25 Oct 2019
Recording, Television Permalink

Ed O’Neill

October 25, 2019

 

ED O’NEILL HONORED WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

 

In celebration of many successful years in entertainment, Ed O’Neill was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 30th. Leron Gubler, emcee and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President/CEO and guest speakers Steve Levitan, Creator and Executive Producer of “Modern Family”,   along with O’Neill’s Television Wives Katey Sagal and Sofia Vergara helped unveil the 2,446th Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Television at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in front of DSW Shoe Store. “This is overwhelming. I want to thank the fans for being here. No fans, no show, no career. I really appreciate everything I have been given. Just think somewhere in this world a baby girl is being born and she is going to be my next wife!” said O’Neill.

In celebration of many successful years in entertainment, Ed O’Neill was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 30th, 2011.

Ed O’Neill is known for his role as the main character, Al Bundy, on the FOX Network’s long running sitcom, “Married…With Children.” The role prompted two Golden Globe Award nominations. He is currently seen on the award-winning ABC sitcom “Modern Family” in the role of Jay Pritchett, for which he received Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.  Fox Home Entertainment will release   “Modern Family” Season 2 on Blu-ray and DVD September 20th.

Born to an Irish Catholic family on April 12, in Youngstown, Ohio, O’Neill attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and Youngstown State University. Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was cut in training camp and worked as a Social Studies teacher before becoming an actor. He has appeared in several movies including “The Bone Collector,” “Little Giants,” “Dutch,” the “Wayne’s World” series, and various films for Pulitzer Prize-winning screenwriter David Mamet including “The Spanish Prisoner,” “Spartan,” and the indie film “Redbelt.”

Besides his roles on “Married…With Children,” and “Modern Family” O’Neill’s television credits include the reincarnation of Sgt. Joe Friday on Dick Wolf’s remake of “Dragnet,” the recurring role of Baker (D-PA), a potential Vice Presidential candidate on the NBC drama “The West Wing,” the role of Detective Michael Mooney on David Milch’s CBS series, “Big Apple,” and most recently that of a retired cop on HBO’s “John from Cincinnati,” from the creator/producer of “NYPD Blue” and “Deadwood.” O’Neill’s talent also took him to Broadway starring in productions “Lakeboat” and “Keep your Pantheon.”

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.WalkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to administer the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction. Fans of the Hollywood Walk of Fame will be thrilled to know that The Official Hollywood Walk of Fame application is now available. The application which can be downloaded from the iPhone store, is the best resource for information and news about all of the 2,400+ stars on the Walk of Fame.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

25 Oct 2019
Television Permalink

Jon Cryer

October 25, 2019

 

 

MAN, MAN, MAN, MAN MANLY MAN
JON CRYER TO BE HONORED WITH
STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was honored Jon Cryer with the 2,449th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. next to Hooters of Hollywood, 6922 Hollywood Boulevard. Guest speakers John Henson, Chuck Lorre and Carl Reiner helped unveile the star in the category of Television in front of Hooters Restaurant.

 

A triple threat, Jon Cryer has turned in outstanding, eclectic performances in film, television and on stage. Cryer won an Emmy Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series’ for his work as ‘Alan Harper’ in CBS’ #1 comedy “Two and a Half Men.” The show has also won The People’s Choice Award for Best New Comedy Series in its debut year as well as Favorite TV Comedy from the group. After making his directorial debut on an episode of "Two and a Half Men" during its fourth season, Cryer continues to direct episodes of the show.  The premiere of the new season of “Two and a Half Men” will be later that night after Jon’s star ceremony;  Monday, September 19th on CBS at 9:00 p.m.    

Cryer initially gained attention on the big screen opposite Demi Moore in “No Small Affair,” followed by his iconic performance as an endearing misfit in John Hughes’ “Pretty in Pink.” His hilarious performance as Jim “Wash Out” Pfaffenbach in “Hot Shots!” was his first teaming with Sheen. 

Cryer’s first foray into television was playing the title role in CBS’s critically acclaimed “The Famous Teddy Z.”  He has since starred in two shows for FOX, “Getting Personal” and “Partners,” and was also seen on ABC’s “The Trouble with Normal.”  In addition, he’s had notable guest-starring roles on “The Practice,” “Andy Richter Controls the Universe” and “Mr. Show.”

On stage, Cryer has hit the boards on both sides of the Atlantic. He played David in Harvey Fierstein’s “Torch Song Trilogy,” bringing the role from Broadway to Los Angeles; starred as Eugene Jerome on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs;” and played Jack in the Los Angeles premiere of “Boys Life.”  His performance in the London production of “900 Oneonta” inspired the Daily Mail to proclaim Cryer’s work “…undoubtedly one of the funniest performances on the West End stage.”

