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The Def Poetry Experience A thrilling evening of spoken word infused with hip-hop music featuring the stars of HBO Def Poetry…Daniel Beaty, YOLANDA KAE WILKINSON, & Helena D. Lewis. Join these three internationally renowned, award winning poets as they electrify the mike tackling themes such as womanhood, bad relationships, Jewish identity, sexuality, racism, and bad breath!
SINBAD Sinbad's name recalls the literary legend that symbolizes strength, adventure and optimism and is what he strives for. "I renamed myself Sinbad because Sinbad is bad. He could hang with rogues and with kings. He didn't have the strength of Hercules, but he could outwit anyone." Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sinbad grew up telling jokes to his three brothers and two sisters. The image sticks; Sinbad the wild child, off-the-wall Sinbad who would do anything for attention, acting stupid, free as the wind, on unpredictable force that can't be harnessed, and always willing to pay any price, looking for laughs.
Curb Your Enthusiasm feat. Richard Lewis and Jeff Garlin in Concert
Martin Short & Second City The legendary comedy theatre The Second City, founded in Chicago in 1959, has become the premier training ground for the comedy world’s best and brightest. Its alumni list reads like a "Who’s Who" of American comedy, including Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Shelley Long, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, Harold Ramis, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Chris Farley and countless others. An evening with Martin Short and The Second City will provide audiences with the chance to see comedy stars in the making with hilarious satires and cutting-edge improvisation. If your parents asked you not to speak about it at the dinner table, chances are that this group will make fun of it. Second City’s spontaneous and irreverent humor inspired "Saturday Night Live" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?".
Lost Boys of Sudan Lost Boys of Sudan is a feature-length documentary that follows two Sudanese refugees on an extraordinary journey from Africa to America. Orphaned as young boys in one of Africa's cruelest civil wars, Peter Dut and Santino Chuor survived lion attacks and militia gunfire to reach a refugee camp in Kenya along with thousands of other children. From there, remarkably, they were chosen to come to America. Safe at last from physical danger and hunger, a world away from home, they find themselves confronted with the abundance and alienation of contemporary American suburbia. Lost Boys of Sudan won an Independent Spirit Award and screened theatrically in 70 cities across the U.S. to strong audience and critical praise. The film was broadcast nationally on the PBS series POV in the fall of 2004 and earned two Emmy nominations. The story of the Lost Boys of Sudan has touched people from all walks of life. From movie stars and politicians to the average housewife, people from around the world have fallen in love with these courageous young men. Joan Hecht was no exception. When hearing of their story for the first time, Joan Hecht’s eyes filled with tears and she felt a deep stirring in her soul. She knew that helping them was not an option. It was a call to her heart from God and Joan Hecht responded. She hoped to be instrumental in making their new lives in America better than the ones they had left behind. Like many others, Joan Hecht felt compelled to be a mother to these young men who couldn't even remember the faces of their own mothers. “Mama Joan” hoped only to help change their lives, never realizing how knowing each of them would so drastically change her own.
One-Man Star Wars Best known as the mastermind behind the in famous One Man Star Wars Trilogy and One Man Lord of the Rings. Word of Ross's one of a kind talent has spread across North America, from Toronto, Orlando, Atlanta, and Boston, to Chicago, San Diego, and Vancouver. To mark the release of Star Wars: Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, Charles was honoredto perform at Lucasfilm's official movie release convention, Celebration 3. Even the likes of Vin Diesel and Sir Ian McKellan have taken in his performances with ravereviews.
Randall Duk Kim Who would have thought that the one who held the secrets to the twisted world of the machines in The Matrix Reloaded ran a little key shop downtown? He's small but fearless, and his rescue triggers one of the movie's biggest action sequences. He also gets the most obvious line in the film. When rebels spring him from his cell, which holds roughly one trillion keys, he says with a straight face, "I am the Keymaker." In costume as The Keymaker, Randall Duk Kim is now available to lecture about The Matrix Reloaded and its philosophy. He will also show footage from the movie and as The Keymaker brings souvenir keys for members of the audience.
Andrew W.K. Not just a party animal but a party guerrilla, Andrew W.K. burst onto the scene with a hybrid of metal, pop, and dance that parodied and paid tribute to the cheesiest, sleaziest aspects of all three styles. The California-born, Michigan-bred W.K. -- the initials stand for everything from "White Killer" to "Women Kum" to "Wilkes-Krier," the surnames of his mom and dad -- began classical piano lessons at age four and moved on to playing in Detroit punk and metal bands, including the Pterodactyls. By age 17, W.K. was recording his own material. After moving to New York City a year later, his friends passed his demos on to various labels, including Bulb, who released W.K.'s debut EP Girls Own Juice in early 2000 and that fall's Party Til You Puke EP. The buzz around W.K.'s hedonistic, so-dumb-it's-smart rawk resulted in a gig opening for the Foo Fighters as well as deals with Island/Def Jam in the U.S. and Mercury in the U.K.; his first major-label release was 2001's anthemic Party Hard EP. In particular, the U.K. fell in love with W.K.'s ironic trailer-trash look and sound, inspiring critical raves from NME and Kerrang! as well as hysteria at his live shows; he was hospitalized after a fan head-butted him as he crowd-surfed at his London debut at the Highbury Garage. The full-length I Get Wet arrived in late 2001 in the U.K. and in spring 2002 in the U.S., where his "It's Time to Party" was used in a TV commercial for the travel website expedia.com. Andrew W.K. also gigged extensively that spring, both on his own and as part of an MTV 2 package tour. Andrew is an incredibly intelligent and thoughtful person, and his recent lecture series "The Joy Trilogy" enjoyed sold-out perfrmances in NYC
Seth Meyers & Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live Package) Kenan Thompson a native of Atlanta, Georgia, Thompson made his television debut as a member of Nickelodeons allkid sketch comedy series All That. Seth Meyers returns for his fifth season on SNL. In addition to contributing to numerous sketches, Meyers appears in the recurring Jarrets Room sketch as DJ Jonathan Feinstein as well as cohosting the Irish talk show Top O The Morning as William Fitzpatrick, opposite Jimmy Fallons Patrick Fitzwilliam. He has also contributed notable impressions of Hugh Grant, Russell Crowe, Tobey Maguire, Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry and NBC News Stone Phillips and Brian Williams.
Jason Alexander Jason Alexander's nine seasons as hapless schlep George Costanza on Seinfeld have been the crowning glory to a 25-year career on stage, screen and television. But with looks that can be pitiful, sympathetic, charming, devious, and even unscrupulous--combined with an equally malleable talent--this multi award-winning actor is in little danger of being stereotyped. For his portrayal of George, Alexander has earned six Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations, an American Television Award and two American Comedy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series. The Screen Actors Guild went one better and chose him as Best Actor in a Comedy Series despite his role as a supporting actor. Born and raised in New Jersey, Alexander first found an audience among his classmates, entertaining them in an effort to distract from his chubbiness. At 16, he earned his first professional job when he was spotted in a children's theater group and was asked to perform on a local New York children's program. Two years later he landed his first film, The Burning, while studying acting at Boston University. In 1995, Alexander returned to Boston University to receive an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts. In film, Alexander recently appeared in Rocky and Bullwinkle as 'Boris Badenov,' opposite Rene Russo and Robert De Niro. His other film credits include Brighton Beach Memoirs, Mosquito Coast, Jacob's Ladder, White Palace, Coneheads, Blankman, The Last Supper and the Academy Award-nominated live-action short film Down on the Waterfront. Alexander's most memorable roles include those in Rob Reiner's North, Ron Howard's The Paper, and as Richard Gere's villainous lawyer in Pretty Woman. Alexander earned an Emmy nomination for a supporting guest role on HBO's Dream On. He has also hosted Saturday Night Live, and performed song-and-dance numbers for The Comedy Hall of Fame, The Kennedy Center Honors and the 1994 Emmy Awards (for which he was nominated for an American Comedy Award) and as co-host of The 1995 Emmy Awards with Cybill Sheperd. Most recently, he performed with the Boston Pops on PBS and with the orchestra again at Carnegie Hall. On stage, his theatrical capstone came in the award-winning Jerome Robbins' Broadway, for which he won a Tony as well as Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards for Best Actor in a Musical. Alexander also was the author of the show's narration. In Los Angeles, Alexander received critical acclaim and a Dramalogue Award for his portrayal of Harry Truman in the one-man play Give 'Em Hell Harry. Alexander's voice has also become famous for his work both in animated features and television series. For four seasons, he starred in the USA Network's critically acclaimed adult animation series Duckman. In film, his voice has been used in Aladdin, The Return of Jafar, Hercules and as 'Hugo the Gargoyle' in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In addition to acting, Alexander has been receiving attention as a director. His first effort behind the camera, for an episode of Seinfeld, was nominated for a DGA Award in 1993. He directed the independent film Just Looking, which starred Patti Lupone, Gretchen Mol and Ryan Merriman. Alexander's feature film directing debut was the romantic comedy For Better or Worse, in which he also starred opposite Lolita Davidovich and James Woods. Jason refuses to be type cast and continues to seek different roles in which he can prove his versatile and broad talent.
Dan Aykroyd Daniel Edward Aykroyd is an Academy Award nominated and Emmy Award winning actor, comedian, screenwriter, and most recently business entrepreneur. He attended Carleton University in Canada, but dropped out before receiving his degree. He veered away from his study of criminology in college in order to pursue his interest in acting. He began as a comedian in various Canadian nightclubs and went on to gain experience in the SecondCity comedy troupe and the National Lampoon stage shows. He became a regular on Saturday Night Live in 1975 due to his political satire powered by flawless impersonations of Presidents Nixon and Carter. Collaborating with fellow cast members from SNL led to the creation of such memorable duos as Two Wild and Crazy Guys (with Steve Martin) and The Blues Brothers (with John Belushi), which gained big-screen life in The Blues Brothers (1980) and Blues Brothers 2000 (1998). His interest in crime led him to film roles on both sides of the law, including good-guy Sgt. Joe Friday in Dragnet (1987), hit man Grocer in Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), and break-in expert Mother in Sneakers (1992). He recently appeared in the films Stardom (2000), The House of Mirth (2000), Pearl Harbor (2001), Bright Young Things (2003), 50 First dates (2004) and I know Pronounce you Chuck and Larry (2007) with Adam Sandler. Aykroyd has been honored numerous times for both his acting and screenwriting capabilities. In 1977 he received an Emmy Award for writing on SNL and he later received two more nominations for writing, and one each for acting and Outstanding Comedy-Variety series. He received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for Driving Miss Daisy.
Hank Azaria Emmy Award-winner Hank Azaria provides multiple voices on FOX's animated hit series THE SIMPSONS, including Moe the bartender, Apu the Kwik-E-Mart owner, Police Chief Wiggum, Professor Frink, Dr. Nick Riviera and Comic Book Guy. Azaria most recently starred in the NBC World War II miniseries Uprising. In 2001, he starred in America’s Sweethearts, opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julia Roberts and Billy Crystal. In 1999, Azaria co-starred in Cradle Will Rock, written and directed by Tim Robbins, Disney’s Mystery Alaska, a comedy written by David E. Kelley, and in Universal’s Mystery Men. He also starred with Jack Lemmon in the ABC telefilm Tuesdays With Morrie, earning him an Emmy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries, as well as a 1999 SAG Award nomination for Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries. In addition, he was seen as Professor Groteschele in the CBS live television broadcast Fail-Safe. In 1998 Azaria starred in Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin’s Godzilla for Twentieth Century Fox and in TriStar’s Homegrown. He also portrayed Gwyneth Paltrow’s fiance in Fox’s modern-day adaptation of Great Expectations, and appeared in Woody Allen’s Celebrity. Azaria won a Screen Actors Guild award nomination for his memorable role as Agador Spartacus, the Guatemalan houseboy, in Mike Nichols’ The Birdcage, and garnered critical praise for his portrayal of television producer Al Freedman in Robert Redford’s Academy-Award nominated Quiz Show. Other feature credits include Heat, Grosse Point Blank, Now and Then and Pretty Woman. Azaria trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and played Hamlet in a production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead at Columbia University. He continued his theater studies at Tufts University, appearing in such plays as Uncle Vanya, The Merchant of Venice and The Ballad of the Sad Café.
Daniel Beaty Actor, singer, writer, and composer Daniel Beaty has worked throughout the US, Europe, and Africa in a variety of styles ranging from television to solo concerts to theatrical productions to opera including performance at The White House, The Kennedy Center in tribute to Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, and The Apollo. This fall Daniel completed a highly acclaimed soldout extended run of his one man play Emergence-See! off-Broadway at the Public Theater. Awards include 2007 Obie Award for Outstanding Writing and Performance, 2006 Ovation, Acclaim, & Everyday Freedom Hero Awards. Daniel is also the 2004 Grand Slam Champion at the world famous Nuyorican Poet's Cafe and The Fox Networks National Redemption Slam Champion. Daniel's writings and compositions have been performed at The Public Theater, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), New York Theater Workshop, La Mama, American Conservatory Theater, Yale University, The NAACP National Convention, The SCLC National Convention, and various other venues. His show Emergence-SEE! has been reviewed as a "brilliant, spellbinding performance" by the Amsterdam News and "a dazzling 90 minutes, full of memorable moments, intense, hilarious" by the New York Times.
Harry Belafonte The consummate entertainer, Belafonte is a world-renowned recording artist ,Broadway, movie and TV star and globally respected human rights activist. The winner of countless awards for his work as an artist and humanitarian, he continues to fight against injustice throughout the world.
Pat Boone World renowed entertainer, singer, actor and author, Pat Boone is in demand as a motivational speaker, for personal appearances and for concerts.
Keith Boykin Keith Boykin is the editor of The Daily Voice online news site, a CNBC contributor, a BET TV host and a New York Times best-selling author of three books. Educated at Dartmouth and Harvard, Keith attended law school with President Barack Obama and served in the White House as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton. Keith has been actively involved in progressive causes since he worked on his first congressional campaign while still a student in high school. He is a veteran of six political campaigns, including two presidential campaigns, and he was named one of the top instructors when he taught political science at American University in Washington. Keith has traveled extensively across four continents, and in 1997 President Clinton appointed him, along with Coretta Scott King and Rev. Jesse Jackson, to the U.S. presidential trade delegation to Zimbabwe. He was a star on the 2004 Showtime television series American Candidate and has since appeared on numerous national media programs, including Anderson Cooper 360, The O'Reilly Factor, The Tyra Banks Show, The Montel Williams Show, Judge Hatchett and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. A founder and first board president of the National Black Justice Coalition, Keith has spoken to audiences, large and small, all across the world. He delivered a landmark speech to 200,000 people at the Millennium March on Washington and he gave a stirring speech about the AIDS epidemic in front of 40,000 people in Chicago's Soldier Field in July 2006. Each of Keith's three books has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, including his most recent book, Beyond the Down Low: Sex, Lies and Denial in Black America. Keith won the Lambda Literary Award for his second book, Respecting The Soul, while his first book, One More River to Cross, is taught in colleges and universities throughout the country. Keith is an associate producer of the 2007 feature film Dirty Laundry and is working on his fourth book. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Keith currently lives in New York City.
Nicholas Brendon For more than five seasons, Nicholas Brendon has starred as demon hunter Alexander "Xander" Harris on UPN's Buffy The Vampire Slayer. In real life, Brendon is a great success story, having beaten his own personal demon: "stuttering." With hard work and with the support of a beautiful wife, the talented actor has overcome his own physical limitations. He now enjoys a thriving career in Hollywood. He's also recently become the national spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America.
David Brenner Well known comedian and television star.
Jim Breuer Jim Breuer, a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live," has been continuing to make us laugh since his departure at the end of the 1997 season. During his time at "SNL," Breuer was probably best known for his original character, "Goat Boy" and his Joe Pesci impression on the recurring, "Joe Pesci Show." Breuer's feature film career began to take off after leaving "SNL." He starred in Universal Picture's hit comedy, "Half-Baked" and in Phoenix Pictures', "Dick." He recently completed filming a role in Laurence Fishburne's directorial debut, "Once in The Life." A stand-up comedian since his college days on Long Island, New York, Breuer worked in comedy clubs around the country for several years before deciding to become a regular on the New York comedy club circuit. After being in New York for only seven months, he landed a gig on the nationally syndicated show, "Uptown Comedy Club" where he spent two seasons. Breuer has been featured on many network and cable television showcases, such as CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman," NBC's "Later," Comedy Central's "Denis Leary Roast" and hosted Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" series. Jim also had his own show at MTV entitled, "The Jim Breuer Show," and his own Comedy Central special, "Jim Breuer: Hardcore."
Kimberly Caldwell You May Have Seen Her On...: Kimberly is probably most known for her appearance on American Idol 2, as well as being an entertainment correspondent and host for the TV Guide Channel. Kimberly has appeared as a live red carpet correspondent at several Hollywood award events including the the Grammy's, the Academy Awards, the People's Choice Awards, the Emmy's, and the Golden Globes. Kimberly has also been seen on:On American Idol 2: Kimberly was an instant fan favorite, finishing among the top finalists competing for the 'American Idol' title. Magazines Appeared In: Entertainment Weekly, US Weekly, Maxim, People Extra, and Cosmopolitan, to name a few. Other Notable Print Media: Featured in the "Sexiest Women of Reality TV" 2005 calendar. Performed Live At: Besides on the American Idol 2 stage, other notable live performances include singing the national anthem at the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 race, the Idols Live! tour, which traveled to 44 cities across the U.S. and parts of Canada, the "National Anthem" and "God Bless America" at the Democracy Celebration in Washington, D.C., and numbers at various other personal appearances across the United States. Currently, Kim is: an on camera personality for the TV Guide Channel. She currently co-hosts two weekly talk shows on the TV Guide Channel: "Reality Chat" & "Idol Tonight," the exclusive pre-show to American Idol on Tuesday nights. Kimberly is also in the process of recording a country/rock album in association with Randy Jackson and Diane Warren. She is recording original music with an independent producer, as well.
Vanessa Bell Calloway One of Americas hottest actors, Vanessa Bell Calloway has won critical acclaim for her portrayal of Jackie in the movie, What's Love Got to Do With It. Other movie roles have included Daylight starring Sylvestor Stallone, A Private Affair and Coming To America with Eddie Murphy. Vanessa is co-host of BET's new morning talk show, Oh Drama, which features news, information and celebrity guests.
Bruce Campbell Bruce Campbell is an actor, producer, writer and director. He is best known for his starring role as Ash in the Evil Dead trilogy of horror/slapstick movies, and has since become a B-movie icon.
Alexis Caputo Alexis Caputo is a Multidiscipline Performance Artist, Poet, Writer & Activist. Her artistic portfolio began in performance studies and educational theatre. Upon personal exploration, looking at the historical context of womens contributions in the arts and her contribution to the educational community where her instruction was received, she identified these experiences as chief in her emergence. The interest and strengthening endorsements of her work by theatre scholars Dr. Nancy Putnam-Smithner, Dr. Lowell Swortzell and Playwright, Karen Malpede, all whom she studied under, were instrumental and pivotal references. To this, she has steadily increased her voice beyond the university level as a writer and performance artist creating notable works for theatre. Her course to augment the womens movement in the arts is evident in her portfolio. Her work includes poetry, spoken word, narratives/texts, audio/media, dance (movement) and visuals (iconic symbols). She has created an impressive and distinct body of originally written and performance work, addressing human rights issues, political, cultural, gender, racial, class and social differences. This has enhanced her cultural awareness while entertaining, educating, sharing history and life-affirming work. Solo projects written and performed include SOULED OUT, Truths Carved from the Belly, Woman of the Drum, The Proud Pilgrim and Deconstruction & Deliverance, which toured at noteworthy off Broadway theaters in New York (Harlem Theatre Company, Henry Street Settlement/Abron's Art Center & Dixon Place). The Proud Pilgrim, Truths Carved from the Belly & SOULED OUT were presented at the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Corona, New York. Woman of the Drum was presented at the Miami-Dade Cultural Center. She represented Delray Beach, Florida as a member of DADA Slam, an assembly of poets who performed at the National Poetry Championships in Madison, Wisconsin 2008. Her published journalism and writing portfolio are for the news houses: The Tribune & Nassau Guardian (Nassau, Bahamas) Broward Times, Miami New Times & the Miami Times.
