Richard Pryor did more than reinvent comedy, he changed culture, and not only in America. The five-time Grammy Award-winner, actor, writer, director, and standup icon underwent a series of self-discoveries which he revealed to audiences from the inside out long before co-writing Blazing Saddles, and conquering every aspect of showbiz. He did it without compromise. Listeners can study the growing genius of his most transformative years, 1968 through 1973, on newly remastered vinyl reissues of Pryor’s early live albums released through Stand Up! Records along with Omnivore Records and Pryor’s production company Indigo. Richard Pryor (1968), ‘Craps’ (After Hours) (1971), and the vinyl debut of Live At The Comedy Store, 1973, along with the bonus material, shows the artist’s evolution into a revolutionary force.
As the recordings will attest, Richard Pryor is his own theater troupe. Even without the visuals, we can visualize him inhabiting each and every character. He plays them with love,...
As the recordings will attest, Richard Pryor is his own theater troupe. Even without the visuals, we can visualize him inhabiting each and every character. He plays them with love,...
- 6/7/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
If J.B Smoove had it his way, he’d cast himself as the lead in a biopic about the late comedian Dick Gregory. “In another world, another life, if I was 20 years younger, I would love to play that man,” says the Emmy-winning actor and stand-up comic. “He really had an amazing, fascinating life.”
Smoove (né Jerry Brooks) did a deep dive on Gregory’s life when he narrated the six-part Audible Originals podcast Funny My Way, uncovering the lives of six Black comedy legends: Gregory, Flip Wilson, Paul Mooney, Moms Mabley, Rudy Ray Moore and Redd Foxx. His performance has earned the Curb Your Enthusiasm star an Ambie nomination for best podcast host.
When Conan O’Brien — whose podcast production juggernaut, Team Coco, developed the show — approached him with the idea, the veteran comedian was intrigued primarily as a fan of the series’ legendary subjects. “It’s like what Mike Tyson...
Smoove (né Jerry Brooks) did a deep dive on Gregory’s life when he narrated the six-part Audible Originals podcast Funny My Way, uncovering the lives of six Black comedy legends: Gregory, Flip Wilson, Paul Mooney, Moms Mabley, Rudy Ray Moore and Redd Foxx. His performance has earned the Curb Your Enthusiasm star an Ambie nomination for best podcast host.
When Conan O’Brien — whose podcast production juggernaut, Team Coco, developed the show — approached him with the idea, the veteran comedian was intrigued primarily as a fan of the series’ legendary subjects. “It’s like what Mike Tyson...
- 2/24/2023
- by Cori Murray
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Wanda Sykes is knocking on the door of syndication with a new series that features videos taken from Ring doorbells.
The comedian is to host Ring Nation, a new twist on the popular clip show genre, from MGM Television, Live Pd producer Big Fish Entertainment and Ring.
The series, which will launch on September 26, will feature viral videos shared by people from their video doorbells and smart home cameras.
It’s a television take on a genre that has been increasingly going viral on social media.
The series will feature clips such as neighbors saving neighbors, marriage proposals, military reunions and silly animals.
It is the latest example of corporate synergy at Amazon, which owns MGM Television and production company Big Fish and bought Ring in 2018. Founder and inventor Jamie Siminoff previously appeared on Shark Tank as a contestant before returning years later as a Guest Shark after selling...
The comedian is to host Ring Nation, a new twist on the popular clip show genre, from MGM Television, Live Pd producer Big Fish Entertainment and Ring.
The series, which will launch on September 26, will feature viral videos shared by people from their video doorbells and smart home cameras.
It’s a television take on a genre that has been increasingly going viral on social media.
The series will feature clips such as neighbors saving neighbors, marriage proposals, military reunions and silly animals.
It is the latest example of corporate synergy at Amazon, which owns MGM Television and production company Big Fish and bought Ring in 2018. Founder and inventor Jamie Siminoff previously appeared on Shark Tank as a contestant before returning years later as a Guest Shark after selling...
- 8/11/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: J.B. Smoove is to pay homage to six Black comedians in a comedy docuseries podcast for Audible.
The audio service has ordered Funny My Way, hosted by the Curb Your Enthusiasm star.
The series will profile Paul Mooney, Flip Wilson, Rudy Ray Moore, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, and Redd Foxx, who have broken barriers in the entertainment industry. It will shine a light on everyday struggles in the Black community, and these iconic comedians’ fight for equality while being their authentic, raw selves. It will also give listeners an impactful look into comedy history – one that goes far beyond the punch lines.
Funny My Way, which launched on the platform on August 4, comes from Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco and Ayr Media.
Exec producers include Matt Powers, Jeff Ross, Adam Sachs and Willie Navarre for Team Coco, Aliza Rosen for Ayr Media and Toni Judkins.
It is the latest...
The audio service has ordered Funny My Way, hosted by the Curb Your Enthusiasm star.
The series will profile Paul Mooney, Flip Wilson, Rudy Ray Moore, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, and Redd Foxx, who have broken barriers in the entertainment industry. It will shine a light on everyday struggles in the Black community, and these iconic comedians’ fight for equality while being their authentic, raw selves. It will also give listeners an impactful look into comedy history – one that goes far beyond the punch lines.
Funny My Way, which launched on the platform on August 4, comes from Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco and Ayr Media.
Exec producers include Matt Powers, Jeff Ross, Adam Sachs and Willie Navarre for Team Coco, Aliza Rosen for Ayr Media and Toni Judkins.
It is the latest...
- 7/12/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Almost three months after the Oscars, Will Smith’s on-stage slap of Chris Rock continues to spark a discussion.
Asked what the Oscar smack means for the future safety of comedians during a panel Thursday at Tribeca Festival, Alonzo Bodden said he isn’t worried.
“I’m not going to get slapped on stage,” he said. “That (Will Smith slap) is the ultimate outlier situation. At the comedy clubs, we are still talking and still doing comedy, so nobody is going to a club and worried about that happening.”
Meanwhile, comedian-host-director W. Kamau Bell claimed a Black Carrot Top could never exist.
“You can be a white comedian and never talk about what’s going on in the world,” Bell told the audience. “But it’s pretty hard to be a Black comedian and never talk about what’s going on in the world without the crowd being like ‘Where’s this dude from?...
