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February 18, 2020
Bloomberg 2020? Hollywood Power Players Like Mike as the One to Beat Trump
The ascending presidential candidacy of Mike Bloomberg has Hollywood abuzz.
You can keep your Bernie bros, your persisting Warren, your trusty Mayor Peter — it’s the billionaire former mayor of New York City, with his aggressive messaging on social media and mainstream business pedigree, that has many in Hollywood breathing a sigh of relief.
“I’ve been really impressed lately in the quality and reach of Bloomberg’s social and transition media ads,” Ross Gerber, an L.A.-based investor whose clientele is heavily comprised of Hollywood, told TheWrap. “He seems to get what he needs to do to get voters behind him. People are super happy to have a non-socialist who is business-friendly running for the Democrats.”
Hollywood is about as anti-Trump as it comes. But as socially liberal as the entertainment industry is, many in this influential community are also business-minded and harbor a deep private fear of a socialist like Bernie Sanders becoming the Democrats’ nominee.
Also Read: Bloomberg Takes on Sanders in New Ad Targeting His Supporters: 'Really?' (Video)
So as the Democratic field drifts into subsets of low-double-digit polling for moderate candidates like Pete Buttigieg or Amy Klobuchar, and single digits for everybody’s pal Joe Biden while Sanders soars, Bloomberg has emerged as an increasingly appealing candidate for the presidential nomination.
Conversations with a dozen Hollywood executives over the past week — most of whom decline to go on the record — reflected an almost palpable sense of relief that Bloomberg has gained traction with his feisty anti-Trump memes and online fisticuffs with Sanders. (Bernie has given as good as he’s gotten, tweeting a photo of Bloomberg and Trump on the golf course, on President’s Day.)
https://t.co/XwB74v3u0w pic.twitter.com/UID9vVK1yi
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 17, 2020
Also Read: Michael Bloomberg Denies Considering Hillary Clinton as His Running Mate
“Of course people are relieved to have the option of Bloomberg,” said one former studio chief, confessing to liking the current flush economic climate. “I would not want to have to vote for Trump,” he said, but a Sanders candidacy would leave him little choice.
“If I had a wand and I could pick the nominee – it would be Bloomberg. It’s a no brainer,” said a Democratic donor who has not yet committed and declined to be identified. “He’ll be beholden to no one.”
Another studio chief said he was “glad to see he was in the game,” but still needed to know more.
Others have worried aloud that Trump’s pugilistic style would wither the likes of Biden or Klobuchar in a debate. Bloomberg, they say, has the confidence fed by his billionaire status and the thick skin of a New Yorker with three mayoral terms under his belt to stand up to Trump in a debate or on Twitter.
Bloomberg is particularly appealing to those entertainment insiders with roots in New York. Those people have almost a visceral dislike of Trump, while crediting Bloomberg with accomplishing important things when he was mayor from 2002 to 2013.
“I watched what he did for New York City, how he built an amazing administration,” veteran producer Jane Rosenthal (“The Irishman”) told The Hollywood Reporter in January. “He changed the way the city works, and I know he can do the same for the country.”
Also Read: Bernie Sanders Pranked by Russian Comedy Duo Posing as Greta Thunberg (Video)
Many Hollywood Democrats, like party members nationwide, have an “anyone but Trump” position. They support their individual candidates, but are mostly focused on defeating the former reality show star in the White House. One mid-level studio executive said she had attended a Bloomberg informational event, which was notable to her because unlike other Democratic candidates coming through L.A. he was not raising money. She said she went to see what he’s all about because “we need someone who can beat Trump” and Bloomberg seemed like the guy who could do it.
Though more Hollywood stars have put their support behind candidates like Sanders, Warren and Buttigieg, Bloomberg has drawn a smaller but vocal group of industry supporters.
One of the first to publicly endorse Bloomberg — even before he officially entered the race — was Judy Sheindelin, best known as Judge Judy. Writing an op-ed in USA Today, Sheindlin said Bloomberg was a “realist,” “man of the center” and a “pragmatist.”
