Celebrity Interviews

Actress Jasmine Savoy Brown shares her remarkable journey from 600 auditions to landing breakthrough roles on HBO's "The Leftovers" and Freeform's "Stitchers." Brown candidly discusses the struggles before her big break, including couch surfing throughout Los Angeles for over a year, working graveyard shifts at a diner, and booking only a handful of commercials and small co-star roles despite constant auditioning. When she finally received the call about booking "The Leftovers," she immediately began weeping with emotion, catching her team off guard with the depth of her reaction. Her role as Evie Murphy in season two brought a much-needed lightness to the dark HBO drama about 2% of the world's population mysteriously disappearing—her character is a vibrant 17-year-old who sings, plays softball, and is full of life before disappearing with her friends after an earthquake, setting up the season's central mystery.Brown also discusses her contrasting role on "Stitchers" as Nina, a confident comic book store employee and video game nerd who becomes a love interest, allowing her to showcase polar opposite characters from dark HBO drama to lighter Freeform procedural within the same period. She emphasizes the significance of wearing her natural hair on television, revealing she's turned down roles that required straightening her hair because making a statement about the beauty of African American natural hair is important to her. Fans responded enthusiastically to her character breaking stereotypes—being both a proud geek about comic books and video game history while still being portrayed as beautiful and desirable rather than in the typical "unattractive nerd" light. Brown credits the entire production team for creating such a strong character while acknowledging her pride in representing natural hair positively. Though "The Leftovers" season three won't premiere until spring 2017 and "Stitchers" renewal status for her character remains uncertain, Brown maintains optimism, joking that since Nina didn't die, she's assuming she'll return to continue the fan-favorite storyline.

Grammy Award-winning producer and music mogul Jermaine Dupri discusses the success of Lifetime's "The Rap Game" as it enters its highly anticipated third season, premiering Friday, January 13th at 10 p.m. Eastern. Dupri reveals his talent discovery secrets, explaining that finding amazing artists requires constant interest in new talent and genuine listening—he's only had two to three artists fail to meet expectations in his entire career, and those instances occurred when he overestimated their abilities rather than them refusing his guidance. His partnership with Queen Latifah came naturally from their years-long relationship, and together they created something unique that commands attention simply by having both their names attached. The show fills a void in television by providing cultural education about hip-hop that isn't being seen anywhere else, targeting 12-to-16-year-olds while attracting parents who watch alongside their children.What differentiates "The Rap Game" from shows like "American Idol" and "The Voice" is its focus on hip-hop culture, which Dupri argues resonates more strongly with young people than any other genre. Kids are deeply interested in hip-hop lifestyle elements including fashion, sneakers, and the broader culture surrounding the music. Season three promises elevated competition with higher talent levels, more episodes, and increased appearances from Dupri's celebrity friends sharing invaluable industry knowledge. With season four already beginning production just days after this interview, Dupri expresses amazement at his career trajectory from making music and running his own label to now producing a successful television series entering its fourth season. Looking toward hip-hop's future, Dupri hopes the genre returns to celebrating individual artist styles and distinctive sounds, referencing the Tupac versus Biggie era when each artist had completely unique, instantly recognizable music—a separation that allowed them to become iconic rather than today's artists who create indistinguishable records.

Three-time Super Bowl champion and NFL analyst Mark Schlereth joins The Neil Haley Show to provide his expert breakdown of the upcoming championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Schlereth confidently picks the Seahawks to win, citing their exceptional six-week run leading up to the big game where they've dominated on offense, defense, and special teams. He emphasizes the importance of special teams play as an indicator of team depth, noting that Seattle's ability to cover kicks and execute returns with aggression demonstrates they have more quality players than their opponents. Schlereth also praises the incredible redemption story of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who was considered a bust after being drafted third overall by the New York Jets and subsequently dumped by Carolina before finding success in Minnesota and ultimately landing in Seattle via San Francisco.When analyzing key matchups that could decide the game, Schlereth focuses on Seattle's defensive front seven against New England's offensive line, which features two rookies on the left side who have given up significant pressures and sacks throughout the playoffs—including 10 sacks total in their first two playoff games. He warns that if Seattle can create pressure and get quarterback Drake May on the ground, they could force turnovers, as May lost three fumbles in those games. However, Schlereth also acknowledges that May's mobility presents a significant challenge for Seattle, noting his 65-plus rushing yards against Denver and his ability to eviscerate man-to-man coverage with his legs. He highlights wide receiver JSN as a potential difference-maker despite running a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, praising his ability to create instant separation at the top of routes and his uncoverable skills that make him phenomenal to watch alongside Darnold.