Cryer’s talent is not limited to acting—he’s a gifted filmmaker as well.  He co-wrote, produced, and starred in two well-received independent films with director Richard Schenkman.  The first, “The Pompatus of Love,” explores the romantic floundering of four friends in their thirties.  Cryer based his second film, “Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God…Be Back by Five,” on the true story of a childhood friend who was homeless and living in Central Park.  The movie garnered awards in film festivals both in the US and abroad.

A native New Yorker, Cryer is the son of actor David Cryer and writer and actress Gretchen Cryer.  Alongside his mother, he did his first commercial at the age of four and was so excited that he broke out in hives, halting production.  He studied acting at Stage-door Manor, a summer acting camp featured in Todd Graff’s Sundance favorite “Camp,” before being accepted to the London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. 

As for Cryer’s charitable endeavors, he participates yearly in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon which benefits Children’s Hospital of LA and Pediatric Cancer Research.  Once again this year the triathlon falls on Emmy Sunday, September 18th. Additionally he has served on the board of “My Friend’s Place” which is a nonprofit Resource Center offering care that includes free emergency resources such as food and clothing in combination with health, educational, and therapeutic services to over 1,600 homeless youth and their children each year.

For more information and to view who shares a star with Jon Cryer on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit www.walkoffame.com

 

25 Oct 2019
Recording Permalink

Buddy Holly

October 25, 2019

 

“OH BOY!”
BUDDY HOLLY RECEIVED POSTHUMOUS WALK OF FAME STAR ON 75th BIRTHDAY 

 

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored the late Buddy Holly with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 7th in the Category of Recording. This date marks the 75th birthday of the great Buddy Holly and on that day, his life was celebrated in front of the Capitol Records Building at 1750 N. Vine Street .  September 7th was officially declared “Buddy Holly Day in Los Angeles.” The event was star-studded in many respects, including a rare appearance by Maria Elena Holly (Holly’s widow) speaking on his behalf, along with Phil Everly, Peter Asher, Gary Busey and surprise guests that are expected to honor a true legend.  Phil and Don Everly (Everly Brothers) were close friends of Holly’s and played many shows together.  Peter (Asher) and Gordon, who were inspired by Holly from the moment they formed their duo, made Holly’s “True Love Ways” a worldwide hit.  In 1978, Gary Busey starred as Holly in The Buddy Holly Story and was later nominated for an Academy Award® for his portrayal. The film won the Academy Award® for Best Adaptation Score.  

In only 18 months, from when Buddy Holly and the Crickets hit the charts with their first release, “That’ll Be The Day,” to when he died in a tragic plane crash, Holly topped the charts with more than 27 Top 40 hits worldwide, with “That’ll Be The Day” going to No. 1. Even after his death, Holly went to No. 1 with “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.” From rock to country to R&B, Holly’s songs have charted consistently for more than 50 years, proving that his music and his influence continue today. Brian Wilson said it simply:  “Buddy Holly is unique…his music matters because it is timeless.”

Holly died on February 3, 1959, often referred to as “the day the music died.” But even in his short time, Buddy Holly changed the sound and look of rock 'n' roll forever, leaving a permanent standard that continues to influence artists all over the world.    

 Holly was raised on country and bluegrass music and started in a duo known as “Buddy & Bob” until Elvis Presley’s fired-up rockabilly sound pointed him in the direction he would create, master and define. The Texas native then blended blues and R&B into his own style, resulting in some of the most innovative music ever recorded.

In an era when most artists performed songs penned by others, Buddy Holly and his band were one of the first four-piece rock ’n’ roll band (two guitars, bass and drums) that wrote, arranged, played and recorded their own songs in the studio. Instead of using studio musicians, they put out their music, their way. With this seemingly simple change, Holly created a new blueprint for past, present and future rock ’n’ roll bands around the world.   

Holly also was one of the first artists to tour with his band as a self-contained unit performing his hits before live audiences and on national television shows around the world. He captivated U.S. audiences with repeat performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing his hits “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue” on their first appearance, and “Oh Boy” on their second.

Before there was a British Invasion led by the Beatles in America in 1964, there was an American Invasion led by Buddy Holly in England. In 1958, Holly toured England for a month playing more than 50 performances. He appeared on the two top TV shows, “Sunday Night At the Palladium” and “Live At The BBC.”  These personal appearances and TV broadcasts were the first exposure of an American rock and roll band to the youth of England.  After bleak post-war years, Holly’s energy and style triggered a musical revolution in England and seeded the British Invasion that took place six years later in 1964.

