By the time the curtain rang down on CBS’ “The Judy Garland Show” on March 29, 1964, the musical variety show had, in just one season, three producers and three different formats. Despite good reviews from critics and Judy Garland’s devoted fan base, the series wasn’t felled by the mercurial Garland being difficult but by the Cartwrights — Ben, Little Joe, Adam, and Hoss — of NBC’s ratings powerhouse “Bonanza.”
Though “The Judy Garland Show” was cancelled after one season, it certainly has lived on over the past six decades. The show was included in TV Guide’s 2013 list of 60 series that were “Cancelled Too Soon.” It certainly was the series that got away. Not only was the mercurial Garland in top (and emotional) voice, but the show also featured a powerhouse of guest stars from her frequent leading man Mickey Rooney, Ray Bolger from “The Wizard of Oz” and newcomers such as Barbra Streisand.
Though “The Judy Garland Show” was cancelled after one season, it certainly has lived on over the past six decades. The show was included in TV Guide’s 2013 list of 60 series that were “Cancelled Too Soon.” It certainly was the series that got away. Not only was the mercurial Garland in top (and emotional) voice, but the show also featured a powerhouse of guest stars from her frequent leading man Mickey Rooney, Ray Bolger from “The Wizard of Oz” and newcomers such as Barbra Streisand.
- 3/26/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
George Schlatter's and Digby Wolfe's 1969 TV series "Turn-On" is one of the most notorious flops in TV history. On the night of its debut episode, an ABC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio only allowed ten minutes of the 30-minute show to elapse before pulling it from the air, filling the remaining time with intermission-ready organ music. According to newspaper reports from the time, "Turn-On" received many, many angry phone calls. By the time "Turn-On" was to debut on the West Coast time zones, it had already been canceled. It's the only show in history to be canceled in the middle of its debut broadcast.
"Turn-On" was lambasted for being ribald and controversial -- there were numerous gags about sex and sexuality -- but more than anything, it was just off-putting and strange. The premise was high-concept: in the show's very first scene, a pair of engineers sit down at...
"Turn-On" was lambasted for being ribald and controversial -- there were numerous gags about sex and sexuality -- but more than anything, it was just off-putting and strange. The premise was high-concept: in the show's very first scene, a pair of engineers sit down at...
- 3/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
With the recent death of Norman Lear, we were reminded this year that precious few comedy legends remain with us who were around in the 1960s and ’70s. One of those is George Schlatter, the legendary creator-producer of the iconic 1960s NBC comedy-variety series “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” Taking its title from the “love-in” and “sit-in” of the hippie counterculture of the time, “Laugh-In” ran from January 1968 to March 1973 and was a giant hit, introducing the world to regulars Lily Tomlin and Goldie Hawn (among many others).
Schlatter turns 94 today (New Year’s Eve), and he still goes into the office every day, looking to produce the next big thing in TV comedy. And this past week, with the death at 86 of Tom Smothers, Schlatter said, “I loved Tommy. Tommy and I were great friends. Tommy took the rap for a lot of what I did, y’know. See, we...
Schlatter turns 94 today (New Year’s Eve), and he still goes into the office every day, looking to produce the next big thing in TV comedy. And this past week, with the death at 86 of Tom Smothers, Schlatter said, “I loved Tommy. Tommy and I were great friends. Tommy took the rap for a lot of what I did, y’know. See, we...
- 12/31/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
In late 1968, TV producer George Schlatter, riding high on his hit Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, pitched a new conceptual television show packed full of short clips, rapid movements, and controversial topics.
The show was picked up by ABC for a run of 13 episodes, with additional episodes purchased after advertisers saw the first episode, for a total of 17 shows. Three episodes were shot in their entirety before the initial airing.
The half-hour first episode premiered on February 5th, 1969 at 8:30 Pm on the east coast, where it took the place of the primetime soap opera Peyton Place. Tim Conway was recruited as the first celebrity guest and the writers included Albert Brooks.
The show seemed poised for success. But 10 minutes into the broadcast, between the first and second commercial breaks, a programmer at Wews in Cleveland stated that the remainder of the program would “not be seen this evening….or ever.
The show was picked up by ABC for a run of 13 episodes, with additional episodes purchased after advertisers saw the first episode, for a total of 17 shows. Three episodes were shot in their entirety before the initial airing.
The half-hour first episode premiered on February 5th, 1969 at 8:30 Pm on the east coast, where it took the place of the primetime soap opera Peyton Place. Tim Conway was recruited as the first celebrity guest and the writers included Albert Brooks.
The show seemed poised for success. But 10 minutes into the broadcast, between the first and second commercial breaks, a programmer at Wews in Cleveland stated that the remainder of the program would “not be seen this evening….or ever.
- 10/6/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the most notorious TV shows of the medium’s first half-century is getting a second life — after its first one ended almost as soon as it began.
Producer George Schlatter is releasing the two completed episodes of Turn-On, a 1969 sketch comedy show that saw only one of those two air — and get pulled from one ABC affiliate within 10 minutes of its debut, something that hadn’t happened before and hasn’t since. The two episodes will be available Oct. 9 on YouTube via Clown Jewels, a channel dedicated to vintage comedy.
Laugh-In creator George Schlatter and Digby Wolfe, a writer on the show, created Turn-On, whose hook was that it was the first “computerized” TV show. Filmed rather than taped in front of an audience, the show featured a rapid-fire series of sketches on a blank white set, brief bits of animation and, for the time, a number of risqué subjects and lines.
Producer George Schlatter is releasing the two completed episodes of Turn-On, a 1969 sketch comedy show that saw only one of those two air — and get pulled from one ABC affiliate within 10 minutes of its debut, something that hadn’t happened before and hasn’t since. The two episodes will be available Oct. 9 on YouTube via Clown Jewels, a channel dedicated to vintage comedy.
Laugh-In creator George Schlatter and Digby Wolfe, a writer on the show, created Turn-On, whose hook was that it was the first “computerized” TV show. Filmed rather than taped in front of an audience, the show featured a rapid-fire series of sketches on a blank white set, brief bits of animation and, for the time, a number of risqué subjects and lines.
- 10/6/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At age 93, producer George Schlatter has a lifetime of memories to look back at. Producing the groundbreaking and iconic TV comedy show Laugh-in is just one facet. There’s also presidential inaugurations, countless TV specials with big-name talent, running the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethons, and hanging with Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra among them.