Philip Winchester joins the Neil Haley Show to discuss NBC's "Chicago Justice," where he stars as prosecutor Peter Stone, a character living in the constant shadow of his father Ben Stone, the main prosecutor from the original Law & Order series. Winchester explains how his character views justice in absolute terms—black and white, right and wrong—but faces constant challenges from district attorney Carl Weathers, an elected official who questions Stone's aggressive pursuit of cases because losses could impact his reelection prospects. He reveals Peter Stone's backstory as a former Chicago Cubs pitcher whose arm injury forced him to fall back on law, creating a complicated and estranged relationship with his famous father that they maintain primarily over the phone from separate cities.The actor discusses tonight's unprecedented three-hour crossover event beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern, starting with a fire at a rave warehouse on "Chicago Fire," continuing with the investigation on "Chicago PD," and concluding with his prosecution on "Chicago Justice," with "Chicago Med" woven throughout all three hours. Winchester praises working with Carl Weathers, joking about their first scene together when he suggested Weathers should have a gatling gun on the wall next to his boxing gloves and wooden hand, references the actor appreciated. The conversation takes an emotional turn as Winchester remembers Bill Paxton, who recently passed away at 61, recalling how Paxton took him and other young actors under his wing during the filming of "Thunderbirds" in London when Winchester was 24, teaching them about camera work, on-set management, and the craft of acting, describing Paxton as an actor's actor who loved the process and wasn't afraid to share his knowledge with the next generation.

Actor Yul Vazquez calls in from a blustery day in New York City to discuss the season finale of NBC's "Midnight, Texas," where he plays Reverend Emilio Sheehan, the oldest inhabitant of the supernatural town and its moral compass who harbors a dark secret—he transforms into a weretiger during full moons. Vazquez explains the fascinating duality of his character, a man of the cloth who struggles to reconcile his violent nature with his religious calling, spending his energy trying to keep his dangerous side in check and ensuring nobody gets hurt when he transforms. He teases that tonight's season finale will have viewers putting on their seatbelts as the demon threat that's been building all season finally comes to a head in what he promises is "a hell of an episode."The conversation turns to Vazquez's enduring association with Seinfeld, where he appeared in two memorable episodes including "The Ribbon" and the controversial Puerto Rican Day Parade episode, noting that no matter how many projects he completes, people still recognize him from that iconic show. He enthusiastically discusses the passionate fan base of "Midnight, Texas," explaining how he and the cast live-tweet with viewers during each episode and how these genuine fans know Charlaine Harris's books better than the actors themselves, often commenting on how the show matches their imagination from years of reading. Vazquez makes an impassioned plea for networks to pay attention to social media engagement and streaming numbers rather than just traditional ratings, arguing that fans are tired of investing in shows only to have them cancelled, and warning that there could be "a riot" if networks don't start recognizing the power of devoted audiences who trend every episode and deliver strong demographic numbers.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine actresses Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero discuss the show's successful transition to NBC and Beatriz's directorial debut with the episode "He Said, She Said," which tackles the #MeToo movement while maintaining the show's signature comedic tone. Beatriz expresses her excitement about directing an episode that follows her character Rosa Diaz and Fumero's character Amy Santiago investigating a case related to the movement, describing the challenge of balancing serious social issues with comedy and the pressure that comes with wanting to honor important stories while still making people laugh. She credits the episode's writer and the safe, comfortable environment she created on set for allowing the cast to take risks and fully commit to the material.Reflecting on what she learned from directing, Beatriz shares her newfound appreciation for the crew's tireless work, noting how actors receive special treatment with comfortable chairs and breaks while crew members work nonstop from arrival to departure. Fumero praises her friend and co-star's directorial skills, emphasizing Beatriz's ability to communicate clearly about what she wanted to see and achieve, creating a relaxed, "homey" atmosphere that felt natural since it was one of their own behind the camera rather than an outside director. Both actresses express gratitude for the devoted fan community that kept the show alive and followed it from one network to another, with Beatriz joking about how creator Dan Goor invented this pretend world that felt so real, good, happy, and safe that viewers remained loyal through the transition to NBC's Thursday night lineup.

