“I hope to be back for the holidays,” says actor Jason Dirden. The Houston native shares he doesn’t get to visit home
Touted as “The Hope Dealer” pop-soul recording artist, MAJOR. (BOE/Empire), has had a phenomenal year of “wins”
Ava DuVernay is working with Netflix on a documentary about Prince. The multi-part documentary series will cover the late legend's entire life, and is being produced with the full cooperation of the Prince estate which will provide archival footage, photos, interviews and archive access Variety reported on Monday.
Tia Mowry and Loretta Devine star in the new Netflix comedy 'Family Reunion.' Mowry (Sister, Sister; The Game) will play Cocoa McKellan, a free-spirited mother of four— from Seattle who is married to a former football player named Moz (Anthony Alabi, Insecure).
Malcolm-Jamal Warner dropped by GMA Day to speak with host Sara Haines and Michael Strahan Monday. There he discussed his current role on the prime time show, 'The Resident.'
Lilan Bowden stars as the free-spirited 'Bex Mack' in Disney's award-winning, coming-of-age series "Andi Mack." The show films in Utah (new episodes for Season 3 debuted in September). Bowden plays the mother of the title character played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee. We caught up with the actress who shared not only her love for television, but the comedy stage as well. Describe your TV character Bex Mack? For people who have not seen the show, my character was introduced as 13 year-old Andi Mack's older sister who ran away and comes back home to restart her life. In the pilot episode— it was revealed she is not the older sister, but the mom. Throughout the show, fans see Bex transitioning from not wanting to settle down to becoming a different person. Andi Mack airs on Monday's on the Disney Channel. Why should people tune in to watch? I think Andi Mack is not only a good show for children and teenagers, but it's really good for families. I've gotten a lot of feedback from people my age, people who are parents, and those who don't have kids who say they really like it. I think the reason why is because it's so relatable. This show captures what it's really like to grow up with the things that can be harsh for pre-teens and teens. Another great thing about the show— it's so diverse. You have an Asian-American family and the first of it's kind— a gay series regular, Cyrus Goodman who is played by actor Joshua Rush. We also deal with anxiety attacks and kids not fitting in, which I don't think is always represented in children's television. How involved are the actors, with the writers to keep up the authenticity of the show? We have a really skilled group of writers that actually watch us (the cast) and let us influence how the writing will go for the show. Though we don't have a direct impact on what the content is—I can tell the scripts are influenced by us. For example: There is one episode where Andi teaches Bex how to solve a Rubik's Cube. That whole scene came from the head writer, Terri Minsky. She watched me onset trying to solve a Rubik's Cube with a crew member. A couple of weeks later, I see the dialogue from that interaction in the script (laughter). The mother and daughter chemistry between you and Peyton Elizabeth Lee is so believable. What is your favorite scene together so far? I will say... when we have scenes together we always talk about how much we love it! We are really close which makes my job so much easier. A favorite scene we shot? There is the episode where me and Andi Mack are in a pillow fort taking quizzes in a magazine and we get into a fight. It was great because we actually got to spend days in a fort together, eating snacks leading up to us filming the fight scene. We both said how we were looking forward to it and then not because we really do hate it when we have to fight onscreen. We love each other that much (laughter).
