Actor and comedian Kountry Wayne is releasing his first Netflix stand-up special, KOUNTRY WAYNE: A WOMAN’S PRAYER, on September 19, 2023. Filmed at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., Wayne brings his southern flare in this one-of-a-kind stand-up special on fatherhood, gender dynamics, and faith.
A WOMAN’S PRAYER is directed by Jeff Tomsic (“Tag,” “Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle,” “The Cabin with Bert Kreischer,” “Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special”). Wayne, Tomsic, and Matthew Vaughan (“Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel,” “Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind”) of Rotten Science serve as executive producers.
Wayne has established himself as one of the most in-demand touring comedians in the country, amassing a devoted following while performing in theaters nationwide. In 2022, the charismatic comic performed to sold-out rooms during his “Straight Out The Mud” tour, produced by Live Nation. Notably, he graced the stage of the historic Palace Theatre in Los Angeles as part of the Netflix is a Joke Festival. Building on the success of “Straight Out The Mud,” Wayne set off on his second Live Nation-produced tour, “Help Is On The Way,” in 2023. Concurrently, Wayne released his debut book of the same name on April 18, 2023, through Harmony Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Wayne’s career highlights in recent years include being named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” in 2021, starring in the BET original Christmas rom-com “Holiday Heartbreak” (2021), appearing on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” with Nick Cannon, and co-hosting “I Love Us,” a comedy clip show on BET+ alongside Kym Whitley. Wayne also starred in the comedy feature film “Strange Love,” available on Amazon Prime, and the Peacock original film “Praise This,” produced by Will Packer, directed by Tina Gordon, and starring Chloe Bailey, Quavo, Mack Wilds, Druski, and more.
For more information, visit www.KountryWayne.com and follow @Kountrywayne on Instagram, @KingKountryWayne on Facebook, and @kountry_wayne on TikTok.
Today, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network debuted the official trailer for its highly anticipated original documentary series, “Time of Essence,” which premieres on Friday, August, 18 at 9 pm ET/PT. The five-part, one-hour series is a celebration of the trailblazing magazine that reaches a global community of over 20 million Black women and has revealed some of the most captivating and influential covers of the past half-century.
Oprah Winfrey joins the names of thought leaders, celebrities and culture defining influencers featured in the series, which includes: Oscar(R)-winning actresses Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg; Emmy(R)-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Regina Hall and Taye Diggs; Golden Globe(R)-winning actress Taraji P. Henson; actress Gabrielle Union-Wade; fashion model and icon Beverly Johnson and her daughter Anansa Sims; singer and actress Vanessa Williams; attorney and The View co-host Sunny Hostin; producer and former president of Motown Productions, Suzanne de Passe; iconic ESSENCE Magazine editor Mikki Taylor, long-time Editor-In-Chief Susan L. Taylor and current President and CEO Caroline Wanga, amongst others.
To further amplify and celebrate the series, OWN is launching a fan activation across its social platforms where fans are encouraged to use a ‘Time of Essence Cover Creator,’ allowing users to upload photos of themselves and design their very own customized Essence cover to share with friends and family. To get started, fans can visit own.tv/essencecover and tag @Essence and @owntv. #OWNTimeofEssence
About “Time of Essence”
“Time of Essence” will tell the story of how ESSENCE has informed and reflected Black culture in America for over 50 years. Each episode explores a different decade – from the ’70s to today – and features first-hand commentary on that era’s biggest moments from the icons, trailblazers, staffers and leaders who lived and defined them. This candid commentary is coupled with never-before-seen footage and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics, fashion and beauty. “Time of Essence ” is produced by 51 Minds and ESSENCE Studios LLC for OWN. Executive producers are Christian Sarabia and Nicole Elliott for 51 Minds, Raymond Garcia for Major TV, and Emmet Dennis, Sidra Smith, Stephanie “NöNe” Dunivan and Barkue Tubman-Zawolo for ESSENCE Studios LLC.
Watch comedian Katt Williams’s speech at Melba Moore’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star unveiling ceremony held at the 1645 Vine Street in Los Angeles, California USA on August 10, 2023.
Watch the video below;
Eddie Murphy-starrer heist film ‘The Pick Up’ is scheduled to start filming in Atlanta, Georgia, in September. Directed by Tim Story, the movie revolves around two armored truck drivers, who are “taken hostage to help execute a high stakes heist in a world-renowned Las Vegas hotel” amid a routine money run. As per sources, the film can be described as a heist comedy in the style of ‘Bad Boys.’
Despite the initial production plans, the shooting of the film may only commence once the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes conclude. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ ‘Haunted Mansion,’ ‘Secret Invasion,’ ‘They Cloned Tyrone,’ ‘Insidious: The Red Door,’ etc. are some of the recently released projects filmed in Atlanta.
