John Aprea, a veteran character actor known for roles in films like The Godfather Part II and on television shows such as Full House, died on August 5 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83. Aprea’s long career spanned over 50 years in Hollywood.
Born in 1941 in New Jersey, Aprea began acting in New York City in the early 1960s before moving to Los Angeles. His breakthrough came in 1968 with a role in the hit film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen. This opened the door for many more roles in both film and television.
Perhaps Aprea’s most memorable role was as young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in The Godfather Part II in 1974. He described the role as the high point of his career. To prepare, Aprea reached out to actor Abe Vigoda, who played the older Tessio in the original The Godfather. Vigoda advised him simply to “have a good time.
Born in 1941 in New Jersey, Aprea began acting in New York City in the early 1960s before moving to Los Angeles. His breakthrough came in 1968 with a role in the hit film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen. This opened the door for many more roles in both film and television.
Perhaps Aprea’s most memorable role was as young Salvatore “Sal” Tessio in The Godfather Part II in 1974. He described the role as the high point of his career. To prepare, Aprea reached out to actor Abe Vigoda, who played the older Tessio in the original The Godfather. Vigoda advised him simply to “have a good time.
- 8/18/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
John Aprea has died. An actor on screens big and small since the late ‘60s, Aprea died with family by his side at his home in Los Angeles on Monday, August 5, Deadline confirmed via Aprea’s manager, Will Levine. He was 83.Born on March 4, 1941, in Englewood, N.J., Jonathan Aprea...
- 8/18/2024
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com
John Aprea has sadly passed away.
The actor, who played young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II and the father of John Stamos’ character on Full House, has died at 83, his manager confirmed.
He died August 5 of natural causes in Los Angeles, Will Levine confirmed to THR.
Keep reading to find out more…
The New Jersey-bred star also starred in Caged Heat, Crazy Mama and The Manchurian Candidate, as well as The Idolmaker and New Jack City, among other notable roles.
On TV, he appeared on the NBC soap opera Another World over a course of a decade starting in 1989.
He starred on NBC’s The Montefuscos as well in 1975. Later in life, he reprised his Full House role for the 2017 Netflix reboot.
Survivors include his third wife of over 25 years, Betsy, his daughter, Nicole, from a previous marriage to actress Ninon Aprea, and stepchildren Marika and Valentino.
Our...
The actor, who played young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II and the father of John Stamos’ character on Full House, has died at 83, his manager confirmed.
He died August 5 of natural causes in Los Angeles, Will Levine confirmed to THR.
Keep reading to find out more…
The New Jersey-bred star also starred in Caged Heat, Crazy Mama and The Manchurian Candidate, as well as The Idolmaker and New Jack City, among other notable roles.
On TV, he appeared on the NBC soap opera Another World over a course of a decade starting in 1989.
He starred on NBC’s The Montefuscos as well in 1975. Later in life, he reprised his Full House role for the 2017 Netflix reboot.
Survivors include his third wife of over 25 years, Betsy, his daughter, Nicole, from a previous marriage to actress Ninon Aprea, and stepchildren Marika and Valentino.
Our...
- 8/18/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
John Aprea, the actor known for his roles in The Godfather Part II and Full House, has died. He was 83.
According to his manager Will Levine, Aprea died of natural causes on Monday, Aug. 5 at his Los Angeles home, where he was surrounded by family.
Born March 4, 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea made his onscreen debut in 1968’s Bullitt, alongside Steve McQueen. He went on to one of his most memorable performances as Young Tessio in The Godfather Part II (1974) after auditioning to play Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola‘s original 1972 film.
Aprea once said working with Coppola and actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro was “the high point” of his career, adding, “I was surrounded by the best in The Godfather.”
John Aprea in a Matt Houston promo shot, 1982. (Getty Images)
He also appeared in such films as The Stepford Wives (1975), New Jack City (1991), The Game (1997), Dead Man on Campus...
According to his manager Will Levine, Aprea died of natural causes on Monday, Aug. 5 at his Los Angeles home, where he was surrounded by family.
Born March 4, 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey, Aprea made his onscreen debut in 1968’s Bullitt, alongside Steve McQueen. He went on to one of his most memorable performances as Young Tessio in The Godfather Part II (1974) after auditioning to play Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola‘s original 1972 film.
Aprea once said working with Coppola and actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro was “the high point” of his career, adding, “I was surrounded by the best in The Godfather.”
John Aprea in a Matt Houston promo shot, 1982. (Getty Images)
He also appeared in such films as The Stepford Wives (1975), New Jack City (1991), The Game (1997), Dead Man on Campus...
- 8/18/2024
- by Glenn Garner
- Deadline Film + TV
John Aprea, whose acting career landed him roles on “Godfather Part II” and “Full House,” died on Aug. 5 of natural causes in Los Angeles. He was 83.
His death was confirmed by Will Levine, Aprea’s manager.
Born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, N.J., Aprea spent part of his early years in Italy before his family resettled back in the States. In the early 1960s, he set out to pursue his passion, acting, enrolling in Joshua Shelley’s acting classes (who also taught Mia Farrow and Jon Voight) in New York. Eventually, he would land a role in the 1968 Steve McQueen classic film Bullitt, playing Killer.
After his splashy debut, Aprea found acting work on sets for the 1970s TV series “Mannix,” the 1970s film “The Grasshopper,” and Jonathan Demme’s 1974 feature, “Caged Heat.”
John’s career took off when he was cast as the young Tessio in Francis Ford Coppola...
His death was confirmed by Will Levine, Aprea’s manager.
Born in 1941 to Italian immigrants in Englewood, N.J., Aprea spent part of his early years in Italy before his family resettled back in the States. In the early 1960s, he set out to pursue his passion, acting, enrolling in Joshua Shelley’s acting classes (who also taught Mia Farrow and Jon Voight) in New York. Eventually, he would land a role in the 1968 Steve McQueen classic film Bullitt, playing Killer.
After his splashy debut, Aprea found acting work on sets for the 1970s TV series “Mannix,” the 1970s film “The Grasshopper,” and Jonathan Demme’s 1974 feature, “Caged Heat.”
John’s career took off when he was cast as the young Tessio in Francis Ford Coppola...
- 8/18/2024
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
John Aprea, the charismatic character actor who portrayed the young Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather Part II and the father of John Stamos’ character on Full House, has died. He was 83.
Aprea died Aug. 5 of natural causes in Los Angeles, his manager, Will Levine, announced.
The New Jersey native appeared for director Jonathan Demme in Caged Heat (1974), Crazy Mama (1975) and The Manchurian Candidate (2004), played the brother of Ray Sharkey’s up-and-coming music promoter in Taylor Hackford’s The Idolmaker (1980) and was a mob guy in Mario Van Peebles’ New Jack City (1991).
Aprea also played another crook, Lucas Castigliano, as well as a multimillionaire shipping magnate, Alexander Nikos, during two stints on the NBC soap opera Another World over a course of a decade (1989-98). Both characters ended up getting shot to death by women.
He starred as the patriarch of a multi-generational Italian American family on NBC’s The Montefuscos,...
Aprea died Aug. 5 of natural causes in Los Angeles, his manager, Will Levine, announced.
The New Jersey native appeared for director Jonathan Demme in Caged Heat (1974), Crazy Mama (1975) and The Manchurian Candidate (2004), played the brother of Ray Sharkey’s up-and-coming music promoter in Taylor Hackford’s The Idolmaker (1980) and was a mob guy in Mario Van Peebles’ New Jack City (1991).
Aprea also played another crook, Lucas Castigliano, as well as a multimillionaire shipping magnate, Alexander Nikos, during two stints on the NBC soap opera Another World over a course of a decade (1989-98). Both characters ended up getting shot to death by women.
He starred as the patriarch of a multi-generational Italian American family on NBC’s The Montefuscos,...
- 8/18/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor John Aprea, whose notable TV credits include Full House and Another World, died earlier this month. He was 83.
