Entertainment/TV

Amazon Prime Announces Muhammad Ali Series ‘The Greatest’ Starring Jaalen Best, Executive Produced by Lonnie Ali

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Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee and with that Amazon Prime Video has officially announced “The Greatest,” marking the first authorized scripted series about Muhammad Ali’s life. Jaalen Best will star as Ali, with Ben Watkins, the creator of Amazon’s upcoming Alex Cross series, serving as showrunner. Wow, this a long time coming.

Get this, the series is produced in collaboration with Ali’s estate, “The Greatest” features Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, as an executive producer. Yes! Authenticity is key and this blessing by Ali’s widow makes that prospect all the more likely

The series promises to capture not only Ali’s legendary victories and defeats in the ring but also the intimate moments of his life outside the spotlight. According to the official description, “The world remembers an icon, but ‘The Greatest’ is about a man, a husband, a father, a brother, and a son.”

When talking life rights for Ali, they were initially acquired by executive producer Josh Wakely, who then introduced the project to Amazon. 

The high profile series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios in collaboration with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, Ben Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment, Wakely’s Grace: A Storytelling Company, and Authentic Studios, which holds the rights to Ali’s image.

“Muhammed Ali defined commitment and passion for multiple generations of Americans. His journey is best told in full by a team whose dedication reflects that example,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. “Ali’s is an awe-inspiring story of one of the most significant global figures of the 20th century. We are proud to work with Ben alongside Outlier, Roc Nation, Polygram, Grace, Authentic Brands, Lonnie Ali, and the very talented Jaalen Best, who we know will do a remarkable job bringing ‘The Greatest’ to life for our global Prime Video customers.”

The Executive producer team includes, Lonnie Ali and Wakely, include Watkins; Michael B. Jordan and Outlier Society president Elizabeth Raposo; Authentic Brand Group’s Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Matthew Gross; and Polygram’s Michele Anthony and Boyd Muir. David Blackman co-executive produces for Polygram. Stefano Agosto, executive vice president of television at Outlier Society, will oversee the project for Outlier.

If unfamiliar, Jaalen Best, known for his recurring role as Ryan Craig in Season 2 of the CW’s “All American: Homecoming,” has also appeared in episodes of “Magnum P.I.” and “American Horror Stories.” He is represented by Luber Roklin Entertainment and GGSSC.

I don’t know about ya’ll but we are super excited!

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See It: Wiz Khalifa Hints at Taylor Swift to Help His ‘Password’ Partner on Keke Palmer Hosted Game Show

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Wiz Khalifa is turning to Pop superstar Taylor Swift to help him and his partner win on the NBC game show, Password.

“Wiz, it’s up to you if you want to play or pass,” host Keke Palmer announces in an exclusive first look from Us Weekly of the Tuesday, July 2 episode. In this episode, Khalifa, 36, faces off against Jimmy Fallon.

In the clip below, the announcer reveals the password is “Swift,” causing the audience to gasp. Both Palmer, 30, and Khalifa immediately see the perfect clue. “I know what to say!” Palmer exclaims.

The “Black and Yellow” rapper confidently decides to “shoot the moon” this round, meaning he will only give his partner one clue. A correct guess would earn them eight points, crucial as they are trailing by nine. This move could significantly boost their chances of winning the $25,000 prize.

The game show crowd erupts in excitement at Khalifa’s bold move, but Fallon, 49, is less enthusiastic, recognizing the advantage of using such a famous name. “Come on dude!” Fallon shouts, frustrated, as he stands up.

Palmer proceeds with Khalifa’s decision, urging him to give his clue. “Taylor,” Khalifa says, nodding to his partner, who quickly responds, “Swift!”

Then the buzzer sounds, confirming the correct answer. Khalifa’s partner jumps out of her seat while he leans back with a smile. They celebrate with a victory dance, much to Fallon’s annoyance. However, Fallon admits he would have made the same choice if he were in Khalifa’s position.

Despite the many well-known Taylors, none are more iconic than Swift, a fact Khalifa is well aware of. Both Swift, 34, and Khalifa have long been prominent figures in the music industry.

And fun fact, bet you forgot Wiz’s banner is Taylor Gang, and Ty Dolla $ign was signed to them, like forever.