Asked what the Oscar smack means for the future safety of comedians during a panel Thursday at Tribeca Festival, Alonzo Bodden said he isn’t worried.
“I’m not going to get slapped on stage,” he said. “That (Will Smith slap) is the ultimate outlier situation. At the comedy clubs, we are still talking and still doing comedy, so nobody is going to a club and worried about that happening.”
Meanwhile, comedian-host-director W. Kamau Bell claimed a Black Carrot Top could never exist.
“You can be a white comedian and never talk about what’s going on in the world,” Bell told the audience. “But it’s pretty hard to be a Black comedian and never talk about what’s going on in the world without the crowd being like ‘Where’s this dude from?...
- 6/17/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Deadline Film + TV
You might feel like you’ve already seen Mr. Saturday Night the musical even if you’ve never seen Mr. Saturday Night the movie, and whether you find that comforting – Billy Crystal certainly is one of the most likable presences in all of show business – or disappointing might depend entirely on your taste for well-delivered Borsht Belt comedy.
That’s not damning with faint praise: Mr. Saturday Night, the Broadway musical opening tonight at the Nederlander Theatre based on the 1992 comedy, is, at its best, a charming showcase for the undeniable talents of both Crystal and the showbiz icons he adores. There are shout-outs galore here to the likes of Milton Berle, Harry Ritz, Jack Carter, Phil Silvers, Myron Cohen, Moms Mabley, Shecky Green and more, and a lovely visual tribute (Scott Pask designed the attractive sets) to comedy and TV pioneers from Betty White and Phyllis Diller to Richard Pryor and George Carlin.
That’s not damning with faint praise: Mr. Saturday Night, the Broadway musical opening tonight at the Nederlander Theatre based on the 1992 comedy, is, at its best, a charming showcase for the undeniable talents of both Crystal and the showbiz icons he adores. There are shout-outs galore here to the likes of Milton Berle, Harry Ritz, Jack Carter, Phil Silvers, Myron Cohen, Moms Mabley, Shecky Green and more, and a lovely visual tribute (Scott Pask designed the attractive sets) to comedy and TV pioneers from Betty White and Phyllis Diller to Richard Pryor and George Carlin.
- 4/28/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
File this one under “you just can’t please everybody.” In our recent 2022 Oscars host poll results that asked viewers to name their favorite emcee of the controversial ceremony, comedy legend Wanda Sykes nabbed the most votes at 19%. It was actually a pretty close vote between the three co-hosts, as Amy Schumer scored 18% and Regina Hall earned 14%. However, almost a third of all poll respondents — 32% to be specific — claimed that “none of them” were their favorite. Ouch! The remaining 17% of voters were non-committal and called it a three-way tie.
Here are the complete poll results in list form:
32% — Ugh — none of them!
19% — Wanda Sykes
18% — Amy Schumer
17% — It’s a three-way tie!
14% — Regina Hall
SEEWatch Will Smith win Best Actor Oscar, apologize for altercation with Chris Rock
After going host-less for three broadcasts in a row, the 94th Academy Awards bucked that trend by letting three funny ladies grace the stage...
Here are the complete poll results in list form:
32% — Ugh — none of them!
19% — Wanda Sykes
18% — Amy Schumer
17% — It’s a three-way tie!
14% — Regina Hall
SEEWatch Will Smith win Best Actor Oscar, apologize for altercation with Chris Rock
After going host-less for three broadcasts in a row, the 94th Academy Awards bucked that trend by letting three funny ladies grace the stage...
- 3/28/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Image Source: Getty / Kelly Balch / Earl Gibson III / Alexander Tamargo
If there's one thing Guy Torry, DeRay Davis, and Kym Whitley have in common, it's their passion for comedy. Phat Tuesdays founder Torry brought together the greatest in their craft at The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard as a chain reaction to the 1992 LA riots. The legacy continues in the new Amazon Prime Video series "Phat Tuesdays." Torry, Davis, and Whitley tell Popsugar about everything from the magic of Black audiences to their memories of the late comedian Bob Saget. We also asked them their least-favorite question: who are your favorite comics, from the giants of the '90s to up-and-comers?
"This is the question I hate the most because it's too many," Torry explains. DeRay and Whitley explain that many Black comics don't get the exposure they deserve. "It's so frustrating," Whitley says, specifically referencing Black women not given opportunities.
If there's one thing Guy Torry, DeRay Davis, and Kym Whitley have in common, it's their passion for comedy. Phat Tuesdays founder Torry brought together the greatest in their craft at The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard as a chain reaction to the 1992 LA riots. The legacy continues in the new Amazon Prime Video series "Phat Tuesdays." Torry, Davis, and Whitley tell Popsugar about everything from the magic of Black audiences to their memories of the late comedian Bob Saget. We also asked them their least-favorite question: who are your favorite comics, from the giants of the '90s to up-and-comers?
"This is the question I hate the most because it's too many," Torry explains. DeRay and Whitley explain that many Black comics don't get the exposure they deserve. "It's so frustrating," Whitley says, specifically referencing Black women not given opportunities.
- 2/11/2022
- by Naledi Ushe
- Popsugar.com
2021 has been a prolific year for actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery. After the success of films like “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Fatherhood” with Kevin Hart, plus starring opposite Ryan Reynolds in the upcoming “Free Guy,” Howery is launching a new audio-only comedy album, titled “Lil Rel – Humbly Vulnerable: I Said What I Said.”
The album will debut exclusively on Pandora on Aug. 17 and launch on all streaming platforms on Aug. 24.
“I did an audio-only stand-up special because I wanted to pay homage to the greats that came before me and also no visual distractions, [so] you have to truly hear me,” Howery tells Variety.
With the new special, recorded in March, Howery professes to get back to his Chicago stand-up roots with a set that is reminiscent of his comedy heroes, including Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor.
The new album is co-produced with the Aziza Work Group,...
The album will debut exclusively on Pandora on Aug. 17 and launch on all streaming platforms on Aug. 24.
“I did an audio-only stand-up special because I wanted to pay homage to the greats that came before me and also no visual distractions, [so] you have to truly hear me,” Howery tells Variety.
With the new special, recorded in March, Howery professes to get back to his Chicago stand-up roots with a set that is reminiscent of his comedy heroes, including Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor.
