Broadway actor James Snyder fired from ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ over misconduct complaint

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‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ star James Snyder, who held the title role in the show, was fired from the Broadway production following a complaint about his conduct.  Snyder’s co-star Diane Davis filed the complaint about his conduct on Nov. 19, leading to the production launching an independent investigation by a third party. Snyder will not return following the investigation and his contract has been terminated.

The exact nature of Snyder’s conduct is unknown.   The producers said in a statement: “We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, which is why we have robust workplace policies and procedures in place for all those involved in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  This includes struct prohibitions against harassment in any form, as well as channels through which any employee can report conduct that they believe is inappropriate. We will continue to do all we can to ensure the extremely talented team that brings this production to life feels safe, empowered and fully supported.”

Snyder has also starred in Broadway productions of Cry-Baby, If/Then and In Transit, and has appeared on television in The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Cold Case, Rizzoli & Isles and more.

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Michael Madsen’s son Hudson dies by suicide at age 26

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Hudson Madsen, the 26-year-old son of actor Michael Madsen, has died by suicide.The family confirmed Hudson’s death in a statement reading: “We are heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. His memory and light will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time.”

Hudson died of a gunshot wound to the head in a suspected suicide on the island of Oahu, a spokesperson for the Honolulu Medical Examiner confirmed. Hudson lived in Hawaii with his wife Carlie, having moved to the island of Oahu in 2019. He was the oldest of Michael’s three children with wife DeAnna Madsen. The couple also shares sons Calvin and Luke. Michael is also the father of two older sons, Christian and Max, whom he shares with ex Jeannine Bisignano.

Michael Masden 64, is a long-time collaborator with film director Quentin Tarantino, who is also a personal friend. Tarantino is the godfather of both Hudson and Calvin. Masden has appeared in several of Tarantino’s films, including Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and 2.

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Chelsea Handler’s memoir ‘Life Will Be The Death Of Me’ to be made into new comedy series at Peacock

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Chelsea Handler is set to star in a brand new comedy series at Peacock, based on her memoir, “Life Will Be the Death of Me”, which was released in 2019.

Handler will star in the half-hour show, as well as executive produce with Liz Tuccillo of Chelsea Handler Productions.  The show will ‘center on Chelsea in crisis. She goes into therapy to become a nicer and less entitled person. Mayhem and calamity ensue as she overcorrects, stumbles, regresses, and loses her marbles on her journey to self-improvement.’   Exec producers also include Annapurna Pictures’ Sue Naegle and Megan Ellison, Chelsea Handler Productions’ Molly Burke with Jackie Sosa as co-exec producer.

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Take a look at the teaser photos for Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ Season 2

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Netflix gave fans a sneak peek at Season 2 of Bridgerton by releasing eight new teaser photos on Twitter of what is coming up on the series’ upcoming sophomore season.

One photo shows Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) having a romantic moment on the dance floor.  Another photo has Kate shown with her sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran), while Anthony is shown fencing with his brothers and having a talk with his sister, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor).

Other teasers include pictures featuring Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuval) reading Lady Whistledown, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) in conversation, and the Featherington women dressed in formal attire.

Season 2 of Bridgerton will premiere Friday, March 25 on Netflix.

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Regina King mourns the loss of her son, musician Ian Alexander Jr., who died by suicide at age 26

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Regina King is mourning the loss of her son, musician Ian Alexander Jr., who died by suicide at age 26.  A statement from King read:  “Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian. He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others. Our family asks for respectful consideration during this private time.”

Ian had just celebrated his 26th birthday last WednesdayHe was King’s only child, whom she shared with her ex-husband, record producer Ian Alexander Sr.  Alexander Jr. was an up-and-coming musician and DJ, who performed as “Desduné” according to his Instagram page. He had released a new single, “Green Eyes,” on Jan. 7 and had performances scheduled in Los Angeles later this month, including at Avalon Hollywood’s Breaking Sound event on Jan. 28.

The 51-year-old King and her son were extremely close and even had matching tattoos together that read “unconditional love” in Aramaic.  The mother and son often attended red carpet events together. King previously told People that her bond with her son meant everything to her:  “You don’t know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you don’t have a child, you don’t know what that is. When you experience it, it’s the most fulfilling [thing] ever.”  On her 50th birthday last year, Ian wrote a heartfelt tribute to his mother, sharing in an Instagram post: “To have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable.”

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Grammy-winning rock star and actor Meat Loaf dies at 74

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Rock singer and actor Meat Loaf has died at age 74. His death was announced in a statement posted on his official Facebook page early Friday morning.

The statement read: “Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side. Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours. We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!”