Drew Carey Comedian, actor, game show host and photographer, Drew Carey gained popularity staring in his own sitcom, The Drew Carey Show. Drew then went on to host Whose Line Is It Anyway? And is the current game show host for The Price Is Right. He has been in several films, tv series, music videos and computer games. Drew is a minority owner of the MLS team Seattle Sounders.
Adam Carolla No stranger to Comedy Central, Too Late host Adam Carolla spent four seasons as co-host and co-creator of The Man Show, served as co-creator and handled the voice of Dick Birchum on Crank Yankers and also lent his voice to the character of Spanky on Drawn Together. A former carpenter and boxing instructor, Carolla began working for LA-based radio station KROQ-FM's "Kevin and Bean" show. His success on KROQ led to a hosting job on the radio and television show Loveline. The popularity of the show led Adam to co-author "The Dr. Drew and Adam Book: A Survival Guide to Life and Love" which is now in its second printing.
Nancy Cartwright Emmy Award-winning actress Nancy Cartwright is the voice of "Bart" on The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in history. She has voiced hundreds of characters in such favorites as Rug Rats, Kim Possible, Richie Rich, The Critic, God,The Devil and Bob, The Pink Panther, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Toonsylvania, Pound Puppies, My Little Pony, Glo-Friends, and the online cartoon Timber Wolf. While establishing herself as a voice-acting professional, Cartwright balanced that role with an on-camera career, landing guest roles on Fame, Empty Nest, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , Cheers, Godzilla and The Twilight Zone: The Movie. Cartwright is the author of My Life as a Ten-Year-Old Boy, the ultimate insider's guide to The Simpsons.
Daniel Castellaneta Daniel Castellaneta Emmy Award-winner the voice of Homer Simpson…as well as Krusty the Clown, Grampa Simpson, Barney Gumble, Mayor Quimby, Groundskeeper Willie and a multitude of others on the historic FOX series THE SIMPSONS. A former cast member of The Tracey Ullman Show and Sibs, Castellaneta has also made numerous guest appearances on television shows including Mad About You, LA Law, NYPD Blue, Wings, Murphy Brown, Friends, Cybill, The Drew Carey Show, Alf, Love & War, The George Carlin Show, and Married With Children. His telelvision films include the Emmy Award-winning Hand in the Glove. His feature film work includes My Giant, Space Jam, Forget Paris, The Client, War of the Roses, K9, Say Anything, Nothing in Common, and Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor for Showtime. Voice-over work includes the voices of Genie in the successful animated television series Aladdin and the sequel Return of Jaffar. Most recently, Castellaneta performed off-Broadway in The Alchemist with The Classic Stage Company. He also performed his one-man show Where Did Vincent Van Gogh? in Los Angeles and the Aspen Comedy Festival. Early in his career he performed with the famous Chicago improvisation/comedy group Second City.
Chevy Chase Buy this Chevy Chase poster from Art.com I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not. -- Chevy Chase, Saturday Night Live The son of a plumbing-company heiress, Cornelius Crane Chase was nicknamed "Chevy" (after the wealthy Maryland community of the same name) by his grandmother. After graduating from Bard college with a BA in English, Chevy held down several jobs (tennis pro, truck driver, bartender) before seeking work as a comedy writer; throughout his twenties Chase wrote for the Smothers Brothers, National Lampoon, and (just once) Mad magazine. His performing career began with "Channel One," a New York-based comedy video workshop, which evolved into the 1974 feature film Groove Tube. Chase's quick wit and smart-alecky stage presence led to his being hired by producer Lorne Michaels for the first season of NBC's Saturday Night Live in 1975. Ostensibly an ensemble show, S.N.L. quickly became a star vehicle for Chase on the strength of his satirical "Weekend Update" news reports and also because of Chevy's spectacular slapstick falls and his devastating lampoons of President Gerald Ford. Falling on his face (as President Ford on Saturday Night Live) made Chevy a star in 1975. Originally a comedy writer, his deadpan, preppy demeanor and reckless, smartass antics took him to Hollywood after only a year on S.N.L. Chevy stumbled on booze, drugs, and divorce after his initial hits, but his movie career and home life picked up again after a stint in rehab, four, count 'em four, National Lampoon's Vacation movies, and a new wife, Jayni. Chase is living proof that comedy really is hard: he developed a chronic back condition as a result of his frequent pratfalls for the camera.
Lenny Clarke Lenny Clarke was born in Cambridge, Mass., one of eight children. He decided to pursue stand-up comedy one night when he was working as a janitor, putting himself through college at University of Massachusetts in Boston. That night, he went to the Ding-Ho Restaurant in Cambridge and saw some comics performing. Convinced he could do the same thing, he returned the next week and, "The rest, as they say, is history!" he exclaims. Clarke spent several years as the host of the open-mike nights there and has traveled the world as a stand-up comic. His comedic abilities captured the attention of Rodney Dangerfield, who gave him his first big break, casting him in Nothin' Goes Right. He and Dangerfield also worked together years later on Meet Wally Sparks. After years of hard work, Clarke was "discovered" at the Montreal Comedy Festival. He had his own series, the eponymous Lenny, which ran for 18 episodes. Other TV work includes The John Larroquette Show, hosting The Sunday Comics, and appearances on Touched by an Angel and The Love Boat: The Next Wave.Clarke became friends with Denis Leary over 21 years ago on the stand-up circuit in Boston, and has worked with him in the feature films Two if by Sea and Monument Avenue, which Leary also produced. His other feature films include Baby's In Black, What's the Worst That Could Happen?, Me, Myself & Irene, Rounders, There's Something About Mary, Two if by Sea, Southie, Massholes, and the independent film, Bluff. Clarke has numerous charities close to his heart. Prompted by his sister's battle with MS, he works for several charities related to that cause, as well as for the Genesis Fund, which helps to prevent and treat birth defects
George Clooney Although he was working steadily in B movies and bad TV series by his midtwenties, this magnetic actor didn't become a sex symbol and megastar until he landed the plum role of a rogue doctor on ER in 1994. Fame, film roles and the tabloids followed, yet after a string of wooden performances in high priced flops, including The Peacemaker and Batman & Robin, it looked like his career might go the way of David Carusos. But in the early 00s, Clooney bounced back by appearing in a wide array of roles: a dashing criminal in Ocean's Eleven, a goofy fugitive in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and a dead serious CIA operative in 2005s Syriana, which earned him both a Golden Globe and an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. That same year, Clooney also tried his hand behind the camera, netting Golden Globe and Academy Award nods as a director and screenwriter for Good Night, and Good Luck.
Judy Collins Legendary singer Judy Collins, known for her stunning interpretations of “Both Sides Now,” “Send in the Clowns” and “Amazing Grace,” has provided fans around the world with more than 40 years of music recording with 37 albums, top 10 hits, Grammy nominations, and gold and platinum status.
Bill Cosby Bill Cosby is, by any standards, one of the most influential stars in America today. Whether it is through concert appearances or recordings, television or films, commercials or education, Bill has the ability to touch people's lives. His humor often centers on the basic cornerstones of our existence as he seeks to provide an insight into our roles as parents, children, family members, and men and women. Without resorting to gimmickry or low-brow humor, his comedy has a point of reference and respect for the trappings and traditions of great American humorists such as Charlie Chaplin, Will Rogers, W.C. Fields and Groucho Marx. It is the fusion of these qualities that resulted in one of television's biggest and most influential hits of the modern era, "The Cosby Show." In the publishing world, he has shattered records with each of his books. "Fatherhood," published by Doubleday/Dolphin in May 1986, became the fastest-selling hardcover book of all time. Booking Bill always assures a packed house and a most memorable event.
Dave Coulier Dave Coulier is living proof that sometimes nice, clean-cut guys do finish first. He is perhaps best known for his work on the long running ABC hit series Full House (currently running on Nick At Nite and ABC Family), but his talents as a wholesome entertainer have also helped him become a highly sought after television personality. As the host of ABC's The World's Funniest Videos and America's Funniest People and Nickelodeon's Out of Control, Dave has cemented his place as a fun, family-friendly entertainer. Highly regarded for his amazing voice-over talents, Dave's additional credits include many Saturday morning cartoon favorites (Scooby Doo and The Jetsons). He has also lent his fabulous voice to Jim Henson's Emmy Award-winning animated series Muppet Babies, where he portrayed Animal, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Bean Bunny and Waldorf and Statler. He also provided the voice of Peter Venkman for The Real Ghostbusters cartoon, as well as various voices for the Cartoon Network's Dexter's Laboratory. Dave also has developed a line of children's entertainment products, including the hit CD set Weaver Beaver and Friend Dave is equally at home in the stand-up arena, and has made several appearances on The Tonight Show, Detroit Comedy Jam and HBO's Comedy Relief. Dave continues to enjoy sold out performances of his stand-up act and his college events garner rave reviews.
Mark Curry Mark Curry is a actor and comedian known as the star of the ABC sitcom Hangin with Mr. Cooper. He also hosted Showtime at the Apollo for a brief time. Curry has also had a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show as Drew's boss at Winfred-Louder. He attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California and California State University, Hayward. He also did an episode of The Jamie Foxx Show as an eccentric driving instructor. Mark Curry was featured in Too Short's music video "I Ain't Trippin'", and is also featured in Bow Wows "Take You Home" video as a father trying to get his daughter a doll of the rapper. He was the host of Comedy Centrals Don't Forget Your Toothbrush in 2000. In 2004 he appeared on "Celebrity Mole Yucatan". He came in second place to Dennis Rodman. On April 17, 2006, an aerosol can that had fallen behind Curry's water heater exploded and Curry, who was doing laundry at the time, was burned on over 18% of his body, including his arm, back and side. He spent many months recuperating at his home. According to an Associated Press interview posted on CNN.com on February 17, 2007, Curry considered suicide after waking from a three-day, medically-induced coma, reportedly hoarding pain medication. After talking with comedian friends who made him laugh, such as Sinbad and Bill Cosby, he decided against suicide. He went on The Montel Williams Show to discuss this issue.
Dee Jay Daniels Dee Jay Daniels plays Michael Hughley on the popular UPN sitcom, "The Hughley's." Dee Jay has also appeared on "Built To Last," "In The House," "Grace Under Fire" and "Family Matters."
Ted Danson There are a few celebrities who take up an environmental cause and actually move beyond a superficial commitment. Ted Danson is one of those celebrities. He is the co-founding member of the American Oceans Campaign (AOC), an organization established to alert Americans to the life-threatening hazards created by oil spills, offshore development, toxic wastes, sewage pollution and other ocean abuses. Throwing his whole self into the issues, while lobbying on Capitol Hill, he has been known to chase senators into elevators. Danson starred in the recent CBS series Becker, for which he received a Golden Globe Award nomination. He is also well known for his role in the long-running series Cheers, for which he received two Emmy Awards (1990 and 1993) as Best Actor in a Comedy Series and nine Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Sam Malone. The role also won him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series in 1989 and 1990. Danson's other television credits include the CBS series Ink, Frasier, Veronica's Closet, Ellen and The Larry David Show. He also won a Golden Globe for his role in the television movie Something About Amelia. Dansons acclaim in the entertainment world is echoed in his very separate life as an environmentalist. His oceans work has earned him credibility, respect, and a high profile in both environmental and political circles.
Darien Dash Founder, Chairman and CEO of DME Interactive Holding, Inc. In June 1999, DME Interactive Holding became the first publicly traded African-American owned internet company in history. DME is a full service interactive agency that specializes in turn-key, e-commerce solutions, on-line advertising and software creation. Dash's aim is to create an urban internet portal that gives millions of African Americans and Latino household the tools, computers and software to participate in the internet culture.
Clifton Davis Popular actor, gospel singer and entertainer who is best known for his role as Reverend Rueben Gregory on the hit NBC television series, Amen. Actor, producer, singer and songwriter are just a few of the titles tied to his marques name. As a big-screen actor, Chicago’s native son, Clifton Davis has been featured in such familiar flicks as Any Given Sunday, Kingdom Come and Spike Lee’s Crooklyn. On the small-screen, who can forget his most memorable character on the highly successful sitcom Amen, playing the role of the handsome, God-fearing minister, Reuben Gregory Probably, his most surprising achievement is as composer for the multi-platinum selling single and Grammy-nominated song he penned for the Jackson Five back in the day – Never Can Say Good-Bye. But that was then. Clifton Davis would remind you that he is an ordained minister with undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology. And even more importantly, Clifton has been an evangelist for the last thirty years of his life, preaching, teaching and singing about the goodness of the Lord, all over the world. Balancing saintly and secular duties as a witness for the Lord is no easy task. Rebuke from both Hollywood and the holy world is even at the door. But Clifton Davis seems to be an exception to the norms, receiving favor wherever he goes.
Ruby Dee An acclaimed actor and author, Ruby Dee has graced the stage and screen for more than fifty years. Her most recent roles have been in American Gangster, with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in Steamroom, with Ally Sheedy and in the independent film Clarksdale (all due to be released in 2007. In 2005, she starred in Number 2, a New Zealand comedy-drama which won the Audience Award at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and for which she was awarded New Zealands highest acting honors. She has received several Emmy nominations, and in 1991, won an Emmy for her performance in Decoration Day. In 2007 she and her late husband, Ossie Davis, received a Grammy Award for the audio book of their joint autobiography, With Ossie & Ruby In This Life Together. Although born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dee considers herself a product of Harlem, where she grew up and began her career as a member of the American Negro Theatre. She received her B.A. from Hunter College, and later studied acting with Paul Mann, Lloyd Richards and Morris Carnovsky. Some of her favorite roles on stage and screen include Lutiebelle in Purlie Victorious (written by her late husband, Ossie Davis) Ruth in A Raisin in the Sun Lena in Boesman and Lena, for which she received and Obie and a Drama Desk award; and Mary Tyrone in A Long Days Journey Into Night, for which she received a Cable ACE award. Other notable credits include Anna Lucasta, Wedding Band, St. Lucys Eyes, The Jackie Robinson Story, Uptight (which she co-wrote), Buck and the Preacher, Countdown at Kusini (which she co-produced with Delta Sigma Theta sorority), Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Peyton Place, Go Tell It on the Mountain, The Stand, and Having Our Say. In 2006, Dee released the selected speeches and writings of Ossie Davis in Life Lit by Some Large Vision, in bookstores now. She is also the author of two childrens books, Tower to Heaven and Two Ways to Count to Ten; a book of poetry and short stories, My One Good Nerve (which she has adapted into a solo performance piece); and With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together, a joint autobiography co-authored with her late husband. She has also narrated several audio books, including Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God, for which performance she won an Audie Award. In 1988, Dee was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame. With Davis, she has been inducted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, awarded the Silver Circle Award by the Academy of Television Arts and Science, the National Medal of Arts Award, the Marian Anderson Award, and the Screen Actors Guilds Lifetime Achievement Award. In December 2004, Dee and Davis were recipients of the John F. Kennedy Center Honors. She is a member of Actors Equity Association, the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Writers Guild.
Andy Dick Comedian Andy Dick is one of the many actors to experiment with a recording career after their star rises high enough to afford them such side projects. Brashly funny and often utilizing a manic personality to get his humor across, Dick was more often infamous for his legendary heavy partying and drug use before an incident with the law helped him change his habits. Raised in a military family, he knew early on that he was an attention hound and looked to comedy to relieve this feeling. He moved to Chicago to study at the Second City training facility, eventually making friends with actor Ben Stiller who was developing his own humor and trying to escape the shadow of his famous parents. The two hit it off and when Stiller had the chance to develop his own Fox television show, Dick was one of the first cast members. Although the show's cutting edge humor was a bomb in the ratings, an Emmy Award helped dull the pain when Fox cancelled the show. The various cast members moved on to successful comedy careers, but Dick kept relatively quiet until he was cast in NBC's News Radio. Enjoying his first successful national exposure, Dick also started gathering headlines over his hard partying. Rumors of drug use persisted, but appearances in several high profile movies helped him avoid bad publicity for a while. But everything came to a head when friend and partying buddy Chris Farley was found dead after an especially heavy binge. Dick was crushed, but the worst was yet to come as costar and friend Phil Hartman was shot to death in 1998 following an argument with his wife. Dick's drug intake grew, and by 1999 he was being investigated after allegedly exposing himself at a Florida concert. Later that same month, he was the last known person to be seen with David Strickland, an actor that hung himself in a Las Vegas hotel room.
Taye Diggs Popular author, entertainer and motion picture star, Taye Diggs has starred in the Broadway production of Rent and such movies as How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Best Man, House on Haunted Hill and The Wood.
Hugh Downs Hugh Downs Former co-anchor of ABC's 20/20, Hugh Downs is also an activist, adventurer, author, outdoorsman and student in a number of areas. His lectures cover a broad spectrum of topics that include space, energy, the environment, communication and the human psyche. He has received numerous Emmy Awards and other honors for his work. Hugh Downs, longtime former anchor of ABC's primetime newsmagazine program 20/20, is one of the most familiar American television figures in the history of the medium. He left the program in September of 1999. Downs has enjoyed a distinguished career in radio and television as a reporter, newscaster, interviewer, narrator and host. In 1985, he was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as holding the record for the greatest numbers of hours on network commercial television. Having one of the most honored careers in his field, Downs celebrated his 60th anniversary in broadcasting (both radio and television) in May of 1999. He has received many Emmy Awards for his work as reporter and host, including a Daytime Emmy Award for Live from Lincoln Center: Yo Yo Ma in Concert, Downs hosted PBS' Live from Lincoln Center for a decade. Other career highlights have included nine years as host of the NBC morning program, Today, numerous documentaries, the launching of The Tonight Show, and the daytime game show, Concentration. Downs, an Akron, Ohio native, attended Bluffton (Ohio) College, Wayne University (now Wayne State) and Columbia University. He holds a post-master's degree in gerontology from Hunter College. He has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from St. John's University, the University of Maryland, Daniel Webster College and Hunter College of the City University of New York. Downs has written an autobiography, Yours Truly, Hugh Downs, as well as many other books, including Letter to a Great Grandson: A Message of Love, Advice, and Hopes for the Future; Hugh Downs: The Best Years; My America: What My Country Means to Me, and many articles. Downs is hosting a weekly online show at www.inextv.com, called Conversations with Hugh Downs: Values in America.
Idris Elba Elba started acting in secondary school with encouragement from his drama teacher, on whom he also had a crush.[citation needed] He got his break as a supporting cast member of UK soap opera Family Affairs, but is perhaps best known for playing Russell "Stringer" Bell, one of the major characters in the HBO drama series The Wire. He also portrayed Captain Augustin Muganza in Sometimes in April, an HBO TV movie about the Rwandan Genocide somewhat similar to Hotel Rwanda. Elba has a large female fan base following and appeared on the cover of Essence's "Hot Hollywood Men" issue, April 2004 and again in Essence's November 2005 "10 Hottest Men on the Planet" issue. He recorded the four-song EP Big Man for Hevlar Records in 2006.
