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Tyrese Recording artist, actor, motivational speaker and model, Tyrese is the host of the cutting edge musical program, "MTV Jams."Gibson's latest film is Waist Deep, in which he plays a man fighting to rescue his son from kidnappers; his co-stars in the film, Meagan Good and Larenz Tate, are personal friends of Gibson's in real life. Like several of his previous roles, the film is set in an urban environment, but Gibson has said that he does not view the role as a "step back", rather seeing the film as taking "another direction" due to some of its themes and action sequences. Waist Deep was released on June 23, 2006. Gibson prefers his music career to acting, but will focus on both areas. His next album will be called Alter Ego, and will feature both R&B and hip hop songs. He will use an alias, "Black Ty", for the rap tracks. His next film role will be in the big-budget action movie, Transformers, which is currently filming and is scheduled for a release in July of 2007; the film's director, Michael Bay, had Gibson in mind for the role before he was cast, and thus Gibson did not have to audition for the part. Gibson may also star in a film version of the superhero Luke Cage; the script is currently being re-formatted.
DMX Popular rapper and actor, DMX has completed his transformation from underground upstart to top dog. Now a movie star, DMX can be seen in the movie "Exit Wounds" with action hero Steven Seagal. DMX's first movie role was as a gangster in "Belly" and as a night club owner battling rival gangs in "Romeo Must Die."
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
Ice T Ice-T (born Tracy Morrow) has proven to be one of hip-hop's most articulate and intelligent stars, as well as one of its most frustrating. At his best, the rapper has written some of the best portraits of ghetto life and gangsters, as well as some of the best social commentary that hip-hop has produced. He has become an influential spokesman for America’s youth, regardless of color. He also joined the cast of TV's "Law & Order SVU" (consistently a number-one Friday night show) as a series regular playing the part of Detective Finn. Additionally, Ice T has been the keynote speaker at a number of Internet conventions including the 1999 College Music Journal Conference in New York, and in 2000, the New York Music & Internet Expo, Rotterdam Film Festival, and Canadian Music Week.
B.B. King B.B. King is considered one of the greatest blues guitarists of the late 20th century. His unique style of playing integrating single string runs, bent chords and left hand vibrato has influenced countless musicians including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Buddy Guy.
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?".
Ayaan Hirsi Ali Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a prominent, often controversial author, film maker and critic of Islam. She was a member of the Tweede Kamer (the Lower House of the States-General of the Netherlands) for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from January 30, 2003 until May 16, 2006. Hirsi Ali has had to maintain a high level of security due to threats against her life for voicing views critical of certain aspects of Islam. For example, her film Submission, directed by Theo van Gogh (who himself was assassinated for his works), made her one of the targets of the Hofstad Network. On May 15, 2006, officials of the Netherlands government cast doubt on Hirsi Ali's status as a Dutch national, due to concerns related to the fact that in order to obtain refugee status in the Netherlands she had provided false information. She later used the same false information when she applied for, and was granted, Dutch citizenship. The Dutch minister of immigration and integration, Rita Verdonk, moved to annul her citizenship, a move that was overridden by order of the Prime Minister. She released to the New York Times personal letters from her father and other family members that affirmed her story about fleeing a forced marriage. On June 27, 2006, the Dutch government announced that Hirsi Ali would keep her Dutch citizenship. On May 16, Hirsi Ali announced resignation from parliament and confirmed her previous statement that she would move to the United States to work at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. Her prospective arrival in September 2006 was welcomed by Deputy US Secretary of State Robert Zoellick.
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood An Evening with Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Following enormously successful solo tours, Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, stars of the Emmy nominated Whose Line Is It Anyway? have teamed up to present an evening of extraordinary improvisational comedy. Using their quick wit, Colin and Brad take contributions from the audience to create hilarious and original scenes. Throughout the evening, the show becomes truly interactive as audience members are called to the stage to participate in the fun. Their high-profile presentations have played to corporations, universities and theatres all over the country.
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.
Iman : Popular high fashion model and actress, Iman is also a woman of conscience. As a native of Somalia, she is actively involved in the hunger crisis that is plaguing her country.An entrepreneur, she has developed a make-up and skin care product line.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called "history's greatest basketball player" by Time magazine, NBA Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led his teammates to six world championship titles. He is the co-author of Black Profiles in Courage: A Legacy of African-American Achievement and Brothers in Arms. At the podium, he delivers a rousing evening of championship memories and reflections on the teamwork that made them happen. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a true legend in the world of sports. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Jim Murray of The Los Angeles Times summed it up best when he wrote, "He dominated his sport in the way few have in the long history of games men play." That observation was further validated with Abdul-Jabbar's 1995 induction (upon first nomination) to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Abdul-Jabbar's accomplishments on the basketball court are nothing short of remarkable. He has earned the respect and admiration of the world as one of the game's greatest players and Time magazine has called him "history's greatest basketball player." What this man has done might very well never be repeated. After 20 successful seasons in the NBA, Abdul-Jabbar now spends his time on filmmaking, promoting products and services, giving back to the community and book-writing. As President of Kareem Productions, he is actively involved in the entertainment industry. In 1996, he served as a presenter at the 68th Annual Academy Awards. In 1994, Abdul-Jabbar collaborated with Laurel Entertainment (now New Amsterdam Entertainment) to produce The Vernon Johns Story. This made-for-television biography starred James Earl Jones as civil rights activist Vernon Johns and earned critical acclaim at the Monte Carlo Film Festival. He also served as co-executive producer of the highly-rated primetime special for NBC, An All-Star Tribute to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The event, televised from Los Angeles, doubled as a charity event for Athletes and Entertainers for Kids and was co-produced by Pierre Cossette. His acting credits include roles in the comedy feature films Fletch with Chevy Chase and Airplane with Peter Graves. Other film appearances include The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, Game of Death, Troop Beverly Hills and The Mighty Ducks II. At the podium, he delivers a rousing evening of championship memories and reflections on the teamwork that made them happen.
Oleta Adams Well known singer, song writer and entertainer.
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.
Kirstie Alley Kirstie Alley's career has encompassed success in top-grossing films and highly acclaimed television, garnering multiple awards. Most recently, she made her return to network television by producing and starring in the hit show, "Veronica's Closet." In the show's first season, Kirstie won a People's Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series as well as nominations for the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Emmy Awards. Kirstie first gained notoriety for her portrayal of bar-owner Rebecca Howe on the long-running television comedy, "Cheers." During her six years on the show, she won the Emmy, Golden Globe and People's Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. She has an overall deal with Warner Bros. that encompasses features and television series. Her screen career includes recent performances in Woody Allen's acclaimed "Deconstructing Harry" and with Tim Allen in the romantic comedy, "For Richer or Poorer." She also stars in "The Mao Game," based on the New York Times bestseller, and reteamed with John Travolta with whom she starred in the "Look Who's Talking" series in the drama, "Common Ground."
Alan Arkin Well known actor and director who has starred in motion pictures, television and Broadway, Arkin won the Golden Globe award as best actor in a comedy, for his role in "The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming" and the New York Critics Award for his role in the movie, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter."
Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong became a household name by showing his determination, dedication and strength. The number one ranked cyclist in the world, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Not only did his cycling career seem over, but his doctors game him a 50/50 chance to survive. Armstrong survived and he went on to become the first professional cyclist to win the Tour de France seven times. In the process, he became a leading advocate in the search for a cancer cure and for people living with the disease. The Lance Armstrong Foundation disseminates grants focused on improving the quality of life for cancer survivors and funds research that is not readily fundable from traditional sources. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $9.6 million in research grants. It focuses its funding on cancer survivorship centers and research grants. From the podium, Armstrong delivers lessons of courage from his battle with cancer and his career as a cyclist. He talks about teamwork and what it takes to turn dreams into realities.
John Artis Arrested with Rubin "Hurricane" Carter in 1966, and convicted of a triple murder that he did not commit. At the time of his arrest, Artis was 19 years old, preparing to attend college on a track scholarship and dreaming of making the U.S. Olympic track team. Artis was offered his freedom if he would falsely testify against Carter, but he refused to lie to prosecutors. After spending fifteen years in prison, he was exonerated and now lives in Virginia and works with troubled youth. He is a man who does not know the meaning of the word resentment. Without question, he is one of the most uplifting and motivational speakers you will ever come across.
Gary Bauer Conservative spokesman and political activist, Gary Bauer was a Republican Presidential Candidate during the 2000 National primaries. Bauer held several jobs in the Ronald Reagan administration, rising to the directorship of the White House's Office of Policy Development. In 1988 he became head of the Family Research Council, turing it into a prominent lobbying organization for conservative and Christian ideals; later he founded a political action committee, the Campaign for Working Families, whose purpose he described as "to elect pro-family, pro-life, pro-free enterprise candidates to public office." Bauer took a leave of absence for the PRC in 1999 and announced his intention to run for president.