Actor and producer Michael Douglas, speaking about his endorsement of Bloomberg with People, described the former New York City mayor as “one of the greatest candidates in the history of our elections.” Douglas also said he hasn’t been as excited about a candidate since John F. Kennedy. Actors Sam Waterston and Ted Danson, former “Project Runway” mainstay Tim Gunn and musician John Mellencamp have also thrown their support behind Bloomberg.
Also Read: Top 3 Democrats in New Hampshire Primary Were Also the Ones Who Didn't Shun Fox News
But Bloomberg’s stop-and-frisk policy, as well as his past behavior toward women, have drawn him sharp criticism from other Hollywood figures. Actor and comedian Rob Delaney (“Catastrophe”) called Bloomberg an “authoritarian racist” on Twitter, while “Daily Show” correspondent Jaboukie Young-White described him as a “racist piece of s—.”
Late night hosts Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert have also shared sharp critiques of the billionaire candidate on air.
But in the Bel Air living rooms where candid opinions are shared and influence traded, Bloomberg is gaining ground. “Bloomberg is crucial to beating Trump as Bernie will NOT get the votes to beat Trump,” Gerber said. “I think Bloomberg is the best bet to unify the Democrats under a leader that can win and be great for America.”
J. Clara Chan and Trey Williams contributed to this story.
Related stories from TheWrap:
Bloomberg Takes on Sanders in New Ad Targeting His Supporters: 'Really?' (Video)
Trevor Noah Uses 'Game of Thrones' to Explain the Presidential Election and Bloomberg's Rise (Video)
Trump Says Bloomberg Had a 'Bad Night,' Gets Told He Wasn't Even on New Hampshire Primary Ballot
February 17, 2020
‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ – and the Season 2 Champion Is…
(Spoiler alert: Do not read this post if you want to remain in the dark on who won Season 2 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.)
Season 2 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” is in the books. The champion of “The Champions” is V.Unbeatable.
And here’s a look at that momentous announcement for the dance group, which hails from India:
Give it up for your new #AGTChampion winners, @v_unbeatable! ???? pic.twitter.com/Ov4gkqnaEm
— America's Got Talent (@AGT) February 18, 2020
Monday also featured quite a lineup of guest performers, including a few “AGT” alums. KISS, Travis Barker (with AGT: Champions finalists V. Unbeatable), Lindsey Stirling (with AGT: Champions finalist the Silhouettes), Kodi Lee, Shin Lim and Colin Cloud, and Kseniya Simonova (with AGT: Champions finalists Angelina Jordan and Tyler Butler Figueroa) were all on the season finale’s set list.
Season 2’s Top 10 acts were:
V.Unbeatable – Dance Group – “America’s Got Talent” 2019 – Finalist (Howie’s Golden Buzzer)
The India-based dance group wowed audiences around the globe during season 14 of “America’s Got Talent,” where they finished in fourth place. Founded by Vikas and Om Prakash, the group was originally named Unbeatable. After a horrible accident during a group rehearsal, Vikas was injured and unfortunately passed away. The group renamed itself V.Unbeatable (for Vikas Unbeatable) in his honor and continued to pursue Vikas’ original dreams for the group.
Boogie Storm – Dance Group – “Britain’s Got Talent” 2016 – Finalist (Simon’s Golden Buzzer)
With their iconic costumes and awesome dance moves, Boogie Storm is a force to be reckoned with. Since appearing on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2016, where they received Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer, they have traveled all over the world and have performed at many prestigious film premieres.
The Silhouettes – Shadow Dance Group – “America’s Got Talent” 2006 – Finalist (Alesha’s Golden Buzzer)
The Silhouettes, runner-up on “America’s Got Talent” season six, are a shadow-dance company created and directed by Lynne Waggoner-Patton, whose mission is to help homeless children and children in need around the world. They have been featured in both commercials and television shows and have helped raise millions by creating custom performances for charitable organizations.
Angelina Jordan – Singer – “Norway’s Got Talent” 2014 – Winner (Heidi’s Golden Buzzer)
At 7, singer Angelina Jordan was crowned the winner of “Norway’s Got Talent,” performing Billie Holiday’s “Gloomy Sunday.” Angelina’s videos have received more than 300 million views on YouTube and more than 1 billion views on Facebook. Angelina has performed for Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and raised over 21 million euros for children in need. One of her most memorable performances was performing with the legendary Quincy Jones in London in 2018.
