John Amos, iconic TV father from Good Times and storied actor, has died at age 84. According to his son, K.C. Amos, he died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natrual causes.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. Amos said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
John Amos built a career that spanned over five decades. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1939, Amos was best remembered for portraying James Evans Sr. on the groundbreaking TV series Good Times (1974–1976). As the strong, no-nonsense father in the first African American two-parent family on prime-time TV, Amos earned acclaim for his authentic depiction of a working-class father navigating life in a Chicago housing project.
Before Good Times, Amos starred as the beloved weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1973), showcasing his range in comedic roles. In 1977, he delivered a memorable performance in Roots, the Emmy Award-winning miniseries based on Alex Haley’s book. His portrayal of Kunta Kinte’s older self cemented his place in television history and earned him an Emmy nomination.
Amos also enjoyed success in film, with notable roles in movies like Coming to America (1988), where he played Cleo McDowell, the owner of McDowell’s restaurant. He reprised the role in the sequel Coming 2 America (2021).
Amos worked steadily in dramatic and comedic roles throughout his career, appearing in shows like The West Wing, Two and a Half Men, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His commanding presence and versatile talent earned him respect as one of Hollywood’s most enduring actors.
R. Kelly’s daughter says that she has a “heartbreaking secret” to reveal that will come to light in her new documentary about her troubled father.
Buku Abi aka Joanne Kelly is slated to drop her doc titled R. Kelly’s Karma: A Daughter’s Journey, which will air on October 11 on TVEI streaming service. The new documentary will feature interviews from Buku herself, her brother Robert Kelly Jr. and R. Kelly’s ex-wife Drea.
In the doc’s trailer, Buku tearfully admits, “For a long time, I didn’t even want to believe that it happened. I didn’t know that even if he was a bad person that he would do something to me. I really feel like that one millisecond completely just changed my whole life.” Buku adds, “Nobody wants to be the child of the father that is out here hurting women and children.”
His ex-wife says in the trailer, “What he did to me, he did to me, but you didn’t have to do it to my kids.”
Meanwhile, R. Kelly has been trying to have the convictions for his sexual crimes overturned, petitioning the United States Supreme Court in July on the basis that his alleged crimes occurred decades ago and the charges therefore fall outside the statute of limitations.
The Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the appeal in the coming months.
Ahead of Netflix and Most Valuable Promotion’s Paul vs Tyson on Friday, November 15th, COUNTDOWN: PAUL VS. TYSON, a three-part follow-up doc leading up to the mega-event, is set to premiere November 7th.
The much-anticipated July 20 heavyweight fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson was rescheduled for Friday, Nov. 15 after Tyson had to pause his training on doctor’s orders after an ulcer flare-up. On Sept. 26, Netflix announced Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, a three-part follow doc chronicling the journey to the fight, which will take viewers behind the scenes of Paul and Tyson’s respective training. The doc will also follow the lead-up to the Taylor vs. Serrano rematch, one of the most anticipated women’s fights in history.
Jake “El Gallo” Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) and the Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) as they prepare for Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) highly-anticipated Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson heavyweight boxing mega-event, airing live on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
The documentary series will take viewers behind-the-scenes of Paul and Tyson’s respective training camps to capture the incredible grit, determination and physical demands needed to prepare for what will be an explosive, can’t miss professional boxing mega-event.
COUNTDOWN will also follow the lead up to one of the most anticipated women’s fights in history, the rematch between undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs), as the two train to face off for the undisputed super lightweight championship title in the co-main event.
Episodes 1 + 2 will premiere on November 7; Episode 3 will premiere on November 12.
Once word was out that a new documentary series, “Tupac: Cover Up,” was released for the late rapper’s death anniversary on September 13, 2024, a panicked group of individuals began to call major platforms, making false claims about the show in an attempt to have it taken off the air.
In fact, the docuseries’ producers were contacted about the matter, and one of the platforms made an unprecedented request: ” Remove certain content, or we will remove the documentary.”
One need only look at the docuseries as a whole- NOW AVAILABLE ON XUMO PLAY to understand why certain groups are creating pressure on these platforms to silence the filmmakers: the documentary focuses on the life and death of the Grammy-winning artist Tupac Shakur, but also focuses on the moments following the unsolved shooting. The series makes the claim that from five minutes after the shooting until charges were returned from a Las Vegas Nevada Grand Jury last year, a group of self-interested individuals, some of which were alleged to be informants for the Federal Government, have carefully planted and cultivated a 27-year narrative that in truth has not one shred of physical evidence attached to it—just “hood lore” which they have perpetuated.