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.
Theodore Bikel America's beloved folk singer, actor and entertainer
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."
Christie Brinkley Well know model, actress and health/fitness expert.After nearly three decades as one of the world's most celebrated beauties, Christie Brinkley is still the quintessential California Golden Girl. She is an American supermodel whose 20-year contract with Cover Girl (1976–96) was the longest-running contract in the modeling industry. Her image has graced the covers of dozens of magazines, including three Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues. Her nine-year marriage (1985–94) to pop singer Billy Joel was highly publicized. She has two children. In 1996, she married husband number four, architect Peter Cook.
Jim Brown All-American football and lacrosse player who starred for Syracuse University, Jim Brown was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history with the Cleveland Browns. An inspiring and motivational speaker, Brown founded Amer-I-Can, a self-help program aimed at prison inmates and street gangs.
Mike Burstyn Multi-talented star of Broadway and motion pictures.
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.
Diahann Carroll Glamorous star of stage, screen and television, Diahann Carroll has been a trail blazer in her multifaceted career. She was the first Black artist to star in her own TV series, "Julia" and starred in the hit television series, "Dynasty." Ms. Carroll is a legend in the world of entertainment, glamour and high fashion and is an excellent motivational speaker.
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.
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.
Margaret Cho Margaret Cho started performing stand-up at age 16 in a comedy club called The Rose & Thistle above a bookstore her parents ran. Soon after, she won a comedy contest where first prize was opening for Jerry Seinfeld. She moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s and lived in a house with several other young performers. Arsenio Hall introduced Margaret to late night audiences, Bob Hope put her on a prime time special and, seemingly overnight, she became a national celebrity. In 1999, Cho chronicled her experience on the sitcom in an off Broadway one-woman show called I'm The One That I Want. The show was extremely well received, toured the U.S, and was made into a concert film and a best-selling book of the same name. The film, which garnered incredible reviews, broke the record for the most money grossed per print in movie history. After the success of her first show, Cho launched Notorious C.H.O. in 2001, a smash-hit 37-city national tour that culminated in a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall. Notorious C.H.O. was also recorded and released as a feature film, hailed by the New York Times as "Brilliant!" Both films were acquired by Showtime Cable Networks in 2004 and are currently airing on their channels. Cho embarked on her third sold-out national tour, Revolution, in 2003. The tour ultimately grossed 4.4M and was heralded as "Her strongest show yet!" by the Chicago Sun Times. The concert film premiered on the Sundance Channel in 2004 and was released on DVD later that year. The CD of Revolution was nominated for a Grammy for best comedy album of the year for 2003. In 2004, Cho took her politically charged State of Emergency tour through the swing states of the Presidential election. Lauded as "Murderously funny!" by the New York Times, State of Emergency eventually evolved into her fourth national show, Assassin. Her most political and topical work to date, Assassin toured the US, Canada and Australia and was filmed at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. The concert film premiered in select theatres and on the gay and lesbian premium channel Here! TV in late 2005. It was recently released on CD by Nettwerk records and on DVD by Koch Entertainment. Margaret was recently the recipient of the First Amendment Award from the ACLU of Southern California, and the Intrepid Award from the National Organization for Women (NOW). She has also been honored by GLAAD, American Women in Radio and Television, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), and PFLAG for "making a significant difference in promoting equal rights for all, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity."
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.
Stephen Colbert Born and raised in South Carolina, Colbert began making a name for himself in Chicago as a member of the famed Second City improv troupe where he met Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. After several years at Second City, the threesome moved to New York City and, along with others, developed Exit 57, a halfhour sketch comedy series for HBO Downtown Productions which ran for two seasons during the mid90s on Comedy Central. Exit 57 received five CableACE nominations for best writing, performing and comedy series. Colbert reunited with Sedaris and Dinello to create Comedy Centrals first ever, live-action, narrative series, Strangers with Candy, a twisted take on the classic and typically moralistic afterschool specials. Colbert also starred opposite Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman in Bewitched; wrote and was a cast member on The Dana Carvey Show; appeared in commercials for GM Mr. Goodwrench wrote for Saturday Night Live and was the voice of Ace on the animated SNL series The Ambiguously Gay Duo. Since 1997, Stephen Colbert has been The Daily Shows longestrunning and most diverse correspondent. In addition to his role as Senior Political Correspondent he was one of the hosts of Even Stephven, a point-counterpoint assault featuring co-correspondent Steve Carell, and the host of "This Week in God," in which he reported on all things theological with the assistance of the "God Machine." Stephen helped The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to win numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards, and contributed to America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction (Warner Books), which immediately topped The New York Times Best Seller List and stayed there for 15 consecutive weeks. His personality, insight and overall rightness could only lead to The Colbert Report, a half-hour nightly platform for him to give his take on the issues of the day, and, more importantly, to tell you why everyone else's take is just plain wrong.
Dane Cook Dane Cook has captured the attention of audiences worldwide while building an unprecedented following throughout his 15 year career in stand up, television and film. Where Dane goes, the masses follow. Sell out crowds are the norm at colleges, clubs and theatres around the country this includes headlining at Carnegie Hall, a 50,000 seat venue at the University of Florida's Gator Growl, as well as his nationwide documentary entitled TOURGASM. This ardent fan base has propelled Dane's CD/DVD Harmful If Swallowed to over 230,000 units sold in less than two years, garnering appearances on 5 different Billboard charts on numerous occasions since its release.
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.
Elvis Costello Elvis Costello has followed his musical curiosity in a career spanning more than 25 years. He is perhaps best known for his performances with The Attractions, The Imposters and for recent concert appearances with pianist, Steve Nieve. His recordings include This Year's Model, Imperial Bedroom, King of America, Blood and Chocolate, Spike, All This Useless Beauty and When I Was Cruel. However, he has also entered into acclaimed collaborations with Burt Bacharach, The Brodsky Quartet, Paul McCartney, Swedish mezzo-soprano, Anne Sofie Von Otter, guitarist, Bill Frisell, composer Roy Nathanson, The Charles Mingus Orchestra and record producer and songwriter, T Bone Burnett. Costello's songs have been recorded by a great number of artistes. The list of performers reflects his interest in a wide range of musical styles: George Jones, Chet Baker, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Dusty Springfield, Charles Brown, No Doubt, Solomon Burke, June Tabor, Howard Tate, the gospel vocal group, The Fairfield Four and the viol consort, Fretwork with the counter tenor, Michael Chance. In 2003 he began a songwriting partnership with his wife, the jazz pianist and singer, Diana Krall, resulting in six songs included in her Spring 2004 release, The Girl In The Other Room.
Billy Currington Although success has carried country singer/songwriter Billy Currington far away from his beloved hometown of Rincon, Georgia, he remains the same simple man who was indelibly shaped by his upbringing in this small Southern town with a population of 4,376. Currington burst onto the music scene in 2003 with his eponymous debut CD, which contained the powerful Top 10 hit “Walk a Little Straighter” and the fun Top 5 smash “I Got a Feelin’,” which was accompanied by the memorable video co-starring Baywatch beauty Gena Lee Nolin. When superstar Shania Twain heard Currington’s soulful Southern voice, she knew she had found the perfect partner for the country duet “Party for Two,” so Currington excitedly boarded a plane for Europe to work in the studio with Twain and legendary producer Robert “Mutt” Lange. Currington and Twain performed the song live on the 2004 Country Music Association Awards and a special Good Morning America show from Nashville. His musical success brought national media attention, including People magazine and USA Today, which named Currington an “On the Verge” artist. Soon the media began celebrating the bachelor’s other attributes as well: Playgirl magazine featured a (clothed) Currington on its March 2005 cover and Nashville Lifestyles magazine named him one of its “25 Most Beautiful People.”
Tony Curtis Hollywood legend who lectures on chemical dependency and drug abuse.
Chuck D As leader and co-founder of legendary rap group Public Enemy, Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of PE's explosive debut album, Yo Bum Rush The Show, in 1987. His messages addressed weighty issues about race, rage and inequality with a jolting combination of intelligence and eloquence never seen before. Chuck D and Public Enemy were celebrated in the May 2004 issue of Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "fifty most important performers in rock & roll history." Chuck D is also a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, and the National Alliance for African American Athletes. He has appeared in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. As he continues to work on commentary, music, and writing on rap, race, and reality, it is clear that there are few who have transcended music and have made an impact as loud of Chuck D.