All of that and more is captured in a memoir just-released via Unnamed Press/Rare Bird Books, Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy.
Already a well-regarded producer of television specials and variety shows by 1967, Schlatter pitched NBC on an idea that was a radical departure: a comedy special inspired by the hippie counter-culture, one which would take the idea of sit-ins, love-ins, and be-ins and manifest that politicized, sexualized, consciousness-raising energy into comedic sketches. The special that emerged, Laugh-in, was so successful it became a regular television series, running from January 1968 to March 1973 and eventually becoming the #1 show on TV.
All of that and more is captured in a memoir just-released via Unnamed Press/Rare Bird Books, Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy.
Already a well-regarded producer of television specials and variety shows by 1967, Schlatter pitched NBC on an idea that was a radical departure: a comedy special inspired by the hippie counter-culture, one which would take the idea of sit-ins, love-ins, and be-ins and manifest that politicized, sexualized, consciousness-raising energy into comedic sketches. The special that emerged, Laugh-in, was so successful it became a regular television series, running from January 1968 to March 1973 and eventually becoming the #1 show on TV.
- 7/16/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Event chair Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis hosted the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes (Bdc).
John Legend performs onstage during the 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball
Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation
The event, a Hollywood institution since 1978, honored Diane Keaton with the “Brass Ring Award,” while patrons of the evening were treated to show-stopping performances by music icons John Legend, Andy Grammer and Deborah Cox. The Ball raised an incredible over 1.7 million this year alone in addition to the more than 110 million that The Carousel Balls have raised to date.
This year’s Ball brought together leaders from the film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes and raise funds for clinical care and diabetes research at...
John Legend performs onstage during the 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball
Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation
The event, a Hollywood institution since 1978, honored Diane Keaton with the “Brass Ring Award,” while patrons of the evening were treated to show-stopping performances by music icons John Legend, Andy Grammer and Deborah Cox. The Ball raised an incredible over 1.7 million this year alone in addition to the more than 110 million that The Carousel Balls have raised to date.
This year’s Ball brought together leaders from the film, television, music and business industries to support increasing awareness for diabetes and raise funds for clinical care and diabetes research at...
- 10/17/2022
- Look to the Stars
Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that Egot-winning, critically acclaimed, and multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend will perform at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball, presented by Dexcom on Saturday, October 8 at The Beverly Hilton hotel.
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration on October 8,” said event chair and host Barbara Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
In his career, John Legend has garnered 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. He was the first African-American man to earn an Egot and is one of only fifteen people in the prestigious Egot club. Over almost two decades, Legend has released seven celebrated albums,...
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration on October 8,” said event chair and host Barbara Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
In his career, John Legend has garnered 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. He was the first African-American man to earn an Egot and is one of only fifteen people in the prestigious Egot club. Over almost two decades, Legend has released seven celebrated albums,...
- 9/22/2022
- Look to the Stars
Click here to read the full article.
Fresh from performing at the Emmys, John Legend is confirmed to perform at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton on Oct. 8.
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration,” said Barbara Davis, host and event chair alongside co-chair Dana Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
The event typically hosts luminaries from film, TV, music and business to support the cause of increasing awareness for diabetes while raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Carousel Balls have raised more than 110 million to date. This year’s event is presented by Dexcom with additional support provided by American Airlines, the Beverly Hilton,...
Fresh from performing at the Emmys, John Legend is confirmed to perform at the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton on Oct. 8.
“I am thrilled John Legend will be joining our celebration,” said Barbara Davis, host and event chair alongside co-chair Dana Davis. “John Legend’s musical talent has gone around the world and has brought joy to so many people. This year that excitement and joy will come to us at the 36th annual Carousel of Hope Ball.”
The event typically hosts luminaries from film, TV, music and business to support the cause of increasing awareness for diabetes while raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Carousel Balls have raised more than 110 million to date. This year’s event is presented by Dexcom with additional support provided by American Airlines, the Beverly Hilton,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
The Carousel of Hope Ball will return to an in-person affair this fall and organizers have invited Diane Keaton to take the stage and receive the Brass Ring Award.
A longtime supporter of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Keaton has been selected to receive the award for her philanthropic commitments to the community and continued support of the cause, per event organizers. She has supported the Carousel of Hope and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation by serving on the entertainment committee and attending events in years past. She also supports Stand Up To Cancer, Alliance For Children’s Rights, Helen Woodward Animal Center and Nccra, among other causes.
“We are so thrilled to honor the multi-talented Diane Keaton with the Brass Ring Award this year. Diane has been a dear friend for many years and her giving spirit radiates to everyone around her,...
The Carousel of Hope Ball will return to an in-person affair this fall and organizers have invited Diane Keaton to take the stage and receive the Brass Ring Award.
A longtime supporter of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Keaton has been selected to receive the award for her philanthropic commitments to the community and continued support of the cause, per event organizers. She has supported the Carousel of Hope and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation by serving on the entertainment committee and attending events in years past. She also supports Stand Up To Cancer, Alliance For Children’s Rights, Helen Woodward Animal Center and Nccra, among other causes.
“We are so thrilled to honor the multi-talented Diane Keaton with the Brass Ring Award this year. Diane has been a dear friend for many years and her giving spirit radiates to everyone around her,...
- 7/13/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Harriet Halpern Beck, an entertainment attorney who specialized in children’s programming during her long career, died Friday, Nov. 26 after a long ilnness.
As the VP of business affairs at Ruby Spears Productions in the 1980s, she played a pivotal role in shaping the Saturday morning children’s television universe, helping to build the company into one of the main suppliers of network animated content, including Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mr. T, Rambo, Punky Brewster, Dragon’s Lair and Rubik, the Amazing Cube.
Beck began her career in show business in 1975 as a legal secretary for producer Dino DeLaurentis. She enrolled in law school at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, attending at night while working and raising her son as a single mother.
During her time as a legal secretary and student, she worked for various firms that specialized in the music business, handling clients that included Fleetwood Mac. She...
As the VP of business affairs at Ruby Spears Productions in the 1980s, she played a pivotal role in shaping the Saturday morning children’s television universe, helping to build the company into one of the main suppliers of network animated content, including Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mr. T, Rambo, Punky Brewster, Dragon’s Lair and Rubik, the Amazing Cube.
Beck began her career in show business in 1975 as a legal secretary for producer Dino DeLaurentis. She enrolled in law school at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, attending at night while working and raising her son as a single mother.
