2011
Jane Russell, Sex Symbol of the 1940s, dead at 89
By Joseph Martinez -
Actress Jane Russell,
the voluptuous pin-up girl who set a million male hearts to pounding
during World War II, died Monday at her home in the central coast city
of Santa Maria, CA. She was 89 years old.
Her death from
respiratory failure came 70 years after eccentric billionaire and film
Mogul Howard Hughes set her course for stardom by signing her to a
seven-year contract. she made her motion picture debut in The Outlaw
(1943), a story about Billy the Kid that went to great lengths to
showcase her voluptuous figure. Although the movie was completed in
1941, it was released for a limited showing two years later. There were
problems with the censorship of the production code over the way her
ample cleavage was displayed. When the movie was finally passed, it had a
general release in 1946. During that time, she was kept busy doing
publicity and became known nationally. Contrary to countless incorrect
reports in the media since the release of The Outlaw, Russell did not
wear the specially designed "cantilever" under wire bra (the first of
its kind) that Howard Hughes constructed for the film. According to
Jane's 1988 autobiography, she was given the bra, decided it had a
mediocre fit, and wore her own bra on the film set with the straps
pulled down.
One of Hollywood's leading sex symbols in the 1940s
and 1950s, she co-starred in the hit film 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'
(1953) opposite Marilyn Monroe for 20th Century Fox.
She is survived by three children, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Jane Russell Trivia Per IMDB:
- Discovered by Howard Hughes working as a receptionist for his dentist.
- Went to Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles
- Bob Hope once introduced her as "the two and only Jane Russell".
- Went to high school with James Dougherty, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) co-star Marilyn Monroe's first husband.
- Leonardo DiCaprio visited Jane while filming The Aviator (2004) in order to find up close and personal what Howard Hughes was really like.
( Photo: The Hollywood Archive )
2011
Owen Wilson attends world premiere of 'Hall Pass'
By Joseph Martinez -
The stars of 'Hall Pass' stepped out to premiere their new comedy in Los Angeles, Wednesday February 23, 2011 at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood. New dad and leading man Owen Wilson was all smiles for the photographers, while his co-stars Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer, Alyssa Milano and Christina Applegate posed enthusiastically nearby.
Pregnant Alyssa Milano, took this opportunity to debut her baby bump for the media. The Charmed actress announced this week she and her Hollywood agent husband David Bugliari are expecting their first child together. At the premiere, she revealed to 'E' her most persistent craving - vegetables.
she said: “I can't even consider it a craving because it's so odd. But I can't get enough broccoli!”
Unlike with most premieres, Milano didn't stress about finding something to wear. "I'm not as body-conscious or concerned with the way I look," she told People.com on the red carpet. "It's more about what's going to be comfortable versus what looks flattering. It's a whole different world that I'm enjoying a lot."
A handful of other high-profile stars made their way down the carpet as well, including Sarah Hyland, Carrie Fisher, Larry David, Cobie Smulders, Stacy Keibler and Taylor Treadwell. (photos © 2011 Joe Martinez / PictureLux)
2011
By Joseph Martinez -
Liam Neeson and the cast of the thriller "Unknown" made their way down the Red Carpet for the film's Los Angeles premiere on Wednesday night, February 16, 2011. Along with co-stars Diane Kruger, January Jones and Aidan Quinn, other celebrity attendees included Isabelle Fuhrman, Joshua Jackson, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Robert Downey Jr.
About his new-found niche as an "action star" Neeson tells the LA Times, "I seem to have gotten a new lease on life since this 'Taken' movie was so successful. At the age of 58 -- I'm sorry, did I say 58? -- at the age of 37, it's great to become kind of an action hero."
Fashion Watch:
Diane
Kruger was wearing a Dolce & Gabbana dress with Brian Atwood
“Maniac” pumps and January Jones was wearing an Alexander McQueen dress.
Kim Kardasian opted for a futuristic, 60's inspired, white coat and
skinny black wet-look leggings.
2011
Adam Sandler honored with Star in Hollywood
By Joseph Martinez -
Saturday Night Live alum, Adam Sandler, received a coveted Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday February 1, 2011.
The
44-year-old star was joined by his biggest fans, his wife Jackie and
their girls Sadie, aged four, and Sunny, aged two, along with friends
and well wishers.
Sandler had his hands full during the ceremony
as he struggled to keep his two young daughters under control at the
unveiling. At one point, they each took turns grabbing the microphone,
interrupting his speech by proclaiming: 'We love you daddy.'
Sandler
joked, "Let's hear it for my kids, who are now showing you that I
cannot control them. This is a big deal. I feel honored and can't
believe this has happened in my life."
'Happy Days' legend Henry
Winkler, who has worked with Sandler in several movies, and actor Kevin
James were among those who paid tribute to Sandler in front of the W
Hollywood Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard. His star is the 2431st star on
the Walk of Fame.
'Grown Ups' co-star Kevin James had these
choice words for his friend about his new Walk of Fame tribute: "Enjoy
the magic of this moment buddy because tomorrow a pre-op transsexual
will be turning tricks on top of your name." (photo by © 2011 Joe Martinez / PictureLux)
2011
By Joseph Martinez -
Warner Brothers' Pictures, "The Rite" held it's world premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre last night, Wednesday January 26, 2011. On hand for the event were the film's stars, Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Arianna Veronesi, Torrey DeVitto and Marija Karan. Other invited guests and well-wishers attending the Red Carpet Event included Carla Gugino, Charlotte Ross, Oscar Nunez, Connie Britton, Marley Shelton, Carla Ortiz among others.(Photo © 2011 Joe Martinez / PictureLux)
About the Film: "The Rite" is a supernatural thriller that uncovers the Devil's reach to even one of the holiest places on Earth.