Angela Davis Angela Davis is known internationally for her ongoing work to combat all forms of oppression in the U.S. and abroad. Over the years she has been active as a student, teacher, writer, scholar, and activist/organizer. Professor Davis's political activism began when she was a youngster in Birmingham, Alabama, and continued through her high school years in New York. But it was not until 1969 that she came to national attention after being removed from her teaching position in the Philosophy Department at UCLA as a result of her social activism and her membership in the Communist Party, USA. In 1970, she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List on false charges, and was the subject of an intense police search that drove her underground, and that culminated in one of the most famous trials in recent U.S. history. During her 16-month incarceration, a massive international "Free Angela Davis" campaign was organized, leading to her acquittal in 1972. Professor Davis' long-standing commitment to prisoners' rights dates back to her involvement in the campaign to free the Soledad Brothers, which led to her own arrest and imprisonment. Today, she remains an advocate of prison abolition and has developed a powerful critique of racism in the criminal justice system. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the Prison Activist Resource Center, and currently is working on a comparative study of women's imprisonment in the U.S., the Netherlands, and Cuba. During the last 25 years, Professor Davis has lectured in all 50 United States, as well as in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the former Soviet Union. Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, and she is the author of five books, including Angela Davis: An Autobiography (1974); Women, Race & Class (1981); Women, Culture & Politics (1989); Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday (1998); and The Angela Y. Davis Reader (1998). She is also the editor of If They Come In The Morning: Voices of Resistance (1971). Former California Governor Ronald Reagan once vowed that Angela Davis would never again teach in the University of California system. Today, she is a tenured professor in the History of Consciousness Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 1994, she received the distinguished honor of an appointment to the University of California Presidential Chair in African American and Feminist Studies.
Dom DeLuise Popular Comedian, actor and chef.
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.
Kate Dillon Plus-size model Kate Dillon talks about body acceptance and the necessity of having self-esteem- no matter what your size. Named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People," she is also the founder of Echo, a nonprofit organization that develops programs in the arts for children. Kate Dillon started modeling and walking the Paris runways at age 16, landing such major campaigns as L'Oreal, Christian Dior and Missoni. Pegged to be the "New Cindy Crawford," she was, however, anorexic and run-down from years of starving herself. Finally, she began eating normally and gaining weight- against the advice of clients and her manager, who wanted her 5'11" figure to stay a bony size six. At first, she tried to lose the pounds again, but then had a revelation that she was free to look however she wanted and did not have to conform to the modeling business' standard of beauty. Now a natural, healthy size 14, Dillon is taking the full-figure market by storm and not limiting beauty to what the scale says. One of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People," she was named the 1998 "Model of the Year" by Mode magazine and has been featured on a Times Square billboard. Called the "Curvy Comeback Kid" by Glamour magazine, she has appeared on several television spots, including The Maureen Boyle Show and Today, and has graced ads for Liz Claiborne, Gucci and Lane Bryant. Dillon is also the founder of Echo, a nonprofit organization benefiting arts programs for children. "We don't have enough role models who used to be skinny but gained weight and said, 'That's okay.' We're all different; we all have different bodies - so let's stop trying to make them all alike." -Kate Dillon
Doug E. Doug Well known actor, comedian, director and writer. Doug E. Doug co- stars with Bill Cosby in the CBS sitcom, "Cosby". He is also well known to movie viewers for his starring role in "Cool Runnings." His additional theatrical credits include "Hangin' with the Homeboys"; "Class Act"; and the Disney films, "Operation Dumbo Drop"; and "That Darn Cat".
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.
Olympia Dukakis Academy award-winning actress.
Sandy Duncan Award-winning actress.
Lee Elder Well known professional golfer who was the first Black golfer ever to play in the Masters PGA golf tournament. The mentor for Tiger Woods, Lee Elder is now playing on the Senior Golf Circuit.
Gloria Estefan Grammy-winning music sensation Long before Ricky Martin or Jennifer Lopez topped the charts, Estefan was infusing Latin American rhythms into pop music with over 50 platinum-selling albums and the support of worldwide fans. After her career was jeopardized by a tragic bus accident, she exhibited irrepressible energy and endurance as she returned to music with the double-platinum album, Into the Light. In an industry increasingly dominated by disposable artists and short-term careers, Gloria Estefan continues to thrive and firmly command the ardent praise of fans worldwide. With the release of Greatest Hits, Volume 2, she ascends to a rarified plateau that affirms her status as one of pop music's true and enduring originals. In addition to providing diehard fans with a nicely woven collection of Estefan's best-loved English-language hits from the past nine years, Greatest Hits, Volume 2 also effectively illuminates the most creatively plush period of the artist's career to date. It also leaves the listener appropriately enthusiastic about the next phase of Gloria's musical career, thanks to the inclusion of the three sterling new tunes: You Can't Walk Away From Love, Out Of Nowhere, and I Got No Love.
Linda Evans Well known movie and television star.
Morgan Fairchild Popular actress and social activist.
Jamie Farr Well known actor who played “Klinger” on the long running hit series “M*A*S*H.”
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.
Michael Feinstein Grammy-nominated pop vocalist, composer & arranger No contemporary artist captures the essence of popular music like Michael Feinstein--"America's Ambassador of Song." A pop vocalist, composer and arranger, the Grammy-nominated Feinstein has released 20 albums, sold out shows worldwide and played for three Presidents at the White House, as well as England's Queen Mother. Feinstein understands music so well because he studies it, lives it and collects it. He has had the unique experience of starting out his career as Ira Gershwin's assistant for six years. While Feinstein was immersed in the life of one of the legends of American popular music, he was granted access to numerous unpublished Gershwin songs, which he has since recorded and performed. Gershwin's influence provided a solid base upon which Feinstein has not only built himself into a captivating performer, composer and arranger of his own original music, but he has also become an unparalleled interpreter of music legends such as Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and Harry Warren.
Tovah Feldshuh Theater, film and television star.
Sarah Ferguson An international personality, successful career woman and single working mother, Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is an inspiring role model whose extraordinary life is a testament to the powers of faith, resolve and resiliency. Against the backdrop of celebrity and privilege, Ferguson speaks candidly about her perils on the world stage and about her journey from near-ruin to reinvention and redemption. As the author, most recently, of What I Know Now: Simple Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Ferguson shares the hard-won lessons that have helped her work through challenges, told with her characteristic candor and down-to-earth charm. Her thoughtful, simple approach to dealing with obstacles applies to the struggles we all face in life. Bringing her natural warmth and talent as a storyteller to the podium, Ferguson draws from her extraordinary life to illuminate a wide range of topics. From overcoming personal struggles to living authentically, Ferguson shares compelling memories from her own life to engage audiences in an inspiring, candid speech. After graduating from Queen?s Secretarial College, Ferguson worked in public relations and fine art. After a year-long romance with Prince Andrew, the couple married in 1986. They had two children, Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary of York and Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena of York. Suddenly catapulted into international view, Ferguson had a short honeymoon with the media that was followed by constant attacks in the British media that scrutinized her clothes, weight and personality. After several years of her personal struggles being played out on the public stage, her rocky marriage with Prince Andrew ended in separation in 1992. Since her divorce from Prince Andrew, Ferguson has remained in the media spotlight as a commercial spokesperson, passionate humanitarian and successful author. She has represented leading companies such as Weight Watchers International, Waterford-Wedgwood and Compex Technologies. Ferguson is internationally recognized for her support of health-related causes around the world and humanitarian work for children in need. Her books include an autobiography, My Story; several self-help and dieting books such as Reinventing Yourself with The Duchess of York and Dieting with The Duchess; and children?s stories, including the Budgie the Little Helicopter series and Little Red books. Media interest in Ferguson remains as strong as ever. She is frequently the subject of interviews seen in leading national newspapers and magazines and she is a popular guest on top-rated television and radio programs. A true testament to her popularity and recognition internationally, she was recently a featured presenter at the Golden Globes Award ceremony in Los Angeles.
Tina Fey Comedian and head comedy writer for "Saturday Night Live."
Fannie Flagg Well known humorist, actress and author.
Jane Fonda Award-winning actress, feminist and political activist.
Tommy Ford Television star of the hit series Martin; New York Undercover; and The Parkers is also the recurring host of B.E.T.'s hit talk show, Live From L.A. When not acting, directing, producing or writing, Tommy travels all over the nation spreading his message of "Stop The Violence". He is Florida's spokesperson for the "Don't Be A Target" anti-tobacco campaign and is president and founder of "Be For Our Youth". Ford received the Volunteer Recognition Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews for his humanitarian efforts.
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.