Aprea’s manager confirmed the news to TMZ on Sunday, saying he passed away on Aug. 7 at his Los Angeles home. A cause of death was not disclosed.
More from TVLinePhil Donahue, Legendary Talk Show Host, Dead at 88America's Got Talent Contestant Perry Kurtz Dead at 73Peter Marshall, Emmy-Winning Host of Hollywood Squares, Dead at 98
Aprea appeared on NBC’s Another World between 1989 and 1998, playing two characters: Lucas Castigliano and Alexander Nikos.
During his decades-long career, Aprea also played Manny Vasquez on Knots Landing,...
Aprea’s manager confirmed the news to TMZ on Sunday, saying he passed away on Aug. 7 at his Los Angeles home. A cause of death was not disclosed.
More from TVLinePhil Donahue, Legendary Talk Show Host, Dead at 88America's Got Talent Contestant Perry Kurtz Dead at 73Peter Marshall, Emmy-Winning Host of Hollywood Squares, Dead at 98
Aprea appeared on NBC’s Another World between 1989 and 1998, playing two characters: Lucas Castigliano and Alexander Nikos.
During his decades-long career, Aprea also played Manny Vasquez on Knots Landing,...
- 8/18/2024
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
Speculation is heating up on a potential 2024 remake of New Jack City being released on Netflix with Sterling K. Brown in the leading role.
Is 2024 New Jack City on Netflix Real or Fake?
Facebook user Destinee Fritch shared a poster for what appears to be a 2024 remake of the 1991 action/thriller movie New Jack City, this time as a series instead of a movie.
Read full article on The Direct.
Is 2024 New Jack City on Netflix Real or Fake?
Facebook user Destinee Fritch shared a poster for what appears to be a 2024 remake of the 1991 action/thriller movie New Jack City, this time as a series instead of a movie.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 8/10/2024
- by Richard Nebens
- The Direct
Put yourself in the shoes of Wesley Snipes, the then-reigning big screen champion, and imagine navigating the choppy waters of Tinseltown in the mid-1990s, when he made the bold decision to set the stage for an iconic Marvel superhero—Black Panther.
The actor, 61, riding high on the crest of monumental box-office successes, was not just any tempting fate; he was a visionary raising his wings and ready to soar into the frontiers of cinema. With a golden touch that turned films like New Jack City and White Men Can’t Jump into cinematic gold, Snipes aspired to simply overwhelm the audience—an ambition far ahead of its time.
Wesley Snipes in Jungle Fever (1991) | Universal Pictures
But when it came to bringing his vision for Black Panther to life, the actor had a daunting task ahead of him. The dream, while imbued with the potential to redefine superhero narratives, suffered...
The actor, 61, riding high on the crest of monumental box-office successes, was not just any tempting fate; he was a visionary raising his wings and ready to soar into the frontiers of cinema. With a golden touch that turned films like New Jack City and White Men Can’t Jump into cinematic gold, Snipes aspired to simply overwhelm the audience—an ambition far ahead of its time.
Wesley Snipes in Jungle Fever (1991) | Universal Pictures
But when it came to bringing his vision for Black Panther to life, the actor had a daunting task ahead of him. The dream, while imbued with the potential to redefine superhero narratives, suffered...
- 7/26/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Actor Denzel Washington has collaborated with several actors in his long career, including Law & Order:Svu star Ice-t.
While Ice-t is also a veteran actor himself, working with Washington was one of those rare instances when the rap star was starstruck.
How Denzel Washington helped Ice-t get into character Denzel Washington and Ice-t | Warner Brothers/Getty Images
Ice-t had already conquered the world of hip-hop in the mid to late 1980s. But at the start of the 1990s, the rap star would dip into acting. He played police officer Scotty Appleton in 1991’s cult classic New Jack City. It was a role he didn’t even audition for, but something he was offered on a whim.
“I got into acting kinda funny. I was in a club with some girl models when Mario Van Peebles walked over to me. He said ‘I want you to be in a movie’ and I was thinking,...
While Ice-t is also a veteran actor himself, working with Washington was one of those rare instances when the rap star was starstruck.
How Denzel Washington helped Ice-t get into character Denzel Washington and Ice-t | Warner Brothers/Getty Images
Ice-t had already conquered the world of hip-hop in the mid to late 1980s. But at the start of the 1990s, the rap star would dip into acting. He played police officer Scotty Appleton in 1991’s cult classic New Jack City. It was a role he didn’t even audition for, but something he was offered on a whim.
“I got into acting kinda funny. I was in a club with some girl models when Mario Van Peebles walked over to me. He said ‘I want you to be in a movie’ and I was thinking,...
- 7/3/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Bill Cobbs put in the time and the work. He was 90 years old when he passed away June 25 at his home in Riverside, California and leaves behind a career of over 200 screen credits, along with a number of theatrical performances. Born Wilbert Francisco Cobbs in Cleveland, Ohio circa 1934, a time and a place where a Black man wasn’t always assured his dignity and especially not his rights, Cobbs came into this world and grew at a moment where seeing himself on the big screen wasn’t exactly possible. Sure, there were exceptions with stereotypes played by Stepin Fetchit as well as the grandeur of Paul Robeson, but the idea of being an actor wasn’t one that came automatically for Cobbs. He tried his hand at music, spent eight years in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician and occasional stand-up comedian, sold cars, even worked at Ibm,...
- 6/27/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Sad news to report today as it has been confirmed that legendary character actor Bill Cobbs has died at the age of 90. The actor’s publicist, Chuck I. Jones, told TMZ that Cobbs passed away at his home in Riverside. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Cobbs leaves behind an incredible body of work, with memorable roles in movies such as The Hudsucker Proxy, The Bodyguard, That Thing You Do!, Ghosts of Mississippi, Night at the Museum, and so much more.
After serving for eight years in the U.S. Air Force, Cobbs sold cars and worked for Ibm before he decided to give acting a try. After appearing in various theater productions, he made his feature film debut in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. “I came back home to see my mom and dad, and all our friends and neighbors went to see the movie, and everyone was waiting for my appearance,...
After serving for eight years in the U.S. Air Force, Cobbs sold cars and worked for Ibm before he decided to give acting a try. After appearing in various theater productions, he made his feature film debut in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. “I came back home to see my mom and dad, and all our friends and neighbors went to see the movie, and everyone was waiting for my appearance,...
- 6/26/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Bill Cobbs, the convincing character actor who had pivotal turns in such films as The Hudsucker Proxy, Sunshine State and Night at the Museum, has died. He was 90.
Cobbs died Tuesday night at his home in Riverside, his publicist, Chuck I. Jones, told TMZ.
A native of Cleveland who excelled at comedy as well as drama, Cobbs portrayed Whitney Houston’s manager in The Bodyguard (1992), the older brother of Medgar Evers in Rob Reiner’s Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), a jazz pianist in Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do! (1996) and the Master Tinker, builder of the Tin Woodsman, in Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful (2013).
He also played the wise coach who put a basketball-playing dog into the Timberwolves lineup in Air Bud (1997).
On television, Cobbs stood out as the sardonic bartender The Dutchman on the Dabney Coleman-starring The Slap Maxwell Story, the bus driver Tony on The Drew Carey Show,...
Cobbs died Tuesday night at his home in Riverside, his publicist, Chuck I. Jones, told TMZ.
A native of Cleveland who excelled at comedy as well as drama, Cobbs portrayed Whitney Houston’s manager in The Bodyguard (1992), the older brother of Medgar Evers in Rob Reiner’s Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), a jazz pianist in Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do! (1996) and the Master Tinker, builder of the Tin Woodsman, in Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful (2013).
He also played the wise coach who put a basketball-playing dog into the Timberwolves lineup in Air Bud (1997).
On television, Cobbs stood out as the sardonic bartender The Dutchman on the Dabney Coleman-starring The Slap Maxwell Story, the bus driver Tony on The Drew Carey Show,...