The new album is co-produced with the Aziza Work Group,...
- 8/9/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Wanda Sykes has been tapped for a recurring role in the upcoming fifth season of Robert and Michelle King’s legal drama The Good Fight on Paramount+.
She will play Allegra Durado, a brilliant, strategic attorney who’s been away from the law for ten years while trying to finish her white whale of a book.
“Our holy grail of casting is always to find dramatic actors who can also deliver the comedy, and that pretty much defines Wanda,” Robert and Michelle King said. “We couldn’t feel more fortunate to be working with her.”
The Kings have successfully infused The Good Fight drama series (and predecessor The Good Wife) with comedy, helped by a cast of versatile actors, led by The Good Fight star Christine Baranski, an Emmy winner for comedy series Cybill who was also Emmy nominated for Frasier and The Big Bang Theory in addition to...
She will play Allegra Durado, a brilliant, strategic attorney who’s been away from the law for ten years while trying to finish her white whale of a book.
“Our holy grail of casting is always to find dramatic actors who can also deliver the comedy, and that pretty much defines Wanda,” Robert and Michelle King said. “We couldn’t feel more fortunate to be working with her.”
The Kings have successfully infused The Good Fight drama series (and predecessor The Good Wife) with comedy, helped by a cast of versatile actors, led by The Good Fight star Christine Baranski, an Emmy winner for comedy series Cybill who was also Emmy nominated for Frasier and The Big Bang Theory in addition to...
- 6/21/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime and A&e are heading into the Rhythm Nation with a four-hour documentary about the life and music of Janet Jackson.
The A+E Networks brands will simulcast Janet across two nights in 2022.
It comes as Lifetime has struck a two-picture deal with Reba McEntire and A&e is launching documentary series Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution and Secret Origins of Hip Hop.
Janet (w/t), coming on the back of the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s debut album, will follow take a look at her musical success as well as her tumultuous private life. Workerbee, the British production company owned by Banijay, has been filming with Jackson over three years and has been granted exclusive access to archival footage and Janet’s never before seen home videos.
It comes as her dad, Joe Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Jackson dynasty, died in 2018, and will detail her...
The A+E Networks brands will simulcast Janet across two nights in 2022.
It comes as Lifetime has struck a two-picture deal with Reba McEntire and A&e is launching documentary series Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution and Secret Origins of Hip Hop.
Janet (w/t), coming on the back of the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s debut album, will follow take a look at her musical success as well as her tumultuous private life. Workerbee, the British production company owned by Banijay, has been filming with Jackson over three years and has been granted exclusive access to archival footage and Janet’s never before seen home videos.
It comes as her dad, Joe Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Jackson dynasty, died in 2018, and will detail her...
- 3/3/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
A pulsating panorama of “Black, beautiful, proud” people, “Summer of Soul,” is . But this one, which marks the directorial debut of The Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, comes with a most unfortunate history: Its film reels were buried in a basement for 50 years, largely unseen, until now.
The “Questlove Jawn,” as it’s introduced in opening credits, covers the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, aka “The Black Woodstock.” The name stuck over the years not only because the concerts coincided with that other big rock festival upstate. The idea for the event flowered from the ashes of the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X, as well as the Civil Rights movement, and was created to celebrate African-American music, culture and politics, and to promote Black pride and unity.
It wasn’t the first time. The initial Harlem Cultural Festival took place in 1967, when a thirtysomething Harlemite singer named...
The “Questlove Jawn,” as it’s introduced in opening credits, covers the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, aka “The Black Woodstock.” The name stuck over the years not only because the concerts coincided with that other big rock festival upstate. The idea for the event flowered from the ashes of the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X, as well as the Civil Rights movement, and was created to celebrate African-American music, culture and politics, and to promote Black pride and unity.
It wasn’t the first time. The initial Harlem Cultural Festival took place in 1967, when a thirtysomething Harlemite singer named...
- 1/29/2021
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
For the third year in a row, Rachel Brosnahan is among the Primetime Emmy nominees for Best Comedy Actress for her performance as the title character on Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” She already won for the first season in 2018, while last season she took a backseat to Phoebe Waller-Bridge during the awards sweep for her series “Fleabag.” Earlier this year Brosnahan also won a SAG Award (along with the rest of the cast) as TV’s best comedy ensemble; that was her third SAG win overall for the show. Her episode submission for the Emmys this year is the season three finale, “A Jewish Girl Walks Into the Apollo …”
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
In that episode, Midge and her ex-husband, Joel (Michael Zegen), have disagreements over whether or not they can afford to send their children to an upper-class private school in Manhattan.
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
In that episode, Midge and her ex-husband, Joel (Michael Zegen), have disagreements over whether or not they can afford to send their children to an upper-class private school in Manhattan.
- 9/18/2020
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The nomination of Senator Kamala Harris as presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate was welcome news for many people, not the least of all Maya Rudolph. The “Saturday Night Live” alum was chosen to portray the former presidential candidate for the show’s send up of the Democratic primaries, appearing three times overall. Harris’s VP nomination means she’s likely found a steady gig, similar to Alec Baldwin’s Emmy-winning portrayal of Donald Trump, and her popularity helped her score a Best Comedy Guest Actress Emmy bid, her first for “SNL” since 2012. It’s one of three noms she received overall this year, including two in this category (she’s also contending for the third consecutive time for “The Good Place”) and one for her voice-over performance in “Big Mouth.”
While voters likely considered all of Rudolph’s guest appearances as the California senator over the past season,...
While voters likely considered all of Rudolph’s guest appearances as the California senator over the past season,...
- 8/31/2020
- by Zach Moore
- Gold Derby
Wanda Sykes returns to the Best Comedy Guest Actress Emmy race for her turn as famed real life comic Moms Mabley in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” This is actually one of three nominations this year for Sykes, who also competes in Best Character Voice-Over Performance for “Crank Yankers” and in Best Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) for producing “Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah.” Will playing a real-life figure finally land Sykes an Emmy for acting? For her Guest Actress bid, Sykes has submitted the episode “A Jewish Girl Walks into the Apollo.”
In this season three finale, Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) gets the chance to open for Shy Baldwin (Leroy McClain) at the legendary Apollo theater in Harlem. Before taking the stage herself, Midge watches Moms Mabley kill a stand-up set which has the audience roaring. Backstage, Midge gets a chilly reception from Moms and her manager, who points out that Midge has stolen...
