Month: April 2024

Categories
Pop Daypop

Michael Jackson biopic casts roles of Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight and more

Actor Larenz Tate attends as Saks Fifth Avenue and Starz celebrate the final season of "Power" on August 19^ 2019 in New York City.

Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced additional cast members for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael from director Antoine Fuqua, per Deadline. According to the filmmakers, Michael will give “a riveting and honest portrayal” of the life and career of Jackson, who died at age 50 in 2009.

New casting additions include Larenz Tate, who will play Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, with Kendrick Sampson set to portray Grammy-winning songwriter, composer and music producer Quincy Jones. Kat Graham and Liv Symone have been cast as legendary singers Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, respectively, while Jessica Sula will play Jackson’s sister, La Toya Jackson. In addition, KeiLyn Durrel Jones will portray Bill Bray, who was hired by Joe Jackson in the 1970s as security for the Jackson 5, with Kevin Shinick cast as Dick Clark, who hosted American Bandstand when the Jackson 5 made a legendary early appearance.

Previously announced casting includes Jaafar Jackson (Jackson’s nephew) as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca. Prince Jackson, Michael Jackson’s eldest son, is working with the filmmakers on set, on behalf of his siblings.

Producer Graham King said in a statement: “I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together such a gifted group of actors for this film. What they bring to these key roles provides a rich backdrop for the movie, adding to the extraordinary ensemble.” In addition to King, producers include the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.

Michael will open worldwide in theaters on April 18, 2025.

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Michael Jackson biopic casts roles of Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight and more

Actor Larenz Tate attends as Saks Fifth Avenue and Starz celebrate the final season of "Power" on August 19^ 2019 in New York City.

Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced additional cast members for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael from director Antoine Fuqua, per Deadline. According to the filmmakers, Michael will give “a riveting and honest portrayal” of the life and career of Jackson, who died at age 50 in 2009.

New casting additions include Larenz Tate, who will play Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, with Kendrick Sampson set to portray Grammy-winning songwriter, composer and music producer Quincy Jones. Kat Graham and Liv Symone have been cast as legendary singers Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, respectively, while Jessica Sula will play Jackson’s sister, La Toya Jackson. In addition, KeiLyn Durrel Jones will portray Bill Bray, who was hired by Joe Jackson in the 1970s as security for the Jackson 5, with Kevin Shinick cast as Dick Clark, who hosted American Bandstand when the Jackson 5 made a legendary early appearance.

Previously announced casting includes Jaafar Jackson (Jackson’s nephew) as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca. Prince Jackson, Michael Jackson’s eldest son, is working with the filmmakers on set, on behalf of his siblings.

Producer Graham King said in a statement: “I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together such a gifted group of actors for this film. What they bring to these key roles provides a rich backdrop for the movie, adding to the extraordinary ensemble.” In addition to King, producers include the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.

Michael will open worldwide in theaters on April 18, 2025.

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Indianapolis mall shooting leaves at least seven minors injured

IMPD police car. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police has jurisdiction in Marion County^ Indiana.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said that seven minors between the ages of 12 and 17 were injured in a shooting outside a shopping mall in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday night.  NBC News reports that Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers were on patrol when they heard gunshots just after 11:30 p.m. and arrived on a block outside the Circle Centre Mall. According to police, they arrived to find “a large group of juveniles” at the scene, including six who had gunshot wounds.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers rendered aid to the victims. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived and transported all six juveniles to area hospitals.” A seventh victim with a gunshot wound arrived separately at a hospital, also under the age of 18. One victim is in critical condition and the other six are stable.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Tanya Terry told reporters at a news briefing early Sunday that all the victims were now in stable condition, adding that investigators believe more than one gun was used in the shooting.  Terry said: “Once again, we have a situation in which young people are resolving conflict with firearms, and it has to stop,”  adding that officers have noticed a pattern of young people leaving the mall after it closes at 7 p.m. and circulating in the nearby downtown area for hours. She noted that if parents don’t know where their 12-year-old is at 11:30 p.m. before Easter, that should “be a priority .. I think everybody sees the messages in the evening at 10 o’clock, ‘Parents, do you know where your children are?’  And we would ask for our parents to get involved in what their children are out doing, especially at these hours of the evening.”

Police have not made an arrest in the case and have not provided information about a potential suspect. Detectives with the department have begun an aggravated assault investigation. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Detective Albert Teaters at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317 327 3475 or e-mail him at Albert.Teaters@indy.gov, or they can anonymously call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317 262 477 or TIPS.

