Tag Archives: celebrity

Tom Sizemore Recovering by Coaching At Risk Youth Football

Tom Sizemore at the Suzanne DeLaurentiis Oscar Gift Suite at Paramount Studios Backlot

Tom talks openly about his struggles and how he is recovering by helping at risk youth.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaithWn4Y3Y]

Tom Sizemore has recently gone through a very public destruction and reconstruction.

Tom, sporting a Mo-Hawk, talked very seriously with us about his breakdown and addiction to drugs and his recovery.

Tom is coaching football at the Hollenbeck Youth Center. It is part of his community service, but Tom says he wants to stay on and continue to help the team after his service is finished.
We thank Tom for his cander and for what he is doing to help veterans and at risk youth. – JW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tom SizemoreTom Sizemore

From Wikipedia

Tom Sizemore was born in Detroit, Michigan. His mother, Judith (née Schannault), was a member of the city of Detroit ombudsman staff, and his father, Thomas Edward Sizemore, Sr., now retired, was a lawyer and philosophy professor.[2][3] His family has paternal Welsh and maternal French ancestry. He has three brothers, Charlie, Aaron and Paul, who is also an actor.[4] Sizemore attended Michigan State University for one year, as well as Wayne State University. He earned a Master’s degree in theatre from Temple University in 1986. He subsequently moved to New York City to pursue an acting career.

Acting career

One of Sizemore’s earliest film appearances occurred in Oliver Stone‘s Born on the Fourth of July in 1989, followed by roles in Lock Up (1989), Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991), True Romance (1993), Natural Born Killers (1994), and Strange Days (1995). Sizemore also starred in the independent drama film Love Is Like That (1993) with actress and model Pamela Gidley. He had a supporting role in Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp as Bat Masterson.

A succession of well-received supporting parts followed, perhaps the most well known being his portrayal of Michael Cheritto as an armed robber in the heist film Heat (1995). His first major leading role was as Vincent D’Agosta in 1997’s The Relic. Sizemore had a recurring role on the television series China Beach (1988 to 1991) as an enlisted man named Vinnie who was in love with Dana Delany‘s character. Sizemore continued to play leading and character parts in many films, notably Devil in a Blue Dress (1995), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Bringing Out the Dead (1999), and Witness Protection (1999).

At the start of the 21st century, he appeared in actions films such as Pearl Harbor (2001), starring Ben Affleck, and Ridley Scott‘s Black Hawk Down (2002). He had a voice part as Sonny Forelli in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. In 2001, Sizemore starred in Ticker, an action film directed by Albert Pyun, with Steven Seagal and Dennis Hopper. In 2002, Sizemore starred in the well-reviewed but short-lived television drama series Robbery Homicide Division. It was cancelled mid-way through its first season. He also played an undercover cop in the film Swindle opposite Sherilyn Fenn. In 2004, he starred in Paparazzi.

In 2006, he starred in The Genius Club, playing a terrorist who taunts seven geniuses into solving the world’s problems in one night. Also that year, he had a leading role in action/thriller film Splinter with Edward James Olmos. In 2007, the television network VH1 aired a six episode reality TV series called Shooting Sizemore, which depicted the life of the actor as he struggled to regain his career in the midst of a continuing battle with addiction. The series also covered an ongoing legal appeal on his conviction for an assault of former Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss.[5] In this year, the actor also starred in the Indie drama film Oranges with Tom Arnold and Jill Hennessy, which was directed by Sirian director and producer Joseph Merhi.

Recently, Sizemore has worked in films that include Red and American Son, both of which were screened at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. In 2008, Sizemore starred in The Last Lullaby, playing a killer, and appeared also in The Flyboys with Stephen Baldwin, action film Stiletto with Tom Berenger and Michael Biehn, drama film Toxic with Costas Mandylor, and is the star in the Canadian drama A Broken Life with Ving Rhames.