“Tupac: Coverup” features new and unheard interviews with celebrities (Mykelti Williamson, of Heat and Forrest Gump fame) Death Row Insiders (Kevin Black, Mike Nixon), Industry Insiders (Billy Johnson, Jr., Cynthia Horner, Janie Jennings), Law Enforcement (FBI Special Agent Phil Carson, who lead the Tupac/Biggie investigations for the FBI) as well as unheard and unreleased material from former Tupac bodyguards, friends and family. Athena Bond is the Executive producer, and Edna Sims is the film’s producer.
“We have had documented communications with the platforms showing that individuals with- shall we say- clear conflicts of interest didn’t follow the platform procedures for making claims against a show,” says Producer Richard “RJ” Bond, known for his previous works on the matter: 2020’s “Last Man Standing” and the beloved “Tupac Assassination” trilogy of movies.
“They did stupid stunts like calling the platform customer service departments and screaming at the poor representative on the phone. In our current “squeaky wheel” culture, extreme acts and rhetoric get moved to the front of the line. The platforms don’t always want to support Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech. This form of “consumer terrorism”- and resulting censorship- is a big problem for everyone.”
The “Tupac: Cover Up” producers took last week to decide: Do they leave the story out—which has received incredible reviews from fans who viewed an estimated 400,000 minutes of the show for its premiere date—untouched? Or do they make politically correct changes to cave to trouble with radical individuals?
“Well, let’s take a look at how Tupac viewed pressure; he went after C Delores Tucker and the entire government over trying to suppress his message. How would we honor him by silencing voices to serve a convenient and popular narrative?” added Bond.
Bond has put together a block-busting list of Former FBI agents, former Vegas law enforcement, Death Row “insiders” and music industry leaders that give credible and damning information regarding the motives behind the “False Narrative”. “Tupac: Cover Up” uses Vegas’ police files, grand jury testimony, and impeachable statements to demonstrate how flimsy the Vegas case is. This is a problem for those with less-than-clean agendas.
“After the documentary dropped, I was contacted by the family of Mr. Davis, the man charged in the murder of Shakur. They are understandably interested in the show’s talking points and feel we adequately addressed the situation. I hope to be in better contact with his defense team, whom I intentionally did not speak to until the show’s release.”
The official poster for The Fire Inside, the upcoming film based on the life of two-time Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Claressa Shields, has been unveiled. Starring Ryan Destiny as Shields and Academy Award® nominee Brian Tyree Henry, the film is directed by Academy Award® nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins.
The Fire Inside tells the powerful, true story of Shields’ rise from adversity to become a world-renowned athlete, inspiring millions with her determination and resilience. Fans eagerly await this cinematic portrayal of Shields’ journey, which highlights her indomitable spirit both inside and outside the ring.
Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced the highly anticipated release of The Fire Inside, a biopic based on the inspirational true story of two-time Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Claressa Shields.
Directed by Academy Award® nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins, the film stars Ryan Destiny as Shields and Academy Award® nominee Brian Tyree Henry.
The film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning a standing ovation and debuting on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 100% critics rating.
The film’s logline reads: THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.
The official trailer showcases the incredible journey of Shields, who overcame immense odds to become one of the greatest boxers in history. The Fire Inside promises to inspire audiences with its powerful portrayal of resilience and triumph.
New York City lit up tonight as Lionsgate hosted the world premiere of Never Let Go at Regal Times Square. Academy Award® winner and executive producer Halle Berry, along with co-stars Anthony B. Jenkins, Percy Daggs IV, and William Catlett, dazzled on the red carpet. Directed by Alexandre Aja, the film marks a significant milestone for Berry as her first feature under her production company, HalleHolly.
During a heartfelt introduction, Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson set the stage for an emotional Berry, who said, “My heart and soul is all over this film.” Director Aja and castmates followed, with Percy Daggs IV celebrating his feature film debut. The evening was filled with excitement, marking a night of many firsts.
Lionsgate has unveiled “Never Let Go,” a highly anticipated psychological thriller/horror film starring Academy Award® winner Halle Berry, directed by genre maestro Alexandre Aja and produced by 21 Laps. Known for his work on “The Hills Have Eyes” and “Crawl,” Aja brings his unique storytelling flair to this intense and chilling tale.
