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John Hostetter Dies; Murphy Brown Actor Was 69

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

John Hostetter – a character actor best known for his time on the popular long-running sitcom Murphy Brown – has passed away at the age of 69. Hostetter’s family says he had been battling cancer for several years. In 60 episodes of Murphy Brown , Hostetter played John, the levelheaded stage manager of the fictional show-within-a-show, FYI. He racked up dozens of other and television credits over the years, including parts on  NYPD Blue , MacGyver , L.A. Law , ER , Family Ties , and G.I. Joe . His film credits include  Into the Night , Heartbreak Ridge , Beverly Hills Cop II , No Way Out and Leonard Part 6 , opposite Bill Cosby. Hostetter is also well-known to Muppets fans for his role in the cult favorite DVD Kermit’s Swampland . The Brooklyn native, who grew up in Hanover, Maryland, got his start on the stage. Hostetter reportedly wowed audiences in a 1971 production of Waiting For Godot , in which he co-starred with a young Christopher Reeve. But it wasn’t until 1988 that Hostetter rose to national prominence after being cast on Brown – one of the most popular and acclaimed sitcoms of its time. The show won’t be found in many syndicated markets these days, as its topical, political humor made it very much a product of its era. During its ten-season run on CBS, however, the series was regarded as a ground-breaking television achievement. A sitcom that skewered, with equal aplomb, the worlds of Washington and TV news, Brown helped paved the way for politically-charged scripted series, as well as left-leaning late night shows like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report . It’s difficult to overstate the show’s influence, and while he was never a principal cast member, Hostetter was a favorite amongst fans. While Brown ‘s political commentary helped it win over critics, the purely comedic scenes, of the variety that so often featured Hostetter, were essential to making a commercial hit. View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016: Gone, But Not Forgotten Social media tributes from fans and colleagues alike began pouring in on social media shortly after news of Hostetter’s death went public. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Del Hostetter. Our thoughts go out to the actor’s family during this difficult time.

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John Hostetter Dies; Murphy Brown Actor Was 69

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Michael Strahan Debuts on Good Morning America: Good Riddance, Ripa!

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Michael Strahan is ready to tackle a new challenge. A few months after his very awkward and contentious exit from Live! with Kelly and Michael , the former New York Giants defensive star made his debut Tuesday as a full-time anchor on Good Morning America. And while Strahan was basically shown the door in angry fashion by Kelly Ripa back in May, he was welcomed warmly to the morning desk by colleagues George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts this morning. You can see the opening few moments for yourself below. They included a few cheers from those on set, behind the scenes: “This is @GMA , with @RobinRoberts , @GStephanopoulos & @michaelstrahan !” Great to have you here full time, Michael! https://t.co/thDERIgM9J — Good Morning America (@GMA) September 6, 2016 “This is GMA with RobinRoberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan,” said the voiceover, while Roberts joked that this feels like “the first day of school.” For many kids around the country, of course, today is the first day of school. “The only thing I’m missing is my Spider-Man lunchbox,” Strahan joked. Strahan has appeared numerous times before as a GMA correspondent, but he announced this spring that he was leaving Live to pursue that gig full-time. Ripa, according to many sources, was not informed of this decision before the public was made aware of the move. She responded in understandable anger, not showing up for a work for a couple of days out of protest. When she did finally come back, she and Strahan tried to joke around about the career change, but their interactions were nothing but forced and tense until Strahan’s departure on May 13. To wit: Kelly Ripa Just Brought Up Michael Strahan’s Divorce In response to this awkward set-up, Strahan moved his exit date way up. When he originally announced he was leaving Live, Strahan said it would make the switch in September. But producers couldn’t possibly continue with Ripa and Strahan as co-hosts for much longer, resulting in the latter getting the heck out of there four months earlier than initially planned. I’m not dying! I’m still in the family!” he said on air upon making the GMA announcement, adding: “And I’m still available to come back if I’m ever called to co-host so I’m not going anywhere. I’m not gone.” Yeah. We somehow doubt he’ll ever be called upon for that. Ripa is yet to announce a permanent replacement for Strahan, following rumors that the two hated each other away from set . But Strahan is clearly keeping his eyes on the future, not the past. He will co-anchor the ABC morning show each weekday and he recently told People Magazine of accepting the new position: “Can’t wait to be there full-time. Great, great family to work with over there, I’m looking forward to it.” View Slideshow: 16 Celebs Who Could Replace Michael Strahan On Live! Fair enough. With our eyes also affixed to the future, above is a look at stars we’d love to see take over Strahan’s old seat alongside Kelly. Who would your ideal co-host be?

