Monday, December 22, 2025
Donate
Home Blog Page 1636

Anthony Geary Leaving “General Hospital” After 37 Years as ABC Slices Budget

Roger Friedman
-
2
Anthony Geary Leaving “General Hospital” After 37 Years as ABC Slices Budget

The first death knell of “General Hospital” has wrung: Anthony Geary, who’s played Luke Spencer for 37 years and has won 8 Emmy Awards, is out. He tells TV Guide he’s quitting, but it’s quite obvious that budget slicing finally hit the show’s highest paid actor. The show is bringing back Genie Francis as Laura, Luke’s long time love, to see him off.

And then? “General Hospital” has been on a wild ride since producer Frank Valentini and headwriter Ron Carlivati came from the cancelled “One Life to Live” and saved it. They’ve employed dozens of returned veterans on recurring contracts and balanced a zillion story lines.

But all good things must come to an end. They’ve got two highly paid popular actors– Maura West, who just won the Emmy for Best Actress in that show– and Michael Easton, who are barely seen. They’ve got two more, same situation, Michelle Stafford and Roger Howarth, who cost a lot. Today they’re “killing off” one other legacy character. And so on.

ABC still wants out of soap operas. Pulling the plug on Geary is the best way to destabilize the audience. Geary lives in Holland, is not retiring, and may turn up elsewhere. And I don’t think ABC cares much one way or another. For 10 cents they could have another cooking show and be done with it. We’ll see what happens.

UPDATE “Grey’s Anatomy” Numbers Lower Than Thought, Continues to Sink in Wake of Patrick Dempsey Kill-Off

Roger Friedman
-
3
UPDATE “Grey’s Anatomy” Numbers Lower Than Thought, Continues to Sink in Wake of Patrick Dempsey Kill-Off

UPDATE The numbers were LOWER than previously thought– 2.1 in the demo, and 7.74 million total. In the finale next week, Meredith wakes up with pizza boxes spread all over  the bed and tells Derek, “I had a terrible dream after we ate all that pizza”– a reference to his famous Pizza Boy movie– “but you’re right here.”

EARLIER Yikes. The “Grey’s Anatomy” fans do not like the absence of Patrick Dempsey at all. Last night’s episode saw another drop in the ratings. The key demo is now 2.2, down from the previous week’s 2.5 in a big way. It was 2.8 the prior week, when Shonda Rhimes plowed an 18 wheeler into Derek Shepherd’s Porsche SUV.

Last week, the total viewers for “Greys” was 8.68 million. This week, only 7.88 million showed. Around a million “Grey’s”
fans either watched “The Big Bang Theory” season finale, which was number 1 and huge, or took a bike ride. Next week’s two hour season finale will really show what “Grey’s” can look forward to next season. The show was renewed for another season last night by ABC.

But I would guess the series finale is in the works for next year. Dempsey must be getting a kick out of this.

Republican Icons Karl Rove, Lee Atwater to Get Torched in “Young Americans” With Harry Potter Star Daniel Radcliffe

Roger Friedman
-
1
Republican Icons Karl Rove, Lee Atwater to Get Torched in “Young Americans” With Harry Potter Star Daniel Radcliffe

Republican icons Karl Rove ( whom I think of as Dr. Evil) and Lee Atwater (who was a nice guy actually despite his politics) are about to be preserved for history in a new a movie called “Young Americans” starring Daniel “Harry Potter” Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan, one of my pics for hottest up and coming actor. The lovely Amanda Seyfried co-stars. John Krokidas (“Kill Your Darlings,” which also starred Radcliffe and DeHaan) is directing from a sought after script by Wes Jones.

When they were college kids, Rove and Atwater apparently took a road trip in the South causing political mayhem. From the press release:

YOUNG AMERICANS is a buddy movie about two college students on a cross-country road trip, tarnishing the American dream one state at a time. Based on true events from the 70’s, the story finds a straight-laced and ambitious student, KARL ROVE (Dane Dehaan), running for the head of the College Republicans under the guidance of the free-wheeling LEE ATWATER (Daniel Radcliffe), who takes Karl on a wild road-trip through the South all the way to the White House in a crash course of dirty tricks and politics. The trip becomes more exciting and complicated for the guys when they meet KATE KING (Amanda Seyfried), a young political femme fatale who secretly threatens to beat the boys at their own game.

I don’t know what Rove– who is capable 0f anything– and Atwater, who is beloved since his untimely death in 1991 at age 40, did on that trip. But this movie will be an instant hot button in political circles. I’m surprised Rove hasn’t tried to stop it or undermine it yet. Hold on, because this is going to be interesting. StarStream Media and XYZ Films will be selling the film in Cannes at the Marche to international buyers. Thank goodness you need a special pass to get in there.