Anne Heche joins the Neil Haley Show to discuss her powerful role as Patricia Campbell, Deputy Director of Defense Intelligence for the United States, in NBC's action drama "The Brave," describing the intensive preparation required to portray such a high-ranking official. Heche explains that her character runs an Omega team—special forces units composed of Delta, SEAL, and CIA operatives—and must make life-and-death decisions that impact operations taking place 5,000 miles away while holding what she describes as an encyclopedia of knowledge about pain and darkness in the world. The show takes viewers to 13 different countries over 13 episodes, exploring how these elite teams work together across international boundaries to combat threats and maintain global peace.The actress reveals that her research included speaking with Pentagon officials who worked alongside Condoleezza Rice, and when she asked if there was anything to smile about in such a position, the answer was simply "no." However, Heche emphasizes that Patricia Campbell is not defined by darkness but rather by hope and the desire to solve the world's problems to create peace. She discusses how the role has changed her perspective on current events and news consumption, noting that someone she met at the Pentagon laughed at her for believing what she read in the New York Times, leading her to search for information in different places and recognize that what the public is told isn't always what's actually happening. Heche stresses the importance of telling stories about military personnel who sacrifice their lives daily, arguing that these teams operating in 136 countries deserve recognition for their service above self.

Broadway legend and Emmy winner Kristen Chenoweth discusses her scene-stealing role as Lavinia Peck in NBC's mockumentary comedy "Trial & Error: Lady Killer" Season 2, where she plays a larger-than-life Southern first lady accused of murdering her husband after 40 years of living in Grey Gardens-type seclusion in her East Peck mansion. Chenoweth explains how she drew on her own Southern upbringing to bring authenticity to the character, noting that Lavinia has adopted the mannerisms and speech patterns of 1930s and 1940s movie stars and refuses to learn anyone's names, simply calling people "Lawyer," "Judge," and "Other person." She describes the creative freedom writer Jeff Astroff gave her through confessional scenes where she speaks directly to the camera, revealing both Lavinia's dramatic flair and her underlying sadness and loneliness.The four-foot-eleven actress discusses her transition from theater to television, emphasizing that she's always simply been an actor who doesn't distinguish between mediums but rather focuses on whether a role is compelling. Chenoweth reveals that the show is loosely based on Robert Durst and that she's been immersing herself in true crime documentaries like "The Jinx" and "Making a Murderer" to prepare for the role, noting her addiction to Investigation Discovery programming during sleepless nights. She expresses her goal of keeping audiences guessing throughout the season about whether Lavinia is a villain or beloved figure, guilty or innocent, while maintaining the show's satirical edge that pokes fun at the true crime documentary genre that has captivated television audiences.