In 2009 he appeared in the comedy film Super Capers. In addition, Sizemore also appeared in five episodes of the TV series Crash with Dennis Hopper. In 2010, Sizemore starred in the indie horror film C.L.A.S.S. which is written by Sheldon Robins, and co-starred with Kyra Sedgwick and Vincent D’Onofrio in drama/comedy film Chlorine.[6] He also starred alongside martial arts actor Mark Dacascos in the action movie Shadows in Paradise. He also appeared in an episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Recently Tom has appeared in episodes of Hawaii Five-O.

Hollenbeck Youth Center

When riots tore through the East Los Angeles barrios in the 1970s, they reflected the despair and frustration of many young people in the area. Poverty, the lack of opportunity, and the need for respect and acceptance led many down the path of gangs and drugs.

A group of business people from the East Los Angeles community, however, wanted things to change for the better. They joined forces with the Hollenbeck Division LAPD to form the Hollenbeck Police Business Council, with a specific mission to help at-risk kids.Since incorporating in March 1972, the Hollenbeck Police Business Council and Hollenbeck Youth Center have remained committed to the primary goal of preventing violence by deterring kids from gang and criminal activities.

The Youth Center reaches thousands of children annually through innovative recreation, education and entrepreneur programs designed to decrease crime by instilling a strong sense of value and purpose in young people.

The Hollenbeck Youth Center was built in 1976 entirely from private contributions (15,000 sq. feet area). At that time, the officers of the Los Angeles Police Department directed the Center, giving their time as coaches and role models. But in 1978, Proposition 13 passed and funding for police staffing ceased suddenly, for years. The local businesses came together in hopes of finding a solution to re-open the facility, putting their resources together they raised enough funds to hire one individual.

In 1981, Daniel L. Hernandez was hired to lead the Center. Hernandez’s first initiative was to create a strong relationship with the community, which he did successfully.

Twenty-six years later, under the direction of Mr. Hernandez, the center has flourished into a nationally recognized organization. In 1998, under Hernandez’s direction, the Center completed a 15,000 square-foot addition, allowing it to house educational and counseling programs, as well as to provide essential office space for permanent and volunteer personnel.

Since its creation, Hollenbeck has bettered the lives of thousands of our children, many of which have gone on to become exceptional athletes, students, professionals and citizens. These inspired acts of commitment and dedication continues to live on as we serve today’s youth and work to better their future.

Tom Sizemore IMDB
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank You Suzanne DeLaurentis Productions – For Honoring and Helping our troops and veterans

Peter Weller Education Is Key at GBK Productions Gift Suite for the Oscars 2011

Peter Weller Actor / Director / Writer / Lecturer

Peter Weller (Robo Cop) Talks to us about the importance of education for our nation.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDGyXajsQRs]

It was a great treat to see Peter at this event. I am a big fan of Robo Cop, Odyssey and Dexter.  I also hear Peter is up for a part in a new Star Trek Adventure? Very Nice….

When I saw Peter I said “Great to see your still alive… ” and Peter looked at me like I had just lost my mind. I was talking about him being killed on Dexter and I believe he thought I was talking about his real demise…

Sorry Peter, my wife told me I was not funny. Great interview, however and Peter tells it like it is about childhood education. It really is the cornerstone and key to this nations survival nationally and globally.

Thanks Peter. – JW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter WellerPeter Weller

From Wikipedia

Peter Frederick Weller (born June 24, 1947) is an American film and stage actor, director and lecturer.

He is best known for his roles as the title character in the first two RoboCop films and Buckaroo Banzai in the cult classic The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. He received an Academy Award nomination for his direction for the 1993 short Partners, in which he also acted. He also hosted the show Engineering an Empire on the History Channel. He played Stan Liddy in the 5th season of the Showtime original series Dexter.