Al Franken One of America's top comedians and political satirists, Al Franken was a part of Saturday Night Live's original writing staff and one of the program's most popular performers, bringing to life the quirky self-esteem guru, Stuart Smalley. He made a big splash with the publications of his books, Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations and Why Not Me?: The Inside Story of the Making and Unmaking of the Franken Presidency. Al Franken is perhaps best known for his work on Saturday Night Live. In 1975, Franken was part of the original writing staff that created the groundbreaking late night show. Franken remained with the original show until 1980 and then returned in 1985. He stayed for another 10 years, leaving after the 1994-95 season. Franken received four Emmys for his writing on SNL and a fifth for producing. He also won recognition for his on-camera work, first as half of the comedy team of "Franken and Davis", then for his "Al Franken Decade" persona. He also was recognized for such characterizations as the one-man mobile uplink unit and Stuart Smalley, the new age cable TV host.
Walt Frazier Hall of Fame basketball star with the New York Knicks who is now the Knicks Television Analyst.
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
Larry Gatlin Country and western superstar.
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.
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.
Whoopi Goldberg Versatile stand-up comedienne and performance artist Whoopi Goldberg gained the attention of Hollywood with her eponymous show of character sketches. With her trademark dreadlocks, gravelly voice and blunt, hip-yet-compassionate style, she was unconventional star material to be sure, and the ups and downs of her career clearly represent the attempts of producers to smooth over what they consider to be her rough edges. She made an auspicious feature debut with an atypically subdued but very moving performance in Steven Spielberg's controversial film, "The Color Purple." She gave an Oscar-winning performance as a fake psychic medium in the 1990 boxoffice hit, "Ghost." Her unusual and considerable talents, and her earthy, straightforward persona have kept her extremely busy from hosting two Academy Awards ceremonies to performing in the low-key romance, "Corinna, Corinna," voicing Shenzi the hyena in "The Lion King" and playing a lesbian in the road film, "Boys on the Side."
Cuba Gooding Academy award winning actor best known for his role in the movie, "Jerry McGuire."
Ed Gordon Ed Gordon, award-winning anchor, managing editor of BET News With Ed Gordon, and host of Conversation With Ed Gordon, is one of broadcasting's most versatile journalists. Gordon's return to BET, after a three-year stint with NBC, was marked by what he is best known for... the exclusive one-on-one interview. Gordon's years at NBC were no less impressive. There he scored, for Dateline NBC, the only interview with Autumn Jackson, a young woman who made headlines by accusing entertainer Bill Cosby of being her father. While at NBC and its cable network MSNBC, Gordon was anchor and host of the talk show Internight. Periodically, Gordon hosts BET News special broadcasts, such as President Clinton Face to Face: A White House Special, where Gordon interviewed President Clinton and then moderated a discussion with the President and citizens from across the country. Murder Madness, looked at solutions to the growing problem of violence in America. Other specials include BET Town Hall Meetings, broadcast live from various cities across the country. These Town Hall meetings explore issues from AIDS to affirmative action. From 1989-91 Gordon hosted the critically acclaimed interview series Personal Diary. Guests included 60 Minutes co-host Ed Bradley, poet Maya Angelou, and tennis great, the late Arthur Ashe. Over the years Gordon has become a newsmaker in his own right. He has been featured in many publications including USA Today, Washington Post, Essence, Entertainment Weekly,, and was even chosen as one of People magazine's 50 most beautiful people. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Award of Excellence and the organization's Outstanding Journalistic Endeavor award. Other awards include an Emmy and the Communication Excellence to Black Audiences (CEBA) awards for Merit, Distinction, and Excellence. Gordon has also been nominated for an ACE award, cable television's highest honor. From 1985-1988 Gordon served as host of Detroit Black Journal, the nation's longest running locally produced public affairs program. He also co-hosted No Crime Day with Detroit Piston basketball star Isaiah Thomas. The program encouraged youth to stay away from crime.
Lou Gossett, Jr. Winner of an Academy Award for his performance in "An Officer and a Gentleman," Lou Gossett, Jr. is recognized as one of the leading actors of his generation. He speaks on civil rights as well as racism in Hollywood.
John Gray Best selling author of numerous best selling books including, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus; Venus On a Date; and Mars And Venus Starting Over. Dr. Gray is an internationally regarded expert in the fields of communication, relationships and personal growth. His unique focus is assisting men and women in understanding, respecting and appreciating their differences.
Eddie Griffin With DysFunKtional Family, Scary Movie 3 and My Baby's Mama out on DVD, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo coming in August and a starring role in New Regency's comedy Romantic Comedy currently shooting, Eddie Griffin is now enjoying the film career that he always planned. He is best known to television audiences as the star of UPN's hit comedy series Malcolm & Eddie. Griffin was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for "Best Actor in a Comedy Series" for his portrayal. He also wrote and directed four episodes of the sitcom, one of which starred his mentor, Richard Pryor.
Bryant Gumbel Well known broadcast journalist and anchor of CBS's "Early Show." and HBO Sports
Arsenio Hall Well known comedian, actor and television talk show host.
Joan Hamburg Broadcast journalist, consumer advocate and author, Joan Hamburg hosts "The Joan Hamburg Show" on WOR Radio, co-hosts "Weekend" with food critic Arthur Schwartz, and does regular features on "Rambling with Gambling", WOR's morning show. On these shows and in her books she covers such topics as medical news, shopping tips, consumer problems and other issues that affect our daily lives.
Mia Hamm Mia is widely recognized as the world's best all-around women's soccer player. In Atlanta at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games she proved it by leading her team to Team Gold in front of 80,000 screaming fans in Athens, Georgia. Never in history had so many spectators come out to watch a women's sporting event. The Games highlighted female athletes like no other time in modern history and Mia emerged as one of the Game's true examples for people of all ages who have a dream and go for it. The 1999 Women's World Cup, where the USA took home the championship in front of 40 million viewers in this country alone, sold over 650,000 tickets, including sellouts at Giants Stadium and the Rose Bowl. There is no stopping women's soccer and Mia's enormous impact, both on and off the field. Having played collegiately at UNC and leading her team to four consecutive NCAA championships, she inherited the nickname "Jordan" (after a basketball player at NC named Michael!) because of her athletic ability on the field and sportsmanship, determination and commitment off it. Her awards and accomplishments only tell part of the story of this remarkable athlete; she gives much of her precious free time to charitable causes and strives, in anything she does, to promote women's athletics, the sport of soccer, and a feeling of confidence and sense of purpose in young people (male or female). Mia was the youngest player ever to play for our National Team (age 15) and has been a member ever since (the team won the World Championships in 1991, Mia's second time on the team). Her records in appearances and goals, MVP awards and overall performance put her at the top of the sport as she looks forward to the 2004 Olympics (she has been US Soccer's Female Athlete of the year five consecutive years). As Phil Knight, Chairman of Nike says "I think we've had three athletes who just played at a level that added a new dimension to their games. That's been Michael Jordan, in basketball, and in some ways Mia Hamm in women's soccer and Tiger Woods in golf." In April of 1999, Nike named the largest building on its corporate campus after Mia. Having seen the enormous support her and her teammates received at the '96 and '00 Games, Mia became a founding member of the Women's United Soccer Association and led the Washington Freedom to the Founder's Cup. Poised, articulate and honest, Mia is a pioneer in her sport and a role model for athletes and fans alike who believe in equal opportunity, Title IX legislation, and the love of the game.
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).
Valerie Harper Well known actress and social activist.
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.
Kitty Carlisle Hart Actress, civic leader and chairwoman of the New York State Council on the Arts.
Mariette Hartley Emmy Award winning actress, Mariette Hartley has established herself as an enduring star on stage, in five television series, countless television movies, and more than a dozen feature films. One of the top motivation speakers in the country, Mariette is a national spokesperson for combating mental illness and is active in handgun control, drug and alcohol abuse, and in strengthening family value.
Steve Harvey One of the busiest and most talented comedians working in Hollywood today, Steve Harvey, is the star of his own television series, The Steve Harvey Show and former host of the television program, Showtime at the Apollo.
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
Isaac Hayes Well known singer, composer and actor, Isaac Hayes is also a tireless champion of human rights. He is currently the international spokesman for the World Literacy Crusade in which he encourages people to work and/or stay in school.
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.
Grant Hill Author of Change the Game, Grant Hill, an NBA basketball superstar shares his outlook on sports, education and family values.
Jennifer Holliday Grammy award winning singer, actress and motivational speaker, best known for her Tony winning role in the musical, "Dream Girls," Jennifer Holliday is available for a concert or a motivational lecture about her battle with depression and mental illness.
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.