- 6/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tubi, Fox’s free streaming service, has announced its list of May titles. The May 2024 slate features new Tubi Originals as well as numerous action, art house, Black cinema, comedy, documentary, drama, horror, kids and family, romance, sci-fi and fantasy, thriller, and Western titles.
As a leading ad-supported video-on-demand service, Tubi engages diverse audiences through a personalized experience and the world’s largest content library, which includes over 200,000 movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of Tubi Originals, and nearly 250 Fast channels.
You can watch the Tubi May 2024 lineup for free on Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max, Comcast Xfinity X1, and Cox Contour.
You can also watch the service on connected television devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Vizio TVs, Sony TVs, Samsung TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and on the Tubi site.
Tubi Originals
Action...
As a leading ad-supported video-on-demand service, Tubi engages diverse audiences through a personalized experience and the world’s largest content library, which includes over 200,000 movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of Tubi Originals, and nearly 250 Fast channels.
You can watch the Tubi May 2024 lineup for free on Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max, Comcast Xfinity X1, and Cox Contour.
You can also watch the service on connected television devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Vizio TVs, Sony TVs, Samsung TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and on the Tubi site.
Tubi Originals
Action...
- 4/17/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Mario Van Peebles has been tapped to direct “That’ll Be the Day,” the story of how Buddy Holly and other musicians of the late 1950s helped give birth to rock ‘n’ roll and influence the wider societal and cultural landscape, including the civil rights movement.
Music has been central to much of Van Peebles’ work, from his 1991 gangster movie “New Jack City” to his work on “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” which he co-executive produced for Hulu. Van Peebles is currently writing a musical stage tribute to his father Melvin Van Peebles, to be performed at New York City’s Lincoln Center later this year.
“America’s tumultuous cultural melting pot has produced transcendent musical talent, including Buddy Holly, who was our first bad ass rock ’n’ roll nerd,” Van Peebles said in a statement.
His 2003 docudrama “Baadasssss!” pays homage to his father’s groundbreaking film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” His latest film,...
Music has been central to much of Van Peebles’ work, from his 1991 gangster movie “New Jack City” to his work on “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” which he co-executive produced for Hulu. Van Peebles is currently writing a musical stage tribute to his father Melvin Van Peebles, to be performed at New York City’s Lincoln Center later this year.
“America’s tumultuous cultural melting pot has produced transcendent musical talent, including Buddy Holly, who was our first bad ass rock ’n’ roll nerd,” Van Peebles said in a statement.
His 2003 docudrama “Baadasssss!” pays homage to his father’s groundbreaking film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” His latest film,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Tubi’s upcoming titles for April include five new Tubi Originals:
YA comedy Crushed, starring Bebe Wood Two titles timed to the 110th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking – a documentary, Mysteries From The Grave: The Titanic, and a horror film, Titanic 666, starring AnnaLynne McCord (“90210”), Keesha Sharp (“Empire”) and Jamie Bamber (“Battlestar Galactica”) Action movie Lord Of The Streets, featuring
Mma stars Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Anderson Silva.
The action sci-fi film Corrective Measures, starring Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”), Bruce Willis (“The Sixth Sense”) and Tom Cavanaugh (“The Flash”)
Unless otherwise noted, all titles below will begin streaming on April 1.
Tubi Originals
Crushed – 4/1 – After the hottest guy in school likes her Instagram photo, a high-achieving, high-strung high school girl carries out totally crazy schemes to hook up with him before the senior class trip ends. But things spiral when her obsession gets out of control.
Mysteries From...
YA comedy Crushed, starring Bebe Wood Two titles timed to the 110th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking – a documentary, Mysteries From The Grave: The Titanic, and a horror film, Titanic 666, starring AnnaLynne McCord (“90210”), Keesha Sharp (“Empire”) and Jamie Bamber (“Battlestar Galactica”) Action movie Lord Of The Streets, featuring
Mma stars Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Anderson Silva.
The action sci-fi film Corrective Measures, starring Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”), Bruce Willis (“The Sixth Sense”) and Tom Cavanaugh (“The Flash”)
Unless otherwise noted, all titles below will begin streaming on April 1.
Tubi Originals
Crushed – 4/1 – After the hottest guy in school likes her Instagram photo, a high-achieving, high-strung high school girl carries out totally crazy schemes to hook up with him before the senior class trip ends. But things spiral when her obsession gets out of control.
Mysteries From...
- 4/1/2024
- by Stephen Nepa
- Age of the Nerd
The NCIS cast introduces the father of Agent Jessica Knight during the March 25 episode.
Special Agent in Charge Feng Zhao finally appears, with the powerful man set to share screen time with Dr. Jimmy Palmer.
Jimmy and Jessica have been in a relationship for a while now, all while dealing with the complications of working together.
Investigations are the family business for the Knight family, so Jessica has had a lot to live up to. And Jimmy is keenly aware of this.
The NCIS producers did a great job bringing on someone who could play a strong father figure and command immediate respect.
Feng Zhao is introduced on NCIS Season 21, Episode 5. The episode is called The Plan and debuts on Monday, March 25 at 9/8c.
Who plays Agent Knight’s father on the NCIS cast?
Russell Wong plays Special Agent in Charge Feng Zhao on the NCIS cast.
He might be...
Special Agent in Charge Feng Zhao finally appears, with the powerful man set to share screen time with Dr. Jimmy Palmer.
Jimmy and Jessica have been in a relationship for a while now, all while dealing with the complications of working together.
Investigations are the family business for the Knight family, so Jessica has had a lot to live up to. And Jimmy is keenly aware of this.
The NCIS producers did a great job bringing on someone who could play a strong father figure and command immediate respect.
Feng Zhao is introduced on NCIS Season 21, Episode 5. The episode is called The Plan and debuts on Monday, March 25 at 9/8c.
Who plays Agent Knight’s father on the NCIS cast?
Russell Wong plays Special Agent in Charge Feng Zhao on the NCIS cast.
He might be...
- 3/25/2024
- by Ryan DeVault
- Monsters and Critics
Plot: 1908. Chief (Mario Van Peebles) returns from years of hiding in Mexico to claim stolen reparations gold hidden in the hills of Montana but is chased by Angel (William Mapother), whose rationale to the gold leaves a trail of dead bodies.
Review: Mario Van Peebles is in the enviable position of being a writer, director and actor who can make the kinds of movies he wants with the people he wants. He was able to gain recognition on his own merit, outside of his father’s work, as he appeared in films like Heartbreak Ridge with Clint Eastwood, Ali with Will Smith, as well as cult classics like Gunmen which co-stars Christopher Lambert. He would work with him again in Lambert’s franchise sequel, Highlander: The Final Dimension. Plus, Van Peebles would gain acclaim as a director with the films he’s pulled double duty on — such titles as New Jack City...
Review: Mario Van Peebles is in the enviable position of being a writer, director and actor who can make the kinds of movies he wants with the people he wants. He was able to gain recognition on his own merit, outside of his father’s work, as he appeared in films like Heartbreak Ridge with Clint Eastwood, Ali with Will Smith, as well as cult classics like Gunmen which co-stars Christopher Lambert. He would work with him again in Lambert’s franchise sequel, Highlander: The Final Dimension. Plus, Van Peebles would gain acclaim as a director with the films he’s pulled double duty on — such titles as New Jack City...
- 3/4/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Tubi has become an undeniable force in streaming. Now, the beloved free streamer is getting a facelift. The familiar logo and orange color scheme have been tossed in favor of a purple and yellow look. The great lineup of movies and TV shows will remain the same.
Watch Now Free TubiTV.com
The new look is rolling out slowly. You can see it on their website, but as of this writing, it’s not reflected in the Apple TV app, for example.
Nearly two-thirds of Tubi’s audience are cord-cutters or “cord nevers” - people who have never subscribed to cable. The service now has 200,000+ movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of exclusive originals, and over 250 live channels.
Related: 225+ Streaming Services You Can Try for Free ►
Unlike many of its free-streaming peers, Tubi offers a wide variety of top-quality entertainment. Users can watch films like “La La Land,” “Lawrence of Arabia,...
