celebrity news
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Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots is one of the foremost minds in music knowledge and history today, using his platforms and connections to the industry to great effect. Questlove, an Academy Award-winning director, is set to hit the chair once more to helm the 50 Years of SNL Music documentary.
Questlove, 53, was tapped to direct the 50 Years of SNL Music documentary, looking back at the sketch comedy series’ special segment for its musical guests over the past five decades.
Joining in on the directing duties will be SNL director Oz Rodriguez and will feature more than 50 interviews from some of the past guests such as Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC fame, Miley Cyrus, Paul Simon, and more. The doc will also feature former and current SNL writers and crew members including onscreen albums Maya Rudolph and Bill Hader, and former writer Conan O’Brien.
“Everyone knows the most famous SNL appearances, whether it’s Elvis Costello, Prince or the Beastie Boys, but they’re the tip of a huge iceberg,” Questlove shared in a statement. “The process of going back through the incredible archival footage was like being in a time machine, DeLorean or other. I’m so happy I went on the trip and now get to share it with everyone.”
Questlove’s Summer of Soul documentary, which examines the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2022.
Eddie Murphy, Al Franken, Justin Timberlake, Kenan Thompson, and a host of other significant SNL contributors and guests will also appear in 50 Years of SNL Music.
The documentary airs on Monday, January 27, on NBC at 8 p.m. ET/PT, streaming next day on Peacock.
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Photo: Getty
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Art Evans, a veteran actor who broke into the film business in the 1970s and starred in Die Hard 2, passed away last weekend at the age of 82. A California native, Art Evans starred in a diverse slate of films, including CB4, Metro, and The Mighty Quinn.
Art Evans was born on March 27, 1942, in Berkeley, Calif., and began his acting career in the 1960s in Los Angeles as a stage actor. One of Evans’ first major roles was in Christine, directed by John Carpenter and based on a novel by Stephen King. He also starred in A Solider’s Story starring Denzel Washington, Howard E. Rollings Jr., and David Allen Grier, among others. In 1990, Evans landed the role of Leslie Barnes, the Dulles International Airport engineer who helped Bruce Willis’ John McClane avert a terrorist attack.
Evans also had significant roles on television on shows such as The X-Files, Monk, Family Matters, and M*A*S*H. He also had a role in A Different World as the father of Ron Johnson (Darryl M. Bell).
Evans’ last credited role from IMDB was a voice role on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder television series in 2022.
As seen on Variety, the family of Evans shared a statement that read, “We are heartbroken to share that Art has passed away. Please respect our privacy at this time. A memorial will be held for friends and family to attend at a later date. Thank you.”
Art Evans is survived by his wife, Babe Evans, and their son Ogadae Evans.
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Photo: Getty
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Denzel Washington was baptized over the weekend at a church in New York City, also receiving a minister’s license.
The Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington took a major step on his journey of faith over the weekend. Last Saturday (Dec. 21), Washington was baptized at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ which is located in Harlem, New York. The ceremony was livestreamed through the Facebook account of the First Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ Eastern New York, which showed the moments when Washington was baptized. They also showed the actor receiving a license to minister, allowing him to become ordained in the future. He can officiate weddings and other minor religious services. “In one week, I turn 70,” he said while addressing those gathered in the congregation. “It took a while, but I’m here.”
The Gladiator II star went on to share a story from when he was 20 years old about meeting a woman named Ruth Green at his mother’s beauty parlor who told him about the faith journey he was destined for. “She said, ‘Boy, you are going to travel the world and preach to millions of people,’” he remembered. “She wouldn’t even spell the word prophecy. My mother wrote the word prophecy…50 years later, look at God. If He can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit and there’s no limit to the sky.”
Washington would express his thanks for his “loving, faithful wife” Pauletta Washington, who was in the audience. “To God be the glory. Hallelujah!” he added to the crowd’s delight. “Anything I can do, I will do for this church, the Almighty. I just want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.”
The 69-year-old actor has been more outspoken about his faith recently, discussing it at length in an expansive essay for Esquire, which was published last month. “You can’t talk like that and win Oscars. You can’t talk like that and party,” he said about discussing his faith with others in the industry. “You can’t say that in this town … It’s not talked about in this town. It’s not talked about … It’s not fashionable. It’s not sexy. But that doesn’t mean people in Hollywood don’t believe.”