Weller’s stage career began in the 1970s with appearances on Broadway in Full Circle, directed by Otto Preminger, and Summer Brave, William Inge‘s rewrite of his play Picnic. About this time, he became a member of the famed Actors Studio.[4]

On the set of Firstborn, Corey Haim‘s first day of shooting was with Weller, and he went up to compliment the older actor on his performance. Weller collared Haim, throwing him up against a wall viciously warning him not to speak to him after a take, and it took three assistants to separate them. Haim later admitted that he was terrified by the experience.[5]

He has appeared in more than 50 films and television series, including turns as the title characters in the cult classic The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, and blockbuster hits RoboCop and RoboCop 2.[6] He has also appeared in such critically acclaimed films as Woody Allen‘s Mighty Aphrodite, the Oliver Stone-produced The New Age and Naked Lunch. In a 1977 episode of the television series Lou Grant, he plays Oberster SA-Führer Donald Sterner/Stryker, a tragically disillusioned Jewish-American Neo-Nazi leader who later committed suicide off-screen with his Colt 45 near the end of the episode when his heritage was discovered.

In 1995, he appeared in Screamers, a science-fiction film based on the short story “Second Variety” by Philip K. Dick and directed by Christian Duguay. Duguay would later direct Weller in the 2005–2007 television series Engineering an Empire for the History Channel, which Weller hosted.

On television, he played the shuttle captain in the short-lived series Odyssey 5 and made guest appearances as Terran supremacist John Frederick Paxton in the Star Trek: Enterprise episodes “Demons“, “Terra Prime” and in Fringe as the character Alistair Peck.

Weller has also directed various projects for television, including episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street, Monk and three episodes of the aforementioned Odyssey 5. He directed a 1997 adaptation of Elmore Leonard‘s Gold Coast starring David Caruso and Marg Helgenberger after previously starring in a version of Leonard’s thriller Cat Chaser. He directed Episode 3 of Season 4, titled “Dorylus” (air date 9/20/11), of the series Sons of Anarchy.

Weller is a contributor to the History Channel in several productions, credited as “Peter Weller, Syracuse University“, where he is an adjunct faculty member. He is a graduate student in art history at UCLA, focusing on the Italian Renaissance. Weller also hosts the series Engineering an Empire for the network.

In 2005, Weller co-starred as the Captain in a made-for-television remake of The Poseidon Adventure.

In 2006, Weller joined the cast of 24 as terrorist collaborator Christopher Henderson.[7] Weller received a “cheer” in TV Guides “Cheers & Jeers” section for his performance. In December 2006, Weller starred as architect Frank Lloyd Wright at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre in Frank’s Home, a new play by Richard Nelson.

On January 15, 2010, Weller was seen in a teaser trailer for the companion documentary God of War: Unearthing the Legend that was featured in the game God of War III which Weller also hosted.[8]

On April 15, 2010, Weller guest-starred in an episode of the science fiction drama Fringe. Weller stars in a guest role on the Showtime original series Dexter.[9] Weller also had a guest appearance in the December 22, 2010 episode of Psych; where he played villain “Yin”[10]

Peter Weller IMDB Page

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to GBK Productions – Gavin and his great staff. As always you host the best.

Stefano Langone Working On His Album

Stefano Langone talks to us about his new album and his support for cancer research at GBK Gifting Suite for the American Music Awards

Stefano Langone talks to us about his new album and his support for cancer research.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT-LqkaqM6g]

Listen to Stefano Langone’s New Single “I’m On A Roll

I caught Stefano Langone at the GBK Celebrity Gifting Suite for the American Music Awards. Stefano was a wonderful interview, mainly because I forgot to turn on RECORD for our interview and though he was really busy, he re-recorded the whole interview for me.

Stefano talks about working on his album set to release sometime in May of 2012 and about his support of the environment and cancer research.