In “Never Let Go,” Halle Berry delivers a gripping performance as a mother navigating a world overtaken by an evil force lurking just outside her home. Her only protection lies in the strong bond with her twin sons, played by Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins. To survive, the family stays connected at all times, tethered together and urging each other to never let go. But as doubt creeps in and one son questions the nature of the evil, their unity unravels, igniting a desperate battle for survival.
Produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Dan Levine, and Alexandre Aja, and written by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, “Never Let Go” promises a harrowing journey filled with suspense and fear. The film’s production team, including executive producers Halle Berry, Holly Jeter, Daniel Clarke, Emily Morris, Christopher Woodrow, and Connor DiGregorio, adds to the formidable lineup behind this thrilling project.
“Never Let Go” is set to challenge the boundaries of fear and courage, with Berry’s mesmerizing performance at its heart, making it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and horror alike.
Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced the highly anticipated release of The Fire Inside, a biopic based on the inspirational true story of two-time Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist Claressa Shields.
Directed by Academy Award® nominee Rachel Morrison and written by Academy Award® winner Barry Jenkins, the film stars Ryan Destiny as Shields and Academy Award® nominee Brian Tyree Henry.
The film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), earning a standing ovation and debuting on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 100% critics rating.
The film’s logline reads: THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.
The official trailer showcases the incredible journey of Shields, who overcame immense odds to become one of the greatest boxers in history. The Fire Inside promises to inspire audiences with its powerful portrayal of resilience and triumph.
BET News and Entertainment Tonight will honor the late James Earl Jones with a special tribute, BET News & ET Present James Earl Jones: Life and Legacy, premiering Thursday, Sept. 12, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET+. The special will celebrate the life and career of the EGOT-winning actor, featuring archival footage and never-before-seen interviews from various stages of his remarkable journey.
Entertainment Tonight was present on the set of many of Jones’ most significant projects and captured unique moments that will be showcased in the special. Deadline reveals, highlights include his unforgettable voice work as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. The tribute will also reflect on his profound impact on Broadway and Hollywood, featuring new interviews with colleagues and friends who were part of his storied career.
An encore presentation of James Earl Jones: Life and Legacy will air on Sunday, Sept. 15, at noon ET/PT on BET.
James Earl Jones at the age of 93. The Independent Artist Group confirmed his death to Deadline. A cause of death was not revealed.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, James Earl Jones has risen to become one of America’s most distinguished actors. He is renowned for his deep, resonant voice and remarkable versatility. His early years were marked by a childhood stutter, which he overcame through poetry and acting, laying the foundation for a legendary career.
Jones made his mark in the 1950s with powerful stage performances, including notable roles in Shakespeare’s Othello and A Lesson from Aloes. His cinematic debut came in 1964 with Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, establishing him as a formidable force in film.
He is perhaps most celebrated for his iconic voice roles, including Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King. His extensive filmography also features acclaimed works such as The Great White Hope, which earned him a Tony Award and an Academy Award nomination, and Field of Dreams.
In a new venture into acting, global music sensation Bad Bunny has been cast in Adam Sandler’s highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 comedy classic Happy Gilmore. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, although details about Bad Bunny’s role remain under wraps. This announcement adds to the excitement surrounding the film, which also features NFL star Travis Kelce.
Sandler himself officially confirmed the sequel’s production on Instagram, and shooting is now underway. This marks Bad Bunny’s second major acting role, following his recent casting in Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller Caught Stealing from Sony Pictures.
Bad Bunny, known for his groundbreaking contributions to reggaeton and Latin trap, has been making significant strides in the entertainment industry. He transitioned from music to acting with impressive ease. Fans eagerly anticipate how the superstar will bring his unique flair to the beloved Happy Gilmore franchise.
Iconic actor James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93. The Independent Artist Group confirmed his death to Deadline. A cause of death was not revealed.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, James Earl Jones has risen to become one of America’s most distinguished actors. He is renowned for his deep, resonant voice and remarkable versatility. His early years were marked by a childhood stutter, which he overcame through poetry and acting, laying the foundation for a legendary career.
Jones made his mark in the 1950s with powerful stage performances, including notable roles in Shakespeare’s Othello and A Lesson from Aloes. His cinematic debut came in 1964 with Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, establishing him as a formidable force in film.
He is perhaps most celebrated for his iconic voice roles, including Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga and Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King. His extensive filmography also features acclaimed works such as The Great White Hope, which earned him a Tony Award and an Academy Award nomination, and Field of Dreams.