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President Barack Obama is without a doubt the coolest president in the history of America and keeping up with his annual tradition, the 44th president of the United States has released his yearly playlist, and it features quite the colorful cast of artists.
Over the weekend, your favorite POTUS took to social media to let the word in on what he’s been rocking out to throughout the past 12 months. Naturally, Obama’s music taste for 2024 featured some artists you’d expect such as Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” (not “Not Like Us”??) Other interesting picks include the likes of Johnny Blue Skies’ “Scooter Blues,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” and Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” (Who knew?)
Needless to say, Obama’s a man who loves to dabble in different kinds of music genres and sounds, and that’s one of the reasons we love him. We just wonder if he can recite the lyrics to that Karol G joint.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has expressed interest in forcing Canada to become a part of the United States via his tariffs, repossessing the Panama Canal, and somehow annexing Greenland from Denmark.
It’s going to be a very long four years.
Check out Obama’s playlist for 2024 below, and let us know your thoughts on his list in the comments section below.
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One of the world’s greatest professional athletes has transitioned. Major League Baseball legend Rickey Henderson has died at age 65.
As reported on CNN Sports, the former Hall of Famer is no longer with us. On Friday (Dec. 20), his family confirmed his passing. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson,” the statement read. The release would go on to detail his impact professionally and personally. “A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”
The Chicago, Ill., native played in the MLB for 25 seasons. During his time as a left fielder, he changed the game with his unique gifts of speed and power. Nicknamed the “Man Of Steal,” he retired as the league’s all-time stolen base leader (1,406) and all-time runs scored leader (2,295). In addition to his quick moves, he was respected as a fierce competitor by his peers and well-respected teammate. In 2009, he was voted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
During his inception speech, he professed his love for the game that changed his life and gave tribute to his biggest inspiration, Muhammed Ali. “He said at one time ‘I am the greatest.’ That is something I always wanted to be. And now that the Association has voted me into the Baseball Hall of Fame, my journey as a player is complete. I am now in the class of the greatest players of all time. And at this moment, I am very, very humble.”
You can see some of Rickey Henderson’s highlights below.
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Now that Diddy’s locked up and facing multiple lawsuits from both men and women who allege that the music icon sexually assaulted them over the decades, he has been slapped with yet another lawsuit from a woman who says she too fell victim to the now notoriously disgraced mogul.
According to TMZ, LaTroya Grayson has just filed a lawsuit against Diddy, Bad Boy Records and other entities as she claims that Diddy drugged and raped her in 2006 after she won a local radio contest in Oklahoma that sent her to one of Diddy’s infamous “White Parties” in New York City. After locking down two tickets to NYC courtesy of KJAMZ radio station, Grayson says she and her sibling attended the Diddler’s soiree and ultimately experienced the horror that many of Diddy’s alleged victims have been coping with for years.
Per TMZ:
Grayson says she and her sibling went to the party — which was changed to a “Black Party” — but were separated when entering the party … with Grayson getting in and her sibling being left outside.
Grayson says waitresses circulated around the room with premade drinks and — after she says she had only two — she began to feel sick and headed for the restroom.
Grayson says she has no recollection of the rest of the night … instead waking up at Saint Vincent’s Medical Center. When she woke up, she says she had a ripped shirt, no underwear, and most of her money was gone.
It’s important to note, Grayson remembers nothing about this assault she says happened … so, she can’t say with certainty who allegedly raped her — and, she never mentions actually seeing or speaking with Diddy at the event.
Grayson says when she got back to her hometown of Oklahoma she received an anonymous call from a woman warning her against pursing legal action against Diddy saying that his celebrity status would basically protect him and she’d be “wasting her time.” Unfortunately, it seems like the warning worked as Grayson has remained mum about the incident for almost two decades.
Naturally, Diddy’s lawyers are denying any such assault took place and have dismissed Grayson’s claim as “pure fiction,” while pointing out that she doesn’t actually remember the assault taking place. “As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every baseless lawsuit and lawyer-driven money grab. He has faith in the judicial process, in which fact will be separated from opportunistic fabrications like these.”
As we’ve said before, one has to wonder how many more people will ultimately come forward with their own horror stories about “The Diddler.”
That upcoming docuseries about Diddy is going to be one helluva ride, b.
What do y’all think about this latest allegation against Diddy? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Last month, it was reported that Wendy Williams’ dementia had left her “cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated.” Luckily for her son, she was able to make his graduation ceremony earlier this week.
