journalist. “He wasn’t a bruiser like Jimmy Brown, but he could slice through the middle like a warm knife through butter, and when he took a pitchout and peeled around the corner, he was...
- 9/23/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
Gale Sayers, the Hall of Fame tailback for the Chicago Bears, has died at age 77. For sports fans of a certain age, simply hearing the theme song for the 1971 ABC telepic Brian’s Song is enough to make one misty. That film was based on Sayers’ memoir I Am Third, and it covered his friendship with Brian Piccolo. Arriving as rookies at the same time, they competed at the running back position and were the first Black and White players to share a room together. Sayers was fast as lightning out of Kansas, and was considered a can’t miss prospect who was nicknamed The Kansas Comet. Piccolo came from Wake Forest, an overachiever who rushed for more yards than any other college back, but whose diminutive stature at 6′ 205 pounds made him a longshot to even make the Bears team. He did make it and they became a one-two punch backfield,...
- 9/23/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Gale Sayers, the legendary all-purpose running back whose friendship with cancer-stricken Chicago Bears teammate Brian Piccolo was recounted in the fabled telefilm Brian’s Song, has died. He was 77.
Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet” and considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen, Sayers died Wednesday, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Relatives of Sayers had said that he was diagnosed with dementia. In March 2017, his wife, Ardythe, said she partly blamed his football career.
In Brian’s Song, a 1971 ABC Movie of the Week, Billy Dee Williams played Sayers and James Caan was ...
Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet” and considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen, Sayers died Wednesday, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Relatives of Sayers had said that he was diagnosed with dementia. In March 2017, his wife, Ardythe, said she partly blamed his football career.
In Brian’s Song, a 1971 ABC Movie of the Week, Billy Dee Williams played Sayers and James Caan was ...
- 9/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Gale Sayers, the legendary all-purpose running back whose friendship with cancer-stricken Chicago Bears teammate Brian Piccolo was recounted in the fabled telefilm Brian’s Song, has died. He was 77.
Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet” and considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen, Sayers died Wednesday, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Relatives of Sayers had said that he was diagnosed with dementia. In March 2017, his wife, Ardythe, said she partly blamed his football career.
In Brian’s Song, a 1971 ABC Movie of the Week, Billy Dee Williams played Sayers and James Caan was ...
Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet” and considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen, Sayers died Wednesday, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Relatives of Sayers had said that he was diagnosed with dementia. In March 2017, his wife, Ardythe, said she partly blamed his football career.
In Brian’s Song, a 1971 ABC Movie of the Week, Billy Dee Williams played Sayers and James Caan was ...
- 9/23/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 1970s was the Golden Age of the “Movie of the Week” with the three networks –ABC, CBS and NBC — not only offering theatrical flicks several days a week, but also made-for-tv movies. These ran the gamut from the silly — 1973’s “The Horror at 37,000 Feet” — to such acclaimed award-winning fare as 1970’s “Tribes,” 1971’s “Brian’s Song” and “Duel,” 1972’s “That Certain Summer” and “The Glass House,” 1974’s “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and 1975’s “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” and “Love Among the Ruins.”
I have especially warm memories of ABC’s “Love Among the Ruins,” which marked the only film pairing of Oscar-winning legends Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier. I was a junior in college when it originally aired and I recall an Sro crowd at the Brooks Hall TV lounge at Allegheny College in Meadville (Sharon Stone’s hometown) Pa to watch the exquisite romantic comedy.
I have especially warm memories of ABC’s “Love Among the Ruins,” which marked the only film pairing of Oscar-winning legends Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier. I was a junior in college when it originally aired and I recall an Sro crowd at the Brooks Hall TV lounge at Allegheny College in Meadville (Sharon Stone’s hometown) Pa to watch the exquisite romantic comedy.
- 4/17/2020
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Film and television executive and producer Leonard Goldberg passed away on Wednesday due to injuries sustained during a fall. He was 85. He died surrounded by his family.
