Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels starred in the hit 1994 comedy film Dumb and Dumber. The main point of interest in the film was the pairing of a rising comic talent like Carrey and a serious character actor like Daniels. Carrey had already proven his mettle in comedy with back-to-back comedy hits Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and The Mask earlier in the same year.
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber | New Line Cinema
On the other hand, Jeff Daniels was known for his dramatic performances in films like The Purple Rose of Cairo, Terms of Endearment, and Gettysburg. Starring in an outrageous comedy like Dumb and Dumber seemed like a wrong decision at the time and Daniels’ agent warned him from making that mistake. However, Carrey assured him that everything was going to be okay.
Jeff Daniels Feared Dumb and Dumber Would Be The End of His Career...
Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber | New Line Cinema
On the other hand, Jeff Daniels was known for his dramatic performances in films like The Purple Rose of Cairo, Terms of Endearment, and Gettysburg. Starring in an outrageous comedy like Dumb and Dumber seemed like a wrong decision at the time and Daniels’ agent warned him from making that mistake. However, Carrey assured him that everything was going to be okay.
Jeff Daniels Feared Dumb and Dumber Would Be The End of His Career...
- 5/21/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Harold Lloyd were the clown jewels of silent comedy. Chaplin was off the screen in 1924; he was a year away from the release of one of his feature masterpieces “The Gold Rush.” Lloyd followed the blockbuster success of 1923’s “Safety Last!” in 1924 with the gems “Girl Shy” and “Hot Water.” And Keaton dazzled critics and audiences with the innovative “Sherlock Jr.” and the riotous “The Navigator.”
“Sherlock Jr.”, which opened in May 1924, was just Keaton’s third feature. Running a brisk 45 minutes, “Sherlock Jr” pushed the cinematic envelope. The stoic, deadpan comic plays a projectionist and janitor at a small-town movie theater who dreams, literally, of becoming a detective. He also discovers that he has a slick rival (Ward Crane) for his sweet girl (Kathryn McGuire). The slick even steals the pocket watch of the girl’s father and puts the blame on Buster. Banished from the house,...
“Sherlock Jr.”, which opened in May 1924, was just Keaton’s third feature. Running a brisk 45 minutes, “Sherlock Jr” pushed the cinematic envelope. The stoic, deadpan comic plays a projectionist and janitor at a small-town movie theater who dreams, literally, of becoming a detective. He also discovers that he has a slick rival (Ward Crane) for his sweet girl (Kathryn McGuire). The slick even steals the pocket watch of the girl’s father and puts the blame on Buster. Banished from the house,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone will come to Broadway in the new comedy, The Roommate, by Jen Silverman.
The play, directed by Jack O’Brien, will begin performances on Aug. 29, with an official opening night on Sept. 12, at the Booth Theatre. This marks LuPone’s first return to the stage after giving up her Actors’ Equity membership after the run of Company ended in 2022. Farrow was last on Broadway in 2014, in the A.R. Gurney play Love Letters.
“It’s always a big decision to return to the stage, and I certainly had no intention of being back on Broadway so fast. But when I read the play and heard Mia was attached, it became the easiest decision of my life. I’ve always been a fan of Mia’s work and she is a treasured friend. We’re going to have a blast,” LuPone said.
“The Roommate is funny, quirky and brilliantly written,...
The play, directed by Jack O’Brien, will begin performances on Aug. 29, with an official opening night on Sept. 12, at the Booth Theatre. This marks LuPone’s first return to the stage after giving up her Actors’ Equity membership after the run of Company ended in 2022. Farrow was last on Broadway in 2014, in the A.R. Gurney play Love Letters.
“It’s always a big decision to return to the stage, and I certainly had no intention of being back on Broadway so fast. But when I read the play and heard Mia was attached, it became the easiest decision of my life. I’ve always been a fan of Mia’s work and she is a treasured friend. We’re going to have a blast,” LuPone said.
“The Roommate is funny, quirky and brilliantly written,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are several directors in Hollywood whose names are considered legendary. You all know them and have seen their best movies, we have no doubt about that. But sometimes even the films of the legends can be overlooked for various reasons, and only devoted fans will end up appreciating them.
Here is a list of some hidden gems from big names in the world of cinema, handpicked by Reddit’s cinephiles.
1. Matchstick Men (2003)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Some viewers say they had no idea the movie was directed by Scott until they read about it. This comedy crime thriller follows two small-time crooks, Roy and Frank, and their criminal empire. Roy is a veteran of the con and Frank is his younger partner.
One day, however, their criminal business seems to be threatened by Roy's mental health problems. He decides to seek help by seeing a psychoanalyst, but he finds more than just help.
Here is a list of some hidden gems from big names in the world of cinema, handpicked by Reddit’s cinephiles.
1. Matchstick Men (2003)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Some viewers say they had no idea the movie was directed by Scott until they read about it. This comedy crime thriller follows two small-time crooks, Roy and Frank, and their criminal empire. Roy is a veteran of the con and Frank is his younger partner.
One day, however, their criminal business seems to be threatened by Roy's mental health problems. He decides to seek help by seeing a psychoanalyst, but he finds more than just help.
- 4/27/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Rachel Bailey)
- STartefacts.com
It’s a fairly big month on Prime Video in March, at least compared to the other streaming service offerings! There are are two major films arriving on Amazon’s streamer. The first is a remake of the Patrick Swayze action classic Road House. Stepping into the late Swayze’s shoes? A crazy-jacked Jake Gyllenhaal, who really seemed to want to go the extra mile for this project.
The other big film coming to Prime Video is Ricky Stanicky, and the plot sounds really fun! It follows three friends who have always blamed their mistakes on an imaginary guy called Ricky Stanicky. When they have to finally introduce people to Stanicky, they decide to hire a washed-up actor (John Cena) to impersonate him. Hilarity ensues, maybe? But if neither of those make your watchlist, there’s also the return of the animated hit series Invincible.
Here’s everything coming to...
The other big film coming to Prime Video is Ricky Stanicky, and the plot sounds really fun! It follows three friends who have always blamed their mistakes on an imaginary guy called Ricky Stanicky. When they have to finally introduce people to Stanicky, they decide to hire a washed-up actor (John Cena) to impersonate him. Hilarity ensues, maybe? But if neither of those make your watchlist, there’s also the return of the animated hit series Invincible.
Here’s everything coming to...
- 3/1/2024
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Actress Scarlett Johansson finally escaped our long-running photo gallery of the greatest living actresses to never receive an Oscar nomination. And she did it in grand style by picking up two for her 2019 films “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit.” Just recently, Kirsten Dunst had been in our gallery for years and then earned her first Academy Award bid for “The Power of the Dog.” Emily Blunt was finally nominated for “Oppenheimer” years after winning her first SAG Award for “A Quiet Place.”
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked like a lock to receive her first Academy Award nomination for “Cake,” following citations at the Golden Globes, SAG, and Broadcast Film Critics. Yet on Oscar morning, the Emmy-winner was left out. Aniston’s “Friends” costar and fellow Emmy-victor Lisa Kudrow found herself in a similar situation when she received an Independent Spirit Awards nomination for “The Opposite of Sex” yet came up short at the Oscars.
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked like a lock to receive her first Academy Award nomination for “Cake,” following citations at the Golden Globes, SAG, and Broadcast Film Critics. Yet on Oscar morning, the Emmy-winner was left out. Aniston’s “Friends” costar and fellow Emmy-victor Lisa Kudrow found herself in a similar situation when she received an Independent Spirit Awards nomination for “The Opposite of Sex” yet came up short at the Oscars.
- 1/24/2024
- by Chris Beachum, Zach Laws and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Woody Allen is a four-time Academy Award winner who has proved incredibly prolific in his decades-long career, writing, directing, and oftentimes starring in nearly a film a year for over 50 years. But how many of those are classics? Let’s take a look back at 25 of his greatest films, ranked worst to best.
