The Simpsons voice actor Hank Azaria is launching a Bruce Springsteen tribute band.
Dubbed Hank Azaria & The Ez Street Band, the act is set to make its debut on August 1st at the Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Four Through Nine Foundation, which is committed to social justice, education and recovery causes. Tickets are now on sale.
A press release promises a “setlist packed with Springsteen classics and deep cuts, delivered with Azaria’s unique flair and the band’s top-notch musicianship.”
“I’ve never worked harder preparing for any role than I did in perfecting a singing vocal impression of Bruce,” Azaria said in a statement. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my time and use my passion for voices than playing these songs for a crowd that loves them and lovingly tribute Bruce, while raising...
Dubbed Hank Azaria & The Ez Street Band, the act is set to make its debut on August 1st at the Le Poisson Rouge in New York City. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Four Through Nine Foundation, which is committed to social justice, education and recovery causes. Tickets are now on sale.
A press release promises a “setlist packed with Springsteen classics and deep cuts, delivered with Azaria’s unique flair and the band’s top-notch musicianship.”
“I’ve never worked harder preparing for any role than I did in perfecting a singing vocal impression of Bruce,” Azaria said in a statement. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my time and use my passion for voices than playing these songs for a crowd that loves them and lovingly tribute Bruce, while raising...
- 5/23/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
The cantankerous barkeep Moe Szyslak (Hank Azaria), the overseer of Springfield's most depressing dive bar, first appeared in the pilot for "The Simpsons" serving multiple beers to Homer (Dan Castellaneta), a functional alcoholic. Moe was the worst kind of barkeeper, unwilling or unable to make his bar much better than a local watering hole, and eager to crack out a shotgun when the going got rough. Moe, however, is not above celebrating the successes of his clientele. When Homer and his wife Marge (Julie Kavner) reconcile in the bar, Moe announces that, for the next 15 minutes, everyone gets a third off every pitcher.
The writers of "The Simpsons" began dropping hints as to Moe's inner life. In one episode, he is seen taking a naturalization test, implying that he immigrated. In another, Moe is seen hiding an orca in the back of his bar for reasons that are never adequately explained.
The writers of "The Simpsons" began dropping hints as to Moe's inner life. In one episode, he is seen taking a naturalization test, implying that he immigrated. In another, Moe is seen hiding an orca in the back of his bar for reasons that are never adequately explained.
- 5/20/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Harry Shearer has voiced dozens of characters on Fox’s “The Simpsons,” from Mr. Burns to Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner, but he was replaced as the voice of Springfield physician Dr. Hibbert when producers of the show vowed in 2020 to no longer have white actors voice characters of color. Shearer recently reflected on the change during an interview with The Times of London.
“Folk say the show has become woke in recent years and one of my characters has been affected,” Shearer said. “I voiced the Black physician, Dr. Hibbert, who I based on Bill Cosby. Back then he was known as the ‘whitest Black man on television.’ Then, a couple of years ago, I received an email saying they’d employed a Black actor, who then copied my voice. The result is a Black man imitating a white man imitating the whitest Black man on TV.”
Shearer appeared to question his re-casting,...
“Folk say the show has become woke in recent years and one of my characters has been affected,” Shearer said. “I voiced the Black physician, Dr. Hibbert, who I based on Bill Cosby. Back then he was known as the ‘whitest Black man on television.’ Then, a couple of years ago, I received an email saying they’d employed a Black actor, who then copied my voice. The result is a Black man imitating a white man imitating the whitest Black man on TV.”
Shearer appeared to question his re-casting,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Al Pacino has worked very hard to craft a reputation in Hollywood that very few have managed to get. Having starred in more masterpieces than perhaps anyone in the history of cinema, he is one of the greatest actors of all time. This title, of course, did not come easy, as the actor is known for having some very unique habits that help him get into the minds of his characters.
Al Pacino in Scarface
He is known for being very erratic and unpredictable when put in front of a camera. So much so, that no take will ever be the same with Pacino. His co-star in his 1995 film, Heat, Hank Azaria, revealed exactly this in a recent post. The actor revealed that the iconic scene of him being yelled at by Al Pacino was unscripted.