Goldberg most recently served as an executive producer on the popular CBS drama series “Blue Bloods,” which is in its tenth season. He was formerly the president of 20th Century Fox, during which time the studio produced hit films like “Broadcast News,” “Die Hard,” “Wall Street,” “Big,” and “Working Girl.” Goldberg also executive produced a number of films under his own production banner, including “WarGames,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Sleeping With the Enemy.”
He was also formerly the head of programming at ABC, during which time he helped pioneer the made-for-television movie format. Hit shows like “Mod Squad,” “That Girl,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” all came during his time at the network. As the producing partner of Aaron Spelling, Goldberg also worked on hit shows like “Charlie’s Angels,...
Goldberg most recently served as an executive producer on the popular CBS drama series “Blue Bloods,” which is in its tenth season. He was formerly the president of 20th Century Fox, during which time the studio produced hit films like “Broadcast News,” “Die Hard,” “Wall Street,” “Big,” and “Working Girl.” Goldberg also executive produced a number of films under his own production banner, including “WarGames,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Sleeping With the Enemy.”
He was also formerly the head of programming at ABC, during which time he helped pioneer the made-for-television movie format. Hit shows like “Mod Squad,” “That Girl,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” all came during his time at the network. As the producing partner of Aaron Spelling, Goldberg also worked on hit shows like “Charlie’s Angels,...
- 12/5/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Leonard Goldberg, the respected network executive and film and television producer behind such landmark projects as Charlie’s Angels, Broadcast News, Brian’s Song and The Simpsons, has died. He was 85.
The Emmy Award winner, often credited for developing and introducing the made-for-tv movie format, died Wednesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from injuries resulting from a fall, a publicist announced.
Most recently, Goldberg, as president of Panda Productions, was an executive producer on the hit CBS cop drama Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck, and served on the CBS board of directors from 2007-18.
"Leonard Goldberg was a friend of mine for almost 50 ...
The Emmy Award winner, often credited for developing and introducing the made-for-tv movie format, died Wednesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from injuries resulting from a fall, a publicist announced.
Most recently, Goldberg, as president of Panda Productions, was an executive producer on the hit CBS cop drama Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck, and served on the CBS board of directors from 2007-18.
"Leonard Goldberg was a friend of mine for almost 50 ...
- 12/5/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Leonard Goldberg, the respected network executive and film and television producer behind such landmark projects as Charlie’s Angels, Broadcast News, Brian’s Song and The Simpsons, has died. He was 85.
The Emmy Award winner, often credited for developing and introducing the made-for-tv movie format, died Wednesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from injuries resulting from a fall, a publicist announced.
Most recently, Goldberg, as president of Panda Productions, was an executive producer on the hit CBS cop drama Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck, and served on the CBS board of directors from 2007-18.
"Leonard Goldberg was a friend of mine for almost 50 ...
The Emmy Award winner, often credited for developing and introducing the made-for-tv movie format, died Wednesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from injuries resulting from a fall, a publicist announced.
Most recently, Goldberg, as president of Panda Productions, was an executive producer on the hit CBS cop drama Blue Bloods, starring Tom Selleck, and served on the CBS board of directors from 2007-18.
"Leonard Goldberg was a friend of mine for almost 50 ...
- 12/5/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Billy Dee Williams, who is best known for playing Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars films, shared in a recent interview with Esquire that he sees himself “as feminine as well as masculine.”
“I never tried to be anything except myself. I think of myself as a relatively colorful character who doesn’t take himself or herself too seriously,” Williams, 82, said.
“And you see I say ‘himself’ and ‘herself,’ because I also see myself as feminine as well as masculine. I’m a very soft person. I’m not afraid to show that side of myself,“ he added.
Later this month,...
“I never tried to be anything except myself. I think of myself as a relatively colorful character who doesn’t take himself or herself too seriously,” Williams, 82, said.