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Eddie Murphy Recalls Declining Coke with Late Comics Robin Williams and John Belushi Back in the Day

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“Beverly Hills Cop” acting icon Eddie Murphy, credits late great comedians Robin Williams and John Belushi with steering him away from drugs his early career. In an appearance on The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast, the 63-year-old actor – full stop, Eddie does NOT look 63! – recounted a night out in the 1980s with the comedy legends when he was just 19.

Here’s how Murphy recalled the moment, “It was me, [John] Belushi, and Robin Williams. They started doing coke, and I was like, ‘No, I’m cool.’” Reflecting on his decision, he said, “I wasn’t taking some moral stance. I just wasn’t interested in it. To not have the desire or the curiosity, I’d say that’s providence. God was looking over me in that moment.”

What’s refreshing to hear is as an up-and-coming comedian, Murphy avoided anything that could derail his success. “When you get famous really young, especially as a Black artist, it’s like living in a minefield. At any moment, you could step on a mine. Any moment, something could happen that can undo everything,” he explained. He admitted, “But I was oblivious to the fact that I was in a minefield.”

Murphy then went on to elaborate, “Just imagine being a young person and having the world placed at your feet. Nobody’s saying ‘no,’ and everybody wants to be around you. You try all types of s— and get caught up in all kinds of stuff. That’s what destroys people.”

If you’re unfamiliar John Belushi who was known for his iconic roles in “The Blues Brothers” and “Animal House” died of an overdose in 1982 at the age of 33, and Robin Williams who needs no reintroduction died by suicide in 2014 after battling severe depression. He was 63.

What’s interesting albeit somber, Murphy mentioned that the tragic ends of iconic entertainers like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley serve as cautionary tales for him. “I don’t drink. I smoked a joint for the first time when I was 30 years old. The extent of drugs is some weed,” he revealed.

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Bill Cobbs, Veteran Actor in ‘The Bodyguard,’ and ‘Good Times’ Dies at 90

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In sad news for the culture, Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor with a 50-year career spanning nearly 200 film and TV credits, passed away on Tuesday at his Riverside, California home. He was 90 years old, confirmed his representative.

Cobbs’ diverse and extensive career included notable roles such as Alan Tatum in Season 3 of “The West Wing,” and Moses, the clock man in the Coen brothers’ “The Hudsucker Proxy.” He also portrayed manager Devaney in “The Bodyguard” alongside Whitney Houston.

Cobbs began his television career with the 1975 educational series “Vegetable Soup” on New York public television. He went on to appear in numerous acclaimed shows, including “The Sopranos,” “Good Times,” “Sesame Street,” and “My Wife and Kids.” In 2020, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in the series “Dino Dana.”

In “The West Wing,” Cobbs’ character Alan Tatum received a poignant scene where Charlie Young, the presidential aide, informs him of a rediscovered letter he wrote to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at age nine.

Cobbs made his feature film debut in 1974 with “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” His filmography includes “The Hitter” (1979), “Brother From Another Planet” (1984), “Air Bud” (1997), “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (1998), “The Muppets” (2011), and playing security guard Reginald in “Night at the Museum” (2006) with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.

Born in Cleveland, Cobbs served as an Air Force radar technician and worked various jobs before moving to New York at 36 to pursue acting. His first professional role was in “Ride a Black Horse” with the Negro Ensemble Company. He also performed in street theater, regional theater, and at the Eugene O’Neill Theater.

Thomas Cobbs, a relative, commemorated Bill Cobbs on Facebook, calling him a “beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather, and friend.” The post read, “As a family, we are comforted knowing Bill has found peace and eternal rest with his Heavenly Father. We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time.”

The post Bill Cobbs, Veteran Actor in ‘The Bodyguard,’ and ‘Good Times’ Dies at 90 first appeared on The Source.

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WATCH: ‘Red One’ Trailer New Action Holiday Movie Starring Dwayne Johnson for Amazon MGM

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Amazon MGM just released the trailer for “Red One” a new holiday film with a new take on an age old genre – Christmas and Santa Clause. 

The film stars action superstar Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans (Captain America) and Lucy Liu (Kill Bill). Also starring are Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons.