Suggested“Why did I pick him? Why him?”: Al Pacino Almost Got Himself...
Al Pacino in Scarface
He is known for being very erratic and unpredictable when put in front of a camera. So much so, that no take will ever be the same with Pacino. His co-star in his 1995 film, Heat, Hank Azaria, revealed exactly this in a recent post. The actor revealed that the iconic scene of him being yelled at by Al Pacino was unscripted.
Suggested“Why did I pick him? Why him?”: Al Pacino Almost Got Himself...
- 2/24/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
In 1997, the Screen Actors Guild award for best ensemble in a motion picture was expected to go to a “serious” nominee like The English Patient (which would go on to win the best picture Oscar), Sling Blade or Marvin’s Room (boasting a cast including Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio). But The Birdcage swooped in for a surprise win.
Producer-director Mike Nichols and writer Elaine May had adapted the film from the French stage farce La Cage Aux Folles, moving the story of a gay couple who own a nightclub in Saint-Tropez to Miami, where Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, as Armand and Albert Goldman, become increasingly stressed out when Armand’s son, Val (Dan Futterman), comes to visit with his fiancée (Calista Flockhart) and her ultraconservative parents. The cast is rounded out by Hank Azaria as the Goldmans’ housekeeper, Christine Baranski as Val’s mother and Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest as Republican Sen.
Producer-director Mike Nichols and writer Elaine May had adapted the film from the French stage farce La Cage Aux Folles, moving the story of a gay couple who own a nightclub in Saint-Tropez to Miami, where Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, as Armand and Albert Goldman, become increasingly stressed out when Armand’s son, Val (Dan Futterman), comes to visit with his fiancée (Calista Flockhart) and her ultraconservative parents. The cast is rounded out by Hank Azaria as the Goldmans’ housekeeper, Christine Baranski as Val’s mother and Gene Hackman and Dianne Wiest as Republican Sen.
- 12/29/2023
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Matthew Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” the Los Angeles medical examiner announced Friday.
According to the autopsy report obtained by Rolling Stone, the “high levels of ketamine” found in Perry’s blood at the time of his death likely resulted in the Friends actor lapsing “into unconsciousness,” which in turn caused him to drown. Coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects were also cited as contributing conditions in Perry’s death at the age of 54.
The autopsy report also noted that Perry had a “history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema,...
According to the autopsy report obtained by Rolling Stone, the “high levels of ketamine” found in Perry’s blood at the time of his death likely resulted in the Friends actor lapsing “into unconsciousness,” which in turn caused him to drown. Coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects were also cited as contributing conditions in Perry’s death at the age of 54.
The autopsy report also noted that Perry had a “history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Matthew Perry’s sudden death at the end of October stunned the entertainment world and sent both fans and celebrities into deep mourning. Perry’s Friends co-stars issued a joint statement and were on hand for his private funeral. Other celebrities have stepped forward to share their memories of Perry, too. Hank Azaria revealed that he largely credits Matthew Perry with getting him started on his sobriety journey.
Hank Azaria credits Matthew Perry with helping him get sober
Mad About You star Hank Azaria is mourning the loss of Matthew Perry along with the world and opening up about his own experience with the troubled actor. Azaria shared his thoughts on Instagram. He revealed that Perry was one of the first people he met when he moved to Los Angeles. Despite Azaria being five years older than Perry, they became friends. He went on to reveal that Perry brought him...
Hank Azaria credits Matthew Perry with helping him get sober
Mad About You star Hank Azaria is mourning the loss of Matthew Perry along with the world and opening up about his own experience with the troubled actor. Azaria shared his thoughts on Instagram. He revealed that Perry was one of the first people he met when he moved to Los Angeles. Despite Azaria being five years older than Perry, they became friends. He went on to reveal that Perry brought him...
- 11/8/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The cause of Matthew Perry’s death will require additional investigation by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, which listed his cause of death as “deferred” in an update of its record for the actor on Sunday.
