Steve Carell's departure from NBC's 'The Office' has Hollywood wondering how he'll leave Dunder Mifflin -- and who will replace him. His co-star Jenna Fischer dished to Us Weekly about TV's buzziest cast switch-up.
"I can tell you that it's not as simple as Steve leaving and a new person coming in," Fischer said about the fictional Michael Scott's replacement, while on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
She also hinted that longtime fans of the show will see some familiar faces in upcoming episodes.
"There's going to be a lot of restructuring," she said. "You're going to see people from the past and some new people."
Fischer's co-star John Krasinski also shared some thoughts on his pal's departure.
"Losing Steve for the show is going to be massive, and I think no one will be able to do what he does truly," he said. "But really we're losing a good friend and a family member."
Carell hinted about his departure from the hit show in early 2010, and his last episode is rumored to air well before the show's season finale.
In the meantime, fans have enjoyed Ricky Gervais' cameo on the show and can look forward to Will Ferrell's short stint in upcoming episodes.
Showing posts with label Talks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Talks. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Justin Timberlake Turns 30, Talks Mark Zuckerberg’s ‘SNL’ Cameo
Justin Timberlake turns 30 on Monday, but don’t expect a blow out bash from the singing and acting superstar.
“I’ll keep it mellow,” “The Social Network” star told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson on the red carpet at The 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday.
Justin will indeed have to take it easy, as a new film he’s been working recently took a real toll on his physique.
“I have a pinched nerve in my neck and I just tore my calf recently doing this movie,” Justin said. “I feel like I’m getting all these signs from the [cosmos], like, ‘Hey, man. You’re getting old!’
“But I’m excited about my 30’s,” he continued. “I’m very excited about them.”
While Justin won’t be partying, he will be having some kind of adventure on Monday.
“I’ll be working,” he laughed.
Justin also plans to fit in some time to catch up on some TV – in particular, “Saturday Night Live,” which was hosted over the weekend by his “Social Network” co-star Jesse Eisenberg.
Justin said that so far, he has only seen Jesse’s monologue, which featured a cameo from “The Social Network’s” real-life icon – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The “SNL”-hosting vet told Shaun he liked what he’s seen thus far.
“I was in Tennessee [Saturday] night. I literally got off the plane just a couple hours ago from Tennessee. I saw the monologue and I’m going to go back and watch the rest of it online, but the monologue is real funny,” Justin said. “I can’t believe that Mark Zuckerberg came to the show. That was really cool of him.”
“I’ll keep it mellow,” “The Social Network” star told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson on the red carpet at The 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday.
Justin will indeed have to take it easy, as a new film he’s been working recently took a real toll on his physique.
“I have a pinched nerve in my neck and I just tore my calf recently doing this movie,” Justin said. “I feel like I’m getting all these signs from the [cosmos], like, ‘Hey, man. You’re getting old!’
“But I’m excited about my 30’s,” he continued. “I’m very excited about them.”
While Justin won’t be partying, he will be having some kind of adventure on Monday.
“I’ll be working,” he laughed.
Justin also plans to fit in some time to catch up on some TV – in particular, “Saturday Night Live,” which was hosted over the weekend by his “Social Network” co-star Jesse Eisenberg.
Justin said that so far, he has only seen Jesse’s monologue, which featured a cameo from “The Social Network’s” real-life icon – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The “SNL”-hosting vet told Shaun he liked what he’s seen thus far.
“I was in Tennessee [Saturday] night. I literally got off the plane just a couple hours ago from Tennessee. I saw the monologue and I’m going to go back and watch the rest of it online, but the monologue is real funny,” Justin said. “I can’t believe that Mark Zuckerberg came to the show. That was really cool of him.”
Matthew Morrison Talks Elton John & Gwyneth Paltrow
Matthew Morrison performed his very first solo concert at The Grove in Los Angeles over the weekend and Access Hollywood caught up with the “Glee” star after he thrilled the crowd.
“It was awesome!” the actor told Access about taking the stage for the first time. “I love performing in front a live audience and getting them hyped… it’s something I’ll never forget!”
The 32-year-old’s as-yet-untitled debut solo album, which drops in May, will feature a duet with Elton John, who the actor previously knew through his involvement in the singer’s AIDS charity.
“I just asked him,” Matthew said about landing the music legend on his album. “I asked him, ‘Do you want to do a duet with me?’ He was like, ‘I would love to!’ We went into the studio one day and knocked it out.”
The curly haired cutie also dished on Gwyneth Paltrow’s upcoming return to “Glee” as substitute teacher Holly Holiday.
“She’s playing a sex ed teacher,” the actor said with a grin. “We’re looking forward to it.”
As for any possible romance between Holly and Will’s Mr. Schuester, the actor said fans will have to tune in to find out.
“Maybe, possibly,” he coyly added.
For more on Matthew’s new album and to see his live performance.
“It was awesome!” the actor told Access about taking the stage for the first time. “I love performing in front a live audience and getting them hyped… it’s something I’ll never forget!”
The 32-year-old’s as-yet-untitled debut solo album, which drops in May, will feature a duet with Elton John, who the actor previously knew through his involvement in the singer’s AIDS charity.
“I just asked him,” Matthew said about landing the music legend on his album. “I asked him, ‘Do you want to do a duet with me?’ He was like, ‘I would love to!’ We went into the studio one day and knocked it out.”
The curly haired cutie also dished on Gwyneth Paltrow’s upcoming return to “Glee” as substitute teacher Holly Holiday.
“She’s playing a sex ed teacher,” the actor said with a grin. “We’re looking forward to it.”
As for any possible romance between Holly and Will’s Mr. Schuester, the actor said fans will have to tune in to find out.
“Maybe, possibly,” he coyly added.
For more on Matthew’s new album and to see his live performance.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Katy Perry Talks Diet and 'California Dreams' World Tour
Katy Perry is preparing for her 'California Dreams world tour, and 'the 'California Gurl' told Rolling Stone just how she plans to get in shape.
