Christopher Durang, a Tony Award-winning playwright who specialized in a particular form of brainy and absurdist comedy, has died. He was 75. The cause was complications from a form of dementia known as logopenic primary progressive aphasia, according to his husband John Augustine.
Durang was best known for writing 1979’s “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You,” a popular dissection of Catholic doctrine that was frequently staged, drawing occasional protests for its iconoclastic take on religion. A film version, starring Diane Keaton as the title character, aired on Showtime in 2001.
Another Durang play, 1981’s “Beyond Therapy,” which looked at Manhattanites who cope with romantic neurosis with the help of their psychiatrists, was also adapted for the screen by Robert Altman. Despite having a cast that included Glenda Jackson and Jeff Goldblum, critics excoriated the 1987 film as flat and unfunny. It was an opinion shared by Durang, who described it as...
Durang was best known for writing 1979’s “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You,” a popular dissection of Catholic doctrine that was frequently staged, drawing occasional protests for its iconoclastic take on religion. A film version, starring Diane Keaton as the title character, aired on Showtime in 2001.
Another Durang play, 1981’s “Beyond Therapy,” which looked at Manhattanites who cope with romantic neurosis with the help of their psychiatrists, was also adapted for the screen by Robert Altman. Despite having a cast that included Glenda Jackson and Jeff Goldblum, critics excoriated the 1987 film as flat and unfunny. It was an opinion shared by Durang, who described it as...
- 4/3/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
It's been 41 years since "Cheers" premiered, and 30 years since it's ended. Although other popular sitcoms like "The Bill Cosby Show" and "Newhart" gave it a run for its money, it's clear by now that "Cheers" has most effectively withstood the test of the time. When the average person thinks of '90s sitcoms, they think of "Friends" or "Seinfeld," but when you ask them to name a sitcom from the '80s, "Cheers" is almost always the first to come to mind.
It helps that so much of the "Cheers" cast has continued to have a major presence in pop culture long after the finale, even if they haven't all returned to the sheer height of popularity they had back in the '80s and early '90s. Even many of the actors who have passed away in the years since, like Kirstie Alley who died of stage four colon...
It helps that so much of the "Cheers" cast has continued to have a major presence in pop culture long after the finale, even if they haven't all returned to the sheer height of popularity they had back in the '80s and early '90s. Even many of the actors who have passed away in the years since, like Kirstie Alley who died of stage four colon...
- 10/26/2023
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Philo subscribers are used to thinking of the live TV streaming service as a “skinny” channel bundle, one with a breadth of excellent entertainment options like AMC, Hallmark Channel and Nickelodeon. But Philo is getting a little less skinny this week, as the service has announced adding nine new free ad-supported TV (Fast) channels to its lineup.
7-Day Free Trial $25 / month philo.com
The new channels join Philo’s selection of more than 70 live cable and Fast channels. Users will find these selections in the Philo guide. Other free TV available on Philo includes USA Today, RetroCrush, Cheddar News, Gusto, and Revry, as well as PlayersTV, Ryan and Friends, and pocket.watch.
The new Fast channels recently added to Philo include:
Cowboy Way: Embrace the cowboy culture with the Cowboy Way channel. Offering content that celebrates the modern-day cowboy and Americana lifestyle, this channel features original films and series like The Cowboy Way,...
7-Day Free Trial $25 / month philo.com
The new channels join Philo’s selection of more than 70 live cable and Fast channels. Users will find these selections in the Philo guide. Other free TV available on Philo includes USA Today, RetroCrush, Cheddar News, Gusto, and Revry, as well as PlayersTV, Ryan and Friends, and pocket.watch.
The new Fast channels recently added to Philo include:
Cowboy Way: Embrace the cowboy culture with the Cowboy Way channel. Offering content that celebrates the modern-day cowboy and Americana lifestyle, this channel features original films and series like The Cowboy Way,...
- 5/24/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Steven Felder, a producer who worked on hundreds of episodes of CSI and in various capacities on Miami Vice, FBI: Most Wanted, Reversal of Fortune and many other TV series and films, died February 19 of pneumonia.
A rep confirmed the death to Deadline. Felder’s age was not available.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Oliver Wood Dies: Cinematographer For 'Bourne' Films, 'Morbius', 'Miami Vice' & More Was 80 Related Story CBS Sets Global 'FBI' Crossover With 'Most Wanted' And 'International' Spinoffs
Felder began his career in film in the late 1970s, serving as second unit director on Jonathan Demme’s Last Embrace. He went on to work on features including Wolfen and Jumpin’ Jack Flash before pivoting to TV in the mid-’80s. Felder was first Ad or unit production manager on about two dozen episodes of NBC’s Miami Vice...
