To state it up front: Chris Pratt is not a bad actor. He's an affable screen presence with a talent for playing funny, shiftless dopes with warm hearts, and it makes perfect sense that he should have helped a major sci-fi film series -- "Guardians of the Galaxy" -- achieve its popularity.
It should also be said that Pratt, in playing the voice of Mario in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," is not a terrible performer. He was handed a script full of vaguely heroic dialogue and a blandly determined hero, and he stepped right up to the mic and gave the part what it demanded of him. He didn't give a bad performance.
The issue with Pratt in the role of Mario is that he wasn't the right actor for the part. There was some controversy when Pratt was announced as the star of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie,...
It should also be said that Pratt, in playing the voice of Mario in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," is not a terrible performer. He was handed a script full of vaguely heroic dialogue and a blandly determined hero, and he stepped right up to the mic and gave the part what it demanded of him. He didn't give a bad performance.
The issue with Pratt in the role of Mario is that he wasn't the right actor for the part. There was some controversy when Pratt was announced as the star of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
With anticipation for Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie reaching a fever pitch, fans of Nintendo’s most famous character are finding all the ways they can to tide themselves over before the film’s theatrical release on April 5. Whether it’s going back and playing the classics of the Mario franchise over again, or simply reminiscing about the Mushroom Kingdom’s best moments with friends, the film is a special entertainment event.
While some folks may have felt that adapting Mario and his pals for the big screen was a novel concept, taking a trip back to the 1980s would allow you to discover that the plumber has already been transported to the television set decades in the past. The Super Mario Bros. Super Show was the first of three syndicated Mario animation series that aired between 1989 and 1991. If you grew up a gamer during this era, you...
While some folks may have felt that adapting Mario and his pals for the big screen was a novel concept, taking a trip back to the 1980s would allow you to discover that the plumber has already been transported to the television set decades in the past. The Super Mario Bros. Super Show was the first of three syndicated Mario animation series that aired between 1989 and 1991. If you grew up a gamer during this era, you...
- 4/3/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is well on its way to warping into theaters with an earlier release date, and so far, things have been looking promising. One controversial decision that people have been skeptical of since its announcement is the casting of Chris Pratt as Mario Mario (is that last name canon?). The directors of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath, have now expounded on their reasoning to cast Pratt as the cultural icon.
According to Collider, the directors weren’t going so much for the known performance by Mario staple, Charles Martinet, but were looking to bring Pratt’s everyman qualities to the role.
“It’s a bit of an origin tale. It’s the story of Mario becoming Super Mario. At the outset Mario and his brother Luigi are plumbers in Brooklyn, blue-collar guys… from a family of Italian immigrants. When you play the game,...
According to Collider, the directors weren’t going so much for the known performance by Mario staple, Charles Martinet, but were looking to bring Pratt’s everyman qualities to the role.
“It’s a bit of an origin tale. It’s the story of Mario becoming Super Mario. At the outset Mario and his brother Luigi are plumbers in Brooklyn, blue-collar guys… from a family of Italian immigrants. When you play the game,...
- 3/1/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The 2023 Super Bowl is really, really nerdy. Not the players (although maybe? Who's to say) but the commercials, which include trailer spots for "The Flash" and "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts." Not to be outdone by DC or Hasbro, however, Nintendo decided to show off their first collaboration with Illumination, "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."
We've seen a few trailers for Mario Jumpman Mario's latest cinematic adventure before, but this particular trailer tried something a little different. Instead of showing off the voice cast, which includes household names like Chris Pratt and Jack Black, the "Super Mario" Super Bowl spot shows off a niche corner of the titular character's silly history. How niche? Well, do you remember a hybrid live-action and animated series from 1989 called "The Super Mario Bros Super Show!"? No? That's okay — we're about to ingrain it in your memory forever.
(You're welcome in advance, by the way.
We've seen a few trailers for Mario Jumpman Mario's latest cinematic adventure before, but this particular trailer tried something a little different. Instead of showing off the voice cast, which includes household names like Chris Pratt and Jack Black, the "Super Mario" Super Bowl spot shows off a niche corner of the titular character's silly history. How niche? Well, do you remember a hybrid live-action and animated series from 1989 called "The Super Mario Bros Super Show!"? No? That's okay — we're about to ingrain it in your memory forever.
(You're welcome in advance, by the way.
- 2/13/2023
- by Cameron Roy Hall
- Slash Film
The animation studio Illumination has made a feature film based on the 1985 Nintendo game "Super Mario Bros." and every decision they have made has been baffling. Making the film at all seemed like a dodgy proposition from the start, as the last attempt to make a Mario movie -- a strange dinosaur-themed dystopian movie with Dennis Hopper, Bob Hoskins, and John Leguizamo -- resulted in critical panning and box office losses. This author feels that 1993's "Super Mario Bros." was a perfectly entertaining, delightfully weird, high-octane version of the game, but few agree. Now, 29 years later, attempt number two has arrived.
A second strange choice for Aaron Horvath's and Michael Jelenic's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" was its all-star American voice cast. For many years, in the video games, Mario had been voiced by Charles Martinet, who also voiced series staples Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. Martinet gave Mario a high-pitched,...
A second strange choice for Aaron Horvath's and Michael Jelenic's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" was its all-star American voice cast. For many years, in the video games, Mario had been voiced by Charles Martinet, who also voiced series staples Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. Martinet gave Mario a high-pitched,...
- 10/6/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Illumination and Nintendo have put together a powerhouse voiceover cast for their upcoming Super Mario Bros. animated movie which will hit cinemas on Dec. 21, 2022; that date also being news today.
Playing the fraternal, mushroom digesting plumbers and squashers of turtles are Chris Pratt as Mario and Charlie Day as Luigi. As Princess Peach, it’s Queen’s Gambit and recent Emmy nominee Anya Taylor-Joy. Playing bad guy Bowser is Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike. “Each voice actor was cast for their ability to capture the unique spirit of their character,” reads this afternoon’s release.
The co-financed feature between Universal and Nintendo will be produced by Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo, and directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic,...
Playing the fraternal, mushroom digesting plumbers and squashers of turtles are Chris Pratt as Mario and Charlie Day as Luigi. As Princess Peach, it’s Queen’s Gambit and recent Emmy nominee Anya Taylor-Joy. Playing bad guy Bowser is Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike. “Each voice actor was cast for their ability to capture the unique spirit of their character,” reads this afternoon’s release.
The co-financed feature between Universal and Nintendo will be produced by Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo, and directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic,...
- 9/23/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
As ‘Captain’ Lou Albano once said: “He’s the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th Wonder of the World!” It’s Andre the Giant and he’s the subject of a new HBO documentary. On Episode 30 of the Ball Junk Podcast, the Gasman and Frankie Knuckles sit down and give our review. What’s good? What’s bad? Who’s the […]...