"After this interview Im going to have a nice healthy breakfast," the 5'8" star said. "I'm on a meal plan, which absolutely sucks, but on Sundays I get to have a cheat day where I go buck wild and eat In-N-Out Burger. Then I'll work out, go to a vocal lesson, run through the entire set at rehearsals, go to dance rehearsal until 10:00 pm, and then go home and sort through e-mails concerning the production. I feel like I'm training for the Olympics!"
"Touring is no longer an ordinary thing where you play an instrument in jeans and a T-shirt," Russell Brand's new wife admits. ""It has some pizazz these days, and I'm definitely bringing the pizazz with a lot of bells and whistles. This show has a Broadway feel to it. It's got a story line that's going to be very interesting, kind of loosely based on my life, but a cartoon version."
The 26-year-old is determined to make her first arena headlining tour on par with Lady Gaga and Pink's recent shows. She says she's most excited about the newest addition to the California Dreams show: smell-o-vision. "It's the first concert that's going to smell good," she said. "It's going to smell like you're in cotton candy heaven. It's a fun little nuance. I am a woman of detail, and you will be seeing that--- even down to the 15 outfit changes I am doing in concert."
She recently shot a guest appearance on 'How I Met Your Mother' and while she won't fess up to the part she plays, she admits, "I just did it basically because I'm obsessed with Neil Patrick Harris. He's really sweet, and the cast of the show was really nice to me and forgiving of my bad acting skills."
"After this interview Im going to have a nice healthy breakfast," the 5'8" star said. "I'm on a meal plan, which absolutely sucks, but on Sundays I get to have a cheat day where I go buck wild and eat In-N-Out Burger. Then I'll work out, go to a vocal lesson, run through the entire set at rehearsals, go to dance rehearsal until 10:00 pm, and then go home and sort through e-mails concerning the production. I feel like I'm training for the Olympics!"
"Touring is no longer an ordinary thing where you play an instrument in jeans and a T-shirt," Russell Brand's new wife admits. ""It has some pizazz these days, and I'm definitely bringing the pizazz with a lot of bells and whistles. This show has a Broadway feel to it. It's got a story line that's going to be very interesting, kind of loosely based on my life, but a cartoon version."
The 26-year-old is determined to make her first arena headlining tour on par with Lady Gaga and Pink's recent shows. She says she's most excited about the newest addition to the California Dreams show: smell-o-vision. "It's the first concert that's going to smell good," she said. "It's going to smell like you're in cotton candy heaven. It's a fun little nuance. I am a woman of detail, and you will be seeing that--- even down to the 15 outfit changes I am doing in concert."
She recently shot a guest appearance on 'How I Met Your Mother' and while she won't fess up to the part she plays, she admits, "I just did it basically because I'm obsessed with Neil Patrick Harris. He's really sweet, and the cast of the show was really nice to me and forgiving of my bad acting skills."
Monday, January 24, 2011
Morgan Spurlock Talks About Selling Out For all the Right Reasons
Back in 2004, Morgan Spurlock became the Cinderella story of Sundance (and eventually earned an Oscar nomination) for his muckraking stunt documentary Super Size Me about his effort to live solely on fast food from McDonald’s for a month. For his latest movie, Spurlock set himself a challenge even more difficult than pounding down endless Big Macs and Egg McMuffins: Make a documentary about product placement in entertainment — and the penetration of advertising into every corner our lives — that would actually be paid for entirely by product placements. The crazy thing is, it worked. The bitingly funny result – Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold — received a warm reception at its premiere Saturday, and Sony Classics will release the film in mid-April. Spurlock sat down with EW to talk about it.
EW: You said at the Q&A after the screening that the idea for this movie first came when you were watching an episode of Heroes that had a particularly egregious bit of product placement in which Hayden Panetierre’s character kept shouting about how excited she was to get a Nissan Rogue.
Spurlock: After seeing that, we got into a whole conversation about how pervasive product placement has become in movies and television. And that turned into a bigger conversation about how we’re marketed to everywhere we go. I mean, any bar you go to now, you use the bathroom and there are advertisements right in front of your eyes — or down in the urinal cake! So we said, “What if we made a movie all about product placement and actually got brands to pay for it?” We started calling ad agencies first, and none of them would play ball with us, because they were afraid. The last thing they would want to do is do anything to jeopardize their core relationships — especially with me. Because of Super Size Me, I came to the table with a tremendous amount of baggage. Then we decided to take our destiny in our own hands and started cold-calling hundreds of brands, and suddenly people started calling back, which was amazing.
EW: Obviously by bringing all these corporations into your project, you were risking essentially selling out your own movie.
Spurlock: Yeah, but I’m not selling out — I’m buying in! [laughs]
EW: So what are you hoping Hollywood — and the corporate world — will take away from the movie?
Spurlock: In the early days of television and radio, companies would sponsor things and say, “Do whatever you want.” If brands can stop being so precious, the more creative control they give to people who have talent — instead of just saying, “You have to hold up this can of Dr. Pepper in this shot” — the better off everyone will be. The companies who were willing to come on board this movie wind up looking great because they had the balls to take part.
EW: You’ve also been working on a documentary about Comic-Con with help from people like Joss Whedon and Stan Lee. What’s the status of that?
Spurlock: We’re in the process of editing right now. That movie will probably be out this year.
EW: And are you developing any non-documentary feature film projects?
Spurlock: After Super Size Me, people were like, “That movie was funny — let’s get him to do a comedy!” So I got sent all these terrible comedy scripts, like a Revenge of the Nerds remake, and I was like, “Absolutely not.” But now I’ve found a script that’s exactly the movie I’d want to make. It’s with Leonardo DiCaprio’s company, Appian Way. Now it’s just a matter of putting it together, which would be the coolest thing.
EW: Given that The Greatest Movie Ever Sold is all about pushing the boundaries of advertising, what sort of innovative things are you going to market your movie?