Hans – Singer/Dancer/Musician – “America’s Got Talent” 2018 – Quarter-finalist
An international superstar, accordionist and Berlin boy wonder, Hans has been thrilling audiences around the globe with his own fabulous brand of critically acclaimed cabaret for over a decade, performing for everyone from prime ministers to princesses, taking him all around Australia and across Europe and the UK. In 2018 Hans came to the United States to appear on season 13 of “America’s Got Talent.”
Duo Transcend – Trapeze/Rollerskating Duo – “America’s Got Talent” 2018 – Finalist
Aerial trapeze artists Duo Transcend appeared on Season 13 of “America’s Got Talent.” Following that they have had the opportunity to travel and share their talent with millions around the world.
Marcelito Pomoy – Singer – “Pilipinas Got Talent” 2011 – Winner
Marcelito “Mars” Pomoy is a Filipino singer known for his ability to sing in both tenor and soprano and switch instantly from one to the other. He was the winner of the second season of “Pilipinas Got Talent.” In 2018, he appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” where he wowed the audience and received a standing ovation for his rendition of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Alexa Lauenburger – Dog Act – “Das Supertalent” 2017 – Winner/ “Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions” 2019 – Finalist
Eleven-year-old Alexa Lauenburger’s passion for animals developed at a very young age. Following in her father’s footsteps training dogs, Alexa secretly worked with the dogs and surprised her family with a dog show at the age of 7. Alexa won “Das Supertalent” in 2017 and her life changed in that moment. She also participated in “Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions” in 2019 and received the Golden Buzzer from Ant and Dec.
Tyler Butler-Figueroa – Violinist – “America’s Got Talent” 2019 – Finalist
Twelve-year-old violinist Tyler Butler Figueroa touched the hearts and inspired millions of people around the world, including Simon Cowell, who gave him the Golden Buzzer, on season 14 of “America’s Got Talent.” At 4 years old, Tyler was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Looking for a way to express himself after being bullied for his hair loss, Tyler started playing the violin. Inspired by violinist Brian King Joseph from season 13 of “America’s Got Talent,” he started street performing and playing at local events to pay for travel expenses to audition for the show. Tyler is now cancer-free and has been in remission for four years.
Sandou Trio Russian Bar – Russian Bar – “America’s Got Talent” 2011 – Semi-finalist
Sandou Trio Russian Bar performed on season six of “America’s Got Talent.” Since then, the Trio have performed all over the world, including major league sporting events and have appeared in the FX series “Baskets,” and the feature film “The Greatest Showman.” The talented Trio have performed in several shows on the Las Vegas strip and provide entertainment for corporate events parties and more.)
Related stories from TheWrap:
Backstreet Boys Put Fallon's Ragtime Gals Back on the Street Corner With 'Thong Song' Remix (Video)
V Unbeatable Looks Very Unbeatable With This 'AGT: Champions' Golden Buzzer Performance (Video)
NASCAR Racer Ryan Newman Hospitalized After Fiery Crash at Daytona 500 (Video)
Veteran NASCAR driver Ryan Newman was rushed to a hospital Monday night after his car was involved in a terrifying crash in the final moments of the 2020 Daytona 500 race. He is being treated for serious, but not life threatening injuries.
The crash occurred during the final lap of the Daytona 500. Newman, 42, was leading and appeared likely to win, when his car was bumped from behind by the car driven by Ryan Blaney. The impact caused Newman’s vehicle to veer sharply to the right and crash into the wall surrounding the race track. As the car bounced off the barrier, it flipped over several times and back into the path of oncoming traffic, where it was subsequently struck by numerous vehicles before finally sliding upside down to a halt on the track.
Despite the violence of the crash, a NASCAR representative said at a press conference held about 2 hours after the crash that Newman’s injuries are not life threatening. The rep read a statement from Newman’s family, which said in part, “Ryan Newman is being treated at Halifax Medical Center. He is in serious condition, but doctors have indicated that his injuries are not life threatening.” The statement goes on to thank fans and friends for well wishes, promises updates as soon as possible, and requests privacy for Newman’s family.