- 6/16/2018
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
As ‘Captain’ Lou Albano once said: “He’s the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th Wonder of the World!” It’s Andre the Giant and he’s the subject of a new HBO documentary. On Episode 30 of the Ball Junk Podcast, the Gasman and Frankie Knuckles sit down and give our review. What’s good? What’s bad? Who’s the […]...
- 4/16/2018
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
It was Bob Hoskins most hated movie that he ever did, but now, over 2 decades later, the plumbers are coming back to the big screen.
As bad as most people found Super Mario Bros, I have always and will always hold it in a special place in my heart. Sure Bob Hoskins didn’t like filming it, but that won’t stop me from enjoying it! John Leguizamo was great! I always looked forward to the day that we would get a new Mario movie, and today is finally that day, sort of.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nintendo has struck a deal with the studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, Illumination Entertainment, to bring Mario back to the big screen. That’s right; Mario is coming back, and in animation form! I guess I am never really getting that true sequel.
Talks began over a year ago...
As bad as most people found Super Mario Bros, I have always and will always hold it in a special place in my heart. Sure Bob Hoskins didn’t like filming it, but that won’t stop me from enjoying it! John Leguizamo was great! I always looked forward to the day that we would get a new Mario movie, and today is finally that day, sort of.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nintendo has struck a deal with the studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, Illumination Entertainment, to bring Mario back to the big screen. That’s right; Mario is coming back, and in animation form! I guess I am never really getting that true sequel.
Talks began over a year ago...
- 11/14/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (B.C.)
- Cinelinx
Ivan Koloff, knowing among wrestling fans as “The Russian Bear,” has died. He was 74.
Koloff had been battling liver cancer and was in need of “urgent medical care,” according to a Go Fund Me page set up by his daughter, Rachel Marley, on Feb. 2.
“My dad was diagnosed with liver disease about 10 years ago and while he has been living with it, he chose not to make this announcement public to his fans and friends,” she wrote. “But doctors are now saying that his liver function is getting worse day by day and it will continue to. There are no...
Koloff had been battling liver cancer and was in need of “urgent medical care,” according to a Go Fund Me page set up by his daughter, Rachel Marley, on Feb. 2.
“My dad was diagnosed with liver disease about 10 years ago and while he has been living with it, he chose not to make this announcement public to his fans and friends,” she wrote. “But doctors are now saying that his liver function is getting worse day by day and it will continue to. There are no...
- 2/18/2017
- by Dave Quinn
- PEOPLE.com
Jimmy Snuka, the WWE Hall of Famer, has died after losing his battle to stomach cancer. Jimmy wrestled from the 1970s onward ... all the way through 2010. Jimmy came into the WWE as a heel, and became famous for his acrobatic wrestling style. He eventually turned and became a good guy. He had a number of shots at the WWE championship -- both as a villain and hero -- but never won. The Fijian wrestler, also known as Superfly Snuka,...
- 1/15/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
A review of tonight's Brooklyn Nine-Nine coming up just as soon as I give you a signed copy of my book of mouth exercises... My father's cousin was an actor named Danny Wells. He never hit it big — these days, if people would know him at all, it would be for playing Luigi to Captain Lou Albano's Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! — but he worked steadily in TV throughout the '70s and '80s, to the point where it became almost routine when I would tell my parents that Cousin Danny had popped up in another episode of The A-Team or CHiPs. He also had a recurring role on The Jeffersons as Charlie, the bartender on the first floor of George and Weezie's apartment building (here he is giving George some advice), and towards the end of the series, there were even a couple of Charlie-centric episodes.
- 2/17/2016
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
If you’re a wrestling fan you’ll know just how much the WWE loves Christmas. Seasonal shows have been a staple of their television output for as long as I can remember going as far back as Captain Lou Albano reading Christmas stories on WWE programming; through the Attitude era, where the fun of Xmas was juxaposed with the more hardcore on-screen action; to more recent episodes of Raw and the likes of the “Good Santa vs. Bad Santa” match between Mark Henry and Damien Sandow in 2013.
The WWE Christmas Collection sees Christmas come early to the WWE universe as “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley and his daughter Noelle (side note: I’m sure Foley’s daughter takes after her mothers side of ther family…) as they go on a quest to find Santa Claus, all the while reminiscing about classic WWE moments and matches from Christmas’ past. Yes...
The WWE Christmas Collection sees Christmas come early to the WWE universe as “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley and his daughter Noelle (side note: I’m sure Foley’s daughter takes after her mothers side of ther family…) as they go on a quest to find Santa Claus, all the while reminiscing about classic WWE moments and matches from Christmas’ past. Yes...
- 11/16/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
youtube.com
Professional wrestling and music videos have a long history, to say the least. Most timelines start in 1983, when Cyndi Lauper and Captain Lou Albano teamed up for the ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ video, which catapulted both media forms into the the stratosphere. Lauper would reprise her wrestling links many more times, even going so far as to appear at multiple WrestleManias.
Ever since, a number of bands have tried their hand at incorporating pro graps into their clips, with varying degrees of success. Whether it is by including professional wrestlers in the story of the video, acting as wrestlers themselves or having tertiary performers play the roles, the similar nature of the two has proven a hit many times, if you’ll pardon the pun.
Because at the end of the day, professional wrestling and music videos are very similar. Both are in the business of storytelling,...
Professional wrestling and music videos have a long history, to say the least. Most timelines start in 1983, when Cyndi Lauper and Captain Lou Albano teamed up for the ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ video, which catapulted both media forms into the the stratosphere. Lauper would reprise her wrestling links many more times, even going so far as to appear at multiple WrestleManias.
Ever since, a number of bands have tried their hand at incorporating pro graps into their clips, with varying degrees of success. Whether it is by including professional wrestlers in the story of the video, acting as wrestlers themselves or having tertiary performers play the roles, the similar nature of the two has proven a hit many times, if you’ll pardon the pun.
Because at the end of the day, professional wrestling and music videos are very similar. Both are in the business of storytelling,...
- 9/24/2015
- by John Bills
- Obsessed with Film
Anchor Bay Entertainment
Forget No Holds Barred, Ready To Rumble and The Wrestler. Pretty much every wrestling fan has seen them, for better or for worse, and they’ve penetrated mainstream pop culture through cable reruns and award shows.
However, there’s a whole world of bizarre, terrible and oddly wonderful wrestling films that once seen, cannot be unseen. There’s vanity biopics, Japanese science fiction, and family-friendly dog shenanigans (seriously), but the common thread that stretches between them all is our beloved pseudo-sport.
I’ve included Immortal Dialogue for all of these cinematic treasures, and I want you to know that I didn’t just crib these from an IMDb quotations page. Don’t get me wrong, I totally would have, but most of these movies are so obscure that they don’t even have quotations on their IMDb pages!
You’re welcome.
Proceed at your own risk, friends.