Watch Now Free TubiTV.com
The new look is rolling out slowly. You can see it on their website, but as of this writing, it’s not reflected in the Apple TV app, for example.
Nearly two-thirds of Tubi’s audience are cord-cutters or “cord nevers” - people who have never subscribed to cable. The service now has 200,000+ movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of exclusive originals, and over 250 live channels.
Related: 225+ Streaming Services You Can Try for Free ►
Unlike many of its free-streaming peers, Tubi offers a wide variety of top-quality entertainment. Users can watch films like “La La Land,” “Lawrence of Arabia,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Mario Van Peebles made a big mark on cinema following in his father’s footsteps, Melvin Van Peebles, to be a unique, prominent voice for the African-American community in cinema. He would make many appearances as an actor, including working with fellow gunslinger Clint Eastwood on Heartbreak Ridge, as the sword-wielding Kane in Highlander: The Final Dimension, and taking on the monumental task of portraying Malcolm X in the Michael Mann film, Ali. However, in 1991, New Jack City, which co-stars Ice-t, would put Van Peebles on the map as a director, and he would parlay his run with movies like Panther and the 1993 western film, Posse, in which he also starred.
Peeble returns to the Western genre in a semi-sequel to his 1993 movie that also sports an ensemble of impressive names. Outlaw Posse has Van Peebles working both in front and behind the camera again, and would even have him...
Peeble returns to the Western genre in a semi-sequel to his 1993 movie that also sports an ensemble of impressive names. Outlaw Posse has Van Peebles working both in front and behind the camera again, and would even have him...
- 2/27/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
A poster for a 2024 Netflix reboot of New Jack City starring Mahershala Ali is circulating online, leading many to wonder if the remake of the 1991 movie is real.
The original New Jack City starred Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown alongside a cast including Ice-t and Chris Rock, focusing on a gang, the Cash Money Brothers, in 1986 Harlem.
The gang is being investigated for its involvement in spreading what was then considered a new drug — crack cocaine.
Read full article on The Direct.
The original New Jack City starred Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown alongside a cast including Ice-t and Chris Rock, focusing on a gang, the Cash Money Brothers, in 1986 Harlem.
The gang is being investigated for its involvement in spreading what was then considered a new drug — crack cocaine.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 1/30/2024
- by Gillian Blum
- The Direct
Law & Order creator Dick Wolf welcomed Ice-t with open arms to his hit spin-off Svu. But upon meeting the executive, even gangster rapper Ice-t was taken back by Wolf’s presence.
Ice-t once revealed his first impressions on ‘Law & Order’ creator Dick Wolf Ice-t and Dick Wolf | Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Ice-t initially wanted to have little to do with television when he was first recruited for the series. He first got his start working with series creator Dick Wolf on the series New York Undercover. But doing television took some convincing, as Ice-t felt he was becoming too big of a movie star for the small screen.
“I had just come off of New Jack City in film, and didn’t need TV,” Ice-t told Variety not too long ago.
His stint in New York Undercover would eventually lead him to work with Wolf much longer in Svu.
Ice-t once revealed his first impressions on ‘Law & Order’ creator Dick Wolf Ice-t and Dick Wolf | Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Ice-t initially wanted to have little to do with television when he was first recruited for the series. He first got his start working with series creator Dick Wolf on the series New York Undercover. But doing television took some convincing, as Ice-t felt he was becoming too big of a movie star for the small screen.
“I had just come off of New Jack City in film, and didn’t need TV,” Ice-t told Variety not too long ago.
His stint in New York Undercover would eventually lead him to work with Wolf much longer in Svu.
- 1/26/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
All titles below begin streaming for free on January 1 unless otherwise noted:
Originals
Action
Prepare To Die
– 1/13-
A young man trains in the ways of martial arts to seek vengeance on the corrupt landowner who murdered his family.
Documentary
Vice News Presents: Epstein Didn’T Kill Himself
-1/17-
How the mysteries surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s life and death gave rise to a conspiracy theory that will never die.
Gone Before His Time: Kobe Bryant
-1/26-
Recount the achievements – some personal, some professional, and many halted – of an NBA legend before his untimely death.
TMZ No Bs: Hollywood’S Dumbest Moments
-1/31-
Join TMZ as they examine baffling & cringe worthy celebrity moments – Hollywood stars aren’t always the sharpest tools in the shed.
Horror
Where The Devil Roams
-1/5-
A family of murderous sideshow performers traverse the harsh conditions of Depression-era America in a bloody deal with the Devil.
Originals
Action
Prepare To Die
– 1/13-
A young man trains in the ways of martial arts to seek vengeance on the corrupt landowner who murdered his family.
Documentary
Vice News Presents: Epstein Didn’T Kill Himself
-1/17-
How the mysteries surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s life and death gave rise to a conspiracy theory that will never die.
Gone Before His Time: Kobe Bryant
-1/26-
Recount the achievements – some personal, some professional, and many halted – of an NBA legend before his untimely death.
TMZ No Bs: Hollywood’S Dumbest Moments
-1/31-
Join TMZ as they examine baffling & cringe worthy celebrity moments – Hollywood stars aren’t always the sharpest tools in the shed.
Horror
Where The Devil Roams
-1/5-
A family of murderous sideshow performers traverse the harsh conditions of Depression-era America in a bloody deal with the Devil.
- 1/12/2024
- by Stephen Nepa
- Age of the Nerd
Cord Jefferson wants to tell a quick story. It involves something that happened to a friend of his, although the writer-director of American Fiction is quick to point out that the incident in question could have easily happened to any number of Black creatives he knows, or for that matter, himself. This friend was an aspiring screenwriter who took a meeting with studio executives. They asked her what she was interested in doing. I want to write a rom-com, she answered. Maybe an erotic thriller. Great, they said. Love it.
- 12/24/2023
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Comedian Chris Rock wanted to work alongside Scarface star Al Pacino for the acclaimed project Scent of a Woman. But the role he pursued would later go to Chris O’ Donnell, which he felt was a mistake.
Chris Rock wasn’t allowed to audition for Al Pacino’s ‘Scent of a Woman’ Chris Rock | Christopher Polk/Getty Images
One of O’ Donnell’s breakthrough roles came from Scent of a Woman. The young actor at the time played a college student taking care of Al Pacino’s character for some extra money. The movie was both commercially and critically successful, putting O’ Donnell on the map and earning Pacino an Academy Award. But before O’ Donnell, Rock showed interest in the role. He didn’t get it, which he felt showed a lack of vision on the film’s part.
“There was a little bit of talk about me playing...
Chris Rock wasn’t allowed to audition for Al Pacino’s ‘Scent of a Woman’ Chris Rock | Christopher Polk/Getty Images
One of O’ Donnell’s breakthrough roles came from Scent of a Woman. The young actor at the time played a college student taking care of Al Pacino’s character for some extra money. The movie was both commercially and critically successful, putting O’ Donnell on the map and earning Pacino an Academy Award. But before O’ Donnell, Rock showed interest in the role. He didn’t get it, which he felt showed a lack of vision on the film’s part.
“There was a little bit of talk about me playing...
- 11/10/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sofia Coppola, whose awards contender “Priscilla” is now in theaters, is just one of several filmmakers whose parents were already major names in the industry. Both her father, Francis Ford Coppola, and her mother, Eleanor Coppola, are directors, as is her brother Roman.
Here are some of the most notable second-generation directors in Hollywood, including Jason Reitman, Rob Reiner, Mario Van Peebles and Colin Hanks.
We’re also a big fan of Francesca Scorsese’s TikTok videos with her dad, Martin Scorsese, especially the one where he auditions the family dog.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Ivan and Jason Reitman
Jason has picked up the “Ghostbusters” mantle from his father, who died in Feb. 2022. He directed “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and the fourth film in the franchise is due in 2024. Jason’s films include “Up in the Air,” “Juno” and “Thank You For Smoking.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
Brandon and David Cronenberg
The...
