Netflix just released the first poster of Kilgrave from Marvel’s Jessica Jones. The character is played by David Tennant (Doctor Who, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) in the series set to debut on November 20, 2015 at 12:01am PT. All 13 one hour episodes will be available at that time for those into binge-watching.
According to Netflix, Dr. Zebediah Kilgrave/Purple Man is an enigmatic figure from Jessica’s past. His reappearance will send shockwaves through the former superhero’s world. The cast is led by Krysten Ritter in the title role and includes Mike Colter (Luke Cage), Rachael Taylor (Trish Walker), Carrie-Anne Moss, Eka Darville, Erin Moriarty, and Wil Traval.
Dexter and Twilight screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg is the series’ showrunner and executive produces with Liz Friedman and Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb.
The Plot:
Jessica Jones is a suspenseful, edgy look into the life of Jessica Jones, one of the most popular new Marvel characters of the last decade, as she faces demons from within and without.
After a tragic ending to her short-lived Super Hero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her personal life and career as a detective who gets pulled into cases in New York City.
If Zac Efron’s hoping for a comeback at the box office after the disastrous We Are Your Friends, Dirty Grandpa doesn’t look like the right vehicle to bring in big bucks at the box office. The first trailer finds Efron’s character reluctantly hitting the road with his grandpa (played by Robert De Niro) for a rowdy spring break that seems to involve a shirtless competition between the two. Directed by Dan Mazer, the cast also includes Julianne Hough, Zoey Deutch, Aubrey Plaza, Dermot Mulroney, Danny Glover, and Adam Pally.
Dirty Grandpa will be released in theaters on January 22, 2016.
The Plot:
Jason Kelly (Efron) is one week away from marrying his boss’s uber-controlling daughter, putting him on the fast track for a partnership at the law firm. However, when the straight-laced Jason is tricked into driving his foul-mouthed grandfather, Dick (De Niro), to Daytona for spring break, his pending nuptials are suddenly in jeopardy. Between riotous frat parties, bar fights, and an epic night of karaoke, Dick is on a quest to live his life to the fullest and bring Jason along for the ride. Ultimately, on the wildest journey of their lives, “dirty” Grandpa and his uptight grandson discover they can learn from one another and form the bond they never had.
Brad Garrett as Joe Bulo in ‘Fargo’ (Photo by Chris Large / FX)
Brad Garrett returns to series TV with FX’s Fargo season two playing a gangster who’s handling business dealings for the Kansas City mafia. Although Garrett’s known mostly for his comedic roles, including his three-time Emmy Award winning turn as Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, with Fargo he plays a darker character with just a touch of humor thrown in.
In support of the show’s critically acclaimed second season, Garrett participated in a conference call to discuss Fargo, playing Joe, and his co-stars.
Brad Garrett Fargo Interview:
What drew you to Fargo and had you watched the previous season?
Brad Garrett: “I was a real fan of season one as most people were. I’ve done a little bit of drama in the past. I wanted, obviously, to branch out. It’s our job as actors to reinvent ourselves when we get the opportunity. My reps vigorously went after the chance to audition for the role. Noah Hawley and Warren Littlefield were nice enough to bring me in to read and here we are.”
We haven’t really learned very much about Joe yet. Are we going to learn more about his backstory? Is there more going on than just his work for the Kansas City mafia?
Brad Garrett: “Yes, we are going to find out a lot more about Joe Bulo. I can’t get into much of what you’re going to learn about him. He definitely becomes an integral part of the scenario to move forward.”
Is there anything you’ve found you were surprised to learn about yourself as an actor from playing Joe?
Brad Garrett: “I’m not a very good runner. It’s a very physical show, obviously. A lot of wonderful character actors actually doing their own stunts. As far as I’m concerned you can’t get a Jew to jump off a porch. When I had to do things that were more physical, it was really kind of interesting how I sometimes had to go back to my trailer and weep.
As far as from an actor standpoint it was really a wonderful opportunity. It’s so rare to be able to work on something that has brilliant writing and amazing directing. I was so grateful when I landed the part. When you have scripts like this it makes your job a lot more easier, that’s for sure.”