During her time as a legal secretary and student, she worked for various firms that specialized in the music business, handling clients that included Fleetwood Mac. She...
- 12/2/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Harriet Halpern Beck, a veteran attorney and TV executive who represented Laugh-In producer George Schlatter and worked on deals for Saturday morning kids shows, died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness, a publicist announced. She was 80.
Upon graduation from Loyola Marymount University law school in 1980, Beck landed a job as a business affairs attorney for Filmways, then moved into children’s television as vp business affairs for Ruby-Spears Productions.
There, she helped shape Saturday morning TV as the company supplied such shows as Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mister T, Rambo, Punky Brewster, Dragon’s Lair and Rubik, the Amazing Cube to networks.
She later worked ...
Upon graduation from Loyola Marymount University law school in 1980, Beck landed a job as a business affairs attorney for Filmways, then moved into children’s television as vp business affairs for Ruby-Spears Productions.
There, she helped shape Saturday morning TV as the company supplied such shows as Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mister T, Rambo, Punky Brewster, Dragon’s Lair and Rubik, the Amazing Cube to networks.
She later worked ...
- 12/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Harriet Halpern Beck, a veteran attorney and TV executive who represented Laugh-In producer George Schlatter and worked on deals for Saturday morning kids shows, died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness, a publicist announced. She was 80.
Upon graduation from Loyola Marymount University law school in 1980, Beck landed a job as a business affairs attorney for Filmways, then moved into children’s television as vp business affairs for Ruby Spears Productions.
There, she helped shape Saturday morning TV as the company supplied such shows as Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mister T, Rambo, Punky Brewster, Dragon’s Lair and Rubik, the Amazing Cube to networks.
She later ...
Upon graduation from Loyola Marymount University law school in 1980, Beck landed a job as a business affairs attorney for Filmways, then moved into children’s television as vp business affairs for Ruby Spears Productions.
There, she helped shape Saturday morning TV as the company supplied such shows as Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mister T, Rambo, Punky Brewster, Dragon’s Lair and Rubik, the Amazing Cube to networks.
She later ...
- 12/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tiffany Haddish has joined the National Comedy Center’s advisory board of the directors. She fills the seat formerly held by the late Carl Reiner.
The announcement coincides with Lucille Ball’s 110th birthday. The center is located in Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, New York.
“Comedy is a true art form — its artists deserve to be celebrated and its creative work needs to be preserved,” Haddish said on Friday morning. “I’m truly honored to be part of the National Comedy Center. Lucille Ball was an extraordinary influence on my career and my work, so to help bring her vision for this cultural institution to life is a dream come true for me.”
Lewis Black, founding chair of the advisory board, said, “On behalf of the entire advisory board, it’s a thrill to have Tiffany Haddish join us. With Tiffany’s participation, we become a more vital resource...
The announcement coincides with Lucille Ball’s 110th birthday. The center is located in Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, New York.
“Comedy is a true art form — its artists deserve to be celebrated and its creative work needs to be preserved,” Haddish said on Friday morning. “I’m truly honored to be part of the National Comedy Center. Lucille Ball was an extraordinary influence on my career and my work, so to help bring her vision for this cultural institution to life is a dream come true for me.”
Lewis Black, founding chair of the advisory board, said, “On behalf of the entire advisory board, it’s a thrill to have Tiffany Haddish join us. With Tiffany’s participation, we become a more vital resource...
- 8/6/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
A new documentary, Tiny Tim: King for a Day, will examine the life story of the eccentric falsetto-voiced ukulele strummer who had an unexpected novelty hit in 1968 with his rendition of “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.” The film will be released to theaters on April 23rd.
One of Tiny Tim’s biggest fans, “Weird Al” Yankovic, narrates the late Dr. Demento favorite’s diary entries and letters. Tim’s widow, Miss Sue, comedian and activist Wavy Gravy, TV producer George Schlatter, and others, also contributed interviews for the doc. The film...
One of Tiny Tim’s biggest fans, “Weird Al” Yankovic, narrates the late Dr. Demento favorite’s diary entries and letters. Tim’s widow, Miss Sue, comedian and activist Wavy Gravy, TV producer George Schlatter, and others, also contributed interviews for the doc. The film...
- 3/25/2021
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
On Saturday night, event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis led a star-studded line-up of talent for the 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball, put on by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, which raised over $1 Million for clinical care and diabetes research for the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.
Tony Bennett appears/performs during the 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images/Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation
In what was an extraordinary celebration of the illustrious history of this event, guests who tuned in were treated to once-in-a-lifetime performances by Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, Deborah Cox, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Cynthia Erivo, David Foster, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Barry Manilow, Blake Shelton, Sam Smith, Gwen Stefani, Sir Rod Stewart, Pia Toscano, and Dionne Warwick, and special appearances from Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Sir Michael Caine, George Clooney, Dame Joan Collins, David Copperfield, Clive Davis,...
Tony Bennett appears/performs during the 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images/Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation
In what was an extraordinary celebration of the illustrious history of this event, guests who tuned in were treated to once-in-a-lifetime performances by Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, Deborah Cox, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Cynthia Erivo, David Foster, Kenny G, Josh Groban, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Barry Manilow, Blake Shelton, Sam Smith, Gwen Stefani, Sir Rod Stewart, Pia Toscano, and Dionne Warwick, and special appearances from Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Sir Michael Caine, George Clooney, Dame Joan Collins, David Copperfield, Clive Davis,...
- 10/14/2020
- Look to the Stars
Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that Sir Michael Caine, David Copperfield, John Elway, Kenny G, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Richie, Maria Shriver, Sam Smith, Sir Rod Stewart, Pia Toscano, and Usher join the incredible line-up of talent for the virtual 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball on Saturday, October 10 at 6pm Pt / 9pm Et.
In partnership with People, the legendary biennial event, which is dedicated to raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research for the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and Children’s Diabetes Foundation, will stream exclusively on People.com/Carousel, PeopleTV, People social platforms (Facebook and Twitter) and People YouTube. This marks the first time in its illustrious history that the Carousel of Hope Ball will be available for public viewing. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90th birthday, and the 40th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.
In partnership with People, the legendary biennial event, which is dedicated to raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research for the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and Children’s Diabetes Foundation, will stream exclusively on People.com/Carousel, PeopleTV, People social platforms (Facebook and Twitter) and People YouTube. This marks the first time in its illustrious history that the Carousel of Hope Ball will be available for public viewing. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90th birthday, and the 40th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.
