We just discovered the news that comedian Gerald Kelly (probably best known for his performance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam) suffered a heart attack yesterday and is recovering.
According to our sources, the heart attack was instant and no word on how severe the heart attack was but Kelly is currently in intensive care.
Prayers to the Kelly family!
This story is still developing! We will let you know where to send Get Well Cards soon!
Arsenio Hall Reflects on Kobe Bryant’s Career BEFORE His Magical Final Game!
The comedian and courtside regular recalls first meeting ‘The Black Mamba,’ attending college games with him and his dream of the basketball player remaking ’48 Hours’ with Barack Obama.
Arsenio Hall, the comedian and former talk show host, has been cheering for the Lakers since the early 1980s. Not only is he a courtside fixture at games but he’s friends with many former players, including Lakers legend Magic Johnson. And he’ll be attending Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game tonight at the Staples Center versus the Utah Jazz. Bryant is wrapping up a 20-year career — all with the Lakers (an NBA record). In advance of tonight’s action, Hall took a few minutes to talk with The Hollywood Reporter about his first meeting with Bryant, what he’s like off the court and his dream of a Kobe-Obama buddy picture.
You’re going to the game tonight. What are you thinking about right now?
I remember standing with Magic and meeting Kobe the first time. I’m one of those guys — I’d love to be hard, but I’m not. I could almost cry thinking about that day to this day. I don’t know how I’m going to handle tonight as a fan. Cause I’m such a huge fan of the game, and if you’re a huge fan of the game then forget the teams, who roots for who. If you love the game and you’re a huge fan of the game, if you know this game that Dr. Naismith created with peach baskets and you truly love it, you have to be connected to this man’s departure tonight. It means something to you. I’m not talking about teams anymore. I’m talking loving this damn game. He has been so special. He’s given so much to it. And I remember standing in the Great Western Forum, and this kid with this amazing smile and his little afro walks up to me, shakes my hand, talks to me for a moment. And to remember that moment, in the corner of the court, standing next to Glenn Frey at the Great Western Forum. It’s just incredibly sentimental. I get choked up going from that day to this day.
Do you have a special memory of Kobe?
I remember this time there was this shoe that nobody could get. All the kids were tripping and like the next day, the shoe arrives at my office. And I don’t even know how Kobe knew. I think he heard through some people that I had said something, but I didn’t mean for it — the shoe just came. I didn’t ask him. The shoe just came. I remember another situation with Kobe where he wanted to watch Adam Morrison [a college star at Gonzaga who went third in the NBA draft]. We went out to watch him at Pepperdine, if I remember correctly, it was a Pepperdine-Gonzaga game, and Kobe had his two daughters, and my son got to sit close to Kobe. That was the greatest for my son.
What’s it like sitting in the stands with Kobe?
He really watched the game, and the only time Kobe wasn’t obsessed with watching the game was maybe his daughters said something. At that point you clearly see he’s a dad first, a baller second. Sometimes I just like to be the voice of that opposite experience, and know him as a man and off the court. He’s really, really a special kind of guy. You don’t hear that about him as a player.
What’s he like off the court?
Incredibly bright. The one thing I noticed about the moments I’ve been with him — he’ not like Magic, not like a close personal friend; Magic’s like my brother — the one thing I noticed about Kobe and Phil Jackson is they were much smarter than I expected. You can mention a book and Kobe will know the book. That kind of thing. Really smart guy.
Where does he rank among the pantheon of Laker greats?
My Laker Mount Rushmore always creates arguments. It’s harder to create an ideal Mount Rushmore when you know the guys, because you can’t help but to get personal. I really, really love Jerry West. He’s such a great guy, a humble guy. Here’s a guy who’s never satisfied. I talked to Jerry West about his game and about the past. He’s never happy with the way he does things but he’s so f—ing humble, it’s amazing. He reminds me of Richard Pryor. He’s the greatest, but you wouldn’t know it if you talked to him. My Mount Rushmore includes him, because he’s such a wonderful guy and he’s always been a good friend to me. I put Kobe there. I’d obviously put Magic, my little brother there, and I put Shaq in there. It’s partially because they were great for the team, but I know all four of them as being wonderful men, wonderful citizens, wonderful fathers. That’s important to me, because the world’s watching, children are watching, and those four guys are special players and special human beings and citizens.
What do you think post-playing Kobe will do?