After years as a joke writer and standup comic, Allen transitioned into filmmaking penning such screenplays as “What’s New Pussycat?” (1965) and starring in such titles as “Casino Royale” (1967). His first credit as a director was the comedically overdubbed Japanese spy thriller “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?” (1966).
The Woody Allen as we know him emerged in 1969 with the farcical mockumentary “Take the Money and Run” (1969), made when he was 34 years old. The success of that film led to a string of critically acclaimed absurdist comedies, including “Bananas” (1971) and “Sleeper” (1973).
He established himself as an important filmmaker with the romantic...
After years as a joke writer and standup comic, Allen transitioned into filmmaking penning such screenplays as “What’s New Pussycat?” (1965) and starring in such titles as “Casino Royale” (1967). His first credit as a director was the comedically overdubbed Japanese spy thriller “What’s Up, Tiger Lily?” (1966).
The Woody Allen as we know him emerged in 1969 with the farcical mockumentary “Take the Money and Run” (1969), made when he was 34 years old. The success of that film led to a string of critically acclaimed absurdist comedies, including “Bananas” (1971) and “Sleeper” (1973).
He established himself as an important filmmaker with the romantic...
- 11/25/2023
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
When I was in college cinema courses I made a Super 8 film called Movie Girl. It was a Hollywood-set love letter to movies centered on a Musso & Frank waitress who put herself dreamily into the plots of classic films. It won an award there but was the highlight of the directing career I never had. However, I have always been partial to filmmakers who put their own early film-going experience and passion into their careers now. You may have heard of them: Kenneth Branagh won an Oscar for doing just that in Belfast. Steven Spielberg got several nominations last year for his very personal The Fabelmans. Woody Allen had his own charming take in The Purple Rose of Cairo. Peter Bogdanovich made a lasting impression with 1971’s The Last Picture Show, as did Giuseppe Tornatore with his Oscar winner Cinema Paradiso.
It is a combination of the latter two especially...
It is a combination of the latter two especially...
- 9/16/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Venice film festival: James is the Liz Taylor-ish diva claiming a young star-struck girl as her new best friend in Saverio Constanzo’s tale set in 1950s Rome
The Italian writer-director Saverio Constanzo has offered the Venice film festival some unpretentious calorific fun with this enjoyable film: a tasty, showbizzy crowd-pleaser and romantic melodrama with a vivid streak of surreal absurdity in the tradition of Federico Fellini’s The White Sheik or Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo.
It is the tale of an unconventionally beautiful duckling who becomes more of a swan than the glamorous people she idolises; her dreams come true – or sort of true – in 1950s Rome in the heyday of the giant Cinecittà film studio. There are seductive performances from Lily James as the Liz Taylor-ish American movie diva, Willem Dafoe as her elegant, kindly confidant, Rachel Sennott as the disaffected up-and-coming actor...
The Italian writer-director Saverio Constanzo has offered the Venice film festival some unpretentious calorific fun with this enjoyable film: a tasty, showbizzy crowd-pleaser and romantic melodrama with a vivid streak of surreal absurdity in the tradition of Federico Fellini’s The White Sheik or Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo.
It is the tale of an unconventionally beautiful duckling who becomes more of a swan than the glamorous people she idolises; her dreams come true – or sort of true – in 1950s Rome in the heyday of the giant Cinecittà film studio. There are seductive performances from Lily James as the Liz Taylor-ish American movie diva, Willem Dafoe as her elegant, kindly confidant, Rachel Sennott as the disaffected up-and-coming actor...
- 9/1/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Jeff Daniels is ready to tell his story. The actor, who has been in everything from “The Purple Rose of Cairo” to “Dumb and Dumber,” is readying his audio-only memoir, “Alive and Well Enough,” as a 12-part series for Audible, with the first season debuting in September (with a second season on the way).
According to the official release “Alive and Well Enough” “mixes storytelling, original music and performance, [and] is like nothing you have heard before.” Would it be too much to ask for several chapters devoted to the making of “Arachnophobia?”
“Audible is the only place where I get to do everything I do,” said Daniels in an official statement. “’Alive and Well Enough’ is an audio adventure of an accidental artist who one day looked up and realized he had a sense of humor, a passion for writing and stories to tell.”
Daniels, of course, is an accomplished performer,...
According to the official release “Alive and Well Enough” “mixes storytelling, original music and performance, [and] is like nothing you have heard before.” Would it be too much to ask for several chapters devoted to the making of “Arachnophobia?”
“Audible is the only place where I get to do everything I do,” said Daniels in an official statement. “’Alive and Well Enough’ is an audio adventure of an accidental artist who one day looked up and realized he had a sense of humor, a passion for writing and stories to tell.”
Daniels, of course, is an accomplished performer,...
- 8/3/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Sometimes a single image can be strong enough to support the weight of an entire film, even a film as heavy as Maryna Er Gorbach’s horrifyingly domestic anti-war drama “Klondike,” which fixes its gaze upon a feisty pair of Ukrainian farmers who live along the Russian border. It does so by blowing a giant hole into the side of Tolik (Serhill Shadrin) and Irka’s (Okshana Cherkashyna) house in the opening scene, as an errant mortar shell — misfired by the Kremlin-friendly separatists next door in the middle of the night — obliterates the outer wall of the married couple’s living room as they argue over whether or not to flee Hrabove and raise their unborn child somewhere else.
The exasperated husband wants to avoid conflict at any cost, while his very pregnant wife refuses to abandon their home just because the impotent local men are determined to play war...
The exasperated husband wants to avoid conflict at any cost, while his very pregnant wife refuses to abandon their home just because the impotent local men are determined to play war...
- 8/2/2023
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Jeff Daniels is set to play the lead role in the upcoming Netflix drama series “A Man in Full,” Variety has learned.
The series is based on the Tom Wolfe novel of the same name. Variety exclusively reported the show had received a straight-to-series order at the streamer in November 2021. The show hails from David E. Kelley with Regina King onboard to direct and executive produce.
In the series, Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker (Daniels) faces sudden bankruptcy. Political and business interests collide as Croker defends his empire from those attempting to capitalize on his fall from grace. Croker is further described as polarizing and robust, crude, rude, and irresponsible.
This will be the latest TV starring role for Daniels in the past several years. Most recently, he starred in the Showtime series adaptation of “American Rust” as well as the premium cabler’s limited series “The Comey Rule.
The series is based on the Tom Wolfe novel of the same name. Variety exclusively reported the show had received a straight-to-series order at the streamer in November 2021. The show hails from David E. Kelley with Regina King onboard to direct and executive produce.
In the series, Atlanta real estate mogul Charlie Croker (Daniels) faces sudden bankruptcy. Political and business interests collide as Croker defends his empire from those attempting to capitalize on his fall from grace. Croker is further described as polarizing and robust, crude, rude, and irresponsible.
This will be the latest TV starring role for Daniels in the past several years. Most recently, he starred in the Showtime series adaptation of “American Rust” as well as the premium cabler’s limited series “The Comey Rule.
- 5/2/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Herman, the character actor best known for his role as club owner Peter “Beansie” Gaeta in “The Sopranos,” died Tuesday. His “Sopranos” co-star Michael Imperioli confirmed the news in an Instagram. He was 76. A cause of death has not been announced.
“Paulie was just a great dude,” Imperioli wrote in his Instagram post. “A first class storyteller and raconteur and one hell of an actor. Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America , The Irishman and of course The Sopranos are some highlights. Paulie lived around the corner from me the last few years and i am glad we got to spend some time together before he left us. I’ll miss him. Lots of love to his family, friends and our community of actors and filmmakers.”
Herman’s first film credit was in “Dear Mr. Wonderful,” a 1982 comedy film starring Joe Pesci. Over the next two decades, he would...