Also Read: Kevin James to Star in Netflix NASCAR Comedy Series 'The Crew'
Joe Kepner of WFTV Sports reports that as Newman was loaded onto a stretcher following the crash, crews used black screens to block the crowd’s view, and media were ordered to leave the area. And NBC reports that the roll cage in Newman’s vehicle, which is designed to protect the driver’s head, was caved in during the crash.
See footage of the crash below, courtesy of Troy Hirsch of Fox 5 in San Diego. Warning: the footage is graphic.
Scary finish at #DAYTONA500 when leader Ryan Newman flipped right before the finish. Denny Hamlin wins but all thoughts on Newman right now. pic.twitter.com/Fltj5w5d2g
— Troy Hirsch (@troyhirschfox5) February 18, 2020
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Kevin James to Star in Netflix NASCAR Comedy Series 'The Crew'
Dale Earnhardt Jr-Michael Waltrip NASCAR Doc Acquired by 1091, Feature Version Also in the Works
NASCAR CEO Brian France Takes 'Indefinite' Leave of Absence After DUI, Drug Arrest
‘Dracula’ and ‘Frankenstein’ Theater Reviews: Our Favorite Monsters Get a Makeover
Halloween arrives very early this year at the Classic Stage Company. On Monday, the Off Broadway theater company unveiled new stage versions of “Dracula,” by Kate Hamill, and “Frankenstein,” by Tristan Bernays, playing in repertory. The feminist redo of Bram Stoker’s meditation on Victorian repression is by far the more successful fright night.
Paul Morrissey’s “Blood for Dracula” (1974) continues to deliver my personal favorite bloodsucker. In that Andy Warhol-produced classic, Udo Kier goes into convulsions every time he makes the mistake of drinking the blood of a woman who claims to be but isn’t a virgin. In the final reel, Joe Dallesandro has no choice but to deflower Silvia Dionisio before Kier can sink his teeth into her. Clearly, “Blood for Dracula” is even more sexist than Stoker’s original.
Hamill’s “Dracula” sees vampirism as a male club, not unlike the one in “The Stepford Wives,” where Count Dracula (Matthew Amendt) recruits other men to join him in his subjugation of women. Doctor Van Helsing, the vampire slayer (Jessica Frances Dukes), is now a feminist on a mission, and asylum inmate Renfield (Hamill herself) has also undergone a sex change. Sarna Lapine, best known for her revival of “Sunday in the Park With George” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, directs with a broad musical comedy flair. Everyone from Elton John to Frank Wildhorn has tried to set Stoker’s story to music and failed on Broadway. With the right songwriter, Hamill and Lapine could have a hit tuner on their hands. Until then, this “Dracula” has a weird pulse and rhythm all its own.
Since vampires have a thing for babies, one of Hamill’s ingenious touches is to make Mina Harker an expectant mother. Playing Mina, Kelley Curran gives a great impersonation of Rebecca Hall at her most concerned. This pregnancy is a real suspense builder: who’s going to devour Mina’s unborn kid? With Curran’s final walk across the stage, stake in hand, this “Dracula” does not disappoint in its dramatic payoff to her now mammoth belly.
Van Helsing is often referred to as a “cowboy,” and Dukes fits the bill in her black hat and leather (costumes by Robert Peroziola). Near the end, Hamill’s “Dracula” turns into a female action movie, and the able actors under the fight direction of Michael B. Chin, with spectacular help from Adam Honore’s lighting and Leon Rothenberg’s sound design, both replicate and send up the mannerisms of that male genre.
The show could use less of Hamill’s loony Renfield and more of Amendt’s suave Dracula, who lingers in his coffin offstage far too much in Act 2. But there are compensations. Van Helsing’s quest ends up having less to do with the Count than Mina’s dense husband, Jonathan Harker (Michael Crane, being effectively ambiguous) and the “pig-headed” quack who summoned her, Doctor Seward (Matthew Saldivar). Hamill’s script is loaded with easy laugh lines, but Saldivar expertly mines a much subtler kind of comedy. He draws comic blood out of his character’s many stodgy comments.
Also Read: 'Hamlet' Theater Review: Ruth Negga Delivers Bard's Danish Prince as Joker Jr.
