High school sitcoms have always been a mixed bag, largely because the issues kids are dealing with at that age beg for a more nuanced take than the half-hour format can provide. Godawful shows like "Saved by the Bell," "Head of the Class" and "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" are the low standard a high school sitcom has to clear nowadays, so we need to count our blessings when something as wonderful as Mike O'Brien's "A.P. Bio" and the currently airing Brian Jordan Alvarez's "English Teacher" arrives.
Before those two sitcoms, the bar was set reasonably high by Gabe Kaplan's "Welcome Back, Kotter." Based in part on Kaplan's sitcom act, the comedian stars as Gabe Kotter, a former underachiever who returns to his old Bensonhurst Brooklyn neighborhood to teach at the high school that used to seem like a prison to him. He's now in charge of a new batch of knuckleheads,...
Before those two sitcoms, the bar was set reasonably high by Gabe Kaplan's "Welcome Back, Kotter." Based in part on Kaplan's sitcom act, the comedian stars as Gabe Kotter, a former underachiever who returns to his old Bensonhurst Brooklyn neighborhood to teach at the high school that used to seem like a prison to him. He's now in charge of a new batch of knuckleheads,...
- 10/6/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
High school has been a reliable TV sitcom setting since the days of Welcome Back, Kotter, but the situation in American schools is so fraught these days, it’s not exactly a laugh riot. FX’s English Teacher, though — premiering Monday, Sept. 2 at 10/9c; I’ve seen the first three episodes — bravely wades into those choppy waters and finds plenty of laughs there by taking a refreshingly frank look at our current educational system. It’s one of the funniest new shows of the year, and it’s a triumph for star and series creator Brian Jordan Alvarez, who announces...
- 8/26/2024
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
“Who’s Zed?” if you replied with “Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead,” welcome to Pulp Fiction. Starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and the film directed by Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction is one of the most iconic films of all time.
Uma Thurman and John Travolta in Pulp Fiction [Credit: Miramax]
The film turned out a masterpiece with ample amounts of gore, violence, mature themes, and a certain dark humor to balance it all out. However, John Travolta, who portrayed the role of Vincent Vega, revealed that the film wasn’t supposed to turn out funny!
Quentin Tarantino Didn’t Mean For Pulp Fiction To Be Funny
From discussions about what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in Paris to eating some gourmet sh*t, Pulp Fiction became an icon of the 90s and a film that still holds strong to this day.
John Travolta in...
Uma Thurman and John Travolta in Pulp Fiction [Credit: Miramax]
The film turned out a masterpiece with ample amounts of gore, violence, mature themes, and a certain dark humor to balance it all out. However, John Travolta, who portrayed the role of Vincent Vega, revealed that the film wasn’t supposed to turn out funny!
Quentin Tarantino Didn’t Mean For Pulp Fiction To Be Funny
From discussions about what they call a quarter pounder with cheese in Paris to eating some gourmet sh*t, Pulp Fiction became an icon of the 90s and a film that still holds strong to this day.
John Travolta in...
- 7/7/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
The legend of Quentin Tarantino is a well-established tale in the annals of cinematic history. When he broke out in the industry, the director’s prowess and unbridled power over creativity and storytelling had been unparalleled since the era of Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Ridley Scott, and the like.
Quentin Tarantino on the set of Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood [Credit: Sony Pictures]
It was only fair to allow the once-in-a-generation talent to bloom beyond the supervising thumb of studio overlords, whose concerns extended only so far as MPAA ratings and budgetary constraints. Given the stylistic choice of filmmaking that Tarantino would become famous for, scoring a suitable rating would only be the first of many problems faced by Hollywood’s studios.
Quentin Tarantino’s Strange Story Behind Pulp Fiction
The cinaesthetic tastes of Quentin Tarantino has long shaped the form and perception of his movies, the first among them...
Quentin Tarantino on the set of Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood [Credit: Sony Pictures]
It was only fair to allow the once-in-a-generation talent to bloom beyond the supervising thumb of studio overlords, whose concerns extended only so far as MPAA ratings and budgetary constraints. Given the stylistic choice of filmmaking that Tarantino would become famous for, scoring a suitable rating would only be the first of many problems faced by Hollywood’s studios.
Quentin Tarantino’s Strange Story Behind Pulp Fiction
The cinaesthetic tastes of Quentin Tarantino has long shaped the form and perception of his movies, the first among them...
- 7/6/2024
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire
Pulp Fiction turned 30 this year and fans love the film even more when they hear the rare behind-the-scenes stories from the Quentin Tarantino classic. Well, here’s one that most fans might have missed — John Travolta was never the first choice for the role of Vincent Vega. Tarantino had another actor in mind who worked with him in his 1992 film, Reservoir Dogs.
John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in a still from Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction | Miramax
Michael Madsen is a frequent collaborator on Tarantino films. However, when he was offered Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, he had to turn it down due to his commitment to the 1994 Western flick Wyatt Earp. However, Madsen felt that Travolta’s addition to the film was one of the major reasons behind the success of Tarantino’s Oscar-nominated film.
Michael Madsen Shares Why His Replacement John Travolta Was Perfect For Pulp Fiction...
John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in a still from Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction | Miramax
Michael Madsen is a frequent collaborator on Tarantino films. However, when he was offered Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, he had to turn it down due to his commitment to the 1994 Western flick Wyatt Earp. However, Madsen felt that Travolta’s addition to the film was one of the major reasons behind the success of Tarantino’s Oscar-nominated film.
Michael Madsen Shares Why His Replacement John Travolta Was Perfect For Pulp Fiction...
- 7/6/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
As an avid child of television, Friday nights were something to look forward to as ABC had the coolest shows from 8-11 p.m. Nestled between The Patridge Family and The Odd Couple was Room 222, more a dramedy than a straightforward sitcom. As school let out in January 1974, the network clearly wasn’t done with classes as just over a year later, they debuted a true sitcom: Welcome Back, Kotter.
The series ran until May 1979, and its superb casting catapulted John Travolta to superstardom. Born from standup comic Gabe Kapler’s routines about his Brooklyn high school experiences, the premise saw Gabe Kotter return to his alma mater, James Buchanan High, this time as a teacher. He was assigned the lowest performing students, dubbed the Sweathogs, of which he was once one.
Filmed before an audience on videotape, it closely resembled the other popular half-hour shows of the era.
The series ran until May 1979, and its superb casting catapulted John Travolta to superstardom. Born from standup comic Gabe Kapler’s routines about his Brooklyn high school experiences, the premise saw Gabe Kotter return to his alma mater, James Buchanan High, this time as a teacher. He was assigned the lowest performing students, dubbed the Sweathogs, of which he was once one.
Filmed before an audience on videotape, it closely resembled the other popular half-hour shows of the era.
- 6/20/2024
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Burbank, CA – “Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back!” For the first time ever, all episodes from the classic TV series are brought together in one set with the release of Welcome Back, Kotter: The Complete Series on DVD on June 11th, available for purchase online and in-store at major retailers. Get ready to binge on all 95 episodes, and go down memory lane as our favorite high school teacher, Gabe Kotter, returns to his childhood inner-city high school to teach a new generation of trouble-making kids.
Welcome Back, Kotter premiered in 1975 and aired for four seasons. The series was nominated for four Emmy Awards®, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 1976. The original cast includes a young John Travolta playing Vinnie Barbarino in his first principal TV role. The series also stars Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, Marcia Strassman as Julie Kotter, John Sylvester White as Mr. Woodman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Washington, Robert Hegyes as Epstein,...
Welcome Back, Kotter premiered in 1975 and aired for four seasons. The series was nominated for four Emmy Awards®, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 1976. The original cast includes a young John Travolta playing Vinnie Barbarino in his first principal TV role. The series also stars Gabe Kaplan as Gabe Kotter, Marcia Strassman as Julie Kotter, John Sylvester White as Mr. Woodman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Washington, Robert Hegyes as Epstein,...