Eve Ensler Award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler has just completed a 20 North American cities tour from October 2005-April 2006 with her newest play The Good Body, following engagements on Broadway in NYC, at ACT in San Francisco. The Good Body addresses why women of all cultures and backgrounds - whether undergoing Botox injections or living beneath burkhas - feel compelled to change the way they look in order to fit in, to be accepted, to be good. Ms. Ensler's The Vagina Monologues has been translated into over 45 languages and is running in theaters all over the world, including sold-out runs at both Off-Broadway's Westside Theater and on London's West End (2002 Olivier Award nomination, Best Entertainment.) Her experience performing The Vagina Monologues inspired her to create V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Ms. Ensler's performance in The Vagina Monologues can be seen in the HBO original documentary of the play (2002). Ms. Ensler has devoted her life to stopping violence, envisioning a planet in which women and girls will be free to thrive, rather than merely survive. The Vagina Monologues is based on Ensler's interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace the piece celebrates womens' sexuality and strength. Today, V-Day is a global movement that supports anti-violence organizations throughout the world, helping them to continue and expand their core work on the ground, while drawing public attention to the larger fight to stop worldwide violence (including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual slavery) against women and girls. V-Day exists for no other reason than to stop violence against women. In just eight years, it has raised over $35 million and was named one of Worth magazine's "100 Best Charities. "V-Day stages large-scale benefits and produces innovative gatherings, films, and programs to educate and change social attitudes regarding violence against women. These include the documentary Until The Violence Stops; Karama, a program to support ending violence towards women in the Middle East. Africa and Asia: community briefings with Amnesty International on the missing and murdered women of Juárez, Mexico; the December 2002 V-Day delegation trip to Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Jordan; the Afghan Women's Summit; the Stop Rape Contest; the Indian Country Project. In 2006, more than 2700 V-Day benefit events - produced by local volunteer activists and performed in theaters, community centers, houses of worship, and college campuses will take place around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls and raising funds for local groups within their communities. Ms. Enslers play Necessary Targets, set in a Bosnian refugee camp, opened Off-Broadway at the Variety Arts Theater in February 2002, after a hit run at Hartford Stage. Other plays include Conviction, Lemonade, The Depot, Floating Rhoda and the Glue Man, and Extraordinary Measures. The Good Body, The Vagina Monologues. and Necessary Targets have been published by Villard/Random House. Vagina Warriors, words by Eve Ensler and photos by Joyce Tenneson, was published by Bulfinch Press for V-Day 2005.Ms. Ensler’s newest play, The Treatment, will premiere in September 2006 at the Culture Project in New York City. Her first book Insecure At Last: Losing It in A Security Obsessed World will be published by Random House in October. Ms. Ensler is the recipient of many awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship Award in Playwriting, the Berrilla-Kerr Award for Playwriting, the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Solo Performance, and the Jury Award for Theater at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, as well as the 2002 Amnesty International Media Spotlight Award for Leadership and The Matrix Award (2002). She is the Executive Producer of What I Want My Words To Do To You, a documentary about the writing group she has led since 1998 at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. The film had its world premiere at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival where it received the Freedom Of Expression Award and premiered nationally on PBSs P.O.V. She has received numerous Honorary degrees, including Doctor of Letters from her alma mater, MiddleburyCollege.
Damien Fahey MTV Host - Total Request Live As a Communications Major at Bostons Northeastern University, Damien Fahey performed as an on-air personality at the number one rated station in Boston, Kiss 108fm. Damien heard of a nationwide casting search for MTVs next VJ in February of 2002. Ever challenging his creative abilities Damien decided his seven years of on air radio experience and love of music would be well matched with MTV. After careful consideration and planning on the part of television executives, MTV found Damiens wealth of musical knowledge and extraordinary personality a perfect fit for what has been the flagship show of the network, TRL (Total Request Live). In addition, after a mere six-months, Damien has secured his own show called, Video Clash. Damien Fahey was met with many challenges when he first started on MTVs Summer 2002 Shore Thing. Upon only two weeks of being a correspondent to TRL, MTV was confident enough in Damiens ability to go it alone and host the show by himself. The shows were a success and highly praised by executive programmers, producers and fans who tuned in on a regular basis. Damien Fahey has since added his unique style and sense of humor to the highly popular TRL, as well as MTVs specials including, Countdown to the 2002 VMAs, End of Summer Countdown, and MTVs New Years Eve Pajama Party. He has also interviewed a diverse range of celebrity talent including, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne, 50 Cent, Matthew McConaughey and Shakira. While being raised by educators in Western Massachusetts, Damien Fahey knew from early on that he wanted to be heard. At the age of twelve, Damien managed to empty his entire savings account to purchase stereo equipment for his makeshift radio station that he was building in his room. After practice on his own and at the age of fourteen he was granted an internship at a local radio station. Within a few months Damien Fahey was given a part-time job as a weekend personality while still managing four years of high school. Damiens relentless passion for developing a life long career was met with an opportunity to advance eighty radio markets to Kiss 108fm as he left for college in Boston in the fall of 1999. Damiens highly motivated ambitions coupled with an intense creative background, have brought him to a level of success that is highly admired and respected by his contemporaries.
Jimmy Fallon Since beginning his career on NBCs perennial late night hit Saturday Night Live in 1998, Jimmy Fallon has appeared in an impressive number of television shows and feature films, working with celebrated directors such as Cameron Crowe, Woody Allen and the Farrelly brothers. Jimmy first showed an interest in performing at the age of two, developing a mini repertoire of impressions that included James Cagney and Don Ho. Impressions would take him all the way to Saturday Night Live in 1998 where Jimmy became one of the shows youngest cast members at the age of 23. During his six year stint on SNL, Jimmy became an audience favorite for his dead on impressions and his quick wit as the host of the popular Weekend Update newscasts. His other television work includes a featured role in the Emmy winning miniseries Band of Brothers, which was directed by Tom Hanks. He guest hosted for David Letterman in June of 2003, and in 2005 participated in Cameron Diazs MTV travel show Trippin, during which he traveled to Africa with Diaz, Justin Timberlake and rapper Talib Kweli, educating viewers about the countrys wildlife and environment. Jimmy has been a favorite among the MTV audience, co hosting the MTV Movie Awards with Kirsten Dunst in 2001, and hosting the MTV Video Music Awards the following year. He also hosted the 2005 MTV Movie Awards. Jimmy made his feature film debut in Cameron Crowes Almost Famous in 2000, as band manager Dennis Hope. In 2003, he worked with Woody Allen in the film Anything Else, alongside Christina Ricci and Jason Biggs. In 2004 he starred with Queen Latifah in the big screen action-comedy Taxi, which he followed up with the romantic comedy Fever Pitch, costarring Drew Barrymore and directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly. He was most recently seen in the Weinstein Companys Factory Girl, alongside Sienna Miller and Guy Pierce. This spring he finished shooting the title role of Rockett re teaming him with Factory Girl Producer, Holly Wiersma, and co starring Sharon Stone and Lucy Liu. He is also developing an untitled comedy at Universal with Tom Shadyac. In addition to his television and film work, Jimmy, who started out as a stand up comedian, was nominated for a 2003 Grammy award for Best Spoken Comedy Album for his record The Bathroom Wall. Jimmy and his sister Gloria co wrote the book I Hate This Place: The Pessimists Guide to Life, which was published in 2003 by Warner Books. Jimmys childrens book, Snowball Fight, was released in 2005 by the Penguin Group. Jimmy is currently at work on his second comedy album.
Mia Farrow Mia Farrow has had an ever-evolving life journey that has brought her fame both on and offstage. Internationally acclaimed actress, mother of fourteen children (ten who are adopted), and a devoted and committed humanitarian advocating for children worldwide, Ms. Farrow now focuses her efforts on helping those less fortunate. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she has worked extensively to draw attention to the fight to draw attention to the fight to eradicate polio, which she survived as a child. Recently, Ms. Farrow has become a spokesperson and activist raising awareness of the genocide occurring in Darfur, Chad and Central African Republic. With quiet eloquence, she reminds us of the importance of these causes, and speaks across the country to foster support to end these tragic events. Daughter of film director John Farrow and famed actress Maureen O’Sullivan, Ms. Farrow began her acting career in the groundbreaking television series, “Peyton Place,” and has appeared in such landmark film classics such as “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Hannah and Her Sisters.” Her memoir, What Falls Away, has been lauded as a “simply elegant memoir,” and with honesty and eloquence details her remarkable career, family and motherhood.
America Ferrera America Ferrera began her career with her starring role in the Patricia Cardoso film Real Women Have Curves. Her performance earned her a Sundance Jury Award for Best Actress, an Independent Spirit Award nomination for "Best Debut Performance," as well as a Young Artist Award nomination for "Best Performance for a Leading Young Actress." This fall, America stars as the title character in the highly anticipated new ABC series Betty the Ugly about an unattractive but spirited secretary who doesn't quite fit in at the high fashion magazine where she works. The show, based on the enormously successful Colombian series Yo Soy Betty, La Fea, is executive produced by Salma Hayek.
Vivica A. Fox Fox moved to California to become an actress, first on soap operas such as Generations, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. One of her earliest roles saw her as Patti LaBelle's fashion designer daughter, Charisse Chamberlain, on the NBC TV series Out All Night. She also appeared as Jazz's sister on the hit show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She got her big break in film as Will Smith's stripper girlfriend in Independence Day. From there, she was cast in many other films and earned critical acclaim for her role in the 1997 movie Soul Food, which netted her MTV Movie Award and NAACP Image Award nominations. In December of 1998, she married singer Christopher Harvest (aka Sixx-Nine) who she later divorced in June 2002. Fox also played roles in Idle Hands, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Teaching Mrs. Tingle, Two Can Play That Game and Juwanna Mann before landing the role of assassin Vernita Green in the 2003 Quentin Tarantino vehicle, Kill Bill. Fox has also tried her hand at voice acting, providing her voice for roles in the television cartoons Ozzy & Drix and Kim Possible. In 2004, Fox was in an episode of Punk'd where her pregnant friend Tichina Arnold pretended to go into labor, but they became angry when a paramedic appeared to care more about taking pictures than delivering the baby. Fox's relationship with the rapper 50 Cent earned her playful nods from Missy Elliott in her song "I'm Really Hot", The Game in "Dreams", and from 50 Cent himself in "Get In My Car". Fox is currently starring in the drama series, Missing on the Lifetime Television Network with Caterina Scorsone and Mark Consuelos. She is also the show's co-producer. Fox will participate in the third season of ABC's hit television show, Dancing with the Stars, the premiere is September 12. Vivica is set to star in an upcoming movie about the rise and fall and rise of Grammy Award-Winning pop music superstar Whitney Houston
Jeff Foxworthy Contrary to popular belief, Jeff Foxworthy is not an overnight success story. Before starring on The Jeff Foxworthy Show for two seasons, releasing many best-selling CDs and books and selling out major theaters, Foxworthy was on a first-name basis with every Holiday Inn manager in the country. Years of relentless touring, mastering the art of sleeping while standing up and waking at the crack of dawn to do morning radio and television interviews all helped mold Foxworthy into one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country. The Jeff Foxworthy Countdown, a weekly syndicated 3-hour radio show, debuted in April 1999, bringing fans current Top 25 country hits as well as interviews. The show, which is carried in more than 210 markets across the U.S., earned Foxworthy a CMA nomination for Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2001. To date, Foxworthy's recording sales have tallied over 13 million units, making him the largest-selling comedy-recording artist in history. His last album, Big Funny, received a 2000 Grammy Award nomination, the fourth honor Foxworthy has received for his recording efforts. Totally Committed, released in May 1998, has reached gold status and also received a 1999 Grammy nomination. His first CD, You Might be a Redneck If, has been registered triple platinum (3 million units), the only time a comedy CD has reached this mark and it has also become the largest-selling comedy recording of all time. Foxworthy's Games Rednecks Play was certified platinum a mere five weeks after its release. It went on to achieve triple platinum status and received a 1996 Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. The single, Games Rednecks Play, with country star Alan Jackson, was nominated for a 1997 Grammy for Best Vocal Collaboration. It was Foxworthy's salute to his hometown of Atlanta, host city for the 1996 Summer Olympics. A regular on such shows as The Tonight Show and The Late Show With David Letterman, Foxworthy also has an HBO special and two Showtime specials to his credit, one of which earned a CableAce nomination. Foxworthy has also been honored with a People's Choice Award as Favorite Male Newcomer for The Jeff Foxworthy Show and won TNN's Comedian of the Year three years in a row. Foxworthy has authored 11 best-selling books, which have sold more than 5 million copies. His autobiography, No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem , spent two months on the New York Times Bestseller List and sold more than 600,000 copies. His calendars have sold more than 1.5 million copies and he also has a line of greeting cards through American Greetings.
Jamie Foxx Despite being in the entertainment business for only a short time, Jamie Foxx has already proven himself an accomplished performer in film, television and music. Music was Jamie's first love, so he nurtured his natural talent by singing in a church choir and studying classical piano in his hometown of Terrell, Texas. He majored in music at a small liberal arts college in San Diego before a fateful visit to Los Angeles on his 21st birthday literally changed his life. While visiting a local comedy club, Jamie took a dare from a friend to go on stage and perform. He brought the house down with his impromptu routine. Realizing his comedic talent could be his ticket to Hollywood, he auditioned for the television show "In Living Color." Foxx was chosen from an open casting call of 300 for the coveted role of a series regular. His popularity on the hit show led to his own one-hour HBO comedy special, "Straight from the Foxxhole." In the special, he showcased his musical talents with a medley of songs that led to the 1995 release of his debut album, "Peep This." With all 12 songs written, produced and performed by Foxx, the album climbed to the #12 spot on Billboard's R&B chart. His other television credits include a recurring role on the critically acclaimed comedy series "Roc." Foxx also has made a name for himself in feature films. His credits include starring with Uma Thurman and Janeane Garofalo in "The Truth About Cats & Dogs" and "The Great White Hype" with Samuel L. Jackson and Damon Wayans. He will also star in the upcoming comedy "Good to Go" in which he was reunited with former "In Living Color" castmate Tommy Davidson.
Morgan Freeman Morgan Freeman earned his first Academy Award nomination for his chilling performance as a homicidal pimp in the drama Street Smart, which also brought him the LA, N.Y., and National Society of Film Critics Awards for best supporting actor of 1987, as well as an Independent Spirit Award and a Golden Globe nomination. The part of the pimp, Fast Black, was a far cry from his big screen debut as the genial character Afro in his film debut, the 1971 childrens adventure Who Says I Cant Ride a Rainbow, and it signaled the film world that one of its most versatile stars was on the rise. The 16 year span between those titles saw Freeman range from Shakespeare to an undercover policeman in Eyewitness. The next two decades would see him become one of Hollywoods true luminaries. Freeman earned his second Oscar nomination in 1989, this time as Best Actor, recreating his award-winning Broadway role in Driving Miss Daisy. He garnered his third Academy Award nomination playing opposite Tim Robbins in the critically praised 1994 hit The Shawshank Redemption. His fourth nomination for Clint Eastwoods Million Dollar Baby won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2005. The Memphis-born actor began his career on New York stages in the early 1960s, following a stint as a mechanic in the Air Force. A decade later, he became a nationally known television personality when he created the popular character Easy Reader on the popular childrens show, The Electric Company. Throughout the 1970s, he continued his work on stage, winning the Drama Desk Award, the Clarence Derwent Award and receiving a Tony Award Nomination for his outstanding performance in The Mighty Gents in 1978. He also won an Obie Award for his portrayal of Shakespearean anti-hero, Coriolanus, at the New York Shakespeare Festival. In 1984, Morgan won another Obie for his role as The Messenger in the acclaimed Brooklyn Academy of Music production of Lee Breuer's Gospel at Colonus. In 1985, he was winner of the Dramalogue Award for the same role. The part of Hoke Coleburn in Alfred Uhrys Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Driving Miss Daisy brought him his third Obie Award. His last stage appearance was as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew at the New York Shakespeare Festivals Delacorte Theater with Tracey Ullman. In 1993, Freeman made his film directorial debut with Bopha!, starring Danny Glover and Alfre Woodard, and soon after formed Revelations Entertainment, a production company developing entertainment product in all existing and emerging media that enlightens, inspires and glorifies the human experience. Their most recent production was the Brad Silberling comedy 10 Items or Less, in which Freeman starred with Paz Vega. His other early film acting credits include Brubaker, Harry & Sons, Teachers, Marie; That Was Then, This Is Now, Clean & Sober, Johnny Handsome, the multiple award-winning Glory, Chain Reaction, the Steven Spielberg production, Amistad, Hard Rain, Deep Impact, Nurse Betty, Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, High Crimes, The Sum of All Fears and Warner Bros Dreamcatcher and The Big Bounce. Other recent films include Luc Bessons Unleashed, Robert Redfords An Unfinished Life, Batman Begins and narration on the Academy Award-winning documentary March of The Penguins. He also recently starred in Lucky Number Slevin, with Bruce Willis and Josh Hartnett and will soon be seen in the comedy sequel Evan Almighty, Ben Afflecks Gone Baby Gone, Robert Bentons The Feast of Love and the next chapter in the Batman saga The Dark Knight.
Zach Galifianakis I was bored and raised in the foothills of North Carolina. I was a small child. At the age of four I grew a beard. I named it Sheila. I started doing stand up humor in NYC at a place called Hamburger Harrys. I bombed many, many times. Sheila was very discouraged. When my jokes improved I started getting acting jobs. Not to brag but I have been in many shitty things. Some good. Here goes: TV Reno 911 Tom Goes To The Mayor Apt. 2F Letterman Conan James Kimmel Shitcom Boston Common Tru Calling (when I sold my soul) Late World with Zach Movies AKA Films: Comedians of Comedy Flushed Heartbreakers Bubble Boy Corky Romano Out Cold Below
Brad Garrett Brad Garrett is a three time Emmy Award winning American actor and comedian known for his roles on the television sitcoms Everybody Loves Raymond as Robert Barone and Til Death as Eddie Stark.The comedian, whose voice can be heard in such films as Casper, Toonsylvania and Finding Nemo, shines brightest when he is put on the spot, answering any number of questions from the audience. The night I saw the comedian, a college student asked Garrett to "bust a move" like he sometimes did on "Everybody Loves Raymond. Garrett first teased the student, poking fun of him and the number of drinks he mightve had, and then invited him and a friend up on stage for photos. Making every minute memorable, Garrett channeled Robert Barone and goofily danced while posing for a photo shoot all to the music of "Disco Inferno. Other highlights include Garrett, who likens himself to a cross between Greg Brady and Herman Munster and proves it by impersonating Munster, doing a laugh-inducing imitation of former co star, Ray Romano. Paying homage to his moments on the show, Garrett ends the night with amusing outtakes from "Everybody Loves Raymond."
Marla Gibbs Best known as "Florence" on the CBS television hit series, "The Jeffersons." A highly successful film and television actress, Ms.Gibbs has been the recipient of numerous awards for her community service. A very funny and motivational lecture.
Robin Givens She appeared on The Cosby Show and Diff'rent Strokes and the TV movie Beverly Hills Madam before receiving the role on Head of the Class that made her famous. She achieved further prominence as the wife (1988-1989) of heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson with whom she shared a mansion in the affluent suburbs of New Jersey. They divorced, however, after Givens accused Tyson of spousal abuse (Tyson was later arrested). Her most famous television role was of rich girl Darlene Merriman on the sitcom Head of the Class. After her run on the show and her high profile divorce from Tyson, she appeared in numerous TV specials, TV movies (most notably The Women of Brewster Place with Oprah Winfrey and The Face with Yasmine Bleeth) and some failed sitcoms. Givens attempted a comeback as the host of the talk show, Forgive or Forget replacing television personality Mother Love. While this was generally regarded as a failure, Givens was well-liked by the audience. With the exception of the occasional made-for-television movie, she has not been seen on television since. She performed in New York in the Off-Broadway production of The Vagina Monologues, earning good reviews for her performance.
Danny Glover From Places in the Heart and the Lethal Weapon series to the award-winning To Sleep with Anger (which he also executive produced), Danny Glover is one of Hollywood's most renowned and respected leading men. An actor, producer, and director, this versatile superstar has impacted stage, screen, and television for over a decade.Glover's impressive and diverse body of work has earned him a host of awards, including several NAACP Image Awards, an ACE Award and Emmy nominations. Off-screen, Glover is a powerful advocate for literacy and has spoken to grammar and high school students around the nation about the joys of reading and education.
Pam Grier Well known actress of film, television and stage.