The Beatles took their name in tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets. When it came down to the business of learning how to work with the mechanics of writing songs, Holly’s pure-and-simple three-chord melodies and “words of love” were a major influence and inspiration to John Lennon and Paul McCartney.  Notably, five years to the day after Holly was buried, on February 7, 1964, the Beatles landed at JFK Airport in New York City and ushered in the British Invasion that changed popular music forever.    Holly’s legacy has been enduring and meteoric ever since.

Had Holly lived, he would have been 75 on September 7th.   This notable day serves as the backdrop and the launch of a year-long celebration of his music and his musical legacy.  To start this celebration, on the eve of Holly’s 75th birthday Verve Forecast and Songmasters will release Listen to Me: Buddy Holly on September 6, 2011.Produced by the GRAMMY® Award-winning Peter Asher, a diverse group of leading contemporary artists from three generations recorded their favorite Buddy Holly songs.  Asher encouraged these artists to create a modern authentic rendition by adding their own artistic signatures. Rock legends such as Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, Jeff Lynne, Stevie Nicks and Jackson Browne are joined by contemporary artists The Fray, Zooey Deschanel, Patrick Stump, Cobra Starship, Imelda May, Natalie Merchant, Pat Monahan and Chris Isaak.  The one and only Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame, has also contributed a track.  Each has created a track that continues the artistic evolution of Holly’s music, both true and new.

Later that evening, the celebration moves to The Music Box in Hollywood for a special invitation-only concert and birthday party with special guest performances of Holly’s music by many artists who have been influenced by and love Holly’s music, as well as friends and family members from Holly’s life. The concert event will be filmed in HD for a PBS special airing in December 2011. Artists confirmed include: Michelle Branch, Chris Isaak, Lyle Lovett, Raul Malo, Graham Nash, Stevie Nicks, Boz Scaggs, Patrick Stump and more.

The celebration continues through to the spring of 2012 with many activities meant to remember and extend other key elements of Holly’s legacy. Not only an outstanding artist, he was a visionary in the business of music, having created the first label, called Prism,  to promote independent recording artists.  His widow, Maria Elena Holly, has remarked that Buddy was committed to helping young artists succeed, as he had.  To this end, this year-long celebration continues with several programs supporting the development of the next generation of music’s greats–both as artists and as entrepreneurs.  Three music industry charities –  The GRAMMY® Foundation, the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, and Artists House Music  — will benefit from this celebration hosted by Songmasters and its partners.

Holly continues to be an essential component of rock ‘n’ roll’s historical catalog as seen from the continuous sales of his Buddy Holly: Millennium Collection, which is the No. 1 seller of the Holly catalog, and recently released Buddy Holly: ICON. More than fifty-two years later, new fans continue to discover the genius of Holly and his accolades continue to grow. This year, Rolling Stone magazine positioned Buddy Holly as No. 13 on their “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” poll. Today, Holly’s classic recorded music catalog is managed by Universal Music Enterprises (UME).

For more information and to view who shares a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit www.walkoffame.com

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.WalkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to administer the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

 

25 Oct 2019
Motion Pictures, Television Permalink

John Lasseter

October 25, 2019

John Lasseter Honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored John Lasseter with star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Emcee Leron Gubler, President/CEO of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, guest speakers Bonnie Hunt, Owen Wilson, Don Rickles, Randy Newman helped unveil the 2,453th Star in the category of Motion Pictures at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the El Capitan Theatre on November 1, 2011.

John Lasseter is a two-time Academy Award®-winning director and creatively oversees all films and associated projects from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios (celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2011).  Lasseter made his feature directorial debut in 1995 with “Toy Story,” the first-ever feature-length computer-animated film and, since then, has gone on to direct “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2” and “Cars.” He returned to the driver’s seat this year, directing “Cars 2.”

His executive-producing credits include “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “WALL•E,” “Bolt” and last year’s critically acclaimed “Up,” the first animated film ever to open the Cannes Film Festival and the recipient of two Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. Lasseter also served as executive producer for Disney’s Oscar®-nominated films “The Princess and the Frog” and “Tangled” as well as Pixar’s most recent Academy Award-winner for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, “Toy Story 3,” which is based on a story written by Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich.