Experts told the New York Times that it could take weeks or months to complete a toxicology screening and examine other evidence. Detectives from the Robbery Homicide division have launched a preliminary investigation due to Perry’s “celebrity status.” LAPD Capt. Scot Williams, who leads the division, told Rolling Stone that...
Experts told the New York Times that it could take weeks or months to complete a toxicology screening and examine other evidence. Detectives from the Robbery Homicide division have launched a preliminary investigation due to Perry’s “celebrity status.” LAPD Capt. Scot Williams, who leads the division, told Rolling Stone that...
- 10/31/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer are remembering their Friends co-star Matthew Perry, who died Saturday at age 54.
The quintet released a joint statement Monday.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” they said in their statement. “We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
The message was signed by all five of Perry’s co-stars: Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc and Schwimmer.
Perry, who played the sweet and snarky Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom, died in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home,...
The quintet released a joint statement Monday.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” they said in their statement. “We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
The message was signed by all five of Perry’s co-stars: Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc and Schwimmer.
Perry, who played the sweet and snarky Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom, died in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home,...
- 10/30/2023
- by Carly Thomas and Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hank Azaria paid tribute to his good friend Matthew Perry, crediting the Friends star with helping him get sober, in a video shared on Instagram.
“The night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in,” recalled Azaria, who recurred on Friends. “The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together… I got to tell him this, as a sober person, he was so caring and giving and wise, and he totally helped me get sober. And, I really wish he could’ve found it in himself to stay with the sober life more consistently.”
Azaria recalled the first time he met Perry. Both were actors on the pilot Morning Maggie.
“Matthew was the first friend I made in Los Angeles. When I moved there, I was 21; he was 16,” the actor said.
“Matthew and I became really good friends and we were really more like brothers for a long time,...
“The night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in,” recalled Azaria, who recurred on Friends. “The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together… I got to tell him this, as a sober person, he was so caring and giving and wise, and he totally helped me get sober. And, I really wish he could’ve found it in himself to stay with the sober life more consistently.”
Azaria recalled the first time he met Perry. Both were actors on the pilot Morning Maggie.
“Matthew was the first friend I made in Los Angeles. When I moved there, I was 21; he was 16,” the actor said.
“Matthew and I became really good friends and we were really more like brothers for a long time,...
- 10/30/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Simpsons star Hank Azaria spoke about his long friendship with Matthew Perry and credited the late Friends actor with helping him get sober in a video shared on Instagram.
“The night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in,” said Azaria, who had a guest role on Friends across multiple seasons. “The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together… I got to tell him this, as a sober person, he was so caring and giving and wise, and he totally helped me get sober. And, I...
“The night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in,” said Azaria, who had a guest role on Friends across multiple seasons. “The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together… I got to tell him this, as a sober person, he was so caring and giving and wise, and he totally helped me get sober. And, I...
- 10/30/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Selma Blair, Shannen Doherty, Alyssa Milano, Justin Trudeau, Morgan Fairchild, Maggie Wheeler, Paget Brewster and Warner Bros. Television Studios are among those in Hollywood remembering Friends star Matthew Perry, who died at 54.
Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom, died Saturday in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright shared a joint statement with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining that they were shocked and deeply saddened by Perry’s passing.
“It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives,” the statement read. “He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the...
Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom, died Saturday in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright shared a joint statement with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining that they were shocked and deeply saddened by Perry’s passing.
“It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives,” the statement read. “He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the...
- 10/30/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The world was rocked this weekend by the passing of actor Matthew Perry, only 54 years old and best known for his role as "Chandler Bing" on "Friends" — the sitcom for which "popular" doesn't begin to describe its reputation. And yet, Perry could have missed out on the part that made him famous and ended up on the wrong side of a Hollywood "what-if" story. The actor recounted the close call in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," published in 2022 and written in a conversational (and occasionally vulgar) style.
