More from Seth Abramovitch
6 Norman Lear TV Episodes That Changed the World
TV giant Norman Lear, who died Dec. 5 at 101, leaves behind arguably the single most valuable body of work ever committed to the medium. On seminal series like All in the Family, Maude and The Jeffersons, Lear dared to tackle issues then considered unthinkable sitcom fodder — rape, abortion, homosexuality, racism, alcoholism — with a genius’ eye and ear for […]
- By
George Santos Expulsion: Paul Rudnick, Steven Cojocaru and More Hollywood Experts Offer Post-Congress Career Advice
Disgraced ex-congressman George Santos may have been expelled from the House of Representatives on Dec. 1 by a vote of 311-114 — but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story for the alleged serial grifter and sometimes drag queen from New York. HBO Films has already optioned The Fabulist, a book about Santos’ […]
- By
Hollywood Rabbis Prepare for Fraught Hanukkah: “This Is the First Time I’ve Seen People Really Afraid”
The entertainment industry’s rabbis say that in the eight weeks since Oct. 7 — a horrific chapter in Jewish history encompassing Hamas’ massacre, Israel’s ensuing Gaza invasion and the worldwide response to it all — their congregations have been roiled by crises of identity and safety not experienced in America since the Holocaust. These faith […]
- By
Why Henry Kissinger Was “the Ultimate Starf—er”
Revered and reviled U.S. diplomat Henry Kissinger, whose death at 100 on Nov. 29 was met with the widespread view that his realpolitik was responsible for some of this country’s worst global war crimes, loved American celebrity — both his own, an expression of state power, as well as that of others, especially performers. He was “the ultimate […]
- By
Hollywood Flashback: ‘Dreamgirls’ Made Beyoncé a Star on the Big Screen
On Dec. 1, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé will open in thousands of theaters nationwide, capturing the era-defining artist at the peak of her creative powers. The movie, which was shot during her sold-out Renaissance tour, is tracking for a domestic opening in the $17 million to $23 million range. But this isn’t Beyoncé’s first foray […]
- By
Why ‘Marvels’ Director Nia DaCosta Bailed on the Cast-and-Crew Screening
The cast of box office-beleaguered The Marvels couldn’t even attend its own cast-and-crew screening, held Nov. 8 at Westwood’s Fox Village Theatre. That’s because the screening began at 7:30 p.m. — but, even though the actors strike ended that night, SAG-AFTRA members had to wait until 12:01 a.m. before they could participate in studio events. Yet that doesn’t […]
- By
Hollywood Flashback: Abel Gance’s Silent ‘Napoléon’ Was Revolutionary
Napoleon Bonaparte has served as catnip to Hollywood almost as long as movies have existed. Next to don his funny hat is Joaquin Phoenix, who stars in Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, out Nov. 22. But the best Napoleon film remains the first. Napoléon is a 1927 silent movie written, directed and produced by Paris-born cinematic pioneer […]
- By
Kool & the Gang Drummer George Brown Dies at 74
George Brown, the drummer who gave Kool & the Gang its propulsive, infection beats, died Thursday after a battle with cancer, a Universal Music Enterprises spokesperson announced. He was 74. Brown — whose nickname was “Funky” — was one of seven school friends from Jersey City, New Jersey, who came together in 1964 as an […]
- By
Who Won the Strikes? Who Lost? A Merciless Assessment
As the town flocked to picket lines during a historic 148-day writers strike and 118-day actors strike, moguls took a hit (looking at you, Bob Iger), stars made blunders (why, Drew Barrymore?) and others saw their stock rise (Lindsay Dougherty holds court next with the studios) … Winners Fran Drescher & Duncan Crabtree-IrelandTo be sure, […]
- By
SZA Caps Triumphant Return of Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival
Bringing a stripped-down version of her SOS Tour to the grounds outside Dodger Stadium on Sunday night, SZA closed out Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival — the two-day music festival curated by Tyler, the Creator — with a stylish and soulful flourish. The performance was a victory lap of sorts for the singer-songwriter born Solána Imani Rowel, […]
- By
Albert Brooks on the Call From Stanley Kubrick That Changed His Life
Albert Brooks and Rob Reiner, now both 76, have been best friends since high school, having met in the drama club at Beverly Hills High. (Richard Dreyfuss was also in their class.) Both were what might now be referred to as “nepo babies” in that both of their fathers had successful careers in comedy — […]
- By
David Letterman and Paul Shaffer Reunite to Raffle Off ‘Late Show’ Marquee
What’s 20 feet long, 8 feet high, belongs in the Smithsonian — but could end up in your garage? The answer: The Late Show With David Letterman marquee. The familiar blue-and-yellow sign hung outside the Ed Sullivan Theater at Broadway and 53rd Street for the entire run of Letterman’s CBS late-night show, from 1993 to […]
- By