Lasseter wrote, directed and animated Pixar’s first short films, including “Luxo Jr.,” “Red’s Dream,” “Tin Toy” and “Knick Knack.” “Luxo Jr.” was the first three-dimensional computer-animated film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award® when it was nominated for Best Animated Short Film in 1986; “Tin Toy” was the first three-dimensional computer-animated film ever to win an Academy Award® when it was named Best Animated Short Film in 1988. Lasseter has executive-produced all of the studio’s subsequent shorts, including “Boundin’,” “One Man Band,” “Lifted,” “Presto,” “Partly Cloudy,” “Day & Night” and the Academy Award®-winning “Geri’s Game” (1997) and “For the Birds” (2000).

Under Lasseter’s supervision, Pixar’s animated feature and short films have earned a multitude of critical accolades and film-industry honors. Lasseter himself received a Special Achievement Oscar® in 1995 for his inspired leadership of the “Toy Story” team. He and the rest of the screenwriting team of “Toy Story” also earned an Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Screenplay, the first time an animated feature had ever been recognized in that category.

In 2009, Lasseter was honored at the 66th Venice International Film Festival with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. The following year, he became the first producer of animated films to receive the Producers Guild of America’s David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Motion Pictures. Lasseter’s other recognitions include the 2004 Outstanding Contribution to Cinematic Imagery award from the Art Directors Guild, an honorary degree from the American Film Institute, and the 2008 Winsor McCay Award from ASIFA-Hollywood for career achievement and contribution to the art of animation.

Prior to the formation of Pixar in 1986, Lasseter was a member of the Computer Division of Lucasfilm Ltd., where he designed and animated “The Adventures of Andre and Wally B,” the first-ever piece of character-based three-dimensional computer animation, and the computer-generated Stained Glass Knight character in the 1985 Steven Spielberg-produced film “Young Sherlock Holmes.”

Lasseter was part of the inaugural class of the Character Animation program at California Institute of the Arts and received his B.F.A. in film in 1979. Lasseter is the only two-time winner of the Student Academy Award for Animation, for his CalArts student films “Lady and the Lamp” (1979) and “Nitemare” (1980). His very first award came at the age of 5, when he won $15 from the Model Grocery Market in Whittier, Calif., for a crayon drawing of the Headless Horseman.

 

 

25 Oct 2019
Recording Permalink

The Go-Go’s

October 25, 2019

 

Iconic Female Rockers The Go-Go’s Honored With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

The Go-Go’s: Belinda Carlisle, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin were immortalized with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Leron Gubler, Emcee and President/CEO of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce helped unveil the star at 2,444thStar in the Category of Recording at 6652 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Bettie Page Shop (formerly *The Masque Nightclub) on Thursday, August 11, 2011.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Go-Go’s 1981 landmark debut album “Beauty and the Beat” and their current “Ladies Gone Wild”summer tour (including a headlining concert at the Greek Theateron August 17), the Go-Go’s were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in front of the former nightclub, *The Masque, where they played their first show.

From their halcyon days as America's sweethearts to their current status as superstars who pioneered a genre, The Go-Go’s preside over an amazing three-decade reign as high pop priestesses. The internationally-loved pop hit makers helped cement the foundation of the early ‘80s pop-rock sound without the aid of outside composers, session players or, most importantly, creative compromise. From their very first show, the Go-Go's sang and played their own songs, offering five feisty role models for a generation of ready-to-rock girls and good, hooky fun for pop-loving guys.

Their story truly is a punk version of the American Dream. They came, they saw and they conquered the charts, the airwaves and, with their kicky kitsch appeal, pop culture in general. For a while, the band was

virtually inescapable: TV guest shots, magazine covers, high-profile concert tours and movie offers turned  Belinda Carlisle, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlininto certified rock stars. Their sparking California pop appealed to an astonishingly wide cross section of music fans internationally.

Because of — or maybe in spite of — all this attention, they soared to become a pop phenomenon while having a lot of fun and blazing a brand-new trail — for the DIY ethic in general, and women in music in particular. Their self-contained battle cry was a string of irresistibly catchy, self-penned pop singles featuring Carlisle's infectious vocals, with Caffey and Wiedlin's loud, punk rock guitars and sweet backing vocals, all slammed home with Valentine's throbbing bass and Schock's big ‘60s beat.

Sure, before the Go-Go's debuted in May of '78, there were other all-female bands, but to a man (ahem, or in this case, woman) there was usually a seedy, cigar-chompin' guy lurking just behind the curtain, pulling strings, writing songs and shaping the image as his gals danced on his string. But the Go-Go's didn't need a doctor in their house. It was their baby right from the start and they nursed the bouncing infant on a diet of non-stop nocturnal nourishment in dank clubs all across the city.