TV: ABC’s Night of Renewals and Cancellations Includes a Score for Ryan Phillippe, Keeps Viola Davis On Top

Roger Friedman
-
0
TV: ABC’s Night of Renewals and Cancellations Includes a Score for Ryan Phillippe, Keeps Viola Davis On Top

ABC has made its plans for fall 2015. “Resurrection” and “Forever” and “Cristela” are gone. Too bad, because Frances Fisher and Ioan Gruffud were welcome additions to night time viewing. Someone get them shows pronto.

As for renewals, the very good Ryan Phillippe comes back with “Secrets and Lies,” and so does “American Crime,” a show that requires paying attention. It’s worth watching carefully. There are some Emmy nominations in there. Tim Hutton, Regina King and Felicity Huffman head a very special cast. “Nashville” also returns. It’s low rated but Connie Britton is brilliant.

Meantime: Viola Davis, two Time Tony winner who should have an Oscar, will get an Emmy this fall for “How to Get Away with Murder.” She also deserves a parade with confetti.

DRAMAS

“CASTLE” (Season 8)

“GREY’S ANATOMY” (Season 12)

“HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER” (Season 2)

“MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.” (Season 3)

“NASHVILLE” (Season 4)

“ONCE UPON A TIME” (Season 5)

“SCANDAL” (Season 5)

“AMERICAN CRIME” (Season 2)

“SECRETS AND LIES” (Season 2)

“MARVEL’S AGENT CARTER” (Season 2)

COMEDIES

“black-ish” (Season 2)

“FRESH OFF THE BOAT” (Season 2)

“THE GOLDBERGS” (Season 3)

“THE MIDDLE” (Season 7)

“MODERN FAMILY” (Season 7)

“GALAVANT” (Season 2)

Michael Jackson’s Son Prince Will Attend Loyola Marymount University This Fall

Roger Friedman
-
3
Michael Jackson’s Son Prince Will Attend Loyola Marymount University This Fall

Got to be there: Michael Jackson’s son, Prince, has chosen a college. He’s decided to go to Loyola Marymount College this fall. Prince Tweeted a few days ago that he’d picked LMU over the University of Southern California.

This pretty exciting, and Michael would be beaming with pride. It sounds like Prince is committed to getting a degree, which will place him in good stead no matter what he decides to do. His sister Paris will be next. Hopefully Prince will find his own way — legal and business courses will help him deal with the myriad decisions he’ll have to make for the rest of his life as the eldest heir to Michael Jackson’s vast estate.

Congratulations!

“Veep” Creator Armando Iannucci Urges Brits to Vote In Final Hours to Get Rid of Cameron

Roger Friedman
-
0
“Veep” Creator Armando Iannucci Urges Brits to Vote In Final Hours to Get Rid of Cameron

It should come as no surprise that “Veep” creator Armando Iannucci, a Brit, wants David Cameron out of 10 Downing St. He just sent out a Tweet urging his followers to get out and vote “if you want Cameron out.” Selina Meyer could succeed him. Just kidding!

Exclusive: “Full House” Reboot– Here are The Kids of the New Generation

Roger Friedman
-
0
Exclusive: “Full House” Reboot– Here are The Kids of the New Generation

As you must have heard, Netflix is rebooting the totally awful 90s series “Full House.” Bob Saget and John Stamos, along with Dave Coulier, Lori Loughlin and Kirk Cameron’s sister starred alongside the Olsen twins– now kinda grown. The Olsens played one little girl, alternately. The show was terrible and is an embarrassment to watch now. But the reboot has been treated as if it were “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

Anyway, there will be children since that’s what it’s about. I was read these descriptions yesterday. Here is what the producers want. Sounds like Cameron’s sister is a widow with two kids. Remember, last week they were searching for a Saget-like character with a “New York personality” and a “big nose.” In other words, a Jewish looking, sounding kid. I do hope Saget returns and tells all the kids “The Aristocrats” joke.

They should also just say there were always twins so both of the Olsens can be on, although it might be funnier to just have them alternate episodes again and we can guess which one is dating the older French guy and which one took the call from Heath Ledger’s trainer when he was dead. Netflix is the perfect network for all that.

“JD” (JESSE DANIEL) is 12-13 years old – Just like his blue collar fireman Dad, JD is tough, athletic, strong-willed. He
idolized his father and is not adjusting well to losing him. JD is always testing limits, breaking the rules and questioning authority. A handsome kid and already a ladies’ man, juggling three girlfriends. He plays
guitar, sings, and loves to ride a dirt bike like his Uncle Jesse (Stamos).

JD is trying to toughen up his geeky little brother Max. He resents DJ constantly pushing him to read, do charity
work, and behave himself…

MAX is 6-7 years old. Max is hyper, goofy, awkward, andkinda geeky. Much like his Grandpa Danny (Saget), he takes tremendous pride in keeping his room tidy, his shirt tucked in, and has already mastered the art of hospital corners. Max is smart, curious about the world, and lovestechnology, computers, gadgets — and money. He sings out of tune,  dances has no rhythm. Max looks up to his older brother, and is always searching for his approval…

RAMONA is 12-13 years old. Ramona is bi-racial, passionate, sharp-tongued, tough, kooky, a drama queen. Ramona considers herself Latina and has fully embraced her Latin heritage even though she is half-white. Living with the
white-bread Tanners is totally lame. Ramona is bright, but not into school. She’s obsessed with her friends, boys, fashion, being cool, social media and taking pics every second of every day. Ramona worships her Dad, but
resents Mom for breaking up the family, even though Dad is a troublemaker. She is experiencing the trials and
tribulations of being a teenage girl, and the mood swings that come along as a result.