“Paulie was just a great dude,” Imperioli wrote in his Instagram post. “A first class storyteller and raconteur and one hell of an actor. Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America , The Irishman and of course The Sopranos are some highlights. Paulie lived around the corner from me the last few years and i am glad we got to spend some time together before he left us. I’ll miss him. Lots of love to his family, friends and our community of actors and filmmakers.”
Herman’s first film credit was in “Dear Mr. Wonderful,” a 1982 comedy film starring Joe Pesci. Over the next two decades, he would...
- 3/30/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Herman, a Brooklyn-born actor who appeared in such classic mob movies as Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America and The Irishman but is probably best known for his portrayal of club owner Peter “Beansie” Gaeta in The Sopranos, died Tuesday. He was 76.
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
His death was announced on Instagram by Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli. A cause of death was not disclosed.
“Our friend and colleague Paul Herman has passed away,” Imperioli wrote. “Paulie was just a great dude. A first class storyteller and raconteur and one hell of an actor. Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America, The Irishman and of course The Sopranos are some highlights. Paulie lived around the corner from me the last few years and i am glad we got to spend some time together before he left us. I’ll miss him. Lots of love to his family,...
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
His death was announced on Instagram by Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli. A cause of death was not disclosed.
“Our friend and colleague Paul Herman has passed away,” Imperioli wrote. “Paulie was just a great dude. A first class storyteller and raconteur and one hell of an actor. Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America, The Irishman and of course The Sopranos are some highlights. Paulie lived around the corner from me the last few years and i am glad we got to spend some time together before he left us. I’ll miss him. Lots of love to his family,...
- 3/30/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Time is running out to stream films like “Lincoln,” “The Fisher King” and “He Got Game” on HBO Max. Below is the complete list of everything leaving HBO and HBO Max in January 2022, which includes some classic “Planet of the Apes” films, Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning “Argo” and 1988’s “Married to the Mob,” among others. Most of these titles leave the streaming service on Jan. 31, but departing HBO and HBO Max on Jan. 20 is a behind-the-scenes look at Guillermo del Toro’s new film “Nightmare Alley,” which is exclusively in theaters now.
If you’re looking for noteworthy titles to add to your watchlist before they depart, “Lincoln” is one of Steven Spielberg’s best, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” is a handsome and nail-biting spy thriller and “The Fisher King” is a great two-hander with Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams.
Check out the full list of what’s leaving HBO Max in January 2022 below.
If you’re looking for noteworthy titles to add to your watchlist before they depart, “Lincoln” is one of Steven Spielberg’s best, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” is a handsome and nail-biting spy thriller and “The Fisher King” is a great two-hander with Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams.
Check out the full list of what’s leaving HBO Max in January 2022 below.
- 1/4/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Actors’ Equity has reached a new agreement with the Michigan regional theater founded in 1991 by actor Jeff Daniels that recently saw the resignation of its longtime artistic director Guy Sanville following harassment and bullying accusations.
The union says the agreement with the Purple Rose Theatre Company of Chelsea, Michigan, demonstrates a “commitment to creating a safe workplace, free from the discrimination and harassment the company experienced under its previous leadership.”
“The new agreement also includes advances in wages and work hours as well as additional safety provisions,” said Equity in a statement.
According to the Michigan theater website EncoreMichigan, Sanville, the Purple Rose artistic director for 26 years, resigned to the theater’s Board of Directors last week, with the announcement made public this week in a letter to donors from Steve Hamp, chair of the theater’s board.
The letter to donors was posted by EncoreMichigan, and reads, in part,...
The union says the agreement with the Purple Rose Theatre Company of Chelsea, Michigan, demonstrates a “commitment to creating a safe workplace, free from the discrimination and harassment the company experienced under its previous leadership.”
“The new agreement also includes advances in wages and work hours as well as additional safety provisions,” said Equity in a statement.
According to the Michigan theater website EncoreMichigan, Sanville, the Purple Rose artistic director for 26 years, resigned to the theater’s Board of Directors last week, with the announcement made public this week in a letter to donors from Steve Hamp, chair of the theater’s board.
The letter to donors was posted by EncoreMichigan, and reads, in part,...
- 12/7/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Camille Saviola, whose many stage and TV roles included the Bajoran religious leader Kai Opaka in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the mother of the hapless Turtle in Entourage and characters in Nine and Chicago on Broadway, has died. She was 71.
Her death was announced on the Star Trek website WarpFactorTrek.com. Additional details were not immediately available.
Showbiz & Media Figures We’ve Lost In 2021 – Photo Gallery
Longtime friend and actor Harvey Fierstein tweeted: “She was a friend for 40 years who could always be counted on for a laugh, a shoulder or a kick in the ass. The Italian Godmother of Soul! Farewell.”
Actor Wilson Cruz, who said he performed with Saviola at many AIDS benefits over the years, tweeted: “What a presence this woman was! My heart is heavy. My love to Camille’s family and family of friends throughout the industry. She will be missed.”
A Bronx native...
Her death was announced on the Star Trek website WarpFactorTrek.com. Additional details were not immediately available.
Showbiz & Media Figures We’ve Lost In 2021 – Photo Gallery
Longtime friend and actor Harvey Fierstein tweeted: “She was a friend for 40 years who could always be counted on for a laugh, a shoulder or a kick in the ass. The Italian Godmother of Soul! Farewell.”
Actor Wilson Cruz, who said he performed with Saviola at many AIDS benefits over the years, tweeted: “What a presence this woman was! My heart is heavy. My love to Camille’s family and family of friends throughout the industry. She will be missed.”
A Bronx native...
- 10/29/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actress Scarlett Johansson finally escaped our long-running photo gallery of the greatest living actresses to never receive an Oscar nomination. And she did it in grand style by picking up two for her 2019 films “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit.” Will Kirsten Dunst be the next lady to leap off this gallery into an Academy Awards nomination soon? She has been receiving rave reviews for her latest film “The Power of the Dog” from Jane Campion.
Also in our photo gallery, we include Emily Blunt, who won her first SAG Award in 2019 but also still couldn’t gain attention from Oscar voters. She took home the trophy in the supporting category for “A Quiet Place” but also had a potential bid as a lead actress for “Mary Poppins Returns.”
SEEBest Supporting Actress Oscar odds: Kirsten Dunst (‘The Power of the Dog’) now in 2nd place
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked...
Also in our photo gallery, we include Emily Blunt, who won her first SAG Award in 2019 but also still couldn’t gain attention from Oscar voters. She took home the trophy in the supporting category for “A Quiet Place” but also had a potential bid as a lead actress for “Mary Poppins Returns.”
SEEBest Supporting Actress Oscar odds: Kirsten Dunst (‘The Power of the Dog’) now in 2nd place
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked...
- 10/7/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The list of actors cut out of Terrence Malick’s classic 1998 “The Thin Red Line” war movie is long and legendary (we’ve dedicated entire features to digging up nuggets of stories over the years). And actor Viggo Mortensen—cut out of early roles in films like Woody Allen’s “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” and Jonathan Demme‘s “Swing Shift”—knows a thing or two about being left on the cutting room floor.
Continue reading ‘The Thin Red Line’: Viggo Mortensen Explains Why He Had To Turn Down A Major Role In Terrence Malick’s War Film at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Thin Red Line’: Viggo Mortensen Explains Why He Had To Turn Down A Major Role In Terrence Malick’s War Film at The Playlist.
- 2/5/2021
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
Talk about perfect timing. With the 2021 Golden Globe nominations just weeks away (they’ll be announced February 3 for film and TV), the second impeachment of Donald Trump could end up reminding voters about “The Comey Rule,” the first dramatic depiction of America’s 45th president. Jeff Daniels plays former FBI Director James Comey, one of Trump’s many political nemeses who ended up testifying against him following his firing in 2017. Comey has since become a staunch never-Trumper, recently saying Senator Mitt Romey showed “real leadership” when he denounced Trump’s incitement of rioters at the United States Capitol.