Let's set the scene: It's 1994 and Perry has a part in a sitcom pilot. Not on "Friends," but on "L.A.X. 2194." You've probably never heard of it. It's a workplace comedy about baggage handlers at Los Angeles International Airport ... but set in the year 2194. The leads, draped in futuristic costumes right out of "Star Wars," would be handling the luggage of alien tourists.
Let's set the scene: It's 1994 and Perry has a part in a sitcom pilot. Not on "Friends," but on "L.A.X. 2194." You've probably never heard of it. It's a workplace comedy about baggage handlers at Los Angeles International Airport ... but set in the year 2194. The leads, draped in futuristic costumes right out of "Star Wars," would be handling the luggage of alien tourists.
- 10/29/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: This story contains spoilers from the fourth episode of HBO’s “The Idol,” titled “Stars Belong to the World,” now streaming on Max.
“There is some kinky-ass shit in this house,” says Destiny in the fourth episode of HBO’s “The Idol,” apparently assuming the role of this series’ viewers. “This shit is weird, scary shit.”
As the Weeknd’s Tedros tightens his grip on Lily-Rose Depp’s Jocelyn — both metaphorically and literally, with his hands around her waist in the studio — her managers, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Hank Azaria, plot to save their troubled client from the predatory nightclub mogul.
At the beginning of the episode, Destiny (Randolph) and Chaim (Azaria) run through Tedros’ rap sheet, which is full of violence and abuse charges. Oh, and his real name is Mauricio Costello Jackson.
So Destiny heads to the house to observe his streaming-age Manson Family...
“There is some kinky-ass shit in this house,” says Destiny in the fourth episode of HBO’s “The Idol,” apparently assuming the role of this series’ viewers. “This shit is weird, scary shit.”
As the Weeknd’s Tedros tightens his grip on Lily-Rose Depp’s Jocelyn — both metaphorically and literally, with his hands around her waist in the studio — her managers, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Hank Azaria, plot to save their troubled client from the predatory nightclub mogul.
At the beginning of the episode, Destiny (Randolph) and Chaim (Azaria) run through Tedros’ rap sheet, which is full of violence and abuse charges. Oh, and his real name is Mauricio Costello Jackson.
So Destiny heads to the house to observe his streaming-age Manson Family...
- 6/26/2023
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
With 750 episodes of The Simpsons aired – and who knows how many more in the pipeline – the iconic show has seen its share of controversies: people having a cow over Bart’s bad boy persona, then-president George H.W. Bush attacking the show for its lack of wholesomeness, and on and on through its 34-season history. But one of the biggest controversies arose over Indian Kwik-e-Mart proprietor Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, voiced by white actor Hank Azaria.
In 2020, Hank Azaria announced that he would stop voicing Apu, citing the racial insensitivity and stereotyping that had been pointed out for years, even being the subject of a documentary called The Problem with Apu. Stepping down from the role wasn’t easy for Azaria, who told The Independent, “On the one hand, I didn’t want to cave to so-called ‘PC pressure’ or ‘the woke mob’ – whatever you want to call it. On the other hand,...
In 2020, Hank Azaria announced that he would stop voicing Apu, citing the racial insensitivity and stereotyping that had been pointed out for years, even being the subject of a documentary called The Problem with Apu. Stepping down from the role wasn’t easy for Azaria, who told The Independent, “On the one hand, I didn’t want to cave to so-called ‘PC pressure’ or ‘the woke mob’ – whatever you want to call it. On the other hand,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
In “The Idol,” the Weeknd plays Tedros, a Svengali character who does not possess a heart of gold or maybe even a personality. Early in his appearance, he sidles up to Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn, the title character. He whispers something to her.
“Welcome to my little shithole.”
I don’t think he was talking about his acting chops, but one never knows.
If you’ve spent the past three weeks in a coma or on Mastodon, “The Idol” is this summer’s buzzy show with all the buzz being horrific. Much of the bile has concentrated on the creepiness both on and off the set and my friends, they ain’t kidding. By the time Abel Tesfaye appears, our heroine, a Britney stand-in, has survived the death of her mother, flagging ticket sales, a possible psychotic break, and — this is not what I went to journalism school for — a social media bukkake scandal.