“And you see I say ‘himself’ and ‘herself,’ because I also see myself as feminine as well as masculine. I’m a very soft person. I’m not afraid to show that side of myself,“ he added.
Later this month,...
- 12/1/2019
- by Eric Todisco
- PEOPLE.com
NFL Hall of Famer Gale Sayers will travel to Chicago for a special Bears100 Celebration -- despite suffering from "severe dementia," this according to his wife. The 76-year-old legend was diagnosed over 5 years ago, Ardie Sayers told The Athletic ... but his condition has gotten drastically worse over time. Sayers had spent time living in an assisted living facility -- but that didn't work out ... so now he's back at home with his 83-year-old wife. Ardie...
- 6/6/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
In a career that dates back to 1959, Billy Dee Williams has appeared in dozens of films and television shows. He first made his mark starring opposite James Caan in the tearjerking TV movie Brian's Song and he followed that up by starring opposite Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany. Williams really hit the big time, though, when he costarred as Han Solo's roguish old buddy Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. The role cemented Williams' place in the unofficial geek hall of fame, a position that was strengthened when he appeared in Tim Burton's Batman as Harvey Dent (pictured above). The character has a long history In DC comic books. His origin has been changed several...
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- 12/1/2016
- by Peter Martin
- Movies.com
In a career that dates back to 1959, Billy Dee Williams has appeared in dozens of films and television shows. He first made his mark starring opposite James Caan in the tear-jerking TV movie Brian's Song and he followed that up by starring opposite Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany. Williams really hit the big time, though, when he costarred as Han Solo's roguish old buddy Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI -...
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- 12/1/2016
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
It's last call for several horror films, including "The Silence of the Lambs" and the "The Omen" trilogy, which are leaving Netflix in December.
Also going bye-bye: Both versions of manly tearjerker "Brian's Song" and classics including "All About Eve" (1950), "The Great Escape" (1963) and "The Hustler" (1961). And if you want to stream '80s favorites "The Dark Crystal" (1982) or "Labyrinth" (1986), better get on that before December 1.
Here's what's leaving Netflix in December 2015.
Leaving December 1
"All About Eve" (1950)
"The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes": Season 1 (2012)
"Batman Begins" (2005)
"Beverly Hills Cop III" (1994)
"Brian's Song" (1971)
"Brian's Song" (2001)
"The Brothers Grimm" (2005)
"The Burbs" (1989)
"Cop Land" (1997)
"Damien: Omen II" (1978)
"The Dark Crystal" (1982)
"Employee of the Month" (2006)
"Forces of Nature" (1999)
"Get Low" (2009)
"The Great Escape" (1963)
"The Guardian": Season 1-3
"The High and the Mighty" (1954)
"The Hustler" (1961)
"Insomnia" (2002)
"Juice" (1992)
"K-19: The Widowmaker" (2002)
"Labyrinth" (1986)
"Last Night" (2010)
"Left Behind: The Movie" (2000)
"Left Behind II: Tribulation Force...
Also going bye-bye: Both versions of manly tearjerker "Brian's Song" and classics including "All About Eve" (1950), "The Great Escape" (1963) and "The Hustler" (1961). And if you want to stream '80s favorites "The Dark Crystal" (1982) or "Labyrinth" (1986), better get on that before December 1.
Here's what's leaving Netflix in December 2015.
Leaving December 1
"All About Eve" (1950)
"The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes": Season 1 (2012)
"Batman Begins" (2005)
"Beverly Hills Cop III" (1994)
"Brian's Song" (1971)
"Brian's Song" (2001)
"The Brothers Grimm" (2005)
"The Burbs" (1989)
"Cop Land" (1997)
"Damien: Omen II" (1978)
"The Dark Crystal" (1982)
"Employee of the Month" (2006)
"Forces of Nature" (1999)
"Get Low" (2009)
"The Great Escape" (1963)
"The Guardian": Season 1-3
"The High and the Mighty" (1954)
"The Hustler" (1961)
"Insomnia" (2002)
"Juice" (1992)
"K-19: The Widowmaker" (2002)
"Labyrinth" (1986)
"Last Night" (2010)
"Left Behind: The Movie" (2000)
"Left Behind II: Tribulation Force...