- 10/9/2020
- Look to the Stars
Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that the 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball will go virtual on Saturday, October 10, 2020.
In partnership with People, the legendary biennial event, which is dedicated to raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, will stream exclusively on People.com, PeopleTV, People social platforms and People YouTube. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90th birthday, and the 40th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. The evening will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime performances and special appearances from icons including Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, George Clooney, Dame Joan Collins, Clive Davis, Robert De Niro, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Cynthia Erivo, Jane Fonda, David Foster, David Geffen, Josh Groban, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Jay Leno, Rob Lowe, Nigel Lythgoe, Barry Manilow,...
In partnership with People, the legendary biennial event, which is dedicated to raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, will stream exclusively on People.com, PeopleTV, People social platforms and People YouTube. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90th birthday, and the 40th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. The evening will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime performances and special appearances from icons including Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, George Clooney, Dame Joan Collins, Clive Davis, Robert De Niro, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Cynthia Erivo, Jane Fonda, David Foster, David Geffen, Josh Groban, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Jay Leno, Rob Lowe, Nigel Lythgoe, Barry Manilow,...
- 9/15/2020
- Look to the Stars
Fred Willard, who parlayed a knack for naive characters into costarring roles on the television series Fernwood 2 Night and Everybody Loves Raymond and in several memorable films, has died. He was 86 and his death was confirmed by his agent, Michael Eisenstadt.
“Fred was one of the busiest comedic actors in a career which lasted over 50 years,” Eisenstadt said in a note. “He had recently completed his Emmy nominated recurring role on Modern Family and can be seen later this month in his recurring role as Steve Carrell’s dad in the Netflix series Space Force. Jimmy Kimmel had Fred recur on his show on an average of every two weeks doing comedic sketches until the stay-at-home order began. Fred truly enjoyed every role and gave each performance his own special spin. He was truly a comedic genius.”
Emmy-nominated for three consecutive years for his role as father-in-law Hank MacDougall...
“Fred was one of the busiest comedic actors in a career which lasted over 50 years,” Eisenstadt said in a note. “He had recently completed his Emmy nominated recurring role on Modern Family and can be seen later this month in his recurring role as Steve Carrell’s dad in the Netflix series Space Force. Jimmy Kimmel had Fred recur on his show on an average of every two weeks doing comedic sketches until the stay-at-home order began. Fred truly enjoyed every role and gave each performance his own special spin. He was truly a comedic genius.”
Emmy-nominated for three consecutive years for his role as father-in-law Hank MacDougall...
- 5/16/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Event chair and host Barbara Davis and co-chair Dana Davis announced today that the 2020 Carousel of Hope Ball will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2020.
The biennial event is dedicated to increasing awareness for diabetes and raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90th birthday, and the 40th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Additional event participants, including honorees and performers, will be announced in the coming months.
The most recent Carousel of Hope Ball, hosted in 2018, honored Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” and featured show-stopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and David Foster. The gala alone raised over $1.9 Million.
Speaking on the event, Barbara Davis, said, “We are looking forward to hosting another sensational event, and bringing together our Carousel of Hope family...
The biennial event is dedicated to increasing awareness for diabetes and raising funds for clinical care and diabetes research at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. This year’s event will celebrate two very significant occasions – Davis’ 90th birthday, and the 40th Anniversary of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Additional event participants, including honorees and performers, will be announced in the coming months.
The most recent Carousel of Hope Ball, hosted in 2018, honored Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” and featured show-stopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and David Foster. The gala alone raised over $1.9 Million.
Speaking on the event, Barbara Davis, said, “We are looking forward to hosting another sensational event, and bringing together our Carousel of Hope family...
- 4/8/2020
- Look to the Stars
On this special episode of The Hollywood Reporter's 'Awards Chatter' podcast, an all-star team of THR experts joins host Scott Feinberg to dissect the 71st Emmy nominations — THR's editorial director Matthew Belloni, chief television critic Daniel Fienberg, west coast television editor Lesley Goldberg and senior television writer Michael O'Connell — and then three-time Emmy winner George Schlatter, the legendary producer best known for creating and producing the classic NBC sketch comedy series Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In (1967-1973), joins Scott for a look back at his 60 years in the business.
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Listen: You can hear the entire interview below.
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Schlatter ...
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Listen: You can hear the entire interview below.
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Schlatter ...
- 7/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Tony Sokol May 14, 2019
Tim Conway's approach to comedy was so off-kilter his Carol Burnett Show acting partners couldn't keep straight faces.
It always appeared there were two jokes going on when Tim Conway took a turn on stage on The Carol Burnett Show. He was acting for the audience, but he was also trying to break up his co-performers. This gave the audience a view into an inside joke being tossed around by the troupe, and sometimes it looked like he was pulling a gag on his fellow performers. Tim Conway had a genius for making almost every line appear to be off-script and improvised. The quintessential in-the-moment comic performer died at 8:45 a.m. on May 14, in the Los Angeles area, according to Variety.
Conway was first noticed as Ernest Borgnine's sidekick on the 1960s sitcom McHale's Navy, an honor he continued when the pair reunited for SpongeBob SquarePants,...
Tim Conway's approach to comedy was so off-kilter his Carol Burnett Show acting partners couldn't keep straight faces.
It always appeared there were two jokes going on when Tim Conway took a turn on stage on The Carol Burnett Show. He was acting for the audience, but he was also trying to break up his co-performers. This gave the audience a view into an inside joke being tossed around by the troupe, and sometimes it looked like he was pulling a gag on his fellow performers. Tim Conway had a genius for making almost every line appear to be off-script and improvised. The quintessential in-the-moment comic performer died at 8:45 a.m. on May 14, in the Los Angeles area, according to Variety.
Conway was first noticed as Ernest Borgnine's sidekick on the 1960s sitcom McHale's Navy, an honor he continued when the pair reunited for SpongeBob SquarePants,...
- 5/14/2019
- Den of Geek
When “Laugh-In” debuted on NBC in 1967, creator George Schlatter could have very well gotten away with murder. The network didn’t often understand what the producer was trying to accomplish with his quick comedic snippets, his fresh-faced cast who often stumbled over their lines (which were sometimes purposely transposed on the teleprompter), or his ragtag group of oddball writers, which included a political science professor, a 16-year-old, and a young Lorne Michaels. But the Peacock was willing to experiment in order to sock it to CBS juggernaut “I Love Lucy” in the competing timeslot.