There’s a dark undertone to the character but there’s some ironic comedy along with it. Did that really excite you about the role?
Brad Garrett: “Yeah, that’s what was so attractive in the beginning to play this character. He’s someone that’s humorous in spite of himself. It’s great to play someone that doesn’t mean to be funny, that’s just odd and quirky. Again, that’s what’s great about writing. The humor comes from character, never from jokes. There’s a real nuance to playing that. I just find it great.
I know it’s cliché to say it, but there is such a fine line between comedy and drama. I think when you come up in comedy, drama is so much more fun to play because you can let it breathe. You can take those beats, you can have the silence without waiting for that laugh. It’s a lot more intimate than comedy is. I just had a blast.”
Do you prefer being on a cable platform like FX with some of the freedom it has?
Brad Garrett: “It’s all about the freedom. Of course, this is a smaller role compared to some of the other roles in Fargo this year. From just being able to see the creative process and the freedom that the writers and the directors are given, there is a huge amount of trust that is handed over to the creators in cable that just doesn’t happen in network. I’m not sure why that is. I think that the execs in network are probably a lot more scared. Fear is a implement when it comes to dealing with a creative process.
I think when you hire these people, you’ve got to trust them and you’ve got to trust them to deliver the right product. I think that is what has made cable just soar because they let everyone do what they’re supposed to do. I think when you get on that set you feel that vibe. It’s contagious. Everyone is excited because they’re being allowed to do what they’re supposed to do, whether it’s on the acting level or the writing or directing. That seems to be what’s making it work so much better off broadcast.”
There are moments within the episodes that are left for audiences to fill in and draw their own conclusions. When you’re reading a script do you question Noah Hawley and the other writers about it? Do they say, “Yeah, there may or may not be aliens involved. We don’t know?”
Brad Garrett: “You know, I had very, very few questions with it. Again, they’re very, very collaborative. Noah, that’s just the way he works. If you have any questions on anything, he’s happy to answer them.
You pretty much read the scripts you’re involved in. You’re not really allowed to read the other scripts that you’re not in. There is a mystery part of it that you have to let go. When you read the alien thing, for example, in the pilot, it’s open to interpretation for the actors as well as it is for the viewers. Was it an alien? Is it something he saw? He was losing blood at the time, was he hallucinating? That’s what makes Fargo so amazing because there’s so much that’s open to interpretation. It all comes down to how the actors play it as well.
I’m sure if Noah wants to see it a different way, he has no problem saying that. He has a great way of communicating with actors. Like I say, when you have amazing writing on the page it makes our job so much easier.”
Can you talk a little bit about your character’s relation with Bokeem Woodbine’s character Mike Milligan? What does it mean that you’re joining him in town?
Brad Garrett: “Bokeem is so amazingly gifted as an actor. Right away we really kind of zoned in on what our relationship is. To Joe Bulo, [Mike] probably has a lot more ability and talent than maybe Joe does. Joe is more old-school. This is the first time that we’ve really been to the field together. Bokeem’s character, this is kind of what he does. I think they kind of send Joe along to kind of keep an eye on everything. I think early on Joe figures out that this is a new brand. Bokeem’s character is maybe the new enforcer from their company. This is a guy who is on the up and up and definitely a guy who is going to surpass Bulo.
We wanted to play a little of that where I definitely have the upper hand out there in the field but probably down the line this is a guy who is probably going to be making the calls and I’ll be sent back to Kansas City. What was fun about that was the teaming of the two characters. That’s an extra thing to play which gives me other obstacles and stakes. I really need to make the deal right with the Gerhardts. I need to really show that I could come back with the deal done. I have a definite different style than Bokeem, that’s going to reveal itself as it goes on.”
You’re always such a big presence in anything you play because of your size and your voice being so deep and very striking. It seems like the way your scenes so far have been shot that’s been less of a factor. It’s more been focused on your character. It’s focused on your expressions. Was that something intentional in the way they shot your scenes? Does that allow you to think more on who your character is rather than your presence in the room?