Forget No Holds Barred, Ready To Rumble and The Wrestler. Pretty much every wrestling fan has seen them, for better or for worse, and they’ve penetrated mainstream pop culture through cable reruns and award shows.
However, there’s a whole world of bizarre, terrible and oddly wonderful wrestling films that once seen, cannot be unseen. There’s vanity biopics, Japanese science fiction, and family-friendly dog shenanigans (seriously), but the common thread that stretches between them all is our beloved pseudo-sport.
I’ve included Immortal Dialogue for all of these cinematic treasures, and I want you to know that I didn’t just crib these from an IMDb quotations page. Don’t get me wrong, I totally would have, but most of these movies are so obscure that they don’t even have quotations on their IMDb pages!
You’re welcome.
Proceed at your own risk, friends.
- 9/19/2015
- by Matt O'Connell
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
The re-reveal of Jimmy Snuka’s 1983 murder charges in the case of the death of Nancy Argentino could very well see the legendary Superfly end up going to prison for the rest of his life. In a year that’s seen Hulk Hogan wiped from WWE’s history books, the same fate could befall Snuka. However, Snuka’s history both in WWE and elsewhere, as so often with WWF, has been altered in so many ways that much is oftentimes forgotten.
Here’s a few facts about Jimmy Snuka not in this article.
His career started in 1969. Snuka was originally a professional bodybuilder. Snuka broke in as a wrestler in Hawaii. He’s the father of current WWE diva Tamina and ex-wwe performer Deuce/Sim Snuka.
Aside from those facts, there’s tons more about Snuka’s career (aside from his current issues) that WWE has wanted us...
The re-reveal of Jimmy Snuka’s 1983 murder charges in the case of the death of Nancy Argentino could very well see the legendary Superfly end up going to prison for the rest of his life. In a year that’s seen Hulk Hogan wiped from WWE’s history books, the same fate could befall Snuka. However, Snuka’s history both in WWE and elsewhere, as so often with WWF, has been altered in so many ways that much is oftentimes forgotten.
Here’s a few facts about Jimmy Snuka not in this article.
His career started in 1969. Snuka was originally a professional bodybuilder. Snuka broke in as a wrestler in Hawaii. He’s the father of current WWE diva Tamina and ex-wwe performer Deuce/Sim Snuka.
Aside from those facts, there’s tons more about Snuka’s career (aside from his current issues) that WWE has wanted us...
- 9/3/2015
- by Marcus K. Dowling
- Obsessed with Film
As evidenced by the billion-dollar box-office success of The Hobbit series and HBO's record ratings for Game of Thrones, the fantasy genre is perhaps the only thing more popular than zombies in Hollywood these days. It helps if producers align themselves with a preexisting property that sports a built-in, cult-like audience, and Netflix has reportedly found its gateway into the world of fantasy with a live-action series based on Nintendo's classic The Legend of Zelda video game.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix is in the early stages of...
According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix is in the early stages of...
- 2/7/2015
- Rollingstone.com
The world of professional wrestling has, for many years, featured hundreds of various alliances, groups of men and women who, for countless reasons, teamed together in order to achieve something that they would be unable to achieve alone. Be it a group of good guys sticking together, as friends, to take down the heels, or the bad guys forming a gang as a way to intimidate, attack and overthrow the babyfaces. It has worked for decades and continues to this very day, with factions such as The Shield and The Wyatt Family (oh… and don’t forget 3Mb) running rough-shot through WWE on their way to super-stardom. But, like I said, factions aren’t a new thing, they’ve been around for as long as steel folding chairs, brittle announce tables and sneaky managers, and this release is WWE’s look at some of the standout factions that have firmly...
- 5/18/2014
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
WWE.com
Brock Lesnar ending the Undertaker’s winning streak at Wrestlemania 30 and Cesaro’s climb to even greater renown in WWE both share one man in common – Paul Heyman. Moreso than any other member of the active roster, Heyman’s unique ability to garner heat for performers in the role of manager is possibly one of the least discussed – yet most important roles that any on-screen character has in the company. Key to Heyman’s presentation of late is his proclamation that he is the greatest manager in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment.
As a heel, his audacious claim is meant to be the pomposity that leads to a cascade of boos. However, if studying the art of pro wrestling, is there truth to Heyman’s bold statement? In the annals of WWE’s history of ringside seconds, managers and generally conniving men and women patrolling ringside, is...
Brock Lesnar ending the Undertaker’s winning streak at Wrestlemania 30 and Cesaro’s climb to even greater renown in WWE both share one man in common – Paul Heyman. Moreso than any other member of the active roster, Heyman’s unique ability to garner heat for performers in the role of manager is possibly one of the least discussed – yet most important roles that any on-screen character has in the company. Key to Heyman’s presentation of late is his proclamation that he is the greatest manager in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment.
As a heel, his audacious claim is meant to be the pomposity that leads to a cascade of boos. However, if studying the art of pro wrestling, is there truth to Heyman’s bold statement? In the annals of WWE’s history of ringside seconds, managers and generally conniving men and women patrolling ringside, is...
- 4/23/2014
- by Marcus K. Dowling
- Obsessed with Film
Actor Danny Wells, best known for portraying Luigi in the 1989 television series based on the Super Mario Bros. video game, has died. He was 72.
The actor, whose real name was Jack Westelman, played one half of the famous brother duo opposite the late Lou Albano in the live-action segments (and also voiced the character in animated segments) for the length of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!’s 65-episode run in the late ’80s. He also recurred on The Jeffersons as Charlie the Bartender, from 1975-1985.
While many of his post-Mario credits were in voice work, one of Wells’ last...
The actor, whose real name was Jack Westelman, played one half of the famous brother duo opposite the late Lou Albano in the live-action segments (and also voiced the character in animated segments) for the length of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!’s 65-episode run in the late ’80s. He also recurred on The Jeffersons as Charlie the Bartender, from 1975-1985.
While many of his post-Mario credits were in voice work, one of Wells’ last...
- 12/5/2013
- by Sandra Gonzalez
- EW - Inside TV
Danny Wells, who played Luigi on the TV adaptation of the wildly popular Nintendo video game franchise Super Mario Bros., died Nov. 28 in Toronto. He was 72. The Montreal-born actor, whose real name was Jack Westelman, also showed up as the recurring Charlie the Bartender on the long-running sitcom The Jeffersons. Wells appeared as the green character Luigi on The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! in the 1989 series’ live-action segments and voiced him for its animated parts. The show, from Dic Entertainment, ran for 65 episodes in syndication and on independent TV stations. Lou Albano, the
read more...
read more...
