Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts tagged as ““Empire””

Jussie Smollett Surprises Kayden Kinckle, a 6-Year-Old Double Amputee, With Accessible Van

By goodblacknews on October 17, 2018
kayden-jussie-smollett-1539820677
CREDIT: Getty Images/Instagram

by Latifah Muhammad via vibe.com

Kayden Kinckle is quite the inspiration.

The 6-year-old bilateral amputee, who has been motivating people to “do great things” with his daily Instagram videos and children’s books, got a huge surprise on Monday (Oct. 15) thanks to Jussie Smollett.

Smollett bought Kayden a brand new van complete with a wheelchair lift so that he can get to school without delay. The Empire star stepped in to help Kayden after the Englewood Public School District (where he attends school) failed to provide a proper bus to pick him up on the first day of school.

“He’s the only double amputee in Bergen County [New Jersey] where we live,” Kayden’s mom, Nicole Sessoms, told VIBE on Tuesday (Oct. 16). “They had a bus the prior two years and this year they forgot about him, [after] he switched to a new school.”

Before the van, Sessoms had been putting Kayden’s wheelchair in her small Nissan sedan to drive her son to another school where he was forced to wait for a standard school bus to pick him, once all the other students were dropped off. An aide was on hand to carry him on and off the bus, according to CBS New York. The school district blamed the mishap on a paperwork mix-up and promised to provide Kayden with a proper lift bus.

Smollett, who learned about Kayden’s story through social media, has become a family friend. He tries to spend time with Kayden whenever his schedule permits, Sessoms said.

When Smollett found out about the transportation issue, he reached out to Sessoms with a solution. “He saw what was happening with the bus and he called me and said ‘Kayden needs his own van!’”

The 35-year-old actor arranged to have the van delivered while Kayden and his family were hanging out with him in New York City.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-JX4ShL5P/?utm_source=ig_embed

To read more, go to: https://www.vibe.com/2018/10/jussie-smollett-kayden-kinckle-wheelchair-accessible-van/

LeBron James and John Legend Team Up to Produce TV Remake of “Lean On Me” for the CW

By goodblacknews on September 15, 2018
lebron-james-john-legend-film-1537032655
CREDIT: Getty Images

by Stacy Ann-Ellis via vibe.com

LeBron James and John Legend are two men in the entertainment space who are continuously working on major new endeavors. The I Promise School founder and newly-minted EGOT, respectively, are putting their talents together to bring a fan favorite to the TV screen. According to Deadline, James and Legend will be working with writer Wendy Calhoun for a women-led CW adaptation of the biographical film, Lean on Me.

The potential series—which will bear the same name as 1989 original—follows Amarie Baldwin, a young black principal in Akron, Ohio, with hopes of resuscitating a struggling urban school. Naturally, as she overcomes daily hurdles within the walls of her workplace, she is also facing challenges at home on the love life and family front. Baldwin is subbing in for beloved lead Lean on Me character Mr. Clark, who was famously played by Morgan Freeman.

In addition to Calhoun, who has worked on Station 19, Empire, Nashville and more, Legend and James are sharing production duties with Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius’ Get Lifted, and Warner Bros. TV.

Source: https://www.vibe.com/2018/09/lebron-james-john-legend-lean-on-me/

Chris Rock Lands $40 Million Netflix Deal for Two Comedy Specials

By goodblacknews on October 14, 2016
Chris Rock Netflix specials
Chris Rock (A.M.P.A.S./REX SHUTTERSTOCK)

article by Lori Lakin Hutcherson

According to Variety.com, Chris Rock has signed with Netflix for two new stand-up comedy specials.  The two-special-deal is reported to be worth $40 million. Amazon, Hulu and HBO — where Rock has a long history, starting with his late-night series “The Chris Rock Show” — were also bidding for the specials.

The Netflix specials mark Rock’s return to stand-up after an eight-year hiatus – his last being 2008’s “Kill the Messenger,” which aired on HBO.  Most recently, the comedian hosted the Oscars in January of this year.

“Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty. There is no one like him, and Netflix offers the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer.

Rock commented, “I’m very excited to be working with Ted and Lisa and all the good people at Netflix. I can’t wait to get back on stage.”

Aside from the 2016 Oscars, Rock recently had a guest-starring role on Fox’s “Empire”, and directed HBO’s comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo.”  Some of this Emmy and Grammy winner’s most notable credits include “The Chris Rock Show,” his scripted sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris,” which he created and narrated, “Saturday Night Live” from 1989 to 1993. On the film side, he starred in “CB4”, “Grown Ups,” Top Five,”, “I Think I Love My Wife,” “Down To Earth” and the “Madagascar” franchise.