A rep confirmed the death to Deadline. Felder’s age was not available.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Oliver Wood Dies: Cinematographer For 'Bourne' Films, 'Morbius', 'Miami Vice' & More Was 80 Related Story CBS Sets Global 'FBI' Crossover With 'Most Wanted' And 'International' Spinoffs
Felder began his career in film in the late 1970s, serving as second unit director on Jonathan Demme’s Last Embrace. He went on to work on features including Wolfen and Jumpin’ Jack Flash before pivoting to TV in the mid-’80s. Felder was first Ad or unit production manager on about two dozen episodes of NBC’s Miami Vice...
- 2/23/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Endeavor Content is making a move in the unscripted TV space with the acquisition of Andrew Glassman’s Los Angeles-based production company Glassman Media. The company behind such non-scripted series as The Wall and Spin the Wheel, will continue to operate independently, with founder and President Andrew Glassman remaining in his role overseeing the company.
No financial details are being revealed but sources are pegging the value of the deal at more than $60 million. The pact was negotiated before Endeavor Content parent Endeavor’s push for an Ipo last month, which the company ultimately shelved.
“Andrew has created hit after hit of non-scripted series that have a unique ability to connect with audiences around the world,” said Endeavor Content Co-Presidents Chris Rice and Graham Taylor. “We are excited to partner with Andrew and see what innovative concept he comes up with next.”
Glassman Media created the Fox gameshow Spin the Wheel...
No financial details are being revealed but sources are pegging the value of the deal at more than $60 million. The pact was negotiated before Endeavor Content parent Endeavor’s push for an Ipo last month, which the company ultimately shelved.
“Andrew has created hit after hit of non-scripted series that have a unique ability to connect with audiences around the world,” said Endeavor Content Co-Presidents Chris Rice and Graham Taylor. “We are excited to partner with Andrew and see what innovative concept he comes up with next.”
Glassman Media created the Fox gameshow Spin the Wheel...
- 10/10/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s television roundup, ‘Castle Rock’ gets a new trailer and the “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” gang gets their own mobile game.
Dates
ABC, People, and Four M Studios will present “The Story of The Royals,” a two-night, four-hour prime-time television event documenting the lives of the British royal family. “The Story of The Royals: Part One” airs Wednesday, Aug. 22 from 9-11 p.m., and “The Story of The Royals: Part Two” will air Thursday, Aug. 23 from 9-11 p.m. Both parts will air on the ABC.
Netflix announced it will launch “Ghoul,” its first Indian original horror series, on Aug. 24. All three episodes will be available at the same time to over 125 million Netflix members in 190 countries. The show stars Radhika Apte and Manav Kaul and is directed by Patrick Graham. Watch the trailer here:
Insp has announced it will move its popular original series, “The Cowboy Way,...
Dates
ABC, People, and Four M Studios will present “The Story of The Royals,” a two-night, four-hour prime-time television event documenting the lives of the British royal family. “The Story of The Royals: Part One” airs Wednesday, Aug. 22 from 9-11 p.m., and “The Story of The Royals: Part Two” will air Thursday, Aug. 23 from 9-11 p.m. Both parts will air on the ABC.
Netflix announced it will launch “Ghoul,” its first Indian original horror series, on Aug. 24. All three episodes will be available at the same time to over 125 million Netflix members in 190 countries. The show stars Radhika Apte and Manav Kaul and is directed by Patrick Graham. Watch the trailer here:
Insp has announced it will move its popular original series, “The Cowboy Way,...
- 7/10/2018
- by Ellis Clopton
- Variety Film + TV
Fan favorite finalist Bubba Thompson from Cmt's "Sweet Home Alabama" has written a book about love, dating, and the uniquely debonaire ways of a real cowboy. But before you read the Alabama charmer's book, check out Bubba's answers to our "Survey Says" questions:
What is your current computer desktop picture?
Open sky -- there's nothing better to look at for the soul.
What would you want to be written on your tombstone?
He lived an honest life and knew how to "Cowboy Up."
Do you believe in karma?
The way you treat others is the most important thing in a cowboy's life. Honoring and respecting others, your faith, your animals and your land -- it all comes back to you as karma in the end. This is one of the main themes in my new book.
What was the last lie you told?
"I only had one beer."
Do you have any strange phobias?...
What is your current computer desktop picture?
Open sky -- there's nothing better to look at for the soul.