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Michael Strahan Debuts on Good Morning America: Good Riddance, Ripa!

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Michael Strahan is ready to tackle a new challenge. A few months after his very awkward and contentious exit from Live! with Kelly and Michael , the former New York Giants defensive star made his debut Tuesday as a full-time anchor on Good Morning America. And while Strahan was basically shown the door in angry fashion by Kelly Ripa back in May, he was welcomed warmly to the morning desk by colleagues George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts this morning. You can see the opening few moments for yourself below. They included a few cheers from those on set, behind the scenes: “This is @GMA , with @RobinRoberts , @GStephanopoulos & @michaelstrahan !” Great to have you here full time, Michael! https://t.co/thDERIgM9J — Good Morning America (@GMA) September 6, 2016 “This is GMA with RobinRoberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan,” said the voiceover, while Roberts joked that this feels like “the first day of school.” For many kids around the country, of course, today is the first day of school. “The only thing I’m missing is my Spider-Man lunchbox,” Strahan joked. Strahan has appeared numerous times before as a GMA correspondent, but he announced this spring that he was leaving Live to pursue that gig full-time. Ripa, according to many sources, was not informed of this decision before the public was made aware of the move. She responded in understandable anger, not showing up for a work for a couple of days out of protest. When she did finally come back, she and Strahan tried to joke around about the career change, but their interactions were nothing but forced and tense until Strahan’s departure on May 13. To wit: Kelly Ripa Just Brought Up Michael Strahan’s Divorce In response to this awkward set-up, Strahan moved his exit date way up. When he originally announced he was leaving Live, Strahan said it would make the switch in September. But producers couldn’t possibly continue with Ripa and Strahan as co-hosts for much longer, resulting in the latter getting the heck out of there four months earlier than initially planned. I’m not dying! I’m still in the family!” he said on air upon making the GMA announcement, adding: “And I’m still available to come back if I’m ever called to co-host so I’m not going anywhere. I’m not gone.” Yeah. We somehow doubt he’ll ever be called upon for that. Ripa is yet to announce a permanent replacement for Strahan, following rumors that the two hated each other away from set . But Strahan is clearly keeping his eyes on the future, not the past. He will co-anchor the ABC morning show each weekday and he recently told People Magazine of accepting the new position: “Can’t wait to be there full-time. Great, great family to work with over there, I’m looking forward to it.” View Slideshow: 16 Celebs Who Could Replace Michael Strahan On Live! Fair enough. With our eyes also affixed to the future, above is a look at stars we’d love to see take over Strahan’s old seat alongside Kelly. Who would your ideal co-host be?

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Colin Kaepernick Kneels During Anthem, Makes $1 Million Pledge

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

As a starting quarterback, Colin Kaepernick often bolted from the pocket at the first sign of pressure from the defensive line. As a controversial protestor, however, Colin Kaepernick isn’t going anywhere in the face of ongoing criticism. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback refused to stand during the playing of the national anthem prior to a preseason football game last week. After cameras found Kaepernick glued to the bench, he explained to reporters that he felt a responsibility to take some kind action against racial injustice in America. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said, adding: “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” In subsequent comments, Kaepernick brought up the recent deaths of African-American citizens in confrontations with white police officers and said he would continue his protest until he saw “significant change.” And he meant it. On Thursday evening, Kaepernick kneeled on the sideline while the Star-Spangled Banner played overhead prior to his team’s matchup against the San Diego Chargers. In this case, Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Powell sang the anthem, as 240 military officers held the U.S. flag on a night when the home team hosted the 28th annual Salute to the Military night. But the quarterback wasn’t alone this time around. Teammate Eric Reid also dropped to a knee. Elsewhere on Thursday, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane refused to stand during the national anthem before his game against the Oakland Raiders. “I’ll continue to sit,” Kaepernick said earlier this week. “I’m gonna continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change. “When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent and this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.” However, Kaepernick is doing more than merely kneeling on the ground for a couple minutes in protest. He has announced plans to donate the first $1 million he earns this year to charities that assist communities in need. “I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and to be able to make the kind of money I do,” Kaepernick said after last night’s game. “And I have to help these people. I have to help these communities. It’s not right that they’re not put in a position to succeed or given those opportunities to succeed.” Kaepernick also said he spoke to a military veteran before the game about his cause. He received the man’s full support and explains that he took to a knee, as opposed to sitting all the way down, to “try to show more respect to the men and women that fight for this country.” Kaepernick has received some celebrity support, as well. John Legend, for example, says the Star-Spangled Banner is weak and that “America the Beautiful” should be our anthem instead. Either way, this is where things now stand: Colin Kaepernick is taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem. He’s doing so to draw attention to racial inequality in a country that prides itself as being the “land of the free” and he’s now giving $1 million to causes that are trying to help with this issue. And there’s a single person out there who has a problem with this? Why?!?!?!?!?!?!?