Inspired by true events, the film follows seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue), who is sent to study exorcism at the Vatican in spite of his own doubts about the controversial practice and even his own faith. Wearing his deep skepticism like armor, Michael challenges his superiors to look to psychiatry, rather than demons, in treating the possessed.
Only when he's sent to apprentice with the unorthodox Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins)--a legendary priest who has performed thousands of exorcisms--does Michael's armor begin to fall. As he is drawn into a troubling case that seems to transcend even Father Lucas's skill, he begins to glimpse a phenomenon science can't explain or control...and an evil so violent and terrifying that it forces him to question everything he believes.
In Theaters Friday, January 28
View more celebrity photos of Anthony Hopkins at PictureLux Imagesearch
2011
By Joseph Martinez -
Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega attended the Red Carpet Premiere of their new film, "From Nada to Prada", at the Regal Cinemas in Downtown Los Angeles, last night, January 18, 2011.
Camilla bared her well toned Midriff in a black Jason Wu pantsuit and a nude colored ruffled bra. Newleywed, Alexa Vega, donned a red Lipsy dress and was accompanied by her husband Sean Covel. She completed her look with Sophia jewels, but she was most proud of her new wedding ring which she ethusiastically flaunted in front of the press.
Also in attendance were fellow cast members Adriana Barraza and Wilmer Valderama. (Photos © 2011 Joe Martinez / PictureLux)
About the film: "From Prada to Nada" is a modern twist on Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". The story follows two spoiled and rich sisters whose life is turned upside down when their father passes away, leaving them penniless. Forced to live with their estranged aunt and embrace the culture that for so long they refused to accept, they both discover romance and the true meaning of family.
The romantic comedy is slated to open in selected U.S. theaters on January 28, 2011.
View more celebrity photos of Camilla Belle at PictureLux Imagesearch
2011
The Corleones re-unite for Robert Duvall ceremony
by Joseph Martinez -
Joined by Master of Ceremonies Sonny Corleone (aka James Caan), and Sonny's illegitimate son, Vincent Mancini (aka Andy Garcia), Academy Award winning actor Robert Duvall was honored with a historic hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood CA, January 5, 2011; cementing his acting achievements in one of the longest-running traditions in Hollywood.
Duvall was celebrated not only for his "50 Years of Excellence in Film" but also to mark his birthday as well. "I am putting my foot in it on my birthday, actually, 'cause today is my birthday,"... "And it's my wife's birthday too." Said Duvall during the chilly and blustery event during which The Hollywood press corps, friends and supporters joined-in to sing “Happy Birthday” to 80-year-old Duvall.
“It’s long overdue,” said long-time friend James Caan, who co-starred with Duvall in The Godfather and wished he had made 25 more films with him.
2010
Gwyneth Paltrow honored in Hollywood
PictureLux on the red carpet report: Gwyneth Paltrow awarded Hollywood star.
Joined by 'Country Strong' co-star Tim McGraw, director Shana Feste,
and Faith Hill, Gwyneth Paltrow received the 2,427th star on the Walk
of Fame on Monday, December 13, 2010 in Hollywood.
She gave an
emotional speech, saying, "This city is so much a part of my heart and
soul, and the idea that my grandchildren can one day come and see my
name on the sidewalk is very overwhelming." She thanked her family and
friends at the late-morning event held in front of the popular Madame
Tussauds, "I don't think I would be here were it not for my family and
old friends," she said.
2010
Reese Witherspoon gets her 'Star' moment
PictureLux on the red carpet report: Reese Witherspoon receives star.
Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon has been honored with a much coveted
star on Hollywood Boulevard. It's the 2,425th star bestowed on the world
renowned, "Walk of Fame".
The "Walk the Line" and "Legally Blonde" actress unveiled her Hollywood Walk of Fame honor on Wednesday outside the W Hotel, in Hollywood CA.
The ceremony was
scheduled to coincide with the December 17th release of her latest
movie, "How Do You Know," co-starring Jack Nicholson, Paul Rudd and Owen
Wilson - written and directed by James L. Brooks.
It was James
L. Brooks who introduced the actress to the crowd gathered on the
Boulevard. Also making a cameo appearance were her two favorite costars,
her kids, Ava, 11, and Deacon, 7. In 2006, Witherspoon won the best-actress Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line." (photo © 2010 Joe Martinez/PictureLux)
2010
Christina Aguilera and Cher premiere 'Burlesque'
PictureLux on the red carpet report: "Burlesque" premiere.
Christina Aguilera and Cher attended the premiere of their film
'Burlesque' on Monday (November 15, 2010) at Grauman’s Chinese Theater
in Hollywood.
The 29-year-old singer looked gorgeous in an Elie Saab emerald green empire waist silk chiffon gown and Neil Lane jewels.
Cher,
64, debuted a more risque outfit - stepping onto the red carpet in a
sparkly black dress with a plunging neckline, very high hemline and lacy
bra.
Director Steven Antin beamed over his supporting cast
Julianne Hough, Cam Gigandet and Stanley Tucci as well as Celebrity
well-wishers including Will Ferrell, Jane Fonda, Kathy Griffin, Patricia
Clarkson, Debi Mazar and AnnaLynne McCord among others. Chaz Bono, Cher's son,
showed up with girlfriend Jennifer Elia.
Earlier in the day,
Aguilera received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hundreds of fans
jammed a Hollywood Boulevard sidewalk to watch as Aguilera gushed with
delight as her star was unveiled in front of the Hard Rock Cafe. (Photo by © 2010 Joe Martinez/PictureLux)
View more celebrity photos of Christina Aguilera at PictureLux Imagesearch