MSNBC's Ari Melber joins Neil Haley to celebrate the one-year anniversary of "The Beat," reflecting on a tumultuous news year covering the Trump administration and discussing how his show has grown to attract 1.3 million nightly viewers—more than any show in the history of its timeslot and surpassing CNN's programming at 6 p.m. and later. Melber explains his unique approach to news programming, which combines breaking news coverage with deeper investigative reports and cultural segments, including recent interviews with both Jay Goldberg (Trump's former lawyer before Michael Cohen) and critics of the president, as well as Broadway star Daveed Diggs from Hamilton. He emphasizes his commitment to providing fair, objective, and thoughtful coverage regardless of viewers' political perspectives.The conversation takes a deep dive into education policy as Melber discusses his critical examination of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and her approach to running the Department of Education. Drawing on his own experience attending a magnet public school in Seattle that had both National Merit scholars and dealt with an on-campus shooting, Melber shares his nuanced understanding of how complex education issues are and why testing alone provides only a narrow slice of what's happening in schools. He and Neil debate the challenges of school choice, charter schools, and voucher programs, with Melber questioning DeVos's admission that she hasn't figured out how to visit and improve lower-performing schools, arguing that as Secretary of Education for America, she needs to be concerned about all schools, not just some of them.

In this important episode of the Total Celebrity Show on the Total Education Network, host Neil Haley sits down with NFL Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and neurological expert Dr. Greg O'Shanick to discuss their advocacy campaign Tackle PBA, which aims to raise awareness about pseudobulbar affect (PBA)—a little-known neurological condition affecting approximately 2 million Americans, including many former football players. Dr. O'Shanick explains that PBA causes uncontrollable and unpredictable episodes of laughing and crying that are completely out of context with what the person is actually feeling or experiencing. Someone with PBA might laugh uncontrollably during a solemn church service or begin crying during a routine parent-teacher conference, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and damaged relationships in both personal and professional settings. The condition occurs in individuals who have other chronic neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, concussions, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, or Alzheimer's disease. Crucially, Dr. O'Shanick emphasizes that PBA is treatable and that people don't need to suffer in silence or feel stigmatized by their symptoms.Barry Sanders shares his personal connection to the cause through his work with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which conducted a survey revealing that one-third of former NFL players exhibit PBA-like symptoms. These findings deeply resonated with Sanders, as many of these players are men he competed with and against throughout his legendary career—athletes who gave everything to the game and deserve access to proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. O'Shanick notes that family members are often the first to recognize PBA symptoms, as affected individuals may not fully grasp what's happening to them or may attribute their emotional outbursts to grief or sadness related to their primary condition. The Tackle PBA campaign encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms or concerned about a loved one to visit tacklepba.org, where they can take a self-assessment test and find resources for discussing the condition with their physician. Both Sanders and Dr. O'Shanick stress that awareness and education are critical first steps, as PBA has been understood medically for over 100 years but often goes undiagnosed simply because patients and healthcare providers aren't familiar with it. Sanders also reflects on his life after his remarkable football career, discussing how his platform has allowed him to engage in meaningful charity work and advocacy efforts like Tackle PBA while remaining a passionate fan of the game that gave him so many opportunities.

In this fascinating episode of Authors Corner on the Total Education Network, host Neil Haley welcomes cycling legend Greg LeMond and co-author Dr. Mark Hom to discuss their groundbreaking book "The Science of Fitness: Power, Performance and Endurance." Greg LeMond, the three-time Tour de France champion, teams up with Dr. Hom to explore the science behind athletic performance, recovery, and the crucial role of mitochondria in human energy production. Their collaboration brings together LeMond's decades of elite athletic experience with Dr. Hom's medical expertise to create a comprehensive guide that challenges conventional training wisdom.Dr. Mark Hom explains how his personal quest to understand exercise physiology at age fifty led him to focus on mitochondria—the cellular powerhouses that convert food and body fat into energy for muscles, heart, and brain. He reached out to Greg LeMond because the cycling champion's career uniquely encompassed both peak mitochondrial performance and the devastating effects of mitochondrial myopathy that forced his early retirement. LeMond's experience with lead poisoning and its impact on his mitochondria provides invaluable insights into the delicate balance required for optimal athletic performance and the dangers of overtraining.