It’s funny to say that, because I was about tweet George Lopez, and my tweet — I didn’t even hit send, but my tweet was gonna be “What does the Mamba do Thursday morning?” I know there’s a Kobe Inc. and what that’s all about. Now if I had my guess of course, I’m not an athlete nor a serious thinker, but my favorite: He loves film, very smart about film; he loves to be involved. I’d like to see a Barack Obama and Kobe Bryant buddy comedy — a remake of 48 Hours. They both gotta be idols, they both seem to have one eye on Hollywood. I have been noticing President Obama has his connections here, his involvement here. You can’t help but think, does he really want to be a star? Does he want to come out here? Does he want to run Paramount? But the bottom line is, if I could rub a lamp I would get a remake of 48 Hours with those two.
Man, if there’s a mythical Sunday morning pickup game at your house with Obama, Kobe, Magic and you, I want an invite.
That would be great. I think we should do it at Jeffrey Katzenberg’s house, cause I know he can get Barack over to the house. And we should do it, the basket against the garage at Katzenberg’s house.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Is Kevin Hart Retiring From Stand Up?
Kevin Hart may be done with touring.
After performing 156 shows on his most recent stint on the road, and journeying across 112 cities, 13 countries and five continents, the comedian says be may put the suitcase in storage. He has nothing left to prove.
“I don’t know if I’m ever going to go out and do it again,” Hart told theater owners at CinemaCon on Wednesday, adding that it was “my last fucking tour.”
Hart may be the most successful stand-up comic of his generation, commanding the kind of crowds that Eddie Murphy and Steve Martin did in their prime. Fans of the comedian can take solace in Hart’s upcoming movie, “What Now?” It features Hart in the midst of his global road-trip, culminating in his sell-out show at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.
Instead of a “Last Waltz”-like rumination on the grind of the road, however, “What Now?” is an off-beat hybrid. Part concert film, part action-adventure. Footage screened at the exhibition industry trade show highlighted Hart, channeling James Bond while playing poker with Don Cheadle. Halle Berry also had a cameo.
The highlight of the spot found Hart mimicking a gory sequence from “The Equalizer.” In a sendup of Denzel Washington’s deft use of a corkscrew to vivisect Russian gangsters, Hart performed a similar trick with the wine opener only to be doused in blood. After kicking ass like an oversized superhero, the pint-sized hero then whimpers like a school boy.
Before screening the footage, Hart entered the Colosseum at Caesars Palace flanked by showgirls, with ring announcer Michael Buffer providing his signature “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” introduction. He touted Hart as “the undisputed thimble-weight champion of the world.”
Hart’s pitch to the assembled film exhibitors and press came just after a showing of clips from the latest Jason Bourne thriller. “I say that is pretty good,” Hart quipped, “but mine is better.”
The “Ride Along” and “Wedding Ringer” star also struck a more serious note.
“I believe that laughter heals all wounds,” he said. “It’s a goal of mine to make people understand the power of laughter…I’m that person that you can laugh at.”
Source: Variety
David Oyelowo To Star In Gun Violence Pic ‘Another Day In The Death Of America’!
David Oyelowo has been attached to star in and produce Another Day In The Death Of America, the haunting upcoming nonfiction book by The Guardian journalist Gary Younge. It’s based on the true story of the writer who investigated 10 children shot dead in one random day in America, a wrenching journey which led to his book. The Allegiance Theater, headed by Daniel Dubiecki and Lara Alameddine — they have the Cannes-bound Money Monster teed up as its first production — and Eric Eisner of Double E Pictures have acquired film and life rights to the book, which falls squarely in the center of the national discussion over guns and violence in the U.S.
The book focuses on Saturday, November 23, 2013, when 10 children were shot dead — the youngest was 9 and the oldest was 19. None made the national news meaning it was just another day in America, where on average seven children and teens are killed by guns daily. Younge picked the date at random, searched for their families, and tells the stories not of how they died but how they lived. What emerges is a sobering, searing portrait of youth and guns in contemporary America. And for Younge, what starts out as an assignment full of challenges becomes a personal mission.
The book will be published in September by Faber & Faber in the UK and by Nation Books in the U.S. on October 4.
Allegiance Theater’s Dubiecki (Up In The Air, Juno) and Alameddine are producing this with Oleyowo via his Yoruba Saxon Productions, and Eisner will produce and finance through Double E (Hamlet 2). Tim Crane and Younge serve as executive producers. CAA packaged the rights deal and reps Allegiance Theater, Double E and Oyelowo.
The busy Oyelowo voiced a role in Disney’s upcoming The Jungle Book and is currently shooting Amazon’s Nash Edgerton movie with Charlize Theron. After that comes the Paramount sci-fi thriller God Particle opposite Gugu Mbhta-Raw, and then he segues to off-Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop in the fall to play the lead in Othello opposite Daniel Craig.