A year and a Richard Nixon appearance later, and “Laugh-In” became the place that every star and aspiring comedic yearned to be. From Orson Welles, Michael Cain and Kirk Douglas, to Cher and Flip Wilson, a wide-range of personalities popped up in various capacities, including in the famed Cocktail Parties or on the larger-than-life Joke Wall.
A year and a Richard Nixon appearance later, and “Laugh-In” became the place that every star and aspiring comedic yearned to be. From Orson Welles, Michael Cain and Kirk Douglas, to Cher and Flip Wilson, a wide-range of personalities popped up in various capacities, including in the famed Cocktail Parties or on the larger-than-life Joke Wall.
- 5/13/2019
- by Amber Dowling
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has announced a new special Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate, a 50th anniversary tribute to the sketch comedy program Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1968-1973).
Hosted by original Laugh-In cast member Lily Tomlin and filmed at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater, the special will feature appearances by Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Taye Diggs, Michael Douglas, Chelsea Handler, Jay Leno, Rita Moreno, Rita Wilson, Jo Anne Worley, Snoop Dogg, Maria Bamford, Margaret Cho, Jameela Jamil and more.
“The special, which was taped at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater, is filled...
Hosted by original Laugh-In cast member Lily Tomlin and filmed at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater, the special will feature appearances by Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Taye Diggs, Michael Douglas, Chelsea Handler, Jay Leno, Rita Moreno, Rita Wilson, Jo Anne Worley, Snoop Dogg, Maria Bamford, Margaret Cho, Jameela Jamil and more.
“The special, which was taped at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater, is filled...
- 4/19/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Lou Weiss, chairman emeritus of the William Morris Agency and one of the last vestiges of the old guard of a bygone era in the entertainment business, passed away at 9:30 Am on April 8, due to complications from an appendectomy. He was 101.
Weiss retired in 2007 after 70 years at Wma. During his tenure, which tracked the rise of the television medium, Weiss became one of the most powerful agents in the TV industry.
Born on March 22, 1918 in New York City’s lower east side, Weiss started in the mailroom at the New York William Morris agency in 1937, with the help of his comedian/actor uncle and Wma client, George Burns.
With the advent of World War II, Weiss was drafted into the Us Army and became a 2nd lieutenant with the 10th Mountain Division serving in Italy. Upon returning from the war to his job, Weiss reported to the legendary Abe Lastfogel (“Mr.
Weiss retired in 2007 after 70 years at Wma. During his tenure, which tracked the rise of the television medium, Weiss became one of the most powerful agents in the TV industry.
Born on March 22, 1918 in New York City’s lower east side, Weiss started in the mailroom at the New York William Morris agency in 1937, with the help of his comedian/actor uncle and Wma client, George Burns.
With the advent of World War II, Weiss was drafted into the Us Army and became a 2nd lieutenant with the 10th Mountain Division serving in Italy. Upon returning from the war to his job, Weiss reported to the legendary Abe Lastfogel (“Mr.
- 4/8/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Cleopatra Jones
Blu ray
Warner Archive
1973 / 2:35:1 / 89 Min. / Street Date – March 19, 2019
Starring Tamara Dobson, Bernie Casey
Written by Max Julien, Sheldon Keller
Cinematography by David M. Walsh
Directed by Jack Starrett
A good-natured if rickety assemblage of action movie cliches, Cleopatra Jones is dominated by two bigger than life actresses, Tamara Dobson and Shelley Winters. The movie’s trailer promoted Dobson as the “soul sister’s answer” to James Bond but you can count Bruce Lee, Emma Peel, Shaft and The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. among Cleo’s many relevant role models.
Winters plays “Mommy”, a foulmouthed mob boss who depends on the thriving Poppy fields of Turkey for her cash flow and Dobson is Cleopatra, an Amazonian fashion plate whose special agent skills range from karate to high speed car chases – her plan to wipe out Mommy’s syndicate leads to a high octane race through ‘70’s era L.
Blu ray
Warner Archive
1973 / 2:35:1 / 89 Min. / Street Date – March 19, 2019
Starring Tamara Dobson, Bernie Casey
Written by Max Julien, Sheldon Keller
Cinematography by David M. Walsh
Directed by Jack Starrett
A good-natured if rickety assemblage of action movie cliches, Cleopatra Jones is dominated by two bigger than life actresses, Tamara Dobson and Shelley Winters. The movie’s trailer promoted Dobson as the “soul sister’s answer” to James Bond but you can count Bruce Lee, Emma Peel, Shaft and The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. among Cleo’s many relevant role models.
Winters plays “Mommy”, a foulmouthed mob boss who depends on the thriving Poppy fields of Turkey for her cash flow and Dobson is Cleopatra, an Amazonian fashion plate whose special agent skills range from karate to high speed car chases – her plan to wipe out Mommy’s syndicate leads to a high octane race through ‘70’s era L.
- 3/19/2019
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Netflix is looking to sock it to ya later this spring, with a special commemorating the 50th(-ish) anniversary of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.
Taping this Friday, March 8, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater, Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate will pay tribute to the Emmy-winning comedy/variety series that ran from January 1968 to March 1973 (meaning, it’s technically been 51 years. #NetflixMath).
Laugh-In vet Lily Tomlin is among the comedians, actors and musicians who will pay homage to the iconic show with modern takes on quintessential sketches and acts from the original series. Tomlin specifically is set to reprise her seminal Edith Ann and Ernestine (right) characters.
Taping this Friday, March 8, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater, Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate will pay tribute to the Emmy-winning comedy/variety series that ran from January 1968 to March 1973 (meaning, it’s technically been 51 years. #NetflixMath).
Laugh-In vet Lily Tomlin is among the comedians, actors and musicians who will pay homage to the iconic show with modern takes on quintessential sketches and acts from the original series. Tomlin specifically is set to reprise her seminal Edith Ann and Ernestine (right) characters.
- 3/4/2019
- TVLine.com
Netflix has announced it will pay tribute to the iconic sketch comedy show “Laugh-In” with a special event at the Dolby Theater on March 8.
“Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate” will serve as a 50th anniversary celebration of the NBC show which aired from 1968 to 1973 and won two Emmy’s. Lily Tomlin will take center stage and revive two of the seminal characters she played on the show: Edith Ann and Ernestine.
The original show’s director and producer George Schlatter who will also be attendance, along with lineup of comedians, actors, and musicians paying homage to the iconic show with modern takes on timeless moments.