Spurlock: One of the things we’re going to do is we want to find a town that will rename their town “Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.” And whatever town does that, we’ll bring the premiere there. And it will be the greatest premiere that ever could have happened in that town!
EW: You said at the Q&A after the screening that the idea for this movie first came when you were watching an episode of Heroes that had a particularly egregious bit of product placement in which Hayden Panetierre’s character kept shouting about how excited she was to get a Nissan Rogue.
Spurlock: After seeing that, we got into a whole conversation about how pervasive product placement has become in movies and television. And that turned into a bigger conversation about how we’re marketed to everywhere we go. I mean, any bar you go to now, you use the bathroom and there are advertisements right in front of your eyes — or down in the urinal cake! So we said, “What if we made a movie all about product placement and actually got brands to pay for it?” We started calling ad agencies first, and none of them would play ball with us, because they were afraid. The last thing they would want to do is do anything to jeopardize their core relationships — especially with me. Because of Super Size Me, I came to the table with a tremendous amount of baggage. Then we decided to take our destiny in our own hands and started cold-calling hundreds of brands, and suddenly people started calling back, which was amazing.
EW: Obviously by bringing all these corporations into your project, you were risking essentially selling out your own movie.
Spurlock: Yeah, but I’m not selling out — I’m buying in! [laughs]
EW: So what are you hoping Hollywood — and the corporate world — will take away from the movie?
Spurlock: In the early days of television and radio, companies would sponsor things and say, “Do whatever you want.” If brands can stop being so precious, the more creative control they give to people who have talent — instead of just saying, “You have to hold up this can of Dr. Pepper in this shot” — the better off everyone will be. The companies who were willing to come on board this movie wind up looking great because they had the balls to take part.
EW: You’ve also been working on a documentary about Comic-Con with help from people like Joss Whedon and Stan Lee. What’s the status of that?
Spurlock: We’re in the process of editing right now. That movie will probably be out this year.
EW: And are you developing any non-documentary feature film projects?
Spurlock: After Super Size Me, people were like, “That movie was funny — let’s get him to do a comedy!” So I got sent all these terrible comedy scripts, like a Revenge of the Nerds remake, and I was like, “Absolutely not.” But now I’ve found a script that’s exactly the movie I’d want to make. It’s with Leonardo DiCaprio’s company, Appian Way. Now it’s just a matter of putting it together, which would be the coolest thing.
EW: Given that The Greatest Movie Ever Sold is all about pushing the boundaries of advertising, what sort of innovative things are you going to market your movie?
Spurlock: One of the things we’re going to do is we want to find a town that will rename their town “Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.” And whatever town does that, we’ll bring the premiere there. And it will be the greatest premiere that ever could have happened in that town!
Slash Talks About his New Horror-Movie Label, Slasher Films
When you think of Sundance, your mind doesn’t necessarily go straight to heavy metal guitarists with big hair and mirrored sunglasses. But former Guns N’ Roses guitar god Slash (who has actually been to Sundance many times as a movie buff, thank you very much) showed up at the festival on Sunday to announce the launch of his new horror-movie production company, Slasher Films, in which he’s partnering with Scout Productions. Turns out Slash — who’s currently on tour with Ozzy Osbourne — isn’t just into striking fear in the heart of teenage headbangers’ parents. He wants to scare everyone who goes to the movies, too.
EW: Where did the idea come from to get into producing horror movies?
Slash: It sort of fell in my lap. Rob Eric from Scout Productions is a friend of my wife, and one night we stayed up all night talking about horror movies. I’ve been a fan of horror films my whole life, and I have a pretty broad knowledge about them. Rob said, “You should start a production company and get behind making horror films. You could call it Slasher Films — it’s perfect!” I was like, “Far out!” So we said, let’s do it.
EW: Is there a hole in the current horror-movie landscape you’re looking to fill?
Slash: The big thing for me is, I was raised on really great horror movies. But sophisticated, dramatic horror movies died out in the late ’80s, and now I’ve sort of lost interest in going out and seeing horror movies because they’re usually gore movies and they’re not very creative. It’s all about the sensationalism and shock value. What I want to do is bring back character-driven, dramatic, intelligent, humorous horror movies — horror movies that have some depth.
EW: What kinds of movies are you developing?
Slash: We have four really great scripts we’re going to go into production with one right after another. The first one has the tentative title Nothing to Fear, which is going into production this year. It’s a really well-written demon story. It’s basically about a God-fearing Christian family who gets relocated to a small town in Kansas called Stull, which unbenownst to them happens to be one of the seven gateways to hell, and they’ve been lured there for an annual sacrifice [the townfolk] do for the demon that appears every year to satiate his bloodlust — otherwise he goes on a rampage. The ironic thing is that Stull is a real town that has this Internet folklore: It actually is supposed to be one of the gateways to hell, and the Pope won’t fly over it. I looked it up and was blown away. There’s another script called Theorem that’s about a mathematician who figures out the equation for evil and then, of course, there’s the hell that comes along with it. Then there’s another one called Wake the Dead, which is basically a modern, young Frankenstein story about a brilliant college student who’s discovered how to animate dead tissue — but he’s a teenager so he goes overboard. The last one is The Other Kingdom, which is about a big metropolitan hospital where the patients are overcome by an epidemic that turns them into these savage killing zombie types and the staff gets stuck in there with them.
EW: Rob Zombie also went from heavy metal into making horror films. Have you talked to him?
Slash: I haven’t talked to him since I got into this, but he and I have hung out and we both obviously have an affection for horror movies. I respect Rob a lot. I was impressed that he was able to resurrect the Halloween franchise and do a good job with it. But this is all a learning process for me right now. So far it’s been meeting a lot of people in the movie business and understanding director talk and writer speak and just being around a different group of professionals than I’m used to. We’ll see. [laughs] I have nothing to lose.
EW: Where did the idea come from to get into producing horror movies?