Aside from its first project in TriStar’sMoney Monster starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts and directed by Jodie Foster, Allegiance has been ramping up. In the works is Please Stand By starring Dakota Fanning and Toni Colette, now in post; TWC/Dimension’s Veronica’s Room from scribe Mark Bomback based on Ira Levin’s play; A Head Full Of Ghosts produced with Susan and Robert Downey Jr. for Focus Features; and Gizelle’s Bucket List financed by Oddlot.
Double E is wrapping production on the untitled Grateful Dead documentary being directed by Amir Bar-Lev with Martin Scorsese as executive producer.
Allegiance is also repped by Richard Thompson of Bloom Hergott; Double E by Keith Fleer; and Oyelowo by Inphenate, Hamilton-Hodell and attorney Ira Schreck. The Another Day deal was brokered by Younge’s rep Luke Speed at Curtis Brown UK.
WATCH: New Trailer For Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, Thriller ‘When The Bough Breaks’!
Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems has released the first trailer for the psychological thriller “When the Bough Breaks” (previously titled “The Surrogate”), directed by Jon Cassar (“24,” “The Kennedys”), from a screenplay penned by Jack Olsen and Karl Gajdusek.
Official synopsis reads: John and Laura Taylor (Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall) are a young, professional couple who desperately want a baby. After exhausting all other options, they finally hire Anna (Jaz Sinclair), the perfect woman to be their surrogate – but as she gets further along in her pregnancy, so too does her psychotic and dangerous fixation on the husband. The couple becomes caught up in Anna’s deadly game and must fight to regain control of their future before it’s too late.
“When the Bough Breaks” is produced by former New Line toppers, Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, and executive produced by Screen Gems’ Glenn Gainor.
Valerie Bleth Sharp is co-producer and Brian Dukes is associate producer.
A September 2016 release is eyed, although no exact date has been announced yet.
Trailer:
Universal Pictures Retitles David E Talbert’s ‘A Meyers Christmas’ To ‘Almost Christmas’!
Universal Pictures’ A MEYERS CHRISTMAS has been retitled ALMOST CHRISTMAS and will be released on its previously announced date, Friday, November 11, 2016.
The new comedy from writer/director David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim) and producer Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like a Man series, This Christmas), Almost Christmas tells the festive story of a beloved patriarch who asks his family for one gift this holiday season: to get along. If they can honor that wish and spend five days under the same roof without killing one another, it will be a Christmas miracle.
The all-star cast of Almost Christmas is led by Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, Romany Malco, Mo’Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, J.B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Jessie Usher and DC Young Fly. www.almostchristmasmovie.com
How Ice Cube Quietly Evolved Into A Hollywood Powerhouse
After presenting the first award of the 2016 Grammys at the Staples Center, Ice Cube did something unexpected: He left.
“If any of y’all thought I was gonna stay through that three-hour bullshit, you out your batty-ass mind,” he growled to his fans over Snapchat. “I’m back in the car, b—h!” The subsequent drag of smoke into the camera suggested this was — in fact — not the move of a responsible, middle-aged family man, but reaffirmation of his OG status. Contrary to popular thought, he seemed to say, there is swagger in getting home at a reasonable hour.
This is Ice Cube’s world: a balancing act of studied machismo and subdued confidence. Cube arguably hasn’t released a good album since Clinton’s decision to enforce UN sanctions against Haiti — but the former voice behind N.W.A. remains a cultural fixture through an array of projects mostly quarterbacked by his production company, Cube Vision, which frequently positions Cube as a comic face.
Still, it would be a mistake to mischaracterize the hardcore rapper’s appearance in comedy series like 21 Jump Street and Ride Along as simple self-parody. Some misdiagnose Cube with Eddie Murphy syndrome, in which a previously “dangerous” black entertainer is cast in demeaning, cringe-inducing Hollywood fare. (Murphy’s early 2000s output, like Daddy Day Care and Haunted Mansion, have come to define this schlocky subgenre — but the granddaddy is actually Richard Pryor’s excruciatingThe Toy.)
Kevin Hart Talks His Pricey Upcoming Wedding, Reveals Why He Wasn’t Allowed to Star in ‘Baywatch’
Apparently nude beaches are frowned upon in Baywatch! Comedian Kevin Hart may be starring alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the upcoming film, Central Intelligence, but he couldn’t score a spot in The Rock’s upcomingBaywatch reboot.
“You know what, I try but they wouldn’t let me go nude,” Hart quipped to ET’s Cameron Mathison at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. “I said ‘Look man.’ I said ‘My trunks got to come off, if I’m gonna be in there. I’m trying to do a different type of slow-mo run.’ They said, ‘No. No, Kevin, you can’t have it.’”