Here’s the official synopsis from Amazon MGM:

After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

In the director’s chair for “Red One” is Jake Kasdan helming a script penned by Chris Morgan, from a story by Hiram Garcia.

The Producers are Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Chris Morgan, Dany Garcia,  Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar. 

The holiday film will premiere at theaters on Nov. 15.

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Nene Leakes is Back With New Series ‘Outrageous Love With Nene Leakes’ For Lifetime

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Real Housewives of Atlanta alumni, NeNe Leakes is launching a new Lifetime original series titled “Outrageous Love with NeNe Leakes,” premiering July 1 at 10/9c with two back-to-back 30-minute episodes. In this show, Leakes reacts to clips of real couples experiencing the highs and lows of love, offering her personal insights and advice on their situations.

Here’s the official rundown:

“Outrageous Love with NeNe Leakes” captures the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of real couples. The new series showcases wild clips of real people caught up in love as NeNe reacts and gives her personal insight alongside the action.

Produced by Anomaly Entertainment, the executive producers include Leakes, Matthew Kelly, Michael Sorensen, Karen Infantino, and Lifetime’s Amy Savitsky and Nicole Vogel. 

Another clip show, “Parents Gone Wild,” also debuts on Lifetime on July 1 at 11/10c, featuring real parents navigating the challenges of raising children.

Get this, Leakes, having recently reconciled with “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Cynthia Bailey and guest-starred on shows like “I Can See Your Voice,” is proving her capability to thrive in Hollywood independently of Bravo and the Housewives franchise.

Good on Ms. Leakes for making her television comeback and we can’t wait to see “Outrageous Love with NeNe Leakes.”

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Jonathan Majors Thanks Meagan Good, Calls Her “My Queen” While Accepting Hollywood Unlocked’s Perseverance Award

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Jonathan Majors accepted his first award since his conviction for assault and harassment in December, receiving the Perseverance Award at the 4th Impact Awards in Los Angeles. Surrounded by supporters, the Creed III actor reflected on his arrest and verdict, thanking God and Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee.

“I reckon folks wanna know about this last year,” Majors said. “As a Black man in the criminal justice system, I felt anger, sadness, hurt, surprise. When they snatched me up out of my apartment in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like all that. I didn’t feel like Jonathan Majors, Mr. Creed, Mr. Kang. I felt like a little scared, weak boy.”

He continued, “Despite the support and evidence in my favor, I knew shit was bad. And it was bad because of who I was and what I am. And this is what happens to Black people all too often. Guilt and innocence often have little to do with the outcome. That’s the harsh reality I learned. But I know Black men face this every day. It deeply impacts us and changes the way we navigate through the world.”

Breaking down in tears, Majors received the award from Iyanla Vanzant, who greeted him with a kiss on the forehead and a hug. He acknowledged his imperfections and expressed gratitude for his craft, family, and friends.

“There will be moments in your life when things get dark, and I mean really dark. I’ve seen those depths, that darkness in myself. I’ve sat in that pitch black, and what I’ve learned is that when you catch a glimpse of light, you run as hard and as fast as you can towards it. And I will never take that light for granted again.”

Majors thanked those who supported him, including Will Smith, Tyler Perry, David Oyelowo, Deon and Roxanne Taylor, Courtney B. Vance, and Whoopi Goldberg. He highlighted Goldberg’s wisdom and understanding, emphasizing the importance of community support.

He also thanked “all the women in my family,” and burst into tears while thanking Meagan Good. “I love you beyond all limit, with all my strength, with all my heart, I love you,” he said. “I don’t need to be so tough and strong when you carried me so many nights. I love you.”

Majors ended his speech by singing Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” and addressing his daughter Ella. “And just to Ella, my baby girl, we gonna be alright. And your father loves you. I love you and I thank you for this.”

After being found guilty on two misdemeanor counts of reckless assault and harassment in his domestic violence case with ex Grace Jabbari, Majors was sentenced to probation and to participate in a one-year domestic violence treatment program. Despite being fired from several projects and dropped by his talent management company, Majors has booked his first role since the trial in Martin Villeneuve’s Merciless.