- 12/5/2013
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Miami Vice
Season 1, Episode 1: “Brother’s Keeper” (Pilot)
Directed by Thomas Carter
Written by Anthony Yerkovich
Original air date: Sept. 16, 1984
Hey, Tubbs…ever consider a career in Southern law enforcement?” – Crockett
Miami Vice premiered on September 16, 1984 with a two-hour season premiere. The episode titled “Brother’s Keeper” garnered critical acclaim, and the series went on to become a symbol of the times. Legend has it that NBC President Brandon Tartikoff started the ball rolling after he scribbled “MTV Cops” on a napkin, and then went looking for someone at NBC to produce the show. However the series was actually the brainchild of scriptwriter-turned-director Michael Mann (coming off the critical success of Manhunter), and Hill Street Blues writer-producer Anthony Yerkovich, who was already drafting the idea based by news stories about the thriving drug trade in Florida. But regardless what Yerkovich brought to the table, the show’s most dominant creative force was Michael Mann.
Season 1, Episode 1: “Brother’s Keeper” (Pilot)
Directed by Thomas Carter
Written by Anthony Yerkovich
Original air date: Sept. 16, 1984
Hey, Tubbs…ever consider a career in Southern law enforcement?” – Crockett
Miami Vice premiered on September 16, 1984 with a two-hour season premiere. The episode titled “Brother’s Keeper” garnered critical acclaim, and the series went on to become a symbol of the times. Legend has it that NBC President Brandon Tartikoff started the ball rolling after he scribbled “MTV Cops” on a napkin, and then went looking for someone at NBC to produce the show. However the series was actually the brainchild of scriptwriter-turned-director Michael Mann (coming off the critical success of Manhunter), and Hill Street Blues writer-producer Anthony Yerkovich, who was already drafting the idea based by news stories about the thriving drug trade in Florida. But regardless what Yerkovich brought to the table, the show’s most dominant creative force was Michael Mann.
- 7/4/2013
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
Miami Vice
Season 1, Episode 1: “Brother’s Keeper” (Pilot)
Directed by Thomas Carter
Written by Anthony Yerkovich
Original air date: Sept. 16, 1984
Hey, Tubbs…ever consider a career in Southern law enforcement?” – Crockett
Miami Vice premiered on September 16, 1984 with a two-hour season premiere. The episode titled “Brother’s Keeper” garnered critical acclaim, and the series went on to become a symbol of the times. Legend has it that NBC President Brandon Tartikoff started the ball rolling after he scribbled “MTV Cops” on a napkin, and then went looking for someone at NBC to produce the show. However the series was actually the brainchild of scriptwriter-turned-director Michael Mann (coming off the critical success of Manhunter), and Hill Street Blues writer-producer Anthony Yerkovich, who was already drafting the idea based by news stories about the thriving drug trade in Florida. But regardless what Yerkovich brought to the table, the show’s most dominant creative force was Michael Mann.
Season 1, Episode 1: “Brother’s Keeper” (Pilot)
Directed by Thomas Carter
Written by Anthony Yerkovich
Original air date: Sept. 16, 1984
Hey, Tubbs…ever consider a career in Southern law enforcement?” – Crockett
Miami Vice premiered on September 16, 1984 with a two-hour season premiere. The episode titled “Brother’s Keeper” garnered critical acclaim, and the series went on to become a symbol of the times. Legend has it that NBC President Brandon Tartikoff started the ball rolling after he scribbled “MTV Cops” on a napkin, and then went looking for someone at NBC to produce the show. However the series was actually the brainchild of scriptwriter-turned-director Michael Mann (coming off the critical success of Manhunter), and Hill Street Blues writer-producer Anthony Yerkovich, who was already drafting the idea based by news stories about the thriving drug trade in Florida. But regardless what Yerkovich brought to the table, the show’s most dominant creative force was Michael Mann.
- 7/4/2013
- by Ricky da Conceição
- SoundOnSight
Photos: Getty
Neil Patrick Harris‘ fourth time hosting the Tonys was a triumph — even if Cicely Tyson nearly killed us.
The Tony Awards telecast is the So You Think You Can Dance of award shows: It’s perpetually underrated. It’s an exuberant summer distraction. It’s hosted by an endearing emcee and populated by monumentally talented people; it’s far less cynical than its higher-rated counterparts (The Oscars = American Idol, natch); and frankly, you might actually learn something watching it. You glean so much from the Tony Awards that you actually feel caught up on Broadway by the end of the show, and that’s shocking and edifying. Then again, any award show featuring the talents of Cicely Tyson, Tracy Letts, Audra McDonald, Laura Benanti, Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Cyndi Lauper, Neil Patrick Harris (and an appearance by Jake Gyllenhaal for the hell of it!) is probably awesome even without the didactic element.
Neil Patrick Harris‘ fourth time hosting the Tonys was a triumph — even if Cicely Tyson nearly killed us.
The Tony Awards telecast is the So You Think You Can Dance of award shows: It’s perpetually underrated. It’s an exuberant summer distraction. It’s hosted by an endearing emcee and populated by monumentally talented people; it’s far less cynical than its higher-rated counterparts (The Oscars = American Idol, natch); and frankly, you might actually learn something watching it. You glean so much from the Tony Awards that you actually feel caught up on Broadway by the end of the show, and that’s shocking and edifying. Then again, any award show featuring the talents of Cicely Tyson, Tracy Letts, Audra McDonald, Laura Benanti, Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Cyndi Lauper, Neil Patrick Harris (and an appearance by Jake Gyllenhaal for the hell of it!) is probably awesome even without the didactic element.
- 6/10/2013
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
Cyndi Lauper returned to the WWE and made a instant impact to the WWE Universe. Wait till you see what happened! Singer, songwriter and actress Cyndi Lauper came back to the WWE with a guest appearance on USA's Monday Night Raw from Nassau Coliseum in New York, N.Y. on June 18. It was as if she never left as she was getting into it with WWE Superstar Heath Slater! Cyndi, who in some circles is best known for her time in the WWE, based of course on her memorable appearance at WrestleMania I standing in Hall of Famer Wendi Richter’s corner and serving as her manager. Wendi even utilized Cyndi’s mega hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” as her entrance music. In addition, many may remember Capitan Lou Albano’s cameo in Cyndi’s video for the nostalgic female anthem. Cyndi Lauper who burst onto the world...
- 6/19/2012
- by Russ Weakland
- HollywoodLife
Last night’s WWE Raw SuperShow results from Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, New York.
Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are on commentary.
Long Island’s own Mick Foley opens the show wearing a suit. He says he got a call late last night from the WWE Board of Directors who were calling former General Managers and Commissioners to see if they wanted to fill in whilst they figure out a permanent replacement for the fired John Laurinaitis.
Foley said for tonight’s Raw and SmackDown this week he will be the temporary host. He announces a Kane and Daniel Bryan vs World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and WWE Champion Cm Punk for tonight.
Foley then introduces John Laurinaitis to give a farewell address. Laurinaitis comes out on a crutch, with his arm in a sling and a brace around his neck. “You Got Fired” chants plays as Laurinaitis comes to the ring gingerly.
Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler are on commentary.
Long Island’s own Mick Foley opens the show wearing a suit. He says he got a call late last night from the WWE Board of Directors who were calling former General Managers and Commissioners to see if they wanted to fill in whilst they figure out a permanent replacement for the fired John Laurinaitis.
Foley said for tonight’s Raw and SmackDown this week he will be the temporary host. He announces a Kane and Daniel Bryan vs World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and WWE Champion Cm Punk for tonight.
Foley then introduces John Laurinaitis to give a farewell address. Laurinaitis comes out on a crutch, with his arm in a sling and a brace around his neck. “You Got Fired” chants plays as Laurinaitis comes to the ring gingerly.
- 6/19/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
In 1985, two talented young women who inspired a generation to sing and dance in thrift-shop outfits made a splash on the pop charts and proceeded to make their first steps at enlarging their empires to take in all of mass entertainment. While Madonna spent the year starring in a hit movie (Desperately Seeking Susan), hosting SNL, and marrying Sean Penn, Cyndi Lauper took the more esoteric route of serving as front woman for the brief cross-promotion of MTV and professional wrestling, and co-starring with Captain Lou Albano, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Classy Freddie Blassie in a two-part video for ...
- 6/18/2012
- avclub.com
Trailers are an under-appreciated art form insofar that many times they’re seen as vehicles for showing footage, explaining films away, or showing their hand about what moviegoers can expect. Foreign, domestic, independent, big budget: I celebrate all levels of trailers and hopefully this column will satisfactorily give you a baseline of what beta wave I’m operating on, because what better way to hone your skills as a thoughtful moviegoer than by deconstructing these little pieces of advertising? Some of the best authors will tell you that writing a short story is a lot harder than writing a long one, that you have to weigh every sentence. What better medium to see how this theory plays itself out beyond that than with movie trailers? The Legend Of The Mighty Soap Trailer When I was a kid I watched HBO relentlessly. Whenever there wasn't reairings of Fraggle Rock, Braingames, Heartbeeps,...
- 5/6/2011
- by Christopher Stipp
- Slash Film
Yonkers - Ernie Kovacs is the patron saint of innovative TV comedies. His impact can be felt on everything from Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In to Monty Python’s Flying Circus to Saturday Night Live. Shout! Factory’s The Ernie Kovacs Collection gives a survey of his short yet stellar career that ended in 1962 with his death. Over the course of six DVDs, you realize this guy truly revolutionized what you could do on TV.
The boxset doesn’t have any of the episodes from his original Three to Get Ready show that aired on Philly TV. But we get a healthy helping of his other shows that allowed him to bounce between NBC, CBS, ABC and even the legendary DuMont. Along with creating comedy shows, he hosted talkshows, gameshows and even variety shows. He even contributed to Mad Magazine. His famous mustache and cigar popped up all over the dial.
The boxset doesn’t have any of the episodes from his original Three to Get Ready show that aired on Philly TV. But we get a healthy helping of his other shows that allowed him to bounce between NBC, CBS, ABC and even the legendary DuMont. Along with creating comedy shows, he hosted talkshows, gameshows and even variety shows. He even contributed to Mad Magazine. His famous mustache and cigar popped up all over the dial.
- 4/28/2011
- by UncaScroogeMcD
A man in Chile has taken celebrity obsession to a whole new level. Milenko Vuckovich (sp?), 56, has 82 tattoos on his body of Julia Roberts. Wow.
His ink love affair with Roberts began in 2001 after he saw "Erin Brockovich." Well, sure. It's her best role. He tells Reuters, "The woman is great, she's beautiful." The tattoos show Roberts in various film roles - but not "Pretty Woman."
The tattoo artist who does all the Roberts renderings says that Vuckovich doesn't like Roberts in that role because she was a prostitute. Naturally. That would be crazy. Unlike spending $4000 to get Julia Roberts' face all over your body.
If you were going to get a celebrity face tattoo, who would you choose? We think the way to go is with somebody completely random, then never explain it. Now where's that picture of Captain Lou Albano ...
His ink love affair with Roberts began in 2001 after he saw "Erin Brockovich." Well, sure. It's her best role. He tells Reuters, "The woman is great, she's beautiful." The tattoos show Roberts in various film roles - but not "Pretty Woman."
The tattoo artist who does all the Roberts renderings says that Vuckovich doesn't like Roberts in that role because she was a prostitute. Naturally. That would be crazy. Unlike spending $4000 to get Julia Roberts' face all over your body.
If you were going to get a celebrity face tattoo, who would you choose? We think the way to go is with somebody completely random, then never explain it. Now where's that picture of Captain Lou Albano ...
- 3/16/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Long before Captain Lou Albano did "The Mario," Columbia Records put out a recording by a duo called Buckner & Garcia titled "Do the Donkey Kong." The pair also put out a track called "Pac-Man Fever" that broke into the top ten on Billboard's Hot 100 rankings in 1982. Now, almost 30 years later they're returning to the spotlight, thanks to a lot of paperwork and the Rock Band Network.
39 individual contracts and a re-recorded version of their 8-song album in 1999 were necessary, according to an IGN report, but Buckner & Garcia's celebratory jams about "Centipede," "Donkey Kong" and "Defender" will all make it to Rock Band games via the Xbox 360 in the new year, with potential PlayStation 3 and Wii appearances to follow.
If these songs still sound like they did in 1982, they'll provide a much cheaper alternative to a "Pac-Man" tabletop machine for anyone wanting to summon the spirit of the decade in their home.
39 individual contracts and a re-recorded version of their 8-song album in 1999 were necessary, according to an IGN report, but Buckner & Garcia's celebratory jams about "Centipede," "Donkey Kong" and "Defender" will all make it to Rock Band games via the Xbox 360 in the new year, with potential PlayStation 3 and Wii appearances to follow.
If these songs still sound like they did in 1982, they'll provide a much cheaper alternative to a "Pac-Man" tabletop machine for anyone wanting to summon the spirit of the decade in their home.
- 12/15/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
Today is a big day for Cyndi Lauper. Not only does her latest album Memphis Blues (a covers album featuring classic blues licks) hit stores today, but it also happens to be the day she turns 57 years old. It's her birthday, and there are any number of ways for her to celebrate.
Throughout her career, Lauper has proven herself to be incredibly versatile and adaptive. After spending her youth singing in clubs in New York City, Lauper scored a big splash with her 1983 album She's So Unusual. She presented a unique, impressive style, as she was performing bubbly pop songs while retaining a low-fi approach and a fashion sense that borrowed from the punk, glam and dance worlds. The single "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" made Lauper a household name, and the video (which co-starred professional wrestler Captain Lou Albano) was an early MTV staple. The hits from She's So Unusual kept coming,...