- 6/4/2024
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back!” For the first time ever, all episodes from the classic TV series are brought together in one set with the release of Welcome Back, Kotter: The Complete Series on DVD June 11th, available for purchase online and in-store at major retailers. Get ready to binge on all 95 episodes, and go down memory lane as our favorite high school teacher Gabe Kotter, returns to his childhood inner-city high school to teach a new generation of trouble making kids. Welcome Back, Kotter premiered in 1975 and aired for four seasons. The series was nominated for four Emmy Awards® including Outstanding Comedy Series in 1976. The original ... Read more...
- 6/4/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
For this month’s installment of “TV Terrors” we revisit the short-lived animated series “Gravedale High” (aka “Rick Moranis in Gravedale High“), which aired on NBC in 1990.
During the era of Saturday Morning Cartoons, there was always this idea by studios to build on a big star’s name by giving them an animated vehicle. We saw it with Mr. T, Chuck Norris, Macaulay Culkin, and Gary Coleman, as well as comedians like Louie Anderson and Howie Mandel. John Candy got (the still celebrated) “Camp Candy,” while his Sctv colleague Rick Moranis headlined his own animated horror comedy series for kids: “Gravedale High.”
Rick Moranis garnered immense fame and cult status in the eighties and nineties with an iconic comedy career that carried over into big films like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. As a means of marketing off his momentum, an animated series was developed by NBC...
During the era of Saturday Morning Cartoons, there was always this idea by studios to build on a big star’s name by giving them an animated vehicle. We saw it with Mr. T, Chuck Norris, Macaulay Culkin, and Gary Coleman, as well as comedians like Louie Anderson and Howie Mandel. John Candy got (the still celebrated) “Camp Candy,” while his Sctv colleague Rick Moranis headlined his own animated horror comedy series for kids: “Gravedale High.”
Rick Moranis garnered immense fame and cult status in the eighties and nineties with an iconic comedy career that carried over into big films like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. As a means of marketing off his momentum, an animated series was developed by NBC...
- 5/31/2024
- by Felix Vasquez Jr
- bloody-disgusting.com
Believe it or not, there was a time when studio executives were worried that John Travolta didn't have enough of the "it factor" to make it as a Hollywood leading man. He had a background in theater and was doing well on television, but in the 1970s, television and cinema were two entirely different worlds and actors didn't often jump between the mediums the way they do now. There were TV stars and there were movie stars, and never the twain shall meet. Well, maybe not never but it certainly wasn't common. And yet it was his TV star status that helped him land one of his breakout film roles.
During an interview with Journey To The Center Of The Cinema, casting director Harriet B. Helberg found it hilarious that Travolta arrived for his audition during his lunch break working on the TV comedy "Welcome Back, Kotter," still in his...
During an interview with Journey To The Center Of The Cinema, casting director Harriet B. Helberg found it hilarious that Travolta arrived for his audition during his lunch break working on the TV comedy "Welcome Back, Kotter," still in his...
- 5/20/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
John Stamos has shared a never-before-seen Full House reunion photo, complete with the Olsen Twins, in a touching tribute to his late co-star, Bob Saget.
“Happy Birthday, Bob,” Stamos wrote in the caption beneath an Instagram post featuring former co-stars Jodie Sweetin, Ashley Olsen, Dave Coulier, Mary-Kate Olsen, Candace Cameron Bure, Scott Weinger and Full House creator Jeff Franklin.
More from TVLineParenthood's Mae Whitman Reveals Pregnancy, With Assist from Lauren Graham and Miles Heizer - See PhotoThe Fall Guy: Every Way the Movie Pays Homage to the 1980s TV SeriesJohn Travolta's Surprise Welcome Back, Kotter Reunion With Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs...
“Happy Birthday, Bob,” Stamos wrote in the caption beneath an Instagram post featuring former co-stars Jodie Sweetin, Ashley Olsen, Dave Coulier, Mary-Kate Olsen, Candace Cameron Bure, Scott Weinger and Full House creator Jeff Franklin.
More from TVLineParenthood's Mae Whitman Reveals Pregnancy, With Assist from Lauren Graham and Miles Heizer - See PhotoThe Fall Guy: Every Way the Movie Pays Homage to the 1980s TV SeriesJohn Travolta's Surprise Welcome Back, Kotter Reunion With Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs...
- 5/18/2024
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
John Travolta returned to television in a full-length role after nearly four decades in Ryan Murphy’s The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. His last TV role was Vinnie Barbarino in Welcome Back, Kotter which lasted from 1975 to 1979. It was not an easy decision to take on the role but Travolta had a personal Hollywood ‘consulting’ team to advise him. This esteemed group of people included Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Eisner.
John Travolta with David Schwimmer in The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
The Saturday Night Fever actor played the real-life character Robert Shapiro, the famous American attorney who was part of O.J. Simpson’s dream defense team. The series received critical acclaim, however, Travolta’s performance had more polarized reactions.
John Travolta’s Decision To Return To TV Was Influenced By Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Others
Five...
John Travolta with David Schwimmer in The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
The Saturday Night Fever actor played the real-life character Robert Shapiro, the famous American attorney who was part of O.J. Simpson’s dream defense team. The series received critical acclaim, however, Travolta’s performance had more polarized reactions.
John Travolta’s Decision To Return To TV Was Influenced By Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Others
Five...
- 5/2/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton (played by Moonlight’s André Holland) is a wanted man in the upcoming caper The Big Cigar, premiering with the first two episodes Friday, May 17 on Apple TV+. New episodes will stream weekly through June 14.
A new trailer for the six-episode limited series previews Newton’s daring escape from the FBI, who viewed the thought leader as a threat and had been pursuing him for years.
More from TVLineNeuromancer: Callum Turner to Lead Apple's Series Adaptation of Sci-Fi ClassicJohn Travolta's Surprise Welcome Back, Kotter Reunion With Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs - WATCHRashida Jones...
A new trailer for the six-episode limited series previews Newton’s daring escape from the FBI, who viewed the thought leader as a threat and had been pursuing him for years.
More from TVLineNeuromancer: Callum Turner to Lead Apple's Series Adaptation of Sci-Fi ClassicJohn Travolta's Surprise Welcome Back, Kotter Reunion With Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs - WATCHRashida Jones...
- 4/24/2024
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Who’d have thought they’d see ya? Certainly not John Travolta, who had a reunion with castmate Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs on the red carpet at the TCM Film Festival.
The two were part of sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, which ran on ABC from Sept. 1975 to May, 1979. Gabe Kaplan starred as a high school teacher in a charge of a remedial education class nicknamed the “Sweathogs.” The group included Travolta and Hilton-Jacobs.
Watch the happy moment below.
The two were part of sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, which ran on ABC from Sept. 1975 to May, 1979. Gabe Kaplan starred as a high school teacher in a charge of a remedial education class nicknamed the “Sweathogs.” The group included Travolta and Hilton-Jacobs.
Watch the happy moment below.
- 4/20/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off Thursday with a 30th anniversary screening of Pulp Fiction at the Tcl Chinese Theatre. Original castmembers John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and Harvey Keitel reunited to celebrate the film, along with support from Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma, and daughter Tallulah. After making waves this week with news that he was changing course on his final film, writer and director Quentin Tarantino was absent from the event.
During a panel before the screening, Travolta described how when he first met Tarantino to discuss the film in the director’s Hollywood apartment, they bonded by playing board games from movies and TV shows that Travolta had starred in.
“He was so adorable. He had the fantasy of wanting to play the games that were associated with the films I was in — like the Saturday Night Fever game, there is a game, the Welcome Back Kotter game,...