Kathy Griffin Emmy nominated Chicago native, Kathy Griffin, a multi faceted performer with a rapid fire wit, is probably best known for her four year stint on the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" as Vickie Groener, Brooke Shields acerbic colleague. After moving west and joining the famed Los Angeles Groundlings comedy improvisational troupe, Kathy began building her resume with guest starring roles on such series as ER and Seinfeld" where she created recurring character Sally Weaver. After her various TV guest spots, Kathy began gaining notice as a stand-up comedienne and landed her own HBO Half Hour Comedy Special. In 1998, HBO gave Kathy her own One-Hour Special, "A Hot Cup of Talk". Kathy has supplied voices for characters on the animated series "Dilbert" and "The Simpsons", and she appeared in a dual role on the "X-Files" as well as in Eminems video, "The Real Slim Shady", which was co-directed by Dr. Dre. Kathy has co-hosted The Billboard Music Awards three years in a row; and appeared on numerous talk shows including "Late Night with David Letterman", "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", "Howard Stern" and "The View", as well as having been featured in the films "Its Pat" and "Four Rooms" among others. Kathy has a great passion for reality TV. She participated in, and won "Celebrity Mole" on ABC, and then hosted the NBC reality series "Average Joe" as well as the MTV series, "Kathys So-Called Reality". Kathy has performed two very successful stand up specials for Bravo. The first in 2005 called Kathy Griffin...Is Not Nicole Kidman and the second in May of 2006 called Strong Black Woman. Kathys DVD stand-up special "Allegedly" is in stores now. In August 2005 Kathys reality show, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List, debuted on Bravo to rave reviews. The second season of Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List" was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program.
Greg Grunberg Greg Grunberg plays Matt Parkman on the hit show "Heroes". Although he is the first to admit that much of his success is due to his longtime friendship with writer/director/producer J.J. Abrams — who cast Grunberg in plum roles on Felicity and Alias — this lovable schlub is no slouch on his own. After studying business in college, Grunberg founded a successful frozen-yogurt business and assisted film producers Dino De Laurentiis and Joel Silver before segueing into acting. The quintessential average joe, he quickly landed TV guest spots, small film roles and a number of commercials, often portraying blue-collar guys. But his kindergarten pal Abrams lifted him out of the ranks of no-name players by writing him a role as a sarcastic inventor on Felicity. 2001 found Grunberg briefly appearing on two Abrams shows simultaneously, when he took on a recurring part as a CIA field agent on Alias in addition to his Felicity duties. Although TV remained his primary medium, he popped up in small film roles, notably the Abrams' directed Mission: Impossible III. But despite all the help he got from his friend, in 2006 Grunberg snagged his highest-profile role to date all by himself, as a hapless cop who can read minds on Heroes.
Bryant Gumbel Well known broadcast journalist and anchor of CBS's "Early Show." and HBO Sports
Darrell Hammond Darrell Hammond as Repertory Player Now entering his eighth season on “Saturday Night Live,” Darrell Hammond is best known for the many impressions he has brought to the show. His impressions have been applauded by television critics and viewers alike for their uncanny accuracy and range. After playing President Bill Clinton for most of his time in office, Hammond has taken over playing practically the entire Bush Administration from Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Attorney General John Ashcroft, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge – sometimes in the same sketch. Hammond performed as Vice President Al Gore in a performance so telling that it was used as a reference in preparation for the 2000 Presidential debates. Other political highlights include Jesse Jackson and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Hammond has also played media figures including Dan Rather, Ted Koppel, Geraldo Rivera, Sam Donaldson, Bob Costas, Tim Russert, Phil Donahue and Chris Matthews of MSNBC’s “Hardball” as well as celebrities (Sean Connery, Jay Leno, and Regis Philbin).
Hill Harper Despite his many accolades and awards, or maybe because of them, Hill Harper made a commitment to work in service of our youth. To pass along the lessons he learned and provide a foundation for young brothers and sisters to use as a launching pad to success. Hill knew early on that education is the key to unlock potential and open doors. He pursued his education with a passion and determination that resulted in him graduating Magna Cum Laude from Brown University. But not satisfied with that success, he went on to earn graduate degrees in Law and Public Administration from Harvard University.After achieving his goals in higher education, Hill began to pursue his career in acting with the same dedication and discipline he exhibited in the classroom. His hard work paid off as he is now seen in the hit CBS drama, CSI:NY. His appearance on the show has earned him two NAACP Image Awards. Prior to his current series Hill appeared in the CBS series' City of Angels and The Handler and he made numerous guest starring appearances in top shows such as Soul Food, The Sopranos, ER, NYPD Blue, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Of course, Hill is also an accomplished and acclaimed film actor he recently starred in the HBO movie, Lackawanna Blues and received critical acclaim for his performance in the independent film, The Visit. Again, Hill's film credits are numerous and include appearances in In Too Deep, Beloved, He Got Game, Get On The Bus, Zooman, and One Red Rose [which he co-wrote for Showtime.]He has been awarded an additional three NAACP Image awards for his literary accomplishments Outstanding Literary Work: Youth/Teens (2007, 2008) and Outstanding Literary Work: Debut Author (2007). Hill has authored his first book for adults: The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships; it has also been recognized as a New York Times Bestseller. Also Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny, published in 2008 and "The Conversation", published in 2009.
Dennis Haskins For over a decade when your students were kids, they awoke to Saved By The Bell on NBC’s #1 rated Saturday morning line-up. Eventually syndicated on TBS and in over 87 countries around the world, the times and troubles of Zack, Kelly, Slater, Lisa, Jessie, Screech, and of course, Mr. Belding, captivated your students. Mr. Belding was the voice of calm and wisdom, as well as humor to them growing up. He was the principal they always wanted. Today actor & story teller Dennis Haskins brings the world of “Saved By The Bell” back to them through “Mr. Belding on Campus” with entertaining stories about “…Bell” and meaningful leadership and motivational messages based on Dennis’ career pursuit. With an acting career that spans 4 decades and a business resume that also includes programming on college campuses and music promotion and management, Dennis understands what it takes to deliver an entertaining and inspiring evening to students. Because it’s their beloved Mr. Belding, students line up in droves before to see the show, and after to get autographs. In addition to SBTB stories, Dennis shares the hard knocks of pursuing a dream and motivates students to get involved and take chances while in school. His program is multi-dimensional, multi-media, interactive, fun and inspiring, and guaranteed to fill any facility. As one of the most recognizable figures from their childhood television days (AOL voted Mr. Belding as the #1 principal on TV!), Mr. Belding makes an impact on the students at your campus. They listen to him. While many will recognize him as this prominent Saturday morning figure, Dennis Haskins has much more to offer as a live speaker to America’s college campuses. Mr. Belding having been the moral compass for Zack, Kelly, Slater and the crew, gives your students the opportunity to receive some real world advice and experience and from Mr. Belding’s real world counterpart, Dennis Haskins
Jon Heder Jon Heder stars as the title character in Napoleon Dynamite, which is probably the best film ever. Already a cult classic, Napoleon Dynamite includes some of the most unforgettable characters ever created. The film is about Napoleon Dynamite, a tall, gawky high school student, who lives in Idaho with his eccentric family, and is one of the most unforgettable film characters ever created. Napoleon's quest to help his friend Pedro win Student Body President demonstrates the magic and unique skills inherent in everyone, even those society deems "uncool." Through being true to his own personality, Napoleon is able to realize his dreams.
Florence Henderson Popular actress and entertainer, Florence Henderson is perhaps best known as the star of television¹s most beloved and longest running situation comedy, ³The Brady Bunch.² Ms. Henderson shares her personal beauty secrets in an up-beat entertaining presentation called, ³Looking Great, Feeling Great.² ³Growing older is not a liability,² says Florence. ³You can be young at any age!
John Henton After five years on the Fox hit television series "Living Single," John Henton has earned a name for himself as one of today's leading comic talents. Through the lovable and sensible character of "Overton Wakefield Jones," Henton has found a loyal and endearing following.John Henton, Comedian and rest of cast of "Living Single" As seen at an appearance on Comedy Central's Premium Blend, Henton's appeal goes beyond the character he played on television as he captivated the audience with his observational and topical humor. John Henton has returned to series television on the ABC comedy "The Hughleys." Now with the character of Milsap, he continues his success into the new millennium.Born and raised in Cleveland, John never entertained the thought of a career in comedy. In 1982, while working during the day and studying computer science at night, he was urged by a co-worker to try his jokes at a local comedy club's amateur night. By his second night, he won the amateur night contest and began stand-up part time. John made the move to Los Angeles in 1985 and by 1988 started his stand-up career full time.John Henton After taking his comedy on the road for a year and winning the 1991 Johnny Walker National Comedy Search, he was spotted by "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" comedy executive, the late Jim McCawley, who booked him for a performance on the show.As he finished his set, John looked to Carson for his approval and received much more. He was called over to take a seat on the coveted couch where Carson asked him if he had an agent. To John's reply of "no," Carson mugged, "Well you will after tonight." It was a performance that John says gave his career a "serious jump-start."Since then John Henton has made appearances on "The Arsenio Hall Show" and "Bob Hope's Young Comedian's Special" as well as returning to "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." In January 1993, he starred in his own half-hour comedy special for Showtime, "John Henton: Comedy With An Attitude.In April of 1993, he was cast in the FOX-TV series "Living Single" starring Queen Latifah and Kim Fields Freeman. The show received stellar ratings and TV Guide selected Henton's character as one of the "break out" characters of the 1993 fall season. When the show came to an end after five years, John was proud and pleased with the work he had done on the show.Even though he is now headlines his own concerts in venues around the country, John has opened for such big names as Little Richard, Paul Rodriguez, The GAP Band, The Pointer Sisters, Kool & The Gang, Kenny Loggins, Kenny G, etc.
Ernie Hudson There are very few actors who can lay claim to a professional resume as long and varied as Ernie Hudson, but Hudson has always been a unique screen presence, capable of taking on any role. He was slimed when he co-starred as one of the Ghostbusters in two films; he played the simple-minded handyman Solomon in the box-office smash The Hand that Rocks the Cradle, for seven seasons he played Warden Glynn in the critically acclaimed HBO series “Oz,” he was the no nonsense training officer in ABC's "10-8", he recently completed work on Randy Miller's new feature Miss Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School, where he played Blake the shy, introverted widower, and is currently reprising his role as Harry McDonald, Sandra Bullock's FBI boss in Miss Congeniality 2. Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, a career in show business seemed like an unlikely path for young Ernie Hudson, who was already married with a young son when he enrolled at Wayne State University as a Speech and English major. Hudson’s early ambition was to be a writer, and was for a time the resident playwright at Detroit’s Concept East, the oldest black theater company in the country at that time. Later, he founded the Actors Ensemble Theater, which allowed him and other black performers to stage and appear in their own works. After attending Wayne State, Hudson accepted a full scholarship to the Master of Fine Arts Program at Yale University. This led to a number of regional theater roles and critical acclaim, and his feature film debut in Leadbelly. Hudson soon found himself alternating between film and television roles until 1983, when he was cast as Winston Zeddemore, the fourth member of the Ghostbusters team. The two Ghostbusters films, starring Bill Murray and Dan Akroyd, were huge box-office hits and gave Hudson a higher profile than he had ever known. He continued to work at a steady pace developing a broad and varied fan base. “Black, white, young, old, people recognize me from a wide variety of movies. I haven’t worked in just one genre, and my roles have varied as well.” Hudson’s subsequent screen roles included parts in Weeds with Nick Nolte, Leviathan, Sugar Hill, The Cowboy Way, Speechless, No Escape, The Substitute, Basketball Diaries and The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. "Oz" series co-creator Tom Fontana had worked with Hudson when he guest-starred on eight episodes of “St. Elsewhere” years ago, and cast him as Warden Leo Glynn, the fair-minded warden of the high-tech experimental unit of a maximum-security prison. “Oz” was one of HBO’s signature programs and ran for seven seasons. “It’s a hard show to watch because of the brutal nature of prison life, but I do think it made a very strong statement and the writing was very powerful.” Hudson won the International Press Academy Golden Satellite Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series for his work on “Oz.”
D.L. Hughley Star of the hit television show, "The Hughley's" and popular comedian, D.L. Hughley humorously deals with subjects like violence in white schools, gun control, the battle of the sexes, the state of the black family and the differences between black and white cultures and attitudes.
Crime In America A dialogue between Joe Pistone, a former FBI agent who went underground as "Donnie Brosco" in the most celebrated infiltration of organized crime in history and Salvatore "Bill" Bonanno of the famous Mafia crime family. A very informative, enlightening and entertaining program.
Lil JJ Lil JJ, star of Nickelodeons hot new TV show Just Jordan, is taking the comedy world by storm. Dubbed The Prince of Comedy, this Little Rock, Arkansas native won BETs Coming to the Stage at the early age of fourteen and has been performing ever since to sold out audiences throughout the country. In addition to his live engagements, he has had show stopping performances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as Showtime at the Apollo. On the big screen, Lil JJ has starred in such movies as Beauty Shop with Queen Latifah and Yours, Mine and Ours with Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo. JJs introduction to Hollywood had him competing on and winning, Coming to the Stage, BET's comedy competition game show where he went up against and beat comics more than twice his age to become the show's ultimate winner. JJ was a run-away favorite on "Stage," where the celebrity panel deemed him to be "The Next Superstar of Funny."
Jeff Johnson Jeff Johnson Political Motivator and Social Commentator Program Title: Unclaimed Legacy: Beyond Civil Rights Jeff Johnson is a political motivator and social commentator speaking to baby boomers, the Hip-Hop generation and to Generation Y the leaders of today and yesterday. He has a long history for rallying the troops stemming from his days at the University of Toledo when he became the first person of color to be the President of Student Government. Upon graduation he headed to Washington, DC and was the National Director for the NAACPs Youth and College Division, and then was later tapped by Russell Simmons to be the Vice President for the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. Jeff’s work in the political arena began to gain momentum, which caught the eye of an executive at BET who felt his breadth of knowledge in cultural affairs and politics would work best for their show Rap City. Jeff played host Tiggers conscious Cousin Jeff, and for the past two-years gave audiences a dose of reality. And his popularity has proved that his words do not fall on deaf ears. Wanting to get mileage out of the progress that was created on Rap City, BET introduced The Cousin Jeff Chronicles, a series of true-life documentaries that deal with current and pertinent issues facing urban communities. It became clear to me when I began this work that I needed to provide a voice of truth and honesty - transparency within the political process, especially for young people who may have a hard time deciphering that process and knowing their options, states Jeff. Jeffs commitment to fostering communication between the civil rights and hip-hop generations has been successful as he tours the country speaking at universities, faith-based organizations and churches while conducting countless leadership training sessions in local communities. As a voice for social change, Jeff is passionate about this work. He has put a spotlight on grassroots activism making these issues relevant to a wide variety of audiences throughout the country. The time is now states Jeff. Once individuals are armed with the political information needed to foster change within their communities, it will allow them to foster change within themselves.
Julie Kavner Julie Kavner is an Emmy Award-winning Jewish-American actress, best known for her role as Brenda Morgenstern on Rhoda in the 1970s and for providing the voice of Marge Simpson on the animated television show The Simpsons. In The Simpsons, Kavner provides the voices for Marge Simpson, Patty Bouvier, Selma Bouvier, Jacqueline Bouvier and Gladys Bouvier. Kavner has also appeared in several Woody Allen films, including Hannah and Her Sisters, Deconstructing Harry and Radio Days.
Garrison Keillor Well known historian and best-selling author of Preparing for the Twenty-First Century.
Jamie Kennedy Setting himself apart from his contemporaries as an actor, writer and producer, Jamie Kennedy is proving that talent and versatility can be parlayed into success in several different forums of entertainment. Kennedy co-wrote and starred in the Warner Bros. hit film "Malibu's Most Wanted." Kennedy's character in the film, B-Rad is based on the one that he created and portrayed on his popular WB television series "JKX: The Jamie Kennedy Experiment," where he wears three hats as star, writer and producer. The show recently concluded its third and final season.
Bill Kurtis Acclaimed documentary host and producer, network and major market news anchor, and multimedia production company president, Bill Kurtis is celebrating his fortieth anniversary in the field of broadcasting. Over the years, Kurtis has created a body of work that is virtually unparalleled. Born in Florida and raised in Independence, Kansas, Kurtis graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. He attended Washburn University School of Law where he was awarded a Juris Doctor degree. Kurtis began his television career at WIBW-TV (CBS) in Topeka, Kansas. In 1966, after being recognized for his 24-hour coverage of a devastating tornado, Kurtis was hired by WBBM-TV in Chicago where he was a field reporter and later anchor of The Channel Two News. Kurtis moved on to the network level at CBS where he anchored the CBS Morning News and contributed to CBS Reports. During his career as a network newsman, Kurtis covered such notable stories as the Richard Speck murders and the Charles Manson trial. He is also credited with breaking the Agent Orange story and the story of Amerasian children in Vietnam. Returning to Chicago and WBBM-TV as news anchor in 1985, Kurtis began his career as a documentarian, traveling to the far ends of the earth for the Peabody Award-winning series The New Explorers, which aired on A&E®. In 1990, he founded Kurtis Productions and began producing programs for the A&E Network, including the long-running, award-winning Investigative Reports and Cold Case Files® as well as Investigating History for The History Channel. Kurtis has also served as the host of A&E's AmericanJustice – the longest running non-fiction justice series on cable. Cold Case Files® was nominated for 2004 and 2005 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Nonfiction Series. Kurtis also provides satirical narration for the feature film comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, starring Will Ferrell and has provided spoken word elements to the recent Dandy Warhols' album released by Capitol Records. Kurtis is also an author. The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice (PublicAffairs) is his most recent book, which explores issues surrounding capital punishment in America. By profiling two murder cases, Mr. Kurtis reveals his change of mind regarding capital punishment.
Yul Kwon Kwon won the 13th season of the reality TV show Survivor, which was set in the Cook Islands, in 2006. In a talk at the Law School, Kwon spoke about how starring in Survivor was an opportunity for him to change Americans preconceptions about Asians. “I went on the show to present a positive image of the Asian American man, he said. “I wanted to change stereotypes. In his talk, Kwon delved into stories from his childhood growing up in a South Korean immigrant family, when he would watch television while distractedly aware of the absence of Asian American role models. Asian men were portrayed as caricatures, he said, as either Kung-fu masters who could not speak English or computer nerds who could not find a date. Kwon said he saw himself in the latter category. Kwon now works for CNN, covering political news in the broader context of youth and people of color.
Queen Latifah Actress, Singer, and Author As charismatic as she is talented, Grammy Award winner Queen Latifah has achieved iconic status in the entertainment industry. The first female rap artist to produce a gold album, she is known for her positive, intelligent lyrics and strong foundation in jazz and soul traditions. After her commercial breakthrough, she began to alternate her time between recording and acting—serving up success after success as a TV talk show host, co-star in the sitcom Living Single, and actress in such popular films as Sphere, Living Out Loud, Beauty Shop, and Bringing Down the House. Her sensational performance in the acclaimed movie musical Chicago garnered her a best supporting actress nomination from the Screen Actors Guild, the Golden Globes, and the Academy Awards. Queen Latifah recounts the ups and downs in her rise to fame in her inspirational memoir, Ladies First: Revelations Of A Strong Woman.
Spike Lee Spike Lee is one of the world's most talked-about film-makers. Inflammatory rabble-rouser or cinematic visionary? Opinions vary wildly on this film-maker who has been completely unafraid of chronicling modern-day America. Over the past fifteen years, only Oliver Stone has matched Spike Lee's politically explosive cinema, and controversy is never far away when a Lee film is released.Spike Lee made a name for himself in 1986 with the hit independent film She's Gotta Have It, a frank comedy about the many lovers of an independent Brooklyn woman. The film established Lee's as a rising young black filmmaker, a rarity at the time, and his skills and independence, along with his outspoken African-American perspective and feisty public persona, kept him in the public eye throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In later films he continued to tell stories with racial themes and New York settings, including the Brooklyn drama Do the Right Thing (1989), the jazz-tinged Mo' Better Blues (1990, with Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes), the interracial romance Jungle Fever (1993, with Snipes and Anabella Sciorra), the biopic Malcolm X (1992, starring Washington and based in part on the book by Malcolm X and Alex Haley), Summer of Sam (1999, with John Leguizamo) and controversial racial satire Bamboozled (2000). His most recent films are The 25th Hour, starring Ed Norton (2002), and She Hate Me (2004).