Murphy will play a “guy who becomes smitten with a woman and finds himself mixed up in the heist attempt.” The famed actor-comedian recently completed the filming of ‘Candy Cane Lane,’ also starring Nick Offerman, and ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley,’ the fourth installment in the ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ film series. His recent credits include Akbar in Netflix’s romantic comedy ‘You People,’ Prince Akeem/Clarence/Saul in ‘Coming 2 America,’ Rudy Ray Moore in ‘Dolemite Is My Name,’ Henry Joseph Church in ‘Mr. Church,’ Jack McCall in ‘A Thousand Words,’ Darnell “Slide” Davis in ‘Tower Heist,’ etc.
Tim Story, who is known for directing the two ‘Ride Along’ films, starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, is at the helm of the film. Story’s other popular films include ‘Barbershop,’ Queen Latifah, and Jimmy Fallon-starrer ‘Taxi,’ ‘Fantastic Four,’ ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,’ Forest Whitaker-starrer ‘Hurricane Season,’ etc. His recent credits include ‘Dashing Through the Snow,’ ‘Praise This,’ ‘The Blackening,’ ‘Tom & Jerry,’ Samuel L. Jackson-starrer ‘Shaft,’ ABC’s drama series ‘Queens,’ etc.
The film is penned by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, the duo who wrote Netflix’s teen movie ‘The Package’ and created the Condé Nast series ‘Gentlemen Lobsters.’ Burrows and Mider’s spec script for the film was auctioned, only for Amazon Studios to win the same with a seven-figure offer. Universal Pictures previously acquired the duo’s ‘Shots! Shots! Shots!’ with Jason Momoa as the lead actor.
The film is produced by John Davis and John Fox through the former’s banner, Davis Entertainment (‘Predator,’ ‘Prey,’ and ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’). Davis is collaborating with Story for the second time after producing ‘Shaft.’ The renowned producer joined hands with Murphy for five films, which include their latest ‘Dolemite Is My Name.’ Charisse Hewitt-Webster and Story serve as producers through Eddie Murphy Productions and The Story Company respectively.
On Saturday, August 19, the entertainment community will come together for Stand Up To Cancer(R) (SU2C) and its eighth roadblock fundraising special, supporting urgently needed research and new treatments for cancer. Debuting in a refreshing new format, the televised celebration entitled “How It Started, How It’s Going” will recognize SU2C’s impact and progress over the last 15 years.
This year’s show will air on Saturday, August 19 at 8 p.m. ET and PT / 7 p.m. CT. Over the course of one hour, the show will celebrate 15 years of cutting-edge cancer research and highlight special moments with stars from film, television, sports and journalism who have supported the SU2C movement. The show will also feature renowned SU2C-funded cancer scientists, who will discuss the progress being made in the fight against cancer and the critical need to continue to fund life-saving research. There will also be touching stories from cancer survivors who have received breakthrough treatments supported by SU2C.
Celebrities making a special appearance during the show include Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Biel, Don Cheadle, Katie Couric, Danai Gurira, Tony Hale, Ken Jeong, Maria Menounos, Julianne Moore, Tig Notaro, Jimmy Smits, Eric Stonestreet, and Justin Timberlake; a special montage of comedic skits from past shows will feature Jack Black, Ben Falcone, Zach Galifianakis, Brad Garrett, Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Melissa McCarthy, and Matthew McConaughey. The televised special will also feature past musical performances from the likes of Brittany Howard, Simone Ledward Boseman, and The Who. SU2C’s biennial specials have been supported by hundreds of celebrities over the past 15 years. Additional celebrity guests will be announced in the weeks leading up to the telecast.
“We started this movement in 2008 to save lives and it is remarkable to see that in 15 years our scientists have accomplished this goal through breakthrough research that intercepts and treats cancer in ways we never thought possible,” said Katie Couric, SU2C co-founder. “There is more work to do to cure cancer and every dollar counts; we will not stop until we make every cancer patient a long-term survivor.”
The biennial special will air simultaneously on more than 50 participating media platforms across the United States and Canada, including all four major broadcast networks in the U.S. Broadcasters carrying the show are donating one hour of simultaneous commercial-free prime time. The telecast will also be available on-demand on several streaming platforms.
As a kick-off to the televised special, SU2C will launch the #Up2Us to #StandUpToCancer event on August 1. The month-long fundraising initiative, ending on August 31, will feature exciting livestreams showcasing diverse content, from video gaming to various other forms of entertainment and more. Creators will lead fundraising livestreams across Twitch, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, KICK, and YouTube, amplifying SU2C’s mission to end cancer as we know it. To date, the list of notable creators and streamers 1980sgamer, StoneMountain64, FaZe Kalei, KREW, Neebs Gaming, ProZD, Rhett & Link, Smosh, Sung Won (ProZD), Super Beard Bros and Trisha Hershberger.