Timbaland to Develop TV Musical Based on His Album "Opera Noir"

By goodblacknews on May 5, 2016
Timbaland TV Musical Opera Noir
Timbaland (EMPICS ENTERTAINMENT/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK)

article by Debra Birnbaum via Variety.com
For the past two seasons on “Empire,” Timbaland has been the man behind the music — now, he’s going to be making his own musical.  The producer has struck a deal with Leftfield Pictures to develop his upcoming album “Opera Noir” (w/t) into a musical.
“Opera Noir” will be a scripted hip-hop musical based on and scored by his upcoming autobiographical and final album of the same title. The plan is to shop it to networks as an event special in a variety of potential formats, from a standalone special (given the recent success of Fox’s “Grease Live!”) to a limited series.
“I couldn’t have found a better partner than Leftfield Pictures and David George for ‘Opera Noir,’” said Timbaland (aka Tim Mosley). “They understand my vision for this project, which I’ve had for years, and I’m confident they will help bring this to life for everyone to see.”
“Opera Noir” will follow a young musician’s rise to the top and hardships along the way, including struggles with poverty, substance abuse and crime.
“Tim’s unbelievable candor about his experiences and difficult past help illustrate one of the most epic success stories in the industry,” said David George, CEO of Leftfield Entertainment. “We’re fortunate to be part of the ‘grand finale’ of an artist whose innovative and inspiring musical contributions have helped shape the business and will influence artists for years to come.”
To read more, go to: http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/timbaland-opera-noir-tv-musical-1201764869/

Writer/Producer/Director Charles Murray Lands Overall Deal 20th Century Fox; to Run New Fox Series ‘Star’

By goodblacknews on May 5, 2016

Charles Murray 3 BandW
Writer/Director/Producer Charles Murray (deadline.com)

article by Nellie Andreeva via deadline.com
Sons of Anarchy writer/producer Charles Murray has signed an overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, whose cable division Fox 21 TV Studios produced the gritty FX drama series. Under the pact, he will serve as executive producer and showrunner on Star, 20th TV’s upcoming drama created by Lee Daniels and Tom Donaghy, which was recently picked up to series by Fox for next season. Additionally, Murray will be developing his own projects for the studio.
Murray is coming off stints as executive producer on the first season of Netflix’s next Marvel series, Luke Cage and as one of the writers on A+E Networks’ upcoming Roots remake. He served as a writer/co-executive producer on the final two seasons of Sons of Anarchy, and also worked on CBS’ Criminal Minds, ABC’s Castle,NBC’s Third Watch as well as the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Fox Orders ‘Star’ From "Empire" Creator Lee Daniels and ‘24’ Spinoff Starring Corey Hawkins for 2016-17 Season

By goodblacknews on April 27, 2016
Corey Hawkins Lee Daniels
“24: Legacy” Star Corey Hawkins (l); “Star” Co-Creator & Producer Lee Daniels (REX/SHUTTERSTOCK)

article by Elizabeth Wagmeister via Variety.com
Fox is jumping into the 2016-2017 television season, ordering “24: Legacy” and “Star” to series.  The network has greenlit the “24” spinoff with a 12-episode order. “Star,” which hails from “Empire” co-creator Lee Daniels, landed a 13-episode order.
Corey Hawkins will topline the rebooted “24” in a completely new role, as the series is without Kiefer Sutherland — and Jack Bauer — this time around. However, Sutherland will serve as an exec producer on “Legacy,” marking his first time being listed as an EP on “24,” There are no plans for him to reprise his role as Jack Bauer at this time.
The new series will retain the original show’s format of real-time storytelling with split screens and like the original, will represent one hour of an eventful day in each episode. The series revolves around a military hero’s (Hawkins) return to the U.S. and the trouble that follows him back — compelling him to ask CTU for help in saving his life, and stopping what potentially could be one of the largest-scale terror attacks on American soil. Miranda Otto (“Homeland”) and Jimmy Smits (“Sons of Anarchy”) star alongside Hawkins.

Bouncing off of the successful “Empire” music-filled formula, “Star” — which is not in any way an “Empire” spinoff — follows three talented singers who navigate the cut-throat music business on their road to success. Newcomers Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny and Brittany O’Grady star as the young singers, alongside Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt. Announced on Wednesday, Lenny Kravitz will guest star. “Star,” co-created by Daniels and Tom Donaghy, will feature original music and stunning musical fantasy sequences.

 

Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard are Getting Their Own "Empire" Dolls

By goodblacknews on April 18, 2016

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson (Chuck Hodes/Fox)

article by Nick Maslow via ew.com
Move over, Barbie and Ken — Cookie and Lucious Lyon need some space on toy store shelves. Fans of Fox’s hit Empire will soon be able to purchase a line of collector dolls inspired by Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard’s beloved characters, doll maker Tonner-One World announced Thursday.
Although images of the actual dolls are not yet available, the announcement was accompanied by sketches capturing Cookie and Lucious’ signature looks. Clad in a leopard mini-dress and oversized fur coat, Cookie is seen putting one heel in front of the other, no doubt ready to fling one of them across the room should she feel the need. Meanwhile, Lucious exudes cool confidence in a vibrant purple suit paired with a light turtleneck.