Born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas in 1947, Meat Loaf enjoyed a successful career spanning six decades. Meat Loaf’s 1977 debut album “Bat Out of Hell” remains one of the top-selling albums of all time. He sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, with his songs “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” and “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” becoming rock classics, and he won a 1994 Grammy Award for the song “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”  Meat Loaf also appeared in over 65 movies, including iconic roles in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Fight Club.”

Meat Loaf is survived by his wife Deborah Gillespie, and daughters Pearl and Amanda Aday.

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NBC cancels Ellen DeGeneres’ ‘Ellen’s Game of Games’ after four seasons

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NBC has canceled ‘Ellen’s Game of Games’, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, after four seasons. ‘Game of Game’ featured DeGeneres leading contestants through upsized versions of audience games from her daytime talk show.

The cancellation of the NBC series comes as DeGeneres is also working on the final season of her daytime show. The comedian announced last year that she would end The Ellen DeGeneres Show after 19 seasons. “Game of Games” last aired in May 2021.

Ratings for ‘Game of Games’ decreased during 2020-21, particularly after moving to Sunday nights later that season. DeGeneres was twice nominated for Primetime Emmys for outstanding host of a competition show in 2018 and 2019.

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Daniel Radcliffe to star as Weird Al Yankovic in upcoming biopic

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Daniel Radcliffe will star as “Weird Al” Yankovic for the upcoming biopic, WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, that will be available to stream for free on The Roku Channel. Radcliffe will take on the role in a new film focusing on Yankovic’s career as a pop culture parody icon.

An official release of the film says:  “The biopic holds nothing back, exploring every facet of Yankovic’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like ‘Eat It’ and ‘Like a Surgeon’ to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle. WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story takes audiences on a truly unbelievable journey through Yankovic’s life and career, from gifted child prodigy to the greatest musical legend of all time.”

Yankovic said in a statement, “When my last movie UHF came out in 1989, I made a solemn vow to my fans that I would release a major motion picture every 33 years, like clockwork. I’m very happy to say we’re on schedule. And I am absolutely thrilled that Daniel Radcliffe will be portraying me in the film. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is the role future generations will remember him for.”

WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story was written by Yankovic and Eric Appel, who is also directing the film. The film’s release date has not been announced, but production begins in Los Angeles in February.

How Weird! Daniel Radcliffe Has Been Cast As Weird Al Yankovic In New Biopic

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Celebrities pay tribute to the late André Leon Talley, former Vogue editor and fashion icon

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The fashion world and celebrities are mourning the loss of André Leon Talley, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 73. Talley died in at White Plains Hospital from an unknown illness; his friend Darren Walker, the president of the Ford Foundation, confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “André Leon Talley was a singular force in an industry that he had to fight to be recognized in.”

Talley became the first African American creative director of Vogue in 1988, where he worked closely with editor-in-chief Anna Wintour before departing in 1995. He returned to the publication in 1998 and served as editor-at-large until 2013.

Kim Kardashian posted on her Instagram Story along with photo of herself holding hands with the fashion legend: “Love you Andre,” while Kris Jenner wrote: “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of André Leon Talley. We shared some very memorable times together and I will always remember how kind he was to me and my family.”  Actress Cynthia Erivo posted a video tribute to Instagram of Talley, writing, “A devastating loss for fashion today. Rest In Peace Mr Andre Leon Talley. 🌹

Fashion icons also paid tribute to Talley. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg remembered her friend with an Instagram tribute: “Good bye darling André ❤🙏… no one saw the world in a more elegant and glamorous way than you did ❤🙏… no one was more soulful and grander than you were ❤🙏…the world will be less joyful now ❤🙏 I have loved you and laughed with you for 45 years…. I will miss your loud screams and your loyal friendship…I love you soooo much ❤🙏 .”

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Gaspard Ulliel, ‘Hannibal Rising’ and ‘Moon Knight’ actor, dies at age 37 following ski accident

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French actor Gaspard Ulliel, known for his role in the film ‘Hannibal Rising’ and the upcoming Marvel miniseries ‘Moon Knight,’ has died following a skiing accident. Ulliel was 37.

Following reports that Ulliel had been hospitalized Tuesday after suffering a head injury during a collision on the slopes in the Savoie region of France, his agent and family confirmed that he was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Grenoble, where he died on Wednesday.  A Disney spokesperson said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our friend and colleague Gaspard Ulliel. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.”

In his first English-speaking role, Ulliel starred as a young Hannibal Lecter in the feature Hannibal Rising. His final film was the French romantic comedy Sibyl with Virginie Efira and Adèle Exarchopoulos, which competed for Cannes’ Palme d’Or in 2019.  Ulliel was cast in Moon Knight in July 2021, playing Anton Mogart/Midnight Man in the upcoming Disney+ series alongside Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke.

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