According to TMZ, Wendy Williams made an extremely rare public appearance in Miami this past Thursday (Dec. 19) when her son, Kevin Hunter Jr., graduated from Florida International University. Rocking a black and silver dress while rolling around in a mobility scooter, Williams was joined by a couple of armed guards and her father, Thomas Williams Sr. While our hearts break to see Wendy Williams in such conditions, it is nice to see that she can still enjoy special moments like this with her family when she can.
Per TMZ:
There are also pictures from inside the graduation — showing WW seated to watch the culmination of her son’s college years.
It’s a rare day out for Williams … who it was revealed earlier this year suffers from dementia during a legal battle over the controversial documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?”
She was photographed earlier this month grinning big from the back of an SUV … though her guardian recently claimed in court filings that the disease has left her “permanently incapacitated.”
Looks like she felt well enough to cheer her son on while he accepted his diploma … making for a happy family memory.
Good for her!
What are your thoughts on Wendy Williams these days? Sound off in the comments section below.
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Pharrell Williams continues to be a champion for benevolence. UNESCO has appointed him a Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education and Entrepreneurship.
As reported by The Associated Press, the multi-hyphenate has received yet another honor for his great work for the creative community. On Tuesday (Dec. 17), the Virginia Beach, Va., native was appointed as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education and Entrepreneurship at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris. The ceremony was followed by a screening of his LEGO biopic Piece by Piece. After the film, the In My Mind performer spoke to 800 secondary pupils who are studying music, art and fashion.
Pharrell Williams expressed his enthusiasm for the honor in a formal statement. “Words cannot describe how I feel about being chosen by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador. Thank you to Director-General Audrey Azoulay for this opportunity” he said. “I’m honored to continue our work in evening the odds for children and adults through education with YELLOW and Black Ambition.”
UNESCO Director Audrey Azoulay detailed why the nomination made sense for the organization. “A complete artist, Pharrell Williams is also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together. He believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future,” her statement read, according to a press release. “His commitments resonate with UNESCO’s mandate. I am delighted that he is joining UNESCO’s family of Goodwill Ambassadors today to support our action.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an agency of the United Nations that promotes world peace via arts, education and the sciences.
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Life behind bars is taking a toll on Diddy’s physical appearance. A reporter says he appeared to be thinner and much grayer at a recent court hearing.
As spotted on Page Six, the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment looks to have lost a bit of his signature luster. On Wednesday (Dec. 18), Diddy appeared at a hearing to review his forthcoming federal trial. Reporter Elizabeth Millner of Law & Crime was in attendance for the proceeding and gave an account about how he looked. “He appeared just astonishingly thinner, which you can expect [from him being] inside a federal detention center for a couple of months now,” she noted. “A lot different from the luxury lifestyle that he was living before, but he appeared very noticeably thinner and maybe being locked up in detention is starting to wear on him.” Millner also pointed out that his hair is a lot more gray than before.
The celebrity gossip website reached out to Diddy’s legal team for comment on the matter but did not hear back. A source that is apparently close to the “Last Night” performer told the outlet that his change in appearance is due to engaging in more physical activity while he awaits trial. “He has been very active, remains in good spirits, and, as always, he was happy to see his children,” the source explained.
Diddy is being held at Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn (MDC Brooklyn). You can see reporter Elizabeth Millner’s analysis below starting at the 2:06 hour mark.
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Mariah Carey is definitely in the midst of her season as evidenced by her Christmas-themed tour, which stopped in Brooklyn earlier this week. Among the celebrities in the crowd, Rihanna was in attendance with Jason Lee and the Fenty Beauty founder got one of her billionaire boobs signed by Mariah Carey.
In a video shared on Jason Lee’s social media account, Rihanna was seen having a fangirl moment as she attempted to get Carey’s attention. With a security escort in tow, Carey floated to Rih-Rih’s section near the front of the stage and reached over the security barrier to greet one another. With the two superstars having the moment, a pen made its way to Carey’s hand as the Bajan businesswoman lowered her skintight white top and exposed her left breast to get signed in red ink.
Taking the microphone, Rihanna says to the sold-out Barclays Center crowd, “Mariah Carey is signing my t*t, y’all. This sh*t is f*cking epic!” which sparked a heavy round of applause. Afterward, the two embraced and the crowd cheered as they parted ways.
Carey was in Brooklyn for the final date of her Christmas Time tour, which suffered a previous delay due to illness.
Check out the moment below.
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