Celebrity Portal

Sacha Baron Cohen talks terrorists, Seacrest

News Flash — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:06:52 +0000

Sacha Baron Cohen is no stranger to the big or the small screens, but it’s a rare treat for fans to see the actor out of character. On Wednesday morning, for only the third time in his career, the man behind “Da Ali G Show,” “Borat” and “Bruno” left his alter egos behind and spoke for himself.

Cohen, who was in Cannes promoting his latest film, “The Dictator,” explained to TODAY’s Ann Curry just why that’s such a rare event.

“Well, the movies that I did up until now, they involved real people and so we wanted to limit the exposure of for lawsuits — at the moment I think I have the Guinness World Record for most sued actor in history,” he said with a smile. “But basically if people saw that I was me, and that Borat was not a real person, beforehand, then they could injunct the movie and shut the movie down.”

But with the purely fictional “Dictator,” that’s not a problem.

“This is a different kind of movie,” he assured.

But not so different when it comes to getting laughs at the expense of others — of course in this case, the others aren’t people on the street.

“The subjects of the satire are all of these heartless dictators who are feared in their own countries and rule with, you know, using violence and oppression, but are ludicrous characters,” Cohen explained. “And the great thing is, at the moment, they’re being overthrown. So anything you can do to mock them and undermine them that kind of false authority, I think it’s a positive thing.”

Which explains his over-the-top lead role as Supreme Leader Aladeen of the Republic of Wadiya — a part he researched, but not quite as thoroughly as other parts in the past.

“It kind of backfired on ‘Bruno,’ because I had a terrorist group come after me,” Cohen revealed. “And, you know, (they) decided to seek their revenge. But they haven’t got me yet. That’s why I’m here — hiding in Cannes.”

Of course, Cohen hides in plain sight often, thanks to those characters he usually takes with him. That’s how he’s able to pull off pranks, like his now-infamous stunt at the 2012 Oscars in which he dumped an urn of ashes all over Ryan Seacrest — right on the red carpet. But no worries, he made up for that by buying Seacrest a brand new jacket.

“And it had a little label inside — ‘Made by slave child labor,’” Cohen joked. “But he didn’t send me a thank you note. Unbelievable.”

“The Dictator” opens in theaters nationwide May 16.

Do you think Cohen should show fans the man behind the characters more often? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Alec Baldwin, Chris Pine trade jabs at Cannes

News Flash — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:06:52 +0000

When an animated film is made, the film’s stars often see very little of each other. Much of the work takes place in isolated sound booths, without the benefit of actor-to-actor interactions and as a result, there’s not much opportunity to develop chemistry among a cast. If that was the case with Alec Baldwin and Chris Pine, who star in “Rise of the Guardians,” you’d never know. TODAY’s Ann Curry sat down with the pair at the Cannes Film Festival, and the two poked fun at each other about meeting for the first time.

“When I met Chris it was like ‘what is it with guys like this?’” Baldwin joked. “And I’m, like, ‘God, I hate you.’”

Pine told his side of the story, saying he had some nerves. “First of all, I had never done an animated film before, so that was one thing. I’d never met Alec before. I was a big fan,” Pine said. ” Like any fan, you — you know, you’re — there’s that first moment to take in the fact that this is the guy that I’ve watched for many, many years do many, many different things.”

Pine stopped short of making a reference to Baldwin’s age, but did proceed to pretend to turn up a phantom hearing aid in Baldwin’s ear.

As for the film itself, “Rise of the Guardians” tells the story of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, and their ability to protect kids’ imaginations. Baldwin plays Santa, but don’t expect your typical jolly old St. Nick. “My character is a woodworker in an unspecified Eastern European or Russian mountain somewhere,” Baldwin said. “I thought it was very clever how they made this guy someone he wasn’t — just jolly and sweet. He has a bit of an edge to him.“

“Rise of the Guardians” premiered at Cannes, and is due to open in theaters November 12, 2012.

Will you see “Rise of the Guardians” to catch more banter from Baldwin and Pine? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Charlize Theron: ‘I had no teeth until I was 11′

News Flash — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:06:51 +0000

Stuart Wilson / Getty Images

Charlize Theron shows off her pearly whites May 14 at the London premiere of “Snow White and The Huntsman.”