Throughout her career, Lauper has proven herself to be incredibly versatile and adaptive. After spending her youth singing in clubs in New York City, Lauper scored a big splash with her 1983 album She's So Unusual. She presented a unique, impressive style, as she was performing bubbly pop songs while retaining a low-fi approach and a fashion sense that borrowed from the punk, glam and dance worlds. The single "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" made Lauper a household name, and the video (which co-starred professional wrestler Captain Lou Albano) was an early MTV staple. The hits from She's So Unusual kept coming,...
- 6/22/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Every year, the Academy Awards honor the members of the filmmaking community that passed away over the course of the year. This year's memoriam reminded viewers of some of the most prominent deaths over the year including Patrick Swayze, David Carradine and Michael Jackson -- but there were more than a few curious absences as well.
After the jump, we've remembered five of the motion picture professionals that died in 2009 but were absent from the Oscar's memoriam segment.
Bea Arthur: Best known as Dorothy Zbornak on "Golden Girls" and Maude Findlay on "All in the Family" and "Maude," Bea Arthur passed away in 2009 at the age of 86. She was two weeks away from her 87th birthday. Arthur's body of film work includes "Mame," "Lovers and Other Strangers" and a bit role in "History of the World, Part I."
Captain Lou Albano: WWE wrestling icon Captain Lou Albano...
After the jump, we've remembered five of the motion picture professionals that died in 2009 but were absent from the Oscar's memoriam segment.
Bea Arthur: Best known as Dorothy Zbornak on "Golden Girls" and Maude Findlay on "All in the Family" and "Maude," Bea Arthur passed away in 2009 at the age of 86. She was two weeks away from her 87th birthday. Arthur's body of film work includes "Mame," "Lovers and Other Strangers" and a bit role in "History of the World, Part I."
Captain Lou Albano: WWE wrestling icon Captain Lou Albano...
- 3/8/2010
- by Josh Wigler
- MTV Movies Blog
In the midst of celebrating all of the great things that happened in 2009 and anticipating all of the brilliance that is sure to be delivered in 2010, we also have to take a look back at the stars we lost in 2009. As Skillz noted in his annual year-end "Rap Up" track, it seemed like every other day delivered a story about the passing of a beloved celebrity — sometimes tragically. Just yesterday, we learned of the death of Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan at 28. Elsewhere in the rock world, we lost legendary Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Billy Powell, guitar guru Les Paul and DJs Grand Master Roc Raida and Mr. Magic.
In Hollywood, actress Brittany Murphy — who starred in some of the most definitive youth movies of the past 15 years — passed away only a few weeks ago. Farrah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze both died after prolonged battles with illness,...
In Hollywood, actress Brittany Murphy — who starred in some of the most definitive youth movies of the past 15 years — passed away only a few weeks ago. Farrah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze both died after prolonged battles with illness,...
- 12/30/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
President Obama will be appearing on the NBC special WWE Tribute to the Troops on December 19th. Granted, it will be a pre-taped message for the soldiers, but that still counts, right?
It won't even be Obama's first WWE appearance. There were pre-taped messages on one of the WWE broadcasts during the last presidential election by John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama (this was before Clinton ceded to Obama). The upcoming event is, to the best of my knowledge, the first WWE taping he has done as President of the United States.
Of course, in my imagination President Obama appears live at the event and steps into the ring. He then calls out WWE Champion Sheamus to a title match. He almost gets the pin until Captain Lou Albano comes back from the dead, runs into the ring with a steel chair and causes a disqualification on the whole match.
It won't even be Obama's first WWE appearance. There were pre-taped messages on one of the WWE broadcasts during the last presidential election by John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama (this was before Clinton ceded to Obama). The upcoming event is, to the best of my knowledge, the first WWE taping he has done as President of the United States.
Of course, in my imagination President Obama appears live at the event and steps into the ring. He then calls out WWE Champion Sheamus to a title match. He almost gets the pin until Captain Lou Albano comes back from the dead, runs into the ring with a steel chair and causes a disqualification on the whole match.
- 12/16/2009
- by Brad Trechak
- Aol TV.
Captain Lou Albano was a legendary wrestling manager at the forefront when the WWF (now WWE) initiated the Rock `n’ Wrestling storyline in the mid-1980s. Sporting an unwieldy beard, accented by rubber bands and the occasional paperclip, his storyline feud with pop star Cyndi Lauper helped propel wrestling into mainstream popularity. Albano also appeared with Lauper in her music video for Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and in her contribution to the soundtrack of the 1985 film The Goonies. Lauper’s video, Goonies `R’ good enough for me, also featured cameos from wrestlers Rowdy Roddy Piper, the Iron Sheik, Freddie Blassie, and Steven Spielberg.
Albano was born in Rome, Italy, on July 29, 1933, and came to the United States with his family as a child. He began his wrestling career in Montreal, Canada, in 1953. He later teamed with Tony Altimore to portray a villainous pair of wrestling gangsters known as the Sicilians,...
Albano was born in Rome, Italy, on July 29, 1933, and came to the United States with his family as a child. He began his wrestling career in Montreal, Canada, in 1953. He later teamed with Tony Altimore to portray a villainous pair of wrestling gangsters known as the Sicilians,...
- 11/7/2009
- by Harris Lentz
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Welcome to the 207th Edition, one week away from the Four Year Anniversary. This week, I pay tribute to Lucy Vodden, Lou Jacobi, Joseph Wiseman, Captain Lou Albano, and Bruce Springsteen. I have one movie from the Random Myspace Profile selection process and next week will have at least 1, possibly 3.Whaledreamers (2006): This is my tribute to Lucy Vodden, the apparent inspiration for the Beatles...
- 11/1/2009
- by Shaun Berk
Recently, writing about the death of the incomparable Capt. Lou Albano, journalist Phil Reisman with The Journal News wrote: "Somebody once said that to understand America, you have to understand pro wrestling." If you're looking for the quote, it's inexplicably now removed from his story. Maybe his editor didn't agree with that statement from "somebody," but Phil thought it sounded about right, and I concur.
If we buy into the fact that corporate America needs to understand popular culture to really be able to relate to its audiences and communicate effectively--Grant McCracken's idea of the "chief culture officer" that I wrote about last week--then what better place to start than pro wrestling? It's very existence feels like an anomaly, with fans loading arenas by the thousands and gathering around television sets by the millions to watch (primarily) men performing the illusion of one-on-one sporting competition, while most fans know that...
If we buy into the fact that corporate America needs to understand popular culture to really be able to relate to its audiences and communicate effectively--Grant McCracken's idea of the "chief culture officer" that I wrote about last week--then what better place to start than pro wrestling? It's very existence feels like an anomaly, with fans loading arenas by the thousands and gathering around television sets by the millions to watch (primarily) men performing the illusion of one-on-one sporting competition, while most fans know that...