What would you want to be written on your tombstone?
He lived an honest life and knew how to "Cowboy Up."
Do you believe in karma?
The way you treat others is the most important thing in a cowboy's life. Honoring and respecting others, your faith, your animals and your land -- it all comes back to you as karma in the end. This is one of the main themes in my new book.
What was the last lie you told?
"I only had one beer."
Do you have any strange phobias?...
- 9/17/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The USA network is starting to get more real. The network announced that it is expanding its reality slate, ordering criminal defense "docu-soap" "Partners in Crime" to series and a pilot for high-stakes gaming show "All In." In addition, "The Cowboy Way," about cattle ranchers in Texas, is in development.
In announcing the new shows Oct. 25, Heather Olander, USA's senior vice president, alternative programming, said, "Our approach to reality storytelling is to showcase a broad spectrum of life's real characters. By partnering with these reality heavyweights, whose distinct voices have influenced the genre, we are offering audiences a new reason to engage with USA."
"Partners in Crime" features criminal defense attorney partners and best friends Mario Gallucci and his partner, "Big Lou" Gelormino, known for taking on infamous cases.
The focus of "All In" is winning handicapper Brandon Lang, who will offer an American family cash to use for high-stakes betting,...
In announcing the new shows Oct. 25, Heather Olander, USA's senior vice president, alternative programming, said, "Our approach to reality storytelling is to showcase a broad spectrum of life's real characters. By partnering with these reality heavyweights, whose distinct voices have influenced the genre, we are offering audiences a new reason to engage with USA."
"Partners in Crime" features criminal defense attorney partners and best friends Mario Gallucci and his partner, "Big Lou" Gelormino, known for taking on infamous cases.
The focus of "All In" is winning handicapper Brandon Lang, who will offer an American family cash to use for high-stakes betting,...
- 10/25/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The USA Network has expanded its reality slate by ordering the new reality legal show "Partners in Crime" to series and the gaming show "All In" to pilot. It is also developing "The Cowboy Way," about life on a cattle ranch. "Partners in Crime" is expected to debut next year, along with previously announced scripted series "The Moment" and "The Choir." Another show, "Bride or Best Man," will begin production on a pilot next month. "Our approach to reality storytelling is to showcase a broad spectrum of life's real characters," said Heather...
- 10/25/2012
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
A pair of real-life Suits will help USA Network expand its reality fare next year.
The network has ordered to series Partners in Crime, a “docu-soap” that follows criminal defense attorneys Mario Gallucci and Big Lou Gelormino. The series, which will chronicle the law partners’ big cases and dramatic family lives, is scheduled to debut in 2013.
Related | Pilot Scoop: Denis Leary’s USA Comedy Sirens Enlists Modern Family, Scrubs Actors
In addition, the cabler has greenlit a pilot for All In, a reality show that centers on unbelievably lucky handicapper Brandon Lang as he helps an unsuspecting family try to...
The network has ordered to series Partners in Crime, a “docu-soap” that follows criminal defense attorneys Mario Gallucci and Big Lou Gelormino. The series, which will chronicle the law partners’ big cases and dramatic family lives, is scheduled to debut in 2013.
Related | Pilot Scoop: Denis Leary’s USA Comedy Sirens Enlists Modern Family, Scrubs Actors
In addition, the cabler has greenlit a pilot for All In, a reality show that centers on unbelievably lucky handicapper Brandon Lang as he helps an unsuspecting family try to...
- 10/25/2012
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
USA Network continues its expansion into unscripted programming with a series order to Partners In Crime, pilot pickup of All In and a development deal for The Cowboy Way. “Our approach to reality storytelling is to showcase a broad spectrum of life’s real characters,” said Heather Olander, USA’s Svp Alternative Programming. Partners In Crime is a docu-soap featuring colorful criminal defense attorneys Mario Gallucci and partner Big Lou Gelormino, who have made a practice out of taking on infamous cases. They are not only partners in the courtroom, they’re best friends. They may bicker like brothers, but they wouldn’t miss getting together on Sunday night for a family dinner, complete with Mario’s specialty — spaghetti and buffalo chicken meatballs. Partners In Crime is produced by Peacock Prods, NBC News’ non-fiction production unit. All In stars Brandon Lang, one of the country’s winningest handicappers, who will...