New mom Charlize Theron didn’t always have a reason to smile.

The Oscar winner, 36, tells British paper The Sun her “early childhood was quite devastating” because she “had no teeth until I was 11.”

Because she “had jaundice as a kid,” the “Snow White and the Huntsman” actress “was put on so many antibiotics that my teeth rotted. They had to cut them out.”

PHOTOS: Stars’ most embarrassing yearbook pics

“So I never had milk teeth. That was tough, you know, being in school having photos taken while I was pretending I had teeth,” Theron recalls. “It was hideous.”

Years later, when she was 16, Theron — bearing a dazzling smile at last — was discovered by a modeling scout. “It was totally by mistake. My mother thought it would be a funny joke. Modeling was never a passion of mine, but it was this incredible opportunity.”

PHOTOS: Charlize Theron’s hottest looks ever

“I grew up in South Africa and I would look at maps and we were at the bottom of the world. There was this whole thing up there. I was always reading encyclopedias about the world. So travel was something I was always attracted to. So when the scout said, ‘You can go to Milan!’ I was like, ‘Ah, hi!’ . . . I hadn’t even been on a plane prior to that.”

In her interview with The Sun, Theron also opens up about her son Jackson, who she adopted in mid-March. “I’ve never felt more creative and with more energy but on the tiniest amount of sleep. I never knew I needed that little sleep. I always had eight hours and now it’s, ‘Wow, OK, you can function on just four.’ But Jackson is great. I’ve always been very aware of balance and, even before I had a child, my life always takes priority to my work.”

PHOTOS: More stars who have adopted

The “Prometheus” actress added: “I feel very blessed that I have this job but my job is not my life. I’m really lucky that I get to go and do this, but my life is pretty kick-ass, and I take real priority in that.”

Charlize Theron attends the “Snow White and the Huntsman” premiere in London and talks about her adopted baby, Jackson.

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Which ‘Snow White’ star looks best at premiere?

News Flash — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:06:48 +0000

Getty Images

Kristen Stewart, left, and Charlize Theron in London on Monday.

Happy “SWATH” Day, Awful readers! If you tuned into the “Snow White and the Huntsman” premiere via the Facebook livestream this morning (can you believe the gorgeous setting?!), then you saw both Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron rock the enchanting green carpet. Aren’t they just to die for?!

Although Char and Kris became fast friends on set, the Evil Queen and Snow White are fighting to the death in the flick, so it’s only fair we have a little SWATH best-dressed competition, right?

Well, cue the “Breath of Life” soundtrack — it’s time for a “Snow White” fashion smackdown.

READ: Charlize Theron Reveals Love of Motherhood: “It’s Strangely Everything You’ve Hoped For”

Apparently, sheer details are the hottest “SWATH” trend, because both Charlize and Kristen donned dazzling dresses with peekaboo cutouts.

Live Poll

Which look do you like better at the ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ premiere

Charlize channeled her Evil Queen Ravenna in a long black Christian Dior dress with sheer detailing that almost exposed her breasts (how scandalous, no?). She wore her hair swept up into a perfectly slicked French twist and donned dangly jade green earrings to complete the look. Her smoky eyes and pale lips just screamed Evil Queen, and there’s no doubt Charlize looked absolutely stunning. The only thing missing? Her thorny crown to complete the wickedly cool style!

Kristen also decided to rock a character-inspired look — her black lace Marchesa gown with cascading train and beaded detailing made the badass actress look so friggin’ pretty — and we love the departure from her oft-casual style. And can we just talk about the sex appeal?! The usually Converse-clad K.Stew channeled her inner princess with this lacy fairy tale-inspired dress. The blinged-out back and the sheer-nude cutouts just prove Kristen knows how to make Snow White sexy.

READ: Snow White and the Huntsman Soundtrack: Is Florence + the Machine Team Kristen Stewart or Charlize Theron?

Like Charlize, Kristen also wore her hair in up in a bun, but she sported a messier style. We love the gold details woven through her bun (so fairy tale-esque), but the London breeze kept blowing Kristen’s hair in her face! A slick style like Charlize’s would have been much better with her Snow White-inspired look.