They danced to their own joyous beat from the very beginning. The Go-Go's banded together in the truest of punk ethics: there was no master plan to get signed or in any way conquer the world. In fact, when Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin met, they weren't even musicians. But since nearly everyone else in their vicious circle of friends was forming bands, they said why not? and jumped right in that darn fountain, fully clothed. The band was conceived in the very same gritty glitter of the rough Los Angeles scene that also birthed X, The Germs, and The Weirdos.

By all accounts, their first show was short, sweet — and very, very raw. They didn't care, they were just having fun. But, just as lust can turn to love, their newfound hobby turned to dedication. Two months later, real musician Charlotte Caffey joined and their sound quickly improved. The unique mix of snotty punk discord blended with sweet pop melodies was presented with a freewheeling let's have a party thrift-store chic attitude. The ensemble quickly cultivated a dedicated clique of fans and collected glowing notices in the notoriously fickle LA press.

By '79, with the addition of Gina Schock on drums, the Go-Go's were beating their path to stardom on their own terms. They played every cool club and party in L.A. and, naturally, record companies were starting to sniff around. Still, the band remained true to their punk leanings, releasing an early version of “We Got The Beat” through the quirky Stiff Records in the UK.

As '80 turned into '81, Kathy Valentine joined and by April, the band was signed to upstart new wave haven I.R.S. Records. As summer arrived, so did Beauty and the Beat, hot on the heels of their debut U.S. single “Our Lips Are Sealed.” Summer turned to fall, and the world fell in love with the cute, bubbly and effervescent (and yes, they hate that description) Go-Go's.

The double platinum-certified Beauty and the Beat reached number one and begat Vacation in ‘82 and Talk Show in ‘84 during the ladies' charming reign of chart and radio smashes. And, like any truly classic rock band, their enduring hits including “Vacation,” “Head Over Heels” and “Turn To You” live on in countless compilations, movie soundtracks, remakes and, yes, even a string of very successful television commercials.

In 2000, their raucous and rocky off-stage history, often re-told and colorfully embellished, was unflinchingly presented in a very popular episode of VH1s “Behind The Music” series with an accompanying greatest hits collection. Behind The Music: The Go-Go's Collection continues to be a strong-selling catalog item.

On the strength of the VH1 special, God Bless The Go-Go's, an all-new collection of songs was released in 2001. A stack of glowing reviews soon followed backed by a triumphant tour, later immortalized in the exciting DVD, Live In Central Park.

The Go-Go’s recently released an expanded 30th Anniversary edition of their double platinum debut album, Beauty and the Beat, and are on the road this summer for their "Ladies Gone Wild" tour, including a stop at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre on Wednesday, August 17.

The whole world may have lost its head, but in a world gone crazy, the Go-Go's still have the beat. And now, three decades after the release of their first album, go-go music still makes us dance!

                       

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.WalkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to administer the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction.  The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

The next Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony: Stay tuned… 
Can't wait? Follow @wofstargirl on twitter and like Hollywood Walk of Fame on Facebook

 

25 Oct 2019
Motion Pictures, Recording Permalink

Sissy Spacek

October 25, 2019

 

AWARD WINNING ACTRESS SISSY SPACEK  HONORED WITH
STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Sissy Spacek was honored with star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Motion Pictures. Leron Gubler, Emcee and President/CEO of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, celebrity guests Bill Paxton and David Lynch helped Spacek unveil the 2,443rd Star at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in front of The El Capitan Theatre on Monday, August 1, 2011 at 11:30 a.m.

In anticipation of the release of her new film from Dreamworks Pictures and Participant Media, “The Help,”in theaters nationwide August 10, 2011, Sissy Spacek will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, August 1, at 11:30 am. in front of the El Capitan Theatre, 6834 Hollywood Boulevard.

Sissy Spacek has been one of the industry’s most respected actresses for more than three decades. Her many honors include an Academy Award®, five additional Oscar® nominations, three Golden Globe® Awards and numerous critics’ awards.

Spacek first gained prominence for her performance in Terrence Malick’s 1973 drama “Badlands,” in which she starred opposite Martin Sheen.  In 1976, Spacek earned her first Academy Award® nomination and won a National Society of Film Critics Award for her chilling performance in the title role of Brian De Palma’s “Carrie.” The following year, she won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for her work in Robert Altman’s “Three Women.”

In 1980, Spacek starred as Loretta Lynn in the acclaimed bio-pic “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” winning the Oscar® and Golden Globe® Award for her performance. Spacek also received the New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics, National Board of Review and National Society of Film Critics Awards for her portrayal of the country-music legend.