- 10/25/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
USA Network is branching out in the world of unscripted. Partners in Crime, a docu-soap centered on one of the country's most colorful criminal defense attorneys, has been ordered to series; All In, centered on sports handicapper Brandon Lang, has been greenlit to pilot; and The Cowboy Way, about a group of Texas cattle ranch workers, is in development at USA. “Our approach to reality storytelling is to showcase a broad spectrum of life’s real characters,” said Heather Olander, svp alternative programming. “By partnering with these reality heavyweights, whose distinct voices have influenced the genre, we are offering
read more...
read more...
- 10/25/2012
- by Philiana Ng
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
They're practically the same age, with names so similar they give dyslexics seizures, and both have played love interests of Julia Roberts. But Dermot Mulroney and Dylan McDermott are not the same person. We swear.
The two actors have both had steady careers, with Mulroney sticking mostly to character roles on the big screen ("Zodiac," "J. Edgar") while McDermott found fame on the boob tube starring in hit shows like "The Practice," "Dark Blue" and Ryan Murphy's current FX series "American Horror Story."
What would happen if these two went toe-to-toe for nine electrifying rounds in our ring of pop culture minutiae? With McDermott set to join Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis on the election trail in "The Campaign" this week, there's no better time than the present.
Best Movie Role
Dermot Mulroney: Randall Hertzel, "About Schmidt" (2002)
Dylan McDermott: Secret Service Agent Al D'Andrea, "In the Line of Fire" (1993)
Advantage: Mulroney,...
The two actors have both had steady careers, with Mulroney sticking mostly to character roles on the big screen ("Zodiac," "J. Edgar") while McDermott found fame on the boob tube starring in hit shows like "The Practice," "Dark Blue" and Ryan Murphy's current FX series "American Horror Story."
What would happen if these two went toe-to-toe for nine electrifying rounds in our ring of pop culture minutiae? With McDermott set to join Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis on the election trail in "The Campaign" this week, there's no better time than the present.
Best Movie Role
Dermot Mulroney: Randall Hertzel, "About Schmidt" (2002)
Dylan McDermott: Secret Service Agent Al D'Andrea, "In the Line of Fire" (1993)
Advantage: Mulroney,...
- 8/8/2012
- by Max Evry
- NextMovie
Everett Woody Harrelson in “The Cowboy Way” (1994)
He refuses to take work calls on a cell phone. He doesn’t eat meat or smoke. Sometimes, he’ll drink caffeine. But one thing’s for sure, Woody Harrelson has perfect aim.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Harrelson took on the job of local paperboy. He found he had a knack for delivering the dailies, but when it came to collecting money, the 10-year-old Harrelson failed.
“It was very difficult being a paper boy.
He refuses to take work calls on a cell phone. He doesn’t eat meat or smoke. Sometimes, he’ll drink caffeine. But one thing’s for sure, Woody Harrelson has perfect aim.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Harrelson took on the job of local paperboy. He found he had a knack for delivering the dailies, but when it came to collecting money, the 10-year-old Harrelson failed.
“It was very difficult being a paper boy.
- 2/22/2012
- by Alexandra Cheney
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Variety shared an exclusive with the world centering upon actor Dylan McDermott. He’s his own brand of McDreamy, yes? He’s also gearing up for both television and film, making him a well rounded actor this year indeed.
In addition to signing the dotted line to act in the FX pilot American Horror Story from creator Ryan Murphy, he has two, count them, two films upcoming. One is called Nobody Walks, written by Lena Dunham and Ry Russo Young (and directed by Young). McDermott joins John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby and Jane Levy on the cast.
The other film is already a BoomTron topic of interest. It is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, for which Harry Potter‘s Emma Watson will portray the romantic lead.
Perks is a novel adaptation. It’ll come via Summit, yes, the Twilight studio.
“Perks of Being a Wallflower” will be helmed and penned by Stephen Chbosky,...
In addition to signing the dotted line to act in the FX pilot American Horror Story from creator Ryan Murphy, he has two, count them, two films upcoming. One is called Nobody Walks, written by Lena Dunham and Ry Russo Young (and directed by Young). McDermott joins John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby and Jane Levy on the cast.
The other film is already a BoomTron topic of interest. It is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, for which Harry Potter‘s Emma Watson will portray the romantic lead.
Perks is a novel adaptation. It’ll come via Summit, yes, the Twilight studio.
“Perks of Being a Wallflower” will be helmed and penned by Stephen Chbosky,...