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Colin Kaepernick Kneels During Anthem, Makes $1 Million Pledge

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Eden Sassoon Joins The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Eden Sassoon is headed to Bravo. Numerous insiders have confirmed to Us Weekly that the daughter of late beauty and makeup pioneer Vidal Sassoon has been cast on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills . She will debut on Season 7 of the popular franchise. Sassoon is therefore set to join returning cast members Lisa Vanderpump, Eileen Davidson, Lisa Rinna and Kyle Richards when new episodes air in 2017. So… who the heck is Eden Sassoon?!? She actually brings a lot of attributes to a show in need of new blood and drama. “She’s gorgeous, she’s a mom of two, she is a salon owner, and she also owns a Pilates studio,” a source tells the tabloid. “She’s a real go-getter. She does tons of charity work, and she’s so cool – she knows everyone in town. She has deep roots in L.A.” But there’s actually a lot more to Sassoon. There’s potential here for her to make a legitimate impact on the reality program. In a 2014 interview with Focus Magazine, the single mom – who reportedly dated Jesse McCartney from 2011 to 2012 – admitted to being an alcoholic. She openly spoke with the publication about how overcoming her addiction put her life on a new and improved track. “The addiction’s been lifted,” she said at the time, adding: “But it’s the work and the truth and the honesty that I put into my life – but I always have. You’re not really truthful if you’re still, you know, kind of masking an addiction,. “So I think sobriety is a big thing. … There’s nothing to cover up, there’s no pills, there’s no grabbing for alcohol, there’s no smoking. “You know, you might find me going to two classes at SoulCycle or taking an extra Pilates class, or maybe indulging in pizza.” Hey, we’re all guilty of that from time to time. Those who watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills online or on television each week welcomed regulars Kathryn Edwards and Erika Girardi into the fold last season. Edwards has confirmed she will NOT return for Season 7, while Girardi’s remains unclear. Yolanda Foster also announced she will exit due to health concerns that result from her ongoing battle with Lyme Disease. Kim Richards, meanwhile, is no longer a candidate to a full-time cast member. But she allegedly wants to return in some capacity… for A LOT of money . View Slideshow: 10 Craziest Moments in Real Housewives History Bravo has yet to announce a premiere date for Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Does the addition of Eden Sassoon make you more likely to tune in or less likely? She seems to be more of a three-dimensional person than most reality stars and could maybe offer some helpful insight into the world of addiction. We’ll be curious to see how much the show delves into this topic next year.

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Vanessa Williams And Tichina Arnold To Lead VH1’s Scripted Series ‘Daytime Divas’

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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Over the last few years, the presence of African American actors and actresses in leading roles on television has increased to great heights, while also racking up critical accolades, impressive ratings and loyal fans. Now, another TV show featuring a predominately black cast is making its way to basic cable network VH1 and the always […]

Vanessa Williams And Tichina Arnold To Lead VH1’s Scripted Series ‘Daytime Divas’

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John Legend And Tika Sumpter To Bring The Story Of ‘Black Wall Street’ To Life At WGN Network

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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By now it’s safe to say that John Legend and his production company are inching closer and closer to becoming major players in Hollywood. After the record-breaking ratings and critical acclaim that the Legend-produced WGN series The Underground received when it premiered earlier this year and the upcoming highly-anticipated film about The Obama’s love story […]

John Legend And Tika Sumpter To Bring The Story Of ‘Black Wall Street’ To Life At WGN Network

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Larry Wilmore Reacts to The Nightly Show Cancelation