Here are some of the most notable second-generation directors in Hollywood, including Jason Reitman, Rob Reiner, Mario Van Peebles and Colin Hanks.
We’re also a big fan of Francesca Scorsese’s TikTok videos with her dad, Martin Scorsese, especially the one where he auditions the family dog.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Ivan and Jason Reitman
Jason has picked up the “Ghostbusters” mantle from his father, who died in Feb. 2022. He directed “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and the fourth film in the franchise is due in 2024. Jason’s films include “Up in the Air,” “Juno” and “Thank You For Smoking.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
Brandon and David Cronenberg
The...
- 11/9/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
In a new interview with People, former “Saturday Night Live” star Leslie Jones said her friend Chris Rock was “really affected” by the infamous Will Smith Oscars slap at the 2022 Academy Awards.
“That shit was humiliating. It really affected him,” Jones, whose new memoir is called “Leslie F*cking Jones,” told the legacy magazine. “People need to understand his daughters, his parents, saw that. He had to go to counseling with his daughters.”
This event likely doesn’t need a recap, but just in case some readers might not remember what happened, Rock appeared at the 2022 Oscars to announce the winner of Best Documentary. In his remarks before handing out the award, the former Oscars host mocked Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head by suggesting she was ready to star in a sequel to “G.I. Jane.” (Pinkett Smith has alopecia.) In response, Will Smith shouted at Rock from the audience,...
“That shit was humiliating. It really affected him,” Jones, whose new memoir is called “Leslie F*cking Jones,” told the legacy magazine. “People need to understand his daughters, his parents, saw that. He had to go to counseling with his daughters.”
This event likely doesn’t need a recap, but just in case some readers might not remember what happened, Rock appeared at the 2022 Oscars to announce the winner of Best Documentary. In his remarks before handing out the award, the former Oscars host mocked Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head by suggesting she was ready to star in a sequel to “G.I. Jane.” (Pinkett Smith has alopecia.) In response, Will Smith shouted at Rock from the audience,...
- 9/18/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
In Cord Jefferson’s idea-dense “American Fiction,” no one wants to publish literary professor Thelonious Ellison’s latest novel. Thelonious — or “Monk” to his friends — has delivered a modern reworking of Aeschylus’ “The Persians” (hardly bestseller material to begin with), but all the industry can see is the color of his skin. The editors compliment his prose, but want to know what this manuscript “has to do with the Black experience.” In frustration, he dashes off a parody of the thug-life trauma porn the world seems to want, submits it to his agent, and suddenly, he’s the “man of the hour.”
If that sounds like the setup for a lit-world “Bamboozled,” then you might be surprised by how even-tempered the film feels. First published in 2001 (the year after Spike Lee’s confrontational satire came out), Percival Everett’s novel “Erasure” had fangs. Jefferson files them down — not necessarily a bad thing,...
If that sounds like the setup for a lit-world “Bamboozled,” then you might be surprised by how even-tempered the film feels. First published in 2001 (the year after Spike Lee’s confrontational satire came out), Percival Everett’s novel “Erasure” had fangs. Jefferson files them down — not necessarily a bad thing,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
In 1993, Mario Van Peebles dabbled in the Western genre with Posse. Peebles took after his father, Melvin Van Peebles, who was a notable filmmaker in the blaxploitation genre in the 1970s. Mario appeared as an actor in films like Rappin’, Heartbreak Ridge starring Clint Eastwood, and the infamous Jaws: The Revenge, which featured an apathetic Michael Caine. He would also head up his own projects as a writer and director, much like his father. One of the more popular films Peebles would be known for is the 90s street crime classic, New Jack City.
Peebles is returning to the director’s chair for a new feature he wrote called Outlaw Posse. The film is a Western that bears no connection to the similarly titled Posse. Highland Film Group has picked up the distribution and has shared a first look at the film with a new picture exclusively shared by Variety.
Peebles is returning to the director’s chair for a new feature he wrote called Outlaw Posse. The film is a Western that bears no connection to the similarly titled Posse. Highland Film Group has picked up the distribution and has shared a first look at the film with a new picture exclusively shared by Variety.
- 9/8/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The highly anticipated spy thriller “Special Ops: Lioness” arrives on Paramount+ on July 23. The original series from Taylor Sheridan is based on a true story and stars Zoe Saldaña, Laysla De Oliveira, Nicole Kidman, and Morgan Freeman. De Oliveira plays a CIA undercover operative, a “lioness,” charged with befriending someone close to a high-value enemy target, a key member of a state terrorist organization.
Catch the “Special Ops: Lioness” trailer
Also coming to Paramount+ next month will be a reunion filled with humor and romance. New film “Zoey 102” will premiere on July 28 and reunite many of the cast members from the beloved high-school series “Zoey 101.” The gang is getting back together in Malibu to attend Logan and Quinn’s wedding, but that is not the only romance in the air. Jamie Lynn Spears, Sean Flynn, Christopher Massey, Erin Sanders, and Abby Wilde star in the sequel film.
Watch...
Catch the “Special Ops: Lioness” trailer
Also coming to Paramount+ next month will be a reunion filled with humor and romance. New film “Zoey 102” will premiere on July 28 and reunite many of the cast members from the beloved high-school series “Zoey 101.” The gang is getting back together in Malibu to attend Logan and Quinn’s wedding, but that is not the only romance in the air. Jamie Lynn Spears, Sean Flynn, Christopher Massey, Erin Sanders, and Abby Wilde star in the sequel film.
Watch...
- 6/30/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
As part of the 2023 Tribeca Festival, director Mario Van Peebles opened up about his directorial debut, 1991’s “New Jack City,” alongside Fab 5 Freddy, Vanessa Williams and Michael Michele with an at-capacity crowd at the Sva Theater for an illuminating 35 minutes full of joy, surprises and honesty.
It can’t be understated how jovial Van Peebles—the son of prolific Black filmmaker Mario Van Peebles—was from the moment he stepped on stage to quickly introduce the film, which chronicles the rise of a ruthless drug lord in the dilapidated slums of late-1980s New York City. By the time the opening credits began to roll he was encouraging a major clap-along in the audience to the groove-worthy opening track. His energy, which stayed high until his final goodbyes at the end of the night, was infectious.
The filmmaker, who directed “New Jack City” from a script penned by Thomas Lee Wright and Barry Michael Cooper,...
It can’t be understated how jovial Van Peebles—the son of prolific Black filmmaker Mario Van Peebles—was from the moment he stepped on stage to quickly introduce the film, which chronicles the rise of a ruthless drug lord in the dilapidated slums of late-1980s New York City. By the time the opening credits began to roll he was encouraging a major clap-along in the audience to the groove-worthy opening track. His energy, which stayed high until his final goodbyes at the end of the night, was infectious.
The filmmaker, who directed “New Jack City” from a script penned by Thomas Lee Wright and Barry Michael Cooper,...
- 6/19/2023
- by Lex Briscuso
- The Wrap
Tribeca Festival 2023 is underway in New York, and as usual, the film festival co-founded by Robert De Niro has lined up a schedule that includes upcoming indies and star-studded galas — not to mention a guest list that ranges from Hollywood A-listers to up-and-coming filmmakers and the next generation of rising stars.
With a schedule that includes Pixar’s “Elemental,” Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe’s directorial debut “Downtown Owl”, Michael Shannon’s directorial Debut “Eric Larue” and retrospectives for “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “New Jack City,” the red carpet promises plenty of celeb guests and NYC street fashion moments.
With a schedule that includes Pixar’s “Elemental,” Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe’s directorial debut “Downtown Owl”, Michael Shannon’s directorial Debut “Eric Larue” and retrospectives for “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “New Jack City,” the red carpet promises plenty of celeb guests and NYC street fashion moments.
- 6/12/2023
- by Haleigh Foutch
- The Wrap
We may be getting our first look at David Fincher’s upcoming “The Killer” at this year’s 2023 Tribeca Festival.
The New York event, running June 7 through 18, has just announced its Tribeca Talks and Reunions lineup, and they’re led by a starry slate of conversations with creators, artists, actors, and musicians alike.