Will all the extra media attention be Daniels’ ticket to winning his first-ever Golden Globe? The actor has four prior nominations to his name for comedy films “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Something Wild” and “The Squid and the Whale” and television drama “The Newsroom.” Daniels took home a pair of Emmys...
Will all the extra media attention be Daniels’ ticket to winning his first-ever Golden Globe? The actor has four prior nominations to his name for comedy films “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Something Wild” and “The Squid and the Whale” and television drama “The Newsroom.” Daniels took home a pair of Emmys...
- 1/18/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Jeff Daniels and Brendan Gleeson are no strangers to the Golden Globes, drumming up an impressive seven nominations between them. Now both could be on the verge of more recognition from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for their transformative performancess on the Showtime miniseries “The Comey Rule.” The political drama, based on former FBI director James Comey‘s book, “A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership,” chronicles Comey’s contentious relationship with President Donald Trump during his first months in the White House.
Gleeson took on the formidable task of playing Trump, a role he managed to pull off in dramatic fashion after countless parodies of the president have been ingrained in the public’s mindset (most notably Alec Baldwin‘s Emmy-winning turn on “Saturday Night Live”). The Irish actor nailed Trump’s mannerisms and speech patterns, all while maintaining a serious tone under that mound of creamy orange hair.
Gleeson took on the formidable task of playing Trump, a role he managed to pull off in dramatic fashion after countless parodies of the president have been ingrained in the public’s mindset (most notably Alec Baldwin‘s Emmy-winning turn on “Saturday Night Live”). The Irish actor nailed Trump’s mannerisms and speech patterns, all while maintaining a serious tone under that mound of creamy orange hair.
- 1/1/2021
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
While America and the world have been on the edge of their proverbial seats anticipating the looming US presidential election (among other breaking news stories), Showtime pounced to premiere its two-night limited series “The Comey Rule” on September 27 and 28, just five weeks out from the most heated and divisive presidential contest in decades.
“The Comey Rule” is based on former FBI Director James Comey‘s tell-all book “A Higher Loyalty,” adapted by writer and director Billy Ray (“Captain Phillips” and “Richard Jewell”). It is a riveting exposé on the controversial role played by Comey and the FBI in shaping the events leading up to the surprise victory of President Donald Trump over his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. It also deftly depicts the political machinations behind the scenes during the transition from former President Barack Obama to the current administration and Comey’s ultimate firing by President Trump.
See‘Fargo’ season...
“The Comey Rule” is based on former FBI Director James Comey‘s tell-all book “A Higher Loyalty,” adapted by writer and director Billy Ray (“Captain Phillips” and “Richard Jewell”). It is a riveting exposé on the controversial role played by Comey and the FBI in shaping the events leading up to the surprise victory of President Donald Trump over his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. It also deftly depicts the political machinations behind the scenes during the transition from former President Barack Obama to the current administration and Comey’s ultimate firing by President Trump.
See‘Fargo’ season...
- 10/6/2020
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
These days, every new Woody Allen film invites the same question: Is it possible to review the film and not its disgraced filmmaker? “Rifkin’s Festival” makes this challenge especially daunting: All the action takes place at the San Sebastian Film Festival, where the film opened this year’s edition. Wallace Shawn stars as a revered but neurotic director with romantic delusions. And if it seems like Allen is really asking for it, there’s one more factor working against the 84-year-old filmmaker: The film is far from vintage Allen and would struggle to find a mass audiences even before it turned against him.
Having said that, “Rifkin’s Festival” is a notch above middling Allen comedies like last year’s “A Rainy Day in New York,” thanks to delightful turns from Shawn and Gina Gershon as well as some zany stabs at film history in a series of black-and-white dream...
Having said that, “Rifkin’s Festival” is a notch above middling Allen comedies like last year’s “A Rainy Day in New York,” thanks to delightful turns from Shawn and Gina Gershon as well as some zany stabs at film history in a series of black-and-white dream...
- 9/18/2020
- by Kaleem Aftab
- Indiewire
Festival’s 68th edition set to go ahead in September.
Woody Allen’s Rifkin’s Festival is to receive its world premiere as the opening film of the 68th San Sebastian International Film Festival (Ssiff).
Rifkin’s Festival was shot in and around San Sebastian last summer and centres on a married American couple who attend the film festival, only for the wife to have an affair with a French movie director and the husband to fall in love with a local woman. The cast includes Elena Anaya, Louis Garrel, Gina Gershon, Sergi López, Wallace Shawn and Christoph Waltz.
Also written by Allen,...
Woody Allen’s Rifkin’s Festival is to receive its world premiere as the opening film of the 68th San Sebastian International Film Festival (Ssiff).
Rifkin’s Festival was shot in and around San Sebastian last summer and centres on a married American couple who attend the film festival, only for the wife to have an affair with a French movie director and the husband to fall in love with a local woman. The cast includes Elena Anaya, Louis Garrel, Gina Gershon, Sergi López, Wallace Shawn and Christoph Waltz.
Also written by Allen,...
- 6/25/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Woody Allen’s “Rifkin’s Festival” will world premiere this September as it opens the 68th edition of the San Sebastian International Film Festival, where it will play out of competition.
San Sebastian’s Kursaal building hosted the film’s initial announcement 11 months ago where, apart from a boycott by leftist Basque party Eh Bildu of a party thrown for Allen by the San Sebastian mayor, Spain’s reception of Allen has largely been warm.
This will be the second time that Allen will have opened the festival. He first curtain raiser came in 2004, when he received the Donostia Award for career achievement, with “Melinda and Melinda.” Allen’s films “Manhattan,” “Zelig,” “Manhattan Murder Mystery,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Match Point,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” “Whatever Works” and “Irrational Man” have all participated in some capacity at San Sebastian over the past four decades.
“Rifkin’s Festival” was shot last...
San Sebastian’s Kursaal building hosted the film’s initial announcement 11 months ago where, apart from a boycott by leftist Basque party Eh Bildu of a party thrown for Allen by the San Sebastian mayor, Spain’s reception of Allen has largely been warm.
This will be the second time that Allen will have opened the festival. He first curtain raiser came in 2004, when he received the Donostia Award for career achievement, with “Melinda and Melinda.” Allen’s films “Manhattan,” “Zelig,” “Manhattan Murder Mystery,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Match Point,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” “Whatever Works” and “Irrational Man” have all participated in some capacity at San Sebastian over the past four decades.
“Rifkin’s Festival” was shot last...
- 6/25/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
by Murtada Elfadl
Over at Sundays With Cate, my podcast series about the films of Cate Blanchett, I just finished a three part miniseries about her Oscar winning performance in Blue Jasmine (2013). Something I thought The Film Experience readers might enjoy so I’m sharing with you. Here are some details about the miniseries:
Actor as Auteur
In part one we discuss Cate Blanchett as the real auteur of Blue Jasmine, and the many ways her performance makes her the author of the film.
The “Streetcar” Allusions
In part two, we talk about the similarities to Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, the character of Blanche Dubois clearly is the blueprint for Jasmine. The many actresses who played Blanche - including Blanchett herself in a production of Streetcar directed by Liv Ullman - or were inspired by her. From the women in Pedro Almodovar’s movies to Gena Rowlands in...
Over at Sundays With Cate, my podcast series about the films of Cate Blanchett, I just finished a three part miniseries about her Oscar winning performance in Blue Jasmine (2013). Something I thought The Film Experience readers might enjoy so I’m sharing with you. Here are some details about the miniseries:
Actor as Auteur
In part one we discuss Cate Blanchett as the real auteur of Blue Jasmine, and the many ways her performance makes her the author of the film.