In this season three finale, Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) gets the chance to open for Shy Baldwin (Leroy McClain) at the legendary Apollo theater in Harlem. Before taking the stage herself, Midge watches Moms Mabley kill a stand-up set which has the audience roaring. Backstage, Midge gets a chilly reception from Moms and her manager, who points out that Midge has stolen...
- 8/26/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” took a trip to the Apollo Theater in its Season 3 finale. In a new Amazon Prime Video panel honoring the legacy of the Apollo, co-star Sterling K. Brown, who plays Reggie in the third season, discusses how the show finds a way to merge the Black and Jewish experiences on the Apollo stage. “We have a shared history of struggle and performance and I think that legacy of performance comes out of struggle and oppression, the desire and the need to entertain, to put people at ease so that we can be safe,” says the Emmy-winning actor. Watch the exclusive full 36-minute video above.
Wanda Sykes, who plays stand-up comedian Moms Mabley, recalls how playing the legendary comic was just as nerve-wracking as when she herself performed at the Apollo. As she recalls thinking in her first time doing the Apollo, “If you bomb, everyone’s...
Wanda Sykes, who plays stand-up comedian Moms Mabley, recalls how playing the legendary comic was just as nerve-wracking as when she herself performed at the Apollo. As she recalls thinking in her first time doing the Apollo, “If you bomb, everyone’s...
- 8/26/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the Apollo Theater have partnered on A Marvelous Night at the Apollo, a one-hour digital special celebrating the historic theater and its connection to the Amazon series.
Directed by Leigh Silverman, the special is a three-part conversation piece covering comedy, music and dance featuring series creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, star Rachel Brosnahan, along with Wanda Sykes, Sterling K. Brown, LeRoy McClain, Darius de Haas, Maisel choreographer Marguerite Derricks and dancers Savion Glover and Jaden and Ellis Foreman Brothers (Hines Brothers).
The special was inspired by the season 3 finale of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, centered on the history of the theater and the various performances there. The episode included a Moms Mabley set, played by Wanda Sykes, and a Hines brother dance recreation, choreographed by Marguerite Derricks and performed by tap dancing duo the Foreman brothers, as well as a stand-up set from Midge...
Directed by Leigh Silverman, the special is a three-part conversation piece covering comedy, music and dance featuring series creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, star Rachel Brosnahan, along with Wanda Sykes, Sterling K. Brown, LeRoy McClain, Darius de Haas, Maisel choreographer Marguerite Derricks and dancers Savion Glover and Jaden and Ellis Foreman Brothers (Hines Brothers).
The special was inspired by the season 3 finale of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, centered on the history of the theater and the various performances there. The episode included a Moms Mabley set, played by Wanda Sykes, and a Hines brother dance recreation, choreographed by Marguerite Derricks and performed by tap dancing duo the Foreman brothers, as well as a stand-up set from Midge...
- 8/24/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
With over two decades of work under her belt, Wanda Sykes has found that being a multi-hyphenate artist certainly allows for a diverse and successful career. Starting off as an award-winning writer for The Chris Rock Show, she quickly found popularity with her stand-up specials, leading to roles in Monster-in-Law and The New Adventures of Old Christine. 2020 has given Sykes four Emmy nominations this year—two under her production company Push It, one for the role of Gladys in Crank Yankers, and one for her performance as legendary vaudeville entertainer Moms Mabley in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Sykes describes this surreal pandemic year thus: “2020, for me, the glass is half-full. But it’s a dirty glass. It’s like from a crime scene with lipstick and fingerprints and smudges all on it.”
My First Film Lesson
That whole ‘camera right, camera left’ thing. It was Nutty Professor II and Eddie [Murphy] plays all those different characters.
My First Film Lesson
That whole ‘camera right, camera left’ thing. It was Nutty Professor II and Eddie [Murphy] plays all those different characters.
- 8/23/2020
- by Stevie Wong
- Deadline Film + TV
Gold Derby can exclusively reveal that Marin Hinkle is entering “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” episode “A Jewish Girl Walks Into the Apollo” as her 2020 Emmy Awards submission for Best Comedy Supporting Actress. This program streamed December 6 and was the eighth and final of the third season for the Amazon Prime show.
SEEMarin Hinkle Interview: ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
In this installment, Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) salvages a potentially disastrous club grand opening with her impromptu performance. Susie asks Joel to be the finance manager for Midge since she can no longer be trusted. Midge is shocked to find out she has top billing at the Apollo Theater over legendary comic Moms Mabley. She almost outs Shy Baldwin during her performance.
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
Hinkle has received her second consecutive Emmy nomination in this category for playing Midge’s mother, Rose. For this 2020 contest,...
SEEMarin Hinkle Interview: ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
In this installment, Midge (Rachel Brosnahan) salvages a potentially disastrous club grand opening with her impromptu performance. Susie asks Joel to be the finance manager for Midge since she can no longer be trusted. Midge is shocked to find out she has top billing at the Apollo Theater over legendary comic Moms Mabley. She almost outs Shy Baldwin during her performance.
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
Hinkle has received her second consecutive Emmy nomination in this category for playing Midge’s mother, Rose. For this 2020 contest,...
- 8/11/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Gold Derby can exclusively reveal that Rachel Brosnahan is entering “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” episode “A Jewish Girl Walks Into the Apollo” as her 2020 Emmy Awards submission for Best Comedy Actress. This program streamed December 6 and was the eighth and final episode of the third season for the Amazon Prime show.
SEEIt’s a repeat! ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ tops all comedy series again with 20 Emmy nominations
In this installment, Midge (Brosnahan) salvages a potentially disastrous club grand opening with her impromptu performance. Susie asks Joel to be the finance manager for Midge since she can no longer be trusted. Midge is shocked to find out she has top billing at the Apollo Theater over legendary comic Moms Mabley. She almost outs Shy Baldwin during her performance.
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
Brosnahan has received her fourth career Emmy nomination after winning...
SEEIt’s a repeat! ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ tops all comedy series again with 20 Emmy nominations
In this installment, Midge (Brosnahan) salvages a potentially disastrous club grand opening with her impromptu performance. Susie asks Joel to be the finance manager for Midge since she can no longer be trusted. Midge is shocked to find out she has top billing at the Apollo Theater over legendary comic Moms Mabley. She almost outs Shy Baldwin during her performance.