Editorial credit: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Pope Francis delivers Easter Sunday address amid health concerns

Pope Francis during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall. VATICAN CITY^ VATICAN - 18 JANUARY 2023

Pope Francis presided over Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square, delivering a heartfelt prayer for peace and making several loops around the piazza in his popemobile to greet well-wishers. Francis, 87, arrived in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday two days after he missed the Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday, with the Vatican press office sharing in a statement that he did so “to preserve his health” so that he’d be able to attend the Easter Saturday vigil and Sunday Mass and blessing.

NBC News reported that Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica looking healthy and in good spirits as he waved to crowds gathered for Easter services on Sunday. The pope has been battling health issues over then last month, including bronchitis and the flu, with regular visits to the hospital for checks on his lungs. Respiratory problems and a chronic cough have often been cause for his aides to read passages of speeches for him.

Francis delivered his Easter message and blessing, the Urbi et Orbi, or “to the city and the world” blessing, and during the address appealed for peace around the world, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as a call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages taken on Oct. 7: “Jesus alone opens up before us the doors of life, those doors that continually we shut with the wars spreading throughout the world …May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming. Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts … Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children.”

Editorial credit: Alessia Pierdomenico / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

South Carolina women advance to Final Four with 70-58 win against Oregon State

South Carolina Gamecocks Block C vector logo is printed on white background

Undefeated South Carolina advanced to the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament with a 70-58 win over Oregon State on Sunday (per Yahoo Sports).

Tessa Johnson finished with a team-high 15 points and three assists, and Kamilla Cardoso added 12 to help South Carolina advance to the national semifinals unbeaten for the second straight season. If the Gamecocks achieve two more wins, they would become the 10th school to finish a season undefeated, and the first since UConn did it in 2016.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said: “That’s our team, they’re resilient. They deserve this. They’ve worked extremely hard to be where we are. I’m super proud of them. I’m giving all the glory to God though. God is really funny, he’s really funny. The devastating loss we had last year, to put us back here with a totally different team. If you don’t believe in God, something’s wrong with you, seriously. I’m a believer because he makes things come true.” 

The Gamecocks have mow made the Final Four for four straight years, and will play N.C. State on Friday night in Cleveland, Ohio.

Editorial credit: Ridex Official / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

NC State defeats Duke 76-64 to advance to Final Four

NC State Wolfpack vector logo^ printed on white background

NC State defeated fourth-seeded Duke 76-64 on Sunday to advance to the Final Four, for the first time since the school won the NCAA tournament in 1983.

Per ESPN, the 11th seeded Wolfpack trailed by six early in the second half but outscored Duke 31-11 over the next 12 minutes to take control of the game. NC State’s DJ Burns Jr. finished with 29 points, 21 in the second half.

NC State is the sixth No. 11 seed to make the Final Four in men’s NCAA tournament history —  no team seeded lower than No. 11 has ever made a Final Four.   This will also mark the Wolfpack’s fourth Final Four trip in school history, and the school’s first since it won the national title in 1983 as a No. 6 seed.

Editorial credit: Ridex Official / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Trisha Yearwood to receive June Carter Cash humanitarian award at CMT Music Awards

Trisha Yearwood attends the 2019 CMT Music Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5^ 2019 in Nashville^ Tennessee.

Trisha Yearwood will receive the first-ever June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at the 2024 CMT Music Awards on April 7 at the Moody Center in Austin.

According to CMT Music Awards’ executive producers, Yearwood “embodies the bold strength of June, who tirelessly devoted herself to service and community, and the namesake for this award. Trisha has a unique ability to rally a community, whether that may be families in need with Habitat for Humanity, or uplifting her fellow artists and entertainers trying to carve a path in the industry. Both multi-hyphenate trailblazers eloquently crafted a script for others to model, letting their hearts and authenticity guide their personal, professional and public lives.”

In addition to Habitat for Humanity, Yearwood’s launched the animal rescue-focused charity Dottie’s Yard and worked with organizations including the Carter Work Project, National Women Build Week, Stanford Women’s Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, Humane Society, Grammy Foundation MusiCares, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, Starkey Hearing Foundation and Susan B. Komen Foundation, among others.

Yearwood will also debut her new single “Put It in a Song” during the 2024 CMT Music Awards, marking her first time on the awards show stage since 2019. The CMT Awards air at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS, with Kelsea Ballerini serving as host. Performers already announced include Ballerini, Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, NEEDTOBREATHE and Sam Hunt, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, Parker McCollum and Brittney Spencer.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. dies at age 87

Actor Louis Gosset Jr. - attends the 2019 Bounce TV Trumpet Awards on January 19th 2019 at the Cobb Energy Performance Arts Center in Atlanta^ Ga - USA

Academy Award winner Louis Gossett Jr. has died at age 87.  Gossett Jr.’s family said in a statement obtained and shared by PEOPLE: “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

Gossett’s first cousin Neal L. Gossett told The Associated Press that the actor died in Santa Monica, California, with a statement from the family sharing that Gossett died Friday morning. No cause of death was revealed, however, Gossett battled prostate cancer and respiratory illness caused by toxic mold in his former home prior to his death.