During a panel before the screening, Travolta described how when he first met Tarantino to discuss the film in the director’s Hollywood apartment, they bonded by playing board games from movies and TV shows that Travolta had starred in.
“He was so adorable. He had the fantasy of wanting to play the games that were associated with the films I was in — like the Saturday Night Fever game, there is a game, the Welcome Back Kotter game,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Alex Cramer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Quentin Tarantino was nowhere to be found in the Tcl Chinese Theater on Thursday night, but his brilliance was a constant topic of conversation as Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and Harvey Keitel reunited on stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Pulp Fiction.”
The 15th annual TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off with a 35mm screening of Tarantino’s landmark sophomore film, which won the 1994 Palme d’Or and led the filmmaker to his first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. With the film industry still reeling from the news that the legendary auteur is scrapping his planned tenth film “The Movie Critic,” his repeat collaborators were eager to shower him with compliments as they discussed his impact on the trajectory of their careers.
In his opening remarks, Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz lumped “Pulp Fiction” in with “Gone with the Wind” and “Lawrence of Arabia” as...
The 15th annual TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off with a 35mm screening of Tarantino’s landmark sophomore film, which won the 1994 Palme d’Or and led the filmmaker to his first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. With the film industry still reeling from the news that the legendary auteur is scrapping his planned tenth film “The Movie Critic,” his repeat collaborators were eager to shower him with compliments as they discussed his impact on the trajectory of their careers.
In his opening remarks, Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz lumped “Pulp Fiction” in with “Gone with the Wind” and “Lawrence of Arabia” as...
- 4/19/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Get ready for a chilling new episode of “The Playboy Murders” as Season 2 Episode 6, titled “Horror in the Hamptons,” airs on Investigation Discovery at 10:00 Pm on Monday, February 19th, 2024. In this gripping installment, viewers will be drawn into the dark and sinister world surrounding actress Melonie Haller, whose promising career takes a terrifying turn.
Poised for stardom after her appearances in the hit television series “Welcome Back, Kotter” and a feature in Playboy magazine, Melonie Haller is eager for her next big role. However, her aspirations are shattered when she attends a party in the affluent Hamptons, only to find herself in the midst of a violent and harrowing ordeal.
As the shocking events unfold, viewers will be on the edge of their seats, captivated by the twists and turns of this true crime tale. With suspenseful reenactments and expert analysis, “Horror in the Hamptons” promises to deliver a...
Poised for stardom after her appearances in the hit television series “Welcome Back, Kotter” and a feature in Playboy magazine, Melonie Haller is eager for her next big role. However, her aspirations are shattered when she attends a party in the affluent Hamptons, only to find herself in the midst of a violent and harrowing ordeal.
As the shocking events unfold, viewers will be on the edge of their seats, captivated by the twists and turns of this true crime tale. With suspenseful reenactments and expert analysis, “Horror in the Hamptons” promises to deliver a...
- 2/12/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
This year’s Emmy Awards were all about TV reunions, while audiences around the country got to see the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Cheers” reunite, there were some unofficial ones that didn’t make the live broadcast.
Take the “Yellowjackets” cast and crew, who got back together before the show started.
The show was nominated for two Emmys including best drama series and lead actress in a drama for Melanie Lynskey. Hours before the show aired, the teen cast including Liv Hewson, Courtney Eaton, Sophie Nélisse, Sammi Hanratty and Kevin Alves had gathered in the lobby, chatting and taking selfies before doors to the main theater were open. They were joined by Warren Kole and later director Karyn Kusama and showrunners Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, as well as Tawny Cypress.
Yes, season 3 is being written and the show is expected to be back in production in late May.
Take the “Yellowjackets” cast and crew, who got back together before the show started.
The show was nominated for two Emmys including best drama series and lead actress in a drama for Melanie Lynskey. Hours before the show aired, the teen cast including Liv Hewson, Courtney Eaton, Sophie Nélisse, Sammi Hanratty and Kevin Alves had gathered in the lobby, chatting and taking selfies before doors to the main theater were open. They were joined by Warren Kole and later director Karyn Kusama and showrunners Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, as well as Tawny Cypress.
Yes, season 3 is being written and the show is expected to be back in production in late May.
- 1/16/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Brian De Palma's "Carrie" was the film that defined a generation. Its blend of coming-of-age themes, fantastical magic, and slasher-style bloodshed makes it a genre-bending film that time just can't seem to forget.
The 1976 horror tells the story of a sheltered girl who lives under her obsessively religious mother's tyrannical rule, a dictatorship made all the worse by the onset of Carrie's period. Her mother's frenzy combined with a cruel prank at the prom pushes the shy young girl to a mental break, complete with telekinetic powers. The Stephen King adaptation launched some incredibly notable careers, including John Travolta, who plays high school bully Billy Nolan. Sadly, not all of the cast has lived to see the end of 2023, including Piper Laurie, whose performance as Carrie's mother earned her one of three Oscar nominations in her lifetime.
Laurie passed away in October of 2023, but many of the other main cast members are alive,...
The 1976 horror tells the story of a sheltered girl who lives under her obsessively religious mother's tyrannical rule, a dictatorship made all the worse by the onset of Carrie's period. Her mother's frenzy combined with a cruel prank at the prom pushes the shy young girl to a mental break, complete with telekinetic powers. The Stephen King adaptation launched some incredibly notable careers, including John Travolta, who plays high school bully Billy Nolan. Sadly, not all of the cast has lived to see the end of 2023, including Piper Laurie, whose performance as Carrie's mother earned her one of three Oscar nominations in her lifetime.
Laurie passed away in October of 2023, but many of the other main cast members are alive,...
- 12/24/2023
- by Shae Sennett
- Slash Film
A prolific TV character actor, voiceover artist, and one of the tallest performers in Hollywood has passed away. As confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, Richard Moll, known by most as the tall, bald bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus "Bull" Shannon on "Night Court" and the voice of Harvey Dent/Two-Face on "Batman: The Animated Series," died at his home in Big Bear Lake, California. He was 80.
At a towering 6-foot-8-inches tall, Moll often played intimidating figures, like his first television role of "Big Thug" on "Welcome Back, Kotter," Harold the Monster on "Here's Boomer," the abominable snowman in the film "Caveman," the gigantic zombie soldier in "House," Hoagie in "The Flintstones," Mestema in "The Dungeon Master," Hugh Kane in "Scary Movie 2," and even one of the Dementors in "Jingle All the Way."
Born in Pasadena, California as Charles Richard Moll, he attended the University of California at Berkeley where he...
At a towering 6-foot-8-inches tall, Moll often played intimidating figures, like his first television role of "Big Thug" on "Welcome Back, Kotter," Harold the Monster on "Here's Boomer," the abominable snowman in the film "Caveman," the gigantic zombie soldier in "House," Hoagie in "The Flintstones," Mestema in "The Dungeon Master," Hugh Kane in "Scary Movie 2," and even one of the Dementors in "Jingle All the Way."
Born in Pasadena, California as Charles Richard Moll, he attended the University of California at Berkeley where he...
- 10/27/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Richard Moll, the fun-loving actor who portrayed the towering and tenderhearted bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon on all nine seasons of the popular NBC sitcom Night Court during its original run, has died. He was 80.
Moll died peacefully Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, California, his publicist announced.
Suitable for his 6-foot-8 frame, Moll played an abominable snowman alongside Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach in the comedy feature Caveman (1981), and he was a scary, decomposing Vietnam veteran in the horror film House (1986).
Moll also did lots of voiceover work, with a regular gig as the immortal bodyguard Norman on the syndicated series Mighty Max and turns as Harvey Dent/Two-Face for three Batman cartoons.
Moll had a shaved head — he did that to play the warrior Hurok in the sci-fi film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983) — when he auditioned for the role of Shannon on Night Court, created by Reinhold Weege.
Moll died peacefully Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, California, his publicist announced.