See 2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
Brosnahan has received her fourth career Emmy nomination after winning...
- 8/5/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” hit the road in its third season as stand-up comic Midge went on tour with crooner Shy Baldwin and struck Emmy nomination pay dirt again, collecting the most ballot spots for a comedy series with 20 — the same amount as last year.
While NBC’s comedy “30 Rock” still holds the record after collecting 22 nominations in 2009, Amy Sherman-Palladino‘s streaming showbiz baby’s repeat achievement is none-too-shabby, either. Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Midge, picked up her third chance at lead Emmy after winning for the show’s first season. Alex Borstein, who plays her feisty manager Susie Myerson, already snatched two supporting trophies previously and could easily pick up a third.
See ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Emmy interviews: Amy Sherman-Palladino, Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes and more [Watch]
Midge’s mom Rose Weisman aka Marin Hinkle also found a supporting slot as well. As for her hubby Abe,...
While NBC’s comedy “30 Rock” still holds the record after collecting 22 nominations in 2009, Amy Sherman-Palladino‘s streaming showbiz baby’s repeat achievement is none-too-shabby, either. Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Midge, picked up her third chance at lead Emmy after winning for the show’s first season. Alex Borstein, who plays her feisty manager Susie Myerson, already snatched two supporting trophies previously and could easily pick up a third.
See ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Emmy interviews: Amy Sherman-Palladino, Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes and more [Watch]
Midge’s mom Rose Weisman aka Marin Hinkle also found a supporting slot as well. As for her hubby Abe,...
- 7/28/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Wanda Sykes got to play comedy icon Moms Mabley on the third season of Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The actress is an Emmy winner who has received nominations every year since 2017.
Sykes recently spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Susan Wloszczyna about her history with Mabley as a comedian, what it meant to play her and what she’s working on next. Watch the exclusive video interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEAmy Sherman-Palladino Interview: ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
Gold Derby: I would guess this was a great honor for you to portray her because she was one of a kind. She’s basically the mother of Black comedians and set the standard. But I just wonder, I’m old enough to have seen her on “Ed Sullivan” and “The Smothers Brothers” but did you see her while you were a kid?
Wanda Sykes: Yes, I...
Sykes recently spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Susan Wloszczyna about her history with Mabley as a comedian, what it meant to play her and what she’s working on next. Watch the exclusive video interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEAmy Sherman-Palladino Interview: ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
Gold Derby: I would guess this was a great honor for you to portray her because she was one of a kind. She’s basically the mother of Black comedians and set the standard. But I just wonder, I’m old enough to have seen her on “Ed Sullivan” and “The Smothers Brothers” but did you see her while you were a kid?
Wanda Sykes: Yes, I...
- 7/20/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen and Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
The 2020 Emmy ballots have been released by the Television Academy, so we now know which shows, actors, etc. are in contention for this year’s golden statues. Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” accounts for 15 entries on the performer ballot, including reigning comedy champions Rachel Brosnahan (lead actress), Tony Shalhoub (supporting actor), Alex Borstein (supporting actress), Jane Lynch and Luke Kirby (guest actor). One of the third season’s most notable new cast members is Emmy fave Sterling K. Brown, who already has two trophies on his mantel for “The People v. O.J. Simpson” and “This Is Us.”
See 2020 Emmy Best Comedy Series Predictions
Here’s a closer look at the Emmy-eligible cast members for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Season 3:
Best Comedy Actress
Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel
Best Comedy Supporting Actor
Sterling K. Brown as Reggie
Cary Elwes as Gavin Hawk
LeRoy McClain as Shy Baldwin...
See 2020 Emmy Best Comedy Series Predictions
Here’s a closer look at the Emmy-eligible cast members for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Season 3:
Best Comedy Actress
Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel
Best Comedy Supporting Actor
Sterling K. Brown as Reggie
Cary Elwes as Gavin Hawk
LeRoy McClain as Shy Baldwin...
- 7/6/2020
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
There is a reason that Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino — the married co-creators of Amazon Prime’s smash hit “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” — have twice won a record eight Emmys for the first and second seasons of the comedy hit. (Season 2 also just earned 4 SAG award nominations — the most for a comedy series — and a fourth season is in the works). The couple known for their fast-paced rat-a-tat-tat banter know how to put on a lavish show within a show that is all about entertainment and the sacrifices and benefits that is inherent in such a lifestyle.
Besides the fabulous period production designs, gorgeous period costumes — oy, the hats you will see — there are priceless inside-y looks at characters who echo real-life individuals whose marks on our culture can still be felt — from Jane Lynch‘s Phyllis Diller-like hick comedian to Luke Kirby‘s soulfully acerbic Lenny Bruce, both...
Besides the fabulous period production designs, gorgeous period costumes — oy, the hats you will see — there are priceless inside-y looks at characters who echo real-life individuals whose marks on our culture can still be felt — from Jane Lynch‘s Phyllis Diller-like hick comedian to Luke Kirby‘s soulfully acerbic Lenny Bruce, both...
- 12/13/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Jane Lynch has been crowned the winner of the 2019 guest comedy actress Emmy for her role of comic Sophie Lennon on Amazon Prime Video’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
This was Lynch’s second consecutive nomination for the role but first win. However, it is her fifth Emmy overall, after winning a short form statue in 2017, as well as reality host trophies for “Hollywood Game Night” in 2014 and 2015, and a supporting comedy actress statue for “Glee” in 2010.
This year, Lynch was nominated alongside a duo of “Saturday Night Live” hosts in Sandra Oh and Emma Thompson, a duo of “Fleabag” players in Fiona Shaw and Kristin Scott Thomas, as well as Maya Rudolph from “The Good Place.”
Lynch dedicated her award to the female comedy pioneers of the 1960s who had to have a gimmick in their act to get on stage. She cited Joan Rivers, Totie Fields, Phyllis Diller and Moms Mabley.
This was Lynch’s second consecutive nomination for the role but first win. However, it is her fifth Emmy overall, after winning a short form statue in 2017, as well as reality host trophies for “Hollywood Game Night” in 2014 and 2015, and a supporting comedy actress statue for “Glee” in 2010.