Dog The Bounty Hunter Considered the greatest bounty hunter in the world, Duane "Dog" Chapman has made more than 6,000 captures in his 27-year career. This highly intense, charismatic ex-con and born-again Christian is the king of the comebacks. This modern-day hero once served time in a Texas prison. "I am what rehabilitation stands for," Dog says. Now on the right side of the law, Dog is tireless in his efforts to bring in the bad guys and encourage them to turn their lives around. Over the years, the list of fugitives Dog claims to have either helped catch or single-handedly brought to justice reads like a who's who of America's most wanted, including high-profile rapist and Max Factor heir, Andrew Luster. Dog credits much of his success to his knack for getting the most out of his informants. "Seventy percent of all my captures happen because some good ol' American has turned them in by giving me information," he says. Raised in Denver, Dog is the oldest of four children born to Wesley and Barbara Chapman. His dad was a welder in the U.S. Navy, while his mother was a minister with the First Assembly of God who often traveled to Native American reservations to teach the gospel. Dog currently resides in Hawaii with his wife and business partner, Beth, and three of his children
Victoria Jackson Squeaky-voiced comedienne Victoria Jackson is perhaps best known for being a cast member of the NBC television sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 1986 to 1992, but she also makes sporadic film appearances.
"Bo" Jackson Bo Jackson was one of the most talented and versatile athletes this country has ever seen. An All-Star in baseball for the Kansas City Royals and an All-Pro in football for the Oakland Raiders, Jackson was one of a handful of athletes who ever successfully played both professional baseball and football in the same year. Tragically, Bo's career was cut short by injuries, but fans certainly will remember him for the time when he was in the spotlight. Off the field, Bo rose to greatness as well. In his book, Bo Knows Bo (a play on his habit of referring to himself in the third person), Jackson revealed problems that he had off the field, especially as a younger man, with anger and relationships (Jackson had a troubled childhood, growing up without a father). Today, even though his playing days are over, Jackson has gone on to great success, including a reputation as a terrific dad himself and one of the nicest guys in sports.
Jesse Jackson Reverend Jesse Jackson is one of America's foremost political figures. For more than thirty years he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, economic and social justice. A two-time presidential candidate and a leader in the fight against South African apartheid, he has been on the Gallup List of "Ten Most Respected Americans" for the past ten years. Reverend Jesse Jackson serves as president of the National Rainbow Coalition and is one of America's foremost political figures. Over the past three decades he has played a major role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality and economic and social justice. Rev. Jackson has been called the "conscience of the nation" and "the great unifier," challenging America to establish just and humane priorities and bringing people together on common ground across lines of race, class, gender and belief. Years before they were common positions, Rev. Jackson was advocating national health care, a war on drugs and peace negotiations with the Soviet Union and the Middle East. His strong stand against apartheid in South Africa in 1984 made it a forefront national issue. Rev. Jackson's two presidential campaigns broke new ground in U.S. politics. His 1984 campaign won 3.5 million votes, registered over a million new voters and helped the Democratic Party regain control of the Senate in 1986. His 1988 candidacy won seven million votes and registered two million new voters. His clear progressive agenda and his ability to build an unprecedented coalition inspired millions to join the political process. As a highly respected world leader, Rev. Jackson has acted many times as an international diplomat in sensitive situations. In 1984, he secured the release of captured Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman from Syria, as well as the release of 48 Cuban and Cuban-American prisoners in 1987. He was the first American to bring hostages out of Kuwait and Iraq in 1990. Rev. Jackson was elected a U.S. Senator from Washington, D.C. in 1990, a position also known as "Statehood Shadow Senator." The office was created to advocate for statehood for Washington, D.C. A hallmark of Rev. Jackson's work has been his commitment to the youth. He has visited thousands of high schools, colleges and universities, encouraging excellence and challenging students to stay in school and away from drugs. He has also been a major force in the American labor movement, working with unions to organize workers, mediating labor disputes, walking picket lines and speaking at labor rallies. He has visited prisons, bringing comfort to the abandoned and discouraging recidivism. Rev. Jackson has received numerous honors for his work in human rights and social justice. In 1991, the U.S. Post Office placed his likeness on a pictorial postal cancellation, only the second living person to receive such an honor. He has been on the Gallup List of Ten Men Most Respected by Americans for 10 years. He has also received the prestigious NAACP Springarn Award and been awarded over 40 honorary degrees.
Randy Jackson Randy Jackson is a former record company executive who joins Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on the panel of judges for the television talent contest American Idol. Jackson is a music industry insider who has been in the business since the early 1980s, as a performer, producer and businessman. He was a temporary bass player for Journey in 1983 and 1986, and he spent many years as an executive with Columbia Records and MCA Records. Since 2002 Jackson has been on American Idol, where he is famous for peppering his pronouncements with the slang term "dawg." In 2003 he had gastric bypass surgery, and by the beginning of the show's 2004 season he had lost more than 100 pounds. In 2003 Jackson published the how-to guide What's Up Dawg?: How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business
Star Jones Star Jones, a lawyer and former prosecutor, is known to television viewers for her candor, confidence and uncanny ability to clarify muddy legal and social issues. Her knowledge of the law and talent for television has won her critical acclaim as a news and legal correspondent. She debuted on television in 1991 when she started moonlighting as a studio commentator for Court TV during the William Kennedy Smith rape trial. She was quickly lined up as a guest on "Today," and a few months later she became the NBC legal correspondent for "Today" and "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw," covering the latest developments in the Mike Tyson rape case and the Rodney King police brutality trial. She landed an exclusive interview with Tyson after the imprisoned ex-heavyweight champion had dodged the press for a year, and an exclusive interview with King after the sentencing of the two Los Angeles cops convicted of violating his civil rights. That success led to her own syndicated show, "Jones & Jury." With the 1997 launch of ABC's "The View," Star expanded her point of view to include commentary on the law, self-esteem, race, family, education, religion, the media and other social issues relating to the community at large. "The View" has earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Daytime Talk Show and, for Star and her co-hosts, Outstanding Talk Show Host. Star is heavily involved with numerous philanthropic organizations, is a frequent contributor to several charitable foundations, and serves on the Board of Directors of Dress for Success, the East Harlem School at Exodus House, and God's Love We Deliver. In 2000, she joined the efforts of Girls Inc. for a national self-image building campaign aimed at young women. She was also elected to the organization's national board of directors.
Naomi Judd Naomi Judd has always dared to do the impossible. A former nurse and single mother, she turned a musical pairing with daughter Wynonna into a six-time Grammy Award-winning country music phenomenon. She is the best-selling author of Love Can Build a Bridge, a moving story of the human spirit. Although she would modestly insist otherwise, there has never been anything simple or commonplace about Naomi Judd - not her vision, her life, her faith, nor the music she and her daughter, Wynonna, created as The Judds. She dreamed bigger, worked harder, took greater risks and triumphed more resoundingly than most people ever will. From the beginning of The Judds' meteoric rise, her "china doll" looks and magnetic personality paralleled the duo's music for the public's attention and appreciation. As their songs became #1 hits, their RCA albums went platinum and their concerts became sellouts. Their popularity kept them undefeated for eight consecutive years at all three major country award shows. They received six Grammys and a vast array of other awards and honors. Bringing values and insistence on integrity to every aspect of her public and personal life, Judd helped The Judds set new standards of excellence and ushered in the resurgence of country music's popularity. America fell in love with the self-proclaimed country girl from Ashland, Kentucky. From small town humble beginnings, this daughter of a gas station owner father and riverboat cook mother became a hope seller to the duo's legions of fans. The music industry labeled her the "Cinderella" of country music because of her real life rags-to-riches story. During the Judds' eight-year reign as superstars, she became infinitely more to the public than a singer, songwriter and engaging performer. She came to represent every woman. Having been an R.N., a secretary, waitress and clerk, the divorced, working mother stood for the modern American family, with all its defects and glories.
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.
Robert Klein A career in entertainment was not a "legitimate" pursuit for a middle class kid born in the Bronx, even though his father, Ben, was a good livingroom comedian, and his mother, Frieda, was a show business fan. So, Robert Klein graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School and entered Alfred University as a pre med student. At Alfred he joined the college's acting company and graduated in 1962 with a B.A. in Political Science and History. But the acting bug hit hard, and Robert's drama professor convinced Ben Klein that his son should pursue an acting career. Yale Drama School beckoned, and Klein was on his way. Robert Klein finished a year at Yale, followed by summer stock. The following fall, in order to earn a living while paying his dues at New York City clubs, Klein took a job as a substitute teacher. In 1965 Robert Klein auditioned for the famous Chicago "Second City," became a member of the troupe, and there he spent the single most important year of his career. Klein returned to New York as a seasoned member of "Second City," was seen by producer Mike Nichols and chosen for a role in his Broadway musical, Apple Tree. Two more Broadway shows followed, and in 1970, he starred in Comedy Tonight, the CBS summer replacement for Glen Campbell's show. In 1973, Robert Klein released his first album, Child of the Fifties, an ingenious collection of material which brought Klein to a vast audience and won him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album of the Year. Two more albums followed, including Mind Over Matter, also nominated for a Grammy, and New Teeth. Klein's most recent album, Let's Not Make Love, was released in 1990 on Rhino Records. Probably no single event is more indicative of Klein's success than his first sold out concert at Carnegie Hall in 1973, The First Annual Robert Klein Reunion. In 1979, Robert Klein returned to Broadway in grand style with a Tony nomination for Best Actor, and a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his performance in the hit musical, They're Playing Our Song. During this time, Klein began hosting The Robert Klein Radio Show, an internationally syndicated comedy rock show. Klein's movie credits include The Sisters Rosensweig, Hooper, One Fine Day, Next Stop Wonderland, Primary Colors, How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and many others. Robert Klein has also frequently guest starred on such programs as Murder She Wrote, Frasier, Law and Order, and Mad About You, among others. From 1986 through 1988, Klein hosted Robert Klein Time on the USA Network, which was nominated for seven Ace Awards. He currently hosts New Joke City on the Metro Channel. Robert Klein is currently writing a book for Simon and Schuster.