Suitable for his 6-foot-8 frame, Moll played an abominable snowman alongside Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach in the comedy feature Caveman (1981), and he was a scary, decomposing Vietnam veteran in the horror film House (1986).
Moll also did lots of voiceover work, with a regular gig as the immortal bodyguard Norman on the syndicated series Mighty Max and turns as Harvey Dent/Two-Face for three Batman cartoons.
Moll had a shaved head — he did that to play the warrior Hurok in the sci-fi film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983) — when he auditioned for the role of Shannon on Night Court, created by Reinhold Weege.
- 10/27/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Travolta was 21 years old in 1975, and he had no idea how much his life was about to change. He’d just been cast in an ABC sitcom, playing a Brooklyn high school student who was, almost literally, too cool for school. Though Welcome Back, Kotter was designed as a vehicle for comedian Gabe Kaplan, it was Travolta’s Vinnie Barbarino who stole the show. He became an overnight sensation, with his face landing on magazine covers and lunchboxes everywhere, and on his summer breaks from Kotter, he starred in two of the decade’s biggest movies, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Caught up in a whirlwind of success, Travolta once told us that he doesn’t even remember filming many of the Kotter episodes that made him a star. (Click on the media bar below to hear John Travolta) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/John_Travolta_Welcome_Back...
- 9/21/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
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People like to tell you that film and television are basically interchangeable now, but that is far from the truth. Each medium has its own strengths, and while they utilize similar filmmaking techniques, the stories told in one medium are not necessarily suited to be transported to the other. In the case of television, stories are heavily reliant on a sturdy ensemble. Being a more condensed art form, films can so easily hone in on the inner life of one character, but with a long-running TV series, spending all your time with one person would become monotonous and give you a false sense of the world they inhabit.
This is especially true of sitcoms. Comedy is built on action and reaction, and to build that kind of back-and-forth, you are going to need a cast of characters to show up...
People like to tell you that film and television are basically interchangeable now, but that is far from the truth. Each medium has its own strengths, and while they utilize similar filmmaking techniques, the stories told in one medium are not necessarily suited to be transported to the other. In the case of television, stories are heavily reliant on a sturdy ensemble. Being a more condensed art form, films can so easily hone in on the inner life of one character, but with a long-running TV series, spending all your time with one person would become monotonous and give you a false sense of the world they inhabit.
This is especially true of sitcoms. Comedy is built on action and reaction, and to build that kind of back-and-forth, you are going to need a cast of characters to show up...
- 9/16/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Actor John Travolta returned to television decades after his breakout role in the TV sitcom Welcome Back Kotter. But his decision to revisit the small screen was heavily inspired by a conversation he had with two moguls in the entertainment industry.
John Travolta wrestled with being on this hit Ryan Murphy show John Travolta | Jason Laveris/FilmMagic
Travolta was cast in Ryan Murphy’s hit FX television series People vs. O.J. Simpson. The American Crime story was a dramatic retelling of the O.J. Simpson trial with Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. as the titular figure. Travolta would portray American attorney Robert Shapiro in the mini-series.
The series’ creator Ryan Murphy wanted to use inspired casting for his show, which landed him Travolta. The pair would eventually meet to discuss the show.
“I was trying to do the unexpected piece of casting,” Murphy recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
John Travolta wrestled with being on this hit Ryan Murphy show John Travolta | Jason Laveris/FilmMagic
Travolta was cast in Ryan Murphy’s hit FX television series People vs. O.J. Simpson. The American Crime story was a dramatic retelling of the O.J. Simpson trial with Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. as the titular figure. Travolta would portray American attorney Robert Shapiro in the mini-series.
The series’ creator Ryan Murphy wanted to use inspired casting for his show, which landed him Travolta. The pair would eventually meet to discuss the show.
“I was trying to do the unexpected piece of casting,” Murphy recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
- 9/15/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Joseph Travolta, a household name in Hollywood, shot to fame as an American actor in the vibrant 1970s. Born on February 18, 1954, his career in showbiz has been awe-inspiring. Starting on TV, he won many fans with his magnetic role in “Welcome Back, Kotter” from 1975 to 1979.
Related: 10 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time, Ranked by US Box Office
But it was in movies that Travolta started to shine. In this blog post, we’ll journey through the highlights of his stellar career, looking at how he rose to stardom and his memorable roles.
10 ‘Bolt’ (2008)
IMDb: 6.8/10 222K | Popularity: 3073 | Metascore: 67
Duration: 1h 36m | Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy | Director: Chris Williams, Byron Howard
Cast: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman
Debuted in 2008, ‘Bolt’ shines as a touching computer-animated comedy adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film highlights a standout cast, with John Travolta voicing the lead character Bolt and contributions from Miley Cyrus,...
Related: 10 Highest-Grossing Movies of All Time, Ranked by US Box Office
But it was in movies that Travolta started to shine. In this blog post, we’ll journey through the highlights of his stellar career, looking at how he rose to stardom and his memorable roles.
10 ‘Bolt’ (2008)
IMDb: 6.8/10 222K | Popularity: 3073 | Metascore: 67
Duration: 1h 36m | Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy | Director: Chris Williams, Byron Howard
Cast: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman
Debuted in 2008, ‘Bolt’ shines as a touching computer-animated comedy adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film highlights a standout cast, with John Travolta voicing the lead character Bolt and contributions from Miley Cyrus,...
- 9/1/2023
- by Israr Ahmed
- buddytv.com
In the 1950s, the motion picture industry wanted nothing to do with the young medium of television — but Jack Warner soon realized that was a losing battle.
Warner Bros. was among the first to dive into TV production, when ABC approached the studio about acquiring a theatrical film package. But instead of just running films on TV, the result was “Warner Bros. Presents,” an umbrella series that debuted in 1955 and comprised programs based on existing intellectual property including “Casablanca” and “Cheyenne.”
The success of “Cheyenne” ushered the era of the Western to television, as Warner Bros. brought a movie studio approach to the small screen. “There’s a spirit of independence and innovation that’s so much a part of the legacy of the studio,” says Warner Bros. TV chairman Channing Dungey. Other early Warner Bros. TV hits included “Maverick” and crime dramas such as “Hawaiian Eye” and “77 Sunset Strip.
Warner Bros. was among the first to dive into TV production, when ABC approached the studio about acquiring a theatrical film package. But instead of just running films on TV, the result was “Warner Bros. Presents,” an umbrella series that debuted in 1955 and comprised programs based on existing intellectual property including “Casablanca” and “Cheyenne.”
The success of “Cheyenne” ushered the era of the Western to television, as Warner Bros. brought a movie studio approach to the small screen. “There’s a spirit of independence and innovation that’s so much a part of the legacy of the studio,” says Warner Bros. TV chairman Channing Dungey. Other early Warner Bros. TV hits included “Maverick” and crime dramas such as “Hawaiian Eye” and “77 Sunset Strip.
- 4/6/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
It's been nearly a decade since "Community" wrapped up its six-season run, and the cult favorite comedy still offers a rewarding rewatch. While some parts of the Dan Harmon-made series have aged poorly, others are even funnier with time, thanks to a cast full of rising stars and industry veterans. Not all of the show's best jokes came straight from the mouths of Donald Glover or Danny Pudi, though; several of the best parts of "Community" actually take place in the background.
While most network sitcoms barely utilize the space within the camera's frame, "Community" makes good use of every inch of it, with jokes unfolding in the background as well as the foreground. In one episode, Abed (Pudi) helps deliver a baby in the Greendale parking lot while the rest of the study group is busy trying to help Pierce (Chevy Chase) process his mom's death. The subplot...
While most network sitcoms barely utilize the space within the camera's frame, "Community" makes good use of every inch of it, with jokes unfolding in the background as well as the foreground. In one episode, Abed (Pudi) helps deliver a baby in the Greendale parking lot while the rest of the study group is busy trying to help Pierce (Chevy Chase) process his mom's death. The subplot...