FEATURE: The Smollett Family Business – Acting and Activism

By goodblacknews on March 11, 2016
Jussie Smollett, left, and Jurnee Smollett-Bell. (Credit: Taylor Glascock for The New York Times)

article by Melena Ryzik via nytimes.com
CHICAGO — When Jussie Smollett and Jurnee Smollett-Bell were growing up, bouncing with their parents and four siblings between New York and Los Angeles, as the kids pursued careers in modeling, acting and music, their downtime was just another chance for performance and togetherness.

“Creating was something that we just were expected to do,” Mr. Smollett said, in a joint interview with his sister here, where he tapes the Fox series “Empire.” Seated next to him in a downtown restaurant, she was nodding in agreement. “And I don’t remember a time not wanting to do that.”

Aldis Hodge and Jurnee Smollett-Bell in v>“Underground.” (Credit: Sony Pictures Television)

The members of the Smollett clan have made good on their childhood promise. Mr. Smollett, 32, is a singer and a breakout star of the hit drama “Empire,” in which he plays Jamal, the most talented member of the Lyon hip-hop dynasty.
Ms. Smollett-Bell, 29, who made her mark as an actress by the age of 10, with the 1997 film “Eve’s Bayou,” is one of the leads in “Underground,” a new WGN America show about a group of slaves who try to escape from their Georgia plantation; her brother guest-stars.
Though it’s their first project together in 20 years, it’s clear that the more creative freedom they have, the more their tastes will converge.
The Smolletts have also been outspoken politically and, since their school years, devoted to causes like H.I.V./AIDS prevention and ending apartheid. They were raised in the orbit of the Black Panthers and, lately, have lent their voices to the Black Lives Matter movement. Their trajectory, from child stars to successful adults, is born of their family and its history of activism.

“Their sense of justice is very strong, and it permeates everything that they do,” said Alfre Woodard, who has known Jussie and Jurnee since they were children; they worked with her at the nonprofit Artists for a New South Africa. “They’re like a model sibling unit. They look out for each other, all the time. And they all reach across and say, ‘O.K., I got my foot in this door; here, grab my hand, we’re going in together.’”

Raised on a diet of classic films (they’ll gladly quote the 1945 version of “Mildred Pierce”), Jussie and Jurnee still count their mother, Janet Smollett, as their only acting coach. An African-American from New Orleans, Ms. Smollett met their father, Joel Smollett Sr., a Russian-Polish Jew, in the Bay Area, where they campaigned for civil rights. “My mom was in the movement with Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, and one of her first mentors was Julian Bond,” Mr. Smollett said of the Black Panther founders and the civil rights leader. “To this day, Angela Davis is one of her dearest friends. We’ve spent Mother’s Day with Angela.”

Jussie Smollett to Host 8th Season of "AfroPop" Television Series Premiering on MLK Day

By goodblacknews on January 16, 2016

 Jussie Smollett will host the eighth season of the public television show AfroPoP: The Ultimate Exchange. The star of the hit FOX TV show Empire will emcee the popular show about contemporary art, life and culture across the African Diaspora as it premieres on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 18, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on WORLD Channel.

New episodes premiere weekly through February 15. AfroPoP is produced by National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) and co-presented by American Public Television (APT), which distributes the series to the full public television system in February 2016.

Smollett will also be seen in the new WGN thriller Underground in 2016. The acclaimed entertainer is also involved in numerous humanitarian pursuits, sitting on the boards of the Black AIDS Institute, Artists for a New South Africa and the RuJohn Foundation. 

Previous hosts of AfroPoP include Idris Elba, Anika Noni Rose, Wyatt Cenac, Gabourey Sidibe, Anthony Mackie and Yaya DaCosta.

“AfroPoP’s engaging, real-life tales add to the collection of rich Black stories that audiences are clamoring for and I wanted to be a part of bringing them to national attention,” said Smollett.

"Empire" Renewed by Fox for 3rd Season

By goodblacknews on January 15, 2016
466064788-cast-and-crew-of-empire-on-stage-at-foxs-empire-atas
Cast and crew of Empire onstage at Fox’s Empire ATAS Academy Event at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel on March 12, 2015, in Los Angeles (ANGELA WEISS/GETTY IMAGES) 
Empire fans, rejoice! The hit Fox series has been renewed for a third season. Currently, countless fans are going through withdrawal because of the winter hiatus, so hopefully this news will put smiles on their faces.
Although the ratings of the second season declined, it seems as though the Fox network still has faith in the show. Of course, the renewal news comes on the heels of Taraji P. Henson’s win at the Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series—Drama.
Empire continues its second season on Wednesday, March 30, on Fox.
article by Yesha Callahan via theroot.com