Slash: It sort of fell in my lap. Rob Eric from Scout Productions is a friend of my wife, and one night we stayed up all night talking about horror movies. I’ve been a fan of horror films my whole life, and I have a pretty broad knowledge about them. Rob said, “You should start a production company and get behind making horror films. You could call it Slasher Films — it’s perfect!” I was like, “Far out!” So we said, let’s do it.
EW: Is there a hole in the current horror-movie landscape you’re looking to fill?
Slash: The big thing for me is, I was raised on really great horror movies. But sophisticated, dramatic horror movies died out in the late ’80s, and now I’ve sort of lost interest in going out and seeing horror movies because they’re usually gore movies and they’re not very creative. It’s all about the sensationalism and shock value. What I want to do is bring back character-driven, dramatic, intelligent, humorous horror movies — horror movies that have some depth.
EW: What kinds of movies are you developing?
Slash: We have four really great scripts we’re going to go into production with one right after another. The first one has the tentative title Nothing to Fear, which is going into production this year. It’s a really well-written demon story. It’s basically about a God-fearing Christian family who gets relocated to a small town in Kansas called Stull, which unbenownst to them happens to be one of the seven gateways to hell, and they’ve been lured there for an annual sacrifice [the townfolk] do for the demon that appears every year to satiate his bloodlust — otherwise he goes on a rampage. The ironic thing is that Stull is a real town that has this Internet folklore: It actually is supposed to be one of the gateways to hell, and the Pope won’t fly over it. I looked it up and was blown away. There’s another script called Theorem that’s about a mathematician who figures out the equation for evil and then, of course, there’s the hell that comes along with it. Then there’s another one called Wake the Dead, which is basically a modern, young Frankenstein story about a brilliant college student who’s discovered how to animate dead tissue — but he’s a teenager so he goes overboard. The last one is The Other Kingdom, which is about a big metropolitan hospital where the patients are overcome by an epidemic that turns them into these savage killing zombie types and the staff gets stuck in there with them.
EW: Rob Zombie also went from heavy metal into making horror films. Have you talked to him?
Slash: I haven’t talked to him since I got into this, but he and I have hung out and we both obviously have an affection for horror movies. I respect Rob a lot. I was impressed that he was able to resurrect the Halloween franchise and do a good job with it. But this is all a learning process for me right now. So far it’s been meeting a lot of people in the movie business and understanding director talk and writer speak and just being around a different group of professionals than I’m used to. We’ll see. [laughs] I have nothing to lose.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Johnny Weir Talks Coming Out
Champion figure skater and “Skating with the Stars” judge Johnny Weir can officially add “author” to his long list of accomplishments.
The outspoken 26-year-old visited Access Hollywood Live on Thursday to discuss his new book, “Welcome to My World,” in which he publicly admits to being gay for the first time.
“I’ve lived my whole life exactly the way I’ve wanted to,” Johnny told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover. “Being gay, being white, being male, it doesn’t matter to me. They’re all things I’m born with.
“Now the fact that people are saying, ‘Oh my God, he’s finally come out’ — I was never in,” Johnny explained. “So many people in the gay community have always asked me to come out, say it like it is, and help our cause. But for me… I think my biggest statement I could give to the world is to be strong being myself… you have to make something of yourself and that’s what makes us strong.”
The fierce fashionista revealed that while his family is very accepting of his sexuality, growing up with his peers was not as simple.
“Of course I was bullied and of course I was called names — my last name is Weir,” Johnny told Billy and Kit. “That’s very, very close to weird, or queer and any of those words. But I’ve never been anyone to cry over spilled milk or be upset because kids don’t like me, or people don’t like me… It makes my skin stronger and thicker.
“And why cry?” he smiled, in true Johnny style. “Your mascara runs.”
To learn more about Johnny, pick up a copy of “Welcome to My World” – available in stores now.
The outspoken 26-year-old visited Access Hollywood Live on Thursday to discuss his new book, “Welcome to My World,” in which he publicly admits to being gay for the first time.
“I’ve lived my whole life exactly the way I’ve wanted to,” Johnny told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover. “Being gay, being white, being male, it doesn’t matter to me. They’re all things I’m born with.
“Now the fact that people are saying, ‘Oh my God, he’s finally come out’ — I was never in,” Johnny explained. “So many people in the gay community have always asked me to come out, say it like it is, and help our cause. But for me… I think my biggest statement I could give to the world is to be strong being myself… you have to make something of yourself and that’s what makes us strong.”
The fierce fashionista revealed that while his family is very accepting of his sexuality, growing up with his peers was not as simple.
“Of course I was bullied and of course I was called names — my last name is Weir,” Johnny told Billy and Kit. “That’s very, very close to weird, or queer and any of those words. But I’ve never been anyone to cry over spilled milk or be upset because kids don’t like me, or people don’t like me… It makes my skin stronger and thicker.
“And why cry?” he smiled, in true Johnny style. “Your mascara runs.”
To learn more about Johnny, pick up a copy of “Welcome to My World” – available in stores now.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Minka Kelly Talks Derek Jeter Engagement in GQ
Despite a Page Six murmur that Minka Kelly is engaged to New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, the 30-year-old 'Friday Night Lights' actress isn't tying the knot any time soon.
"I promise you, I'm not getting married in the next month," she tells GQ. (We think. A little tough to focus with that sexy photo spread...)
In the new issue, on newsstands Jan. 25, Kelly also clears up rumors about what Gawker dubbed her "airplane freak-out" last autumn, where Kelly reportedly threw a tantrum about her dog not being allowed to sit with her on the plane. A tipster told Gawker, "She called boyfriend Derek Jeter and handed phone to him to try and rationalize with the seven flight attendants it took to calm her down."
Minka fires back in GQ, "Do people think that somewhere in my brain, I think Derek can save me from someone telling me my dog can't fly? If that's the way I worked, he would have left me a long time ago."
At the news of Kelly and Jeter's engagement, HollywoodLife.com editor-in-chief Bonnie Fuller told PopEater, "She is clearly devoted to him. She goes to probably every game of his that her schedule allows. Being a celebrity herself, she'll understand the pressures of fame. It's helpful when you're as under the spotlight as Derek Jeter is, to have a girlfriend who does understand what that's like."