“Welcome to my little shithole.”
I don’t think he was talking about his acting chops, but one never knows.
If you’ve spent the past three weeks in a coma or on Mastodon, “The Idol” is this summer’s buzzy show with all the buzz being horrific. Much of the bile has concentrated on the creepiness both on and off the set and my friends, they ain’t kidding. By the time Abel Tesfaye appears, our heroine, a Britney stand-in, has survived the death of her mother, flagging ticket sales, a possible psychotic break, and — this is not what I went to journalism school for — a social media bukkake scandal.
- 6/5/2023
- by Stephen Rodrick
- Variety Film + TV
HBO’s upcoming series The Idol has gone through at least one major creative overhaul since it was announced, with co-creator Amy Seimetz leaving the show in April 2022. Euphoria’s Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) then took over as creators for the series, reshaping it to fit their vision and the version of the show set to premiere June 4, 2023.
We don’t know much about the series, other than HBO’s official logline that reads “After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s (Lily-Rose Depp) last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America. Her passions are reignited by Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest and darkest depths of her soul?”
Many details on The Idol’s characters, including their names,...
We don’t know much about the series, other than HBO’s official logline that reads “After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s (Lily-Rose Depp) last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America. Her passions are reignited by Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest and darkest depths of her soul?”
Many details on The Idol’s characters, including their names,...
- 6/4/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
Hank Azaria has built his career on two pillars: as a voice artist on “The Simpsons” and as a guest on a slew of hit shows from “Friends” to “Ray Donovan.” And with his recent turn on the fifth and final season of Amazon Prime Video’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Azaria has delivered another masterclass in guest-acting.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” follows Rachel Brosnahan as the titular Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who embarks on a career in stand-up comedy after her husband (Michael Zegen) leaves her. Over the show’s five seasons, she experiences the ups and downs of said career with the help of her manager, Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein). Toward the end of season five, Midge is closer to seeing her career truly take off as she works in TV after she is hired to write for “The Gordon Ford Show” in the season premiere. And that’s where Azaria comes in.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” follows Rachel Brosnahan as the titular Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who embarks on a career in stand-up comedy after her husband (Michael Zegen) leaves her. Over the show’s five seasons, she experiences the ups and downs of said career with the help of her manager, Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein). Toward the end of season five, Midge is closer to seeing her career truly take off as she works in TV after she is hired to write for “The Gordon Ford Show” in the season premiere. And that’s where Azaria comes in.
- 5/26/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
“The Idol” is the altar that Sam Levinson is willing to stake his career on.
At the Cannes Film Festival, Levinson, who co-created the HBO series with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, addressed the viral Rolling Stone report alleging the series was a disaster behind-the-scenes that glorified “torture porn.” The six-part limited series starring Lily-Rose Depp and Tesfaye hosted its Cannes premiere on May 22, where Levinson and the cast slammed the rumors of on-set chaos.
“We know we are making a show that is provocative. It is not lost on us, but it’s an odd one,” Levinson said during the festival press conference. “Because when my wife read me the article, I told her, ‘I think we are about to have the biggest show of the summer.’ In terms of the specifics of what was in it, it just felt completely foreign to me. But I know who I am.
At the Cannes Film Festival, Levinson, who co-created the HBO series with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, addressed the viral Rolling Stone report alleging the series was a disaster behind-the-scenes that glorified “torture porn.” The six-part limited series starring Lily-Rose Depp and Tesfaye hosted its Cannes premiere on May 22, where Levinson and the cast slammed the rumors of on-set chaos.
“We know we are making a show that is provocative. It is not lost on us, but it’s an odd one,” Levinson said during the festival press conference. “Because when my wife read me the article, I told her, ‘I think we are about to have the biggest show of the summer.’ In terms of the specifics of what was in it, it just felt completely foreign to me. But I know who I am.