Ananda Lewis Award-Winning Host of “The Ananda Lewis Show” A combination of deep compassion, true intelligence, striking beauty and a big mouth has helped award winning television host Ananda Lewis reach new heights. Her talents have garnered a wealth of achievements, yet she has only just begun! Ananda, Sanskrit for "bliss", has been touching lives on and off screen since the age of 13. The San Diego, California native was a Head Start volunteer while a student at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. For nine years (4th through 12th grades) Ananda studied theater, vocal music, photography, and dance at the prestigious school that she credits with giving her the ability to maintain a free spirit and cultivate her confidence. "The teachers I had at SDSCPA and the supportive, nurturing environment of the campus in general are probably the #1 reason I am seeing success now," she says. After graduating from high school, Ananda left San Diego to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. For three seasons Ananda served as Host of BET’s Teen Summit, one of the station’s top rated shows which reached 42 million household’s LIVE each week. Her gift for affecting the lives of young people beamed out at us through the screen and her natural and obviously genuine relationship with co-host DaJour, had a lot of us thinking they were siblings. "Everybody would ask if Dajour, was my brother. I guess in a way he was - through talking about our lives, families and how to improve ourselves and our show." The teamwork obviously served them well. Teen Summit’s "It Takes a Village" show earned them a 1997 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Youth Series in large part because of Ananda’s interview with Hillary Rodham-Clinton. Teen Summit was also nominated for 1996 Cable Ace Award for its special on "homeless teens". During the summer of 1997, Ananda faced another life-changing decision when an opportunity at another television network arose. MTV had come knocking and Ananda was not sure about opening the door. "Up until that time I had been doing a show that meant great deal to not only me, but our viewers and the continued progress and healing of everyone it touched. I knew that I would not readily have access to doing a show like this again for a very long time and I had a real problem with that. For years it had been clear to me that I came to this planet to impact people’s lives, change things and help people heal by increasing their personal power and rejecting the lies we’ve all been taught since birth about ourselves and our potential. Yet I understood that in order to do that effectively, I would need the attention of the masses, not just my own people. I saw MTV not only as access to the masses, but also as an opportunity to be more of the woman I am and cultivate my ability to have fun, my social skills and whatever else the Creator had in store for me with this new opportunity."
Lisa Ling Lisa Ling is an journalist, best known for her role as a co-host of ABC's The View, and host of National Geographic Ultimate Explorer. Ling, a Chinese American, started in television at 16, when she was chosen as one of the four hosts of Scratch, a nationally-syndicated teen magazine show based in Sacramento. At 18, she joined Channel One News as one of their youngest reporters and anchors. Among her roles was war correspondent, including assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan. She attended the University of Southern California. During her time there, she had to miss her Russian Studies class to cover the 1992 Russian Referendum; her teacher understood. Ling joined The View on August 2, 1999, representing the "young voice" on the panel. She drew fire for her comments after the September 11, 2001 attacks, in which she stated that Americans should think about why other people would want to attack. In April of 2001, she competed in and completed the Boston Marathon. Ling left The View in 2002 to host National Geographic Ultimate Explorer on MSNBC. A couple of years later the show moved to the National Geographic Channel with the return of the original name National Geographic Explorer. In recent years, Oprah Winfrey has featured many of Ling's investigative pieces. Ling's title is "Oprah Show Investigative Reporter."
James Lipton James Lipton is widely known as the creator, executive-producer, writer and host of Inside the Actors Studio, which is seen in 80 million American homes on Bravo, and around the world in 125 countries. From 1994 to the present, more than 200 actors, directors and writers have joined him in creating what many consider the definitive craft archive of our time. The television series, which has been recognized with twelve Emmy nominations in twelve years, is in fact a course in a master's degree program, the renowned Actors Studio Drama School of Pace University, which was created thirteen years ago by Mr. Lipton as a vice-president of the Actors Studio, in collaboration with his Studio colleagues, and which, with Mr. Lipton as its founding dean, became the largest graduate drama school in America. Just as each of his distinguished guests brings to Inside the Actors Studio a lifetime of experience to be shared with the school's students, Mr. Lipton brings to the series and the school his experience as actor, director and producer in theater, film and television, choreographer, playwright, lyricist, screenwriter, author of both fiction and non-fiction, and academician. More than ten years of his life were spent in the classroom as a student of three of the acknowledged masters of the theatrical arts, Stella Adler, Harold Clurman and Robert Lewis. He was trained in modern dance and ballet by Hanya Holm and Alwin Nikolais, and in ballet by Ella Daganova and Benjamin Harkarvy. His voice teachers were Eva Gauthier and Arthur Lessac. His acting career began on Broadway in “The Autumn Garden” by Lillian Hellman, and extended to a wide variety of roles in film and television.
John Lithgow John Lithgow is a two time Tony Award winner and was most recently nominated for his starring performance in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Previous credits on Broadway include: Mrs. Farnsworth, The Retreat From Moscow and Sweet Smell of Success. TV credits include 3rd Rock from the which he received three Emmys, a Golden Globe, an American Comedy Award and two SAG Awards - Twilight Zone (Emmy Award) and Don Quixote (SAG Award nomination). Mr. Lithgow's films include The World According to Garp (Academy Award nomination), Terms of Endearment (Academy Award nomination), Shrek, Cliffhanger, The Pelican Brief, Memphis Belle, Footloose, Raising Cain, OrangeCounty, Ricochet and A Civil Action. Recent releases include a starring role in the feature film Kinsey and a HBO tele-film, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, in which he portrays Blake Edwards (November 2004). Lithgow is also the New York Times best-selling author of Carnival of the Animals, I'm a Manatee, Micawber, Marsupial Sue, Marsupial Sue Presents: The Runaway Pancake and The Remarkable Farkle McBride. He has performed in numerous concerts for children across the country - including four appearances at Carnegie Hall and shows with the Chicago, San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Detroit Symphony Orchestras, the New York Pops Orchestra and the Orchestra of Saint Luke's - as well as with New York City Ballet in Carnival of the Animals. Lithgow has also recorded two CDs, Farkle & Friends and Singin' in the Bathtub. His first non-fiction book, A Lithgow Palooza!: 101 Ways to Entertain and Inspire Your Kids, was released in April 2004, and has received the Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award. Five sequel books, Lithgow Party Paloozas! 52 Unexpected Ways to Make a Birthday, Holiday, or Any Day a Celebration for Kids, Lithgow Paloozas! Boredom Blasters: Rainy Day Edition, Halloween Edition, Sick Day Edition and Travel Edition are currently in bookstores.
George Lopez Well known Hispanic stand-up comedian.
Mario Lopez Handsome and charismatic, Mario Lopez brings the man's view every woman wants to know more about to NBC Enterprise and Syndication's "The Other Half." "There's three things men always talk about - women, sports, and cars," Mario explains. "I love talking about women because they are a constant study and you're always learning." Although widely known for his role as the "high school jock" Slater on the popular NBC comedy series "Saved By The Bell," Lopez has developed into one of the fastest rising stars on television and film. He recently co-produced and starred in the independent film "The Courier" where he portrays a college student who takes a courier job to help with tuition and finds himself unwittingly involved in a drug smuggling ring. The film also starts Nancy O'Dell from "Access Hollywood." Born in San Diego, Lopez's first professional role was the younger brother on the series "A.K.A. Pablo." Throughout the years, Lopez has become known to television audiences through his series regular roles on NBC's "Saved By The Bell" and USA Network's "Pacific Blue," where he portrayed police officer Bobby Cruz. Lopez also served as host of the syndicated series "Name Your Adventure" and portrayed Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis in the telefilm "Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story." His film credits include "Colors," "Depraved" and a starring role in the 1999 independent film "Eastside." Lopez can be seen opposite Jon Seda in the upcoming independent film, "Rikki The Pig" -- an adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic tragedy "Richard III" set in the streets of East Los Angeles.
Norm MacDonald Fired in bitter haste from Saturday Night Live and following up with two career-crippling film credits, Norm Macdonald's career has been spiraling into disaster since 1997 -- "or so the Germans would have us believe." Though he began his career as a stand-up comedian in Ottawa, most people's familiarity with MacDonald derives from his three-year stint as Weekend Update anchor on the ever-enduring Saturday Night Live. Realizing that a change in location was the key to success, MacDonald packed his bags and took his routine to L.A, where he continued to refine his specific brand of acerbic wit through his stand-up act. In addition, MacDonald became a writer for the popular sitcom Roseanne, as well as The Dennis Miller Show.
Bill Maher Whether skewering Republicans, Democrats, the mass media or Hollywood, Bill Maher is one of the most perceptive and hilarious satirists at work today. From the podium he delivers his trademark blend of devastating social commentary and politically incorrect humor that always leaves audiences begging for more. Bill first gained fame as the host of ABCs Politically Incorrect, which featured celebrities, pundits and politicians discussing current events with enlightening and often hilarious results. He is now the host of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, as well as the worlds first Internet-exclusive talk show on Amazon.com, Amazon Fishbowl. Like his shows, Bills lectures provide an entertaining and insightful look at the world that will amuse and stimulate every audience.
Cheech Marin Primarily known as an actor, director, and performer, Cheech Marin has developed the finest private collection of Chicano art in this country. Much of it formed the core of his nationally traveling exhibition Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge, which broke attendance records during its groundbreaking 15-city tour to major art museums across the United States during 2001 2007. Marin believes, Chicano art is American art. My goal is to bring the term Chicano to the forefront of the art world. In late 2007, he is launching a new exhibition that features works on paper from his collection, Papel Chicano: Works on Paper from the Collection of Cheech Marin that will open at Mesa Contemporary Arts of Mesa Arts Center in Arizona and travel to other cultural venues across the nation. A third-generation Mexican American, Marin has been recognized for his work on behalf of Latinos by the Imagen Foundation with its 2000 Creative Achievement Award and by the National Council of La Raza and Kraft Foods with their 1999 ALMA Community Service Award. In May 2007, he received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts for his contributions to the creative arts. His community involvement includes serving on the board of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. As an actor, Marin is familiar to many as one-half of the hilarious duo Cheech and Chong that together, made eight feature films. He has since appeared in more than 20 films, including Spy Kids, Tin Cup, and Once Upon A Time in Mexico. His television credits include co-starring with Don Johnson in the popular CBS drama, Nash Bridges. In addition, in 2005, he directed the Broadway production of Latinologues, a collection of comedic and poignant monologues revealing the Latino experience in America.
Julissa Marquez Julissa is one of three hosts of OH DRAMA!, BET'S popular talk show. OH DRAMA is a provocative, high energy nighttime talk show featuring three dynamic and opinionated ladies. Topics covered are pop culture, health, beauty, relationships, careers, spirituality, etc.
Russell Means Russell Means has been described as the most famous Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Russell Means has staged several events designed to bring attention to the plight of the American Indians. He conducted a prayer vigil on Mount Rushmore and filed a $9,000,000 lawsuit against the Cleveland Indians baseball team alleg­ing that the team’s nickname defamed American Indians. Means’ most famous act of defiance occurred at Wounded Knee, South Dakota on February 27, 1973 where the takeover revisited the sight of the American Indian massacre at the hands of U.S. soldiers in 1890.
Carlos Mencia Carlos Mencia takes no prisoners. In his show, Mind of Mencia on Comedy Central, the critically-acclaimed comedian mercilessly skewers the current and the cultural, whether in the studio, in the audience, out on the street, or in commercial parodies. One of the most popular comedians in the country, Carlos has sold out live concerts at venues throughout. He has a no nonsense point of view and the ability to connect with a diverse audience by pointing out societys hypocrisies.
Alyssa Milano Actress Alyssa Milano has spent almost her entire life in the public eye. A famous child actor, Alyssa has continued to work throughout her adulthood in both television and film. However, her latest role is outside the world of Hollywood, as a philanthropist. Because of all her charitable work on behalf of children, Alyssa was invited by UNICEF in 2003 to become a national ambassador. Her first trip with the 58 year old organization was to Angola, Africa May 2004 to see first hand the issues plaguing the newly liberated country. Alyssa launched UNICEFs pivotal Trick or Treat campaign in the fall of 2004 as an official spokesperson. In June of 2005 Alyssa traveled with UNICEF to India during the 6th month anniversary of the tsunami disaster. She visited the worst affected tsunami zones in South India to witness the relief and rehabilitation efforts. Alyssas trip also focused on educating & spreading awareness about HIV-AIDS, as India has the second highest infection rate in the world. Alyssa plans to work with UNICEF on numerous projects in the future, with all proceeds returning to the organization. International relief work is not new to the actress. In August of 2002, Alyssa hosted a photography exhibition and auction in Los Angeles to raise money for charitable efforts in South Africa. An avid photographer, Alyssa displayed her own work, as well as that of school children from L.A.s Venice Arts program. The event raised close to $50,000 for Nkosis Haven, an organization that runs care centers in South Africa for AIDS afflicted mothers and children. For her efforts, Alyssa was honored with a humanitarian award from Sri Chinmoy: The Peace Meditation at the United Nations. It was this work that got the attention of UNICEF executives. Most recently The John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint JohnsHospital and HealthCenter and the Associates of Breast & Prostrate Cancer Studies presented Alyssa with the 2004 Spirit of Hollywood Award which honors individuals from the entertainment industry for their personal dedication and commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Alyssa also attended the 2004 Democratic National Convention on behalf of the Creative Coalition and is an avid supporter of MTVs Rock the Vote campaign. Alyssa Milano starred opposite Holly Marie Combs and Rose McGowan as a trio of modern day demon hunters on the WBs Charmed. The series debut was the highest-rated premiere in the networks history, and was a great success for Spelling and the WB. The shows international appeal brought it to more than 100 territories around the world, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Alyssa has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, appearing repeatedly on the covers of FHM, Maxim Magazine, Stuff, Cosmopolitan, and TV Guide. Stuff magazine voted her Americas No. 1 sweetheart and more recently named her the fifth most beautiful woman in the world.
Jay Mohr Jay Mohr is a quadruple threat. Film, television, radio and stand-up are all among the treasures in the bag of tricks he's been working on throughout the 15-year career he began as a teenager. He has worked with superstars, matching wits and chops with Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, Al Pacino in "Simone," Eddie Murphy in Pluto Nash, and Bill Murray in Speaking of Sex.
Melba Moore Award winning singer, actress and philanthropist, Melba Moore's enduring talent has earned her a rewarding career in theater, television, music and film. She started the Melba Moore Foundation for children because she is devoted to the prevention of child abuse, neglect and illiteracy. Ms. Moore is a positive role model for all people and is a firm believer that through faith all things are possible. Her dynamic lecture is entitled, "Great Inspirations." Tony Award-winning singer and actress Melba Moore returns to her roots with this biographical and beautifully moving one woman, two act musical. Moore captivates the audience with her singing and stories of her life in this poignant and thrilling show.
Michael Moore Michael Moore, director of the controversial films "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" and New York Times best-selling author of "Dude, Where's My Country?"
Tracy Morgan Tracy Morgan segued from the completion of his seventh year as a cast member on NBCs Saturday Night Live to primetime as star of his short-lived series, The Tracy Morgan Show. Even after seven amazing years in late night, theres nothing like getting a shot at primetime. On SNL, Morgan most recently popularized two memorable characters Safari Planet host Brian Fellow and the space adventurer Astronaut Jones. Other popular characters include Woodrow, the homeless romantic, and the longtime favorite, Dominican Lou. His impressions include Mike Tyson, The Views Star Jones, Della Reese, Busta Rhymes, Maya Angelou and Samuel L. Jackson. He has also made numerous comedic appearances as himself, both on Weekend Update and in backstage sketches where he grills the guest host with inappropriate questions. Born and raised in New York City, Morgan is a standup comedian, actor and sketch-comedy player, who continually works the national standup comedy circuit while appearing on television and in feature films. After appearing on Def Comedy Jam, he first became well known appearing on Martin as the recurring character, Hustleman. Morgan debuted an hour-long standup special on Comedy Central in August 2002 and contributed a voice to Comedy Centrals Crank Yankers. He also hosted the channels standup showcase, Comic Groove, and in 2002 was named the It Ready for Prime Time Playa by Entertainment Weeklys It List. Morgan recently appeared in a featured role in the film Head of Statedirected by and starring SNL alum Chris Rock. Other movie credits include A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Half Baked, the independent feature 30 Years to Life, How High and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Pat Morita Popular Asian-American actor, comedian and entertainer who is best known as Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Kevin Nealon With his unique sense of humor, profound dry wit and likable demeanor, Kevin Nealon has established himself as one of the premiere television, theatrical and stand-up comedians of his generation. As a cast member of Saturday Night Live (1986-1995), Mr. Nealon is most recognized for the characters he created, including; The Subliminal Man, Hans and Franz, and anchoring Weekend Update. His extensive television credits include guest appearances on such award winning shows as, The Larry Sanders Show, Fat Actress, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Comedy Centrals, Crank Yankers. Kevin Nealon, who made his film debut in the 1987 romantic comedy, Roxanne, with Steve Martin, has gone on to star in over two dozen comedies, including Happy Gilmore and The Wedding Singer, both with Adam Sandler, Joe Dirt, Anger Management with Jack Nicholson, Daddy Day Care with Eddie Murphy and Grandma's Boy. He is currently starring as Doug Wilson in the critically acclaimed, Golden Globe nominated Showtime series, WEEDS. Mr. Nealons films in 2008 include Steve Carells, Get Smart, Adam Sandlers, You Dont Mess With The Zohan, and in January 2009, Twentieth Century Foxs, They Came From Upstairs. Kevin Nealons first book called, Yes, Youre Pregnant but What About Me?, published by HarperCollins and in bookstores May 2008. Mr. Nealon also stays busy performing stand-up comedy around the country and can be seen in his own Stand-Up Special airing in the fall of 2008. In addition to his acting credits, he is an established and acclaimed writer, garnering him an Emmy nomination for his work on Saturday Night Live. Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Kevin Nealon has a degree in Marketing from Sacred Heart University and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with his wife and son.
Conan OBrien Conan O?Brien is best known as host of NBC's late-night talk show/variety show Late Night with Conan O'Brien. O'Brien is scheduled to take over for Jay Leno as host of The Tonight Show in 2009.
Edward James Olmos Edward James Olmos an actor Olmos has often become involved in social issues, especially those affecting the Hispanic-American community in the United States. In 1998 Olmos founded Latino Public Broadcasting and currently serves as its Chairman. The Latino Public Broadcasting funds programming for public television which focuses on issues affecting Hispanic-Americans and advocates for diverse prespectives in public television. Also, in 1998, Olmos stared in the uplifting and Latino movie The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit, that breaks stereotypes and transcends the normal stigmas of most Latino oriented movies. Olmos also makes frequent appearances at juvenile halls and detention centers to speak to teenagers at risk. He has also been an international ambassador for UNICEF. In 2001, he was arrested and spent 20 days in prison for taking part in the Navy-Vieques protests against United States Navy target practice bombings of the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Edward James Olmos in Blade RunnerOlmos played Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in the 2001 movie In the Time of the Butterflies. He also appeared as a recurring character, Justice Mendoza, in the TV series The West Wing. In the early 2000s he starred as the recently widowed father in a Latin L.A.-family, in the PBS drama American Family. Olmos was married to actress Lorraine Bracco, but she filed for divorce in January 2002. He is currently married to actress Lymari Nadal. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. In 2003, he starred as Commander Adama in the Sci Fi Channel mini-series remake of the series Battlestar Galactica and has since appeared in every season of the new Battlestar Galactica TV series. In 2006, Olmos produced and played the bit part of Julian Nava in the HBO movie Walkout about the 1968 Chicano Blowouts.