Brad Garrett: “You know, that’s an interesting question. I never really thought about that. The look is just…it really looks like no other show that I’ve seen in quite some time. I don’t even know how to answer that. Even the cinematographers and the time of day they shoot and the lighting that they want, the terrain that they use, I think it’s the location and thematically it’s just bigger than any one character, if that makes any sense. I think it’s just about everyone just delving into what Fargo is all about. I have to give to a lot of that, again, to the directing.
I’m surrounded by large people, believe it or not. My scenes, there’s a couple guys that are 6’5″ and I don’t stick out as much maybe physically. Bokeem is tall. I always wanted to feel petite so any time that happens it’s an exciting day for me.”
This is a huge ensemble cast of really talented actors. Who are a couple of your favorite character actors this season?
Brad Garrett: “Well, I have to say, Jean Smart blew me away. I think Bokeem’s incredible. Jeffrey Donovan is great. Everyone… It’s like Ted Danson I love in everything. Just talking among the actors it’s like everyone felt like we better bring our A game here, whatever that is because you’re surrounded by such gifted people in front of the camera and behind that it’s contagious. Everyone is blowing me away. Jesse Plemons who is so incredible. Kirsten Dunst. There’s a lot of people I didn’t have scenes with.
The only episode we’ve been shown, as far as the cast, was the pilot. It’s new for us every week. We don’t really know what’s going to happen. Every character is told not to tell your other character, partner, what’s going to happen. It’s kind of exciting. It’s revealing itself the same way it is for the audience.”
We’re seeing several shows from the past returning to TV including Full House. They’re making a come-back for a brief time as a limited series. Is there any chance we could see a return of Everybody Loves Raymond?
Brad Garrett: “You know, Ray [Romano] has always said that would never happen mainly because we really stopped mid-year nine and that was because we were out of scripts. Ray has a real integrity when it comes to not really jumping the shark and not wanting to repeat stories. When Peter Boyle passed we all knew there would never be a possibility of a reunion because he was such a huge part of that show. Ray would never do it without Peter.”
Fox’s new half hour comedy series Grandfathered has been a ratings winner, increasing the network’s number of viewers on Tuesday nights at 8pm by 70% over last year’s ratings. The ratings are high enough that Fox has decided to stick with the show for a full first season. Daniel Chun created the series and John Stamos and Josh Peck star in the comedy executive produced by Chun, Stamos, director Chris Koch, and Dan Fogelman.
“Grandfathered had the Herculean task of self-starting on what is an incredibly competitive Tuesday night, and the series has proven itself up to the challenge,” said David Madden, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Since the very beginning, we knew this show would be that rare commodity – a genuinely original family comedy. The remarkable John Stamos, Josh Peck, Paget Brewster and the entire cast have sparkling chemistry, and the show’s creative team has delivered fantastic scripts that keep these great characters moving. We know fans are going to love the surprises in store for the rest of the season.”
The Plot: Successful restaurateur and man-about-town JIMMY MARTINO (Stamos) is used to being the most suave, most handsome and most single person in the room. All that changes with the surprise appearance of Jimmy’s adult son, GERALD (Peck), and his baby daughter, EDIE. Now Jimmy has to unlearn a lifetime of blissful selfishness and grapple with the fact that he went straight from single to grandfather in six seconds flat.
Keeping tabs on Jimmy is Gerald’s mother and Jimmy’s former girlfriend, rocker chick-turned-mother SARA (Paget Brewster). Equally concerned about how Jimmy will manage these new developments is Jimmy’s restaurant family, especially assistant manager ANNELISE (Kelly Jenrette) and chef RAVI (Ravi Patel).
Can Jimmy teach Gerald to be a little more like him in order to win the affection of Edie’s hot mess of a mom, VANESSA (Christina Milian)? Will Jimmy and Sara fall for each other all over again, even though she’s the one thing he never dates – a woman his own age? And who’s higher maintenance, Jimmy or the baby?
NBC will be debuting the crime drama Shades of Blue on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT. Jennifer Lopez stars in and executive produces the new TV series set to arrive with a special two-hour premiere before moving to its Thursday at 10pm timeslot currently held by newcomer The Player.
The cast also includes Ray Liotta, Warren Kole, Drea de Matteo, Dayo Okeniyi, Vincent Laresca, Hampton Fluker, and Sarah Jeffery.