- 5/23/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd explored the dark side of celebrity in the Cannes press conference for HBO’s controversial sexy pop star drama series The Idol, after the world premiere of the first two episodes of the limited series at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night.
Depp stars in The Idol as Jocelyn, a Britney Spears-like rags-to-riches pop star in crisis after the death of her mother. To make matters worse, a former lover has posted an explicit photo of her online, further damaging her reputation. In her vulnerable state, she gets seduced by Tedros, a charismatic leader of an Nxivm-like cult, played by Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye in his TV acting debut.
Tesfaye, who co-created The Idol with Euphoria creator Levinson and Reza Fahim, was joined by Depp, Levinson and several of the series’ co-stars, including Hank Azaria and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who play Jocelyn’s...
Depp stars in The Idol as Jocelyn, a Britney Spears-like rags-to-riches pop star in crisis after the death of her mother. To make matters worse, a former lover has posted an explicit photo of her online, further damaging her reputation. In her vulnerable state, she gets seduced by Tedros, a charismatic leader of an Nxivm-like cult, played by Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye in his TV acting debut.
Tesfaye, who co-created The Idol with Euphoria creator Levinson and Reza Fahim, was joined by Depp, Levinson and several of the series’ co-stars, including Hank Azaria and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who play Jocelyn’s...
- 5/23/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hank Azaria has previously expressed his regret for playing the character Apu in The Simpsons, with a stereotypical Indian accent.
Now he has revealed that he was “afraid” to appear in the 2017 documentary The Trouble With Apu, where Indian comedian Harry Kondabolu called out all the problems with the depiction, including the real life mockery of Indian people it had helped perpetuate.
“I was really freaked out,” Azaria revealed on the NPR podcast Code Switch, which also had Kondabolu as a guest, explaining why he turned down the offer to appear in the doc. “I don’t know if I would have felt safe to have the conversation privately, let alone roll them, you know, we’re going to record it.”
Azaria added that he was grateful for the comedian to have brought him to the topic, saying, “I’m so grateful for having – for Hari, you pushing – dragging me and pushing me…...
Now he has revealed that he was “afraid” to appear in the 2017 documentary The Trouble With Apu, where Indian comedian Harry Kondabolu called out all the problems with the depiction, including the real life mockery of Indian people it had helped perpetuate.
“I was really freaked out,” Azaria revealed on the NPR podcast Code Switch, which also had Kondabolu as a guest, explaining why he turned down the offer to appear in the doc. “I don’t know if I would have felt safe to have the conversation privately, let alone roll them, you know, we’re going to record it.”
Azaria added that he was grateful for the comedian to have brought him to the topic, saying, “I’m so grateful for having – for Hari, you pushing – dragging me and pushing me…...
- 4/29/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Hank Azaria and Hari Kondabolu are finally getting a chance to have a public conversation about the latter’s documentary The Problem With Apu.
During an episode of NPR’s podcast Code Switch, Azaria joined Kondabolu to discuss the comedian and writer’s 2017 project that criticized the Simpsons character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon as a South Asian stereotype and called out the fact that a white actor voiced him. Azaria had voiced the Kwik-e-Mart employee since the long-running comedy’s first season before announcing in early 2020 that he would no longer portray the character. The show has not recast the role.
Kondabolu told Azaria that he had wanted to have him appear in the truTV documentary in the hopes that this would discourage angry reactions to the film, in addition to giving the discussion closure. Kondabolu recalled feeling upset when the actor opted against appearing in The Problem With Apu, which Kondabolu wrote and Michael Melamedoff directed.
During an episode of NPR’s podcast Code Switch, Azaria joined Kondabolu to discuss the comedian and writer’s 2017 project that criticized the Simpsons character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon as a South Asian stereotype and called out the fact that a white actor voiced him. Azaria had voiced the Kwik-e-Mart employee since the long-running comedy’s first season before announcing in early 2020 that he would no longer portray the character. The show has not recast the role.
Kondabolu told Azaria that he had wanted to have him appear in the truTV documentary in the hopes that this would discourage angry reactions to the film, in addition to giving the discussion closure. Kondabolu recalled feeling upset when the actor opted against appearing in The Problem With Apu, which Kondabolu wrote and Michael Melamedoff directed.