- 3/30/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
A lot of TV show theme songs become famous without ever becoming hit singles. However, these classic rock TV theme songs are the exception to the rule. Notably, one of the songs in question was supposed to sound like The Lovin’ Spoonful.
Batman and Robin | Silver Screen Collection / Contributor 4. ‘Welcome Back’ from ‘Welcome Back Kotter’
According to Stereogum, TV producer Alan Sacks created the premise of the show Welcome Back, Kotter. He decided the theme song for the show should sound like The Lovin’ Spoonful, enlisting The Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian to write a song for the series.
Sebastian wanted to write a song called “Kotter” but this proved impossible, as the only word that rhymes with “Kotter” is “otter.” Sebastian wrote a tune called “Welcome Back” that stuck with the show. In addition, “Welcome Back” became a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. The track became Sebastian’s...
Batman and Robin | Silver Screen Collection / Contributor 4. ‘Welcome Back’ from ‘Welcome Back Kotter’
According to Stereogum, TV producer Alan Sacks created the premise of the show Welcome Back, Kotter. He decided the theme song for the show should sound like The Lovin’ Spoonful, enlisting The Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian to write a song for the series.
Sebastian wanted to write a song called “Kotter” but this proved impossible, as the only word that rhymes with “Kotter” is “otter.” Sebastian wrote a tune called “Welcome Back” that stuck with the show. In addition, “Welcome Back” became a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. The track became Sebastian’s...
- 3/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
"There's always room to grow." This brief adage is also a quote from a best-selling book within the events of "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania." The idea, evinced by the author of said book, Scott Lang/Ant-Man, is that the little guy should not be ignored, that David can always take down Goliath precisely because his size seems so un-intimidating that it's easy to look past him. But it's more than a little ironic to hear the words "room to grow" in the middle of a Marvel Cinematic Universe brand deposit/film like this one — because the very nature of the MCU is such that while there may be universes yet to explore, the creative stakes are never going to be too expansive because the status quo must be largely maintained. The MCU is many things, but it's not the epitome of the little guy.
And so it goes with "Quantumania,...
And so it goes with "Quantumania,...
- 2/20/2023
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania is bookended by two montages of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) wandering through San Francisco to John Sebastian's Welcome Back. You might recognise John as the lead singer of The Lovin' Spoonful, and the song as the theme for late Seventies sitcom 'Welcome Back Kotter'. The show was originally going to be called 'Kotter', but they changed the name to reflect the theme song, which though it was commissioned for the series ended up changing its name because there weren't any good rhymes for the name of the character.
"Why...", you might ask, "not change the name of the character?". Teacher Gabe Kotter was played by stand-up comedian Gabe Kaplan so there was already precedent. "Why...", I hear you continue, "are you bringing this up?" Mostly because it's an example of the compromises of one set of creative decisions and commitments...
"Why...", you might ask, "not change the name of the character?". Teacher Gabe Kotter was played by stand-up comedian Gabe Kaplan so there was already precedent. "Why...", I hear you continue, "are you bringing this up?" Mostly because it's an example of the compromises of one set of creative decisions and commitments...
- 2/17/2023
- by Andrew Robertson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The legendary RZA joins hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss a few of his favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man With The Iron Fists (2012)
Cut Throat City (2020)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Cooley High (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Car Wash (1976) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Grease (1978)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – Dennis Cozzalio’s best of 2020
The Devil You Know (2022)
The Last American Virgin (1982)
The Beastmaster (1982)
Porky’s (1981)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Carmen Jones (1954)
An American In Paris (1951)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
Is That Black Enough for You?!?...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Man With The Iron Fists (2012)
Cut Throat City (2020)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Cooley High (1975) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Car Wash (1976) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Grease (1978)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) – Dennis Cozzalio’s best of 2020
The Devil You Know (2022)
The Last American Virgin (1982)
The Beastmaster (1982)
Porky’s (1981)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
There Will Be Blood (2007)
Carmen Jones (1954)
An American In Paris (1951)
Singin’ In The Rain (1952) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
Is That Black Enough for You?!?...
- 2/14/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
After spending time blending their voices to do an homage to “Grease” for a Super Bowl commercial for T-Mobile, John Travolta, Zach Braff and Donald Faison might want to start working on a new tune.
You can already seem them at work. The telecommunications advertiser has posted several versions of the ad, in which the trio sing an updated version of “Summer Nights” that touts T-Mobile’s home Internet service over what’s offered by competitors. Travolta releases his inner Danny Zuko. Super Bowl viewers should expect to see it run on Fox’s broadcast of the game during the fourth quarter.
As fans might guess, the offer has Travolta crooning, “Tell me more, tell me more.”
“Chemistry cannot be created. It is or it isn’t,” Travolta tells Variety. “I love the dynamic between the three of us. It’s a special energy. I know it sounds odd, It...
You can already seem them at work. The telecommunications advertiser has posted several versions of the ad, in which the trio sing an updated version of “Summer Nights” that touts T-Mobile’s home Internet service over what’s offered by competitors. Travolta releases his inner Danny Zuko. Super Bowl viewers should expect to see it run on Fox’s broadcast of the game during the fourth quarter.
As fans might guess, the offer has Travolta crooning, “Tell me more, tell me more.”
“Chemistry cannot be created. It is or it isn’t,” Travolta tells Variety. “I love the dynamic between the three of us. It’s a special energy. I know it sounds odd, It...
- 2/12/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
John Travolta is one of the world’s most iconic stars. The face of such popular ’70s movies as Grease and Saturday Night Fever, he remains beloved. Over the years, Travolta has managed to dodge many tabloid controversies and scandals. These days, he’s still considered to be a family-friendly star. However, he is, for some, synonymous with Scientology, the controversial religion espoused by Tom Cruise. Travolta has been involved in the religion for years. And he still relies heavily on Scientology’s teachings and practices, as he’s revealed in several recent interviews.
When did John Travolta become a Scientologist? John Travolta speaks onstage during the premiere of Quiver Distribution’s “The Fanatic” on August 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California. | Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Born in New Jersey in 1954, Travolta grew up in a family that embraced the power of arts and culture. Many of his five siblings also acted or performed in some capacity.
When did John Travolta become a Scientologist? John Travolta speaks onstage during the premiere of Quiver Distribution’s “The Fanatic” on August 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California. | Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Born in New Jersey in 1954, Travolta grew up in a family that embraced the power of arts and culture. Many of his five siblings also acted or performed in some capacity.
- 2/3/2023
- by Christina Nunn
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tom Hanks. Michael J. Fox. George Clooney. Jennifer Aniston. Kristen Wiig. These are just a few of the actors that managed to make the transition from television to movies, but John Travolta made the move before each of them. In 1976, producer Robert Stigwood took a very big gamble on the young TV star, signing Travolta to a million-dollar contract to star in three feature films. The movie version of the hit Broadway musical "Grease" was slated to be the first project to launch Travolta into a full-fledged leading man, but the musical was still so popular, production on the film wasn't allowed to begin until 1978.
While Manhattan was still stuck in the swinging sixties, disco was happening in the other four boroughs. The underground movement inspired an English rock critic named Nik Cohn to write an article in New York magazine focusing on the blue-collar Italian kids in Bay Ridge,...
While Manhattan was still stuck in the swinging sixties, disco was happening in the other four boroughs. The underground movement inspired an English rock critic named Nik Cohn to write an article in New York magazine focusing on the blue-collar Italian kids in Bay Ridge,...
- 1/23/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
American show business lore famously suggests that few actors can make the leap from television to cinema. There are exceptions, like the occasional Bruce Willis or Clint Eastwood, but this jump, so memorably portrayed in "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," is one many actors have failed to land. But not John Travolta.