Kelly, who will soon star in 'The Roommate' and appear in Adam Sandler's 'Just Go With It,' was recently named Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive. Prior to her Jeter romance, she dated John Mayer.
"I promise you, I'm not getting married in the next month," she tells GQ. (We think. A little tough to focus with that sexy photo spread...)
In the new issue, on newsstands Jan. 25, Kelly also clears up rumors about what Gawker dubbed her "airplane freak-out" last autumn, where Kelly reportedly threw a tantrum about her dog not being allowed to sit with her on the plane. A tipster told Gawker, "She called boyfriend Derek Jeter and handed phone to him to try and rationalize with the seven flight attendants it took to calm her down."
Minka fires back in GQ, "Do people think that somewhere in my brain, I think Derek can save me from someone telling me my dog can't fly? If that's the way I worked, he would have left me a long time ago."
At the news of Kelly and Jeter's engagement, HollywoodLife.com editor-in-chief Bonnie Fuller told PopEater, "She is clearly devoted to him. She goes to probably every game of his that her schedule allows. Being a celebrity herself, she'll understand the pressures of fame. It's helpful when you're as under the spotlight as Derek Jeter is, to have a girlfriend who does understand what that's like."
Kelly, who will soon star in 'The Roommate' and appear in Adam Sandler's 'Just Go With It,' was recently named Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive. Prior to her Jeter romance, she dated John Mayer.
Monday, January 17, 2011
'Twilight' Star Talks Privacy, Money in Vogue
Kristen Stewart is living an atypical life for a 20-year-old.
Ever since she took on the role of Bella Swan in the "Twilight" films, she's crossed over into youth-idol status where emotions run high and she has zero privacy.
The actress says in the February issue of Vogue magazine that she can't go to a shopping mall and that it bothers her she can't be outside often.
Stewart is working on the final two films in the saga and says her wish is for the fans to be happy with the outcome.
Now that "Twilight" has made her a star, Stewart tells the magazine, she's trying to figure out what to do with the money she's made from her work. Stewart says it would be "amazing" to help fund halfway houses for people who need their kind of support.
Ever since she took on the role of Bella Swan in the "Twilight" films, she's crossed over into youth-idol status where emotions run high and she has zero privacy.
The actress says in the February issue of Vogue magazine that she can't go to a shopping mall and that it bothers her she can't be outside often.
Stewart is working on the final two films in the saga and says her wish is for the fans to be happy with the outcome.
Now that "Twilight" has made her a star, Stewart tells the magazine, she's trying to figure out what to do with the money she's made from her work. Stewart says it would be "amazing" to help fund halfway houses for people who need their kind of support.
B/R Exclusive: Emmitt Smith Talks Cowboys, Jason Garrett, Jerry Jones and More
This is the second installment of an exclusive Bleacher Report interview with NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith. Smith played on three Super Bowl championship teams and is the NFL's all-time leading rusher.
I asked Emmitt to talk about the Dallas Cowboys.
Was Jason Garrett a good hire?
Does Jerry Jones know what he is doing as general manager?
Will Deion Sanders and Charles Haley join teammates Emmitt, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Emmitt has opinions, and we've got them right here.
[Note: I have truncated the interview for ease of reading and flow. The entire interview is available in an audio file at the end of this article.]
Bleacher Report: Troy (Aikman) and Michael (Irvin) have already weighed in on Jason Garrett. They both seem to be pretty excited about him as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. What are your feelings on it?
Emmitt Smith: I am excited for Jason, also. What I love is, by watching the Cowboys last five or six games of the season, I saw a different team. I know he implemented a couple of changes to the practice schedule and I think it paid off.
It showed up in the areas where the Cowboys ran the ball very...um, well, I am not going to say very effectively, but they ran the ball better. Offensively, they started cutting down on some of the penalties. Defensively, they started getting turnovers, which is also important. And they started playing competitive football, which is most important.
Give Jason Garrett a whole year to make his demands and expectations known to the team, in terms of the offseason training program and the in-season training program, and get them to buy into that, I think you will see a very different football team.
One thing I can say about the Dallas Cowboys: They have always had talent around them. They have been one of the most talented football teams in all of football. With this type of focus and commitment from Jason Garrett, I think they can turn it around fairly quickly.
B/R: Do you think Jerry Jones will give him the kind of authority and freedom to do the things he wants to do and implement what needs to be done in order to succeed?
Emmitt: Well, we are talking about the difference between drafting players and running the football operations and implementing your gameplan for practice schedules and those kinds of things. I think Jerry is more likely to afford Jason the opportunity to run the practice facilities and expectations of the team the way he likes, but I still believe...Jerry has a whole lot to say about the players that he brings in.
That's not a problem, by the way. Think about it: I just said the Cowboys are one of the most talented football teams in all of football. Somebody had to bring that talent in.
B/R: So, you don't think talent evaluation is a real issue?
Emmitt: I think his talent evaluation has been excellent. It's been spot on in a lot of cases. Yeah, he may have made some mistakes here and there, but for the most part he has done well.
Emmitt did not mention the influence of Bill Parcells on the current roster. It was Parcells who found the undrafted Tony Romo and drafted perennial Pro Bowlers Jason Witten and DeMarcus Ware.
B/R: Speaking of talent evaluation, we are looking at a top-nine draft pick. What area would you like to see them focus on?
Emmitt: Um... (Pause.)
B/R: Or, is that more about taking the best player available at that point?
Emmitt: I think I would make a trade to try and get some more picks. Go down, you know, just to pick up a couple of extra second or third round picks...I think the Cowboys need to focus on some young ball-hawkers, meaning defensive players—secondary guys, safeties, linebackers, et cetera. But I (also) think we need to upgrade somewhere in our interior (offensive) line.
B/R: What about the running back situation? Are you comfortable with where it is?