- 4/26/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With nearly 34 complete seasons and just under 750 episodes, The Simpsons holds the record for being the longest-running animated series, scripted primetime series and sitcom. And, as it goes, it is showing no signs of slowing down, with one of the show’s most prolific talents, Hank Azaria, saying The Simpsons has its sights set on season 40.
“I wonder about that, too,” Hank Azaria told People of The Simpsons’ run. “You know, we’re doing season 35 and 36. I would guess that it would probably go to 40. It seems to be doing well.” While Azaria specifically cites season 40, there’s a feeling he means it will go to at least 40. “Whatever the standards are now, we seem to be doing well. People still enjoy making it. They seem to want the show. So I imagine we keep going. The voices don’t really age. So we can keep doing it. And the animation doesn’t age.
“I wonder about that, too,” Hank Azaria told People of The Simpsons’ run. “You know, we’re doing season 35 and 36. I would guess that it would probably go to 40. It seems to be doing well.” While Azaria specifically cites season 40, there’s a feeling he means it will go to at least 40. “Whatever the standards are now, we seem to be doing well. People still enjoy making it. They seem to want the show. So I imagine we keep going. The voices don’t really age. So we can keep doing it. And the animation doesn’t age.
- 4/23/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Mad About You might have sharply focused on the relationship between Paul and Jamie Buchman, but those closest to the couple were integral to the show’s success. Paul and Jamie’s friends and family made regular appearances. Those appearances wove a rich tapestry of interconnected storylines that made the show special. Jamie’s best friend and former boss, Fran Devanow, portrayed by Leila Kenzle, was an important fixture in the original series. Jamie’s sister, Lisa Stemple, and Paul’s cousin, Ira Buchman, were equally important. Lis and Ira both returned for the 2019 reboot. Fran, however, was nowhere to be found. There was a good reason for that. Leila Kenzle retired from acting after Mad About You.
Fran Devanow and Jamie Buchman | Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank Leila Kenzle found a new career following the success of ‘Mad About You’
Fans of the series felt Kenzle’s absence...
Fran Devanow and Jamie Buchman | Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank Leila Kenzle found a new career following the success of ‘Mad About You’
Fans of the series felt Kenzle’s absence...
- 4/19/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Longtime “Simpsons” voice Hank Azaria, Broadway superstar Sutton Foster, Darren Criss, Danny Strong, Sean Gunn and David Paymer will be featured as guest stars on the fifth and final season of the Prime Video hit “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” an Emmy juggernaut that raises the curtain on its last act with a three-episode premiere on April 14. The show will then roll out new episodes each Friday until the series finale on May 26, airing nine episodes in total.
Azaria has supplied the voice of more than 100 characters as part of the “Simpsons” vocal cast, also starring on the series “Brockmire” and “Huff” and poised to co-star on the new limited series “Hello Tomorrow!” opposite Billy Crudup. He’s a six-time Emmy winner. Foster is a Broadway stage dynamo who won Tony Awards for lead actress in a musical for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in 2002 and the revival of “Anything Goes” in 2011. She...
Azaria has supplied the voice of more than 100 characters as part of the “Simpsons” vocal cast, also starring on the series “Brockmire” and “Huff” and poised to co-star on the new limited series “Hello Tomorrow!” opposite Billy Crudup. He’s a six-time Emmy winner. Foster is a Broadway stage dynamo who won Tony Awards for lead actress in a musical for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in 2002 and the revival of “Anything Goes” in 2011. She...
- 4/6/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Hank Azaria, Sutton Foster, Darren Criss, Danny Strong and Sean Gunn will guest star on the fifth and final season of the Prime Video series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Amazon announced Thursday. David Paymer will also reprise his role as Harry Drake.
Season 5 premieres April 14 with a three-episode premiere. New episodes will be added each Friday until the series finale on May 26.