The Netflix special will take quintessential sketches and acts from the original hit series and add a contemporary flair that will prove even 50 years later, “Laugh-In” never gets old.
In Variety‘s review of the 25th anniversary special which aired in 1993, writer Todd Everett commented...
“Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate” will serve as a 50th anniversary celebration of the NBC show which aired from 1968 to 1973 and won two Emmy’s. Lily Tomlin will take center stage and revive two of the seminal characters she played on the show: Edith Ann and Ernestine.
The original show’s director and producer George Schlatter who will also be attendance, along with lineup of comedians, actors, and musicians paying homage to the iconic show with modern takes on timeless moments.
The Netflix special will take quintessential sketches and acts from the original hit series and add a contemporary flair that will prove even 50 years later, “Laugh-In” never gets old.
In Variety‘s review of the 25th anniversary special which aired in 1993, writer Todd Everett commented...
- 3/4/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Sock it to me! Netflix will pay tribute to NBC’s seminal sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In with Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate. The special celebration will be taped March 8 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with original cast member Lily Tomlin performing and the show’s legendary director-producer George Schlatter in attendance.
The evening will mark the iconic series’ 50th anniversary with homages and modern takes on quintessential sketches and acts from the original series. Tomlin will reprise her memorable characters Edith Ann — she of the oversized rocking chair — and snorting phone operator Ernestine. Joining Tomlin for the tribute will be star-studded lineup of comedians, actors and musicians including Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Taye Diggs, Michael Douglas, Jay Leno, Rita Moreno, Rita Wilson, JoAnne Worley, Maria Bamford, Margaret Cho, Ron Funches, Brad Garrett, Nikki Glaser, Lisa Ann Walter, Bobby Moynihan, Cheri Oteri, Rob Riggle,...
The evening will mark the iconic series’ 50th anniversary with homages and modern takes on quintessential sketches and acts from the original series. Tomlin will reprise her memorable characters Edith Ann — she of the oversized rocking chair — and snorting phone operator Ernestine. Joining Tomlin for the tribute will be star-studded lineup of comedians, actors and musicians including Billy Crystal, Tiffany Haddish, Neil Patrick Harris, Taye Diggs, Michael Douglas, Jay Leno, Rita Moreno, Rita Wilson, JoAnne Worley, Maria Bamford, Margaret Cho, Ron Funches, Brad Garrett, Nikki Glaser, Lisa Ann Walter, Bobby Moynihan, Cheri Oteri, Rob Riggle,...
- 3/4/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
To truly understand how Byron Allen, the guy from “Real People,” became Byron Allen the media mogul that owns the Weather Channel, you have to hear his story about the courtroom set that needed a home.
The CEO and president of Entertainment Studios, one of the largest distributors and independent producers of first-run syndicated programming in the world, was in the process creating his JusticeCentral.tv network on Verizon Fios when he called his set designer, who informed Allen a big studio had canceled a court show and was going to throw away the program’s $500,000 set.
“I said, ‘Please call them and tell them don’t touch it, and I will give them a $1 for that set,’” Allen recalls. “You laugh, and he laughed, but they were going to spend between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of manpower to strike that set and throw it in a Dumpster. All they had to...
The CEO and president of Entertainment Studios, one of the largest distributors and independent producers of first-run syndicated programming in the world, was in the process creating his JusticeCentral.tv network on Verizon Fios when he called his set designer, who informed Allen a big studio had canceled a court show and was going to throw away the program’s $500,000 set.
“I said, ‘Please call them and tell them don’t touch it, and I will give them a $1 for that set,’” Allen recalls. “You laugh, and he laughed, but they were going to spend between $50,000 and $100,000 worth of manpower to strike that set and throw it in a Dumpster. All they had to...
- 1/25/2019
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- Variety Film + TV
On Saturday, October 6, event chair Barbara Davis hosted her iconic Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
Robert De Niro and Jay Leno at Carousel of Hope Gala
The gala, a Hollywood institution since 1978, honored longtime supporter Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” for his philanthropic efforts and continued dedication to the cause. Patrons of the evening were treated to show-stopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, Kenny Babyface Edmonds, and David Foster. The Carousel of Hope Ball has raised more than $100 million to date, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. This year’s gala alone raised over $1.9 Million.
Award-winning director David O. Russell took the stage to present his friend and frequent collaborator Robert De Niro with this year’s “Brass Ring Award.” De Niro delivered a heartfelt speech, recognizing the awe-inspiring work being...
Robert De Niro and Jay Leno at Carousel of Hope Gala
The gala, a Hollywood institution since 1978, honored longtime supporter Robert De Niro with the “Brass Ring Award” for his philanthropic efforts and continued dedication to the cause. Patrons of the evening were treated to show-stopping performances by legends Gladys Knight, Kenny Babyface Edmonds, and David Foster. The Carousel of Hope Ball has raised more than $100 million to date, with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. This year’s gala alone raised over $1.9 Million.
Award-winning director David O. Russell took the stage to present his friend and frequent collaborator Robert De Niro with this year’s “Brass Ring Award.” De Niro delivered a heartfelt speech, recognizing the awe-inspiring work being...
- 10/8/2018
- Look to the Stars
Lily Tomlin received her fourth consecutive Emmy nomination this year for Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie,” which she generously calls “very much an ensemble” show. The half-hour has been renewed for a fifth season, which starts next year. The actress is also set to appear in the recently announced “9 to 5” movie sequel, with Dolly Parton and “Grace” co-star Jane Fonda.
Tomlin drew her first Variety mention on July 1, 1964, in a review of the New York stage show “World of Illusion.” Her stage success led to TV work, and her big breakthrough came when she joined NBC hit “Laugh-In” in 1969.
She has won a Grammy Award, two Tonys and five Emmys (out of 25 Emmy nominations), and she received an Oscar nom for her film debut in the 1975 movie “Nashville.” She still performs regularly onstage, and her work for Actors & Others for Animals is among her many charitable pursuits.
Do...
Tomlin drew her first Variety mention on July 1, 1964, in a review of the New York stage show “World of Illusion.” Her stage success led to TV work, and her big breakthrough came when she joined NBC hit “Laugh-In” in 1969.
She has won a Grammy Award, two Tonys and five Emmys (out of 25 Emmy nominations), and she received an Oscar nom for her film debut in the 1975 movie “Nashville.” She still performs regularly onstage, and her work for Actors & Others for Animals is among her many charitable pursuits.