Yaphet Kotto Gifted actor and motivational speaker who brought a subtle mix of strength and determination to the television screen in the critically acclaimed NBC drama "Homicide: Life on the Street." He has also appeared in many films, and his stage credits include the part of Jack Johnson in the Broadway production of "The Great White Hope" and the lead in the London production of August Wilson's "Fences."
Vicki Lawrence Actress and comedienne, Vicki Lawrence played Carol Burnett's kid sister for 11 years on The Carol Burnett Show, for which she received 5 emmy nominations and 1 Emmy. She then starred in her own series Mamma's Family and hosted a daytime talk show Vicki. Her autobigraphy Vicki! The True Life Adventures of Miss Fireball was published in 1995. Vicki Lawrence talks about her life in and out of show business and her battle to over come depression.
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).
Stan Lee Founder of Marvel Comics and the creator of Spider-Man, Stan Lee served as executive producer of the "Spider-Man" movie and has consulted on other upcoming films based on his characters, including "The Hulk" and "Daredevil" along with a sequel to the blockbuster, "X-Men."
Jay Leno Jay Leno has been the host of NBC's Emmy-winning "The Tonight Show" since May 25, 1992, following in the footsteps of legendary late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. Jay has created his own unique late-night style with a combination of humor, talk and entertainment each night at 11:35 p.m., the start of the wee hours when viewers want to wind down with a few laughs before drifting off to dreamland. Jays everyman style and personality have helped him earn millions of fans all over the world, but primarily at home in the states where people can relate to his personable style and work ethic. He has been touted as one of the nicest people in show business, and the hardest working a winning tandem for the man who says anyone can have a life, but careers are hard to come by! One of the country's premiere comedians, Jay has appeared in hundreds of comedy shows around the United States for the past 20 years. He remains passionate about performing in front of live audiences and appears regularly in Las Vegas, on college campuses around the United States, and in other venues.
Dawnn Lewis Popular actress, composer and motivational speaker, Dawnn Lewis starred in such television series as "A Different World"; "Hanging With Mr. Cooper." Dawnn was first known as Jaleesa Vinson on "A Different World", then as Robin on "Hanging With Mr. Cooper" and HBO's "Dream On." Her movie fans remember her from Keenan Ivory Wayan's "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka" and "Race to Freedom". Dawnn will appear in a special week long segment of A Different World called the Hillman College Reunion airing on Nick At Nite, along with Lisa Bonet, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, and Sinbad. She is scheduled to play Deloris Van Cartier in Peter Schnieder's musical version of Sister Act, due to open at the Pasadena Playhouse on October 24, 2006.
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."
Jet Li Popular Chinese-American actor and martial arts expert who has starred in such movies as Romeo Must Die, Lethal Weapon IV and "Kiss of the Dragon."
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."
Art Linkletter Popular radio and television personality, Art Linkletter hosted "House Party" on CBS TV and radio for 25 years and "People are Funny", which ran on NBC TV and radio for 19 years. He is the author of 23 books including the best seller, Kids Say The Darndest Things and his most recent bestseller, Old Age Is Not For Sissies.
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.
LISA LISA Her motto is "Taking Charge of 'Self' for a Better World." LISA LISA has emerged as a pop star with three platinum record awards and seven gold record awards from around the world. Her long string of #1 hits made her the first Latin female cross-over artist. After five albums and sold out international tours, Lisa is now a solo artist who is topping the charts. She grew up on the mean streets of New York City, raised in a single parent home with nine siblings that was often dependent upon welfare. She is sharing her inspiring story to motivate others to escape the violence, drugs, gangs, racism and other problems plaguing our youth.
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.
Susan Lucci Well known soap opera star and television personality.
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.
Ali MacGraw Film star, social activist and feminist.
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.
Howie Mandel Howie Mandel's versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, ranging from television to film and stage. From his work on the Emmy Award-winning St. Elsewhere to the international (and also Emmy-nominated) Bobby's World, Mandel has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene Currently the host of the hot game show Deal or No Deal, and the Canadian version, Deal or No Deal Canada, Mandel started his career on a dare during a trip to Los Angeles. He was at the legendary Comedy Store on amateur night and was coaxed by his friends to get up and try his luck. As fate would have it, there was a producer in the crowd who immediately hired him to appear on the comedy game-show Make Me Laugh. His appearance on the show led to talk-show appearances, a stint as Diana Ross' opening act and, to the television series St. Elsewhere, where he spent six seasons as Dr. Wayne Fiscus. Mandel's Emmy-nominated animated children series Bobby's World ran eight seasons and now appears in syndication six days a week in 65 countries. As the series' creator and executive producer, Mandel was closely involved in its writing, as well as providing the voice of Bobby, Bobby's dad and other characters. Mandel attributes the show's success to drawing the storylines from real life. Mandel has done countless comedy specials both on cable and network television. He has also hosted his own syndicated talk show The Howie Mandel Show, and continues to be a mainstay on the talk-show circuit. He frequently appears on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, performing his signature hidden-camera bits. He also is one of the first people that Regis Philbin calls to fill in for him when he takes a vacation from Live with Regis and Kelly. Mandel also continues to perform as many as 200 concerts a year throughout the United States and Canada.
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.
Terry McMillan Terry McMillan's first novel, Mama, was published in 1987 by Houghton Mifflin Company and in paperback by Washington Square Press. Mama received a national book award by the Before Columbus Foundation. Ms. McMillan received her B.A. in journalism from the University of California at Berkeley and attended the MFA film program at Columbia University. She has been awarded a 1988 National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the Doubleday/Columbia University Literary Fellowship. She has been a guest columnist for The New York Times's "Hers" column and has reviewed books for The New York Times Book Review, The Atlanta Constitution, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She has been a three time Fellow at Yaddo Artist Colony and the MacDowell Colony.
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.
Shemar Moore Two time emmy nominee who is the star of the #1 rated daytime drama, "The Young and The Restless." He has also guest starred in such television series as "Chicago Hope" and "The Nanny."
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.
Kellye Nakahara Asian American actress best known for her portrayal of "Nurse Kellye" in the hit television series, "M*A*S*H." Topics: Minority Stereotyping; Making it as a Minority Woman in Show Business; and The World of M*A*S*H.
Chuck Norris World famous movie star, health and fitness expert and motivational speaker.
B.J. Novak B.J. Novak, 26, has already established himself as one of comedys most recognized and respected young voices. On NBs critically-acclaimed comedy The Office, B.J. Novak currently co-stars with Steve Carell as Ryan, the cool-headed temp. Novaks contribution to The Office extends to behind the camera as well: he is also a writer and co-producer, and scripted some of its most famous episodes, including Diversity Day and Sexual Harrassment. B.J. Novak is also widely recognized, especially by younger audiences, from his recent work on the MTV hit Pund, with Ashton Kutcher. On that shows highly watched second season, B.J. starred in a number of the shows most memorable pranks. Among other highlights, B.J. played the driving instructor who nearly brought Hilary Duff to tears; the clothing store manager who tried to blackmail Usher; the fashion photographer who asked Bow Wow to pose with a live Bengal tiger; the federal agent who shut down Jaime Pressleys clothing factory; the obsessed fan of R&B star Mya; and many others.
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.
