In Memory Of Harry Belafonte (1927 - 2023)

Harry Belafonte passed away, on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96. He left an indelible mark in the history and the heart of America. 

• If you were preparing a list of iconic and legendary American entertainers, then Harry Belafonte would be on that list.
• If you were making a list of notable civil rights activists in America, then Harry Belafonte would be on that list.
• If you were making a list of humanitarians worthy of double honor for their good works, then Harry Belafonte would be on that list.

Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. known to the world as Harry Belafonte is a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, actor, activist, and humanitarian. Date of Birth March 1, 1927 — Date of Death April 25, 2023. Cause of death: Congestive heart failure.

Americans from my generation (50s, 60s, and 70s) know Harry Belafonte. We know the lyrics to the Banana Boat and Matilda songs, backward and forward. Several years back (1997) there was a special program on television — “An Evening With Harry Belafonte & Friends” — where he sang many songs accompanied by fabulous singers and musicians. He performed Banana Boat and Matilda. I’m sure he knew that if he had not sung those songs, the audience would have been very disappointed.

Mr. Belafonte is known for his singing, and also for the memorable roles he has played in several films like “Carmen Jones” (1954), and “Island in the Sun” (1957). He has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors.

In addition to knowing him as an extremely talented triple threat, i.e. he can sing, dance and act — we also know him to be a civil rights activist and a humanitarian, involved in many good works.

Giving honor where honor is due, one person referred to Mr. Belafonte as “living history”. While he was alive, you did not have to read historical events in a book because you could just talk to him since he was alive during the time and actively participated in history-making.

Mr. Belafonte has passed from living to legend now. He was almost a centenarian; age 96.

“If I’ve impacted on one heart, one mind, one soul, and brought to that individual a greater truth than that individual came into a relationship with me having, then I would say that I have been successful.” ~ Harry Belafonte

IN MEMORY OF: Harry Belafonte (1927–2023)

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I hope that his amazing talent, his fight for human rights, and his selfless charitable acts will be appreciated and remembered by Americans for generations to come.

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How to watch and stream Harry Belafonte movies

Childhood Memories : Favorite TV Shows and Entertainers: Comedian Red Skelton

When I was a child, some kind person gave our family a TV set. We couldn't afford to buy one. Television was the Internet back in my day. A technological marvel and with it you could reach the world! If you grew up in my generation then you probably had certain shows you watched religiously. One of the shows that I never missed was "The Red Skelton Show". I loved that show! I loved that man! I loved it when he used to say “Good night and may God bless”. I especially loved the character Freddie the Hobo. I found a quote today that made me wonder. I had never thought Red Skelton in any other light than a successful (wealthy) comedian; a popular but humble celebrity who everybody loved. I couldn't imagine him as a man who struggled and had a hard life. Maybe that's why the hobo character was so easy for him to play. Maybe it was him. This quote makes me see him in a brand new light and now I admire and like him even more! "I left home because I was hungry." ~ Red Skelton (1913 - 1997) ( via @BrainyQuote )

Richard Red Skelton (July 18, 1913 – September 17, 1997)

Visit the Official Red Skelton page

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Favorite Actor: Tommy Lee Jones

Are you a fan of Tommy Lee Jones? Many people know him for his comedic role in “Men in Black“ (1997). He co-starred with Will Smith and they were a team tasked with the responsibility of ridding of the world of bad aliens. He was an adorable good guy.

By contrast, Mr. Jones can also be a really scary bad guy. In the movie “The Executioner’s Song”, he was a heartless cold-blooded killer! Ever saw this movie? Remember that scene where he robbed the gas station and what he did to the gas station attendant? He was a very convincing bad guy. So convincing that he earned an Emmy Award.

There are some actors who, in my opinion, can only play good guys. Tommy Lee Jones can be either good or bad. But I prefer him as a good guy. I really liked him in “The Fugitive” (1993) with Harrison Ford and the sequel, “U.S. Marshals” (1998), where he was paired with Wesley Snipes. I also liked him as the villain Two-Face, in “Batman Forever” (1995).

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Do you have a favorite Tommy Lee Jones movie?

Image Credit: ” Tommy LeeJones07TIFF cropped ” by gdcgraphics. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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Read.Cash (Spanish)

Looking for friends to share you love for movies, music and books? Have fun finding and sharing entertainment-related content on Noise.Cash. It's a global social community. The PLUS is that you can make friends and earn Bitcoin Cash$.

Favorite Actor: Pierce Brosnan

No doubt there are tons of Pierce Brosnan fans out there.

But how do you like to see him cast? Good guy or bad guy?

Me? Mr. Brosnan absolutely must be a good guy.

I have seen him trying to play a bad guy and sorry to say … it just did not suit him.

I have been a Brosnan fan since his first appearance in the television series “Remington Steele” (1982 – 1987). Perhaps it wasn’t his first gig. But it was the first time I ever saw his face. He worked side by side with Stephanie Zimbalist and instantly won me over, not just with charming and dashing good looks. Although that was one of his assets that had a major influence on me liking him.

