Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Is Chris Rock A Candidate For Replacing Conan On The Tonite Show?

About two weeks ago rumors started flying around the internet about a new replacement for Conan O'Brien over at NBC thanks to his very dismal numbers since his transition to The Tonight Show (it has lost 52 percent of its viewership since big red took over and the November ratings will be the show's lowest in 15 years).

The first big rumor we heard from our sources over at NBC Universal’s lot then was that NBC has their eyes on replacing him with none other than Jerry Seinfeld, who is on everyone’s wish list.

But as of several days ago we heard from a couple of other sources that NBC is already making plans for someone else if Seinfeld doesn’t agree to terms with the network- and it’s a long shot that he won’t agree because NBC loves Seinfeld and they want him bad. But just in case he doesn’t work out there is talks for someone else who can make just as big of a splash.

Who are the executives TALKING about trying to get? We hear it’s none other than comedian Chris Rock.

Here’s why that makes sense to us; Word has been out there for several years that Chris Rock has had thoughts about getting back into television since his days at HBO with the Chris Rock Show, and since Everybody Hates Chris is now over, Rock doesn’t have a TV vehicle on the air. Personally, it’s a stretch to see him doing this as it’s a grueling schedule, but it would not be too farfetched for Rock to do so.

Now we are not going to get too excited about this because we doubt Seinfeld will pass up the opportunity, but it would be great to see Rock in that famed seat, wouldn’t it? What do you think?

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Monday, December 21, 2009

Mo'Nique Seems To Be Shunning Press Again For Precious

Several weeks ago we would have told you that Mo’Nique was a “shoo-in’ to get an Academy Award nomination for her work in Precious, and she was going to walk away with the Award and be the 2nd African American comedic actress since Whoopi Goldberg’s performance in Ghost to do so for Best Supporting Actress. Now, after today’s news and rumors floating around we are not so sure of anything.

What are we talking about? Well, according to numerous reports and sources, MoNique has decided to skip the New York Film Critics Awards next month, which is a great press opportunity for every actor associated with any film right before Awards season and during voting season. It is also a pivotal stop for those trying to win ANY award during award season because those NY Critics have a lot of “pull” and more towards the votes that are cast. Anyway, the group was going to give her an award for her excellent work in Precious, and now director Lee Daniels will accept on her behalf.

Why is Mo’Nique not going? Well, maybe it’s because she lives in Atlanta and has no one to look out for her brand new twins, and maybe it will take her away from her new day-time job, which is hosting her TV show on BET. We are not sure. Maybe she doesn’t feel the trip is going to help her financially.

Here are the facts that we do know; word went around the industry that Mo'Nique wouldn’t do publicity for the movie Precious unless she was paid. According to sources she demanded cash in envelopes, not just for her makeup artists and stylists, but for herself. For some reason, she thought these were paid appearances. Everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Lee Daniels tried to set her straight. But she missed the Cannes, Toronto and New York Film Festivals because of it and also she’s also gone through several publicists. We also know that Mo'Nique doesn’t have that many SERIOUS acting credits under her belt, but she does have some comedies. But how many of those comedies are going to lead her to an Oscar? Before Precious, 2005’s films Shadowboxer and Domino was her last real serious roles.

Anyway, Mo’Nique stated on her show for folks to see her performance on the film and to judge her on that alone. Too bad Academy voters don’t think like this.

We think that snubbing the NYFCC is a plan she should reconsider. We feel she doesn’t understand that she’s already won this award and that this isn’t the same as doing publicity.

Another thing worth mentioning here is that several years ago Eddie Murphy was a considered a slam dunk for the 2006 Best Supporting Actor role as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls, but then the film Norbit was released during the voting season and it is believed that the Academy voters shunned Murphy because of all of the negative press he was getting from African American Women who despised his role in that film. The press reported that fact repeatedly during that time.

This brings up the question; do Academy voters listen to the press? We think so. What do you think?

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Friday, December 18, 2009

Katt Williams Being Sued By Former Employee!

We just discovered that there is more bad news on the horizon for comedian Katt Williams. Not only is he facing criminal charges in the city of Atlanta that was previously reported, but now there is an ex-employee who's taking him to court.

As previously reported Katt was arrested in November and then involved in an incident in a Georgia Walmart a month later leading many to believe he was in jail once again- which we later discovered was false.

But with these recent allegations, he's now finding himself the target of a $232,000 lawsuit by his former assistant. The woman, named Jacqueline Guitterez claims that Kattpack Investments, Inc. (company owned and operated by Katt Williams) did not pay her for her services while working with Williams.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Gutierrez had to pay for all her own expenses during the ten months she worked with Williams. She is seeking $32,000 in out-of pocket expenses, nearly $60,000 in hotel expenses as well as other charges adding up to the $232,000 total.Stay tuned for more as this story develops!

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Headshot of Katt Williams by Naoe Pix

Free's Mom Dies After Long Battle With Cancer

Today we have more sad news to report; Marie "Free" Wright, known to the world as the original host of BET’s 106 and Park, lost her mother earlier this week after a very long battle with breast cancer. Sissy Wright had been battling the breast cancer battle for several years and most recently it looked as if the tide would turn in her favor but sadly to say it didn’t.

We hear at Humor Mill Magazine want to send out our deepest condolences to the Wright family as we have known them for many, many years. You will all be in our prayers.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Ghostbusters 3 Confirmed And Moving Forward!