Spacek received another Golden Globe® nomination the next year for her work in “Raggedy Man,” directed by her husband, Jack Fisk. She earned her third Oscar® and Golden Globe nominations for her role in Costa-Gavras’ 1982 drama “Missing,” opposite Jack Lemmon, and her fourth Oscar® and Golden Globe® nominations for her work in 1984’s “The River,” in which she starred with Mel Gibson.

In 1987, Spacek received her fifth Academy Award® nomination and won another Golden Globe® and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for her performance in the dark comedy “Crimes of the Heart.” Her most recent Oscar® nomination came for her portrayal of a mother grieving for her murdered son in the drama “In the Bedroom,” for which she also won a Golden Globe® Award, an Independent Spirit Award and an AFI Film Award for Best Actress. In addition, she garnered Best Actress Awards from a number of critics’ organizations, including the Los Angeles, New York and Broadcast Film Critics. Her work in “In the Bedroom” also brought Spacek two Screen Actors Guild® (SAG) Award nominations, one for Outstanding Lead Actress and another for Outstanding Cast, shared with the rest of the film’s ensemble.

Some of Spacek’s other film credits include “A Home at the End of the World,” “The Straight Story,” “Blast From the Past,” “Affliction,” “The Grass Harp,” “JFK,” “The Long Walk Home,” “Night, Mother,” “Marie,” “North Country,” “Nine Lives,” “Hot Rod,” “Lake City,” “Four Christmases” and “Get Low.”          

Spacek has also been honored for her work on television, where she has starred in several highly praised long-form projects. She received Emmy® Award nominations for her portrayal of Zelda Fitzgerald in “Last Call” and for her work in Tommy Lee Jones’ western “The Good Old Boys,” as well as SAG® Award nominations for her performances in “Midwives” and “A Place for Annie.” Her additional television credits include “If These Walls Could Talk,” “A Private Matter,” a Golden Globe®–nominated performance for “Pictures of Hollis Woods” and, most recently, an Emmy®– nominated performance for her guest role on HBO’s “Big Love.”

Spacek’s charitable involvement includes work with The SPCA and Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression.

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ALL PRESS MUST RSVP TO ANA MARTINEZ AT (323) 468-1376 OR [email protected]

 

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.WalkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to administer the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction.  

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

 

25 Oct 2019
Recording, Television Permalink

Bill Geist

October 25, 2019

Commentator and News Correspondent Bill Geist Honored with Star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored Bill Geist with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Television. President/CEO and emcee Leron Gubler along with speakers Gil Schwartz, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of CBS Corporation and Lassie helped unveil the 2,437th Star at 6850 Hollywood Boulevard next to the El Capitan Theatre on Friday, April 15, 2011

View the CBS story on Bill Geist journey to getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Bill Geist is an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for CBS News and a New York Times best-selling author. He has been a correspondent and commentator for CBS SUNDAY MORNING since he joined the network in 1987, traveling the country to chronicle the people, places, and events that make up the fabric of American life. He has contributed his humor, observations, and story-telling to many CBS News broadcasts, including “60 Minutes II”, “The CBS Evening News” and “48 Hours, as well as various CBS Sports productions, including several Olympic Games, World Series and Super Bowls.

He is the best-selling author of seven books: Fore! Play (it’s about golf);The Big Five-Oh !: Facing, Fearing and Fighting 50; Monster Trucks and Hair In A Can, Who Says America Doesn't Make Anything Anymore?; Little League Confidential, an account of his experiences coaching his son and daughter in Little League baseball; The Zucchini Plague and Other Tales of Suburbia; City Slickers and, most recently, Way Off the Road, a compendium of stories from SUNDAY MORNING on the peculiar charms of small-town America. Geist has contributed innumerable articles to a wide spectrum of magazines, ranging from New York to Chicago, Rolling Stone to Forbes, andVogue toEsquire — as well as to internet sites such as The Daily Beast.

Prior to joining CBS News, Geist was a reporter and columnist for The New York Times, where he wrote the "About New York" column and before that, at The Chicago Tribune. He served as a combat photographer with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam.

Geist has won many awards for his work as a humorist, commentator and reporter in television, newspapers and magazines, including two Emmys. He received the 2007 Marist College Lowell Thomas Award that recognizes individuals whose work reflects the imagination, courage, ambition and humanity of Thomas, the author, traveler and broadcaster. He has also been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Cincinnati and the University of Illinois, but seems most proud of placing third in the Illinois State Fair Bake-Off.

He was born in Urbana, Ill. Geist was graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1968 with a degree in communications and from the University of Missouri in 1971 with a Master's degree in communications.