Marie Osmond As a child and a teenager, Marie Osmond endeared herself to an entire generation. That bond with her audience not only continued, but grew stronger through the years as Marie’s career blossomed into hit records, network television shows, Broadway musicals, movies of the week, world-wide concert tours, a top ten New York Times best selling book author, television commercials, lecture tours and an extremely successful Marie Osmond Collector Dolls business. With all her successes over 40 years in the entertainment industry, Marie’s legion of fans now spans generations. Marie was first thrust into the spotlight in 1963 on “The Andy Williams Show” when the host placed the three-year old on his lap and introduced her as “the youngest Osmond Brother.” She began to make a name for herself 10 years later when at 13 years of age she exploded onto the music charts (#1 country/#5 pop) with “Paper Roses,” marking the first time in country music history that a female artist debuted with a #1 record. Her first concert performance soon after was a sold-out date at Madison Square Garden alongside The Osmond Brothers, with whom she now performed, prompting the group’s name to be changed to The Osmonds. Barely a teenager, she garnered a gold record and Grammy nominations for 1974’s Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best New Artist. After the Paper Roses album, she released In My Little Corner of the World (1974) and Who’s Sorry Now (1975). Among the many TV guest appearances she made, one featured a duet with her brother Donny of their #4 top selling pop record “I’m Leavin’ It All Up to You” and a guest hosting role with Donny. That, in turn, led to their weekly television variety series “The Donny & Marie Show” (1976-81). During the show’s run, because of her famous “Marie Cut” hairstyle and her stylish wardrobe and keen eye for fashion, she became recognized as a trend setter and a role model for women throughout the world. Ever in demand, in 1995 ABC Television asked Marie to star in the sitcom “Maybe This Time” with Betty White. In 1997, she made her Broadway debut as Anna in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I,” opening to rave reviews, and in the spring of 1998, she headlined the show’s national touring production in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Then, in the fall of 1998, Columbia Tristar Television Distribution premiered the popular daytime entertainment/talk show “Donny & Marie,” which ran for two full seasons. True international icons, NBC Television invited Marie and her brother Donny to perform for the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, viewed by a world-wide audience. And again, in 2003, Marie and Donny were teamed with the popular Ozzie Osbourne and his family for the hilarious Pepsi Twist television commercial seen world-wide and voted the most recognized commercial spot of Super Bowl XXXVII. In August, 2003, Marie and her family received a star on Hollywood’s prestigious Walk of Fame. After 40 years of television, 47 gold and platinum records and selling over 100 million records world wide, the Osmonds are acclaimed as on of the most prolific entertainment families in the world. Marie’s highly successful career had involved her in every medium of entertainment except radio, until in 2004 she launched into a whole new experiment and vista of entertainment with her fun and informative nationally syndicated talk/music radio show “Marie & Friends.” After her final broadcast, Marie jokingly said it was fun for her because with eight children she really enjoyed the adult conversation with her radio “friends” every weekday! In August, 2006, Marie joined the Fox Television Network family as a judge on American Idol executive producer Simon Cowell’s newest singing competition “Celebrity Duets”. She had a great time working with host Wayne Brady and fellow judges rock â€n roll icon Little Richard and famed producer/songwriter David Foster, “because all the people involved are so talented, quick and bright ---- and besides, I kind of miss giving my male counterpart(s) a bad time!”
Adam Pascal Adam Pascal The performer, singer, and songwriter, best known for the hit Broadway musical "Rent" as well as the movie.
Cedric Pendleton While working full time in corporate sales, he emerged himself in a concentrated, back-breaking internship at Actor's Express Theater under then Artistic Director Chris Coleman, the result of which was a stunning debut performance in Stand Up Tragedy in which he played the lead. He has since worked on stage with such respected actors and directors as Gary Yates, David Bell, Ella Joyce, Ruby Dee, Angela Gibbs, Joan Pringle, and Woody King, Jr. Committed and passionate from the very beginning, Cedric kept reaching and working. He added commercials, voice over work and industrials to his resume. And he made the most of Atlanta's burgeoning independent film community, in which his talent, perseverance, and charm served him well and put him on the local A-list. As he consistently honed his talents and skills, his independent film work soon led to roles in hit features such as Runaway Jury, Summer Catch, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and Madea's Family Reunion, allowing him to work with the likes of Brian Dennehy, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Debbie Allen, and Tyler Perry. All the while, he was paving his way to Oz. Once he took the plunge and moved West, he proved that he was not just a big fish in a small pond, but rather, he could hold his own with the big dogs. Cedric landed supporting and recurring roles in hit television shows and movies like The Fantasia Barino Story, The Shield, The Guardian, One Tree Hill, Strong Medicine, and NYPD Blue. For Cedric, like any true artist, there is no separation between his life and his craft. He commands attention like a star, and he thrives on it like a star. Unexpectedly, he accepts praise with grace. A multi-faceted treasure, he is also a producer, promoter, writer, poet, lyricist, and motivational speaker and a gifted athlete, martial artist, teacher, and mentor. Cedric Pendleton: Dedicated. Team player. Enthusiastic. He brings his best game. Every time.
Kal Penn Kal Penn is one of America's hottest and most respected young actors. The star of Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle and The Namesake, Penn , according to The Boston Globe, "could turn out to be the Desi Tom Hanks. Scratch that—he could be the next Tom Hanks, period." Starring in worldwide blockbusters, like Superman Returns, as well as critically adored indie films, like American Desi, Kal Penn’s popularity has put him into the top ranks of Hollywood’s young stars. But before his breakthrough in Harold and Kumar, he suffered, like many minority actors, his share of typecasting and prejudice. Now, as one of the few leading men of Indian descent in Hollywood, he is setting the stage for a sea change in attitude toward the portrayal of minorities on television and in the movies. With each role, he is working to get a fuller and truer range of racial and cultural experience into popular culture. As the star of one of this year’s most critically acclaimed films The Namesake, Penn plays Gogol, an Indian child growing up in America with a name that is from neither country. The movie embraces the reality of the immigrant experience, and is the sort of intelligent and popular entertainment for which he has come increasingly to be known. The New York Times called his turn in the movie, "a crackling star making performance." Penn was featured, with his friend Brandon “Superman” Routh, in the infamously rejected MTV pilot, Awesometown, and has guest-starred on episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ER and NYPD Blue. He is also set to star the much-hyped sequel Harold and Kumar Go to Amsterdam. Recently named one of People magazine’s “50 Hottest Bachelors," he is currently attending Stanford University, studying International Relations. A graduate of UCLA in film and sociology, Penn will teach two undergraduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania in 2008.
Rosie Perez This ebullient, high voiced Latina actress garnered attention for her portrayal of Spike Lee 's fast-talking, no non-sense girl friend in 1989 's "Do the Right Thing." Perez began her career as a featured dancer on "Soul Train", moving on to choreograph numbers for such recording artists as Bobby Brown and Diana Ross. Her choreography credits also include the opening title sequence for "Do the Right Thing" and the "fly girl" segments of TV 's "In Living Color". In the hit comedy feature "White Men Can 't Jump" (1992), Perez played Woody Harrelson 's girlfriend, a "motor-mouth" whose life 's ambition is to appear on the TV game show "Jeopardy". In 1993, Perez replaced her usually strident image with a much softer turn as a plane-crash survivor in Peter Weir 's "Fearless", for which she received good reviews and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting actress. She followed with a turn as Nicolas Cage 's greedy wife in "It Could Happen to You" (1994) and as a taxi dancer in love with the wrong man in Alexandre Rockwell 's "Somebody to Love".
Tyler Perry Tyler Perry became America's most successful young playwright and the writer, producer and co-star of the box office hit Diary of a Mad Black Woman. But it was a long hard road. In 1992 Perry wrote letters to himself in an effort to deal with his childhood pain. These would provide the basis for the musical I Know I've Been Changed about adult survivors of child abuse. Tyler Perry saved $12,000 and moved to Atlanta in 1992, where he tried to stage the play. Initially, however, I Know I've Been Changed was a flop. Hardly anyone came to the shows and over the next 6 years, Tyler Perry found himself homeless on several occasions, and doing dozens of different jobs to support his determination that the play would succeed. He had come to the point of giving up on the show, when in 1998, the turning point came. I Know I've Been Changed opened at the House of Blues and sold out eight times over before moving to the Fox Theater where it sold out 9,000 seats for two shows. Since then Tyler Perry has been on a roll. His next production, Woman Thou Art Loosed based on the book by Bishop T.D. Jakes grossed over $5 million in five months. Further productions including I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Behind Closed Doors, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion, Madea's Class Reunion, Meet the Browns, and Madea Goes to Jail have meant that the once broke Perry has now earned tens of millions of dollars.
Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint is Director of the Media Center of the Judge Baker Children's Center in Boston. He is also a Professor of Psychiatry and Faculty Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Harvard Medical School. Born in East Harlem, he attended Columbia and received his M.D. from Cornell University in 1960. He completed his postgraduate training at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Neuropsychiatric Institute, where he served as Chief Resident in Psychiatry in 1964-65. From 1965 to 1967, he was Southern Field Director of the Medical Committee for Human Rights in Jackson, Mississippi, providing medical care to civil rights workers and aiding in the desegregation of health facilities throughout the South. Dr. Poussaint is an expert on race relations in America, the dynamics of prejudice, and issues of diversity as our society becomes increasingly multicultural. He believes that extreme (violent) racists suffer from a delusional mental illness. Dr. Poussaint lectures widely on college campuses and also serves as a consultant to government agencies and private corporations. He is co-author, with James P. Comer, M.D., of Raising Black Children, 1992; and co-author, with Amy Alexander, of Lay My Burden Down, 2000. He was a script consultant to NBC's The Cosby Show and continues to consult to the media as an advocate of more responsible programming.
Zachary Quinto Zachary Quinto plays Sylar on the hit show "Heroes". A nerdy computer whiz on 24, a brain-stealing serial killer on Heroes and Tori Spelling's gay best bud on So NoTORIous: this up-and-coming small-screen actor is nothing if not versatile. Intrigued by acting from an early age, Quinto began appearing in Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera productions as a child. But he decided to pursue acting as a vocation after being involved in a car accident at age 16. After high school, the dark and handsome player studied at Carnegie Mellon's prestigious acting conservatory, and a year after graduating, he began landing guest spots on diverse series, everything from Touched by an Angel to CSI. His recurring role on the third season of 24 upped his profile, but 2006 was his breakthrough year. Although his first series-regular gig on So NoTORIous was cut short when the campy show failed to get picked up for a second season, he quickly snagged his signature Heroes role. With his icy stare and monotone delivery, Quinto proved a breath-taking villain, and producers announced that he would become a series regular during the sci-fi smash's second season.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Popular Broadway, television and movie star, Sheryl Lee Ralph is no stranger to success; but among Black actresses, she may be the exception. She has starred in "It's A Living;" her own series "New Attitude;" in the comedy, "Designing Women;" and in the hit series, "Moesha." Her film credits include, "Sister Act II," "The Flintstones," "The Mighty Quinn," "Mistress," "The Distinguished Gentleman," "White Man's Burden," "Witch Hunt," and "Bogus" with Whoopi Goldberg.
Phylicia Rashad Talented actress and entertainer who starred for many years on "The Cosby Show."
Neil and Adrian Rayment Neil & Adrian Rayment portray The Twins in the smash hit movie The Matrix Reloaded. The hippest villains this side of Agent Smith, The Twins are killing machines who can vaporize and move through walls and floors. They work for The Merovingian and effect ghoulish faces when they're on the prowl. Pale, white-haired and actual twins, Neil and Adrian are black belts and martial-arts experts. Appearing in costume as The Twins, they lecture about their role in the Matrix Reloaded and demonstrate some of their martial-arts moves and show clips from the movie.
Daphne Maxwell Reid Daphne Maxwell Reid is known as Aunt Viv, the matriarch on NBC's hit comedy, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air". She is also known for her role of mortician/embalmer Hannah Griffin on the CBS comedy series "Frank's Place" in which she co-starred with her husband, Tim Reid. She teamed up with Tim again when she starred as Mickie Dennis on "Snoops" for CBS. In 1998-99, she played the bawdy hooker Eartha on Showtime’s “Linc’s” which was created and produced by her husband and shot at New Millennium Studios in Virginia and Paramount Studios. Currently, she reoccurs as Mrs. Hunter on UPN’s “Eve”. With her husband, actor/writer/producer Tim Reid, and two other Virginia businessmen, Reid co-founded and is a principal partner in New Millennium Studios, the first full-service film studio in Virginia. The first of three phases of a 60-acre project including a 15,000 square foot soundstage, a state-of-the-art post production facility and a 25-acre back-lot was completed and opened on July 12, 1997. Reid has served as New Millennium Studios’ COO and Business Affairs principal, helping with designing, building and growing the new company from the ground up to a $7 million facility in six years, including over $1.5 million in revenues in 2001. To date, New Millennium Studios’ founders have produced two feature films, Asunder; and For Real, both of which Ms. Reid served as Executive Producer; a television series, Linc’s; a syndicated television special, American Legacy Television, which has become a Video Collection for Blockbuster, Inc; over 40 commercials; and have hosted numerous television and feature films shot at their facility. Low cost, quality content Creation is the focus of the venture and the ownership and distribution/exploitation of intellectual properties is the goal. Toward that effort, New Millennium Studios has created Obsidian Home Entertainment to distribute film titles both theatrically and in home video/DVD. The new Television division at New Millennium is creating original programming for the new cable network, TV One including the “Cowboys of Color” and “Gospel Challenge” series.
Lisa Rinna Lisa Rinna "Merged" on Lifetime TV & "Dancing with the Stars" With her exotic looks and prodigious talent, Lisa Rinna has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. In addition to hosting SOAPnet's talk show, "Soap Talk" — which earned her two Daytime Emmy Award nominations — Rinna hosts the new Lifetime show "Merge." Rinna is known to many as Billie Reed, the free-spirited character she played on NBC's daytime hit "Days of Our Lives" throughout the 1990s and in 2002. She portrayed the love-to-hate-her character Taylor McBride on Fox Network's long-running nighttime smash "Melrose Place." She also starred in two Lifetime movies: "Another Woman’s Husband" and "Sex, Lies & Obsession," opposite husband Harry Hamlin. A native of Medford, Oregon, Rinna loves outdoor activities and stays active with kickboxing, yoga, scuba diving, Pilates and horseback riding. She also loves fashion and has a clothing boutique named Belle Gray, after the middle names of her two daughters. Rinna resides in Los Angeles with her husband and children.
Robin Roberts ABC sports commentator on "Good Morning America" and host of ESPN's Sports Center, Robin Roberts is one of the most versatile commentators in sports. She is also the current host for the Emmy Award winning anthology program, "ABC's Wide World of Sports."
Paul Rodriguez Paul Rodriguez career has spanned more than two decades and includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 30 films and countless television series and specials. His first big break came while doing comedy warm-ups for Norman Lear's show "Gloria." Lear ultimately wrote and developed a weekly series for Paul, "a.k.a. Pablo." Paul holds the honor and is enshrined at the Smithsonian as the first television show about a Mexican American Family on mainstream American television. He went on to do two other series, "Trial and Error," and "Grand Slam" for CBS. For four years (1990/94) Paul hosted "El Show de Paul Rodriguez," an entertainment talk show for the Spanish-language Univision Network. The show reached an international audience throughout the United States and 17 other countries in Central and South America. Paul's directorial debut came in 1994 with the film "A Million to Juan," a family comedy in which he also wrote and starred in. In addition, Paul also found time to guest star in several episodes of Showtime's original series "Resurrection Boulevard," and starred in six comedy specials for HBO, including "Loco Slam," "Live in San Quentin" and the most recent being "Idiots and Armadillos," which he also wrote and executive-produced. He also served as host for The Alma Awards on the ABC and the Latino Laugh Festival for Showtime, as well as his own television creations- four specials for the Fox Broadcasting Company ("Back to School," "Behind Bars") Paul segued nicely from television to motion pictures, making his feature film debut in the Universal Pictures comedy "D.C. Cab." Paul also had co-starring roles in Orion Pictures' "Miracles," Paramount's "The Whoopee Boys," Columbia Pictures "Quicksilver," and Universal's "Born in East L.A.", as well as "Made in America." He landed the coveted role of outspoken fight physician Freddie Pacheco in Columbia Pictures big budget biopic Ali for director Michael Mann and Producer John Peters. Other movie roles that followed are New Line Cinema's The Price of Glory, starring Jimmy Smitts, Metro Goldwyn's Tortilla Soup, with Hector Elizondo Crocodile Dundee in LA with Paul Hogan The Shipment with Mathew Modine, Jerry Zuckers Rat Race and Chasing Papi directed by Linda Mendoza Recently he had the opportunity to work with the legendary Clint Eastwood in the Warner Brothers film Bloodwork. Paul was the executive producer and star of the comedy concert film, The Original Latin Kings of Comedy, distributed by Paramount Pictures. His latest film projects include, A Cinderella Story starring Hilary Duff, Badassss directed by Mario Van Peebles, Cloud Nine starring Burt Reynolds and still in theaters, The Worlds Fastest Indian starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and directed by Roger Donaldson. Paul currently is in pre production on two series which were picked-up by VH1 and UPN/ Revolution Studios and just finished starring in a comedy showcase series entitled, The Laugh Factory: Very Funny, set to air on TBS. Paul Rodriguez is an in demand performer with a busy schedule of concerts and personal appearances. As a well rounded stand-up comedian, having honed his craft over the past twenty five years, it is estimated that Paul has performed live to well over one million concert goers from coast to coast building a solid fan base. Within Hispanic communities, Rodriguez is considered to be the Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, and George Carlin when it comes to original comedy. Hands down, he has become the Original Latin King of Comedy. Paul remains strongly rooted in the Latino community, working with civic and educational groups and his main contributions go to the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund (NHSF). Paul also contributes to such charitable efforts as Comic Relief appearing on the HBO's program every year since its inception and hosts the annual Elizabeth Glazer Pediatrics Aids Foundation celebrity Golf Tournament.
Daniel Rodriguez Daniel Rodriguez, the seven year veteran of the New York City Police Department stepped up in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on America by offering in this difficult time the magical effect of his remarkable tenor voice. Former NYC Mayor Rudolf Giuliani introduced him at the New York Yankee baseball game, where he sang the National Anthem. The tenor made his album debut in February with the release of "Daniel Rodriguez" -"The Spirit of America."
Ray Romano Ray Romano admits that he always knew he could make friends laugh, but he never really gave stand-up comedy any serious thought until one fateful open-mic night at a New York comedy club in 1984. He did well, the bug bit hard and Romano was smitten. After stints at odd jobs, including futon mattress delivery boy and bank teller by day and journeyman comedian by night, he decided to leave the 9-to-5 ranks and pursue comedy full-time, eventually winning a stand-up comedy competition sponsored by a major New York radio station that same year. Following that success, Romano continued to regularly appear at comedy clubs throughout the country, leading to appearances on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and then with Jay Leno. He was eventually invited to appear on "Late Night with David Letterman." Following that success, Romano continued to regularly appear at comedy clubs throughout the country,leading to appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and then with Jay Leno. He was eventually invited to appear on Late Night with David Letterman. That night, Letterman, recognizing something very unique in Romanos persona, offered him a development deal with his production company, Worldwide Pants. Through that association, the CBS hit, Everybody Loves Raymond, was born. Romano has not only gone on to star in his own television series, but to perform at the White House Correspondents Dinner for President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, and headline the Toyota Comedy Festival at Carnegie Hall. Romano recently won a TV Guide Award for Actor of the Year in a Comedy Series (2001), as well as the Funniest Male Lead in a TV Series at the 14th Annual American Comedy Awards (2000) and the Television Critics Association Award For Outstanding Individual Achievement in Comedy (1999).
Jeff Ross Comedian JEFFREY ROSS is adored by his fans for going where no other comedian dares to go in his roasts of celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Hugh Hefner, and Flava Flav. Jeffrey is one of the most versatile talents working in the comedy business today. His stand-up performances at comedy clubs and colleges are legendary. Jeffrey is regularly featured on MTV and Comedy Central. His all new Comedy Central stand-up specials: Jeffrey Ross: No Offense Live From New Jersey, is scheduled to air August 22nd. And as if that wasn't enough, he has had dozens of appearances on the late night shows including Letterman, Leno, Conan and Kimmel.
Maya Rudolph Saturday Night Live" star Maya Rudolph is one television's most versatile performers. In addition to the brilliant comedic talent she brings each week to "SNL," Maya is also quite adept musically, having sung vocals and played keyboards for The Rentals, a band that's opened for groups like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Garbage and Alanis Morisette (Maya's mom, the late Minnie Ripperton, was also a talented singer.). On "SNL," Rudolph has performed memorable characters such as Britannica of the pop group "Germini's Twin," opposite Ana Gasteyer. She's also known for her portrayal of Megan, a character who hosts the high school morning talk show "Wake Up Wakefield." Maya's film work includes a role in "Duets," which featured Gwyneth Paltrow, a friend of Rudolph's (they were childhood classmates).