- 10/28/2009
- by Sam Ford
- Fast Company
The Newsroom is clearing out for the weekend, and if you're like us, you're either headed to a screening of "Where the Wild Things Are," dinner at your favorite Mexican restaurant or drinks at the local tavern. But before you let yourself get mesmerized by Spike Jonze or order another quesadilla, check out everything you might have missed this week in the Newsroom. There were plenty of birthdays, big interviews and bucks hunted — something for everybody!
» There are still a few more days before "Michael Jackson's This Is It" opens, but the new song "This Is It" has already been unleashed. Though Paul Anka had some qualms, it seems like the public approved.
» The wrestling and music worlds lost a crossover icon this week, as Captain Lou Albano passed away. He'll be remembered for his great promos, his nose for television and his strange group of friends, including Hulk Hogan and Andy Warhol.
» There are still a few more days before "Michael Jackson's This Is It" opens, but the new song "This Is It" has already been unleashed. Though Paul Anka had some qualms, it seems like the public approved.
» The wrestling and music worlds lost a crossover icon this week, as Captain Lou Albano passed away. He'll be remembered for his great promos, his nose for television and his strange group of friends, including Hulk Hogan and Andy Warhol.
- 10/16/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Bryan Lee O'Malley says that the "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" video game won't be out until next summer, but he's been playing an early build in Montreal this week that's got someone special involved behind the scenes.
Also working behind this scenes this week is Brian Michael Bendis, whose cryptic tweets from Marvel's "Avengers" retreat continue. Find out what he had to say, as well as Erik Larsen's thoughts on Captain Lou Albano's death and Idris Elba's unearthed first "Losers" comic book appearance.
They're all waiting after the jump in the Twitter Report for October 15, 2009.
Scott Pilgrim pt 1: @radiomaru In montreal w/ Scott Pilgrim videogame team. Seen an early build, lots of art. We're trying to make this game seriously awesome.
-Bryan Lee O'Malley, Writer/Artist ("Scott Pilgrim vs. The World")
Scott Pilgrim pt 2: @radiomaru Can't tell you much about Sp game yet. Not out til next summer.
Also working behind this scenes this week is Brian Michael Bendis, whose cryptic tweets from Marvel's "Avengers" retreat continue. Find out what he had to say, as well as Erik Larsen's thoughts on Captain Lou Albano's death and Idris Elba's unearthed first "Losers" comic book appearance.
They're all waiting after the jump in the Twitter Report for October 15, 2009.
Scott Pilgrim pt 1: @radiomaru In montreal w/ Scott Pilgrim videogame team. Seen an early build, lots of art. We're trying to make this game seriously awesome.
-Bryan Lee O'Malley, Writer/Artist ("Scott Pilgrim vs. The World")
Scott Pilgrim pt 2: @radiomaru Can't tell you much about Sp game yet. Not out til next summer.
- 10/15/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Splash Page
The late Capt. Lou Albano wore many hats in his career (some wrestlers wear hats). But in my nostalgia filled mind, none of those hats were greater than the red service cap with the giant "M" on it.
The famed wrestler played both the live action and animated version of video game hero Mario on the top rated syndicated kids' show The Super Mario Bros. Super Show, along with actor Danny Wells as Luigi who Jeffersons fans will recognize as Charlie the bartender. Mario Bros. is a show I vividly remember from my childhood because my parents never bought me a Nintendo and that just drove me to want and watch anything and everything with the Mario Bros. on it.
Here's my all-time favorite episode because it combined the two things I worshiped as an organized religion: Nintendo and Ghostbusters.
Filed under: Video, Celebrities, Obituaries, Children, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this...
The famed wrestler played both the live action and animated version of video game hero Mario on the top rated syndicated kids' show The Super Mario Bros. Super Show, along with actor Danny Wells as Luigi who Jeffersons fans will recognize as Charlie the bartender. Mario Bros. is a show I vividly remember from my childhood because my parents never bought me a Nintendo and that just drove me to want and watch anything and everything with the Mario Bros. on it.
Here's my all-time favorite episode because it combined the two things I worshiped as an organized religion: Nintendo and Ghostbusters.
Filed under: Video, Celebrities, Obituaries, Children, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this...
- 10/15/2009
- by Danny Gallagher
- Aol TV.
Louis Vincent Albano, better known to his fans as “Captain” Lou Albano, died Wednesday of natural causes at the age of 76.
“Captain” Lou Albano was one of the most recognized and respected professional wrestlers of the 1980’s whose legacy not only includes an illustrious career as an athlete and showman, but as a generous man who cared for the health and well-being of his fellow colleagues in a profession that often took a hard toll on it’s members.
Albano founded Wrestler’s Rescue, an organization that raised money to assist with health care of retired professional wrestlers, many of whom were never paid wages equivalent to the stress applied to their bodies in their line of work.
“Captain” Lou Albano also received additional stardom after appearing in Cyndi Lauper’s music video Girls Just Want To Have Fun. He will be missed and will certainly maintain a place in...
“Captain” Lou Albano was one of the most recognized and respected professional wrestlers of the 1980’s whose legacy not only includes an illustrious career as an athlete and showman, but as a generous man who cared for the health and well-being of his fellow colleagues in a profession that often took a hard toll on it’s members.
Albano founded Wrestler’s Rescue, an organization that raised money to assist with health care of retired professional wrestlers, many of whom were never paid wages equivalent to the stress applied to their bodies in their line of work.
“Captain” Lou Albano also received additional stardom after appearing in Cyndi Lauper’s music video Girls Just Want To Have Fun. He will be missed and will certainly maintain a place in...
- 10/15/2009
- by Travis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Just read about Captain Lou Albano dying. This really is the year of death for celebs, isn't it? —RK12, via the Answer B!tch inbox Year? Well, it's only October. Give the Grim Reaper through mid-November at least, sheesh. Besides, you aren't in sync with the lingo; Twitterers have declared this past season the Summer of Death, and, indeed, statistics do indicate that the hot months of 2009 were a serious hotbed of death and deathlike activity. Ricardo Montalban died in January, but there was no wave of celebrity deaths in that month—on Fantasy Island or anywhere else—and it's too soon to say whether Albano's death will usher in a tragedy trend for the fall. But between...
- 10/15/2009
- E! Online
Back in the early eighties, I visited New York with friends, and had my first Big Apple celebrity encounter with Captain Lou Albano, a large, hirsute man I had seen for the first time in Cyndi Lauper music videos. He was gesticulating, talking to someone on the sidewwalk near a restaurant called Hot Diggity, and accidentally smacked me with his left hand. After apologizing profusely, he asked if he could buy me a dog and a coke. "I know the owner, this place is pretty cool," he said. We went inside, and he did just that. He then told me all the best places to go in New York for music, food and anything else he could think of.