The “Streetcar” Allusions
In part two, we talk about the similarities to Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, the character of Blanche Dubois clearly is the blueprint for Jasmine. The many actresses who played Blanche - including Blanchett herself in a production of Streetcar directed by Liv Ullman - or were inspired by her. From the women in Pedro Almodovar’s movies to Gena Rowlands in...
- 3/20/2020
- by Murtada Elfadl
- FilmExperience
The great Larry Wilmore joins us to share some very personal double features.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
1917 (2019)
Animal Crackers (1930)
Duck Soup (1933)
My Little Chickadee (1940)
A Night At The Opera (1935)
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
The Parallax View (1974)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Jaws (1975)
The Stepford Wives (1975)
The Party (1968)
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Richard Pryor: Live In Concert (1979)
Richard Pryor: Live And Smokin’ (1971)
Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling (1986)
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Lenny (1974)
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2009)
Lolita (1962)
Caligula (1979)
The Night of the Iguana (1964)
The Elephant Man (1980)
What Would Jack Do? (2020)
Blue Velvet (1986)
The Apartment (1960)
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Double Indemnity (1944)
The Sting (1973)
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
1917 (2019)
Animal Crackers (1930)
Duck Soup (1933)
My Little Chickadee (1940)
A Night At The Opera (1935)
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
The Parallax View (1974)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Jaws (1975)
The Stepford Wives (1975)
The Party (1968)
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Richard Pryor: Live In Concert (1979)
Richard Pryor: Live And Smokin’ (1971)
Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling (1986)
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Lenny (1974)
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2009)
Lolita (1962)
Caligula (1979)
The Night of the Iguana (1964)
The Elephant Man (1980)
What Would Jack Do? (2020)
Blue Velvet (1986)
The Apartment (1960)
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Double Indemnity (1944)
The Sting (1973)
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid...
- 3/10/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Zoe Caldwell, a four-time Tony Award-winner, has passed away at the age of 86.
The actress died peacefully in her home in Pound Ridge, New York on Sunday from complications due to Parkinson’s disease, a spokesperson for her son, Charlie Whitehead, confirmed to People.
Born in Australia, Caldwell first started her professional career at 9 years old in a production of Peter Pan before going on to appear in productions at Melbourne’s Union Theatre Repertory Company and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Company.
She moved to London to join the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1959 and began her American acting career as...
The actress died peacefully in her home in Pound Ridge, New York on Sunday from complications due to Parkinson’s disease, a spokesperson for her son, Charlie Whitehead, confirmed to People.
Born in Australia, Caldwell first started her professional career at 9 years old in a production of Peter Pan before going on to appear in productions at Melbourne’s Union Theatre Repertory Company and the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Company.
She moved to London to join the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1959 and began her American acting career as...
- 2/19/2020
- by Gabrielle Chung
- PEOPLE.com
Zoe Caldwell, a veteran stage, TV and film actress who won four Tony Awards and originated the Broadway roles of Maria Callas in Master Class and the title character in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, has died. She was 86.
Her son, Charlie Whitehead, said she died Sunday of Parkinson’s disease complications at her home in Pound Ridge, NY.
Caldwell won four lead actress Tony Awards spanning 30 years. Along with Master Class (1996) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1968), she also scored trophies for Slapstick Tragedy (1966) and Madea (1982).
Along with her 45-year career on the Great White Way, the Australia native appeared in such films as Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo and the 2002 Disney toon Lilo & Stitch. Among her many telefilm roles were adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Her most recent credit was as Oskar’s (Thomas Horn) grandmother...
Her son, Charlie Whitehead, said she died Sunday of Parkinson’s disease complications at her home in Pound Ridge, NY.
Caldwell won four lead actress Tony Awards spanning 30 years. Along with Master Class (1996) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1968), she also scored trophies for Slapstick Tragedy (1966) and Madea (1982).
Along with her 45-year career on the Great White Way, the Australia native appeared in such films as Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo and the 2002 Disney toon Lilo & Stitch. Among her many telefilm roles were adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Her most recent credit was as Oskar’s (Thomas Horn) grandmother...
- 2/19/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Scarlett Johansson has finally escaped this long-running photo gallery of the greatest living actresses to never receive an Oscar nomination. And she did it in grand style by picking up two for her 2019 films “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit.”
Unfortunately, our list contains 20 slots so we must add someone to take her place. That slot now belongs to Jennifer Lopez, who just missed out with Academy voters for her role in “Hustlers,” which brought her Golden Globe and SAG Awards nominations.
SEEScarlett Johansson movies: 12 greatest films ranked from worst to best
Also in our photo gallery, we include Emily Blunt, who won her first SAG Award in 2019 but also still couldn’t gain attention from Oscar voters. She took home the trophy in the supporting category for “A Quiet Place” but also had a potential bid as a lead actress for “Mary Poppins Returns.”
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked...
Unfortunately, our list contains 20 slots so we must add someone to take her place. That slot now belongs to Jennifer Lopez, who just missed out with Academy voters for her role in “Hustlers,” which brought her Golden Globe and SAG Awards nominations.
SEEScarlett Johansson movies: 12 greatest films ranked from worst to best
Also in our photo gallery, we include Emily Blunt, who won her first SAG Award in 2019 but also still couldn’t gain attention from Oscar voters. She took home the trophy in the supporting category for “A Quiet Place” but also had a potential bid as a lead actress for “Mary Poppins Returns.”
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked...
- 1/23/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Quentin Tarantino is second place in our Best Screenplay Golden Globe odds for his “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” script, behind Noah Baumbach‘s “Marriage Story,” but if he pulls out the victory, he’ll accomplish what only one person has done before: win three screenplay awards.
Robert Bolt hold the record with three statuettes, for “Doctor Zhivago” (1965), “A Man for All Seasons” (1966) and “The Mission” (1986). He later won Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for the first two, but the academy snubbed him for “The Mission.” Bolt has a leg up on Tarantino, though, because he has a perfect 3-for-3 record; “Once” marks Tarantino’s fifth screenplay nomination.
The auteur triumphed for “Pulp Fiction” (1994) and “Django Unchained” (2012), and was nominated for “Inglourious Basterds” (2009) and “The Hateful Eight” (2015). He’s one of 10 people with two wins, a group that includes Paddy Chayefsky, Woody Allen and Aaron Sorkin, who denied Tarantino a...
Robert Bolt hold the record with three statuettes, for “Doctor Zhivago” (1965), “A Man for All Seasons” (1966) and “The Mission” (1986). He later won Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for the first two, but the academy snubbed him for “The Mission.” Bolt has a leg up on Tarantino, though, because he has a perfect 3-for-3 record; “Once” marks Tarantino’s fifth screenplay nomination.
The auteur triumphed for “Pulp Fiction” (1994) and “Django Unchained” (2012), and was nominated for “Inglourious Basterds” (2009) and “The Hateful Eight” (2015). He’s one of 10 people with two wins, a group that includes Paddy Chayefsky, Woody Allen and Aaron Sorkin, who denied Tarantino a...
- 12/24/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
As tributes come rolling in for Danny Aiello, the Oscar-nominated Do the Right Thing actor who died Thursday at 86, take a look back at his long career in film and TV. Click on the pic of his signature role of pizzeria owner Sal Frangione above to launch the photo gallery.
The New York native got his start with a small role in the 1973 baseball drama, which starred a young Robert De Niro. Aiello’s next big-screen appearance was in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, which won the Oscar for Best Picture on 1974. The actor would go on to rack up more than 100 film and TV credits, working steadily all the way into 2019.
Along the way, Aiello appeared in films from such noted directors as Norman Jewison (Moonstruck), Robert Altman (Prêt-à-Porter), Lasse Hallstrom (Once Around), Luc Besson (Léon: The Professional Norman) and Adrian Lyne (Jacob’s Ladder) as well...