Stefano thanks for everything. Can’t wait to hear the new album. – JW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stefano LangoneStefano Langone

From Wikipedia

Langone was born on February 27, 1989 in Bellevue, Washington to Carrie and Ernie Langone.[1] He is half Spanish and half Italian.[2] His father works as a career advisor at The Art Institute of Seattle and is also a singer and musician.[1][3] Langone has been singing and playing the piano since childhood. He attended Emerald Park Elementary School, Meridian Junior High, and Kentwood High School, as well as Bellevue College, where he was given a full ride scholarship.[4] He performed with Bellevue College’s ‘Celebration!’ vocal jazz ensemble while he was a student there.[5]

On May 28, 2009, he was involved in a near-fatal accident after being hit by a drunk driver.[6] The accident resulted in two broken arms, a fractured pelvis, and other serious injuries. In addition, Langone had to re-learn to walk and has extensive scarring as a result of the accident.[7]

Post Idol

Following his elimination, Langone appeared on several talk shows. He appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly on April 25, 2011, as well as The Today Show on April 26, 2011. In addition, Langone appeared on The Rachael Ray Show along with Paul McDonald and Pia Toscano on May 25, 2011.[10]

The following summer, Langone toured with the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011, which began in West Valley City, Utah on July 6, 2011 and ended in Manila, Philippines on September 21, 2011.

On September 24, 2011, Langone sang the National Anthem at the Western Hockey League game opener between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Portland Winterhawks. On September 26, 2011, Langone and James Durbin appeared on Dr. Drew‘s “Lifechangers” TV Talk show.

As of October 9, 2011, Langone has officially moved to Los Angeles to begin a music career. Langone is currently being managed by 19 Entertainment.[11]

While recording for his upcoming debut album, Langone has performed at several events. On October 15, 2011, Langone performed at Eva Longoria’s Charity Padres El Cancer in Las Vegas.[12] On November 24, 2011, Langone performed at the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. On December 4, 2011, Langone performed at Trevor Live, an event benefiting The Trevor Project.

album stefano yes to loveStefano’s New Song

button amazon buy from 02button buy from itunesYes To Love

Check out Stefano’s newest song on Amazon or Itunes or go to Vevo to watch the video or…..

 

 

logo stand up to cancer su2cStand Up To Cancer

Since our launch in 2008, we’ve been amazed by the outpouring of generosity and hope from the ever-growing SU2C community. You’ve shared your stories. You’ve launched stars in honor of loved ones. You’ve sent letters to Congress. You’ve spread the word to friends and family. You joined us for our second, commercial-free telecast on September 10, 2010 and, most importantly, pledged over $80 million to accelerate ground-breaking research and bring new treatments to patients as quickly as possible.

We’ve all come together — from patients to clinicians, from advocates to lawmakers, from children to teenagers to parents and parents of parents — in support of one cause: finding a cure for cancer. We can’t thank you enough for making Stand Up To Cancer what it is today. This is where the end of cancer begins

To learn more about the people behind SU2C, visit the links below.

  • Co-Founders
  • Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF)
  • SU2C Team
  • Why We’re Different
  • The Science

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to GBK Productions – Gavin and his great staff. As always you host the best.

Gavin Keilly GBK Productions Gift Suite for the American Music Awards

Gavin Keilly CEO of GBK Productions Hosts a Gifting Suite for the American Music Awards

Gavin Keilly talks with us about GBK Productions, Gifting Suites and Celebrity Product Promotions.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ5ZN-EJRFc]

Celebrity Gifting Suites. You may have heard about them. Celebrities get to go to them to collect bags full of cool gifts from companies who want celebs and stars to use and promote their stuff.  The vendors and stars, plus some great charities really benefit.

GBK is one of the biggest and best; come and meet the guy that makes it all happen.

I have been covering gifting suites for a very short time, but have learned that they are a great way for companies with products 0r services to promote, get many celebrities to stand with their product, get pictures, press and incredible media exposure.

My first gifting suite was GBK and though I have done a few others now, I will fondly remember Gavin’s as my first.

Gavin is a gracious, warm and caring guy that puts on some of the best events in Hollywood. Check out www.GBKProductions.com and check out the events his company has produced. Very impressive.