Geist is involved with the following charities: The Harbor School (N.Y.,N.Y.)

Harlem Academy (N.Y.,N.Y.), University of Illinois Scholarship Fund, Friends of the Shelter Island (N.Y.) Library, Friends of the Ridgewood (N.J.) Library, The American Red Cross , The Salvation Army and The Valley Hospital Auxiliary.

 

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.walkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to administer the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction. 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

All Rights Reserved

25 Oct 2019
Recording Permalink

Shania Twain

October 25, 2019

SHE’S STILL THE ONE!
SHANIA TWAIN HONORED WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

 

Shania Twain was honored with star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Leron Gubler, emcee and President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Bo Derek helped unveils the 2,442nd Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of Recording at 6270 Hollywood Boulevard in front of W Hollywood Hotel on Thursday, June 2, 2011.

Singer Shania Twain was born on August 28, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She began performing at the age of 13, on CBC Television’s Tommy Hunter Show. While attending Timmins High and Vocational School in Timmins, she also sang for a local band called “Longshot.”

Shania Twain is a phenomenon. With more than 57 million albums sold in the U.S. and Canada; she is the top selling female country artist of all time; has multi-platinum album sales in 32 countries; has the eighth-biggest selling album of all time in the U.S. and 18 top ten songs, 8 of which reached #1. 

Most amazing of all, Shania has reached beyond all feasible music boundaries with just four studio albums – 3 of which have received Diamond certification by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales of 10 million copies in the U.S.  She is the only artist to have three consecutive albums sell more than 10 million copies.

Though she released an album in the early 1990s with little fanfare, most people consider 1995’s The Woman In Me to be the first true Shania Twain album.  That’s because, unlike her debut record, it contained songs that Twain herself wrote and delivered in her own distinctive way.  Produced by former husband Mutt Lange, The Woman In Me stunned the country music world, brilliantly bringing a catchy pop sensibility to the genre.   

“Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?," the first single from the album made an impression, but the brash and sassy “Any Man of Mine” really set the tone for Twain’s impact on country music.  A runaway hit, complemented by a video that showed Twain’s star power off to dazzling perfection, the song became her first #1 followed by the equally attitude-filled “(If You're Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here!,” "You Win My Love" and the more low-key “No One Needs To Know.”  The Woman In Me went on to sell more than 12 million copies in the U.S., replacing Patsy Cline’s Greatest Hits as the best-selling album by a female country artist, and earning Twain a Grammy in 1996 for “Best Country Album.”

She followed that remarkable success with Come On Over in 1997, which saw one single after the next become chart hits.  “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!,”  "That Don't Impress Me Much," “Love Gets Me Every Time” and “You’re Still The One” solidified her musical persona as a strong, but playful woman who believed in and demanded true respect.  With sales of 20 million in the U.S., the album became the biggest-seller by a woman in any genre of music.  Not only did Twain reach beyond country music to reach pop fans, she crossed oceans, becoming a top selling artist worldwide.   

In May of 1998, with two wildly-successful albums, and enough hit songs for a solid show, Twain set out on her first headlining tour, Come On Over.  Over the course of 19 months, she performed for more than 2.5 million screaming fans, silencing critics who wondered if she could re-create her music in a live setting.  The tour was one of the highest grossing tours in both 1998 and 1999, along with, becoming one of the biggest tours by a female musician in any genre. Having done what she came to do, Twain finally took a break.

She retreated to her home in Switzerland, and had a baby boy in 2001, and generally lived her life for the next few years.  Her distinctive voice was missed, and Country Music magazine ran an article that read like a letter to Twain, begging her to come back with more music.  At the end of 2002 she did.

UP!  didn’t disappoint.  Released in the U.S. as a 2-CD set – one offering a country version of the songs, the other a pop mix of them, the album delighted fans, who snapped up nearly three million copies in the first 6 weeks of release.  The first single, “I’m Gonna Getcha Good!,” showed that motherhood and time away had not altered Twain’s approach to her music.  Time magazine called UP!, “Easily the best pop album of the year…with the kind of energy that reminds you how much fun the genre can be.”

Once again, the proof of Shania’s power as songwriter and performer was seen in the sales chart.  UP!, certified at 10 million U.S. sales, making Twain the only artist in history to have three consecutive 10x Platinum RIAA-certified albums [the other two being The Woman In Me (12x platinum) and Come On Over (20x platinum)].  Her UP! tour was the top-grossing country tour of 2004, and often caused jaded music critics to talk in Shania-like exclamation points.