Adrian Pasdar Adrian Pasdar plays Nathan Petrelli on the hit show "Heroes" With athletic good looks and a sexy but mysterious air, this former college football player has a love-hate relationship with Hollywood. Although he made his film debut in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, his breakout role came a year later as a reluctant vampire in the indie flick Near Dark. Able to embody sexy and scary simultaneously, Pasdar seemed poised to join the ranks of '80s leading men such as Jason Patric and Kiefer Sutherland. Instead, the rebel player quit the biz for two years. In the '90s he came back, turning in a string of solid supporting performances in mostly forgettable films and TV-movies, which prompted him to quit a second time. (During his hiatus he worked the register in a diner.) But performing won out in the end and when Pasdar returned, he turned to the small screen for meaty parts, winning kudos (if not viewers) as the corrupt title character in the short-lived series Profit. His marriage to Dixie Chick Natalie Maines and a recurring role on Judging Amy as a dangerous love interest for the title character raised his profile in the '00s, and suddenly the veteran actor was enjoying name recognition for the first time in his spotty career
Holly Robinson Peete Well known actress who co-stars on the sitcom, For Your Love. Holly has also starred in the televsion comedy Hangin' With Mr. Cooper and Pacific Blue. With her husband, Holly has formed a foundation to raise money for under-privileged people with Parkinson's disease and develop educational programs for children.
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.
Phil Perry Popular singer and recording artist.
Jeff Probst Jeff Probst is currently the host of the Emmy Award-winning series “Survivor.” Additionally, Probst serves as host of VH1's “Rock and Roll Jeopardy,” which is now in its fourth successful season. Over his career, he has helmed several programs for the FX Network, including “SoundFX” and “BackChat.” Before hosting “Survivor,” Probst traveled around the world as a correspondent for the syndicated entertainment news show “Access Hollywood,” conducting celebrity interviews all over the world. Prior to that, he hosted a variety of shows for KIRO-TV, the CBS affiliate in Seattle. Probst made his directorial debut with “Finder's Fee,” a feature film from his own original screenplay, which won the prestigious Golden Space Needle Award for best picture at the Seattle International Film Festival. The psychological thriller is about a well-intentioned street artist who finds a wallet that contains a winning lottery ticket worth $6 million and ends up trapped inside a New York City apartment with the wallet's rightful owner. Probst, a native of Wichita, Kansas, currently lives in Los Angeles when not traveling the world for “Survivor.”
Colin Quinn Colin has also appeared in movies, including Who's the Man?, Married to the Mob, The Roxbury Guys and most recently, Comedian. Colin was hired as a writer and feature player on NBC's sketch/comedy show, "Saturday Night Live." September 1997 he became a full-time cast member, showing up on Weekend Update as 'Lenny the Lion' and 'Joe Blow.' He also established the recurring characters 'The Thank you Guy' and himself in the skit 'Colin Quinn Explains the NY Times.' Colin Quinn is currently starring in his own show on Comedy Central called "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn". It is airing now on Comedy Central.
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.
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.
Lynn Redgrave Dynamic star of stage, screen and television.
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.
Mike Reiss Mike Reiss has won four Emmy Awards for his work on The Simpsons, the wacky animated series that has kept America laughing for more than a decade and earned Time magazine's vote as "the greatest TV show of the twentieth century." During his eleven seasons on the show, Reiss penned a dozen scripts and produced over 200 episodes. His other television credits include The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Alf, Eddie Murphy's The PJ's and It's Garry Shandling's Show, where he earned an ACE award for writing and producing. Reiss is also the co-creator of The Critic, an animated series starring Jon Lovitz as a lovable movie critic. The well-reviewed series has been running on Comedy Central for five years. Reiss also created Queer Duck, the animated adventures of a gay duck. An Internet hit with rave reviews in the U.S. and Europe, the series recently made the jump to the Showtime network. Culled from more than two decades of creating the funniest and most outrageous shows on television, Reiss' presentation is a unique glimpse inside the cutting edge of entertainment, including rare video clips from The Simpsons and The Critic. He takes audiences inside the lives of Springfield's first family, revealing how The Simpsons was almost cancelled before it hit the air, secret trivia of the show, insane dealings with network censors, and lots of juicy gossip about celebrity guest stars. Reiss also delves into the current state of television programming, describing with his characteristic wit why TV is so rotten and what steps need to be taken to bring the medium back to life. A former editor of both The Harvard Lampoon and The National Lampoon, Reiss continues as a consulting producer on The Simpsons. In addition, he is a frequent contributor to Esquire and Games Magazine, and is an award-winning mystery writer. He has published four children's books, including the surprise best seller How Murray Saved Christmas, a Christmas story for Jewish kids. His latest work is Santa Claustrophobia. He has lectured on comedy and animation at more than two dozen colleges, as well as the Smithsonian Institution.
Debbie Reynolds Vivacious star of stage, screen and television.
Pat Riley Leading NBA basketball coach and an outstanding motivational speaker.
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.
Geraldo Rivera Well known Hispanic talk show host and controversial investigative journalist.
Tony Robbins For more than a quarter of a century, Anthony Robbins has served as an advisor to leaders around the world. A recognized authority on the psychology of leadership, negotiations, organizational turnaround, and peak performance, Tony Robbins has been honored for his strategic intellect and humanitarian endeavors. His non-profit Anthony Robbins Foundation' provides assistance to the homeless, elderly and inner-city youth, and feeds more than one million people in nine countries every year through its international holiday Basket Brigade. Robbins has directly impacted the lives of nearly 50 million people from 80 countries with his best-selling books and audiotape products, public speaking engagements, and live appearances. World Peace Negotiator & Humanitarian Anthony Robbins currently serves as Vice Chairman of Health, Education, and Science for the United Nations/Research Center for the International Council for Caring Communities ICCC) NGO. Anthony Robbins has worked with political and business leaders in diverse world communities such as South Africa, England, Indonesia, Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States of America. Through his strategies for Leadership in Times of Crisis and his systems for Indirect Negotiations, Anthony Robbins has participated in negotiations that have broken the patterns of violence and de-escalated the rhetoric that invites it. Anthony Robbins has worked on teams that not only help mitigate further devastation and facilitate peaceful decision-making among conflicting parties, but even inspire conflicting parties to create a mutually beneficial and compelling vision that is aligned with their respective values and raises the standards by which they live.
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."
Smokey Robinson This legendary Grammy winner is the only man in history to simultaneously be in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame and honored by NARAS as a "Living Legend." He is available for a lecture, a lecture/preformance or a concert.
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).
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).
Marla Runyan Blind American track star who is the first disabled athlete ever to participate in the Olympics will be competing in the 1500 meter track meet during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
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.
Mort Sahl Well known comedian, social commentator and political satirist.
Andy Samberg Andy Samberg is an comedian, singer, rapper, actor, and writer best known for being a cast member on Saturday Night Live and a member of the comedy group The Lonely Island.
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
William Shatner Motion picture and television star best know for his role as Captain James Kirk in the “Star Trek” series.
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.
Pauly Shore Pauly Shore and the world-famous Comedy Store stages a comeback in TBS's Original Comedy Series, "Minding the Store," which premiered July 17, 2006. TBS is giving down-but-not-out comedian Pauly Shore (Encino Man, Jury Duty) the chance to get his mother's world-famous Comedy Store back on track, while also giving his career a boost, in this new original comedy series. "The Comedy Store is the place where such comedians as Jim Carrey, Richard Pryor and David Letterman got their start, so it seems perfectly fitting for television's very funny network to follow its revival," said Steve Koonin, executive vice president and chief opperating officer of TBS. "The show will blend the comedy on-stage at The Comedy Store with the quirkly personalities and offbeat backstage antics of Pauly Shore and his mother, Comedy Store owner Mitzi Shore." "Minding the Store" opens with Mitzi reluctantly handing over the reins of her legendary Comedy Store to her youngest son Pauly, in the hopes that maybe he can pump some life back into it. With his plans of renovations, new promotions and A-list talent, Pauly's goal of making the comedy club great again proves to be a daunting task, especially since his mom just can't seem to let him take over completely.
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
Jada Pinkett Smith Well known actress. Ebony magazine has named her as one of "The 55 Most Beautiful People of the year 2000.
Jimmy Smits Well known Hispanic actor who starred for many years in the hit television series, "L.A. Law." Smits also starred in the television series, "NYPD Blue."
Suzanne Somers Well known actress, entertainer, and anti-drug and alcohol activist.
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.