When looking for movies to watch, if his name shows up, nine times out of ten, it goes on my watch list. Must admit not all of his movies were award-winning films, but if he was supposed to be a bad guy, it ended up being a disappointment for me.

Another disappointment? Didn’t really like him as James Bond. But I blame the scriptwriters. Not him. Besides … Sean Connery is the only real James Bond.

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Links of Interest:

Image Credit: Hargrove, Jason. P Pierce Brosnan Filming for Married Life in Gastown, Vancouver, Canada. 2006. Vancouver. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/salty_soul/210357605

StayTuned TV. “Remington Steele – Trailer .” Watch Online video clip. https://youtu.be/rhVc-7bQRr8 YouTube. YouTube, LLC, 7 Oct 2015. Web.

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Favorite Actresses: Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton, actress, born November 6, 1972, in Westminster, London, England, UK.  She won the Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in the drama series "Westworld" (2019). I have followed Thandie Newton's acting career ever since she was in her teens.  Her first major role was at the age of 18 in an Australian film titled Flirting.  She has been around for quite a while and I am glad that the entertainment industry has recognized and rewarded fabulous talent when they see it.  It could not have been easy for her.  Nevertheless, she persevered.  Sharing a link to an interesting interview of Ms. Newton published by Vulture.com.  

WARNING:  The language and content of this interview may be hard to digest. All I can say is when you see people onscreen, you really have no idea of the turmoil that's happening in their personal lives.  They do such a good job of acting. 

(Side Note:  One night I happened to be up late and ended up watching Late Night with Stephen Colbert and he was interviewing a young child actress.  I tuned in at the middle of the interview.  Even though I didn't know this young lady's name, there was no mistaking whose child she was.  The girl is the exact image of her mother.  Nico Parker is the daughter of Thandie Newton and she is also an actress.  She had a role in Dumbo (2019), Entertainment Tonight (1981) and Dish Nation (2011).)

Thandie Newton Is Finally Ready to Speak Her Mind

After decades onscreen, nothing surprises the Westworld actress, though what she’s ready to share will surprise you.

Thandie Newton has starred or co-starred in numerous movies and TV series.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Treathyl Fox (@myfoxnooze)

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CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS: Happy birthday Zendaya!

Today is September 1, 2022. 

Folks on Twitter are wishing Zendaya a happy birthday. ❤️

To be honest, I know she started out as a child actress and now she appears in movies. She was chosen as an Lancôme’s newest and youngest ambassador. AND she takes great pictures! The camera loves her.

But I'm not really a fan. Are you a fan? I don't dislike her. I'm just in the wrong generation, so I don't keep up.  However, I would compliment by saying that I think she represents her generation well.

Zendaya at the 2015 Oscars.

 Steve Granitz/WireImage


A little bit of entertainment trivia about this lady:

The name Zendaya is primarily a female name of African - Bantu of Zimbabwe origin that means "To Give Thanks." From the Shona (chiShona) language of Zimbabwe/Southern Zambi. (babynames.com/name/Zendaya)

Her full name is: Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman.
My big sister used to say you know you've made it to the big times when people know you by just one name. Just like everybody knows Madonna. Everybody knows Zendaya.

Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world on its annual list in 2022.

Happy Birthday, Zendaya. pic.twitter.com/EcTLucC3GC

— LetsOTT Global (@LetsOTT) September 1, 2022

Congrats to Zendaya on becoming Lancôme’s newest and youngest ambassador ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1qS1ekNMm6

— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) February 22, 2019

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Want to know more interesting facts about Zendaya?

In Memory of: Nichelle Nichols (1932 - 2022) | Star Trek's Lieutenant Uhura

Shortly after Christmas in 2017, I was celebrating this lady's birthday. I would describe her as "iconic".

For those who were dedicated fans of the original Star Trek sci-fi TV series which aired 1966 through 1969, no doubt you remember Nichelle Nichols who played Lieutenant Uhura.

Born Grace Nichols on December 28, 1932, in Robbins, Illinois. Today is her birthday

Happy Birthday Ms. Nichols!

* Do you remember Lt. Uhura? 
What did you think of her?

I LOVED HER!

On July 30, 2022, this legend crossed over.  Nichelle Nichols passed away at the age of 89.

Today in 1966: #StarTrek (TOS) debuted in the U.S. The original starship Enterprise studio model used in the TV show is in our collection: https://t.co/Y6LNJ1sDxC #StarTrekDay #AirSpacePhoto pic.twitter.com/Lki0fhfkMz

— National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) September 8, 2020

Also published at my partner blog.

Remembering Sir Christopher Lee (1922-2015)

On June 7, 2015, acting legend Christopher Lee bid us farewell. He departed this life. Henceforth, he will be spoken of as the late great Christopher Lee.

A polished actor, a distinguished gentleman, and a man with an immediately recognizable voice. You didn't even need to to see his face, When you heard that voice, you knew it was Sir Christopher Lee.

It is said that he was an Intelligence Officer in the British Royal Air Force. But it's hard to find information about what he did because apparently, even though he's dead, his work for God and country is still “a secret”.