Among the highlights, Fincher will appear in conversation with fellow filmmaker Steven Soderbergh as part of the festival’s Directors series, which Patty Jenkins and Katie Holmes will also participate in; the Storytellers series will include Paul McCartney in conversation with Conan O’Brien for a recording of the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend”; John Mellencamp will speak with David Letterman; Lin-Manuel Miranda sits down with Rosie Perez; Kevin Sullivan and Angela Bassett will reunite for the 25th anniversary of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”; Mario Van Peebles, Michael Michele, and Fab 5 Freddy return for...
The New York event, running June 7 through 18, has just announced its Tribeca Talks and Reunions lineup, and they’re led by a starry slate of conversations with creators, artists, actors, and musicians alike.
Among the highlights, Fincher will appear in conversation with fellow filmmaker Steven Soderbergh as part of the festival’s Directors series, which Patty Jenkins and Katie Holmes will also participate in; the Storytellers series will include Paul McCartney in conversation with Conan O’Brien for a recording of the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend”; John Mellencamp will speak with David Letterman; Lin-Manuel Miranda sits down with Rosie Perez; Kevin Sullivan and Angela Bassett will reunite for the 25th anniversary of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”; Mario Van Peebles, Michael Michele, and Fab 5 Freddy return for...
- 5/2/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
In 2021, Wesley Snipes used an Esquire "What I've Learned" column to make a fascinating confession: "I've got to learn how to be a movie star."
Snipes was 58 at the time of the article's publication, and enjoying a career renaissance due to his portrayal of actor-director D'Urville Martin in Craig Brewster's uproarious "Dolemite Is My Name." Though he'd officially made his comeback as an aging gang leader in Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq" four years prior, Martin was the perfect vehicle through which Snipes could examine the frustration of an ambitious artist shunted from A-list roles to low-aiming exploitation flicks.
Snipes' Martin is a bitter, alcoholic filmmaker trying, and failing miserably, to make nightclub comic Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) look like a Blaxploitation action star on par with Richard Roundtree. Martin is a defeated man, and it's hard not to sense Snipes reckoning with the sun setting on his own action-hero stardom.
Snipes was 58 at the time of the article's publication, and enjoying a career renaissance due to his portrayal of actor-director D'Urville Martin in Craig Brewster's uproarious "Dolemite Is My Name." Though he'd officially made his comeback as an aging gang leader in Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq" four years prior, Martin was the perfect vehicle through which Snipes could examine the frustration of an ambitious artist shunted from A-list roles to low-aiming exploitation flicks.
Snipes' Martin is a bitter, alcoholic filmmaker trying, and failing miserably, to make nightclub comic Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) look like a Blaxploitation action star on par with Richard Roundtree. Martin is a defeated man, and it's hard not to sense Snipes reckoning with the sun setting on his own action-hero stardom.
- 5/1/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Legendary Naughty by Nature rapper Anthony “Treach” Criss has joined the upcoming action film, “The Getback,” set to air on Tubi this year. “Veep” alum Sufe Bradshaw has also joined.
“The Getback” tells the story of Mal Cooper (Theo Rossi), an ex-cop-turned-bounty hunter hired to bring in a slippery accountant whose testimony is crucial to the trial a major gang boss. The pair must work and trust each other to slip by crooked killer cops and mercenaries out for blood.
Treach plays Alonzo Beaumont, “a notorious gangster awaiting his trial date in jail, whose entire case may (or may not) depend on the successful retrieval of his flighty accountant,” per the official description.
Bradshaw meanwhile plays Mal Cooper’s former partner, Detective Hatch, who helps Cooper from inside the police to learn who is trying to have the witness murdered.
Treach is no stranger to acting. His credits date back...
“The Getback” tells the story of Mal Cooper (Theo Rossi), an ex-cop-turned-bounty hunter hired to bring in a slippery accountant whose testimony is crucial to the trial a major gang boss. The pair must work and trust each other to slip by crooked killer cops and mercenaries out for blood.
Treach plays Alonzo Beaumont, “a notorious gangster awaiting his trial date in jail, whose entire case may (or may not) depend on the successful retrieval of his flighty accountant,” per the official description.
Bradshaw meanwhile plays Mal Cooper’s former partner, Detective Hatch, who helps Cooper from inside the police to learn who is trying to have the witness murdered.
Treach is no stranger to acting. His credits date back...
- 3/10/2023
- by Joshua Vinson
- The Wrap
Viewers have pointed out an error in Chris Rock’s latest stand-up special.
The comedian made history this weekend as he performed Netflix’s first ever live-streamed set on Saturday (4 March).
Selective Orange contained a number of notable moments, including Rock addressing the time he was slapped by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars.
Rock, 58, said, “The thing people wanna know… did it hurt? Hell yeah, it hurt. He played Muhammad Ali!” in reference to Smith’s role as the famous boxer in 2001’s Ali.
“I played Pookie [in 1991’s New Jack City]. Even in animated movies, I’m a zebra, he’s a f***ing shark. I got hit so hard, I heard ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears,” said Rock.
The comedian was referring to his voiceover role as Marty the zebra in the Madagascar franchise, and Smith’s part in the 2004 film Shark Tale.
Fans, however, were quick to point out...
The comedian made history this weekend as he performed Netflix’s first ever live-streamed set on Saturday (4 March).
Selective Orange contained a number of notable moments, including Rock addressing the time he was slapped by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars.
Rock, 58, said, “The thing people wanna know… did it hurt? Hell yeah, it hurt. He played Muhammad Ali!” in reference to Smith’s role as the famous boxer in 2001’s Ali.
“I played Pookie [in 1991’s New Jack City]. Even in animated movies, I’m a zebra, he’s a f***ing shark. I got hit so hard, I heard ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears,” said Rock.
The comedian was referring to his voiceover role as Marty the zebra in the Madagascar franchise, and Smith’s part in the 2004 film Shark Tale.
Fans, however, were quick to point out...
- 3/6/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
It’s been said that revenge is a dish best served cold, and that was proven in Chris Rock’s latest standup comedy special for Netflix, “Selective Outrage”.
Not only did “Selective Outrage” mark Netflix’s first-ever live global special, it was also the first time that Rock has publicly weighed in on being slapped across the face by Will Smith during the 2022 Oscars, and the comedian did not hold back.
“I’m going to try to do the show without offending anyone. Because you never know who might get triggered,” Chris said early in the show (via Variety), seemingly in reference to Smith.
Read More: Chris Rock To Discuss Infamous Will Smith Oscars Slap During Live Netflix Special
Later, he addressed the elephant in the room. “You know what people say, they say, ‘words hurt,’” he joked. “Anybody that say words hurt has never been punched in the face.
Not only did “Selective Outrage” mark Netflix’s first-ever live global special, it was also the first time that Rock has publicly weighed in on being slapped across the face by Will Smith during the 2022 Oscars, and the comedian did not hold back.
“I’m going to try to do the show without offending anyone. Because you never know who might get triggered,” Chris said early in the show (via Variety), seemingly in reference to Smith.
Read More: Chris Rock To Discuss Infamous Will Smith Oscars Slap During Live Netflix Special
Later, he addressed the elephant in the room. “You know what people say, they say, ‘words hurt,’” he joked. “Anybody that say words hurt has never been punched in the face.
- 3/5/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Chris Rock waited until the final moments of his latest Netflix comedy special to address last year’s infamous Oscars slap when Will Smith walked up to the stage and hit the comic across the face after Rock told a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
“You all know what happened to me, getting smacked by ‘Suge’ Smith. Everybody knows, everybody f–king knows,” Rock said, derisively comparing Smith to Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight. “Yes, it happened, like a year ago – f–king I got smacked at the f–king Oscars by this motherf–ker. People are like, ‘Did it hurt?’ It still hurts. I got ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears.”
While presenting Best Documentary at the Oscars last year, Rock joked that Pinkett Smith, who attended the ceremony with her head shaved due to having alopecia, looked like she couldn’t wait for a sequel to “G.I. Jane,...