By the end of Travolta's breakout years in the late 1970s, it's hard to imagine anybody associating him exclusively with "Welcome Back, Kotter," which premiered in 1975. The warm-hearted sitcom about a teacher returning to his alma mater to teach a group of remedial students, the Sweathogs, featured Travolta, who had then landed just a few small film roles, in a major role. There he played Vinnie Barbarino, an Italian-American kid whose good looks and magnetism made him wildly popular. But Travolta had his sights set higher than the constraints of a sitcom.
Stardom was in his sights.
By the end of Travolta's breakout years in the late 1970s, it's hard to imagine anybody associating him exclusively with "Welcome Back, Kotter," which premiered in 1975. The warm-hearted sitcom about a teacher returning to his alma mater to teach a group of remedial students, the Sweathogs, featured Travolta, who had then landed just a few small film roles, in a major role. There he played Vinnie Barbarino, an Italian-American kid whose good looks and magnetism made him wildly popular. But Travolta had his sights set higher than the constraints of a sitcom.
Stardom was in his sights.
- 1/16/2023
- by Anthony Crislip
- Slash Film
When you say the name "John Travolta," people are going to know who you're talking about. The actor has made quite the name for himself in Hollywood. His filmography is chock full of modern classics. Everything from Brian de Palma's 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's first novel "Carrie" to more recent movies like 2007's "Hairspray" in which Travolta plays Edna Turnblad, the mother of the musical's main star, Tracy Turnblad.
Of course, when you think of Travolta, you also can't help but think of him dancing. Many of his most famous films have featured his ability to shake a leg on the dance floor. His role as bad boy Danny Zuko in "Grease" is where many of us first came to worship at the foot of Travolta's dance-infused alter, but his moves have only proliferated since then. He's mesmerized audiences with his and Uma Thurman's lackadaisical shimmy in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction,...
Of course, when you think of Travolta, you also can't help but think of him dancing. Many of his most famous films have featured his ability to shake a leg on the dance floor. His role as bad boy Danny Zuko in "Grease" is where many of us first came to worship at the foot of Travolta's dance-infused alter, but his moves have only proliferated since then. He's mesmerized audiences with his and Uma Thurman's lackadaisical shimmy in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Miyako Pleines
- Slash Film
Paul Mason, the screenwriter, producer and studio executive who penned episodes of Ben Casey, Ironside and CHiPs, created The Bold Ones: The New Doctors with Steven Bochco and served as president of Viacom Pictures, has died. He was 92.
Mason died Dec. 26 at his home in West Hills, his son Barry Jacobs announced.
At the start of his six-decade career, Mason co-wrote Angel Baby (1961), a drama that starred George Hamilton, Mercedes McCambridge, Joan Blondell and, in his film debut, Burt Reynolds.
Also for the big screen, Mason’s produced Nickel & Dime (1992) and executive produced The Further Adventures of Tennessee Buck (1988), Seven Hours to Judgment (1988), I, Madman (1989), Where Sleeping Dogs Lie (1991), The Amityville Horror (2005), Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009), A Common Man (2013), The House at the End of the Drive (2014) and Amityville: The Awakening (2017).
He, Bochco and Richard Landau created NBC’s The Bold Ones: The New Doctors, which ran from 1969-73 and starred E.G. Marshall,...
Mason died Dec. 26 at his home in West Hills, his son Barry Jacobs announced.
At the start of his six-decade career, Mason co-wrote Angel Baby (1961), a drama that starred George Hamilton, Mercedes McCambridge, Joan Blondell and, in his film debut, Burt Reynolds.
Also for the big screen, Mason’s produced Nickel & Dime (1992) and executive produced The Further Adventures of Tennessee Buck (1988), Seven Hours to Judgment (1988), I, Madman (1989), Where Sleeping Dogs Lie (1991), The Amityville Horror (2005), Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009), A Common Man (2013), The House at the End of the Drive (2014) and Amityville: The Awakening (2017).
He, Bochco and Richard Landau created NBC’s The Bold Ones: The New Doctors, which ran from 1969-73 and starred E.G. Marshall,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ronald Dennis, the Broadway performer who indelibly played dancer Richie Walters in the original 1975 cast of A Chorus Line and introduced one of the show’s musical highlights in “Gimme the Ball,” died Dec. 17 following a lengthy illness. He was 78.
A longtime advocate for AIDS awareness and charities after being diagnosed HIV-positive in 1984, Dennis served on the Broadway Cares Advisory Council and was the Senior Advisor for the Black Men’s HIV Medication Adherence Board at Apla/Project Rise.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery Related Story Stephanie Bissonnette Dies: 'Mean Girls' Broadway Cast Member Was 32 Related Story Drew Griffin Dies: CNN Investigative Correspondent Was 60
Dennis already had appeared on Broadway as a dancer in 1964’s Hello, Dolly! starring Pearl Bailey and Micki Grant’s 1972 Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope when his signature role came into his life. As Richie in A Chorus Line,...
A longtime advocate for AIDS awareness and charities after being diagnosed HIV-positive in 1984, Dennis served on the Broadway Cares Advisory Council and was the Senior Advisor for the Black Men’s HIV Medication Adherence Board at Apla/Project Rise.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery Related Story Stephanie Bissonnette Dies: 'Mean Girls' Broadway Cast Member Was 32 Related Story Drew Griffin Dies: CNN Investigative Correspondent Was 60
Dennis already had appeared on Broadway as a dancer in 1964’s Hello, Dolly! starring Pearl Bailey and Micki Grant’s 1972 Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope when his signature role came into his life. As Richie in A Chorus Line,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Carl Kleinschmitt, the sitcom writer who worked on The Dick Van Dyke Show and M*A*S*H and created two series starring Sandy Duncan and the football comedy 1st and Ten, has died. He was 85.
Kleinschmitt died Thursday night of complications from Mds cancer (a blood disorder) at his Atwater Village home in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kleinschmitt, who wrote often with the late Dale McRaven, penned episodes of such other series as Hey Landlord, Good Morning World, The Doris Day Show, That Girl, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Love, American Style, My World and Welcome to It, Karen, Welcome Back, Kotter and The Love Boat.
He also wrote two features: Middle Age Crazy (1980), starring Bruce Dern and Ann-Margret, and Kiss Shot (1989), starring Whoopi Goldberg.
In 1971, Kleinschmitt created the CBS sitcom Funny Face,...
Carl Kleinschmitt, the sitcom writer who worked on The Dick Van Dyke Show and M*A*S*H and created two series starring Sandy Duncan and the football comedy 1st and Ten, has died. He was 85.
Kleinschmitt died Thursday night of complications from Mds cancer (a blood disorder) at his Atwater Village home in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kleinschmitt, who wrote often with the late Dale McRaven, penned episodes of such other series as Hey Landlord, Good Morning World, The Doris Day Show, That Girl, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Love, American Style, My World and Welcome to It, Karen, Welcome Back, Kotter and The Love Boat.
He also wrote two features: Middle Age Crazy (1980), starring Bruce Dern and Ann-Margret, and Kiss Shot (1989), starring Whoopi Goldberg.
In 1971, Kleinschmitt created the CBS sitcom Funny Face,...
- 12/10/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gene Perret, a three-time Emmy-winning writer on “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Three’s Company” producer, died on Nov. 15 at the age of 85 in his Westlake Village, California, home.
Perret died of liver failure, his daughter Linda said, per The Hollywood Reporter. In a separate Facebook post on Nov. 15, she wrote, “This is a post I wished I never had to write. There are so many words to describe Gene Perret — kind, talented, gracious, giving, loving, fun and not to be forgotten, funny. To many of you he was a mentor, a job he took very seriously and was very proud of, but to me he was the best Dad a girl could ask for. Today, we said good-bye to him and I’m heartbroken. I’m going to miss him but will love him forever and ever. Rip, Dad, you deserve it!”