Read: NFL CEO Paid $35 Mil Last Year Despite Deflategate, Domestic Violence Scandal

Was Rebel Heart Madonna’s Last Album? No Gold Record as Total Sales Came to 179,000

Roger Friedman
-
9
Was Rebel Heart Madonna’s Last Album? No Gold Record as Total Sales Came to 179,000

“Rebel Heart” may have been Madonna’s last pop album of new music. Released in March, the collection failed to catch on no matter what Madonna did for it. The total sales were 179,000, according to Nielsen. She could never get a single going from the album. All together, there were only 312,000 purchases of individual tracks from the album, like “Bitch I’m Madonna” or “Living for Love.” The album was streamed a lot on line for free– about 14 million times including video and audio from YouTube and places like that.

Madonna worked hard to promote “Rebel Heart” too. She was everywhere, and even had the calamitous fall during a promo appearance in London. She spent a week on “Ellen,” which was supposed to connect her to the young mothers audience. She also did what she could to connect to the teen crowd: she horsed around with Taylor Swift, kissed Drake on stage one TV show.

Her best moment was on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight show, which actually gave the album and the single a momentary jolt. But “Rebel Heart” never caught fire. It’s the fourth time in a row that the former chart star was unable to cause a commotion. She can’t get her very vocal fans to buy albums of new material, a problem now for most legacy pop stars.

Just revealed exclusively: the enormous paycheck of NFL chief exec

The next step? A duets album using her classic hits is probably being considered. One issue for Madonna is that she has few past collaborations. She’s used contemporary stars to bolster her up– like Justin Timberlake or Nicki Minaj– but Madonna really hasn’t appeared on other people’s albums. She’s an outsider in many ways, without a lot of ties to the musical community. But maybe we’ll be hearing Michael Buble on a new rendition of “Frozen.”

Madonna’s big business is still live shows. Her tour in the fall will do well, and if there’s a future tour, she can always make a record that serves as a commercial tie in. But her days of selling CDs (or whatever) are done, I’m afraid, unless she can figure out a new hook.

Exclusive: Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA Directing Second Film, “It Doesn’t Have to Rhyme”

Roger Friedman
-
0
Exclusive: Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA Directing Second Film, “It Doesn’t Have to Rhyme”

Believe it or not, there are a lot of Wu-Tang Clan fans out there. And not only for their musical interpretations. Wu- Tang Clan members RZA (pronounced Rizza) and Method Man (Clifford Smith) often turn up in movies as actors. In 2012, RZA (real name Robert Diggs) directed a middling film starring Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu called “The Man with the Iron Fists.” You don’t know it because it only made $15 million. But it only cost $15 million to make, so even Steven as they say.

Now RZA, aka Mr. Diggs, will direct a new film called “It Doesn’t Have to Rhyme.” Paul Hall is producing it. Nicole Jefferson Asher wrote the script. It’s about Coco, described as a gifted rapper. She enrolls in a college poetry class and finds a new voice. There will be a lot of rap in the movie, obviously. No word yet on who’s playing Coco, but if done right it could be a career maker.

Last time around, RZA had Eli Roth on the screenplay and producing with a big gang. Stay tuned to see if he signs on again…

Here’s a nice Wu Tang Clan video based on Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ “Wake Up Everybody” featuring Teddy Pendergrass and President Barack Obama:

Yes, Mariah Carey is Singing on the Billboard Awards May 17th (Spoiler)

Roger Friedman
-
0
Yes, Mariah Carey is Singing on the Billboard Awards May 17th (Spoiler)

I did post a Tweet about a week ago that Mariah Carey was going to perform on the Billboard Awards May 17th. Then all the MC fans jumped all over me that the performers had been announced– and how could Mariah do it if she were also playing Caesar’s Palace that night?

Well, Mariah’s been announced, just as I scooped. What they don’t tell you is she is probably singing her original hit “Vision of Love,” which will bleed into her latest hit, “Infinity.” It’s supposed to suggest the breadth and depth of her high charting career, 18 number 1 songs.

The performance will also plug her Caesar’s run as well as her new greatest hits album with “Infinity” on it. And then, maybe that Christmas-theme album later this year. Mariah opens tomorrow night in Vegas, and will be under a lot of scrutiny.

1...1,6351,6361,637...2,325Page 1,636 of 2,325

Hollywood to the Hudson

Company

Trending

Categories

© Showbiz411.com