Twain’s most recent album is Shania Twain Greatest Hits and with her previous powerhouse albums to draw from, the record is the ultimate exclamation point to her career so far.

Twain’s highly anticipated memoir From This Moment On was recently released on May 3 and quickly climbed the New York Times best-sellers list. Twain’s docu-series “Why Not? With Shania Twain” premiered May 8, exclusively on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network to rave reviews and record breaking viewership for the network.  Airing  Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the series takes an intimate look at the amazing journey of the music superstar who, by the age of 21, had survived a childhood of poverty, the loss of both parents in a devastating accident and how she went on to become the best-selling female artist in country music history.

Shania Twain works tirelessly with the following charities: Shania Kids Can, Second Harvest Food Banks, Swiss Red Cross and many others.

 

 

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ALL PRESS MUST RSVP TO ANA MARTINEZ AT (323) 468-1376 OR [email protected]

 

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.WalkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to administer the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction.  

 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

25 Oct 2019
Radio, Television Permalink

Simon Fuller

October 25, 2019

Creator of American Idol Simon Fuller Celebrates 25thAnniversary in the Biz with Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Simon Fuller was honored with star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Leron Gubler, Emcee and President/CEO of Hollywood Chamber of Commerce along Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Victoria Beckham, David Cook and American Idol Season 10 talent including the Top 13 contestants and many more friends and family helped Fuller unveil the 2,441st Star in the Category of Television at 6268 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the W Hollywood Hotel on Monday, May 23, 2011.

Simon Fuller is one of the most dynamic and influential forces at work in the entertainment business today. With a 25-year career marked by innovation and No.1 hits in TV, film, music, sport and fashion, Fuller has accumulated a formidable reputation for his work with the most successful girl group of all time (Spice Girls), dreaming up the world’s biggest TV franchise (American Idol) and developing the world’s most iconic talent brand (Beckhams).

In doing so, Fuller has defied the odds and become the first content creator of the digital age to demonstrate how entertainment ideas can harness new technology to resonate around the world, while providing a fresh source of inspiration to the artists and brand partners with whom he has built enduring relationships.

Fuller has been certified by Billboard Magazine as the most successful British manager of all time, selling 360 million albums by stars that include Annie Lennox, Kelly Clarkson, Spice Girls, Gary Barlow, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, David Cook, Adam Lambert and No.1 hit songwriter Cathy Dennis. In 2010 Apple and iTunes publicly recognized Fuller for his achievement in selling more than 250 million downloads on iTunes, making him the biggest music manager of the digital age.

American Idol, the multi-billion dollar TV format created by Simon Fuller, has aired in more than 120 countries and established new records in audience size and interaction. 100 million votes were cast in last year’s American Idol Finale. Idol has also created a landmark charitable event, Idol Gives Back, which has raised more than $185million to date for US and Global Charities and won Simon Fuller a coveted Emmy Award.

So You Think You Can Dancehas mirrored Idol’s success, becoming Fox’s No.1 rated summer show in the States, and launching hit versions in Canada, Australia, the UK and many other territories.

In sport, Simon Fuller has crafted the spectacular career of David Beckham as he has grown to become the world’s most famous sportsman and a global ambassador for Soccer. Fuller has also taken on the remarkable talent of world tennis star Andy Murray, building his profile and signing him to a multi-million dollar Adidas contract. In 2011 Fuller announced that he had signed F1 World Champion racing driver Lewis Hamilton.

In 2008, Fuller launched a new fashion business with iconic designer Roland Mouret and opened his first store in the heart of London’s Mayfair in February 2011. Fuller has also overseen the creation and development of the highly regarded Victoria Beckham fashion collection which has after six seasons become a multi-million dollar business, winning praise from influencers that include American Vogue and Vanity Fair, and selling out in top end stores around the world.

In 2011 Simon Fuller was announced as Executive Producer of Bel Ami, a new movie starring Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Christina Ricci and Kristen Scott Thomas, which is slated for autumn 2011 release.

A proven entrepreneur, Simon Fuller enjoys a record of raising funds and awareness for several charitable initiatives, including Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Save The Children, Keep A Child Alive, The Muhammad Ali Center, The Prince’s Trust, Malaria No More, the United Nations and Comic Relief.

In launching XIX Simon Fuller has built upon twenty five years of unparalleled success to create a new form of business enterprise focused on entertainment, technology and consumer brands.

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME – www.WalkOfFame.com

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With approximately 24 star ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce continues to administer the Walk of Fame as the representative of the City of Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame is a tribute to all of those who worked diligently to develop the concept and to maintain this world-class tourist attraction.  The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are registered trademarks of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.