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Wilko Johnson, English Rock Icon and ‘Game of Thrones’ Actor,...
Perret died of liver failure, his daughter Linda said, per The Hollywood Reporter. In a separate Facebook post on Nov. 15, she wrote, “This is a post I wished I never had to write. There are so many words to describe Gene Perret — kind, talented, gracious, giving, loving, fun and not to be forgotten, funny. To many of you he was a mentor, a job he took very seriously and was very proud of, but to me he was the best Dad a girl could ask for. Today, we said good-bye to him and I’m heartbroken. I’m going to miss him but will love him forever and ever. Rip, Dad, you deserve it!”
Also Read:
Wilko Johnson, English Rock Icon and ‘Game of Thrones’ Actor,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Gene Perret, who began a decades-long comedy writing career contributing jokes to stand-ups Slappy White and Phyllis Diller before joining the Emmy-winning writing staff of The Carol Burnett Show, launching a 28-year tenure with Bob Hope and serving as a producer on Three’s Company and Welcome Back, Kotter, died Nov. 15 of liver failure at his home in Westlake Village, CA. He was 85.
According to family, Perret began writing comedy as a hobby while working as an electrical engineer for General Electric in Philadelphia during the mid-1950s. After contributing some one-liners to local comic White, he was introduced by a friend to Diller, who hired him for her 1968 sitcom The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show and encouraged Perret to pursue comedy writing full time. In 1969 he moved his family to California and within a year was writing for variety show The Jim Nabors Hour.
In 1971 and ’72, Perret wrote for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In before contributing to episodes of The New Bill Cosby Show, The Helen Reddy Show, Love, American Style, All in the Family and What’s Happening.
He joined the popular CBS variety series The Carol Burnett Show in 1973, remaining until the end of the show’s run in 1978. Nominated for six Emmy Awards during his Burnett run, he won in 1974, 1975 and 1978.
After Burnett, he wrote and produced multiple episodes for hit sitcoms Welcome Back, Kotter and Three’s Company, and in 1980 reunited with Burnett’s Tim Conway on the short-lived The Tim Conway Show.
Perret’s longest-lasting professional collaboration was with Hope, serving on the comedian’s writing staff for 28 years and working on dozens of Hope’s TV specials beginning with 1984’s Bob Hope’s Uso Christmas in Beirut.
In addition to his television work, Perret wrote numerous magazine articles and more than 40 books, including Comedy Writing Step by Step and The Comedy Writing Workbook.
Perret is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne, four children, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
According to family, Perret began writing comedy as a hobby while working as an electrical engineer for General Electric in Philadelphia during the mid-1950s. After contributing some one-liners to local comic White, he was introduced by a friend to Diller, who hired him for her 1968 sitcom The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show and encouraged Perret to pursue comedy writing full time. In 1969 he moved his family to California and within a year was writing for variety show The Jim Nabors Hour.
In 1971 and ’72, Perret wrote for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In before contributing to episodes of The New Bill Cosby Show, The Helen Reddy Show, Love, American Style, All in the Family and What’s Happening.
He joined the popular CBS variety series The Carol Burnett Show in 1973, remaining until the end of the show’s run in 1978. Nominated for six Emmy Awards during his Burnett run, he won in 1974, 1975 and 1978.
After Burnett, he wrote and produced multiple episodes for hit sitcoms Welcome Back, Kotter and Three’s Company, and in 1980 reunited with Burnett’s Tim Conway on the short-lived The Tim Conway Show.
Perret’s longest-lasting professional collaboration was with Hope, serving on the comedian’s writing staff for 28 years and working on dozens of Hope’s TV specials beginning with 1984’s Bob Hope’s Uso Christmas in Beirut.
In addition to his television work, Perret wrote numerous magazine articles and more than 40 books, including Comedy Writing Step by Step and The Comedy Writing Workbook.
Perret is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne, four children, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
- 11/23/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Gene Perret, the masterful comedy writer and producer who collected three Emmy Awards for his work on The Carol Burnett Show and penned jokes for Bob Hope for nearly three decades, has died. He was 85.
Perret died Nov. 15 of liver failure at his home in Westlake Village, his daughter Linda Perret told The Hollywood Reporter.
During his 50-year career, the South Philadelphia native also wrote for two Tim Conway-starring shows as well as for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, All in the Family, Welcome Back, Kotter, Three’s Company, Cpo Sharkey, Gimme a Break!, Love, American Style and What’s Happening!!
An analytical expert when it came to comedy, Perret joined Burnett in 1973 and served as a staff writer on her legendary CBS variety program for its final five seasons. He received his Emmys in 1974, ’75 and ’78 and was nominated three other times.
Perret collaborated with Hope for 28 years,...
Perret died Nov. 15 of liver failure at his home in Westlake Village, his daughter Linda Perret told The Hollywood Reporter.
During his 50-year career, the South Philadelphia native also wrote for two Tim Conway-starring shows as well as for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, All in the Family, Welcome Back, Kotter, Three’s Company, Cpo Sharkey, Gimme a Break!, Love, American Style and What’s Happening!!
An analytical expert when it came to comedy, Perret joined Burnett in 1973 and served as a staff writer on her legendary CBS variety program for its final five seasons. He received his Emmys in 1974, ’75 and ’78 and was nominated three other times.
Perret collaborated with Hope for 28 years,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The most prominent feature of Quentin Tarantino's persona is his obsession with movies — so it's fitting that he became a director. But even among other directors, Tarantino's love of film is vast and encyclopedic. All of his films feature countless references to classic movies, from the wallet in "Pulp Fiction," to basically all of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." It's become sort of a game for eagle-eyed viewers to spot his many homages.
It makes sense that a movie aficionado who becomes a big-time director would find himself fanboying over some of the huge actors he's worked with, as he apparently did with John Travolta when he met him. Travolta would go on to star in "Pulp Fiction," but according to a 2019 interview, he wasn't offered the iconic role until he fulfilled a very strange request from the director. "All [Tarantino] wanted to do was spend the evening...
It makes sense that a movie aficionado who becomes a big-time director would find himself fanboying over some of the huge actors he's worked with, as he apparently did with John Travolta when he met him. Travolta would go on to star in "Pulp Fiction," but according to a 2019 interview, he wasn't offered the iconic role until he fulfilled a very strange request from the director. "All [Tarantino] wanted to do was spend the evening...
- 11/7/2022
- by Matt Rainis
- Slash Film
In its second season, ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” isn’t just the best sitcom on network television, which is now a bit like calling something the tastiest pasta in a hardware store; it’s rapidly growing into perhaps the finest comedy on the small screen, period. That’s no small boast for a show that fairly came out of nowhere when it launched last December to universally stellar reviews and decent but hardly overwhelming audience interest. That changed as word-of-mouth started to spread.
By the time the Quinta Brunson-created urban school comedy finished up its initial run of 13 episodes in April, it was no longer a secret that this freshman was already starting to look like a valedictorian. Six Gold Derby Awards nominations followed, as did four Television Critics Association Awards triumphs (more than any other program) and a nom for the prestigious Humanitas Prize – no small feat for...
By the time the Quinta Brunson-created urban school comedy finished up its initial run of 13 episodes in April, it was no longer a secret that this freshman was already starting to look like a valedictorian. Six Gold Derby Awards nominations followed, as did four Television Critics Association Awards triumphs (more than any other program) and a nom for the prestigious Humanitas Prize – no small feat for...
- 10/14/2022
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
"You know. 1966? 79 episodes, about 30 good ones," said Philip J. Fry of "Futurama" to the jarred, floating head of Leonard Nimoy. This is his animated opinion, of course, but a better question isn't how many are good, but how many of the original "Star Trek" episodes are great. Would you believe 21?