Bernays’ “Frankenstein,” on the other hand, makes you appreciate what James Whale and Boris Karloff did to the Mary Shelley classic back in 1931. As with the novel, the Creature here goes from grunting idiot to Rhodes Scholar in record time. Stephanie Berry gives a grand, pompous performance as the Creature. She also gives a grand, pompous performance as its maker, Victor Frankenstein. By the way, is it now politically incorrect to call it “the Monster”?
Rob Morrison plays a variety of characters while strumming a guitar. A moment of unintentional but much needed comic relief comes when he breaks into a country ballad, embellished with a hillbilly twang, to describe the plight of these Swiss characters.
Timothy Douglas directs.
Related stories from TheWrap:
'Hamlet' Theater Review: Ruth Negga Delivers Bard's Danish Prince as Joker Jr.
How ‘Ordinary Love’ Stars Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville Made ‘Minutiae of Life’ Interesting
Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville in their new film “Ordinary Love” play a couple who spend time shopping in the supermarket, going on power walks or even waiting for the other to return from the bathroom. The only thing unusual about the setting is that Manville’s character has breast cancer.
“Ordinary Love,” which opened Friday in limited release stateside, is a love story that grapples with how two people try to maintain their normal lives even as they cope with a breast cancer diagnosis and looming chemotherapy. And in speaking with TheWrap, Manville and Neeson were struck by the simplicity of the story and how it played up the “small things” in life even as they go through a giant change.
“The challenge is how can you make scenes going to the supermarket interesting? How do you do scenes of just walking through the corridors of a hospital or driving the car on the way to the hospital or coming home from it,” Manville told TheWrap. “Life is about those small things. You must have a very rarefied existence for those small things to not be a part of your everyday life.”
“I love those little scenes that Lesley hinted about. Going to the grocery store. Waiting with her doctor while I go for a pee, just waiting there. You don’t see that in movies,” Neeson added. “You can read that in the script, ‘She waits for her husband to come out of the bathroom,’ and you think, well that’s nothing. But when you see it on film, it’s actually invested with extraordinary minutiae of life, how important it actually is that perhaps this could be taken away at any moment if this cancer develops. I love those little scenes, almost throw away scenes.”
Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn directed “Ordinary Love” from a script by playwright Owen McCafferty based on his own personal experience. It shows Manville’s character suffering through chemo but focuses more heavily on the surrounding, quiet moments and the loving, positive relationship Manville and Neeson’s couple have formed over the years.
Neeson and Manville had never met the other before working together on the film, but they had each admired the other’s work on both stage and screen and found their connection effortless.
Also Read: Shannen Doherty Says Her Breast Cancer Has Returned: 'I'm Stage 4' (Video)
“It was wonderful working with Liam. We had an ease and a safety,” Manville said. “You couldn’t really have predicted that. You can’t buy that. It’s either there or it isn’t.”
“We didn’t rehearse, but we talked around about it and the circumstances of it, and I just knew we clicked, certainly as human beings and certainly as actors. There were no egos involved,” Neeson said. “There was a lot of life experience in our acting experience, and it just breathes just to do it. No pushing, no effort, just breathe. Say the beautiful lines that Owen McCafferty had written for us. Not get in the way of the script.”
About the film, which opened in the UK late last year, Manville said she’s been moved by how survivors of breast cancer have found their performances to be honest and uplifting. She said she committed to portraying the reality of enduring chemotherapy without glamorizing it in any way.
Also Read: Liam Neeson's Ugly Admission and What We Can Learn From It (Podcast)
“A lot of people who have went through it said they found the film uplifting, accurate, positive, they’ve taken great solace from the film that it hasn’t sugar coated the situation at all,” Manville said. “You’ve got to go there with it all, because imagine if I had done that scene and not be willing to go the distance with the effects of chemo and cancer, it would be dreadful. But the women who have seen it, they’ve kind of taken some comfort from seeing a horrible part of their lives represented on screen with a couple who are so positive and into each other as well.”
“Ordinary Love” is in theaters now.
Related stories from TheWrap:
Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville Fight Breast Cancer in 'Ordinary Love' Trailer (Video)
Liam Neeson Issues New Apology After Racist Admission: 'I Missed the Point'
Liam Neeson Frozen Out at Box Office With Worst Opening Since 2010 for 'Cold Pursuit'
Harvey Weinstein’s Lawyer Urges Jurors to ‘Look Past the Headlines’ — in Newsweek Op-Ed
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer Donna Rotunno urged jurors to “look past the headlines” Monday… using a headline — and accompanying op-ed — in Newsweek.
