Category: Celebs

MJ – It’s No Longer About the Talent

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Seems that everyone is talking or writing about MICHAEL JACKSON…

Everyone has an opinion of him. Some say he’s a child molester, while others feel that he’s totally innocent. Not just innocent of the molesting charge, but child-like innocent… trapped in a world that he’s created for himself. I was a fan of MICHAEL JACKSON since his days with the Jackson 5. I was [and continue to be] in awe of his talent. When he dances, you can’t help but become mesmerized by his moves — he becomes the music. When he sings, you find yourself pulled in. And when he performs it’s magical.] I saw MJ live on the Victory tour in Jacksonville [how appropriate, huh?]. I’ve never seen such a mixed crowd so into anything. Young, old, men, women, and kids of all races. It was a memorable, enjoyable evening.

That was the MJ of old… before the allegations and out of court settlement.

… but now the talk isn’t about his dancing, or his music or his talent…

FX

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Can you imagine a party where the guests of honor included LINDA BLAIR, Insane Clown Posse, JIMMY “The Mouth of the South” Hart, JOHN BEATTY and other celebs in addition to THOUSANDS of fans? The FX show in Orlando was THAT party!

Over the years I’ve been to many conventions and the FX show was the biggest to be able to retain the feeling of a small show. FX was obviously well planned and had something for everyone. The Orlando Convention Center is huge but this worked to the advantage of the show. Dozens and dozens of dealers were located throughout the hall. Collect toys? Every kind from board games to action figures were available. Looking for original art? Not only were several artists on hand, but at least three comic companies also set up booths. Want to see the car from “Knightrider?” It was there. Maybe you want to meet and get autographs from celebrities. Remember the guest list? They were all there and signing.

If you’re getting the idea that I liked the FX show you’d be wrong. I loved it and am looking forward to the next show. If it sounds like something that you’d like then maybe then maybe we’ll see you there.

RIP Al Hirschfeld

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AL HIRSCHFELD passed away today at the age of 99.  Mr. HIRSCHFELD, the best known caricaturist in the world, had captured the likeness of everyone who was anyone in show business from the 1920s until his passing.

AL HIRSCHFELD was known for hiding his daughter’s name, NINA, in each of his pieces [sometimes more than once]. This tradition began in 1945. After about a month, Mr. HIRSCHFELD briefly stopped putting in the NINAs, but fans quickly complained and the NINAs were back to stay [along with a number indicating how many NINAs were hidden in each piece!].

Our thoughts and prayers go out to AL HIRSCHFELD‘s family and friends. [Thanks to John Beatty for the heads-up.]

Michael Jackson’s Face

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MICHAEL JACKSON‘s face has made the news again. Or at least it will when it is the subject of a special edition of NBC‘s “Dateline” set to air at 10 p.m. EST Feb. 17th. When I first heard about this, it struck me as funny that a “news” program would seriously cover such a silly subject… but I have to admit I was kind of intrigued.

No one can dispute that MICHAEL JACKSON is an extremely talented individual. But it would also be hard to argue that he’s not getting more and more bizarre as the years go by. Thinking about the changes that have occurred in his behavior and his face, one could almost argue that as his actions get stranger his nose gets smaller. After MJ holding his baby over a fourth floor balcony, I might just have to tune to see if he still has one.

Richard Crenna – RIP

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RICHARD CRENNA, the Emmy award-winning actor has died. He was 76.

Mr. CRENNA, whose credits included all three “Rambo” films, “Body Heat,” the classic suspense film “Wait Until Dark,” as well as many other roles, died of pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

RICHARD CRENNA is survived by wife and three adult children. A public service is to be held Jan. 25.

Maurice Gibb – RIP

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MAURICE GIBB of the Bee Gees has died. He suffered cardiac arrest before abdominal surgery last week and had been listed in critical but stable condition. He was 53.

I’ve always been a Bee Gees fan. I liked their music before the disco craze hit, loved the stuff that they did during it, and continued to enjoy their work even after it was no longer cool to do so. 53 is way to young to die.

We’ve lost another talent, but as cliche as it sounds, the music will live on. Our prayers go out to MAURICE GIBB‘s family, friends and fans.

The Shield Scores

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The Shield  premieres January 7th at 10PM. If you’ve missed some episodes along the way, I’d suggest that you check out “The Shield” Marathon starting tonight. FX will run back to back episodes each night at 10PM January 1st – 6th. This will lead right into the new season. “The Shield” is widely considered to be one of the best shows on tv. And rightly so.