- 10/15/2009
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
It's a sad day in the entertainment world as one of it's most colourful characters has passed away. 'Captain' Lou Albano was 76. While some know him from his starring role opposite John Ritter in the 1992 hit film Stay Tuned and his many appearances as Mario in the Super Mario Brothers Super Show, others may know him from his portrayal of Cyndi Lauper's Dad in the videos for 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun', 'She Bop' and 'The Goonies R Good Enough'. I, for one, will always remember him as one of the greatest wrestling personalities of all time. Over his 42-year career "Captain" Lou managed 34 men to championship gold which is an accomplishment that not even Jimmy 'Mouth of the South' Hart or Bobby "The Brain" Heenan can match. With his trademark rubber bands attached to his face he managed the likes of the U.S Express,...
- 10/15/2009
- by Greg
- FilmJunk
Back in the '80s, Captain Lou Albano was something of a staple on MTV. Obviously, he starred in four videos for superstar Cyndi Lauper, including the iconic "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." But he was also on the network as a wrestling personality. In 1984 and '85 — the era leading up to the very first Wrestlemania — Albano appeared regularly on wrestling programming hosted by MTV. In fact, the network even aired two live wrestling events (one called "The Brawl to End it All," the other dubbed "The War to Settle the Score") that did record numbers for the still-young cable channel.
Like the greatest pro wrestling personalities — Hulk Hogan, the Rock, Roddy Piper, Ric Flair and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin among them — Albano understood that promotion was king, and that television was the most powerful tool available. He saw the rise of music videos as a form and got involved,...
Like the greatest pro wrestling personalities — Hulk Hogan, the Rock, Roddy Piper, Ric Flair and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin among them — Albano understood that promotion was king, and that television was the most powerful tool available. He saw the rise of music videos as a form and got involved,...
- 10/15/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
For the most part, TV Squad doesn't cover professional wrestling, despite pro-wrestling and television being synonymous since the 1950's. It could be because wrestling is a world unto itself and there are certainly enough blogs out there that cover the subject. In this instance, an exception has been made since wrestling and TV icon Captain Lou Albano has passed away. He was 76.
He was known mostly for his work with the WWF (now the WWE) in the '8's and his participation in the first WrestleMania as well as several thereafter. Hell, he was instrumental in creating that event by participating in Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music video which led to "The War to Settle the Score" on MTV which led to ... well, you know.
Continue reading Wrestling icon Captain Lou Albano passes away
Filed under: OpEd, Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
He was known mostly for his work with the WWF (now the WWE) in the '8's and his participation in the first WrestleMania as well as several thereafter. Hell, he was instrumental in creating that event by participating in Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music video which led to "The War to Settle the Score" on MTV which led to ... well, you know.
Continue reading Wrestling icon Captain Lou Albano passes away
Filed under: OpEd, Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 10/14/2009
- by Brad Trechak
- Aol TV.
Celebrities retweeting webcam pics of fans dressed as them may officially be a trend now, following yesterday's Fred Durst incident. Now Rainn Wilson has received a pic from a Dwight super-fan, and his shock defies language.
Tweets trickles in from all over Twitter-Wood throughout the rest of the day to remember wrestler and actor Captain Lou Albano, whom you may remember from pay-per-view events, as well as from "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!" where he portrayed Mario. Read those rubber band memorials after jump along with Simon Pegg's reaction to the "Twilight" books, Shaquille O'Neal's mama joke to Ashton Kutcher and BooBoo Stewart's plans for Halloween. It's all in the Twitter-Wood report for October 14, 2009.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@rainnwilson Wow. Just, wow. Rt @davidnotfrank #halloween I'm going as @rainnwilson http://bit.ly/8ME6H
-Rainn Wilson, Actor ("The Rocker," "The Office")
@simonpegg Read the Twilight books on hols.
Tweets trickles in from all over Twitter-Wood throughout the rest of the day to remember wrestler and actor Captain Lou Albano, whom you may remember from pay-per-view events, as well as from "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!" where he portrayed Mario. Read those rubber band memorials after jump along with Simon Pegg's reaction to the "Twilight" books, Shaquille O'Neal's mama joke to Ashton Kutcher and BooBoo Stewart's plans for Halloween. It's all in the Twitter-Wood report for October 14, 2009.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@rainnwilson Wow. Just, wow. Rt @davidnotfrank #halloween I'm going as @rainnwilson http://bit.ly/8ME6H
-Rainn Wilson, Actor ("The Rocker," "The Office")
@simonpegg Read the Twilight books on hols.
- 10/14/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Movies Blog
Wrestling icon Captain Lou Albano, who played Cyndi Lauper's dad in the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun video, has died. He was 76.
Albano began his fighting career in the 1950s and was one half of The Sicilians tag team in the 1960s. He joined World Wrestling Entertainment in 1983 and was inducted into the sport's Hall of Fame in 1996.
Albano was also a successful manager of champion wrestlers in the 1970s.
His persona earned him the distinction of being "one of the most hated men" in wrestling for 15 years, according to a WWE biography.
He was turned into a cartoon in the late 1980s when he signed up to become the voice of Mario 'Jumpman' Mario for The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
Albano began his fighting career in the 1950s and was one half of The Sicilians tag team in the 1960s. He joined World Wrestling Entertainment in 1983 and was inducted into the sport's Hall of Fame in 1996.
Albano was also a successful manager of champion wrestlers in the 1970s.
His persona earned him the distinction of being "one of the most hated men" in wrestling for 15 years, according to a WWE biography.
He was turned into a cartoon in the late 1980s when he signed up to become the voice of Mario 'Jumpman' Mario for The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
- 10/14/2009
- WENN
Captain Lou Albano, the WWE Hall of Fame inductee who parlayed his wrestling career into becoming the live-action face of Mario in "The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!" died Wednesday at age of 76. The gruff-voiced actor who starred alongside Danny Wells as Nintendo's marquee plumber from Brooklyn popularized one of the only video game character-based dances on television as a footnote in his long entertainment career.
Albano died Wednesday, according to MTV News. WWE and Wrestler's Rescue, an organization that helps raise money for retired wrestlers' health care, said that he had been admitted to hospice care earlier this week, though the ultimate cause of death has not been revealed.
Albano's tenure on the "Super Show!" included memorable sketch segments leading into the program's cartoon series that hosted cameos by Magic Johnson, Sgt. Slaughter and "Baywatch" actress Nicole Eggert, among others. For cartoon-watching kids between 1989 and 1991, the show was a...
Albano died Wednesday, according to MTV News. WWE and Wrestler's Rescue, an organization that helps raise money for retired wrestlers' health care, said that he had been admitted to hospice care earlier this week, though the ultimate cause of death has not been revealed.
Albano's tenure on the "Super Show!" included memorable sketch segments leading into the program's cartoon series that hosted cameos by Magic Johnson, Sgt. Slaughter and "Baywatch" actress Nicole Eggert, among others. For cartoon-watching kids between 1989 and 1991, the show was a...
- 10/14/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.