Gossett was best known for his Emmy award winning work in Roots and for his Oscar-winning performance in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman, in which he portrayed Sgt. Emil Foley.  Gossett’s win for Best Supporting Actor made him the first Black man to earn an Academy Awards in that category. Other notable roles include  his Golden Globe-winning performance as Sidney Williams in the HBO film The Josephine Baker Story.

Gossett’s most recent credits include Will Reeves in the HBO series Watchmen and Ol’ Mister in the 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple.  Gossett was married three times and is survived by two sons — Satie, a producer-director from his second marriage (to Christina Mangosing, which ended in divorce in 1975), and son Sharron, a chef whom Gossett adopted at 7-years-old. Gossett is also survived by his first cousin, actor Robert Gossett.

Editorial credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Chance Perdomo, star of ‘Gen V’ and ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ Star, dies at 27

Chance Perdomo attends the UK Premiere of Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. London^ England^ UK - June 22^ 2023

Actor Chance Perdomo, star of the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” and “Gen V,” has died following a motorcycle accident. He was 27.

Perdomo’s publicist confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to Variety: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident. Authorities have advised that no other individuals were involved. His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”

Perdomo played Ambrose Spellman in all four seasons of Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” which starred Kiernan Shipka in the title role.  The actor also starred in Prime Video’s Gen V in the role of Andre Anderson, a popular student and Luke’s best friend with magnetic manipulation capabilities. He appeared on the superhero series, a spinoff of The Boys, alongside Jaz Sinclair, Lizze Broadway, Maddie Phillips and London Thor. Per Deadline, in light of Perdomo’s death, production on Season 2 will be pushed back.

Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television issued a statement regarding Perdomo’s tragic death: “The entire Gen V family is devastated by the sudden passing of Chance Perdomo. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Chance’s family and all who loved him at this difficult time”.  The producers of ‘Gen V’ also shared the statement: “We can’t quite wrap our heads around this. For those of us who knew him and worked with him, Chance was always charming and smiling, an enthusiastic force of nature, an incredibly talented performer, and more than anything else, just a very kind, lovely person. Even writing about him in the past tense doesn’t make sense. We are so sorry for Chance’s family, and we are grieving the loss of our friend and colleague. Hug your loved ones tonight.”

Editorial credit: Loredana Sangiuliano / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Moby to release new collaborative LP ‘Always Centered At Night’

Moby in Moscow^ Russia on June 8^ 2011

Moby revealed that he will drop a new collaborative album, Always Centered At Night, and also shared the first single, “Dark Days,” featuring soul-jazz singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird. Each track on Always Centered At Night will see Moby teaming with a different collaborator including Gaidaa (“Transit”), José James (“Ache For”), Akemi Fox (“Fall Back”), serpentwithfeet (“On Air”), Aynzli Jones (“Medusa”) and more. (per BrooklynVegan.)

The record also contains a posthumous appearance by late British poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah on “Where Is Your Pride?”  Moby shares: “For the last 30 years, I’ve worked with amazing singers–everyone from David Bowie to Freddie Mercury, Gregory Porter to Jill Scott. ‘Always Centered At Night’ continues my love of collaborating, but has a focus of working with amazing singers who might not be as well known as David Bowie and Gregory Porter.”

Regarding “Dark Days” featuring Lady Blackbird, Moby said: “I first heard Lady Blackbird sing a few years ago, and I fell in love with her voice. I moved heaven and earth to try and work with her.” Lady Blackbird added: “It was such a wonderful feeling to get to work with Moby again, this time as a writer on the new song ‘Dark Days.’ Moby’s originality is so freeing. We felt the moonlit darkness of the track evoked a feeling of the beginning and ending of future days on Earth.”

Moby is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of his landmark 1999 album, Play, the biggest-selling electronic album of all time. The musician will embark on a five-date European tour this fall in honor of the LP. Moby said of that run of shows: “It’s been over 10 years since I’ve toured, but someone reminded me that 2024 is the 25th anniversary of the release of ‘Play’, so it seemed like it might not be the worst idea to do a short European tour to commemorate and celebrate. The show will feature well known songs from ‘Play,’ but also a bunch of audience favorites, like ‘Extreme Ways,’ ‘We Are All Made Of Stars,’ ‘When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die,’ and even some old rave bangers like ‘Feeling So Real’ and ‘Go.’ What makes the tour most exciting for me is that I won’t be paid anything. 100% of my tour profits will go to European animal rights organizations.”

Listen to “Dark Days” – here.
Always Centered At Night is due out on June 14; to preorder, head here.

Editorial credit: Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com