Oscar winner Barry Levinson directed the two-hour premiere.
“We’re so excited to have locked in a premiere date and can’t wait to show audiences what Jennifer and the rest of this incredible cast delivers in this compelling new drama series,” said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. “Jennifer’s role as Det. Santos is a tour de force. She carries herself with incredible grit and toughness, yet at the same time heartbreaking vulnerability. We are thrilled that NBC is the network to bring this iconic actress and star to series television.”
“From a marketing perspective, the Jan. 14 date takes advantage of both solid Sunday Night Football games and strong holiday programming through the first week of January,” said Jeff Bader, President, Program Planning, Strategy and Research. “Also, in one of the most-watched weekends of the year (Jan. 9-10), we have the NFL Wild Card game and Golden Globes, both of which make for great promotional opportunities.”
The Plot:
Harlee Santos (Lopez) is a charismatic single mother and resourceful detective at the heart of a tight-knit crew of Brooklyn detectives, led by enigmatic Lt. Matt Wozniak (Liotta) who often leads the team to step outside the limitations of the law in order to effectively protect their precinct and their own. As a big illegal job looms on the horizon, the FBI catches Harlee in the act and pits her against her own unit. As a newly turned informant, Harlee struggles to safeguard her on-the-job family and avoid arrest in order to stay with her daughter. Harlee engages in a perilous dance with her FBI handler, Special Agent Stahl (Kole), who develops an unhealthy obsession with her.
Meanwhile, Wozniak, acting as the unit’s patriarch, begins an all-consuming hunt for the informant. Pressure mounts as the crew struggles to perform their brand of street justice under FBI watch.
So much took place in The Flash season two’s fourth episode that it’s difficult to pick out just one particular scene or character that stood out. However, many fans of the series (and/or the comic books) seem to be most excited about the episode’s final 10 minutes. That’s when a certain huge fish made an appearance and took over the show. In addition to the appearance of King Shark, episode four included the introduction – or at least the talk of – a new member of Joe and Iris’ family. It also introduced the new version of Firestorm (bye, bye Ronnie) and Harrison Wells from Earth 2. Season two’s fourth episode was one of the show’s best as far as moving storylines along while also creating new paths for our favorite characters to take.
Here’s a recap of what went down in The Flash season two’s fourth episode titled “The Fury of Firestorm:
Flashback to two years ago in the minutes before the particle accelerator exploded and a high school football team is having a great great, with the quarterback earning high marks from scouts in the stands. Immediately after the game, his life changed forever.
And now it’s present day and Professor Stein (Victor Garber) is in horrible shape. Cisco (Carlos Valdes) zaps him back to life but he’s stuck in bed. He needs a new power source because he no longer has Ronnie to help his body remain stable. They need another metahuman to merge with Stein, and Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker) says she’s found two potential people that could be genetic matches. And off The Flash (Grant Gustin) goes to get blood samples without letting either know.
Joe (Jesse L. Martin) and Iris (Candice Patton) look at old family photos and reminisce about ice cream and doctors. Joe tells her she doesn’t have to meet her mother, but Iris says she needs to. Joe calls her brave and takes off for work.
At the Central City Police Station, Patty Spivot (Shantel VanSanten) shows Barry shark teeth that were found on the street. A witness saw a manshark walking around…which sounds like a bad sci-fi movie. She wants them to investigate the manshark metahuman possibility, but he says metahumans aren’t really his thing. However, he offers to run some tests on the teeth.
Professor Stein’s able to get out of bed and move around, thanks to a cane Cisco made. After testing their blood, Caitlin says they should go with Dr. Henry Hewitt (Demore Barnes) but Barry likes Jefferson Jackson (Franz Drameh) better. Hewitt’s a scientist while Jefferson is a mechanic, so Caitlin thinks Hewitt’s intellectually a better match. Meanwhile, Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh) lurks in the shadows.
Barry and Professor Stein go to the garage to meet with Jefferson and…yes, finally!…there’s a reference to Celine Dion and Titanic (nice job, writers). Jefferson knew his dreams of pro ball were over after the explosion. Barry tells ‘Jax’ they’re with the Department of Safety and they’re compiling info on people who were affected by the particle accelerator, but Jax doesn’t want to go to S.T.A.R. Labs with them. He does, however, take their number.