The New York native got his start with a small role in the 1973 baseball drama, which starred a young Robert De Niro. Aiello’s next big-screen appearance was in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, which won the Oscar for Best Picture on 1974. The actor would go on to rack up more than 100 film and TV credits, working steadily all the way into 2019.
Along the way, Aiello appeared in films from such noted directors as Norman Jewison (Moonstruck), Robert Altman (Prêt-à-Porter), Lasse Hallstrom (Once Around), Luc Besson (Léon: The Professional Norman) and Adrian Lyne (Jacob’s Ladder) as well...
- 12/13/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Aiello in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing".
Actor Danny Aiello has passed away at age 86 following a brief illness. Aiello didn't start acting until age 34 but when he did, he became a reliable and popular character actor. He was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing", playing the owner of a pizza parlor trying to navigate boiling racial tensions in the neighborhood. He also had a memorable role in Norman Jewison's "Moonstruck". Other films include "The Godfather Part II", "The Front", "The Purple Rose of Cairo", "Radio Days" (the latter three with Woody Allen), "Fingers", "Fort Apache the Bronx", "The Cemetary Club", "Ready to Wear", "The Professional", "Once Upon a Time in America" and "Prince of the City". Although Aiello worked with some of the most legendary directors, his one regret was not having been cast in a Martin Scorsese film.
Actor Danny Aiello has passed away at age 86 following a brief illness. Aiello didn't start acting until age 34 but when he did, he became a reliable and popular character actor. He was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing", playing the owner of a pizza parlor trying to navigate boiling racial tensions in the neighborhood. He also had a memorable role in Norman Jewison's "Moonstruck". Other films include "The Godfather Part II", "The Front", "The Purple Rose of Cairo", "Radio Days" (the latter three with Woody Allen), "Fingers", "Fort Apache the Bronx", "The Cemetary Club", "Ready to Wear", "The Professional", "Once Upon a Time in America" and "Prince of the City". Although Aiello worked with some of the most legendary directors, his one regret was not having been cast in a Martin Scorsese film.
- 12/13/2019
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Following the news that character actor Danny Aiello died on Thursday night, friends and peers of the “Moonstruck” actor shared their remembrances via social media. Aiello — whose body of work included Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Jacob’s Ladder,” “The Godfather Part II” and Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach” music video — was 86.
Aiello’s Academy Award-nominated performance as Salvatore “Sal” Frangione in Lee’s 1989 classic was most frequently mentioned; Lee himself led the litany of tributes to the accomplished actor on Instagram.
“We Made Cinema History Together With ‘Do The Right Thing.’ May You Rest In Paradise,” the caption reads.
View this post on Instagram
I’m Broken. Just Found Out My Brother Danny Aiello Made His Transition Last Night. Danny,We Made Cinema History Together With Do The Right Thing. May You Rest In Paradise.
A post shared by Spike Lee (@officialspikelee...
Aiello’s Academy Award-nominated performance as Salvatore “Sal” Frangione in Lee’s 1989 classic was most frequently mentioned; Lee himself led the litany of tributes to the accomplished actor on Instagram.
“We Made Cinema History Together With ‘Do The Right Thing.’ May You Rest In Paradise,” the caption reads.
View this post on Instagram
I’m Broken. Just Found Out My Brother Danny Aiello Made His Transition Last Night. Danny,We Made Cinema History Together With Do The Right Thing. May You Rest In Paradise.
A post shared by Spike Lee (@officialspikelee...
- 12/13/2019
- by LaTesha Harris
- Variety Film + TV
Cher is mourning the loss of Danny Aiello.
The singer, 73, shared her condolences on Twitter Friday following the news that Aiello, who starred with her in the 1987 film Moonstruck, had died on Thursday. He was 86.
The two played newly engaged couple Loretta Castorini and Johnny Cammareri. When Johnny leaves for Italy to visit his dying mother, he asks Loretta to visit his estranged brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage) to tell them of their engagement. When she does, Loretta finds herself falling for Ronny despite being engaged to Johnny.
“Goodbye Dear #DannyAiello Danny was a Great Actor, But a Genius Comedic Actor.
The singer, 73, shared her condolences on Twitter Friday following the news that Aiello, who starred with her in the 1987 film Moonstruck, had died on Thursday. He was 86.
The two played newly engaged couple Loretta Castorini and Johnny Cammareri. When Johnny leaves for Italy to visit his dying mother, he asks Loretta to visit his estranged brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage) to tell them of their engagement. When she does, Loretta finds herself falling for Ronny despite being engaged to Johnny.
“Goodbye Dear #DannyAiello Danny was a Great Actor, But a Genius Comedic Actor.
- 12/13/2019
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Tony Sokol Dec 13, 2019
Danny Aiello recorded big band music and was a favorite of directors Spike Lee and Woody Allen
Veteran film actor Danny Aiello, best known for his roles in Do The Right Thing, and Moonstruck, died at the age of 86, according to Variety. Aiello was being treated for a sudden illness at a medical facility in New Jersey.
Aiello's work as the jilted lover in Norman Jewison's hit comedy Moonstruck supported Cher's Best Actress and Olympia Dukakis's Best Supporting Actress Oscar wins. Aiello was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Sal, the pizza joint owner, in Spike Lee's 1989 film Do the Right Thing. Lee first offered the role to Robert De Niro.
Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. was born June 20, 1933, in Manhattan. Aiello's family moved to the South Bronx when he was seven after his father deserted his wife, who lost her eyesight,...
Danny Aiello recorded big band music and was a favorite of directors Spike Lee and Woody Allen
Veteran film actor Danny Aiello, best known for his roles in Do The Right Thing, and Moonstruck, died at the age of 86, according to Variety. Aiello was being treated for a sudden illness at a medical facility in New Jersey.
Aiello's work as the jilted lover in Norman Jewison's hit comedy Moonstruck supported Cher's Best Actress and Olympia Dukakis's Best Supporting Actress Oscar wins. Aiello was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Sal, the pizza joint owner, in Spike Lee's 1989 film Do the Right Thing. Lee first offered the role to Robert De Niro.
Daniel Louis Aiello Jr. was born June 20, 1933, in Manhattan. Aiello's family moved to the South Bronx when he was seven after his father deserted his wife, who lost her eyesight,...
- 12/13/2019
- Den of Geek
News of the death of Danny Aiello rippled across social media on Friday morning as friends, co-stars, peers and admirers of the 86-year-old character actor shared their thoughts on a body of work that included Do the Right Thing, Moonstruck, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Jacob’s Ladder and Madonna’s music video for “Papa Don’t Preach.”
Aiello’s Oscar-nominated performance as Salvatore “Sal” Frangione in Spike Lee’s incendiary 1989 classic Do the Right Thing was mentioned most frequently, a testament to the film’s trenchant achievements and Aiello’s compelling portrait of a pizzeria owner vexed by the changing demographics of his Brooklyn neighborhood.
Aiello’s screen career was launched by the 1973 sports drama Bang the Drum Slowly, which also starred a newcomer named Robert De Niro. Aiello joined De Niro for a notable follow-up, when both appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s Best Picture Oscar winner The Godfather Part II,...
Aiello’s Oscar-nominated performance as Salvatore “Sal” Frangione in Spike Lee’s incendiary 1989 classic Do the Right Thing was mentioned most frequently, a testament to the film’s trenchant achievements and Aiello’s compelling portrait of a pizzeria owner vexed by the changing demographics of his Brooklyn neighborhood.
Aiello’s screen career was launched by the 1973 sports drama Bang the Drum Slowly, which also starred a newcomer named Robert De Niro. Aiello joined De Niro for a notable follow-up, when both appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s Best Picture Oscar winner The Godfather Part II,...