Our verdict? Kristen takes best dressed and Charlize takes best hair.

Tell us which you look you like best in the attached vote, and discuss on our Facebook page.

PHOTOS: Kristen Stewart’s Snow White and the Huntsman

Bret Michaels settles Tony Awards lawsuit

News Flash — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:06:48 +0000

Dan Steinberg / AP

Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels’ Tony Awards headache has finally come to an end. The 49-year-old Poison frontman settled with the musical awards show and CBS Broadcasting Monday, after filing a lawsuit back in March 2011 for an onstage mishap during the 2009 Tonys that he claims caused him to have a brain hemorrhage.

MORE: Miley Cyrus’ “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” will finally be released as single, says Bret Michaels

According to Michaels, it wasn’t explained to him that a set change would occur after his band’s performance during the show, and he was consequently hit in the head by a set piece when he remained onstage.

PHOTOS: Bret Michaels’ big moments

The rocker suffered a brain hemorrhage 10 months later.

Terms of the settlement agreement were not released.

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Betty White on her upcoming roast: ‘Bring it on!’

News Flash — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:06:47 +0000

With two TV shows (“Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” and “Hot in Cleveland”) currently on her schedule, there’s no question that Betty White is still red hot at 90 (or pretty much any other age). And now she’s about to get even hotter, at a Friar’s Club roast to be held Wednesday. It might not be the most comfortable evening of her life, but White told TODAY’s Ann Curry she’s ready to take it on the chin.

“I’m scared about,” she said at first of the roast. “I have no idea what’s going to happen.” But a moment later, she added, “Bring it on. We’ll handle it the best we can. The most I’d have to do is run away from home.”

Not likely, now that both “Rocker” and “Cleveland” are success stories. White wondered to Curry about having two hit shows: “Is it greed? Do you think it’s greed?”

But, as she acknowledges, it’s not just about being healthy and happy in her 10th decade of life: There’s a lot of luck involved, too. “I am the luckiest old broad on two feet, trust me,” she said. “I love what I do. I’m blessed with good health and great energy, so what’s to say ‘no’ to?”

She paused, slyly looking around the studio. “Well, I know what’s to say ‘no’ to. I used to.”

White returned for the fourth hour of TODAY to chat with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Check it out:

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Stevie Wonder’s nephew arrested for extortion

News Flash — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:05:59 +0000

Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

Stevie Wonder performs during a concert at the White House on May 9.

It’s safe to say a family member’s attempt to extort money from Stevie Wonder was something out of the blue. The legendary singer’s nephew Alpha Lorenzo Walker and his girlfriend Tamara Eileen Diaz were arrested May 2 and charged with extortion for allegedly threatening to sell “embarrassing information” about Wonder unless he gave them an unspecified amount of cash, E! News has confirmed.

MORE: Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder sing tributes at legend Etta James’ funeral

Walker and Diaz reportedly tried to coerce the Grammy-winning musician to pony up $5 million by threatening to sell a story to the tabs.

The duo, who have been in jail since their arrest, pleaded not guilty to the charge, and are scheduled to appear in court May 16.

But this won’t be the first time 38-year-old Walker and Diaz have seen the inside of a courtroom.

MORE: Inked Frenchman confuses Stevie Wonder’s handicap on Chef Academy

Last May, Walker racked up a grand theft charge, which he was on probation for when he was busted for extortion. Meanwhile, Diaz nabbed a charge for possession of marijuana with the intent to sell last February.

Walker is due back in court for violating his probation May 31.

Wonder’s camp could not be reached for comment.

PHOTOS: 20 years of scandals

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Chris Hemsworth’s new role? 1st time dad

News Flash — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:05:59 +0000

Joel Ryan / AP

Chris Hemsworth may be on the brink of international superstardom with roles in “The Avengers” and “Snow White and the Huntsman,” but he’s got an even bigger, more exciting project lined up now: the role of a proud, first-time dad.

Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky, welcomed their first child together in London Friday, a baby girl named India, a source confirms to Us Weekly.

PHOTOS: Hollywood’s biggest baby bumps

Hemsworth, 28, first met Spanish actress Pataky in 2010; the pair tied the knot just three months after going public as a couple that December.