- 5/13/2011
- by Sasha Nova
- Boomtron
Subject: Kiefer Sutherland, 43-year old Canadian actor
Date of Assessment: September 3, 2010
Positive Buzzwords: Humility, longevity, that voice
Negative Buzzwords: DUI, Marmaduke
The Case: So, how about that Brat Pack? Well, most of them (with the exception of the reprehensible, non-repentant Charlie Sheen and his trusty sidekick, Jon Cryer) have long since faded into oblivion. And then there's Kiefer Sutherland, whose status as an ancillary member may have been the key to escaping the curse that has plagued the formerly coveted group of actors. Nah, just kidding. As an performer, Kiefer's got actual talent, which he admittedly may have inherited from his father, Donald Sutherland; but Kiefer's never displayed any sense of entitlement and has fully earned his rightful place as an actor. In fact, Kiefer was so determined not to ride upon his surname that, way back when he first arrived in Hollywood, the guy lived in his car and...
Date of Assessment: September 3, 2010
Positive Buzzwords: Humility, longevity, that voice
Negative Buzzwords: DUI, Marmaduke
The Case: So, how about that Brat Pack? Well, most of them (with the exception of the reprehensible, non-repentant Charlie Sheen and his trusty sidekick, Jon Cryer) have long since faded into oblivion. And then there's Kiefer Sutherland, whose status as an ancillary member may have been the key to escaping the curse that has plagued the formerly coveted group of actors. Nah, just kidding. As an performer, Kiefer's got actual talent, which he admittedly may have inherited from his father, Donald Sutherland; but Kiefer's never displayed any sense of entitlement and has fully earned his rightful place as an actor. In fact, Kiefer was so determined not to ride upon his surname that, way back when he first arrived in Hollywood, the guy lived in his car and...
- 9/3/2010
- by Agent Bedhead
We like to blame stars and directors, more times than not, for the direction that Hollywood has taken in recent years, toward the proliferation of sequels, remakes, and movies based on toys, gum, rocks, and board games. But the reality is, stars don't often have the power alone to push a project through the production mill. Two of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Ben Stiller and Will Ferrell, proved that just this week in their unsuccessful attempts to get sequels to Zoolander and Anchorman made.
It's not the celebrities who wield the most power. It's the producers. And some of those producers are evil assholes. Here are the five most loathsome among them. They're the people behind the crap, and most people don't even know what they look like. I want to put a picture to their assholery. Hang their images on your dart boards while basking in the collective...
It's not the celebrities who wield the most power. It's the producers. And some of those producers are evil assholes. Here are the five most loathsome among them. They're the people behind the crap, and most people don't even know what they look like. I want to put a picture to their assholery. Hang their images on your dart boards while basking in the collective...
- 5/4/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
He's been acting for 30 years and recently even became part of a franchise (Dukes of Hazzard), but I would never think of Willie Nelson as a movie star. Yet the country music icon and star of 1980s Honeysuckle Rose has launched a production company called Luck Films, which will produce 3-5 films a year, many featuring Nelson and/or his music. Nelson isn't going at this alone, though. Joining him are actor/producer Kerry Wallum, actor/filmmaker Norman Macera and producers Scott Macauley and David Von Roehm. According to Variety, each release will have a budget under $3 million.
The company's first movie, which I can't find any info on except that it will star Nelson and start shooting in May, is called The Dry Gulch Kid. The next, titled Shoot Out of Luck, will feature Nelson and Randall 'Tex' Cobb as sideshow cowboys who "tangle" with the mob for a...
The company's first movie, which I can't find any info on except that it will star Nelson and start shooting in May, is called The Dry Gulch Kid. The next, titled Shoot Out of Luck, will feature Nelson and Randall 'Tex' Cobb as sideshow cowboys who "tangle" with the mob for a...
- 3/18/2010
- by Christopher Campbell
- Cinematical
There's no shortage of songs that get overused on the big and small screen, and whether the result of unimaginative hacks or some ill-conceived notion of what audiences want (uninformed hacks), it's always baffling. Staples like "The Way You Look Tonight," "Let's Get It On" and James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" should never be heard in a film again. Then there are songs that have been so overused they should never be heard again, period. Bad to begin with, mindless garbage like "Takin' Care Of Business" and "Walking on Sunshine" are musical trans fats -- artificial, monetized and bad for society, they should be banned as such.
Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is a different sort of song altogether. It's far from bad, nor is it really a staple that's overplayed its welcome. In fact, it should be acknowledged, once the mind's cleared of the cynicism wrought by overexposure,...
Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is a different sort of song altogether. It's far from bad, nor is it really a staple that's overplayed its welcome. In fact, it should be acknowledged, once the mind's cleared of the cynicism wrought by overexposure,...
- 4/2/2009
- by Brandon Kim
- ifc.com
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