Emmitt: I think that the trio is pretty solid, but the Cowboys need to figure out who's going to be No. 1, who's going to be No. 2 and then make a decision on the third back. If Marion (Barber) is your No. 3, can you get a cheaper No. 3, but an effective No. 3?
B/R: You and Troy and Michael are all in the Hall of Fame now. We have two more Cowboys from that era among the finalists this year: Charles Haley and Deion Sanders. Seems like Sanders ought to be a shoo-in, what do you think?
Emmitt: I agree. If there is a lock in the group, it ought to be Deion.
B/R: What about Charles Haley? Does he belong in the Hall of Fame and do you think he will get there?
Emmitt: Yes, he belongs in the Hall of Fame. The Dude's got five rings. He was a force to be dealt with in the National Football League. He deserves to be there. Will he get in? He probably gets snubbed because of the media.
B/R: Because of the perception of character issues and things like that?
Emmitt: Yeah, but the game is not predicated upon character issues. We all got flaws. Some have been exposed more than others.
Charles Haley was a difficult character to deal with for teammates, coaches and opponents. To my knowledge, however, he never ran afoul of the law. Since his playing career, he has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and now takes medication for it.
B/R: What other Cowboys from that era would you put into the Hall of Fame?
Emmitt: That's a good question. Larry Allen should be coming up.
B/R: He should be a first-ballot selection, shouldn't he?
Emmitt: Yeah. Drew Pearson should go in.
I am with Emmitt on that one. Drew Pearson was a game-changer with numbers very similar to those of the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, Pearson's contemporary and opponent in two of the best Super Bowls ever played.
Drew Pearson was the Cowboys' original No. 88 playmaker.
B/R: What about Darren Woodson? Do you think he will ever be a consideration?
Emmitt: He might be up for consideration. I just don't know if he will get in. I would love to see as many Cowboys get in as possible, but you know how that is.
For the record, offensive guard/tackle Larry Allen was an 11-time Pro Bowl player and was named to the All-Pro team six times in his 14-year career. Darren Woodson played strong safety for the Dallas Cowboys for 12 seasons. He was named to five Pro Bowls and was All-Pro three times. Woodson was a key defensive player on three Super Bowl-winning teams.
Drew Pearson was named to the all-'70s NFL team.
None of these players have found their way into the Cowboys' Ring of Honor yet. They really only need one vote for that.
I am looking at you, Jerry Jones.
This Emmitt Smith interview was brought to you courtesy of Hershey's and their Pro Football Hall of Fame Sweepstakes.
I asked Emmitt to talk about the Dallas Cowboys.
Was Jason Garrett a good hire?
Does Jerry Jones know what he is doing as general manager?
Will Deion Sanders and Charles Haley join teammates Emmitt, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Emmitt has opinions, and we've got them right here.
[Note: I have truncated the interview for ease of reading and flow. The entire interview is available in an audio file at the end of this article.]
Bleacher Report: Troy (Aikman) and Michael (Irvin) have already weighed in on Jason Garrett. They both seem to be pretty excited about him as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. What are your feelings on it?
Emmitt Smith: I am excited for Jason, also. What I love is, by watching the Cowboys last five or six games of the season, I saw a different team. I know he implemented a couple of changes to the practice schedule and I think it paid off.
It showed up in the areas where the Cowboys ran the ball very...um, well, I am not going to say very effectively, but they ran the ball better. Offensively, they started cutting down on some of the penalties. Defensively, they started getting turnovers, which is also important. And they started playing competitive football, which is most important.
Give Jason Garrett a whole year to make his demands and expectations known to the team, in terms of the offseason training program and the in-season training program, and get them to buy into that, I think you will see a very different football team.
One thing I can say about the Dallas Cowboys: They have always had talent around them. They have been one of the most talented football teams in all of football. With this type of focus and commitment from Jason Garrett, I think they can turn it around fairly quickly.
B/R: Do you think Jerry Jones will give him the kind of authority and freedom to do the things he wants to do and implement what needs to be done in order to succeed?
Emmitt: Well, we are talking about the difference between drafting players and running the football operations and implementing your gameplan for practice schedules and those kinds of things. I think Jerry is more likely to afford Jason the opportunity to run the practice facilities and expectations of the team the way he likes, but I still believe...Jerry has a whole lot to say about the players that he brings in.
That's not a problem, by the way. Think about it: I just said the Cowboys are one of the most talented football teams in all of football. Somebody had to bring that talent in.
B/R: So, you don't think talent evaluation is a real issue?
Emmitt: I think his talent evaluation has been excellent. It's been spot on in a lot of cases. Yeah, he may have made some mistakes here and there, but for the most part he has done well.
Emmitt did not mention the influence of Bill Parcells on the current roster. It was Parcells who found the undrafted Tony Romo and drafted perennial Pro Bowlers Jason Witten and DeMarcus Ware.
B/R: Speaking of talent evaluation, we are looking at a top-nine draft pick. What area would you like to see them focus on?
Emmitt: Um... (Pause.)
B/R: Or, is that more about taking the best player available at that point?
Emmitt: I think I would make a trade to try and get some more picks. Go down, you know, just to pick up a couple of extra second or third round picks...I think the Cowboys need to focus on some young ball-hawkers, meaning defensive players—secondary guys, safeties, linebackers, et cetera. But I (also) think we need to upgrade somewhere in our interior (offensive) line.
B/R: What about the running back situation? Are you comfortable with where it is?
Emmitt: I think that the trio is pretty solid, but the Cowboys need to figure out who's going to be No. 1, who's going to be No. 2 and then make a decision on the third back. If Marion (Barber) is your No. 3, can you get a cheaper No. 3, but an effective No. 3?
B/R: You and Troy and Michael are all in the Hall of Fame now. We have two more Cowboys from that era among the finalists this year: Charles Haley and Deion Sanders. Seems like Sanders ought to be a shoo-in, what do you think?
Emmitt: I agree. If there is a lock in the group, it ought to be Deion.