Tony-winning Broadway star Foster previously recorded “I Enjoy Being A Girl” for the third season of the series and starred in “Mrs. Maisel” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino’s ABC Family series “Bunheads.” Strong and Gunn both previously worked with Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino on “Gilmore Girls.”
David Paymer, Danny Strong, Sean Gunn (Getty Images)
Azaria most recently portrayed Apple CEO Tim Cook in Showtime’s “Super Pumped” and won an Emmy for his recurring role on “Ray Donovan.”
“Glee” alum Criss won an Emmy for his performance as killer...
Season 5 premieres April 14 with a three-episode premiere. New episodes will be added each Friday until the series finale on May 26.
Tony-winning Broadway star Foster previously recorded “I Enjoy Being A Girl” for the third season of the series and starred in “Mrs. Maisel” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino’s ABC Family series “Bunheads.” Strong and Gunn both previously worked with Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino on “Gilmore Girls.”
David Paymer, Danny Strong, Sean Gunn (Getty Images)
Azaria most recently portrayed Apple CEO Tim Cook in Showtime’s “Super Pumped” and won an Emmy for his recurring role on “Ray Donovan.”
“Glee” alum Criss won an Emmy for his performance as killer...
- 4/6/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Early on in Neil Labute’s “Out of the Blue,” a pair of James M. Cain novels get checked out by Diane Kruger’s cool, composed seductress at an elegant old library.
Unfortunately, the writer-director’s bid to evoke the murderous lust of hard-boiled staples “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity” is itself plenty checked out, a zipless exercise about as noirish as a commercial for household cleaning products.
Few careers are as mystifying in their longevity as Labute’s, whose empty misanthropy and gotcha dramatics across theater and movies were once the epitome of soured-soul indie cachet. His film career of late — whether directing his own screenplays or for-hire gigs — has been divorced from any meaningful expectations or promise or acclaim, but it’s still trudging along. “Out of the Blue,” which only ever feels tossed off, conjures the same head-scratching about its existence: If an adulterous...
Unfortunately, the writer-director’s bid to evoke the murderous lust of hard-boiled staples “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity” is itself plenty checked out, a zipless exercise about as noirish as a commercial for household cleaning products.
Few careers are as mystifying in their longevity as Labute’s, whose empty misanthropy and gotcha dramatics across theater and movies were once the epitome of soured-soul indie cachet. His film career of late — whether directing his own screenplays or for-hire gigs — has been divorced from any meaningful expectations or promise or acclaim, but it’s still trudging along. “Out of the Blue,” which only ever feels tossed off, conjures the same head-scratching about its existence: If an adulterous...
- 8/24/2022
- by Robert Abele
- The Wrap
After 27 years, the follow-up to “Heat” is almost here. Writer-director Michael Mann is releasing a continuation of his beloved crime epic on August 9 in the form of a novel, titled “Heat 2.” The book will trace the lives of master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) and obsessive detective Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) before and after the events of his 1995 film.
When asked who could play Lt. Hanna in a potential film adaptation of the sequel, Pacino made one suggestion that was met with bursting applause.
“Timothée Chalamet,” Pacino said on Friday night at the United Palace theater in Manhattan’s Washington Heights. “I mean, he’s a wonderful actor. Great looks.”
To commemorate the film’s 25th anniversary, the Tribeca Festival held a Q&a panel that featured vintage superstars Pacino and De Niro as well as longtime producer Art Linson. Moderated by journalist Bilge Ebiri, the conversation was...
When asked who could play Lt. Hanna in a potential film adaptation of the sequel, Pacino made one suggestion that was met with bursting applause.
“Timothée Chalamet,” Pacino said on Friday night at the United Palace theater in Manhattan’s Washington Heights. “I mean, he’s a wonderful actor. Great looks.”
To commemorate the film’s 25th anniversary, the Tribeca Festival held a Q&a panel that featured vintage superstars Pacino and De Niro as well as longtime producer Art Linson. Moderated by journalist Bilge Ebiri, the conversation was...
- 6/18/2022
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
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