Following her pregnancy announcement in January the “delighted and excited” “Fast Five” star opened up to “¡Hola!” about feeling blessed to be able to share her life with someone like Hemsworth.

“Having the person that you love by your side, and starting a family with them, is the best thing that can happen to you in this life,” Pataky, 35, shared. “You can’t ask for more.”

PHOTOS: New star dads

In April, the expectant Pataky accompanied her husband on the red carpet at “The Avengers” U.K. premiere, where the then papa-to-be sweetly rubbed his wife’s baby bump.

“She’s so proud of Chris and he’s proud of her,” a source told Us of the duo. “They are an adorable family already!”

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Jennifer and Julia Hudson: ‘We have felt the love’

News Flash — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:05:58 +0000

Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia got the verdict they wanted when William Balfour was convicted of murdering their mother, Darnell Donerson; brother Jason Hudson; and Julia’s 7-year-old son, Julian King.

With the painful murder trial behind them, the sisters are thanking those who helped win a guilty verdict for Julia’s ex-husband. They are also letting everyone know how grateful they are for the support they’ve received from people all over the world.

The pair also are extending a prayer to Balfour’s family, acknowleding that they have suffered a loss, too.

“We have many people to thank but our first thank you is to God, always,” the Hudson sisters said in a statement obtained by E! News.

“We are so grateful to prosecutors James McKay, Jennifer Bagby and Veryl Gambino and State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and her team for their dedication and tireless work from the beginning. We have the best police department, and they have been with us every step of the way. We thank all of the State’s witnesses who came forward on our behalf. We have felt the love and support from people all over the world and we’re very grateful.

“We want to extend a prayer from the Hudson family to the Balfour family,” they continued. “We have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday.”

Balfour is facing life in prison for three instances of first-degree murder, as well as convictions for aggravated kidnapping, residential burglary, home invasion and possession of a stolen vehicle. His attorney, who maintains her client’s innocence, says she plans to appeal his convictions next month.

Jennifer Hudson listened to the verdicts with tears in her eyes, fiance David Otunga’s arm around her shoulders, then looked over at Julia and smiled.

GALLERY: Celebrity Deaths: 2012′s Fallen Stars

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Will Stern drive fans away from ‘Got Talent’?

News Flash — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:05:58 +0000

Kathy Willens / AP

Howard Stern

Our readers continue to contribute some funny, smart and incisive comments to our Today Entertainment Facebook page. Every Friday, we’ll highlight those that really stood out. If you see a great comment throughout the week, click the “Like” button underneath it to draw it to our attention.

This week, our readers were so split in their opinion of Howard Stern joining “America’s Got Talent” that we selected a number of comments to show the variety of opinion.

On “Howard Stern: Someone should be fired for hiring me”
Tom Martin: “The man is a pig. The show should now be taken off the air!”
Alisa Arduca: “I can’t stand him and would not watch it. He is disgusting on so many levels.”
Renee Cybul: “King of all things raunchy, inappropriate, vile, and disgusting. He just took ‘family viewing’ out of the equation. Bad move, AGT.”
Danielle Taylor Lewis: “Watch the show and see what you think. Most of you only know what you hear in the media or have seen on E!.”
Diane DeAnda Navarrete: “It will be interesting ….I’m sure he’ll be a lot of fun!”
Marisa Abernathy: “I will watch as long as he isn’t worried about hurting anyone’s feelings….I’m sure he will have no problem in that department.”

On “Pop star Adele says ‘I don’t want to be a celebrity’”
Julissa Alburquerque: “Wow, what a contradictory statement. She decided to become a singer and worked hard to become known and now she says she doesn’t want to be a celebrity? I just don’t get these people sometimes.”

On “Brad Pitt first male face for Chanel No. 5″
Debbie Justin Bellmyer: “He’s a good looking guy; since his significant other is half French and they have a home in France, it makes sense for Chanel to use him. I’m a bit puzzled about why so many people are downing him … the guy is a decent human being who tries to help others … for example, what he’s done in New Orleans to rebuild and put people in affordable energy efficient housing. There’s no reason to be so critical of him…hopefully, he’ll use some of the money from Chanel to help people.”

What do you think of Stern on “America’s Got Talent”? Will you watch? Vote in our poll, and tell us on Facebook.

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