B/R: What about Charles Haley? Does he belong in the Hall of Fame and do you think he will get there?
Emmitt: Yes, he belongs in the Hall of Fame. The Dude's got five rings. He was a force to be dealt with in the National Football League. He deserves to be there. Will he get in? He probably gets snubbed because of the media.
B/R: Because of the perception of character issues and things like that?
Emmitt: Yeah, but the game is not predicated upon character issues. We all got flaws. Some have been exposed more than others.
Charles Haley was a difficult character to deal with for teammates, coaches and opponents. To my knowledge, however, he never ran afoul of the law. Since his playing career, he has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and now takes medication for it.
B/R: What other Cowboys from that era would you put into the Hall of Fame?
Emmitt: That's a good question. Larry Allen should be coming up.
B/R: He should be a first-ballot selection, shouldn't he?
Emmitt: Yeah. Drew Pearson should go in.
I am with Emmitt on that one. Drew Pearson was a game-changer with numbers very similar to those of the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, Pearson's contemporary and opponent in two of the best Super Bowls ever played.
Drew Pearson was the Cowboys' original No. 88 playmaker.
B/R: What about Darren Woodson? Do you think he will ever be a consideration?
Emmitt: He might be up for consideration. I just don't know if he will get in. I would love to see as many Cowboys get in as possible, but you know how that is.
For the record, offensive guard/tackle Larry Allen was an 11-time Pro Bowl player and was named to the All-Pro team six times in his 14-year career. Darren Woodson played strong safety for the Dallas Cowboys for 12 seasons. He was named to five Pro Bowls and was All-Pro three times. Woodson was a key defensive player on three Super Bowl-winning teams.
Drew Pearson was named to the all-'70s NFL team.
None of these players have found their way into the Cowboys' Ring of Honor yet. They really only need one vote for that.
I am looking at you, Jerry Jones.
This Emmitt Smith interview was brought to you courtesy of Hershey's and their Pro Football Hall of Fame Sweepstakes.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tatyana Ali Talks 'Love That Girl,' Her First Sitcom Since 'Fresh Prince'
Tatyana Ali returns to TV tonight for the first time since her days as Ashley Banks on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' After an interim spent putting out a gold-selling album in the late '90s, earning a bachelor's degree at Harvard in the early 2000s and lending a hand to Barack Obama's presidential campaign, Ali sounds happy to be knee-deep in a new show.
'Love That Girl' is a big deal for the 31-year-old actress, marking her first sitcom since 'Fresh Prince' and network TV One's first original scripted program. With executive producers Martin Lawrence, Grammy-winner Raphael Saadiq, 'Full House' creator Jeff Franklin and 'Jamie Foxx' show-runner Bentley Kyle Evans, Ali's ensemble comedy has odds stacked in its favor.
Ali spoke with PopEater about life since 'Fresh Prince,' stepping back onto a TV set, the pressure of being the girl on 'Love That Girl' and how much she loves former co-star Will Smith's daughter Willow and her jam 'Whip My Hair.'
What can you tell us about 'Love That Girl'?
My character, Tyana Jones, got married young. She's divorced now but still pretty young, and she decides to move back to LA to start her life over and sort of become independent for the first time, figure out who she is. She's foiled by her brother Latrell, played by Alphonso McAuley, an amazing comedian. He's an out-of-work stand-up comic; he asks if he can sleep on her couch, and he doesn't leave. She also ends up working for her father in a real estate firm. You see her trials and tribulations of figuring out who she is, dating, the difference between wrong and right, and you have a conflict between her family and her friends. But at the end of the day, they always have each other. They stick together.
What attracted you to the show? It's been such a long time since you were on TV.
I really loved what the creator, Bentley Evans, was trying to do. I thought it was really smart and cool. I also loved that he had never done a female-driven show before. I love the character -- I haven't seen anybody like her, especially on a sitcom, in a while. She's strong, but she's still fragile. Sometimes she's a grown, independent woman, but sometimes she's just a girl. She fights really hard for what she believes in, she has a lot of integrity, but sometimes she's totally confused. She actually fights when she's confused, which I think is most assuring about her. [laughs]
What's it like being back on a TV set?
I feel more pressure than I've ever felt before because I'm the girl in 'That Girl,' but it's very much an ensemble. Everybody involved in it -- all the writers, the crew, the cameramen -- they're all seasoned, real professionals. It's been amazing. We ad lib a lot on set. We laugh a lot.
Will people tuning in for the 'Fresh Prince' factor be into this?
I definitely think so. They might tune in for the Martin Lawrence factor, or for Bentley's Jamie Foxx ties -- but people tuning in are gonna laugh. It's a really funny show and it has a lot of heart. It's really creative. The characters are pretty special; I don't think they're characters we've seen before.
Is the goal to top 'Fresh Prince' in some sense?
To top it? No. 'Fresh Prince' has become so iconic. It's such a part of American history almost, in people's lives, people growing up with the show. I know that sounds crazy, but ...
Not at all. You're speaking to someone you just described.
Right. I'm blessed because I did 'Fresh Prince' when I was young, and I'm still young and I can do more things. It's not so much topping 'Fresh Prince' as personally, as a performer, I don't feel like I've reached the best of what I can do. I still think I can do more. That's what I want to top.
What's the 'Fresh Prince' legacy on your life?
It's amazing. People recognize me wherever I am -- I think it's because I look very similar to when I was younger. That could be a negative thing, but on the other hand, people treat me with so much love and affection because of the character and because they love her and loved the show. I really do believe that if I was destitute, if something happened and I was on the corner somewhere, I think someone would give me a sandwich. It's the amount of love ... it's really genuine, and it's really amazing.
Can we expect more music from you someday? Your album 'Kiss the Sky' was a big hit back in the late '90s.