People from my generation might remember him as Count Dracula. People from the younger generation might remember him as Saruman, the wicked wizard in “The Lord of the Rings”. Either or, he was a very memorable guy.

• Considered a cinematic giant by many, Lee towered in real life as well - standing at 6'5", he was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the tallest leading actors in the world. (SOURCE)

• He holds the world record for oldest video game voice actor. (SOURCE)

He entered the film industry in 1947 and his acting career spanned several decades. At his death, he was preparing to start his latest film 'The 11th' about the lead-up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.

Despite his advanced age (he was 93), his death was unexpected. He died of natural causes. Sir Christopher Lee: Screen legend dies aged 93 - BBC News

• In Memory of Christopher Lee (1922-2015)

Goodfellas: REMASTERED - Ending Scene | My Tribute to Ray Liotta (1954-2022)

I am in the habit of checking my Twitter account every day. It is usually the first online in the morning. I don't use Twitter as my reliable news source. But every once in a while they will tweet a bona fide fact about a current event that blows me away like the death of Ray Liotta (pronounced "Lee-oh-ta"). Only 67 years old. 

I once heard him say in an interview that he was adopted. ("Due to extreme poverty, the biological parents abandoned Ray immediately after his birth. ..." ~  Source)  That me think: So? Is he really Italian or was he just raised Italian? I know.  It's a stupid thought. But hey! Don't we all think stupid thoughts? No matter his biological heritage, it looks like his parents, Mary and Alfred Liotta, raised him to be a real good guy; not a fictional "Goodfella". Although ... I must say that he played the part of a gangster quite well. He was cast as Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese's movie "GoodFellas" (1990). In my humble opinion, it's his most memorable role.  It's a cult classic and won 6 Academy Awards.

Image credit

 

In Memory of: Raymond Allen Liotta (1954-2022)

American actor and producer

RELATED LINKS:

• Ray Liotta Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements | The Famous People
• Ray Liotta - Early Life, Movies & 'Goodfellas' | Biography
• Ray Liotta Biography, Life, Interesting Facts | Sun Signs

Favorite Asian Actors: Chow Yun-Fat

I can't remember the first movie I saw starring Chow Yun-Fat but I have been a huge fan for a really long time. He is a notable Hong Kong celebrity … I mean … Super Star! While his portrayal as the king of Siam (now Thailand) in “Anna and the King” (1999) was a very touching love story, I am more a fan of his kick-butt action films like “Hard Boiled” (1992) and “Replacement Killers” (1998). 

His acting career has not been without controversy.

For example, several years ago (2014), he was banned from making films in mainland China because he took roles in “films like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Bulletproof Monk, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon ...”

Read more: Why Chinese Legend Chow-Yun Fat Is Banned From Making Movies In China - CINEMABLEND

That was a reason that was given. However, some believed that his real crime is being pro-democracy.

What do the Chinese government expect? He was born in Hong Kong when it was not a part of China and under the British; and he has enjoyed democracy and freedom all of his life. His name used to be Donald Chow.

The last three Chow Yun-Fat movies that I watched were: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2006); “Curse of the Golden Flower” (2006); and “Cold War 2” (2016).

Even though I am a fan, I have not kept up with his filmography because the last report that I heard about him was that he was in poor health.

Get details: Chow Yun-fat takes a break to focus on health, Entertainment News – The Straits Times (Report dated July 18, 2016)

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Interesting Related Links ~ 2020 Articles About Chow Yun-Fat:

Global Star Profiles : Chow Yun Fat | Golden Globes

What makes Hong Kong’s Chow Yun-fat ‘the coolest actor in the world’? At 65, the Pirates of the Caribbean star is still up for action – and romance | South China Morning Post

The 10 Best Chow Yun Fat Movies – Taste of Cinema – Movie Reviews and Classic Movie Lists

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Are you a fan of Chow Yun-Fat?

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In Memory Of: Chadwick Boseman (1976–2020)

Today is August 29, 2020, and I was not expecting this shocking news.  A brilliant talent has departed this life far too soon. Chadwick Boseman (1976–2020). He chose his acting roles carefully. No doubt he will be remembered for being the first black superhero portrayed in American films. He was Black Panther.

Other roles he played he chose likely because they were people he admired and praised: 

• Thurgood Marshall (first African-American Supreme Court justice), 
• James Brown (known as the hardest working man in show business and the godfather of soul), and 
• Jackie Robinson (first African American to play in Major League Baseball).  

Mr. Boseman suffered quietly for 4 years but in the end, lost his life to colon cancer. "Deaths from colorectal cancer. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined. It's expected to cause about 53,200 deaths during 2020." (Source: Colorectal Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Colorectal Cancer?)  

As expected tributes to this young man are pouring in via Twitter.

Chadwick Boseman quote worth remembering:  "press on with pride and press on with purpose.”

pic.twitter.com/aZ2JzDf5ai

— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020

During his commencement speech at our beloved Howard, my friend Chadwick Boseman said, "press on with pride and press on with purpose.”

In his name, let’s keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/HU8Q6yQaJ4

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020