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Larry Wilmore has once again commented on something making news. Only this time, Larry Wilmore himself in the person making news. On Tuesday afternoon, Comedy Central pulled the plug on Wilmore’s The Nightly Show after about a year-and-a-half on the air. It followed The Daily Show at 11:30 p.m. and never seemed to gained any real traction with viewers. Debuting in January 2015, The Nightly Show became the first U.S. late-night program to be hosted by an African-American, as Wilmore used the platform to showcase a number of diverse perspectives. Not a lot of people tuned in, however. Even with the November election looming, one involving two polarizing candidates, The Nightly Show only garnered a 0.2 rating in the key 18-49 demographic. Granted, ratings for The Daily Show has fallen quite a bit since Jon Stewart left, as well, creating a less popular lead-in for Wilmore. This is what Comedy Central President Kent Alterman said upon pulling The Nightly Show plug: “We just didn’t feel like we had enough traction to sign up for another year. It wasn’t about the election; it’s about another year of the show. “Sadly, we’ve been hoping against hope that it would start to resonate in any of those quarters and we just weren’t seeing evidence of it. “As much as we like Larry and the uniqueness of the show and the voices that are on the show – not just in terms of ratings – it hasn’t resonated in terms of our fans engaging with show with consuming or sharing content or having a dialogue about it on social platforms.” That is mostly true. You can’t argue with numbers or ratings. But it’s likely also a sad state of television these days that a series can’t find traction because it isn’t going after the “viral” moments. Wilmore wasn’t concerned with short segments that could be replayed for days on YouTube; he was focused on generating legitimate discussion about important issues. He’ll have one final chance to do so on Thursday night. View Slideshow: CANCELED! Which TV Shows Got the Axe in 2016? In response to the cancelation, Wilmore could not hide his disappointment. “I’m really grateful to Comedy Central, [executive producer] Jon Stewart, and our fans to have had this opportunity,” Wilmore said in a statement. “But I’m also saddened and surprised we won’t be covering this crazy election, or ‘The Unblackening’ as we’ve coined it. “And keeping it 100, I guess I hadn’t counted on ‘The Unblackening’ happening to my time slot as well.” Comedy Central will air Chris Hardwick’s game show @midnight in The Nightly Show’s time slot while the network seeks a permanent replacement. “We’re totally open to women and in whatever form diversity would come,” Alterman said about said replacement. “We’re open to it for sure.” Are you sad to see Wilmore go? And who would you want to see take over a show at 11:30 on Comedy Central?

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Larry Wilmore Reacts to The Nightly Show Cancelation

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Regina King Set To Direct Episode Of FOX’s Fall Series ‘Pitch’

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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The fall TV season is shaping up to be pretty eventful to say the least, with tons of #BlackGirlMagic representation to be proud of. One of the most anticipated shows this fall is FOX network’s Pitch about an African American female entering the arena of major league baseball. As if that wasn’t enough to get […]

Regina King Set To Direct Episode Of FOX’s Fall Series ‘Pitch’

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Once Upon a Time Season 6 Promo: It’s Aladdin!

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Once Upon a Time producers Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis didn’t just tease Once Upon a Time Season 6 at today’s Comic-Con panel discussion in San Diego. They actually provided a look at the first three minutes of the season premiere! The footage focuses on two characters new to the ABC series, but very familiar to Disney viewers. The first is Aladdin, who will be played by Deniz Akdeniz and who appears to be in pretty terrible shape when we first meet him. The second is Jafar, who will be played by Oded Fehr and who appears to have gotten the best of Aladdin (to this point) in the Once Upon a Time version of these characters. Jafar is taunting the famous “savior” below, mocking his status as a hero and saying things never turn out well for heroes. They never get their “happily ever after,” which, of course, is a theme throughout Once Upon a Time. The reveal of Aladdin and Jafar arrives on the heels of a string of other Season 6 castings, such as: Giles Matthey (24: Live Another Day) as Morpheus. Craig Horner (Hindsight) as the Count of Monte Cristo. There will also be the returns of Cinderella/Ashley (portrayed by Jessy Schram) and Dr. Archie Hopper (Raphael Sbarge). You can watch Once Upon a Time online via our friends at TV Fanatic and you can check out the first three minutes of the Season 6 opener below. It will premiere on Sunday, September 25 at 8/7c.

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Once Upon a Time Season 6 Promo: It’s Aladdin!

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