- 12/13/2019
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-nominated character actor made his breakthrough in Moonstruck and appeared in The Godfather Part II
Danny Aiello, the veteran character actor best known for roles in The Purple Rose of Cairo, Do the Right Thing and Moonstruck, has died aged 86. According to TMZ, his family confirmed Aiello had died in hospital on 12 December after an infection.
Born in 1933, Aiello grew up in the south Bronx, living with his five siblings and mother after his father had left the family. After serving in the army, working as a bus driver and a nightclub bouncer, Aiello turned to acting in his mid-30s, with his first significant role, as a New Jersey barman in Louis Larusso’s 1975 play Lamppost Reunion.
Danny Aiello, the veteran character actor best known for roles in The Purple Rose of Cairo, Do the Right Thing and Moonstruck, has died aged 86. According to TMZ, his family confirmed Aiello had died in hospital on 12 December after an infection.
Born in 1933, Aiello grew up in the south Bronx, living with his five siblings and mother after his father had left the family. After serving in the army, working as a bus driver and a nightclub bouncer, Aiello turned to acting in his mid-30s, with his first significant role, as a New Jersey barman in Louis Larusso’s 1975 play Lamppost Reunion.
- 12/13/2019
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Danny Aiello, best known for roles in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, Moonstruck and The Godfather Part II, died Thursday at the age of 86. The renowned character actor passed away in a New Jersey medical facility following an unspecified sudden illness, according to his literary agent.
Aiello got his start starring with Robert De Niro in 1973’s baseball drama Bang the Drum Slowly. He continued making a name for himself the following year when he played mobster Tony Rosato in Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather sequel. He ad-libbed the now-famous line, “Michael Corleone says hello!”
More from TVLineAmerican Gods Explains Orlando Jones Exit,...
Aiello got his start starring with Robert De Niro in 1973’s baseball drama Bang the Drum Slowly. He continued making a name for himself the following year when he played mobster Tony Rosato in Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather sequel. He ad-libbed the now-famous line, “Michael Corleone says hello!”
More from TVLineAmerican Gods Explains Orlando Jones Exit,...
- 12/13/2019
- TVLine.com
Shortly after reports started to surface that “Do the Right Thing” actor Danny Aiello had died on Thursday at the age of 86, celebrities took to social media to share their condolences.
“We Laughed so much. Making #Moonstruck ..It was one of the happiest times in my life,& He Was apart of that Happy time,” Cher, who starred in “Moonstruck” with Aiello in 1987, wrote on Twitter.
“I’m ??’? Broken. Just Found Out My Brother Danny Aiello Made His Transition Last Night. Danny,We Made Cinema History Together With Do The Right Thing. May You Rest In Paradise,” “Do the Right Thing” director Spike Lee said of the actor.
Also Read: Danny Aiello, 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Moonstruck' Actor, Dies at 86
“So so sad,” Michael Rapaport said of Aiello. “What a great actor. Huge Inspiration for me personally.”
In a statement to TheWrap, Aiello’s family said:...
“We Laughed so much. Making #Moonstruck ..It was one of the happiest times in my life,& He Was apart of that Happy time,” Cher, who starred in “Moonstruck” with Aiello in 1987, wrote on Twitter.
“I’m ??’? Broken. Just Found Out My Brother Danny Aiello Made His Transition Last Night. Danny,We Made Cinema History Together With Do The Right Thing. May You Rest In Paradise,” “Do the Right Thing” director Spike Lee said of the actor.
Also Read: Danny Aiello, 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Moonstruck' Actor, Dies at 86
“So so sad,” Michael Rapaport said of Aiello. “What a great actor. Huge Inspiration for me personally.”
In a statement to TheWrap, Aiello’s family said:...
- 12/13/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Danny Aiello — the Oscar-nominated character actor who featured in films like Do the Right Thing, Moonstruck, and The Purple Rose of Cairo — has died at the age of 86.
Aiello’s literary agent, Jennifer De Chiara, confirmed to Rolling Stone that Aiello died Thursday night; Aiello’s family said in a statement that he died following a brief illness.
“It is with profound sorrow to report that Danny Aiello, beloved husband, father, grandfather, actor, and musician passed away last night after a brief illness,” Aiello’s family said. “The family asks for privacy at this time.
Aiello’s literary agent, Jennifer De Chiara, confirmed to Rolling Stone that Aiello died Thursday night; Aiello’s family said in a statement that he died following a brief illness.
“It is with profound sorrow to report that Danny Aiello, beloved husband, father, grandfather, actor, and musician passed away last night after a brief illness,” Aiello’s family said. “The family asks for privacy at this time.
- 12/13/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Danny Aiello, who earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his acclaimed performance as Salvatore “Sal” Frangione in Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing,” has died at the age of 86. TMZ first reported the news of Aiello’s passing. The actor’s family confirmed Aiello passed away at a medical facility in New Jersey where he was being treated for a sudden illness.
Aiello got his acting break in the 1973 baseball drama “Bang the Drum Slowly,” which also starred Robert De Niro, followed by a walk-on role as Tony Rosato in “The Godfather Part II.” Aiello would be paired with De Niro yet again in Sergio Leone’s gangster epic “Once Upon a Time in America.” The actor won a Daytime Emmy Award for his appearance in an ABC Afterschool Special called “A Family of Strangers.” Aiello’s other credits include the films “Defiance,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,...
Aiello got his acting break in the 1973 baseball drama “Bang the Drum Slowly,” which also starred Robert De Niro, followed by a walk-on role as Tony Rosato in “The Godfather Part II.” Aiello would be paired with De Niro yet again in Sergio Leone’s gangster epic “Once Upon a Time in America.” The actor won a Daytime Emmy Award for his appearance in an ABC Afterschool Special called “A Family of Strangers.” Aiello’s other credits include the films “Defiance,” “The Purple Rose of Cairo,...
- 12/13/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Danny Aiello, who starred in “Moonstruck,” “Do The Right Thing” and “The Godfather Part II,” died on Thursday, a spokesperson for Aiello confirmed to TheWrap. He was 86.
In a statement to TheWrap, the family said, “it is with profound sorrow to report that Danny Aiello, beloved husband, father, grandfather, actor and musician passed away last night after a brief illness. The family asks for privacy at this time. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.”
Aiello’s other credits include “The Front” (1976), “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), “The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985), “Radio Days” (1987), “Harlem Nights” (1989) and “2 Days in the Valley” (1996).
Also Read: Chris Cotton, Philadelphia Comedian, Dies at 32
Aiello was Oscar-nominated for his supporting role in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” in which he plays an Italian-American character who has owned a pizzeria in a neighborhood in Brooklyn for 25 years, and refuses to...
In a statement to TheWrap, the family said, “it is with profound sorrow to report that Danny Aiello, beloved husband, father, grandfather, actor and musician passed away last night after a brief illness. The family asks for privacy at this time. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.”
Aiello’s other credits include “The Front” (1976), “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), “The Purple Rose of Cairo” (1985), “Radio Days” (1987), “Harlem Nights” (1989) and “2 Days in the Valley” (1996).
Also Read: Chris Cotton, Philadelphia Comedian, Dies at 32
Aiello was Oscar-nominated for his supporting role in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” in which he plays an Italian-American character who has owned a pizzeria in a neighborhood in Brooklyn for 25 years, and refuses to...
- 12/13/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Danny Aiello, whose roles in The Godfather Part II, Moonstruck and Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing made him one of the most familiar and admired character actor of recent decades, died yesterday in a New Jersey medical facility following a sudden illness. He was 86.
His death was first reported by TMZ (the outlet attributed his death to an infection) and Fox News said the actor’s death was confirmed by his literary agent.
Aiello’s film breakthrough arrived in 1973 with a supporting role in baseball drama Bang The Drum Slowly starring Robert De Niro. A signature role came the following year when he mobster Tony Rosato in The Godfather Part II.