This year, Lynch was nominated alongside a duo of “Saturday Night Live” hosts in Sandra Oh and Emma Thompson, a duo of “Fleabag” players in Fiona Shaw and Kristin Scott Thomas, as well as Maya Rudolph from “The Good Place.”
Lynch dedicated her award to the female comedy pioneers of the 1960s who had to have a gimmick in their act to get on stage. She cited Joan Rivers, Totie Fields, Phyllis Diller and Moms Mabley.
- 9/16/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Ten years after starring as Princess Tiana in Disney’s Oscar-nominated animated feature “The Princess and the Frog,” Anika Noni Rose reflected on her trailblazing role and the film’s lasting legacy.
“Being the first black Disney princess, that was such a first and it really has changed the way young brown children are looked at in school and fantasy when they are playing,” Rose told Variety at the Academy’s anniversary screening Thursday night at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. “It’s no longer ‘You can’t be the princess.’ It’s expected and normal.”
“And I see children of all different ethnicities wearing their Tiana gear so what it says is that she speaks to people on so many different levels,” Rose continued. “Babies aren’t looking at her for her skin color. When they see her and they look like them, they aren’t old...
“Being the first black Disney princess, that was such a first and it really has changed the way young brown children are looked at in school and fantasy when they are playing,” Rose told Variety at the Academy’s anniversary screening Thursday night at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. “It’s no longer ‘You can’t be the princess.’ It’s expected and normal.”
“And I see children of all different ethnicities wearing their Tiana gear so what it says is that she speaks to people on so many different levels,” Rose continued. “Babies aren’t looking at her for her skin color. When they see her and they look like them, they aren’t old...
- 9/6/2019
- by Ashley Hume
- Variety Film + TV
Sol Negrin, a cinematographer who received five Emmy nominations, three for his work on the classic Telly Savalas cop series Kojak, died March 20, the American Society of Cinematographers announced. He was 88.
Negrin's other credits as a director of photography include episodes of McCloud, The White Shadow, St. Elsewhere and Rhoda; the 1972 documentary The Concert for Bangladesh; and the 1974 feature Amazing Grace, starring Moms Mabley.
He contributed additional cinematography to films including King Kong (1976), Superman (1978), Jaws 2 (1978), RoboCop (1987) and Coming to America (1988).
Negrin also earned four Clio Awards for his...
Negrin's other credits as a director of photography include episodes of McCloud, The White Shadow, St. Elsewhere and Rhoda; the 1972 documentary The Concert for Bangladesh; and the 1974 feature Amazing Grace, starring Moms Mabley.
He contributed additional cinematography to films including King Kong (1976), Superman (1978), Jaws 2 (1978), RoboCop (1987) and Coming to America (1988).
Negrin also earned four Clio Awards for his...
- 3/28/2017
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dear Mr. Rock, As a movie journalist, I wouldn't normally dream of telling a multimillionaire comedian how to do his job, but this one is too important. You're not just hosting the Oscars anymore, you're hosting #OscarsSoWhite. Since, pretty much by definition, you'll be the only black person sanctioned to be onstage, it's all on you, brother. Forget the fact that, as Wanda Sykes might say, white folks are lookin' at you. Far scarier is the realization that black folks are lookin' at you - and Asian-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, et. al. The pressure does not get any greater. So...
- 1/27/2016
- by Alynda Wheat, @AlyndaWheat
- PEOPLE.com
The main problem I have with the term ‘Blaxploitation’ film is that it’s used as a lazy and convenient handle that doesn’t adequately express the range of black films that came out during the early to mid 70’s - as if all of them were cheap action movies. The reality is that, they were quite diverse - ranging from action to horror to dramas to westerns and even comedies, many of them forgotten over the decades. One of them was the 1974 United Artists film, "Amazing Grace," directed by Stan Lathan, with Moses Gunn and Rosalind Cash, but is notable for being the only lead film role for legendary comedian Moms Mabley. The subject of Whoopi Goldberg’s...
- 1/15/2015
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Writer/director/producer Tyler Perry makes his first foray into family animation with the release of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Tough Love arriving on DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand January 20, 2015 from Lionsgate. The film will be available on Digital HD one week earlier on January 13.
Having conquered stage and screen, Tyler Perry has now turned his attention to creating entertaining programs specifically for families to enjoy together. In Tyler Perry’s first animated film, fans of Madea can now watch all of their favorite characters including Madea, Uncle Joe and Aunt Bam in a whole new way! The larger than life Madea gets herself into even more over the top and outrageous situations – all in the name of helping children save their youth center.
The comic adventure features the voice talent of Tyler Perry as “Madea” and “Uncle Joe” among others and Cassi Davis (TV’s “House Of Payne...
Having conquered stage and screen, Tyler Perry has now turned his attention to creating entertaining programs specifically for families to enjoy together. In Tyler Perry’s first animated film, fans of Madea can now watch all of their favorite characters including Madea, Uncle Joe and Aunt Bam in a whole new way! The larger than life Madea gets herself into even more over the top and outrageous situations – all in the name of helping children save their youth center.
The comic adventure features the voice talent of Tyler Perry as “Madea” and “Uncle Joe” among others and Cassi Davis (TV’s “House Of Payne...
- 10/21/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/17/2014
- by Louis Virtel, Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/17/2014
- by Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen, Louis Virtel,
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/16/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/15/2014
- by Louis Virtel, Chris Eggertsen, Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/14/2014
- by Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen, Louis Virtel,
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/13/2014
- by Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen, Louis Virtel,
- Hitfix
Zap2it: The "Moms Mabley" film was your directorial debut. What was the experience like?
Whoopi Goldberg: It's a documentary. I didn't direct people what to say. The ride is mine.
Zap2it: Do you want to do more documentaries?
Whoopi Goldberg: Ken Burns does the greatest documentaries, and does the 10-part documentaries, and the way he wants to do it. I would like to do a 10-part series starting with black entertainment from the end of the 1800s through till now. And do another 10-part [series] on the history of black people in sports, and talk about Wilma Rudolph and Willie Mays and all of the guys, the Globetrotters and the black golfers and Arthur Ashe.
Zap2it: You wound up raising money online and then took some criticism for it. What was that about?
Whoopi Goldberg: I did some of the money through Kickstarter. I ran...