Jerry Springer Jerry Springer Throughout a long and varied career, cultural icon Jerry can claim many labels other than “host”: two-term mayor of Cincinnati, political pundit, lawyer, award-winning newscaster, country recording artist, TV personality, movie star, and Broadway actor, among them. The multi-faceted Springer, with a passion for politics, was named Democrat of the Year from Ohio and served as a Delegate-at-Large at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. A regular guest on the talk circuit, Springer has appeared many shows, including The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, The View, and Crossfire. Today, because of the continued popularity of his show, Springer is a sought after guest speaker on college campuses in the US and abroad. Ringmaster, a book written by Springer, hit store shelves in November 1998 and shared Springer’s personal look into his show, as well as remembrances from his childhood and professional career. In 1999, Springer played himself in the hit movie Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me. He became a featured character in The Simpsons 1998 Halloween Special and played himself on The X-Files. Having graced the covers of Rolling Stone, Esquire, and New York Magazine, Springer was asked by Barbara Walters to be part of her year-end 10 Most Fascinating People of 1998 special for ABC. In 1977, Springer was elected mayor of Cincinnati by the largest plurality in the city’s history. At age 33, he was one of the country’s youngest mayors. Five years later, Springer launched his broadcasting career as a political reporter and commentator on Cincinnati’s WLWT-TV. He became anchor and managing editor in 1984, and was Cincinnati’s top-rated news anchor until he relinquished the post in January 1993. During his tenure, Springer received seven Emmy Awards for his nightly commentaries, the forerunner to his “Final Thought,” and was voted television’s best anchor for five consecutive years by readers of Cincinnati Magazine. Springer is perhaps most proud of his involvement with Cincinnati Reaches Out, contributing on-site reporting from Ethiopia and Sudan, where he documented the effort to provide assistance to famine-stricken Africans. The company that owned WLWT-TV also owned The Phil Donahue Show. One day, Springer’s employers took him to lunch and gave him a new assignment: hosting his own talk show, which evolved through the years, achieving its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Oliver Stone After serving in Vietnam, Stone returned to the US in 1968, and attended film school at New York University, where he was tutored by Martin Scorsese.After graduating, he directed a short student film entitled 'Last Year in Vietnam', and worked as a New York taxi driver.He first gained acclaim as a writer, when he won an Oscar, a Writers Guild Award and a Golden Globe for his screenplay, 'Midnight Express'. This movie earned him a shot at directing a major studio movie - 'The Hand'. However, its failure gave him a temporary career setback. Oliver concentrated on screenwriting for a while, with 'Conan the Barbarian', 'Scarface', and 'Year of the Dragon'. He then directed the low budget political drama, 'Salvador', which brought an Oscar-nomination for co-writing the screenplay. He received an Oscar for 'Platoon', and returned to the subject of Vietnam, to win a Best Director Oscar for 'Born on the Fourth of July'.Perhaps Stone's most ambitious and controversial work was 'JFK', a dramatization of the attempts by Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) to uncover a conspiracy behind the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It earned Oliver Oscar nominations as Best Director and co-writer of the screenplay. That same year, he appeared as himself in the political comedy, 'Dave', and had his first TV credit as executive producer, with the sci-fi miniseries, 'Wild Palms'. Stone then made a sharp turn a year later, with his next project, the dark comedy, 'Natural Born Killers'.Two years later, Oliver returned to politics and history, with his controversial study of US President Nixon, with Anthony Hopkins in lead, then he directed, produced, and wrote the football-themed drama, 'Any Given Sunday'.
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.
Elizabeth Taylor Internationally known actress and legendary movie star.
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.
Cicely Tyson Actress, activist and humanitarian was discovered by a fashion editor at Ebony magazine and, with her stunning looks, she quickly rose to the top of the modeling industry. In 1957, she began acting in Off-Broadway productions. She had small roles in feature films before she was cast as Portia in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968) in 1968. Four years later, Cicely was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her sensational performance in the critically acclaimed film Sounder (1972). In 1974, she went on to portray a 110-year-old former slave in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) (TV), which earned her two Emmys. While Cicely has not appeared steadily onscreen because of her loyality to only portray strong, positive images of Black women, she is without a doubt one of the most talented, beautiful actresses to have ever graced the stage and screen. She holds a record 12 Image Awards as best actress from the NAACP and has received awards from such civil rights organizations as PUSH, CORE, the SCLC and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, among others.In 1974, Tyson co-founded the internationally celebrated Dance Theater of Harlem. She currently serves on its board, as well as on the boards of the American Film Institute, Urban Gateways and the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. A founding member of the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America, Tyson in 2002 was appointed by President George W. Bush as a commissioner of the National African American Museum of History and Culture. In 2003, Tyson received the National Women's Law Center Award, the Ellis Island Family Heritage Award and was a featured speaker at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit and has served as Chairperson for UNICEF and works with the United Nations and celebrity organizations in promoting global cultural understanding.and was married to legendary trumpeter Miles Davis from 1981 to 1988.
Mario Van Peebles Movie star, director and producer.
Melvin Van Peebles Pioneering filmmaker, actor and director.
Barbara Walters Barbara Walters has arguably interviewed more statesmen and stars than any other journalist in history. She is so well known that her name and a brief biography is listed in the American Heritage Dictionary. Her numerous and timely interviews- which appear regularly on the weekly newsmagazine 20/20 and on The Barbara Walters Specials- read like a "Who's Who" of newsmakers. This past season, she did the first interview for American television with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and the first interview with President and Mrs. Bush following September 11th. She also did a one-hour special on Saudi Arabia following her visit there. Through the years she has interviewed such world figures as Russia's Boris Yeltsin, China's Premier Jiang Zemin, Great Britain's former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Libia's Moammar Quadaffi and Iraq's President Sadaam Hussein. At the other extreme, in 1999 Walters conducted the first interview with Monica Lewinsky, which became the highest-rated news program ever broadcast by a single network. She has interviewed every American President and First Lady since Richard Nixon. She made journalism history by arranging the first joint interview with Egypt's President Anwar Sadat and Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin in November, 1977. Another of her "firsts" was an hour-long primetime conversation with Cuban President Fidel Castro- an interview which has been printed in half a dozen languages and shown all over the world. The Barbara Walters Specials are continuously the top-rated specials of the year and have included such legends as Sir Oliver, Bing Crosby, John Wayne, Bette Davis and Audrey Hepburn. More recent interviews of superstars have included Tom Cruise, Halle Berry, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, John Travolta, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Ms. Walters' The Ten Most Fascinating People special broadcast, launched in 1993 offers a year-end review of the most prominent newsmakers of the year, as well as the selection of the "most fascinating" individual. Walters is also co-owner, co-executive producer and co-host of The View, the original forum where real women discuss relevant, everyday issues and share their daily, no-holds-barred opinions and lively, colorful, conversations. The show premiered in August, 1997 and is broadcast live from New York City. Walters joined ABC News in 1976 as the first woman to co-host the network news. In 1984, she became co-host of the ABC newsmagazine 20/20, which is currently in its 24th season on the network. Prior to joining ABC she appeared on NBC's Today Show for 15 years. She began as a writer on the Today Show, and within a year became a co-host of the program without the official title, but in 1974 NBC officially designated her as the program's first female co-host. Walters was a member of the NBC News team that went to the People's Republic of China to cover the visits of President Richard Nixon in 1972 and President Herald Ford in 1975. In addition to the Today Show, Walters for five years has also hosted her own popular syndicated series, Not For Women Only. The program went off the air when she left for ABC. Early in her career she was a writer for CBS News and, before that, she was the youngest producer with NBC-TV's New York station (WNBC-TV). Over the years Walters has received national recognition for her work and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious honors and awards. Among these include her 1990 induction into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame and also her acceptance of the Lowell Thomas Award for a career in journalism excellence by Marist College. She received the Overseas Press Club's highest award, the President's Award in 1988 and also won three Lifetime Achievement Awards in 1991, 1993, and 2000. Walters is the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees from Sarah Lawrence, her alma mater, as well as Ohio State University, Temple University, Marymount College, Wheaton College, Hofstra University and Ben-Gurion University in Jerusalem.
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.
Max Weinberg Max Weinberg is one of the most famous drummers in contemporary music. Weinberg is a member of Bruce Springsteen's legendary E-Street Band. He is the music director and band leader of Max Weinberg 7 on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien. From his days as an original member of Bruce Springsteen's legendary E Street Band to his popular role as music director and band leader for NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Max Weinberg has become one of the most renowned drummers in contemporary music. Called " . . . the rhythmic backbone of the E Street Band" by the New York Times, Weinberg was a key figure in the group that supported Springsteen for nearly twenty years-and through sales of more than 50 million records. Today, his creative musical cues and hilarious on-air performances as head of Max Weinberg 7 have helped Late Night with Conan O'Brien become one of the hippest shows on late night TV and the number-one show on college campuses across America.
Vanessa Williams A former host of VH-1, Vanessa Williams was the first Black woman to win the Miss America Pageant. A talented actress and singer, her record albums, "The Right Stuff" and "The Comfort Zone," quickly climbed to the top of the charts.
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.
Mary Wilson Original member of the premiere female singing group of the '60's, The Supremes, and the author of the best selling autobiographies, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme and Supreme Faith: Someday We'll be Together.
Nancy Wilson Well known singer and entertainer.
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.