CC Jitters is the setting for the reunion between Iris and her mom, Francine (Vanessa Williams). Joe’s there to introduce them, and Iris immediately wants to know why she’s there. Iris tells her mom she doesn’t hate her and wishes her well, but she wants to continue living separate lives like they have for 20 years.
Dr. Henry Hewitt meets with the S.T.A.R. Labs group and he’s anxious to be part of the experiment. He’s read Dr. Stein’s work and thinks he’s a legend. Caitlin has told him the details of becoming Firestorm and Henry’s in. Barry reluctantly agrees. Cisco explains the process and here goes nothing…literally. They touch hands, there’s a little flame, but no real changes. They touch hands again and nothing at all happens. Caitlin and Cisco don’t know why it’s not working. As Hewitt leaves, his hand lights up without Team Flash seeing it.
At Mercury Labs an alarm goes off in Applied Sciences and it’s Dr. Harrison Wells who has broken in.
Joe and Spivot investigate the break-in and are told it’s a sensitive matter. It’s not what was stolen but that Harrison Wells stole it. They don’t know how he is alive and walking. First a sharkman (although we all know he’s actually King Shark) and now a dead man walking. Joe tells Patty she can’t tell Barry because Harrison Wells is the man who murdered his mother. Patty can’t tell anyone and she’s not good at lying, so she admits this is going to be a problem.
Back at CCPD, Francine meets Joe in the lobby and he tells her she’s not wanted. She has a secret. She started getting weak and she has MacGregor’s Syndrome, something common among ex-addicts. She’s only got a few months left. She just wants her daughter to know her.
Franz Drameh as Jax Jackson
Jax shows up at S.T.A.R. Labs and he’s impressed by the setup. Barry tells him it’s not about fixing his knee, and they explain the dark matter and the changes in his molecular structure. Jax realizes he’s a metahuman and Cisco tells him he can fly but it’s going to take a convergence with Professor Stein. Jax wants nothing to do with it. It’s not his kind of thing. Caitlin takes off to try and get Hewitt back to try again.
Meanwhile Barry tells Patty the shark is human and asks if there’s anything else he can help with. She fumbles and stumbles, but escapes without giving away the secret.
Barry visits Joe’s office and Joe tells him Francine is dying. Barry brings up Patty’s weird reaction when he asked to help on a case, and Joe says it’s nothing. Joe wants to know what’s up between the two of them and Barry says she’s adorable and funny but she’s not Iris. Joe knows Iris was his first love and tells Barry he’ll never feel the same about anyone else, but he can love again.
At Hewitt’s work, he gets in an argument with a coworker who threatens him. The lights flicker and Hewitt spouts flames.
News report says there was a spontaneous energy malfunction at Eikmeier Technologies. So, the gang knows they triggered Hewitt’s powers. Cisco says he had a sealed police record and a history of violence. Professor Stein suffers a mild attack and goes to lie down, and now Caitln’s worried Jax won’t come back. Barry tells her they have to be open to exploring something new.
Joe tells Iris Francine is dying and she still doesn’t want to see her. Joe tells her not to try to protect him, and Iris can’t help but wonder if she’s telling the truth. Joe believes she is and will stand behind Iris’ decision, whatever it is.
Caitlin shows up at the garage to apologize to Jax, admitting they’re desperate and telling Jax about Ronnie. Jax asks if he was the guy who flew into the black hole and Caitlin says he was. Jax doesn’t want to be a hero, just a football player, and Caitlin tells him he can be part of a team that’s working to protect people. “I believe you’re meant to be a hero,” says Caitlin. In walks Hewitt all lit up and threatening Caitlin. Jax knocks him out and they take off for S.T.A.R. Labs.
Caitlin and Jax make it to S.T.A.R. Labs and it’s nearly too late for Professor Stein. Jax agrees to the convergence because he wants to help people, and Barry tells him there’s no going back once he does it. They get Professor Stein out of bed and prepare for the merge. Stein thanks Jax for coming back, they touch hands, and the results are immediate. Jax is Firestorm and Professor Stein is there in his head.