Bob Saget Bob Saget He's doing great business in colleges and clubs all across the country and the latest buzz on him comes from his appearance in the undergound hit feature "The Aristocrats". Saget including his recent appearance on the HBO series "Entourage" and hear the rap "Rolling with Saget" in which he is featured with Jamie Kennedy and Stu Stone.
Mr. Belding From Saved By The Bell Dennis Haskins actor best known for his role as principal Richard Belding in the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC. Before his foray into acting, Haskins briefly worked as a concert promoter, associating with the likes of Earth, Wind, and Fire and Tom Jones. After the end of the original series, Haskins would continue his role with the spinoff "Saved by the Bell: The New Class", until its cancellation in 2000. He has also made guest appearances on a variety of TV series, including The Dukes of Hazzard, 7th Heaven and JAG. Most recently, he appeared in an episode of FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. On the E! True Hollywood Story special on Saved by the Bell, Haskins mentioned his difficulty of obtaining parts, as he is now typecast as Mr. Belding. Haskins grew a moustache to distance himself from the character.
Pepe Serna Pepe travels around the country, inspiring audiences with humor, common sense and focus to change their paradigms. Veteran actor and Master Teacher Pepe Serna has appeared in more than 100 feature motion pictures and 300 television shows. He has also lent his vocal talents to the FOX hit series “The PJ’s”, playing the part of Sanchez, the only Hispanic cast member of the zany inner city characters created by Eddie Murphy. Recently, Serna starred in the controversial “Kingpin” on the NBC network. Serna is best known for his performances in Scarface with Al Pacino; The Rookie with Clint Eastwood, American Me with Edward James Olmos, Silverado with Kevin Costner; and the widely recognized Science Fiction classic Buckaroo Banzi and played Jennifer Lopez’s father in two CBS series, “Second Chances” and “Hotel Malibu” just before her ascent to super stardom. He was the associate producer for the widely acclaimed independent film “Luminarias” and is also an accomplished painter, whose art reflects the vibrant and tropical colors of Mexico. He has been honored by the Screen Actors Guild Heritage Achievement Award; the League of United Latin American Citizens and is on the Wall of Honor of his alma mater Del Mar Jr. College in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is the recipient of the prestigious Estrella Award for Arts and Culture from the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Eagle Award from Nosotros in Los Angeles. His programs include the keynote “You’ve Gotta Vote for it to Count”, the inspirational “My Personal Journey: Melting in in Mexifornia”, his One Man Performance: “El Ruco Chuco Cholo Pachuco” (which is tailored to the event's needs) and the acclaimed Improvisational Workshops: “Jumpstart your Creativity” and “You’re Not Afraid to Say That”. His newest program is the workshop for kids or youth, “Improv: Self-Esteem, Writing and Public Speaking.” See him this December in the role of "Juan Diego" in the acclaimed Latino Theater Company presentation of "La Virgen de Guadalupe: Dios Inantzin" at Our Lady of Angels Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.
Molly Shannon Another Saturday Night Live cast member who has taken her act to the big screen, Molly Shannon is probably best known to TV and film audiences as Mary Katherine Gallagher, the hapless, armpit-sniffing Catholic school girl she originated on SNL and then brought to multiplexes everywhere as the heroine of Superstar. Born in Shaker Heights, a posh suburb of Cleveland, on September 16, 1964, Shannon developed a proclivity for performing at an early age and dreamt of being famous. After receiving a Catholic school education, she earned a B.F.A. in drama from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Circle in the Square Studio. Armed with her diploma, she headed West to L.A., where she proceeded to struggle in relative poverty and almost complete obscurity for the next nine years. Although she occasionally found bit parts in film and on such TV series as Seinfeld, Shannon mainly supported herself with odd jobs and waitressing. Finally, in 1994, she got her big break when she won a spot on Saturday Night Live. After making her debut during the 1995 season, Shannon became exceedingly popular with audiences, thanks to her impersonations of the likes of Monica Lewinsky, and Courtney Love. In 1998, Shannon joined fellow SNL cast members Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan to appear in the disastrous A Night at the Roxbury; the following year, she brought her own alter ego to the screen in Superstar. The film earned drastically mixed reviews, although it did fare somewhat better than any number of other SNL film adaptations. Also in 1999, Shannon played Drew Barrymore's newsroom colleague in Never Been Kissed and had a supporting role alongside Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal, and Lisa Kudrow in Analyze This. She subsequently starred alongside Jim Carrey in Ron Howard's 2000 screen adaptation of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
Harry Shearer Harry Shearer, a Los Angeles native, began acting at the age of seven at the suggestion of his piano teacher-turned-agent. He made his film debut in the classic Abbott and Costello Go To Mars and had a small role in the first Cinemascope movie The Robe. When the last days of network radio made way for the early days of live TV, the young thespian appeared often on The Jack Benny Show as well as appearances on GE Theatre , Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and played the role of Eddie Haskell in the pilot episode of Leave It To Beaver. Harry gained national recognition as one of the creators and stars of This Is Spinal Tap, where he portrayed heavy metalist Derek Smalls in the mock rockumentary. Harry was a writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live for two seasons. His on-screen performance as a NASA recruitment official in The Right Stuff shows that he can also support a convincing "establishment" persona as well. Harry's other film work includes Oscar, The Fisher King, Wayne's World II, and Pure Luck. His television work has included Politically Incorrect, Martin Mull's Portrait of a White Marriage, HBO Comedy Hour Live: The Magic of Live, Fernwood 2 Night, Ellen, Friends, Murphy Brown, LA Law and The News Hole for which he just won his second Ace Award for Best Game Show ('95). Harry is now known to a new generation as the voice of Mr. Burns, Smithers and Ned Flanders, among others, on the international hit series The Simpsons, now in its eighth season and recently reunited with Michael McKean and David L. Lander for the 25th anniversary reunion of the classic comedy group The Credibility Gap. Harry has just debuted his new theatrical production, co-written with Tom Leopold and Peter Matz titled J. Edgar!, a dark musical comedy about one of the most powerful men in Twentieth Century America. Also, Harry recorded a two-CD compilation entitled O.J. On Trial: (The Early Years and That Endless Summer), selected excerpts from his nationally-syndicated radio program titled Le Show. Le Show has become a critics' favorite public radio show since its inception 12 years ago. He is currently at work writing an upcoming movie for Showtime entitled Saturday Night Dead, which he will direct next year. Harry is also developing a new computer animated series for HBO.
Harry Shearer Harry Shearer, a Los Angeles native, began acting at the age of seven at the suggestion of his piano teacher-turned-agent. He made his film debut in the classic Abbott and Costello Go To Mars and had a small role in the first Cinemascope movie The Robe. When the last days of network radio made way for the early days of live TV, the young thespian appeared often on The Jack Benny Show as well as appearances on GE Theatre , Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and played the role of Eddie Haskell in the pilot episode of Leave It To Beaver. Harry gained national recognition as one of the creators and stars of This Is Spinal Tap, where he portrayed heavy metalist Derek Smalls in the mock rockumentary. Harry was a writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live for two seasons. His on-screen performance as a NASA recruitment official in The Right Stuff shows that he can also support a convincing "establishment" persona as well. Harry's other film work includes Oscar, The Fisher King, Wayne's World II, and Pure Luck. His television work has included Politically Incorrect, Martin Mull's Portrait of a White Marriage, HBO Comedy Hour Live: The Magic of Live, Fernwood 2 Night, Ellen, Friends, Murphy Brown, LA Law and The News Hole for which he just won his second Ace Award for Best Game Show ('95). Harry is now known to a new generation as the voice of Mr. Burns, Smithers and Ned Flanders, among others, on the international hit series The Simpsons, now in its eighth season and recently reunited with Michael McKean and David L. Lander for the 25th anniversary reunion of the classic comedy group The Credibility Gap. Harry has just debuted his new theatrical production, co-written with Tom Leopold and Peter Matz titled J. Edgar!, a dark musical comedy about one of the most powerful men in Twentieth Century America. Also, Harry recorded a two-CD compilation entitled O.J. On Trial: (The Early Years and That Endless Summer), selected excerpts from his nationally-syndicated radio program titled Le Show. Le Show has become a critics' favorite public radio show since its inception 12 years ago. He is currently at work writing an upcoming movie for Showtime entitled Saturday Night Dead, which he will direct next year. Harry is also developing a new computer animated series for HBO.
Sherri Shepherd Sherri Shepherd is a comedian and actress and is perhaps best known for her roles on the TV shows Less Than Perfect and Everybody Loves Raymond, as well as her extensive work in television commercials. Shepherd has been chosen as the fifth co-host on ABC's The View.
Rondell Sheridan Popular comedian and actor, Rondell Sheridan stars as Andre, the dad in Cousin Skeeter, one of Nickelodeon's greatest successes. Rondell's also the host of the FOX Family channel's highest rated series, Show Me The Funny.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler Jamie-Lynn Sigler Star of HBO's smash hit "The Soprano's" As Meadow Soprano on HBO?s blockbuster series The Sopranos, Jamie-Lynn Sigler portrays a smart but emotionally frustrated mob princess. In real life, there is much more to this Jewish Cuban American starlet, and she?s not afraid to communicate her feelings on issues that are important to her. Shortly after being cast in The Sopranos, Sigler began battling an eating disorder that turned her into a shadow of her former self. Jamie?s recovery inspired her to go public in an effort ?to reach young girls and let them know that there is a way out; there is help available.? She is now a spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association. Sigler's revealing autobiography, Wise Girl, illustrates both the perks and pressures that have come with overnight fame, and how uncertain times have made her stronger, more confident and able to face life?s challenges. She describes the emotional and physical toll from a vicious bout with Lyme disease, an obsession with her weight that nearly destroyed her career, and the darker side of instant fame. At the podium, Sigler speaks from the heart in a fun, engaging, and illuminating presentation. Her surprising and inspirational story demonstrates that the key to success isn?t just what?s on the outside ? it?s using your brains, going with your gut, and learning from your experiences every day. Sigler's optimistic philosophy is, ?What matters is that you make your life matter. Follow your dreams, challenge the odds, defy your critics, champion a cause, sing out until your voice is heard!? Born with a passion to perform, Long Island native DiScala has been acting and singing since the age of seven. She got her start in New York regional theater, and has since starred in over two dozen theatrical productions. Recently she starred in the touring production of Rodger?s and Hammerstein?s Cinderella, playing the lead opposite Eartha Kitt as her fairy godmother. She is currently making her Broadway debut as Belle in Disney?s Beauty and the Beast. For her work on The Sopranos, Sigler received the 1999 and 2000 Young Star Award for Best Young Actress in a Dramatic Television Series. She lives in New York City
Sarah Silverman From stand-up comedy to film to television, Sarah Silverman has seen her share of success. Last year, Silverman made an impressive splash when the feature length film version of her one-woman show, "Jesus is Magic," directly by Liam Lynch, opened in theaters to rave reviews. Silverman most recently co-starred in the feature film, School For Scoundrels, opposite Billy Bob Thornton and John Heder for the Weinstein Brothers. Prior to the release of Jesus is Magic, Silverman garnered glowing reviews in the documentary feature The Aristocrats, in which she co-starred with 100 of the industry's most prominent comedians. She appeared opposite Jack Black, Mike White and Joan Cusack in Paramount's The School of Rock and has co-starred in a number of films, including the blockbuster There's Something About Mary, The Way of the Gun, Evolution, The Bachelor and Say It Ain't So. On television, Silverman co-starred in the Fox comedy, Greg the Bunny, opposite Eugene Levy and has guest-starred in acclaimed and notable shows such as, The Larry Sanders Show, Seinfeld, Mr. Show and Crank Yankers. Silverman will also return to host the Independent Spirit Awards in February of 2007.
Jada Pinkett Smith Well known actress. Ebony magazine has named her as one of "The 55 Most Beautiful People of the year 2000.
Yeardley Smith Yeardley Smith few might recognize her face, actress Yeardley Smith was known the world over as soon as she opened her mouth. As the voice of one of television’s most beloved characters, Lisa Simpson, on the groundbreaking comedy, “The Simpsons” (Fox, 1989- ), Smith became part of a pop-culture institution. The daughter of famed Washington Post obituaries editor, Joseph Yeardley Smith, Martha Maria Yeardley Smith was born July 3, 1964 in Paris, France. Immigrating to the U.S. two years later, she was raised in the nation’s capital, where her father worked. There, Smith grew up a shy, introverted child. Finding herself drawn to performing in her early teens, Smith landed an apprenticeship at the renowned Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. after high school, before heading off to New York to seek her fortune. In 1984, Smith made her professional debut on Broadway as Debbie Reynolds’s understudy in Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing."Throughout her career, however, Smith never strayed far from her day job. In her career-defining role as the sax-playing Lisa Simpson, Smith became a part of television-history when “The Simpsons” became the longest-running sitcom in American TV history. In the mid-2000’s, the popularity of “The Simpsons” was still sufficiently high enough that rumors of a Simpsons feature film went into overdrive.
David Spade David Spade joined "Saturday Night Live" in 1990 as a regular cast member and writer. In 1995, after many of the cast left, Spade stayed to help in the transition with the new cast. Spade returned to host an episode in 1998 and another in 2005. Spade also has a successful movie career highlighted by his work with fellow "Saturday Night Live" cast member, the late Chris Farley. His more recent movies include "Joe Dirt", "Grandma's Boy", and "Dickie Roberts Former Child Star". He also played roles in the popular television series, "Just Shoot Me", "Beavis and Butthead", and "8 Simple Rules". David Spade received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, September 5, 2003. The star is located at 7018 Hollywood Blvd. Currently, David Spade is the host of a new Comedy Central show, "The Showbiz Show with David Spade". On the show, he makes fun of Hollywood and celebrities similar to his old "Hollywood Minute" segment on "Saturday Night Live".
Hal Sparks A native of Peak's Mill, Kentucky, Hal Sparks began his professional career as a member of the famed Second City Troupe. His quick wit and affable personality earned him the title of "Funniest Teenager In Chicago" by the Chicago Sun Times in 1987. After a successful run with Second City, Sparks moved to Los Angeles and immediately began performing at numerous comedy clubs including The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory and The Ice House, as well as at Comic Relief's American Comedy Festival. Sparks was the host of the Emmy-award winning "Talk Soup" on E! Entertainment Television. For five seasons, Sparks co-starred as Michael on the hit Showtime series "Queer As Folk," based on the controversial and critically acclaimed British series. In 2006, Sparks hosted the WB reality series "Survival Of the Richest," and is one of the stars of the VH1 hit pop culture series "I Love The 90's," "I Love The 80's," "The 80's Strike Back" and "I Love The 70's." He also co-starred in the Showtime Original feature "Bleacher Bums," adapted from the critically acclaimed play of the same name. In 2004 Sparks appeared in the box office hit "Spiderman 2." He also co-starred in the 20th Century Fox comedy, "Dude, Where's My Car?," "Dickie Roberts, Former Child Star" and "Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town" with Billy Bob Thorton. Sparks also provided the voices for two animal characters, a bee and a fish, in the 20th Century Fox film "Dr. Dolittle 2." His numerous television appearances include "The Tonight Show," "Larry King Live," "Charlie Rose," "Good Morning America," "The View," "Politically Incorrect," MTV, "The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn," and "Hollywood Squares." Hal is an accomplished singer/songwriter and an expert in the martial arts with 20 years experience in Shaolin kung fu, Wushu and Karate.
Brent Spiner Popular actor best known as the robot, Data, in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”In 1997, Spiner returned to the Broadway stage, playing the leading role of John Adams in the Roundabout Theatre Company revival of the musical 1776. His performance met with generally positive reviews, and the production was nominated for a Tony Award. An audio recording was released of the revival score. In 2004, Spiner returned to the world of Star Trek when he appeared as Dr. Arik Soong, an ancestor of Data's creator Dr. Noonien Soong, whom he'd also played, in a three-episode story arc of Star Trek: Enterprise in "Borderland", "Cold Station 12", and "The Augments". He also briefly reprised the role of Data for the series, providing a voice-only cameo in the Enterprise finale, "These Are the Voyages...". Spiner also cameo'd in Joey playing himself. He had also guest-starred in Friends as the man who interviews Rachel for Gucci. In 2005, Spiner began a role in a short-lived science-fiction television series, Threshold, that was cancelled on November 23, 2005.
Henry Rollins... Spoken Word For almost two decades, Henry Rollins has been doing talking/stand-up shows internationally. He tours with his hard-rock group, Rollins Band, and is a Grammy Award-winner for Best Spoken Word Performance. The former frontman of legendary Californian band Black Flag, he is the author of Smile You're Traveling (Black Coffee Blues Part 3). Rollins has written articles for Spin and Details; published numerous books under his own imprint, 2-13-61 Publications; and done EPKs for Black Sabbath, Wayne Kramer and Jerry Lee Lewis. Singer, songwriter, MTV darling, actor, monologist and writer, Henry Rollins has been making edgy, humorous observations on a variety of topics for almost two decades at his international talking/stand-up shows. He also tours with his hard-rock group, Rollins Band, whose albums include Weight (which went Gold and featured the hit single "Liar") and Get Some Go Again. A Grammy Award-winner for Best Spoken Word Performance for his album Get in the Van, he is the former frontman of legendary Californian band Black Flag and has written articles for Spin and Details. A real Renaissance man, he has done EPKs for Black Sabbath, Wayne Kramer and Jerry Lee Lewis; is the host of the Fox TV suspense series Night Visions, which features stars such as Bridget Fonda and Brian Dennehy; played at Woodstock '94; and has hosted VH1's The List. A culture icon in all facets of media, he acted in the movies Heat with Al Pacino, Frost with Michael Keaton, Lost Highway, The Chase with Charlie Sheen and Johnny Mnemonic with Keanu Reeves. Rollins has appeared in ads for Macintosh, General Motors, Partnership for a Drug Free America, The Gap and anti-gun promotional spots. He has also been a guest on Dennis Miller, The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien and Politically Incorrect. Rollins has published numerous books under his own imprint, 2-13-61 Publications, and is the author of Smile, You're Traveling (Black Coffee Blues Part 3), Eye Scream, Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag and The Portable Henry Rollins. The king of the spoken word show, he relishes going on stage and talking to college students. His observations never fail to touch a nerve with audiences. He has said, "Those 20 kids that stick around after a show- that is my family, That's why I'm never nervous before I go on stage. That's why I talk for three hours. I wanna take 'em all home. They're the only people I need."
Morgan Spurlock Morgan Spurlock is an independent documentary film director, TV producer, and screenwriter, known for the documentary film Super Size Me, in which he demonstrated the health effects of McDonald's food by eating nothing but McDonalds three times a day, every day, for one month. Spurlock is also the executive producer and star of the reality television series 30 Days.
Ali Sweeney One of daytime television's most beloved actresses and a successful author, Ali Sweeney is now tackling the role of host for NBC's hit reality series "Biggest Loser." Sweeney joined the cast of NBC's "Days of our Lives" on January 6, 1993 at the age of 16. Sweeney has taken her character, 'Sami Brady,' from a rebellious teen to a devoted single mother with many detours along the way. 'Sami' has tackled a variety of controversial storylines including bulimia, date rape, teen pregnancy, and capital punishment. Sweeney's performance has garnered numerous awards. She won The Soap Opera Digest Awards four times (1986, '98, '99 and 2001) for the role of "Favorite Villain" and the award for "Favorite Good Girl" in 2001. Sweeney also won the award for "America's favorite Villain" at the 29th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Sweeney can be seen on "Days of our Lives" weekdays on NBC. Sweeney's television credits also include "Las Vegas," "Friends," and "American Dreams." On the reality front, she's competed in "Fear Factor," "Celebrity Cooking Showdown" and "1 vs. 100." Sweeney is also an accomplished author. Her book, "All The Days of My Life (So Far)," was published in 2004 to critical acclaim. The book gives audiences a glimpse into Sweeney's personal life by describing her experience as a child actor, life on the set of "Days of our Lives," painful high school memories, and the struggle to lose weight and keep it off. Recently, Sweeney tackled the role of producer and director with the creation of "In Tune," an on-line soap opera set in a music store. Sweeney currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, a California Highway Patrol officer, and their twoyear old son, Ben.