- 11/24/2015
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
If you are a baseball fan, you've got The Natural, Field Of Dreams, Bull Durham, A League Of Their Own, The Sandlot, and dozens of other high quality films. If you are a football fan, you've got Remember The Titans, Friday Night Lights, Rudy, Brian's Song, The Blindside, just to name a few. But, if you are a hockey fan, all you've got is Slap Shot, Miracle, and the Mighty Ducks franchise, if you are really desperate. That is until tomorrow night's premiere of the new IFC comedy Benders Thursday, October 1st at 1000pm on IFC. The new show, created by the team behind Rescue Me, Sirens, Maron, and SEXampDRUGSampROCKampROLL, follows the beer league hockey team The Uncle Chubbys, and its ragtag group of also-ran players.
- 10/1/2015
- by Matt Tamanini
- BroadwayWorld.com
Here's the best of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Crackle for the beginning of December. So cheer up, Charlie Brown! Netflix "Almost Famous" Fifteen years after Cameron Crowe's amazing film about his time as a young "Rolling Stone" intern made us fall in love with Kate Hudson, it remains a singular accomplishment. The immersive, heartfelt movie has an incredible soundtrack and great performances across the board. Never forget that Katy Perry had to change her name from Katy Hudson so as not to be confused with Goldie Hawn's Oscar-nominated daughter. "American Beauty" Kevin Spacey's existential crisis. Annette Bening's fury. Thora Birch's woefulness. Chris Cooper's scariness. These are the kinds of things that make a Best Picture. The dream sequences involving Mena Suvari certainly weren't a detriment. "Batman Forever" Jim Carrey's performance as the Riddler in this cartoonish romp might be the most...
- 12/3/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
StreamFix has gotten your latest updates on new Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Crackle streams. Check out these titles before they inevitably go back into the endless interweb secret vault. Netflix "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (Season 9) I'd hate to burden you with a reminder about injustice during this Election Day, but it must be noted: It is insane that Kaitlin Olson has gone eight seasons without garnering an Emmy nomination for this show. Have you heard this woman dry-heave? It is sensational. "Total Recall" Did you know? Arnold Schwarzenegger > Colin Farrell, at least in terms of dystopian thriller heroism. I wouldn't want to see Arnold attempt Farrell's role in "Saving Mr. Banks" or anything like that though. "Altman" This documentary gives an incisive, insightful look at Robert Altman, whose best movie is not "Nashville" or "Gosford Park" or "Mash" or even "The Player." Nope. It is "McCabe and Mrs. Miller,...
- 11/4/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
It's hard not to love - and be a little jealous - of Nathan Gamble, the star of both Dolphin Tale movies. After all, he gets to swim with dolphins and has forged a real life relationship with Winter, just like his character, Sawyer. In real life, his love of the outdoors and athletics goes beyond the water. Nathan loves to play football and, of course, watch football, too! He's a huge fan of the Seattle Seahawks and considers Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson among his personal heroes. Since Nathan is such a fan of the game, and we are now fully into football season, Nathan counts down his Top 5 Favorite Football Films:
1) Rudy. What's better than this classic underdog story? As I guy who has always wanted to play football but was not blessed with a freakish athletic body, I love seeing this flick and visualizing myself getting carried off that Notre Dame field.
1) Rudy. What's better than this classic underdog story? As I guy who has always wanted to play football but was not blessed with a freakish athletic body, I love seeing this flick and visualizing myself getting carried off that Notre Dame field.
- 11/4/2014
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Nathan Gamble)
- kidspickflicks
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