“You all know what happened to me, getting smacked by ‘Suge’ Smith. Everybody knows, everybody f–king knows,” Rock said, derisively comparing Smith to Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight. “Yes, it happened, like a year ago – f–king I got smacked at the f–king Oscars by this motherf–ker. People are like, ‘Did it hurt?’ It still hurts. I got ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears.”
While presenting Best Documentary at the Oscars last year, Rock joked that Pinkett Smith, who attended the ceremony with her head shaved due to having alopecia, looked like she couldn’t wait for a sequel to “G.I. Jane,...
- 3/5/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Almost a year after the infamous Oscars slap, comedian Chris Rock finally addressed what happened in his live Netflix special, “Selective Outrage.”
After an hour of new material that only alluded to Slapgate — “They say, ‘words hurt.’ Anybody who says ‘words hurt’ has never been punched in the face,” he joked earlier in the night — the comedian finally broke down the aftermath of the on-stage smack from Oscar-winner Will Smith.
“You all know what happened to me, getting smacked by Suge Smith. Everybody knows. Everybody fucking knows,” Rock said. “I got smacked like a year ago… and people are like, ‘Did it hurt?’ It still hurts. I got ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears.”
Despite the pressure from the press to open up about what happened, Rock is adamant that he won’t be dissecting it on a talk show.
“I’m not a victim baby. You will never see me on Oprah or Gayle [King] crying.
After an hour of new material that only alluded to Slapgate — “They say, ‘words hurt.’ Anybody who says ‘words hurt’ has never been punched in the face,” he joked earlier in the night — the comedian finally broke down the aftermath of the on-stage smack from Oscar-winner Will Smith.
“You all know what happened to me, getting smacked by Suge Smith. Everybody knows. Everybody fucking knows,” Rock said. “I got smacked like a year ago… and people are like, ‘Did it hurt?’ It still hurts. I got ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears.”
Despite the pressure from the press to open up about what happened, Rock is adamant that he won’t be dissecting it on a talk show.
“I’m not a victim baby. You will never see me on Oprah or Gayle [King] crying.
- 3/5/2023
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
A number of great movies are leaving HBO Max at the end of March, so it’s time to prioritize these titles in your queue. Filmmaker James Gunn’s sequel/soft reboot “The Suicide Squad” will depart the streaming service on March 22 after first hitting HBO Max the same day it was released in theaters back in 2021. Similarly, “Space Jam: A New Legacy” was whisked away on March 1 after also getting a day-and-date release in 2021 (sorry/not sorry if you missed it).
You also only have until March 7 to stream “Just a Boy From Tupelo: Bringing Elvis to the Big Screen,” a short documentary on the making of the Oscar-nominated biopic “Elvis.”
Other noteworthy films leaving HBO Max this month include “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” “Contagion,” the extended version of “Dances with Wolves,” “Ghostbusters,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Love & Basketball” and “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.
You also only have until March 7 to stream “Just a Boy From Tupelo: Bringing Elvis to the Big Screen,” a short documentary on the making of the Oscar-nominated biopic “Elvis.”
Other noteworthy films leaving HBO Max this month include “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” “Contagion,” the extended version of “Dances with Wolves,” “Ghostbusters,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Love & Basketball” and “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.
- 3/3/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Did you hear the one about the asshole actor who physically assaulted one of the greatest comedians ever over a mediocre joke? Well, Chris Rock knows the punchline, and he’ll be delivering it on Saturday night during his new Netflix special.
While Will Smith has concluded his “apology tour”, Chris Rock is gearing up for his first special in years, Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, which will premiere on Netflix on Saturday, March 4th. It is part of his Ego Death World Tour, which has incorporated pieces of material about the Oscars slap. The upcoming Netflix special, however, is expected to have Rock at his most vocal.
As an example of how Chris Rock has worked the incident into his set, at a recent show, he told the audience, “The thing people wanna know … did it hurt? Hell yeah it hurt. He played Muhammad Ali! I played Pookie [a reference to his character in 1991’s tt0102526 autoNew Jack...
While Will Smith has concluded his “apology tour”, Chris Rock is gearing up for his first special in years, Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, which will premiere on Netflix on Saturday, March 4th. It is part of his Ego Death World Tour, which has incorporated pieces of material about the Oscars slap. The upcoming Netflix special, however, is expected to have Rock at his most vocal.
As an example of how Chris Rock has worked the incident into his set, at a recent show, he told the audience, “The thing people wanna know … did it hurt? Hell yeah it hurt. He played Muhammad Ali! I played Pookie [a reference to his character in 1991’s tt0102526 autoNew Jack...
- 3/2/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Chris Rock is finally talking about the slap.
With his new Netflix special on the way, the comedian has been workshopping jokes for the set, including directly addressing for the first time being slapped by Will Smith.
Read More: Chris Rock To Discuss Infamous Will Smith Oscars Slap During Live Netflix Special
According to The Wall Street Journal, Rock made reference to the slap during a gig in Charleston.
“The thing people want to know . . . did it hurt? Hell yeah, it hurt,” he said, adding, “He played Muhammad Ali! I played Pookie!” in reference to Smith’s role in “Ali” and his own in “New Jack City”.
The Sun also reported that Rock continued, “Even in animated movies, I’m a zebra, he’s a f**king shark.”
Referencing one of Smith’s rap songs, Rock joked, “I got hit so hard I heard ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears.”
Read...
With his new Netflix special on the way, the comedian has been workshopping jokes for the set, including directly addressing for the first time being slapped by Will Smith.
Read More: Chris Rock To Discuss Infamous Will Smith Oscars Slap During Live Netflix Special
According to The Wall Street Journal, Rock made reference to the slap during a gig in Charleston.
“The thing people want to know . . . did it hurt? Hell yeah, it hurt,” he said, adding, “He played Muhammad Ali! I played Pookie!” in reference to Smith’s role in “Ali” and his own in “New Jack City”.
The Sun also reported that Rock continued, “Even in animated movies, I’m a zebra, he’s a f**king shark.”
Referencing one of Smith’s rap songs, Rock joked, “I got hit so hard I heard ‘Summertime’ ringing in my ears.”
Read...
- 3/2/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
The slap heard round the world is about to get its first complete take from Chris Rock, who will finally talk about the infamous Oscars incident with Will Smith.
“Chris Rock: Selective Outrage” will stream live on Netflix at 10 p.m. Et on Saturday from the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore.
While media has discussed the Oscars attack ad nauseum, and Will Smith has tried to explain himself in various ways, Rock has kept his opinions mostly to himself. He has shared short quips during his performances, but has not talked at length about the moment.
He reportedly turned down overtures to host the Oscars and appear in a Super Bowl commercial with Smith, and has stated that he’s saving his thoughts on what happened in one big reveal.
So far, he has workshopped a few bits that may or may not appear in the special.
During an arena show held in Charleston,...
“Chris Rock: Selective Outrage” will stream live on Netflix at 10 p.m. Et on Saturday from the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore.
While media has discussed the Oscars attack ad nauseum, and Will Smith has tried to explain himself in various ways, Rock has kept his opinions mostly to himself. He has shared short quips during his performances, but has not talked at length about the moment.
He reportedly turned down overtures to host the Oscars and appear in a Super Bowl commercial with Smith, and has stated that he’s saving his thoughts on what happened in one big reveal.
So far, he has workshopped a few bits that may or may not appear in the special.
During an arena show held in Charleston,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
If you're looking to pinpoint the greatest year in hip-hop, it's going to start with a one, followed by a nine, another nine, and end with a number no higher than five. The genre that grew out of Bronx house parties thrown by sonic pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, and survived the faddish exploitation of the early and mid-1980s had finally come of age. Obviously, there were groundbreaking LPs released prior to the '90s, but it wasn't until we entered the final decade of the millennium that explorers like Hank Shocklee, Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, and Prince Paul refined their sounds to bring hard-hitting East Coast beats and blunted West Coast G-funk grooves to the ears of audiophiles across the country.