Wanda Sykes A quick-witted comedien who has transcended the comedy scene to become one of the funniest comics to hit the stage in some time, Wanda Sykes' unique blend of stinging humor and outspoken honesty has found her moving beyond a career in standup thanks to notable success in film and television. With an Emmy under her belt indicating a bright and enduring career in the years ahead, Sykes has shown a versatility that has gained her increasing attention on such acclaimed HBO series' as The Chris Rock Show and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Raven Symone Talented and precocious, child star Raven Symone has been in the spotlight for almost as long as she has been alive.Symone auditioned for a part in Ghost Dad, starring Bill Cosby, and though too young for the part, Symone impressed the casting director, who then introduced her to the movies star. Cosby was also impressed, both with her personality and her ability to remember lines, and wanted her to be on his show, The Cosby Show.Symone made her television debut on Cosbs show in 1989 as Olivia Kendall, thus starting an impressive showbiz career. Next Symone got her own show on The Disney Channel, Thats So Raven 2002, where she played an eccentric teenager with a gift for seeing into the future. That series proved enormously popular with its young audience, adding further heat to Symone's career, resulting in further big screen roles including playing Asana, the musically gifted friend of Princess Mia (Anen Hathaway) in the popular sequel "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" (2004), a role that allowed her to sing the rousing "Your Crowning Glory" opposite screen musical legend Julie Andrews
George Takei Best known as Sulu on "Star Trek," Asian-American actor George Takei presents an entertaining inside look at the "Star Trek" phenomenon. Takei began recurring appearances as the announcer for The Howard Stern Show on January 9, 2006, after that show's move to satellite radio. He is currently cast in the TV hit show Heroes as Hiro Nakamura's father Kaito Nakamura.
Lily Tomlin Lily Tomlin continues to venture across an ever-widening range of media, starring in productions in television, theatre, film, animation and video. Recent projects include the film I Heart Huckabees and the hit NBC television series The West Wing. Throughout her extraordinary entertainment career, Tomlin has received numerous awards, including six Emmys; a Tony for her one-woman Broadway show, Appearing Nitely; a second Tony (Best Actress), a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics’ Circle Award for her one-woman performance in Jane Wagner’s The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe; a CableACE Award for executive producing the film adaptation of The Search; a Grammy for her comedy album This Is a Recording; and two Peabody Awards—the first for the ABC television special Edith Ann’s Christmas: Just Say Noël and the second for narrating and executive producing the HBO film The Celluloid Closet.
Robert Townsend As a passionate visionary, trailblazer and journeyman, Robert Townsend, transcends any medium he touches with a magic that is truly undeniable. Most recently, Robert Townsend, the Hollywood hyphenate added president and CEO of a Television Network to an impressive list that showcases his talents as an actor, director, writer, comedian, and producer. Not bad for a kid raised by a single mother on the rough Westside of Chicago. The second oldest of four children Robert entertained his mother doing impressions of everyone he watched on television. His impersonations were astounding. He could transform into Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart and then turn around and do Alfred Hitchcock and Bill Cosby. Robert’s genius revealed itself publicly in elementary school while reading Shakespeare’s Oedipus Rex, where he dazzled the class with his ability to transform effortlessly into characters. His remarkable talent caught the attention of Chicago’s Experimental Black Actors Guild X-Bag Theatre in Chicago. Then it was onto The Improvisation, New York’s premiere comedy club. It was there his career as a stand-up comedian took off. Soon after, Robert hit Hollywood like a ton of bricks performing on various television comedy specials including “Rodney Dangerfield: It ‘s Not Easy Being Me" and “Uptown Comedy Express". Robert also landed roles of a lifetime opposite Denzel Washington in “A Soldier’s Story", Diane Lane in “Streets of Fire" and Kevin Costner in “American Flyers". Unbridled success continued when Robert Townsend the independent filmmaker was born. With no formal film education or outside funding (using his own credit cards) Robert co-wrote, directed, and starred in his own film. The result was the critically acclaimed “Hollywood Shuffle". His next film endeavor was the inner-city fable: "The Meteor Man" that he also wrote, directed and starred. The stellar cast included James Earl Jones, Bill Cosby, and Eddie Griffin. The popular soul musical, "The Five Heartbeats", reminiscent of 60’s R & B male groups was his next cinematic accomplishment. In between features, Robert created and produced the ground breaking- Cable Ace award winning-“Partners in Crime" variety special. Townsend also created the highly praised “Townsend Television" for FOX television-not to mention Robert’s hit WB series in which he also created and starred in- “The Parenthood” was a sensational hit among audiences of all ages. With his career in high gear, film projects poured in as Robert soon found himself directing Hollywood stars such as: Eddie Murphy in “Eddie Murphy Raw"; Academy Award-winners Halle Berry and Martin Landau in "B*A*P*S"; Academy Award-winner Louis Gossett, Jr. in Showtime’s “Love Songs"; and the Disney family film “Up, Up, and Away"! Townsend made history at the NAACP Image Awards in 2001 by directing three performers nominated in the best actor/actress category in three different films: Leon, for his role in NBC’s “Little Richard"; Alfre Woodard in the Showtime Movie “Holiday Heart" (which also garnered her a Golden Globe nomination) and Natalie Cole for her gripping self-portrayal in “Livin' For Love: The Natalie Cole Story" (for which she won the coveted Image Award for best actress). Townsend continued to helm films for the small screen: "Carmen: A Hip-Hopera" for MTV Films, starring Beyonce Knowles, Mos Def, and Bow Wow. "10,000 Black Men Named George" for Showtime, a period piece about the Pullman porter strike, was nominated for an impressive four Image Awards- [starring Andre Braugher, and Charles Dutton] who later went on to win the Image Award for his outstanding performance in the piece. While busy as a performer and filmmaker, Robert always makes time to participate in humanitarian efforts and speak to various organizations. As a longtime speaker for the United Negro College Fund, his concern for inner city youth takes him throughout the country to inspire young people to follow their dreams. In addition, Robert shares his business expertise with various Fortune 500 companies. Today, Townsend continues to reinvent himself as the President and CEO of Productions for the Black Family Channel. During his first five months on the job he has produced eight new television programs including “Spoken", “Souled Out", “The Thousand Dollar Bee", “Lisa Knight and the Round Table", and “The Black College Talent Hour", that run the gamut in content. In his new role as CEO, Townsend aims to change the face of television. “I know it’s a tall order and I’ve set the bar really high, but in order to reach the stars you must set your sights on the moon".
Chris Tucker You might not know Chris Tucker by name, but his constantly running motormouth and bulging bug eyes make him hard to miss on the big screen. Fresh off of a memorable turn in The Fifth Element, he plays a con on the run opposite Charlie Sheen in New Lines new comedy Money Talks, which opens Wednesday. Impressed by his co-star's manic energy, Sheen describes Tucker as "Eddie Murphy squared." Tucker's first taste of stardom came at Columbia High School in Decatur, Georgia. "I was always getting in trouble. Your typical class clown," he admits. "But my teachers liked my humor. They knew I meant no harm." One day, a favorite teacher suggested Tucker take his wise-cracking antics to the stage and host the school's talent show. Instead of being dumbstruck, Tucker was awestruck. "I got up there and did it. Ripped it up. After I heard everyone laughing, I decided this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was one of the best feelings I've ever had," he recalls. Tucker rips it up again playing schmoozy Franklin Hatchett, the ticket-scalping car-wash entrepreneur who uses his wits to out-con a gruesome team of French diamond smugglers in Money Talks. The twenty-four-year-old comedian's rise to stardom is pretty meteoric considering how long it takes most actors in this town to land a really great table-waiting job. After performing in amateur nights at various comedy clubs in Atlanta, Tucker surprised friends and family by leaving for Los Angeles to pursue stand-up comedy and acting at age twenty. An early lucky break landed Tucker in House Party 3, which eventually led to roles in Panther and the Hughes Brothers' Dead Presidents. His breakout role came as aptly named Smokey in the cult comedy Friday.
Aisha Tyler The elegant Aisha Tyler, has taken quite a journey to end up where is today.She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and soon after fully devouted her time to comedy. You have seen her on E's Talk Soup, The Fifth Wheel as well Friends. She then moved into her acting roots and did more dramatic films and shows. She played in Fx's Nip/Tuck and is now in two of the hottest shows on televison ,CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' and Fox's '24'. Aisha is very versatile for now she can do comedy and drama and successfully pull it off.
Gabrielle Union Gabrielle Union is an actress and former model. Among her notable roles is as the cheerleader opposite Kirsten Dunst's in the film Bring it On. Union also starred opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the blockbuster film Bad Boys II and played a medical doctor in the CBS drama series City of Angels.
Denzel Washington Denzel is known for his work ethic, his powerful romantic presence backed by meticulous preparation and investigation for his roles, his humanity, his commitment to his spiritual and family values in spite of the pressures of his environment. That commitment is also expressed in his role as spokesman for the Boys and Girls Club of America and financial support for The Gathering Place (a home for HIV infected people) and the Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund.
Damon Wayans Popular comedian trapped in an actors body and best known for his innovative television show, In Living Color, Damon Wayans has achieved unparalleled success on stage, television and film, with most recently extending his creative expression into writing, producing and directing.
Shawn Wayans Shawn Wayans made his acting debut in 1989 in his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans' I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. Immediately following, he joined the cast of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series In Living Color. Alongside his brother Marlon Wayans, Shawn co-wrote and starred in the box office smash Scary Movie. Most recently he starred in Scary Movie 2, which he also co-wrote and co-executive produced. Wayans' past film credits include the hit comedy Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, which he co-wrote, executive produced and starred in with brother Marlon.
Kym Whitley Actress, standup comic and co-host of BET'S OH DRAMA!. Oh Drama is a provocative, high energy nighttime talk show featuring Kym and two other dynamic, opinionated ladies. The topics covered are pop culture, health, beauty, relationships, careers, spirituality, etc.
Robin Williams Robin Williams had a good deal of success with stand-up during the 1970s, including a stint at Los Angeles? Comedy Store in his own showcase. After performing on the revival of the Laugh-In series in 1977-78, Williams landed a guest role on the popular sitcom Happy Days as Mork, a lovably weird space alien from the planet Ork. Before too long, he had brought the character to his own spin-off sitcom, Mork + Mindy (1978-82), which costarred Pam Dawber as the female earthling with whom Mork falls in love and Jonathan Winters as a fellow alien. With a successful sitcom under his belt, Williams also brought his talents for improvisation and stand-up comedy to cable television, headlining two Home Box Office (HBO) comedy specials, An Evening with Robin Williams (1982) and Robin Williams: Live at the Met (1986). In 1986, he joined fellow comics Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg in hosting HBO?s annual Comic Relief telecast, which donated all funds raised to helping the homeless. Despite Williams? undeniable success among audiences with his television work and stand-up comedy, his film career got off to a somewhat slower start. He made his film debut in the title role of a disappointing live-action version of Popeye (1980), directed by Robert Altman. Though he earned acclaim for his performances in a film version of John Irving?s The World According to Garp (1982) and the well-reviewed Moscow on the Hudson (1984), he also starred in less inspiring projects such as The Survivors (1983), Club Paradise (1986), and The Best of Times (1986). In 1987, Williams made the leap to the Hollywood A-list with his Oscar-nominated performance in Good Morning, Vietnam, Barry Levinson?s comedy-drama about an irreverent deejay assigned to a radio station for the U.S. Armed Services in Vietnam. Even on the set of a movie, Williams? improvisational skills became famous, and he was known for ad-libbing many a scene. Billed as Ray DiTutto, Williams turned in another funny performance in the somewhat bizarre The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), written and directed by Terry Gilliam. Williams earned his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 1989, for his performance as John Keating, the inspirational prep-school teacher at the heart of Dead Poets Society. In 1990, he starred as a doctor who treats a catatonic patient (Robert De Niro) in the acclaimed drama Awakenings, directed by Penny Marshall. On a less serious (and less successful) note, he played Peter Pan in Steven Spielberg?s Hook (1991), a notorious big-budget flop which costarred Dustin Hoffman and Julia Roberts.
Katt Williams Known just as much for his permed hair as he is for his animated performances and quick wit, comedian Katt Williams has been making his mark in Hollywood for over 10 years. Beginning his career at an age when most teenagers are seeking their driver's license, the young comic quickly discovered that he had a gift for making people laugh. Inspired by the likes of great humorists such as Richard Pryor, Donn Knotts, Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Thomas Marshall, Jeff Foxworthy, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chapelle, whom he calls the "Malcolm X of comedy," Katt Williams' entertaining standup routines are laying the blueprint for a new generation of comics. In 1999 Katt became a presence at The Improv, The Comedy Club, The Icehouse and even had his own room at The Hollywood Park Casino where he had a large, loyal following. He's become a staple comedic force on BET, appearing on shows such as "Comic View", "Rip the Runway", "Black Carpet", "106th & Park", "The BET Awards" and "BET Comedy Awards." Throughout his success he has been massively embraced by the Hip Hop community, receiving praise from Master P ("Hands down Katt Williams is the next Richard Pryor") and Snoop Dogg ("Katt is doing his comedy thing so flamboyantly and so fly with spirit of the late great Red Foxx and the spirit of Richard Pryor") Last month Katt hosted the 1st Annual BET "Hip Hop" Award Show from The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. In his role as host he received an overwhelmingly positive response from critics and had a chance to speak directly to Hip Hop audiences globally and share his insight on urban culture, folklore, lifestyle, history and music. More than a musical style, hip-hop is a history of American culture, and a testimony by its artists of their life experiences. The Award Show was an electrifying evening of non-stop homage and entertainment to the genre of Hip Hop music. Performances included Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Young Jeezy and T.I. while Award Nominees include everyone from Common and Busta Rhymes to DMX and Jay-Z. Telling jokes with ease, the stand-up comic/actor wants to conquer the globe's problems with laughter. "Everything, everywhere is comedy material. To watch and view the world via television, newspapers, movies and music translate our world into funny. There is no subject where funny doesn't exist." The current Los Angeles resident has undoubtedly become a fixture on the comedic and Hollywood landscape with more than enough charisma and talent to spare. Possessing the ability to make millions of people laugh, Katt Williams is healing the world one smile at a time. Katt sums it up best, "I'm in the great comedian lane. Once you're in that lane, that's just the beginning of it. The getting there is the journey."
Roger Willie Roger Willie was born and raised on the Navajo reservation in Continental Divide, NM. Fluent in Navajo and English, he was raised in the traditional Navajo culture by his parents and family members. As an actor, he made his screen debut in MGM's production of Windtalkers in 2002. The movie was directed by internationally acclaimed director, John Woo and also starred Nicolas Cage, Christian Slater and Adam Beach. Roger studied with an acting coach for a week in Los Angeles and re-auditioned for John Woo and the producers. In June 2000, he was informed that he had been cast in WindTalkers as "Charlie Whitehorse." "WindTalkers empowers Indian youth to want to learn about their Native language, culture and history. The opportunity to recognize the courage and sacrifice of the Navajo Code Talkers, and the vitality of Native cultures, is a tremendous honor." Roger's military experience helped him prepare for his role in WindTalkers. He proudly served four years in the United States Army's elite 82nd Airborne Infantry Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following WindTalkers, Roger had a role in the Sony film, Adaptation directed by Spike Jonz. He just completed shooting of a Showtime production, directed by Chris Eyre about the Navajo girls' basketball team from Shiprock, NM and their renowned coach. As an advocate for youth, language, culture and education, Roger travels extensively to tribal communities, schools, veteran's organizations, colleges, universities and national organizations encouraging youth and adults to pursue their goals and appreciate the importance of education. Roger has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art from Fort Lewis College in Colorado. He also holds a second Bachelor's Degree in American Indian Studies from the University of North Carolina in Pembroke. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in American Indian Studies a the University of Arizona in Tucson. Roger is also an accomplished visual artist who prefers the simplicity of pencil and paper. His award winning signature pieces feature images embedded in eagle feather landscapes tied together by arrowheads. Actor, artist, educator and student, Roger Willie recognizes and embraces the opportunities that have discovered him. "Our Moment's Decision Determines Our Destiny"
Alfre Woodard Alfre Woodard pushed the art of deadpan to new heights as the hotel manager in Robert Altmans droll satire Health (1979). Eventually, she would create a rich gallery of characterizations which, whether poverty-stricken or upper class, educated or not, never lost a certain instinctual savvy and realistic viewpoint. Committed to political activism in the United States and Africa, Woodard was among artists and activists who, in 1989, founded Artists for a New South Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to democracy and equality in South Africa and civil rights in the United States. She also has been active in campaigns against environmental racism and efforts to raise AIDS awareness. Woodard recently played the mysterious Betty Applewhite on ABCs hit series Desperate Housewives. She has starred in Beauty Shop opposite Queen Latifah, The Forgotten, K-PAX opposite Kevin Spacey, and many more. In 1998, she starred in Maya Angelous directorial debut, Down in the Delta, as a troubled woman sent to live with relatives in the South. Woodard has also lent her voice to animation, portraying the cheetah mother in The Wild Thornberrys Movie, as well as the lemur named Plio in Dinosaur. A four-time Emmy Award winner, Woodard was honored for her performances as a grieving mother of a child killed by a police officer on the acclaimed series Hill Street Blues and a rape victim on the pilot of L.A. Law. She received an Emmy Award for Best Actress in a television mini-series for Miss Evers Boys and a 2003 Emmy for her guest-starring role in The Practice. She was also honored with an ACE Award for her portrayal of Winnie Mandela in the HBO presentation Mandela, co-starring Danny Glover. A former high school cheerleader and track star, she got the acting bug after being persuaded to audition for a school play by a nun at her school. She went on to study acting at Boston University and enjoyed a brief stint on Broadway before moving to LA. She got her first break in Remember My Name (1978), which also starred Jeff Goldblum. The youngest of three children, Woodards godmother, who claimed she saw a vision of her name written out in gold letters, named her Alfre. Woodard currently resides in Santa Monica with her husband, writer Roderick Spencer, and their two adopted children: Mavis and Duncan.
Malik Yoba Entrepreneur has appeared in over 20 films including the Disney classic "Cool Runnings" and numerous television roles including New York Undercover and most recently the FX Networks "Thief' (Spring 2006.) He is also the author of "Lessons From The Streets and her Places." The former vice president of the City Kids Foundation, Malik has been working as an arts educator for over twenty years.In a thoughtful, poignant and humorous way, “Please Return My Phone Call: Preventing The Demise Of Personal And Professional Relationships” explores some of the causes and effects of this “horrible habit” and offers simple solutions for fixing the problem. Malik Yoba is one of a new breed of celebrity who uses his clout to make a positive difference in the American culture. He is the creator of the motivational workshop for young people, Why are you on this planet TM Once he was more inclined toward making music than working as an actor. In fact, he still confesses that music is his first love. He never intended to leave his job as Vice President of CityKids Foundation. When he was an ordinary citizen working with youth in gang-infested schools, homeless shelters and prisons, he was one of them in a sense. Now he stands out as a celebrity bigger than life.His acting credits include Fox TV's drama New York Undercover, the role of "Yul Brenner" in Disney's Cool Runnings, and roles in Smoke, Blue in the Face, Cop Land, A Woman Like That, and the lead role in Ride. As a musician, he put together Nature Boy: Words and Music, a multimedia performance in which he sings and plays acoustic guitar. Backed by his band, Yoba spans a musical spectrum of original compositions, standard ballads, R&B, Reggae Hip Hop interwoven with dramatic monologues and his surprising comedic talent.
Antony Zerbe Anthony Zerbe, the prominent actor who played Councillor Hamann in the blockbuster hit movie, The Matrix Reloaded and whose role is rumored to become even more prominent in the upcoming movie The Matrix Revolutions due out in November, is now available to lecture about The Matrix and its philosophy. Zerbe will also show footage from The Matrix Reloaded and other movies he has appeared in including the Star Trek movie and the James Bond movie. He is also available to do acting workshops and master classes. A fascinating, enlightening and enjoyable lecture.