Joking aside, Hart was incredibly complimentary of Johnson’s work ethic and talent.
“He’s a guy who understands the business,” Hart said. “He understands the importance of putting in 110 percent effort into himself and to his brand. That dedication pays off and it shows. So I’m lucky to have a guy to be by my side that I can feel I’m protected by when we’re shooting.”
Hart doesn’t quite have the same protection when it comes to his upcoming wedding to fiancée Eniko Parrish.
“I’m looking at numbers, everything she says to me, I’m like ‘Yeah, that’s great. It’s gonna be nice. How much?’” he joked.
So how far does Hart need to delve into his wallet for his big day?
“You know, we there. We there,” he said. “We’re in some crazy places right now, but it’s all worth it. You know why? Because this is the woman that I love. And I want my woman to have a perfect day. That’s what any man should want.
“See how I just turned that around? Ladies just melted.”
Source: Entertainment Tonight
TV One Renews ‘Rickey Smiley For Real’!
SILVER SPRING, MD – APRIL 11, 2016 – Following its first season as the No. 2 Program on Cable in its time slot among Black P25-54 and reaching 8.2 million Unique P2+ Viewers, TV One announced today a second season renewal of Rickey Smiley For Real. Featuring nationally syndicated radio personality, host and stand-up comedianRickey Smiley, the hour-long series takes a humorous look at his life as he manages his career, single fatherhood and personal life. The second season, which finds Smiley concentrating more on the three F’s – Fun, Family, and Focus – is slated to premiere Tuesday, May 10 at 8 p.m. ET.
“Rickey’s unmatched sense of humor, business savvy and passion for his family resonated well with our audience,” said TV One President Brad Siegel. “We are thrilled to team up with Rickey and both his real family and radio show family for another season of real life turmoil and love.”
A voyeuristic view into what makes Smiley a successful media mogul in radio, comedy and television, TV One’sRickey Smiley For Real,captures the syndicated host as he juggles two families – one at home and the other at work. In the second season, Smiley commits to enjoying the fruits of his labor. After many years struggling to balance the responsibilities of his large and unique family, along with growing and challenging himself in his career, he is determined to be more attuned to his own needs. Viewers will follow as Smiley steps back from his Dish Nation show, takes a trip to the Bahamas, tours withMike Epps, collaborates with R&B icon Kelly Price, and celebrates his 15th college fraternity anniversary.
Throughout the second season, Smiley will also do his best to keep his kids on the right track. He is concerned with how his success may be affecting his family, particularly the boys. Brandon, Malik, and Craigeach challenge Smiley as they attempt to find themselves, landing in a variety of behavioral, disciplinary, and legal issues. And as always, he keeps a close eye on daughters D’Essence and Aaryn as they face their own growing pains.
“Season two of Rickey Smiley For Real is already showing signs of being even bigger and better than our stupendous season one,” saidSmiley. “I am hugely thankful to the viewers for their support and excited about TV One’s dedication to bringing a quality second season to our viewers. Thank you all for allowing my family inside your homes every Tuesday night!”
Smiley’s radio family continues to play an integral role in his life, with everyone supporting each other in their attempts to reach personal and professional goals. When Gary isn’t finding love in all the wrong places, he is focused on making his male underwear line the next big thing. In addition, Da Brat and Krack expand their music and acting careers, Juicy shores up her clothing label and Rock–T sets the example for them all with his self–proclaimed “near perfect” marriage and charitable work.
Rickey Smiley For Real highlights the ups and downs of a blended and extended family. And at the end of the day, Smiley infuses his brand of comedy into every situation. Unapologetically real, this cast of characters makes for a family anyone would want to call their own. For more information on TV One’s Rickey Smiley For Real, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv.
TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Periscope (@tvonetv)using the hashtag #RickeySmileyForReal and catch clips and promos on TV One’s YouTube Channel.
Rickey Smiley For Real is produced by Bobbcat Films for TV One withRickey Smiley and Roger M. Bobb as executive producers and Angi Bones as co-executive producer. For TV One, Lamar Chase is executive-in-charge of production, Robyn Greene Arrington is vice president of original programming and production, and D’Angela Proctor is head of original programming and production.
Oxygen Media Brings Comedy To Tuesday Nights Premiering “Living with Funny”!