Determining greatness is subjective of course. Popularity isn't a fair indicator of quality, and some fan favorites are guilty pleasures, while others are fun but defective in ways that knock them down from great to merely good. Any episode's overall quality depends on multiple factors: the uniqueness of the premise, the quality of the writing, the story beats, the characterization, guest stars, action, music, production values, and even visual effects.
Speaking of visual effects, we're not talking about the 15-year-old "remastered" CGI, which already look dated and cartoonish. We're going O.G. all the way. The criteria here is ranking...
Determining greatness is subjective of course. Popularity isn't a fair indicator of quality, and some fan favorites are guilty pleasures, while others are fun but defective in ways that knock them down from great to merely good. Any episode's overall quality depends on multiple factors: the uniqueness of the premise, the quality of the writing, the story beats, the characterization, guest stars, action, music, production values, and even visual effects.
Speaking of visual effects, we're not talking about the 15-year-old "remastered" CGI, which already look dated and cartoonish. We're going O.G. all the way. The criteria here is ranking...
- 10/12/2022
- by Maurice Molyneaux
- Slash Film
For years, Mike Hollingsworth has found creative ways to inject jokes into animated comedies. Working as the supervising director on “BoJack Horseman,” as well as “Tuca & Bertie,” “Inside Job,” and more, Hollingsworth fills frame after frame with visual humor — from cutaway punchlines and background puns, to silent callbacks and quips written on T-shirts, chyrons, and more.
Now, he’s applying his impressive skillset to a stone-cold classic of live-action television: “The Golden Girls.” In “Golden Girls 3033,” a pilot made to elicit a series order, Hollingsworth reimagines Susan Harris’ beloved sitcom with animation, relying on the original scripts and audio as a jumping off point before shaping fresh episodes for a story set more than 1,000 years in the future. Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Rose (Betty White), and Sophia (Estelle Getty) all still share a house in Miami — but it’s the year 3033, they’ve discovered the Fountain of Youth,...
Now, he’s applying his impressive skillset to a stone-cold classic of live-action television: “The Golden Girls.” In “Golden Girls 3033,” a pilot made to elicit a series order, Hollingsworth reimagines Susan Harris’ beloved sitcom with animation, relying on the original scripts and audio as a jumping off point before shaping fresh episodes for a story set more than 1,000 years in the future. Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Rose (Betty White), and Sophia (Estelle Getty) all still share a house in Miami — but it’s the year 3033, they’ve discovered the Fountain of Youth,...
- 7/8/2022
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Since its premiere in December, the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” has seen its audience skyrocket as the comedy set in a Philadelphia public elementary school has become a breakout hit of the new season. The brainchild of creator/actress/producer Quinta Brunson, who stars as an overly earnest teacher named Janine Teagues, can attribute its success to solid storytelling and a cast of savvy veterans like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams and Lisa Ann Walter. Looking deeper, though, “Abbott Elementary” also marks a significant cultural moment in onscreen representation and why it matters.
Growing up in New York City in the 1980s, I did not have one Black male teacher in elementary or junior high school. I was a 15-year-old junior at Brooklyn Technical High School when I encountered my first Black male teacher. A fond shout-out to Mr. Brereton for Building Construction! After Mr. Brereton, I would have...
Growing up in New York City in the 1980s, I did not have one Black male teacher in elementary or junior high school. I was a 15-year-old junior at Brooklyn Technical High School when I encountered my first Black male teacher. A fond shout-out to Mr. Brereton for Building Construction! After Mr. Brereton, I would have...
- 3/22/2022
- by Philip McKenzie
- The Wrap
Bridget Hanley, star of the late ’60s TV western Here Come The Brides, died Wednesday. The 80-year-old actress had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was living at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills, according to the local paper in Edmunds, Washington, where she grew up.
Hanley played the female lead, Candy Pruitt, on ABC’s Brides from 1968-1970. Her character was the love interest of Jeremy Bolt — teen heartthrob Bobby Sherman. Bolt’s brother on the show was played by David Soul, who would soon find fame on Starsky & Hutch. The show was loosely based on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
The actress married E. W. Swackhamer, Jr. a producer and director on Here Come the Brides, in 1969. They were together until he died in 1994.
Hanley worked throughout the ’70s and ’80s on some of the biggest shows on TV, mostly in guest-starring roles.
Hanley played the female lead, Candy Pruitt, on ABC’s Brides from 1968-1970. Her character was the love interest of Jeremy Bolt — teen heartthrob Bobby Sherman. Bolt’s brother on the show was played by David Soul, who would soon find fame on Starsky & Hutch. The show was loosely based on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
The actress married E. W. Swackhamer, Jr. a producer and director on Here Come the Brides, in 1969. They were together until he died in 1994.
Hanley worked throughout the ’70s and ’80s on some of the biggest shows on TV, mostly in guest-starring roles.
- 12/18/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Bridget Hanley, who was a series regular on Here Come the Brides and later Harper Valley P.T.A., has died. She was 80.
The Edmonds Beacon, a local paper in Washington state, said she died Wednesday of Alzheimer’s disease at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, CA. The paper cited a tweet from L.A.’s Theatre West that announced her death:
With heavy hearts, Theatre West bids farewell to longtime member Bridget Hanley.
She is pictured here with Jim Beaver from “The Lion in Winter” in 2006, one of our most acclaimed productions.
Tw extends its condolences to Bridget’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/3iszFbyQI9
— Theatre West (@TheatreWest) December 17, 2021
Born on February 3, 1941, in Seattle and began her screen career guesting on such popular mid’-1960s series as Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie and Gidget before landing her first regular gig on Here Come the Brides. The...
The Edmonds Beacon, a local paper in Washington state, said she died Wednesday of Alzheimer’s disease at the Motion Picture Country Home in Woodland Hills, CA. The paper cited a tweet from L.A.’s Theatre West that announced her death:
With heavy hearts, Theatre West bids farewell to longtime member Bridget Hanley.
She is pictured here with Jim Beaver from “The Lion in Winter” in 2006, one of our most acclaimed productions.
Tw extends its condolences to Bridget’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/3iszFbyQI9
— Theatre West (@TheatreWest) December 17, 2021
Born on February 3, 1941, in Seattle and began her screen career guesting on such popular mid’-1960s series as Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie and Gidget before landing her first regular gig on Here Come the Brides. The...
- 12/17/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Jay Sandrich, the prolific Emmy-winning TV director who was an instrumental player in such series as “The Cosby Show” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died Sept. 22 in Los Angeles, CAA confirmed. He was 89.
Sandrich was beloved in the creative community and was considered a mentor to a generation of TV directors, notably James Burrows. Sandrich had a major influence on TV comedy as the director of pilots for “Soap,” “The Golden Girls,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Empty Nest,” “Night Court” and “A Different World.” His career began on the set of “I Love Lucy” and stretched through “Two and a Half a Men.”
His father, Mark Sandrich, was a famed movie director of musicals such as “Holiday Inn” and “Top Hat.”
Jay Sandrich earned five Emmys for directing throughout his career, including two for “The Cosby Show” in 1985 and 1986, plus two for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1971 and...
Sandrich was beloved in the creative community and was considered a mentor to a generation of TV directors, notably James Burrows. Sandrich had a major influence on TV comedy as the director of pilots for “Soap,” “The Golden Girls,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Empty Nest,” “Night Court” and “A Different World.” His career began on the set of “I Love Lucy” and stretched through “Two and a Half a Men.”
His father, Mark Sandrich, was a famed movie director of musicals such as “Holiday Inn” and “Top Hat.”
Jay Sandrich earned five Emmys for directing throughout his career, including two for “The Cosby Show” in 1985 and 1986, plus two for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in 1971 and...
- 9/23/2021
- by Jordan Moreau and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
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