Do...
- 8/24/2018
- by Shalini Dore
- Variety Film + TV
For George Schlatter, the creator of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, there was a key moment when the Classic TV comedy sketch series had gone from an oddity to cultural phenomenon: Sammy Davis, Jr., an old friend, was making a guest appearance on the show. They were joking around with comedy bits involving a judge, when, according to George, Sammy came up with the phrase, "Here come da judge!", which would lead into a sketch about the banter between a defendant and a judge dressed in black robe and oversized wig (becoming a national catchphrase in the process). "We taped 'Here Come Da Judge' at two in the morning," says George exclusively. "It was so funny that we put it on the next show. Suddenly people were walking down the hall saying, 'Here come da judge.' The show went on that Monday night, and Tuesday or Wedneday morning when the Supreme Court came into the courtroom,...
- 5/14/2018
- by Ed Gross
- Closer Weekly
http://www.lajfilmfest.org
The 13th annual Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival will begin on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 and conclude on Wednesday, May 2nd with films from around the world celebrating the Jewish experience.
The opening night begins with a Bar Mitzvah or 13th year, style party and a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. with the premiere of a new documentary Sammy Davis Jr. — I Gotta Be Me, an amazing Documentary made for American Masters which I was elated to see when it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Sammy Davis Jr. was the ultimate performer. His worldview was unique and self made just as he was. It did not conform to the liberal “style” of the time, but it was not conservative either.
USA/2018/100 minutes
Directed by Sam Pollard).
Sammy Davis Jr. was recognized as a groundbreaking entertainer who frequently found himself bracketed by the bigotry of white America and...
The 13th annual Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival will begin on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 and conclude on Wednesday, May 2nd with films from around the world celebrating the Jewish experience.
The opening night begins with a Bar Mitzvah or 13th year, style party and a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. with the premiere of a new documentary Sammy Davis Jr. — I Gotta Be Me, an amazing Documentary made for American Masters which I was elated to see when it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Sammy Davis Jr. was the ultimate performer. His worldview was unique and self made just as he was. It did not conform to the liberal “style” of the time, but it was not conservative either.
USA/2018/100 minutes
Directed by Sam Pollard).
Sammy Davis Jr. was recognized as a groundbreaking entertainer who frequently found himself bracketed by the bigotry of white America and...
- 4/10/2018
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The classic comedy duo is back on TV. Starting today, you can watch the iconic series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In on the Decades network.Created by Ed Friendly and George Schlatter, the sketch comedy show featured hosts Dick Martin and Dan Rowan in a series of skits, musical numbers, and scenes with celebrity guests like Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Bob Hope, and Sammy Davis Jr. The show ran from 1968 to 1973.Read More…...
- 12/6/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
When Neil Patrick Harris returns to TV next week, he won't be cracking jokes in another sitcom. Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris (debuting on September 15th on NBC) marks the return — overdue or not — of the variety show, that long-dormant format in which kooky skits, musical guests, and frenzied production numbers are jammed into an hour of family-friendly entertainment. "When you think of the variety shows we all grew upon — Sonny and Cher and Donny and Marie — those [programs] all said, 'Sit on the couch, be entertained with a little song,...
- 9/10/2015
- Rollingstone.com
"Laugh-In" director George Schlatter based this 1976 farce on a failed stage play about two stereotypically Jewish parents and their frazzled reactions to the fact that their son has a boyfriend. For the film Schlatter cast Redd Foxx and Pearl Bailey as the parents, thereby ensuring a comedy even more rife with politically-incorrect possibilities. Look for Mad cartoonist Sergio Aragones in a small part.
- 4/6/2015
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
In a career that spanned seven decades, Gary Owens' role as the off-the-wall announcer on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In was a highlight that has become part of broadcasting history. Owens, who died Thursday at 80, will always be remembered as he cupped his hand over his ear and provided the voice of the comedy show that reinvented comedy. When he got the job just before the series launched in 1968 — and made comedy history — Owen's "audition" was anything but standard, recalls George Schlatter, now 82, who was the hit show's creator and executive producer. Schlatter's
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- 2/13/2015
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robin Williams could do it all: make an audience helpless with laughter, move them to tears, astound filmmakers with take after take of improvised comic genius. "He was a guy who had the highest of highs while performing," Bob Zmuda, the creator of the Comic Relief charity, tells People. "But when he walked off that stage and went back to the dressing room alone, he could face the lowest of lows." Related: Hollywood Reacts to Robin Williams's DeathAs the world reels to process the reality of his death on Monday from an apparent suicide, those who knew Williams best...
- 8/12/2014
- by Alicia Dennis, @aliciacdennis
- PEOPLE.com
After a 13-year hiatus, NBC announced Thursday that the American Comedy Awards will return, with the telecast set to air May 2014. “For all of the award shows on television, not one is devoted to comedy, and that’s not so funny,” said Don Mischer, who will produce along with Charlie Haykel and Juliane Hare. “So we’re thrilled to be part of a show that will celebrate the community of talented, innovative people who make us laugh each and every day.”
Created by George Schlatter, the American Comedy Awards — which honor the achievements of comedy’s most celebrated personalities in...
Created by George Schlatter, the American Comedy Awards — which honor the achievements of comedy’s most celebrated personalities in...
- 10/24/2013
- by Andrew Asare
- EW - Inside TV
After a 13-year hiatus, NBC announced Thursday that the American Comedy Awards will return, with the telecast set to air May 2014. “For all of the award shows on television, not one is devoted to comedy, and that’s not so funny,” said Don Mischer, who will produce along with Charlie Haykel and Juliane Hare. “So we’re thrilled to be part of a show that will celebrate the community of talented, innovative people who make us laugh each and every day.”
Created by George Schlatter, the American Comedy Awards — which honor the achievements of comedy’s most celebrated personalities in...
Created by George Schlatter, the American Comedy Awards — which honor the achievements of comedy’s most celebrated personalities in...
- 10/24/2013
- by Andrew Asare
- EW - Inside TV
The American Comedy Awards lives again. NBC announced today it will revive the franchise created by George Schlatter in the late ’80s. Competitors began snarking that it’s likely to be the only funny TV hit NBC has on all season, which is just cold — NBC’s not having such a great season in primetime with comedy so far, it’s true (though it’s having a fine time with football, The Voice, The Blacklist, etc.). Getting back to the American Comedy Awards, the franchise aired for many years on broadcast TV — ABC had it a while, Fox appears to have taken a quick stab, causing the franchise to bleed in the ratings. It moved to Comedy Central for one year and was laid to rest in ’01. Now back, and on NBC, it will be produced by Don Mischer Prods., with Mischer — whose credits include the Academy Awards, the Primetime Emmys,...