Hollywood was listening. They weren't necessarily getting it, but they were listening. Mid-'80s films like "Breakin'," "Beat Street" and "Krush Groove" captured the excitement of the...
Hollywood was listening. They weren't necessarily getting it, but they were listening. Mid-'80s films like "Breakin'," "Beat Street" and "Krush Groove" captured the excitement of the...
- 2/20/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Tracy Lauren Marrow had one of the coolest stage names when he entered the rap game, dubbing himself with a moniker that’ll forever be synonymous with hip-hop: Ice-t. Nearly 40 years later, Mariska Hargitay has now revealed she has a fresher nickname for him, if not a cooler one.
The revelation came to light on Thursday at Ice-t’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. While presenting the legendary rapper, and actor, Hargitay said one of the reasons why she loves Ice-t is because he allows her to call him nicknames. While at the podium, she turned to her “Law & Order: Svu” co-star and practically begged him if she could divulge the nickname only she’s allowed to call him.
Unable to contain his laughter, Ice-t relented, prompting Hargitay to exclaim, “He lets me call him Icy!” Following the presentation of his newly minted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,...
The revelation came to light on Thursday at Ice-t’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. While presenting the legendary rapper, and actor, Hargitay said one of the reasons why she loves Ice-t is because he allows her to call him nicknames. While at the podium, she turned to her “Law & Order: Svu” co-star and practically begged him if she could divulge the nickname only she’s allowed to call him.
Unable to contain his laughter, Ice-t relented, prompting Hargitay to exclaim, “He lets me call him Icy!” Following the presentation of his newly minted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,...
- 2/19/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Although he may be best known for his successful music career, Ice-t is also on the television of millions every Thursday night.
Acting has been in his blood for years, as he had his breakout role in “New Jack City” in 1991, followed by “Surviving the Game” in 1994. However, it was the next year he met the man who changed his TV career. In 1995, Ice-t landed a recurring role as a drug dealer on Dick Wolf’s “New York Undercover,” beginning their professional collaborations. After, he co-created “Players,” with Wolf as the producer, but that didn’t last. So, Wolf gave him a part in 1998’s “Exiled: A Law & Order Movie.”
Two years later, the world was introduced to Odafin “Fin” Tutuola in Season 2 of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” on which he’s appeared in more than 400 episodes.
“I think that I am his longest- running employee,” says Ice-t,...
Acting has been in his blood for years, as he had his breakout role in “New Jack City” in 1991, followed by “Surviving the Game” in 1994. However, it was the next year he met the man who changed his TV career. In 1995, Ice-t landed a recurring role as a drug dealer on Dick Wolf’s “New York Undercover,” beginning their professional collaborations. After, he co-created “Players,” with Wolf as the producer, but that didn’t last. So, Wolf gave him a part in 1998’s “Exiled: A Law & Order Movie.”
Two years later, the world was introduced to Odafin “Fin” Tutuola in Season 2 of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” on which he’s appeared in more than 400 episodes.
“I think that I am his longest- running employee,” says Ice-t,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
In his lifetime, Tracy Marrow has been everything from a dancer and a DJ, to a thief and a weed dealer. Yet, from the minute Marrow became Ice-t, his renown developed and grew.
Initially, being Ice-t meant becoming hip-hop’s most incendiary voice, a sinister avatar of the reality-rap style tagged by the press as “gangster”. Equally famous was Ice-t’s gig as an actor-with-attitude in films such as “New Jack City” and — since 2000 — for television producer Dick Wolf’s police drama “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as NYPD Detective Odafin Tutuola.
Ice-t brings street cred to everything he does — including commercials. He beams with pride discussing his hood past and how its raw-knuckle spirit remains. Even seeing Ice-t riding a spin cycle, promoting Cheerios and heart health, is hardcore. And it all starts with hip-hop. Despite its current state of musicality being — in his words, “goofy” — Ice-t is...
Initially, being Ice-t meant becoming hip-hop’s most incendiary voice, a sinister avatar of the reality-rap style tagged by the press as “gangster”. Equally famous was Ice-t’s gig as an actor-with-attitude in films such as “New Jack City” and — since 2000 — for television producer Dick Wolf’s police drama “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as NYPD Detective Odafin Tutuola.
Ice-t brings street cred to everything he does — including commercials. He beams with pride discussing his hood past and how its raw-knuckle spirit remains. Even seeing Ice-t riding a spin cycle, promoting Cheerios and heart health, is hardcore. And it all starts with hip-hop. Despite its current state of musicality being — in his words, “goofy” — Ice-t is...
- 2/16/2023
- by A.D. Amorosi
- Variety Film + TV
The task of casting two actors that can play believable friends is a feat that can't be faked, and it was only half the battle when it came time to cast the basketball buddy comedy "White Men Can't Jump." Writer-director Ron Shelton was looking for more than just chemistry between his two leads. He also needed actors that looked like they belonged on the court, which made it a grueling casting process for its prospective stars.
Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson were already longtime friends before "White Men Can't Jump" fell into their laps. They'd met on the set of "Wildcats," another sports comedy starring Goldie Hawn, and had spent something like six years cultivating a rapid-fire rapport. That pre-established chemistry should have made their casting a no-brainer — if only Snipes and Harrelson were as much of a match on the court as they were off of it.
"People think Wesley is obvious casting,...
Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson were already longtime friends before "White Men Can't Jump" fell into their laps. They'd met on the set of "Wildcats," another sports comedy starring Goldie Hawn, and had spent something like six years cultivating a rapid-fire rapport. That pre-established chemistry should have made their casting a no-brainer — if only Snipes and Harrelson were as much of a match on the court as they were off of it.
"People think Wesley is obvious casting,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
Starz's "Raising Kanan" returned for season two on Aug. 14, and the drama is already heating up, especially with Joey Bada's Unique. The last we saw of the rapper's character in the season one finale, Raq (Patina Miller) framed him for the attempted murder of Detective Howard (Omar Epps) to protect Kanan (Mekai Curtis). Despite beating the charge, Unique returns to the streets in season two to find that his whole world has been flipped upside down.
"This is the first time I've played a clear villain."
Months after being locked up for Howard's shooting, Unique gets released from jail and discovers his drug business has been scooped up by Raq and her crew. With heat from law enforcement on his back and no supplier on his side, the self-proclaimed villain is back at square one plotting his next come up. But knowing Unique, it won't be long before he rises...
"This is the first time I've played a clear villain."
Months after being locked up for Howard's shooting, Unique gets released from jail and discovers his drug business has been scooped up by Raq and her crew. With heat from law enforcement on his back and no supplier on his side, the self-proclaimed villain is back at square one plotting his next come up. But knowing Unique, it won't be long before he rises...
- 8/28/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Nearly four months have passed since Starz’s sprawling “Power” universe was last on the air, following the April season finale of the Tommy Egan-focused “Force.” That’s not much time, and certainly not the longest span of time between installments in “Power” creator Courtney Kemp’s ever-widening tableau of cocaine entrepreneurs. But it feels like a long time, evidence that Kemp has succeeded into turning “Power” into a Marvel-style narrative ecosystem, for better and for worse.
The “for worse” part comes when any extended amount of time passes, when the richness and depth of a long-running, hyperconnected story triggers the audience’s anxiety about their ability to keep track of all its machinations. For example, “Force” reintroduced O.G. character Liliana (Audrey Esparza), who hadn’t been seen in over seven years since her initial three-episode arc in “Power.” The move ultimately paid off, but it also signaled to the fanbase that,...
The “for worse” part comes when any extended amount of time passes, when the richness and depth of a long-running, hyperconnected story triggers the audience’s anxiety about their ability to keep track of all its machinations. For example, “Force” reintroduced O.G. character Liliana (Audrey Esparza), who hadn’t been seen in over seven years since her initial three-episode arc in “Power.” The move ultimately paid off, but it also signaled to the fanbase that,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Joshua Alston
- Variety Film + TV
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