MICHAEL CHIKLIS [the lead actor] earned basic cable’s first ever Primetime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. CHIKLIS also captured the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Drama.
“The Shield” picked up Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for creator SHAWN RYAN, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for CLARK JOHNSON, both basic cable firsts. The series also received Television Critics Association Award nominations in the categories of New Program of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Drama and Program of the Year.

Even without all the awards, I’d still recommend it as a “don’t miss” show. Check out what I wrote way back on April 14, 2002! [Oh, and for you STALLONE fans reading this, CARL WEATHERS is set to appear in episodes later this season.]

Miss Ross, Indeed

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Although I’ve never met Diana Ross, the many reports that she expects people to treat her as royalty, that she demands that people never look her in the eye and that they must ALWAYS refer to her as MISS ROSS has never set well with me. MISS ROSS, indeed.

Well, this came over the news wire just seven minutes ago: TUCSON, Ariz. – Singer DIANA ROSS was arrested early Monday on suspicion of drunken driving, police said. A breath test showed the pop diva with a blood-alcohol level of 0.20 percent, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent… Police pulled ROSS over after someone alerted them to a swerving vehicle…

ROSS, 58, received misdemeanor citations for driving under the influence; driving with a blood-alcohol content over 0.08; and extreme DUI, or having a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.15 percent. Her initial court appearance was set for Jan. 13. After arresting ROSS, police gave her a ride to where she was staying, Altieri said.

I guess, instead of Miss Ross, we should just refer to her now as Miss Demeanor. [Yeah, I know but I couldn’t resist.]

Herb Ritts – RIP

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HERB RITTS died today. He was only 50 years old… and such a talent. RITTS was best known for his celebrity photographs. The black and white photo that Mr. RITTS took of SLY is one of the most requested on my StalloneZone site.

Although best known for his black and white celebrity photos, “unglamorized portraits of glamorous people,” as David Fahey, RITTS‘ gallery representative, once told the Los Angeles Times, he was equally adept with moving pictures. In 1991 RITTS won MTV‘s Director of the Year for both the Male Video of the Year [CHRIS ISAAK] and Female Video of the Year [JANET JACKSON]. HERB RITTS photographed just about everyone ranging from MADONNA to the DALAI LAMA.

HERB RITTS is survived by his mother, Shirley Ritts; a brother, Rory; a sister, Christy; and his partner, Erik Hyman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

RIP – Kenneth Tobey

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I really wasn’t planning an update on Christmas, but I just read that Kenneth Tobey died on December 22nd at the age of 85. Mr. Tobey appeared in 100 movies and nearly as many tv shows usually playing a cop or soldier. He is probably best known for his role as Captain Patrick Hendry in the original “The Thing From Another World.”  Reading that Mr. Tobey had passed, reminded me of just how many times he entertained me.

Some of Kenneth Tobey’s feature film appearances include: He Walked by Night; Twelve 0’Clock High; The Gunfighter;  The Thing From Another World; The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms; It Came from Beneath the Sea; The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit; Gunfight at the O.K. Corral; Marlowe; Billy Jack; The Candidate; Walking Tall; Dirty Mary Crazy Larry; Baby Blue Marine; Airplane; The Howling; Strange Invaders; Innerspace; Big Top Pee-wee; and Single White Female.

Some of Kenneth Tobey’s television appearances include: The Lone Ranger; Rawhide; Dragnet; Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier; Father Knows Best; The Magical World of Disney (5 episodes); Wanted: Dead or Alive; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; Bat Masterson; The Rebel; 77 Sunset Strip; Bronco; Death Valley Days; The Danny Thomas Show; Have Gun – Will Travel; Sea Hunt; Perry Mason (3 episodes); Our Private World (10 episodes); Daniel Boone; Daktari (2 episodes); I Spy (7 episodes); Judd for the Defense; Family Affair; It Takes a Thief; The Virginian (4 episodes); The F.B.I.; Lassie (6 episodes); Bonanza (2 episodes); Longstreet; Cade’s County; Cannon; Gunsmoke (4 episodes); Night Gallery; Alias Smith & Jones (2 episodes); Kung Fu; Mannix (3 episodes); Adam-12 (3 episodes); Ironside (2 episodes); The Rookies (3 episodes); McMillan & Wife; Police Story (2 episodes); Get Christie Love (2 episodes); Columbo; Starsky & Hutch; Little House on the Prairie; The Streets of San Francisco (3 episodes); Days of Our Lives (4 episodes); The Rockford Files (2 episodes); Emergency! (4 episodes); Barnaby Jones (3 episodes); Falcon Crest; The Twilight Zone (1986); Hunter; Night Court (2 episodes); LA Law (2 episodes) and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