The best part is that Gavin and GBK work hard to honor many wonderful non-profit causes at his events.

Gavin I thank you for inviting me to cover your events and I wish you a wonderful new year. – JW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GBK Productions

GBK Productions is a Marketing, Public Relations, Fundraising and Special Events company dedicated to providing high quality, tailor-made service to its individual clients. GBK is known for integrating the Entertainment, Luxury Consumer Products and Non-Profit industries to create unique and memorable high-profile experiences that maximize its clients’ brand-building efforts.

Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company’s Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Event Production, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Though separate, each entity is interconnected allowing clients/brands a full range of marketing services and benefits.

Gavin Keilly GBK ProductionsGavin Keilly

Gavin Keilly is the CEO and founder of GBK Productions, (www.GBKProductions.com), and parent companies GBK Weddings and GBK Public Relations.  Gavin, a Southern California native, organizes special events for the entertainment industry, the non-profit sector and is renowned for his celebrity gift suites.

The ultimate specialist, Gavin’s superlative skills are vital to ensure the success of an event. Personally involved in each function, he utilizes a holistic method to discern and design each unique client’s vision.  Stunning and imaginative affairs are Gavin’s forte with the added value of savvy vendor negotiating with caterers, sound engineers, venue reps, rental companies and printers.

Past clients include: ABC Studios, City of Hope, Elton John AIDS Foundation, EXTRA TV, Global Peace Initiative at the United Nations, Hollywood Jazz Festival, Jurlique Spa, MTV Studios, Paramount Pictures, So the World May Hear, Showtime, Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Foundation, Steve Harvey Show, Tribute to Jerry Lewis, Telepicture and more.

GBK has won multiple awards from Biz Bash for the Best Gift Suite, and Gavin was honored as Humanitarian-of-the-Year for his ongoing philanthropic efforts.

GBK Productions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to GBK Productions – Gavin and his great staff. As always you host the best.

Jason Mraz Video and Other Photos from Free The Slaves Freedom Awards

Last year while covering the Free The Slaves Freedom Awards Red Carpet event, I walked into the after party to find out that Jason Mraz was the houseband! How cool is that.

Jason Mraz and Luc and the Lovingtons You can see the pro video and the whole party here.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/19404313]

Free the Slaves is a great cause visit them at http://www.FreeTheSlaves.net
The Freedom Awards Site can be found at http://www.freetheslaves.net/freedomawards

FREEDOM AWARDS

Free the Slaves created the Freedom Awards to celebrate today’s anti-slavery heroes and to catalyze additional innovation and resources to end slavery once and for all. The Awards program will define what successful, anti-slavery work looks like and build a vision of freedom for change-makers to adopt. More>>

FREE THE SLAVES

Mission

Our mission is to end slavery worldwide. We believe that ending slavery is an ambitious–and realizable–goal. Everyone has a role to play in this great endeavor: Governments, businesses, international aid organizations, consumers, YOU.

Guiding Principles

  • We believe that all people have the right to be free from any form of slavery, and the opportunity to realize their full potential.
  • We are committed to supporting sustainable solutions which don’t hurt those we’re trying to help.
  • We seek to base all our strategies on accurate research.
  • We are committed to building a diverse movement and to seeking guidance from local and regional anti-slavery programs around the planet.
  • We are non partisan and politically independent.
  • We are transparent with our finances and programs.

Everything we do is weighed against one simple question: Will this help free slaves and help them stay free?

Approach

Free the Slaves’ knows that slavery flourishes when people cannot meet their basic needs. Slavery is rampant where poor people lack economic opportunities, education, healthcare and an honest government. A holistic approach is required to eradicate slavery forever. That’s why we:

  •  Free slaves around the world by working with grassroots organizations where slavery flourishes.
  • Record and share their stories so people in power can see slavery and be inspired to work for freedom.
  • Enlist businesses to clean slavery out of their product chains and empower consumers to stop buying into slavery.
  • Work with governments to produce effective anti-slavery laws then hold them to their commitments.
  • Research what works and what doesn’t so that we use resources strategically and effectively to end slavery. Forever.