Whoopi Goldberg: It's a documentary. I didn't direct people what to say. The ride is mine.
Zap2it: Do you want to do more documentaries?
Whoopi Goldberg: Ken Burns does the greatest documentaries, and does the 10-part documentaries, and the way he wants to do it. I would like to do a 10-part series starting with black entertainment from the end of the 1800s through till now. And do another 10-part [series] on the history of black people in sports, and talk about Wilma Rudolph and Willie Mays and all of the guys, the Globetrotters and the black golfers and Arthur Ashe.
Zap2it: You wound up raising money online and then took some criticism for it. What was that about?
Whoopi Goldberg: I did some of the money through Kickstarter. I ran...
- 12/30/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Tonight: Whoopi Goldberg visits with Jay and discusses the irony behind the recent controversy of “crack-smoking” Toronto mayor Rob Ford. Goldberg also explains her tribute to Moms Mabley, the first black female comedian to cross over to mainstream America, and why it was important for her to pay homage in the new film, “Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley”. Anthony Jeselnik performs a stand-up routine. Totem from Cirque du Soleil performs. Jay Leno’S Monologue Monday, November 18, 2013 Are You All Ready For Thanksgiving? I'm Doing Something Totally Different This Year. Instead Of Buying My Turkey At The Supermarket, I'm Going On "Turkey-mingle.Com," And I’M Going To Eat The Turkey God Intended Me To Eat. Tukey-mingle.Com! Thanksgiving Is...
- 11/19/2013
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Whoopi Goldberg presents Moms Mabley is simple but perfect — one of those documentaries that's about what it seems to be about, but is also about something else. It gives you a sense of its subject, Moms Mabley, a trailblazing comic whose brilliantly constructed stage persona and politically innovative material made her a household name at a time when there were few African-American comics who'd attained crossover success and perhaps even fewer women. Goldberg grew up watching Mabley on variety shows (including The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour) and listening to her hilarious and sometimes racy routines on vinyl. Goldberg says she was especially fascinated by Mabley's gender and color. She was one of the most famous African-American comedians of the twentieth century, and one of the very few women whose renown rivaled all of stand-up's men. At the peak of her earning power she made $10,000 a week. She was a...
- 11/18/2013
- by Matt Zoller Seitz
- Vulture
HBO will premiere Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley (previously-titled Moms Mabley: I Got Somethin' to Tell You) tonight, Monday, November 18, 9pm-10:15pm Et/Pt. Future HBO playdates after tonight's broadcast debut of the documentary include: Nov. 18 (4:45 a.m.), 21 (1:45 p.m.), 24 (5:45 p.m.), 26 (11:15 a.m.) and 30 (1:30 p.m.) The premiere will be a part of an HBO Documentary Films presentation of a weekly series debuting provocative new specials every Monday through December. "Moms Mabley has been a huge inspiration to me and so many others, but not a lot of folks outside of the comedy world know about her legacy," says Goldberg. "There are a lot of us who...
- 11/18/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Moms Mabley was the first.
She was the first black woman to headline major clubs. She was the first stand-up comedian who told stories, not one-liners, and influenced generations of comics. Yet mention her to anyone for whom the 1960s is history, not a memory, and you get a blank stare.
Whoopi Goldberg aims to correct that with "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley" Monday, Nov. 18, on HBO.
"I would challenge anyone to find a stand-up comic that precedes her -- male or female," Goldberg tells Zap2it.
Acknowledging there were vaudeville acts before Mabley, Goldberg says, "She was a single."
And while blacks were playing the Chitlin Circuit, Mabley did that and then broke through. In 1939, Mabley became the first woman to play the Apollo Theater for $10,000 a week, an amazing achievement and salary for the time.
"I hope it imparts a little bit of info that there was someone named Moms Mabley,...
She was the first black woman to headline major clubs. She was the first stand-up comedian who told stories, not one-liners, and influenced generations of comics. Yet mention her to anyone for whom the 1960s is history, not a memory, and you get a blank stare.
Whoopi Goldberg aims to correct that with "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley" Monday, Nov. 18, on HBO.
"I would challenge anyone to find a stand-up comic that precedes her -- male or female," Goldberg tells Zap2it.
Acknowledging there were vaudeville acts before Mabley, Goldberg says, "She was a single."
And while blacks were playing the Chitlin Circuit, Mabley did that and then broke through. In 1939, Mabley became the first woman to play the Apollo Theater for $10,000 a week, an amazing achievement and salary for the time.
"I hope it imparts a little bit of info that there was someone named Moms Mabley,...
- 11/18/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
With her floppy hat and flapping gums, Jackie "Moms" Mabley is mostly remembered these days for her outrageous appearances on late-'60s and '70s-era variety and talk shows, as mainstream as Ed Sullivan and as of-the-moment as the Smothers Brothers, performing racy and politically barbed stand-up routines whose sting was couched in a dirty-old-lady's guise.
Among those influenced by Mabley was Whoopi Goldberg, who performed an homage to the comedian early in her own career. In the HBO documentary Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley (Monday, 9/8c), the View personality directs and participates in this tribute to the pioneering comic's life and legacy, with TV clips and audio excerpts (enhanced with crude animation) from her many comedy albums, which hold up surprisingly well.
Read More >...
Among those influenced by Mabley was Whoopi Goldberg, who performed an homage to the comedian early in her own career. In the HBO documentary Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley (Monday, 9/8c), the View personality directs and participates in this tribute to the pioneering comic's life and legacy, with TV clips and audio excerpts (enhanced with crude animation) from her many comedy albums, which hold up surprisingly well.
Read More >...
- 11/18/2013
- by Matt Roush
- TVGuide - Breaking News
On TV this Monday: Christy’s Mom needs helps, 2 guest stars get cooking on Broke Girls, Almost Human continues, The Voice moves forward with the Top 10 and Castle is twin piqued. As a supplement to TVLine’s original features (linked within), here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.
8 pm Almost Human (Fox) | John and Dorian investigate a murder and high-profile missing persons case that draw them into the world of Intimate Robot Companions… also known as sexbots. O-kay. (Get scoop.)
8 pm Dancing With the Stars (ABC) | Former Dancing pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy returns as a guest judge, as the couples...