Hewitt’s recharging at the football stadium and Firestorm is immediately put into action. The Flash goes and rescues the players while Cisco cuts the power to the field so Hewitt can’t draw more energy. The Flash warns him to stop, but Hewitt says he deserved the Firestorm matrix. While Stein tries to help Jax calm down and use his natural abilities they learn that the angrier Hewitt gets, the worse he gets, so The Flash and Firestorm team up to piss him off. Hewitt is super angry and throws fire at them both, but they’re able to knock him out. Professor Stein admits he and Jax make a pretty fantastic team. Barry welcomes him on board.
Iris meets with Francine at CC Jitters. Iris checked on Francine and sees she’s telling the truth, but she knows Francine is still keeping secrets. She learns Francine had a son born eight months after she left Central City and she wants Iris to know about her brother. Iris wants Francine to leave forever because if her dad learns he had a son he never knew about, it might crush him.
Stein and Jefferson are heading to Pittsburgh to train and fully realize their potential. Stein says goodbye to Caitlin and Caitlin gives Jax Ronnie’s compass. He feels strange being 50% of someone and Caitlin tells him he’s 100% a hero. Alone, Stein tells Cisco not to be afraid of the power he has. “The very thing that makes you different, makes you special,” says Stein. And then Stein and Jax merge and fly away.
Joe tells Barry that it was one hell of a leap of faith Jax took and there’s a lesson in there for Barry. Barry figures out what he means and as The Flash goes to CC Jitters where Patty is drinking coffe. King Shark grabs him as watching Patty from outside the coffee shop. Patty sees what’s going on, runs out and yells at King Shark to put his fins in the air, which he doesn’t do because he’s on a mission from Zoom to kill The Flash. As things look dire for Barry, Dr. Harrison Wells blasts King Shark and saves Barry’s life.
Ray Santiago (as Pablo), Bruce Campbell (as Ash), and Dana DeLorenzo (as Kelly) in ‘Ash vs Evil’ Dead’ (Photo Courtesy of Starz)
Season one of Ash vs Evil Dead hasn’t even premiered and Starz has already given the horror/comedy series an order for a second season. Ash vs Evil Dead will make its debut on October 31, 2015 on Starz with Bruce Campbell reprising his role as Ash Williams. Campbell is also an executive producer along with Evil Dead filmmakers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert. Craig DiGregorio pulls double duty as showrunner and executive producer.
Campbell and Lucy Lawless are confirmed to reprise their roles in the just-announced season two.
“One season isn’t enough to satisfy the fans’ two decade-long appetite for more Ash,” said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director of Starz. “The early fan and press support, along with the international broadcaster demand for more story have made it clear that the adventures of Ash Williams can’t end with season one.”
The Plot:
The 10-episode first season of the half-hour series features Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams and Lucy Lawless as Ruby a mysterious figure who believes Ash is the cause of the Evil outbreaks. Ray Santiago plays Pablo Simon Bolivar, an idealistic immigrant who becomes Ash’s loyal sidekick. Dana DeLorenzo is Kelly Maxwell, a moody wild child trying to outrun her past. And Jill Marie Jones plays Amanda Fisher, a disgraced Michigan State Trooper set to find our anti-hero Ash and prove his responsibility in the grisly murder of her partner.
Justin Bieber will appear on the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards to receive the first-ever HALO Hall of Fame Award. According to Nickelodeon, Bieber was selected to receive the HALO Hall of Fame Award ( an honor given to a celebrity who helps and leads others by making the world a better place) because of his charity work with Make-A-Wish® and Pencils of Promise. Nick Cannon’s set to host the special which honors young people who are leaders in their communities. The 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards will air on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at 7pm ET/PT on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, CMT, Nick.com and the Nick App.
In addition, Fifth Harmony, DNCE with lead singer Joe Jonas, Flo Rida, Tori Kelly and WALK THE MOON are all confirmed to perform on this year’s HALO Awards. Fifth Harmony will perform “Worth It,” DNCE will sing “Cake by the Ocean,” and Flo Rida will perform a medley of hits and “My House.” Tori Kelly will sing “Should’ve Been Us” and WALK THE MOON is set to perform “Shut Up and Dance” and “Different Colors.”