I’m not sure where I first saw Kenneth Toby.  He appeared on so many favorite television shows and movies of my youth.  I’ll always remember him best from The Thing From Another Planet.  Any production that he appeared in was better for him being part of it.  If any actor had just his movie or just his television resume, they would have a fulfilled career.  Kenneth Toby had both and that speaks to his level of talent and professionalism.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kenneth Toby’s family, friends and fans.
– Revised 5/14/23

Remembering Dick the Bruiser

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For some reason, the picture of an enraged Dick the Bruiser dressed in a suit and bow tie, sporting stitches in his head seems such an odd combination, that every time I see it I smile.

Dick the Bruiser, whose real name was Richard Afflis, was a real-life tough guy. He played professional football and developed a reputation as a bar room brawler. Bruiser was listed as 6′ 1″ and 260 pounds of muscle. When his football career ended, it was only natural that he turn to professional wrestling.

Bruiser started his wrestling career in the 50’s and wrestled into the 80’s! Even after he retired, he worked as a talent scout for the WCW. Bruiser died in 1991. He was just 62. Richard Afflis aka Dick the Bruiser left a legacy as one of the most popular wrestlers to ever step into the ring.

I was fortunate to see the Bruiser wrestle live many times when I was growing up. Those memories bring an even bigger smile to my face than the picture.

  • Updated 5/11/23

“The Mechanic” starring Charles Bronson & Jan-Michael Vincent / Z-View

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The Mechanic (1972)

Director: Michael Winner

Writers: Lewis John Carlino,Monte Hellman

Stars: Charles Bronson, Jan-Michael Vincent, Keenan Wynn, Jill Ireland andFrank DeKova.

The Plot…

Bronson is a hit man… perhaps the best in the business. If he takes a job, the target is as good as dead. Jan Michael Vincent is the son of a mafioso who becomes Bronson‘s protege… not knowing that Bronson has recently murdered his father…but he’s about to find out!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charles Bronson had a long career staring in a bunch of great movies. The Dirty Dozen. The Magnificent Seven. Death Wish. Hard Times. The Mechanic is one of my favorite Bronson films.

The opening scene shows Bronson setting up a hit and goes on for 16 minutes without a word of dialogue!

Be prepared for a great “surprise” ending.

The Mechanic (1972) rates 5 of 5 stars.


Updated 5/8/23

Diesel’s Streak

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Vin Diesel has a great streak going… Pitch Black… The Fast and the Furious…

…and now XXX.

All of these films are/will be in my dvd library.

With talk of sequels for both Pitch Black and XXX, Vin could actually join Sean Connery, Sly Stallone, and Harrison Ford who all have had TWO movie franchises going at the same time!

XXX works. Diesel is believable as the extreme sports junkie recruited to become a government agent. The set-up and “training” sequences are really fun and include some of the best scenes in the movie. [And ya gotta love how they show a James Bond type trying to survive in this new world.] Samuel L. Jackson is always a plus and I hope we get to see more of him [in action] in the sequel.

Vin Diesel‘s next film could be the sequel to Pitch Black followed by the sequel to XXX. Both of these are fan favorites so it looks like the streak will continue to grow…

… and so will my movie collection!

Bruno Bows Out

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I never saw Bruno Sammartino wrestle. Still I agree that he is, perhaps, the greatest star from the golden age of pro wrestling.

Bruno will be among the first 13 inducted into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame this weekend. They’ll have to have the ceremony without him. Bruno refuses to attend.

“Wrestling is how I made my living and supported my family, but it’s over. I don’t want anything to do with it anymore,” Bruno was quoted as saying earlier this week.

Despite a long reign as world champion, selling out Madison Square Garden over 200 times (the most ever) and his immense popularity, Bruno was blackballed from wrestling when he spoke out about, “Drugs, steroids, all the sexual stuff, bizarre things” that he saw going on in wrestling in the 80’s.

I never saw Bruno wrestle. That’s sad for me. No one will see Bruno at the ceremony as he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame. That’s sad for all fans of the sport.