8 pm Almost Human (Fox) | John and Dorian investigate a murder and high-profile missing persons case that draw them into the world of Intimate Robot Companions… also known as sexbots. O-kay. (Get scoop.)
8 pm Dancing With the Stars (ABC) | Former Dancing pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy returns as a guest judge, as the couples...
- 11/18/2013
- by riannucci
- TVLine.com
News
In a bit of surprising news, it sounds like AMC and Seth Rogen are working on an adaptation of Garth Ennis‘ comic Preacher. So far, Preacher has turned out to be a challenging comic to adapt — an attempt to turn it into a film and another to make an HBO series fizzled. Still, its fans are passionate about it, and I would guess there are probably a lot of Preacher fans who also read The Walking Dead.
Radio Times surveyed readers to ask their favorite Doctor and companions. David Tennant came in first while Rose was picked as favorite companion, making me question their judgement. (Captain Jack came in seventh — ahead of Martha Jones, Rory Williams, K-9 and current companion Clara Oswald).
Come on, Whovians, how can you prefer the entitled one?
CBS has ordered a pilot for the proposed How I Met Your Mother spin-off series. However, contrary to earlier reports,...
In a bit of surprising news, it sounds like AMC and Seth Rogen are working on an adaptation of Garth Ennis‘ comic Preacher. So far, Preacher has turned out to be a challenging comic to adapt — an attempt to turn it into a film and another to make an HBO series fizzled. Still, its fans are passionate about it, and I would guess there are probably a lot of Preacher fans who also read The Walking Dead.
Radio Times surveyed readers to ask their favorite Doctor and companions. David Tennant came in first while Rose was picked as favorite companion, making me question their judgement. (Captain Jack came in seventh — ahead of Martha Jones, Rory Williams, K-9 and current companion Clara Oswald).
Come on, Whovians, how can you prefer the entitled one?
CBS has ordered a pilot for the proposed How I Met Your Mother spin-off series. However, contrary to earlier reports,...
- 11/18/2013
- by Lyle Masaki
- The Backlot
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Whoopi Goldberg is bringing back the public awareness of Moms Mabley with her new HBO documentary "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley."
The African American comedian, who rose to fame in the 1920s, remained a major presence in comedy until her death in 1975. Goldberg says researching Mabley made her realize what an important presence Mabley was not only in comedy but also in black history.
"She loved to tell stories. She and Richard Pryor for me are the two folks who really influenced me," Goldberg explains on "Good Morning America." "There's something about Moms, and the more I watch this the more I really do see myself, which is kind of scary. ... You suddenly realize, 'Oh I need to up my game because the game was up here to begin with.'"
According to Goldberg, she's considering taking the persona of Mabley back to...
Whoopi Goldberg is bringing back the public awareness of Moms Mabley with her new HBO documentary "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley."
The African American comedian, who rose to fame in the 1920s, remained a major presence in comedy until her death in 1975. Goldberg says researching Mabley made her realize what an important presence Mabley was not only in comedy but also in black history.
"She loved to tell stories. She and Richard Pryor for me are the two folks who really influenced me," Goldberg explains on "Good Morning America." "There's something about Moms, and the more I watch this the more I really do see myself, which is kind of scary. ... You suddenly realize, 'Oh I need to up my game because the game was up here to begin with.'"
According to Goldberg, she's considering taking the persona of Mabley back to...
- 11/12/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Whoopi Goldberg made her directorial debut this year with a documentary about Moms Mabley, the influential, pioneering standup comedian. The film, which Goldberg raised funding for on Kickstarter, premiered at Tribeca as "Moms Mabley: I Got Somethin' to Tell You," though it'll make its television debut on HBO on Monday, November 18th at 9pm as "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley," presumably to further emphasize the famous face behind the camera. The film includes interviews with Goldberg, Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy, Kathy Griffin and others reflecting on Mabley's comedy and her legacy as a female African American comedian. Take a look at the trailer below:...
- 11/8/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
HBO has announced via press that the network will air Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley (previously-titled Moms Mabley: I Got Somethin' to Tell You) on Monday, November 18, 9pm-10:15pm Et/Pt. Other HBO playdates include: Nov. 18 (4:45 a.m.), 21 (1:45 p.m.), 24 (5:45 p.m.), 26 (11:15 a.m.) and 30 (1:30 p.m.) HBO2 playdates: Nov. 20 (8:00 p.m.) and 28 (3:00 p.m.), and Dec. 24 (4:45 p.m.) The premiere will be a part of an HBO Documentary Films presentation of a weekly series debuting provocative new specials every Monday through December. "Moms Mabley has been a huge inspiration to me and so many others, but not a lot of folks outside of the comedy world know about...
- 10/28/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
"Probably the next thing I’ll do [on Broadway] is a one-woman show about Moms Mabley. I can do her material, and the material still works."Whoopi Goldberg responding to a question from Broadway.com, while on the red carpet at the Neil Simon Theatre on October 7, at an event to celebrate the opening night of Big Fish. It certainly would make sense, following the feature documentary of Mabley that she directed, titled Moms Mabley: I Got Somethin' to Tell You, which had its world premiere at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, and was later picked up by HBO. In the film, Goldberg explores Mabley's legacy through recently unearthed photography, rediscovered...
- 10/9/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Stage and screen star Whoopi Goldberg was on hand at the Big Fish opening last night, and while she was there she chatted with Richard Ridge about her upcoming projects. When asked if she would be returning to Broadway soon, she responded 'Eventually I think I probably will, but it's gonna be a little while. I've just finished a documentary on Moms Mabley, so that would probably be the next thing that I would do on a stage.'...
- 10/7/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
I had a pretty amazing comedy-themed Labor Day Weekend. Setting the table was the closing night of the Black Harvest film festival, featuring a preview of Whoopi Goldberg’s Kickstarted Moms Mabley documentary, I Got Something to Tell You, which will be on HBO November 14.Goldberg, who once did a Mabley tribute show, does a wonderful job creating not so much a portrait, but a satisfying survey/appreciation of one of the greatest stand up comics in American history. Because the Mabley character was a coy construct and she did not break character in interviews, there is really not enough available material to present a true biography of Mabley a/k/a/ Loretta Mary Aiken, who (like Grandpa Jones...
- 9/4/2013
- by Jake Austin
- ShadowAndAct
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