As we previously reported several months back it was officially confirmed by Director Ivan Reitman on the red carpet of the new Avatar film yesterday; Ghostbusters 3 is moving forward.

This now falls in line to the other reports and so-called verbal “slips” by the cast including Dan Aykroyd and Signourney Weaver, who will both be joining the cast of Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson.

We hear that the story is moving forward with the cast and a new script while the Producers intend to bring back the old characters, they also intend to introduce new characters to the team, basically a “new generation” stated Aykroyd. He also stated that he would like to see an influx of some new characters join the team, and they may be female members, and two actresses he likes in particular are Alyssa Milano and Eliza Dushku.

The producers are also looking for one more comedian to join the team, someone new, and as we were told “fresh to the scene in the world of comedy.” That person is to be a counter-part to Ernie Hudson’s character, and maybe several more team members, as it looks like the new film will be almost ‘Star Trek-ish’, in a sense were there will be an Academy for cadets to learn how to be the next generation of Ghostbusters, as they learn how to use the neuron splitter and the inter-planet interceptor - new tools that will enable the cadets to slip from dimension to dimension.

Anyway we are left with the thought that there is going to be several new African-American comedian/actors that may be joining the cast, but no word yet on who the part is intended for.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Michael Blackson On Humor Mill TV!

We caught up with comedian Michael Blackson outside of The Comedy Store during Martin Lawrence's first comedy performance show in over six years. Lots of folks came out and here is just one of the folks we caught up with. Blackson gave us some insight on his upcoming projects and his new film! Check out the interview!

As usual, we are out and about in the world of comedy and this is what we got a chance to see in the past week. Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Black Dynamite Gets Animated!

We just discovered that the comedy action film Black Dynamite, the blaxploitation spoof that was released earlier this year, is about to jump into the animation world as it is going to the Cartoon Network. We also discovered the film has been keeping up its pace of world-wide acclaim as it’s receiving standing ovations in cities such as the Czech Republic just to name a few.

Black Dynamite (played by actor Michael Jai White), is a muscular and brash former CIA agent with a license to kill, is shaken out of his semi-retirement when his estranged brother is murdered. In response, Black Dynamite unleashes a violent war on drugs to achieve his dream of getting smack off the streets thus making the hood safe again for "an afternoon stroll." His goal, meshing extremely violent means for a surprisingly delicate end, embodies a production that crackles with humor.

Screenwriter, film producer and star Michael Jai White plays the throwback hero Black Dynamite, who beds the ladies and beats the bad guys, with effortless charisma and charm. With his constantly stern expression as he recites one-liners as he creates a hero as hilarious as he is physically imposing.

Anyway, if you missed the film you missed one of the best comedies of the year. But don’t take our word for it; just follow the Awards the film has garnered around the world, as it most recently won its fourth Award this past weekend at an Italian Film Festival titled the Noir Festival. We can’t forget it won the Seattle International Film Festival Golden Space Needle for best film, and several other festivals this past year, all starting from its premiere at the very famous Sundance Film Festival that started the accolades for the film worldwide.

Now after receiving all of this world wide acclaim we hear that there is a strong possibility that the film will have a sequel, but there has been no deal done on that- yet.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Precious Makes It Mark As Award Season Begins

Award season has officially begun, and to absolutely no one’s surprise the film Precious has taken center stage as the film to watch. Yesterday as the nominations for the 67th Golden Globes were announced, it was pretty clear that The Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. recognized that the film was definitely deserving of a nomination, and decided to give it two. First, new comer actress Gabourey Sidibe, star of the film Precious was nominated in the Best Actress category for a dramatic performance, and for Best Supporting actress, comedian Mo’Nique received a nomination.

Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association®, announced updated timetable for The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards to be broadcast in HD Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 5-8 PM (PST) and 8-11 PM (EST) live coast to coast from The Beverly Hilton on NBC.

Questions or comments? Please email us at Thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Monday, December 14, 2009

Kevin Hart Interview On Humor Mill TV!

We caught up with Kevin Hart as he discusses a couple of his projects, and well, him just being Kevin. Check out this hilarious interview!

The Humor Mill Magazine Christmas Comedy Show

Here are some pictures from our 1st Annual Christmas Comedy Show which was held at The Comedy Union. Special thanks to club owner Enss Mitchell for providing the venue. The Comedy Show was great as it featured performances by Rion Evans, Clayton thomas, Vincent O'Shana, Red Grant, Melanie Comarcho and Tony Rock. The show was hosted by Esau McGraw and there were jokes heard all around. The Party was one of the hottest in years! Stay tuned for our next event coming up soon!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Charlie Murphy's Wife Passes Away After Long Fight With Cancer

Tonight we have some terrible news to report; after battling cancer for over a year the wife of comedian and actor Charlie Murphy has passed away today in New Jersey.

Tisha Taylor Murphy, wife of comedian/actor Charlie Murphy, died in her sleep just several hours ago. The couple married on August 12, 1997 and they have three children: daughter Eva, and son Xavier. Charlie also has another son from a previous relationship.

We want to send out our most heartfelt condolences to the Murphy family during these trying times.

Questions or comments? Please email us at thehumormill.info@gmail.com

Salli Richardson-Whitfield On Humor Mill TV!!!

We caught up with actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield who was most recently seen in the film Black Dynamite and the upcoming film Pastor Brown. Also starring in the hit film I Am Legend with actor Will Smith, we had to ask her about the rampant rumors of the possible prequel to that film. Here Salli answers all of those questions and more right here! Check out the interview!

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