“For the process to work as intended and to operate in good faith, jurors must accept the responsibility of not just considering the facts, testimony and evidence, but cutting through the noise of a media and public intent on injecting their narratives into the courtroom, twisting those facts to fit their point of view,” wrote Rotunno in the opinion piece, published the day before the jury is set to begin deliberations.
“Judges instruct jurors to avoid all media coverage and outside influences in making their decision. But in a high-profile case like Harvey Weinstein’s, does anyone think that’s realistically possible?” wrote the lawyer, whose own podcast interview with the New York Times made headlines earlier this month when she said it was recorded prior to the judge’s order that the defense refrain from interviews.
Also Read: New York Times Disputes Weinstein Lawyer's Claim She Did Podcast Interview Before the Trial Began
The New York Times contested that assertion later in the day, saying she had sat for the interview a few weeks after the judge made that recommendation. In the podcast discussion, she said she had never been sexually assaulted because she never put herself in the “position” to be assaulted.
Rotunno called on the jurors to abstain from reading coverage and focus on the arguments of the defense and prosecution, which have been laid out with the help of testimony since Jan. 6.
“However, Mr. Weinstein’s jurors have an obligation to themselves and their country, to base their verdict solely on the facts, testimony and evidence presented to them in the courtroom,” she wrote.
Her client, a former Hollywood producer who pleaded not guilty at his first indictment in August, faces five felony counts: two counts of predatory sexual assault, one count of first-degree criminal sexual assault, one count of first-degree rape and one count of third-degree.
Related stories from TheWrap:
New York Times Disputes Weinstein Lawyer's Claim She Did Podcast Interview Before the Trial Began
‘The Price Is Right’ Cancels Tapings Following Death of Drew Carey’s Ex-Fiancee
“The Price Is Right” has canceled its show tapings this week following the death of host Drew Carey’s former fiancée, Amie Harwick, over the weekend.
Production on the game show is currently on hiatus through the rest of the week, a spokesperson for Fremantle confirmed to TheWrap.
Harwick, a Hollywood family and sex therapist, was killed Saturday at her Hollywood Hills home, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Harwick’s 41-year-old ex-boyfriend Gareth Pursehouse was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Also Read:
“Amie and I had a love that people are lucky to have once in a lifetime,” Carey said in a statement Monday. “She was a positive force in the world, a tireless and unapologetic champion for women, and passionate about her work as a therapist. I am overcome with grief. I would like to thank you in advance for giving myself and everyone who loved Amie privacy while we try to work through this tragic situation.”
LAPD said Monday that the investigation into Harwick’s death revealed that she had recently “expressed fear about a former boyfriend and had previously filed a restraining order against this person.” That restraining order was expired at the time of her death. The investigation is ongoing and the case will be presented to the District Attorney for filing consideration on Wednesday, police said.
Carey and Harwick were engaged in 2018, but have since ended their engagement.
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Charles Portis, ‘True Grit’ Novelist, Dies at 86
Charles Portis, the author whose 1968 novel “True Grit” inspired two beloved big-screen Westerns, died Monday at the age of 86.
The Arkansas native had struggled with failing health for several years, according to his brother, Jonathan, who confirmed the death to the Arkansas Times.
His biggest success was the 1968 novel “True Grit,” the story of a young farm girl who hires a drunken lawman to catch the outlaw who murdered her father. They go on a quest along with a Texas Ranger to track down the villain, and on that adventure, the strength of their “grit” is tested.
The novel inspired Henry Hathaway’s 1969 film, which earned John Wayne the Oscar for Best Actor. The Coen brothers’ 2010 adaptation, starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld, earned 10 Oscar nominations — but went home empty-handed that year.
Also Read: 'M*A*S*H' Actress Kellye Nakahara Dies After Battle With Cancer
Portis’ other work includes comic fiction like “Norwood,” “The Dog of the South,” “Masters of Atlantis,” and “Gringos,” as well as a collection of his shorter works called “Escape Velocity.”