Yes, I hope so. I'm working on that now and figuring it out, trying out some different sounds. I love singing. I want to say expect something. It's been a really, really long time. It's kind of scary to do something you've been away from for so long -- are people gonna care, is it gonna matter? But my best girlfriend sent me a YouTube clip of a young girl, probably 16 or 17; her friend's in the front seat doing beatbox, and her other friend's in the backseat with a guitar, and they're doing 'Daydreamin.' It made me cry!
What's new in your non-Hollywood life? Seeing anyone? Any exciting news lately?
Oh, what's going on with that. That is ... what's the Facebook choice you could write? It's complicated. You could put that. I'm happy. Everything is good. I can't announce "I'm engaged, I'm getting married!" But yeah, I'm happy.
Last thing -- what do you think of Will Smith's daughter Willow and her song 'Whip My Hair'?
I knew that she was singing; Will told me about it. Then 'Whip My Hair' was my anthem when it came out, for a long while. I'm a huge Willow Smith fan -- I think she's amazing. When I first heard the single, my jaw just dropped. First of all, she sounds amazing. She looks -- she is -- a rock star, but she was a rock star at birth, anyway. The other thing that makes me really proud, even though I had nothing to do with it, is that her song is so empowering. I mean, how old am I, and I'm like, "Yeah, I wanna whip my hair!" I love that it's so positive and cool and showing little girls what strength is. That's amazing
'Love That Girl' is a big deal for the 31-year-old actress, marking her first sitcom since 'Fresh Prince' and network TV One's first original scripted program. With executive producers Martin Lawrence, Grammy-winner Raphael Saadiq, 'Full House' creator Jeff Franklin and 'Jamie Foxx' show-runner Bentley Kyle Evans, Ali's ensemble comedy has odds stacked in its favor.
Ali spoke with PopEater about life since 'Fresh Prince,' stepping back onto a TV set, the pressure of being the girl on 'Love That Girl' and how much she loves former co-star Will Smith's daughter Willow and her jam 'Whip My Hair.'
What can you tell us about 'Love That Girl'?
My character, Tyana Jones, got married young. She's divorced now but still pretty young, and she decides to move back to LA to start her life over and sort of become independent for the first time, figure out who she is. She's foiled by her brother Latrell, played by Alphonso McAuley, an amazing comedian. He's an out-of-work stand-up comic; he asks if he can sleep on her couch, and he doesn't leave. She also ends up working for her father in a real estate firm. You see her trials and tribulations of figuring out who she is, dating, the difference between wrong and right, and you have a conflict between her family and her friends. But at the end of the day, they always have each other. They stick together.
What attracted you to the show? It's been such a long time since you were on TV.
I really loved what the creator, Bentley Evans, was trying to do. I thought it was really smart and cool. I also loved that he had never done a female-driven show before. I love the character -- I haven't seen anybody like her, especially on a sitcom, in a while. She's strong, but she's still fragile. Sometimes she's a grown, independent woman, but sometimes she's just a girl. She fights really hard for what she believes in, she has a lot of integrity, but sometimes she's totally confused. She actually fights when she's confused, which I think is most assuring about her. [laughs]
What's it like being back on a TV set?
I feel more pressure than I've ever felt before because I'm the girl in 'That Girl,' but it's very much an ensemble. Everybody involved in it -- all the writers, the crew, the cameramen -- they're all seasoned, real professionals. It's been amazing. We ad lib a lot on set. We laugh a lot.
Will people tuning in for the 'Fresh Prince' factor be into this?
I definitely think so. They might tune in for the Martin Lawrence factor, or for Bentley's Jamie Foxx ties -- but people tuning in are gonna laugh. It's a really funny show and it has a lot of heart. It's really creative. The characters are pretty special; I don't think they're characters we've seen before.
Is the goal to top 'Fresh Prince' in some sense?
To top it? No. 'Fresh Prince' has become so iconic. It's such a part of American history almost, in people's lives, people growing up with the show. I know that sounds crazy, but ...
Not at all. You're speaking to someone you just described.
Right. I'm blessed because I did 'Fresh Prince' when I was young, and I'm still young and I can do more things. It's not so much topping 'Fresh Prince' as personally, as a performer, I don't feel like I've reached the best of what I can do. I still think I can do more. That's what I want to top.
What's the 'Fresh Prince' legacy on your life?
It's amazing. People recognize me wherever I am -- I think it's because I look very similar to when I was younger. That could be a negative thing, but on the other hand, people treat me with so much love and affection because of the character and because they love her and loved the show. I really do believe that if I was destitute, if something happened and I was on the corner somewhere, I think someone would give me a sandwich. It's the amount of love ... it's really genuine, and it's really amazing.
Can we expect more music from you someday? Your album 'Kiss the Sky' was a big hit back in the late '90s.
Yes, I hope so. I'm working on that now and figuring it out, trying out some different sounds. I love singing. I want to say expect something. It's been a really, really long time. It's kind of scary to do something you've been away from for so long -- are people gonna care, is it gonna matter? But my best girlfriend sent me a YouTube clip of a young girl, probably 16 or 17; her friend's in the front seat doing beatbox, and her other friend's in the backseat with a guitar, and they're doing 'Daydreamin.' It made me cry!
What's new in your non-Hollywood life? Seeing anyone? Any exciting news lately?
Oh, what's going on with that. That is ... what's the Facebook choice you could write? It's complicated. You could put that. I'm happy. Everything is good. I can't announce "I'm engaged, I'm getting married!" But yeah, I'm happy.
Last thing -- what do you think of Will Smith's daughter Willow and her song 'Whip My Hair'?
I knew that she was singing; Will told me about it. Then 'Whip My Hair' was my anthem when it came out, for a long while. I'm a huge Willow Smith fan -- I think she's amazing. When I first heard the single, my jaw just dropped. First of all, she sounds amazing. She looks -- she is -- a rock star, but she was a rock star at birth, anyway. The other thing that makes me really proud, even though I had nothing to do with it, is that her song is so empowering. I mean, how old am I, and I'm like, "Yeah, I wanna whip my hair!" I love that it's so positive and cool and showing little girls what strength is. That's amazing
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