Upcoming projects outside of Andi Mack? I am currently in Utah where the show is filmed, but whenever I go back to L.A. I try to get a little bit done. I'll be in the next season of "Future Man" on Hulu. There is also a web series my friends created that I am a apart of called, "The Filth." I saw the trailer and it's really good! I got to film that during my hiatus. I'm a big part of the L.A. comedy theater "Upright Citizens Brigade." I always get in a couple of live shows when I'm there. So for people who really like live comedy and who live in Los Angeles, you can check my Instagram or Twitter and I can tell you when I'm performing. You can also catch me on Lilan and Wilder where my friend and I shoot one-minute comedy sketches.Keep Up With Lilan Bowden Twitter|Instagram
New episodes of "Andi Mack" airs Monday nights at 8:00 PM on
Disney Channel
By Twins of Media Feature photo: Eric Schwabel | Inset: Joanna Degeneres
IN HONOR OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
ACCLAIMED PRODUCER/DIRECTOR MALCOLM LEE & NIKE EXECUTIVE DAWN BAXTER ARE HONORED AT KICKED IT IN HEELS BENEFIT GALA
HOSTED BY SUNNY HOSTIN CO-HOST OF THE VIEW
NEW YORK, NY (October 17, 2018) – Last night, Kicked It In Heels honored acclaimed director and producer Malcom Lee and Nike executive Dawn Baxter at their sold out 6th Annual Benefit in honor of Brest Cancer Awareness Month. Malcolm who is most notably known for being the force behind historic films such as Girls Trip, The Best Man, and the newly released #1 film Night School was honored for using his platform to support the fight against breast cancer. Nike Music Marketing Director Dawn Baxter, was also recognized for surviving her recent battle against breast cancer.The fundraiser took place last night at Café Medi and was hosted by The View's Sunny Hostin with music by the legendary DJ D-Nice. Attendees included Power 105's Angie Martinez, Essence's Dana Baxter, Alexander Wang's Stephanie Horton and more. ABOUT KICKED IT IN HEELS The mission of Kicked It In Heels is to eradicate health care disparities in breast cancer and to promote health in survivor-ship. We focus on breast cancer survivors, specifically young women and women of color. We provide basic information on screening and highlighting survivors’ experiences as they reclaim their normal lives. After diagnosis, we are encouraging lifestyle adjustments and dialogue by offering workshops focused on fitness, beauty and wellness. Kicked It In Heels is also a vehicle to conduct community-based studies that address healthcare disparities. Source | The Chamber Group Feature photo: David Livingston/Getty Images
So season 4 of black-ish had us in our feelings as we watched what appeared to be the end of Dre (Anthony
Ashlee Simpson Ross and Evan Ross performed "I Do" on GMA Day Friday. The new project is Simpson 's first music release since 2012 and what better way to return to the stage than with your husband. Evan is the son of iconic singer, Diana Ross. Ashlee is the younger sister of Jessica Simpson—singer turned businesswoman. The married couple first released their single on Friday, September 7.
Wed in 2014, the duo sings about overcoming various obstacles— “Whenever I lose my way, you help me / This love came over me like a hurricane / But I know you got me / Out the darkness, I can see / And baby, there’s no place I’d rather be.”
On the heels of their new reality show ASHLEE+EVAN the pair is now making beautiful music together. @ashleesimpson @realevanross
By BSM Team Feature photo: E Online"I do, I do, I do anything for you!" We're fans of the new song @ashleesimpson and @realevanross! Thanks for coming by to sing for us. #GMADay #AshleeAndEvanhttps://t.co/LUKfafEEKb pic.twitter.com/MMACeg6rlb
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 12, 2018
Photo credit: Priscilla Graham
By La Trisha and La Tasha “Twins of Media”
What do you say to a woman; who along with her family paved the way for many people in journalism including ourselves. Thank you!
It was the first thing we expressed when meeting Linda Johnson Rice, Chair and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company (JPC). Her father, John H. Johnson founded the company in the 1940’s—where it became the home of Ebony Magazine, Jet (now JetMag.com) and Fashion Fair Cosmetics.
Linda was in town to attend the 24th Annual Pinnacle Awards; held by the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) at the Marriott Marquis Houston Hotel Saturday. There she was honored for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Ebony Magazine.
Gracious in spirit, she thanked us for the opportunity to connect inside the suite that she and the other guests occupied before the awards show. Dressed in a black lace attire, she smiled at each person who came into her presence to either conduct an interview or pose for photos. Her short, blond afro accentuated the makeup worn which complimented the confidence she has as an African-American business leader. Asking what does it mean for her to be present at this year’s awards as a Lifetime Achievement honoree? Linda replied, “You know… it really is very special because I think to be able to be in Houston which is a great city of African-American empowerment, leadership and business and all of which I completely and wholeheartedly endorse coming from JPC— It’s a wonderful, wonderful honor. So I’m greatly appreciative. The honor really isn’t just for me, but for Ebony and Jet and for all they have done and continue to mean to the African-American community.”
Linda Johnson Rice with La Trisha (l) and La Tasha (r) at the Marriott Marquis Hotel Houston October 5, 2018
Photo courtesy of GHBC
As for what’s in store for Ebony Magazine being a part of events like GHBC in the future? Linda says, “We’re working on the next issue…we’re always working on the next issue (laughter). The great thing is now we’re very aggressive on the digital space so you can have Ebony twenty-four hours a day on your phone. So we’ve got the staff writing feverishly all the time covering things which I think are important in the African-American community and for the community at large. Since it is digital— the whole world can read it to learn about who we are and what we do.”
Congratulations Linda Johnson Rice on your Lifetime Achievement Award honor!
Ebony Magazine Chair, Michael Gibson and Vice Chairman, Willard Scott were also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Click here to see a complete list of all the Pinnacle Awards Nominees.
Special thanks to Misty Blue Media
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