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Sherri Shepherd Shows Off Breast Reduction, Jokingly Offers to Donate Old 42DD Bras to Drake

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Sherri Shepherd Shows Off Breast Reduction, Jokingly Offers to Donate Old 42DD Bras to Drake

“New Season, New Boobs!” That was the announcement that Sherri Shepherd made to open Season 2 of her namesake “Sherri” show. Joking that “everything is going to be bigger except these boobs,” the television host took time to poke fun of Drake‘s massive bra collection.

Shepherd started out by telling viewers that despite decades of unsolicited comments about her body from others, she did indeed get a breast reduction over the summer, making note that she did not get the procedure based on the input or opinions of other people, but because she was experiencing back pain and other physical issues as a result of her breasts (which she shared with the audience were a 42DD). She took time to explain how her breast size was something that she had struggled with her whole life and struggled with even more as she aged, making a series of hilarious jokes before describing some of the physical pain that she had endured before going to the doctor for a consultation and eventually going through with the procedure.

Shepherd then put Drake up on the screen behind her before making a series of jokes about the women who threw their bras at Drake, musing about how difficult it must be to take one off at a concert before going and getting a wheelbarrow full of her whole bras and spilling them out on stage and joking that someone needed to make sure that Drake got them for his collection.

The full episode can be seen here: https://www.sherrishowtv.com/episodes/monday-september-18/.

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‘BMF’ Adds Ne-Yo And 2 Chainz To Third Season

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Rapper/TV mogul Curtis Jackson is back again with his critically acclaimed series and he just brought two more notables to the big screen. Rapper 2 Chainz and singer/ songwriter Ne-Yo have been casted in recurring roles for season 3 of the hit series BMF.

Deadline Reports:  

2 Chainz will play “Stacks,” an Atlanta-born and bred distributor whose wisdom and stature command respect wherever he goes. Fiercely loyal and determined to provide for his family no matter the cost, Stacks lives by the street code and challenges Meech’s leadership style.

Ne-Yo will play “Rodney ‘Greeny’ Green,” a local Atlanta player who’s all about making the bag. Filled with swagger and an entrepreneurial spirit, there’s more than meets the eye with Greeny.

Season 2 of BMF currently airs on Starz at 8 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.

Earlier this month Fif confirmed that the docu-drama’s season three was under way via Twitter.

“‘BMF’ is on fire season 3 here we go,” he spilled. “Spinoffs on the way BMF IMMORTALS 1, 2 and 3 BOOM GLGGreenLightGang I don’t miss ! #bransoncognac.”

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Shonda Rhimes Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs at Netflix

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Shonda Rhimes Ended 15-Year Relationship With ABC Over Disneyland Pass

After extending their partnership last summer, Netflix and accomplished producer Shonda Rhimes broaden their commitment with the launch of new inclusive programs for diversity, equity, inclusion, access initiatives and opportunities. The new programs are called The Producers Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder, which both will be supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity.

MORE: Shonda Rhimes and Netflix Extend Their Partnership Into New Ventures

The programs will allow graduates to be considered for job consideration on Shondaland and other Netflix productions. The Producers Inclusion Initiative is specifically designed as a nine-week virtual program to train indie producers, unit production managers, supervisors and first assistant directors, who come from those historically underrepresented communities. The program’s participants will learn from executives and key production department heads from Netflix, Shondaland and elsewhere in the industry with the express goal of minting qualified line producers for the studio system. In addition to monthly stipends while in the program, graduates will connect with folks at the two companies and others about potential gigs or other career development opportunities.

MORE: Shonda Rhimes Ended 15-Year Relationship With ABC Over Disneyland Pass

The Ladder, for its part, is set up to provide opportunities for people from marginalized groups who are looking to gain the kind of on-set experience and training that’s key to success in the film and TV business. Like the Inclusion Initiative, the Ladder participants will be paid during their time in the program, which will also transport those taking part from central points around London.

Shondaland’s Head of Production Sara Fischer had this to say on the new programs and opportunities: “At our core, Shondaland is a company dedicated to championing opportunities for underrepresented communities both on and off the screen. We have made incredible strides with ensuring women are represented in our productions and I’m excited to expand our efforts and see real results with all marginalized groups. Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to create these two new incredible programs that have already led to palpable changes in our industry. I am extremely proud to be a part of history as we look forward to greater representation on set.”

Shonda Rhimes is one of the most high-profile and commercially successful showrunners in the business.

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