“Our telecast is a powerful tribute that demonstrates the importance of standing together to save lives,” said Russell Chew, president and CEO of SU2C. “Everyone plays a critical role in this goal, and we are so grateful for the support of the entertainment community, the broadcast networks, our generous donors, and the incredible researchers who work tirelessly to develop new cancer treatments.” Chew added, “100% of public donations to SU2C support innovative cancer research and vital awareness programs.”
Stand Up To Cancer was established in 2008 by a group of women who wanted to galvanize the entertainment community to raise awareness and funding to accelerate collaborative cancer research and end cancer as a leading cause of death. SU2C’s Founders include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Kathleen Lobb, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, and Ellen Ziffren. The late Laura Ziskin and Noreen Fraser were also co-founders.
Since its inception, SU2C has raised over $746 million to bring together more than 3,000 of the best scientists from over 210 leading institutions to collaborate towards ending cancer’s reign as a leading cause of death worldwide. SU2C’s research has contributed to the development of nine new cancer therapies approved by the FDA, and more than 270 clinical trials treating more than 29,300 patients. SU2C is committed to cancer health equity and is working to increase diversity in SU2C-funded clinical trials, initiate advocacy group collaborations and awareness campaigns, and fund research aimed at improving cancer outcomes and screening rates in medically underserved communities.
SU2C is also supported by generous donors and collaborators who share the same goal of accelerating groundbreaking cancer research, increasing cancer screenings, and ensuring equity in cancer care and clinical trials. SU2C’s founding donor, Major League Baseball (MLB), continues to annually provide financial support and countless opportunities to build the Stand Up To Cancer movement among its worldwide fanbase.
“We’re thrilled to be back for another televised fundraising special with Stand Up To Cancer as it celebrates 15 years of impact,” said David Jammy, who will executive produce the event for Done + Dusted with Elizabeth Kelly. “We’re honored to support SU2C’s tireless work and we’re excited to collaborate with the team once again to create an unforgettable night of television commemorating an extraordinary movement,” said Kelly.
The telecast will be filmed at NeueHouse in Los Angeles. NeueHouse is the private workspace and social club for members of the creative industries.
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ABOUT STAND UP TO CANCER
Stand Up To Cancer(R) (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and was initially launched as a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Established in 2008 by media and entertainment leaders, SU2C utilizes these communities’ resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, to increase awareness about cancer prevention, and to highlight progress being made in the fight against the disease. As of April 2023, more than 3,000 scientists representing more than 210 institutions are involved in SU2C-funded research projects.
As SU2C’s scientific partner, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and a Scientific Advisory Committee, led by Nobel laureate Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., conduct rigorous competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and provide expert review of research progress.
Current members of the SU2C Founders and Advisors Committee (FAC) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Kathleen Lobb, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, and Ellen Ziffren. The late Laura Ziskin and the late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Russell Chew serves as SU2C’s president and CEO.
For more information, visit StandUpToCancer.org, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Tiffany Haddish‘s rap career is no joking matter… so claims Fivio Foreign, who’s telling us he saw her raw talent for himself after being tapped for a feature.
TMZ Hip Hop chopped it up with Fivio at LAX this week … the “City of Gods” rapper was in town filming the music video for her Lil Jon-produced song, “Party Til Da Club Close.”
Tiffany premiered the song during the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards in June and Fivio’s since been added to the track.
Fivio thinks Tiffany’s a riot in person and says Dave Chappelle was also on hand for the video shoot … making their collab destined to top the charts!!!
Tiffany may be cut out for a rap career but don’t expect Fivio to try his hand during open mic night anything soon … he’s leaving stand-up to the pros!!!
Source: TMZ
Why are Anthony Anderson, Yvonne Orji, and Nicole Byer going to D.C. in October? Because They’re Funny.
The comedy festival, taking place the weekend of Oct. 6-8 at The Wharf on the capital’s southwest waterfront, is a new event from Nice Crowd, which has produced the American Black Film Festival for more than two decades and changed its name from ABFF Ventures in June. BTF, which is presented in partnership with Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District (with General Motors and Laff Mobb also coming on board as sponsors), will showcase both established and emerging BIPOC comedy talent.
The centerpiece of the festival will be the 2023 Breakout Comedian of the Year finals on Oct. 6, hosted by BTF ambassador Anderson. Just six comics will be selected out of more than 300 submissions from around the world to perform at BTF and compete for $20,000 and a chance to be signed by Innovative Artists.