- 10/24/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
HBO Documentary Films has announced premiere dates for its second half of 2013 programming. Included in that press release are two documentaries we've been following and you probably would want to know about. First, Moms Mabley: I Got Somethin' to Tell You from first-time director Whoopi Goldberg. The feature-length documentary about the iconic stand-up comedienne, had its world premiere at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, which is where we saw and reviewed it Here. Executive produced by Goldberg, Tom Leonardis and George Schlatter, the documentary will debut exclusively on HBO on November 18, in primetime. We'll know that exact time of day as...
- 7/26/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The Wasteland:
Television is a gold goose that lays scrambled eggs;
and it is futile and probably fatal to beat it for not laying caviar.
Lee Loevinger
When people argue over the quality of television programming, both sides — it’s addictive crap v. underappreciated populist art — seem to forget one of the essentials about commercial TV. By definition, it is not a public service. It is not commercial TV’s job to enlighten, inform, educate, elevate, inspire, or offer insight. Frankly, it’s not even commercial TV’s job to entertain. Bottom line: its purpose is simply to deliver as many sets of eyes to advertisers as possible. As it happens, it tends to do this by offering various forms of entertainment, and occasionally by offering content that does enlighten, inform, etc., but a cynic would make the point that if TV could do the same job televising fish aimlessly swimming around an aquarium,...
Television is a gold goose that lays scrambled eggs;
and it is futile and probably fatal to beat it for not laying caviar.
Lee Loevinger
When people argue over the quality of television programming, both sides — it’s addictive crap v. underappreciated populist art — seem to forget one of the essentials about commercial TV. By definition, it is not a public service. It is not commercial TV’s job to enlighten, inform, educate, elevate, inspire, or offer insight. Frankly, it’s not even commercial TV’s job to entertain. Bottom line: its purpose is simply to deliver as many sets of eyes to advertisers as possible. As it happens, it tends to do this by offering various forms of entertainment, and occasionally by offering content that does enlighten, inform, etc., but a cynic would make the point that if TV could do the same job televising fish aimlessly swimming around an aquarium,...
- 7/22/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Announced via press release, HBO has acquired all U.S. broadcast and home video rights to Moms Mabley: I Got Somethin' to Tell You from first-time director Whoopi Goldberg. The feature-length documentary about the iconic stand-up comedienne, will have its world premiere at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday, April 20. Executive produced by Goldberg, Tom Leonardis and George Schlatter, the documentary will debut exclusively on HBO later this year. In the film, Goldberg explores Mabley's legacy through recently unearthed photography, rediscovered performance footage and the words of numerous celebrated comedians, entertainers and historians, including Eddie...
- 4/18/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
HBO has acquired all U.S. broadcast and home video rights to Moms Mabley: I Got Somethin’ To Tell You. The feature-length documentary from director Whoopi Goldberg will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday and will debut exclusively on HBO later this year. The film explores the iconic stand-up comedienne’s legacy through recently unearthed photography, rediscovered performance footage and the words of comedians, entertainers and historians, including Eddie Murphy, Joan Rivers, Sidney Poitier, Kathy Griffin, Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Mabley tackled topics such as gender, sex and racism, making her one of the first triple X-rated comedians on the comedy circuit. Once billed as “The Funniest Woman in the World”, she performed on stage and in television and film up until her death in 1975. Goldberg also exec produces along with Tom Leonardis and George Schlatter.
- 4/18/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Among the over 300 individuals who gathered this week to honor the late PR Icon, Dale Olson, with an exhibit at the Hollywood Museum and former offices of make-up wizard, Max Factor, included Ruta Lee, Valerie Harper, Garry Marshall, George Schlatter, JoAnne Worley, Kate Linder, Jackie Joseph, Patricia Barry, Ann Jeffreys, Barbra Van Orden, Theodore Bikel, Ilene Graff, Ben Lanzarone, Leonard Maltin, Renee Taylor, Karen Sharpe-Kramer, Martin Wiviott, Hunter and Stan Frieberg. Scroll below for photos from the event.
- 9/29/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The memorial on Sept. 20 at the Hollywood Museum for Dale Olson, who died Aug. 9 at 78, was – like Olson himself – a relic from a kinder, gentler Hollywood. It had aspects that don’t happen often. For example, how often does a 98 year-old sing (and do it well) at a remembrance? The afternoon affair began with remarks from John Bowab to the crowd of roughly 300, including Valerie Harper, Garry Marshall, George Schlatter and JoAnne Worley, that filled the museum’s fourth floor. “Wouldn’t Dale love this? It’s a sold-out house,” said Bowab. “And if
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- 9/21/2012
- by Bill Higgins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This story first appeared in the Aug. 23-Sept. 5 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Her Friends Remember George Schlatter, Laugh-In executive producer: "It's impossible to say the name Phyllis Diller and not smile. She was an original. She was one of the first truly liberated females who stood for women's rights. Phyllis was more than a comedienne: She was a writer, a brilliant musician and a feminist before there was a word for feminism. She never said anything mean about anyone other than her husband, Fang: All of her jokes were about herself. She not only created
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- 8/22/2012
- by Leslie Bruce
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a much anticipated west coast arrival, the U.S. National Tour of La Cage Aux Folles presented by Broadway La at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood officially opened Wednesday, July 11, 2012. And, Los Angeles BroadwayWorld TV Correspondent Michael Sterling and Producer Jerry Evans were on hand to get up close and personal with the shows two stars... veteran film and television star George Hamilton andtwo-time Tony Award nominee and Broadway veteran Christopher Sieber. Additionally, a bevy of celebrities including Jacqueline Bisset, Alana Stewart, John Savage, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Jo Ann Worley, Peter Marshall, Lucy Lawless, Shirley Jones, Loni Anderson, Kevin Chamberlin, Masiela Lusha, Kat and Karen Kramer, and legendary TV producer George Schlatter joined the sold out audience for the high energy festivities. The winner of three 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, La Cage Aux Folles plays at the Pantages Theatre through July 22.
- 7/16/2012
- by Michael Sterling and Jerry Evans
- BroadwayWorld.com
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