Other credits include The Front (1976), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), Harlem Nights (1989), Hudson Hawk (1991), Ruby (1992), Léon: The Professional (1994), 2 Days in the Valley (1996), TV mini-series The Last Don (1997), Dinner Rush (2000), and...
His death was first reported by TMZ (the outlet attributed his death to an infection) and Fox News said the actor’s death was confirmed by his literary agent.
Aiello’s film breakthrough arrived in 1973 with a supporting role in baseball drama Bang The Drum Slowly starring Robert De Niro. A signature role came the following year when he mobster Tony Rosato in The Godfather Part II.
Other credits include The Front (1976), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), Harlem Nights (1989), Hudson Hawk (1991), Ruby (1992), Léon: The Professional (1994), 2 Days in the Valley (1996), TV mini-series The Last Don (1997), Dinner Rush (2000), and...
- 12/13/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Danny Aiello, the New York actor and former Greyhound bus employee best known for his Oscar-nominated turn as Sal the pizza-joint owner in Do the Right Thing and for portraying Cher's lovelorn suitor in Moonstruck, has died. He was 86.
Aiello's literary agent, Jennifer De Chiara, told USA Today the actor died Thursday night. "The world has lost one of its greatest actors who also happened to be a wonderful human being."
Aiello, who didn't start acting until he was 35, often played loathsome types, as in Woody Allen's The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), where ...
Aiello's literary agent, Jennifer De Chiara, told USA Today the actor died Thursday night. "The world has lost one of its greatest actors who also happened to be a wonderful human being."
Aiello, who didn't start acting until he was 35, often played loathsome types, as in Woody Allen's The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), where ...
- 12/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Danny Aiello, the New York actor and former Greyhound bus employee best known for his Oscar-nominated turn as Sal the pizza-joint owner in Do the Right Thing and for portraying Cher's lovelorn suitor in Moonstruck, has died. He was 86.
His rep Tracey Miller told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died Thursday night after a brief illness in a medical facility close to his home in New Jersey.
Aiello, who didn't start acting until he was 35, often played loathsome types, as in Woody Allen's The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), where he starred as Mia Farrow'...
His rep Tracey Miller told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died Thursday night after a brief illness in a medical facility close to his home in New Jersey.
Aiello, who didn't start acting until he was 35, often played loathsome types, as in Woody Allen's The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), where he starred as Mia Farrow'...
- 12/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elton John’s long victory lap — which has included an international farewell tour, an outrageously candid new memoir and a spangled biopic about his life — continued Thursday night under a cool night sky at the Greek Theater … eight miles and almost 50 years east of the Troubadour, where his pop reign began in 1970.
A screening of “Rocketman,” director Dexter Fletcher’s summer blockbuster starring Taron Egerton as Captain Fantastic, was accompanied by live orchestra and rock band. The Captain himself, joined by Egerton, capped it off with a brief performance.
Movies with live score accompaniment have become a dime a dozen. Some naturally lend themselves to the treatment — most John Williams scores were born for the concert stage — while others are more of a reach. Musicals, while presenting the additional high-wire act of syncing up with pre-recorded vocals, make as much sense as anything, and “Rocketman” is the most current film...
A screening of “Rocketman,” director Dexter Fletcher’s summer blockbuster starring Taron Egerton as Captain Fantastic, was accompanied by live orchestra and rock band. The Captain himself, joined by Egerton, capped it off with a brief performance.
Movies with live score accompaniment have become a dime a dozen. Some naturally lend themselves to the treatment — most John Williams scores were born for the concert stage — while others are more of a reach. Musicals, while presenting the additional high-wire act of syncing up with pre-recorded vocals, make as much sense as anything, and “Rocketman” is the most current film...
- 10/18/2019
- by Tim Greiving
- Variety Film + TV
Editor’s note: “A Rainy Day in New York” opens this week in Paris. It does not have U.S. distribution.
Here’s the thing. You can certainly watch Woody Allen’s “A Rainy Day in New York” trying to divorce the film itself from the controversy that surrounds Allen himself. When actors Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning show up onscreen swaddled in tweed and smelling of mothballs, you can appreciate how the young performers spit out the filmmaker’s signature dialogue – to greater or lesser success – focusing on the actors’ work, and not the fact that they would later renounce it. Only, once you do focus on the film itself, and not the circumstances of its release, you come face to face with another, nigh insurmountable obstacle: the iPhone.
Indeed, if the presence of smartphones and their accessories and the references to Jeb Bush and the 1% might anchor “A Rainy Day in New York...
Here’s the thing. You can certainly watch Woody Allen’s “A Rainy Day in New York” trying to divorce the film itself from the controversy that surrounds Allen himself. When actors Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning show up onscreen swaddled in tweed and smelling of mothballs, you can appreciate how the young performers spit out the filmmaker’s signature dialogue – to greater or lesser success – focusing on the actors’ work, and not the fact that they would later renounce it. Only, once you do focus on the film itself, and not the circumstances of its release, you come face to face with another, nigh insurmountable obstacle: the iPhone.
Indeed, if the presence of smartphones and their accessories and the references to Jeb Bush and the 1% might anchor “A Rainy Day in New York...
- 9/18/2019
- by Ben Croll
- Indiewire
Greatest 20 living actresses never nominated for an Oscar, including Scarlett Johansson, Emily Blunt
With the debut of teaser trailers for “Marriage Story” from Noah Baumbach, actress Scarlett Johansson is once again in the conversation for a possible Oscar nomination. She will also have the anticipated film “Jojo Rabbit” later this awards season. If she gets a bid, it would surprisingly be her first ever in a career filled with contenders such as “Lost in Translation” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring” plus her blockbusters including “The Avengers” franchise.
Just a few months ago, Emily Blunt won her first SAG Award in 2019 but also still can’t gain attention from Oscar voters. She took home the trophy in the supporting category for “A Quiet Place” but also had a bid as a lead actress for “Mary Poppins Returns.”
SEEEmily Blunt Interview: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and ‘A Quiet Place’
They are both featured in a photo gallery above that no lady would want — the 20 greatest...
Just a few months ago, Emily Blunt won her first SAG Award in 2019 but also still can’t gain attention from Oscar voters. She took home the trophy in the supporting category for “A Quiet Place” but also had a bid as a lead actress for “Mary Poppins Returns.”
SEEEmily Blunt Interview: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and ‘A Quiet Place’
They are both featured in a photo gallery above that no lady would want — the 20 greatest...
- 8/21/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Showtime has given a straight-to-series order to Rust, a drama based on Philipp Meyer’s debut novel American Rust, starring and executive produced by Jeff Daniels. Oscar nominee Dan Futterman (Capote) will write multiple episodes of the series, which is co-produced with Platform One Media.
Rust is a compelling family drama that will explore the tattered American dream through the eyes of complicated and compromised chief of police Del Harris (Daniels) in a Rust Belt town in southwest Pennsylvania. When the woman he truly loves sees her son accused of murder, Harris is forced to decide what he’s willing to do to protect him.
“Jeff Daniels is a bona fide giant on stage and screen, and Dan Futterman is a special writer and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them together at Showtime,” said Gary Levine, President of Entertainment Showtime Networks. “With vibrant characters...
Rust is a compelling family drama that will explore the tattered American dream through the eyes of complicated and compromised chief of police Del Harris (Daniels) in a Rust Belt town in southwest Pennsylvania. When the woman he truly loves sees her son accused of murder, Harris is forced to decide what he’s willing to do to protect him.
“Jeff Daniels is a bona fide giant on stage and screen, and Dan Futterman is a special writer and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them together at Showtime,” said Gary Levine, President of Entertainment Showtime Networks. “With vibrant characters...
- 7/31/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
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