“There’s no better way to begin the holiday season than by celebrating the amazing work of these four teens and our first HALO Hall of Fame recipient Justin Bieber at the Nickelodeon HALO Awards,” stated Cannon. “Justin’s commitment to granting wishes for kids is unparalleled, and his ability to inspire and lead others through his positive actions is at the core of what HALO is all about.”
The 2015 HALO Awards Honorees:
Ethan Cruikshank, 16, Mechanicsville, Va. ‐ A guitar player since the age of seven, Ethan Cruikshank was inspired to start Music to My Ears after his school cut music education funding. Since then, Cruikshank’s music program has helped over 100 kids across four states by providing free music lessons through volunteer teachers and distributing instruments to those who can’t afford them.
Riley Gantt, 15, Sherman Oaks, Calif. – Riley Gantt’s organization Rainbow Pack was born out of her desire to provide kids with the supplies they need to do their homework and be successful learners, regardless of their economic circumstances. With funds raised through fundraising, grants, social media and school supply drives, she has successfully donated over 9000 backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in the Los Angeles area.
Joshua Williams, 14, Miami Beach, Fla. – Joshua Williams’ commitment to eradicate hunger started with a roadside donation to a starving man when he was four and a half years old. Through William’s organization, Joshua’s Heart Foundation, he designed a food distribution system in local churches, schools and community centers, and continues to raise awareness of hunger and poverty at speaking engagements. He has distributed over 1.1 million pounds of food in South Florida, Jamaica and Africa to date, and helped feed over 50,000 people nationwide.
Ruchita Zaparde, 18, Plainsboro, N.J. ‐ After a family trip to India exposed Ruchita Zaparde to the plight of widows and the difficulties they faced, she started Sew A Future to help those women achieve financial stability by becoming seamstresses. Zaparde identifies widows in need in India, delivers sewing machines and supplies, and connects the kids who are fundraising in the U.S. to the recipients. Over 200 families have been raised out of poverty with the gift of a sewing machine, thanks to the fundraising efforts of over 1400 students in 30 states.
Bradley Cooper stars as a chef determined to put together an award-worthy team together in Burnt, releasing in theaters on October 30, 2015. Directed by John Wells (August: Osage County) from a script by Steven Knight and Michael Kalesniko, the Burnt cast also includes Sienna Miller, Omar Sy, Daniel Brühl, Matthew Rhys, Uma Thurman, and Emma Thompson.
The Plot:
Chef Adam Jones (Cooper) had it all – and lost it. A two-star Michelin rockstar with the bad habits to match, the former enfant terrible of the Paris restaurant scene did everything different every time out, and only ever cared about the thrill of creating explosions of taste. To land his own kitchen and that third elusive Michelin star though, he’ll need the best of the best on his side, including the beautiful Helene (Miller).
Fox will once again be helping to find shelter dogs homes with The All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration airing on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT. Last year’s dog rescue special was successful in raising funds for the Petfinder Foundation, raising awareness of dogs in need of homes, and in generating more than 4,500 adoption applications. The first special was hosted by Jane Lynch and Hilary Swank and featured appearances by celebrities including Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Miley Cyrus, Josh Duhamel, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Max Greenfield, Julianne Hough, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, Queen Latifah, Cesar Millan, P!nk, LeAnn Rimes, Rebecca Romijn, Emmy Rossum, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, and Betty White.
The two-hour special will feature adoptable dogs and will also celebrate people who are dedicated to caring for animals. And, the special will once again raise funds for the nonprofit organization Petfinder Foundation which supports rescue groups and shelters.
Oscar winner Hilary Swank and Michael Levitt are back as executive producers.
Details on the Petfinder Foundation, Courtesy of Fox: “The Petfinder Foundation assists the 12,000+ animal shelters and rescue groups that post their adoptable pets on Petfinder.com. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Petfinder Foundation helps adoption organizations find homes for the pets in their care through its Sponsor a Pet, Disaster and Emergency Response, Quality of Life and other programs. Since its founding in 2003, the Petfinder Foundation has given more than $20 million in cash and product grants to shelters and rescue groups in the United States, Canada and Mexico.”