The whole red carpet and show were done first class with Ricky Byers Beckwith and the Agape Choir to Ashton and Demi speaking at the event it was a great time with a solid message of hope as the awardees received their awards, telling stories of deep sadness and pain only to inspire us with their courage and their actions to eradicate slavery in their life or for others.

Here are some pictures I took on the red carpet. To see them all go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwnajarian/sets/72157625306483187/

Ryan Devlin

Ryan Devlin

Paul Stanley

Paul Stanley From KISS

Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker

Does Your Image Detract from Your Message? by Top Image Expert Starley Murray

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-mTbn_7mXw&w=480&h=335]

starley murrayWhile working at Rick Frishman’s Author 101 I got the incredible chance to hang out with the very cool and funny Starley Murray.

Starley, a National Publicity and Image Marketing Expert, was hosting the Green Room for the various speakers and authors that spoke at Author 101 University.

Starley, who is not new to the camera, gave me some great tips that I will continue to use as I go forward and she was kind enough to offer the assistance of her professional stylist who helped interviewees with their best image while dealing with the challenges of on stage and camera lightening.

Starley was just terrific and we got very lucky to have her share some of her secrets, she teaches her clients to make sure they stand out, in a positive way.

Starley was very kind to do our interview and we thank her for giving us some of her great signature tips. If you want to know more about Starley, read below or go to www.StarleyMurrayLive.com


starley murray TV Personality

Starley Murray

Widely recognized as an Image Marketing Coach, CEO of Starley Murray Cosmetics and a Television personality, Starley Murray is an innovative pioneer in her industry. Working with such television and film industry leaders such as 20th Century Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC, Time Warner Cable, Good Morning America, Extra, The E Channel and Entertainment Tonight, she lends her skills and expertise in an ever changing market.

On the cover and inside such magazines as People, Texas Monthly, Marie Claire, People en Espanol, Good Housekeeping, Jane, Cosmopolitan, and Oprah’s “O” Magazine, you will find a diversity of her clientele.

She has been requested for high profile clients such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eva Longoria, Brooke Burke, Colin Powell, Billy Bob Thorton, John Walsh, George Strait, Charles Barkley, and Tommy Lee Jones for the elite services provided to clients of this stature.

Starley Murray Live

We believe that Image is more than what you wear; Image is how you represent yourself in life. As dedicated service leaders, Starley Murray & Company provides their diverse clientele base with superior image services and products to give them an edge in business and in their personal lives.

starley murray and nick verreos

Starley Murray and Nick Verreos

National Image Expert and Celebrity Makeup Artist, Starley Murray shares signature techniques & lessons related to image, beauty, and self esteem on local and syndicated TV morning shows across the nation.

In demand, Starley shares her valuable lessons with a greater number of people through Image related workshops & seminars, and speaks to a range of clients including corporations, women’s and youth groups and business professionals.

Fifteen years of unique work experience as a professional makeup artist, working with television networks, film production studios, fashion/entertainment magazines, and celebrities, allowed Starley to develop her expertise and gain insight into how image can affect one’s self esteem, income and reputation.

With the supportive tools she has developed such as her professional cosmetic line, STARLEY MURRAY COSMETICS, Image handbooks, and other learning mediums, she is able to teach people how to be their own Image Consultant.

Rick Frishman’s Author 101

Are you curious about what publishers like Harper Collins, Morgan James, Adams Media, Wiley, Random House, and Simon & Schuster are looking for? What is the best way to get your manuscript read when you’re an unpublished author? Want to know the biggest mistakes to avoid when writing book proposals? You’ll be engaged as these top pros share their expertise, reveal the inner workings of the publishing industry, and discuss various approaches to common marketing and publishing challenges.

Author 101 University Event Website: www.author101university.com