Portis was born in 1933 in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Samuel Palmer Portis and Alice Waddell Portis. He served in the Marines during the Korean War before going on to study journalism at the University of Arkansas.
He was a newspaper reporter before going on to write fiction, having written for Fayetteville’s Northwest Arkansas Times, Memphis’ Commercial Appeal, the Arkansas Gazette, and Newsweek. He went on to become the London bureau chief of the New York Herald-Tribune, according to an obituary his family prepared for the Ruebel Funeral Home which was obtained by to the Arkansas Times.
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Wendy Williams Under Fire for Appearing to Make Light of Amie Harwick’s Death
Just days after issuing an apology for comments about the gay community, afternoon television host Wendy Williams came under fire again Monday for seeming to make light of the death of a well-known Hollywood sex therapist.
Amie Harwick, who was once engaged to “The Price Is Right” host Drew Carey, died Saturday after falling from the balcony of her Hollywood Hills home. On Sunday, an FBI-LAPD Task Force arrested her ex-boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse — against whom she once had a restraining order — and charged him with her murder.
On Monday’s “Wendy Williams Show,” the seasoned daytime host used Carey’s gameshow catchphrase, “Come on down,” and looked to the floor as if watching someone fall, according to outraged reactions online. The clip in question does not yet appear to be uploaded to the show’s website or Twitter account.
YouTuber Sanders Kennedy flagged the moment on Twitter, where reactions were fast to come in.
“I’m so sick of @WendyWilliams and her inconsiderate comments. She’s not funny,” said one viewer, who questioned the kind of person who “laughs at someone’s death or jokes about it.”
“And this is why I stopped watching her a long time ago. Tacky, classless and just plain mean. How is she going to say that did not come from a place of malice?” asked another.
Also Read: Wendy Williams Tells Gay Men: 'Stop Wearing Our Skirts and Our Heels'
One viewer tweeted at Williams, “The comment you made regarding Dr. Amie Harwick’s death was vulgar, tasteless and heartless. she was a good person, who was a victim of a senseless crime.”
Representatives for Williams and her show did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the moment or its perception.
Williams apologized Friday for comments she made Thursday about gay men wearing traditionally female clothing.
In a video posted to Twitter, the talk show host acknowledged that she sounded “out-of-touch,” then vowed to “do better.”
During her Thursday review of “hot topics,” Williams was talking about Galentine’s Day, a holiday made popular by the TV show “Park and Recreation.” In that show, the female characters go to brunch together on Valentine’s Day to celebrate the other women in their lives.
“If you’re a man and you’re clapping, you’re not even a part of this. You don’t understand the rules of the day. It’s women going out and getting saucy and then going home. You’re not a part,” she said.
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Wendy Williams Tells Gay Men: 'Stop Wearing Our Skirts and Our Heels'
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‘Hustlers’ Star Constance Wu Made $600 Going ‘Undercover’ at a Strip Club to Prepare for Role (Video)
Constance Wu said she worked at a strip club to prepare for her role in “Hustlers,” in which she played a stripper alongside Jennifer Lopez, and made $600 on her first night.
“I did work at a strip club to get ready for ‘Hustlers,'” Wu told Kelly Clarkson on her talk show on Monday. “I went undercover. I gave lap dances to strangers.”
After Clarkson said she didn’t believe Wu, Wu added: “I’m not lying! I made $600 my first night. I am not being funny, and it was not funny. I put fake tattoos on my neck, I changed my hair… You can’t duplicate the first time you walk into a club and say, ‘Hey, I’d like to have a job here,’ and then you go work that night.”
Also Read: Jennifer Lopez Teaches Constance Wu to Pole Dance in 'Hustlers' Trailer (Video)
Previously, Wu had said that she went to a lot of strip clubs in San Francisco to do research, and also installed a stripper pole in her living room, took pole-dancing classes and took private coaching lessons.
In “Hustlers,” Wu plays single mom Destiny, who bands together with former strip club employees to scam their rich Wall Street clients. The film, written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, was inspired by a viral New York Magazine article.
Also Read: 'Crazy Rich Asians' Stars Dueled Over Epic Mahjong Showdown: 'No One Was Giving in'
Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart and Cardi B also star. The film grossed $157.5 million worldwide.
Watch Wu’s interview above.
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