“With the help of our friend Anthony Anderson, we will showcase the diversity that exists in the world of comedy, bringing six talented artists to D.C. for a chance to be launched to stardom,” Nice Crowd founder and CEO Jeff Friday and president Nicole Friday said in a joint statement. “Because They’re Funny provides emerging acts with the chance to share the stage with some of the biggest names in comedy, many of whom started their careers right here in Washington, D.C.”
Saturday will see women including Byer, Ego Nwodim, Aida Rodriguez, and Luenell take the stage for the Hey Ladies Fierce Female Comedy Show, while the final day of the festival will spotlight its host city with the D.C. premiere of Parrish Smith’s documentary The Mecca of Comedy, all about the history of the local Black comedy scene, followed by Orji hosting a slate of her fellow area natives (including Donnell Rawlings, Red Grant, Pierre, Joe Clair, and Tony Woods) for an evening aptly titled the DMV Black Comedy Homecoming Show.
The main BTF events will be held at The Anthem auditorium, with additional programming (panels, podcasts, screenings, workshops, networking mixers, open mics) spread across The Wharf at venues including Union Stage and Pearl Street Warehouse.
Source: Variety
BET Her announced a new interview and performance series in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop: “BET Her Live! Hosted by Yo-Yo.” Legendary Hip Hop artist Yo-Yo shines the spotlight on pioneering artists as they share their stories through conversation and song. Featuring Da Brat, MC Lyte, Lil’ Mo, and 702, all four 30-minute episodes of “BET Her Live! Hosted by Yo-Yo” will premiere Friday, August 11, 2023, beginning at 9 PM ET/PT on BET Her.
This is a banner year for Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary and an overall milestone for Black music in popular culture. Taped in Las Vegas, “BET Her Live! Hosted by Yo-Yo” will take viewers behind the curtain into the lives of these dynamic women who have shared so much with the world through their artistry. From Lil’ Mo on the balancing act of having a career with five children to Da Brat sharing infertility challenges that ultimately led to her becoming a new mom, along with 702’s story of surviving tragedy and MC Lyte pivoting to become the ultimate media mogul, the series will also feature performances of their classic hits.
“BET HER LIVE! HOSTED BY YO-YO”
Episode 101: Lil’ Mo
Episode 102: Da Brat
Episode 103: 702
Episode 104: MC Lyte
“BET Her Live! Hosted by Yo-Yo” is produced by Smalls Paradise Productions LLC.
Angus Cloud, the actor best known for playing the drug dealer Fezco “Fez” O’Neill on HBO’s “Euphoria,” has died at 25 years old.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today,” Cloud’s family said in a statement. “As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.”
The statement continued, “We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”
Cloud rose to prominence playing Fez on HBO’s Emmy-winning teen drama series “Euphoria.” He was a main character on the show’s first two seasons. His other acting credits included the films “North Hollywood” (2021) and “The Line”” (2023). He was recently cast opposite Melissa Berrera in a new horror movie at Universal Pictures from “Scream 6” directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.
More to come….
Source: Variety
Tracy Morgan is taking his standup to Max with a new original special, Tracy Morgan: Taking it Too Far, which is officially set to debut on the platform beginning Thursday, August 17.
The two-time Emmy-nominated actor and comedian is leaving it all on the stage in his first Max stand-up special, which was taped live in front of an audience at the Wilbur Theater in Boston, Massachusetts. As teased in the trailer, above, Tracy Morgan isn’t shying away from topics important to him, such as dating in his fifties along with the unexpected side effects that come with it.
Morgan’s dysfunctional family will also be discussed as well as his attempts at reversing gentrification in Brooklyn. Most notably though, Morgan will discuss his 2014 car accident that left him with several broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, and a substantial settlement from Walmart which he references in the trailer, above.
“My Tinder profile is a Walmart truck dropping off a bag of money on my front lawn,” Morgan tells the crowd who responds with plenty of laughter. Adding to the bit, Morgan says, “If y’all see me dancing in my draws in my kitchen on TikTok, all that Walmart money is gone.”
Entertaining audiences for 30 years, Morgan is known for his work on television, film, and in stand-up comedy. Among his most notable credits are his series regular run on Saturday Night Live and his Emmy-nominated role as Tracy Jordan in NBC‘s former comedy 30 Rock in which he starred alongside Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin.
Tracy Morgan: Takin’ it Too Far is written by Morgan who executive produces the special with Emmy and Grammy winner Rikki Hughes. Meanwhile, Marcus Raboy serves as the director. Don’t miss the fun, catch the trailer, above, and stay tuned for the comedy special when it arrives on Max this August.
Tracy Morgan: Takin’ it Too Far, Premieres Thursday, August 17, Max