NEW YORK, NY – March 2, 2016 –Oxygen Mediadocuments the entertaining lives of five rising comedians and the women who share the spotlight with them, in the new half-hour series, “Living with Funny” premiering Tuesday, April 12 at 9 PM ET/PT. Showcasing what happens when these entertainers drop the mic and head home to their family, friends and significant others, the comedic series follows Brandon T. Jackson and girlfriend Denise Xavier, DeRay Davis and girlfriends’ Coco & Caro,Michael Blackson and girlfriend Georgia Reign, Erik Rivera and wife Katie Rivera, along with bachelor Adam Hunter. For these funnymen, the jokes don’t stop just because the show does.
“Whether they are performing on stage or sitting at the kitchen table, these comedians are always ready to entertain,” said Rod Aissa, Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development, Oxygen Media. ”’Living with Funny’ delivers a glimpse into the at-home lives of five larger than life personalities and the love and relationships that make them who they are. The series gives our young modern audience a front row seat to see the real-life funny that makes it into their acts.”
In the premiere episode, “Living with the Spotlight,” Brandon annoys Denise when he takes her out to lunch and can’t focus on what’s in front of him. Georgia finds a condom in the house and urges Michael to have ‘the talk’ with his son. Deray and his two girlfriends, Coco & Caro, host a house party but he ends up looking like a clown.
Brandon T. Jackson always knew he wanted to be an entertainer. Growing up in Detroit, he held the title of class clown and grew his passion for comedy and acting by performing at community talent shows and youth nights at his father’s church. Most recognized for his role as Alpha Chino in “Tropic Thunder,” his credits also include “Big Momma’s House,” “Thunderstruck” and “Percy Jackson, The Lightning Thief.” When Brandon isn’t on set or on the stage, he is home with his girlfriend, Denise Xavier, a dental hygienist, who wants him to step it up in the romance department. With his career on the rise, Brandon must find a way to share the limelight and successfully balance being a partner and performer.
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, DeRay Davis is one of the industry’s most in-demand comedians, with film and television credits including “Barbershop,” “21 Jump Street,” “Wild N Out” and “Empire.” While juggling a girlfriend and a career can have its challenges, DeRay is faced with double the trouble – with not one, but two girlfriends, Coco and Caro. The ladies try their best to manage DeRay’s larger than life personality, while he attempts to navigate his star power and find time for the women in his life and his teenage daughter Brook.
Born in West Africa, Michael Blackson is the self-dubbed “African King of Comedy” with a global roster of performances and comedy specials. Off the stage, there is never a dull moment in Michael’s personal life, thanks to his four boys and passionate relationship with Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Georgia Reign. They moved in together after only a few weeks of dating and have been acting like a married couple ever since. Despite his professional success, Michael always wants more, but his family and girlfriend seem to take the front seat.
With quick wit, commanding stage presence, charisma and an infectious smile, Erik Rivera has become a favorite act at comedy clubs, events and colleges across the country. Of Puerto Rican and Guatemalan descent, he jokes that he’s not your typical Latino since he grew up in the suburbs of New Rochelle and is “more like a lion who grew up in a zoo.” When most standup comedians are going out to the bar after a show, he heads home to be Mr. Mom and catch up on his sleep. Married to his wife Katie for five years, the duo have a three-year-old son. Erik and Katie share a resilient bond; however their relationship will be tested as they juggle their career goals and family responsibilities.
With an act that is brash, deep and hilarious, New York native Adam Hunter headlines across the country putting his heart and soul into every performance. He was a finalist on season six of “Last Comic Standing,” and appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Chelsea Lately,” “The Late Late Show,” among others. A champion wrestler, Adam also has his hand in the sports world with his “MMA Roasted” podcast which he created to provide comedic commentary to the sport. His career success hasn’t entirely translated to his personal life and this bachelor is still looking for someone to come home to at night. Adam is on a quest to find out what he’s doing wrong in dating and seeks advice from his three-time divorced father and his fellow entertainers.
“Living with Funny” is produced by L. Plummer Media with Lemuel Plummer, Chris Costine and Brandon T. Jackson serving as Executive Producers.
About Oxygen Media:
Oxygen Media is a multiplatform entertainment brand that targets young, multicultural women. The network’s relevant and engaging content reflects how real women with real stories see the world – vibrant, optimistic and bold. Oxygen is the destination where women can come together across multiple platforms to have fun and encourage each other through their individual and collective journeys. The growing network’s unscripted original programming includes “Sisterhood of Hip Hop,” “Pretty. Strong.”, “The Prancing Elites Project,” “Like A Boss,” “Quit Your Day Job” and the popular “Preachers” franchise. Available in over 77 million homes, Oxygen is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Watch Oxygen anywhere: On Demand, online or across mobile and connected TVs.