In this heartfelt episode of The Neil Haley Show, host Neil Haley sits down with legendary actor Robert Wagner to discuss his latest book, "I Loved Her in the Movies: Memories of Hollywood's Legendary Actresses." Robert Wagner, best known for his long-running television series Hart to Hart alongside Stephanie Powers, reflects on his remarkable career spanning decades and the extraordinary women who shaped his journey in Hollywood. Wagner shares intimate insights into what made these leading ladies so special and why he felt compelled to honor their contributions to cinema and his life.Robert Wagner opens up about the collaborative process behind his book, working closely with co-author Scott Eyman to capture the essence of Hollywood's most iconic actresses. He discusses the incredible range of talent he worked with throughout his career, from Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis to Faye Dunaway, Ethan Hawke, and Lena Olin. Wagner emphasizes that these women weren't just talented performers—they were consummate professionals who brought unparalleled energy and dedication to every set. He candidly acknowledges the unique challenges actresses faced, balancing the demands of their craft with personal lives, relationships, and families, often sacrificing more than their male counterparts to achieve excellence in their profession.Throughout the conversation, Robert Wagner reveals his approach to acting and working with leading ladies: remaining completely open, listening intently, and staying present in the moment rather than arriving with preconceived notions. He describes how these actresses became invaluable collaborators who supported him through long shooting days and multiple takes, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and artistic excellence. Wagner's philosophy of being vulnerable and empathetic with his co-stars allowed him to build genuine connections that translated into compelling on-screen chemistry and performances that have stood the test of time.

In this engaging episode of Living a Legacy, host Eric sits down with acclaimed actor Kevin Weisman, best known for his iconic role as Marshall Flinkman on the hit series Alias. Kevin shares his journey through television, from his early days working with J.J. Abrams on Felicity to becoming one of the five core cast members who appeared in all five seasons of Alias alongside Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, and Carl Lumbly. The conversation reveals Kevin's deep appreciation for the craft and the legendary talents he's worked with throughout his career.Kevin Weisman opens up about the secret to his success in Hollywood: authenticity and commitment. Drawing from his theater training at Circle in the Square in New York, Kevin explains how he approaches every role with honesty rather than relying on tricks or gimmicks. He shares memorable experiences working with industry giants like Billy Bob Thornton on Goliath, Quentin Tarantino, Faye Dunaway, and Ethan Hawke on Alias, and discusses his unique approach to improvisation within scripted dialogue. Kevin's philosophy of "just committing" to choices, even when they might be mistakes, has led to some of his most memorable on-screen moments.The discussion delves into Kevin's extensive television career beyond Alias, including his work on Scorpion alongside Elias Koteas, The Blacklist, and his collaboration with comedy legends like Stephen Merchant on Hello Ladies. Kevin reflects on his friendship with Jack Black from their UCLA theater school days and his musical endeavors with Kyle Gass of Tenacious D in their band Trainwreck. These connections highlight the collaborative nature of Kevin's career and his commitment to building genuine relationships in the industry.Throughout the conversation, Kevin emphasizes the importance of being a good listener and staying present in the moment, skills that serve him not only as an actor but also in his personal life and relationships with his children. He discusses the evolution of television production, comparing the cinematic quality of Alias shot on 35mm film to today's HD productions, and shares insights into the fast-paced nature of television work where actors must shoot eight pages of dialogue per day and be ready to commit fully to their performances.The episode concludes with Kevin Weisman sharing his legacy vision: to be remembered as someone authentic who made people laugh and truly listened to others. He encourages listeners to support Save the Children and No Kid Hungry, organizations working to ensure children have access to meals, especially those who rely on school lunch programs. Kevin's passion for giving back through charity work, combined with his dedication to authentic storytelling, creates a powerful message about living a legacy of impact both on and off screen.

Join us for an engaging conversation with acclaimed actor Harold Perrineau, best known for his unforgettable role as Link in The Matrix trilogy. Harold takes us behind the scenes of his surreal experience on the set of The Nebuchadnezzar, sharing how he became the biggest Matrix nerd while filming the iconic sci-fi franchise that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From comic con appearances to the enduring legacy of a trilogy that changed cinema forever, Harold reflects on how The Matrix remains a cultural touchstone that fans want to revisit again and again, just as he did with his oldest daughter.Beyond The Matrix, Harold opens up about his powerful and challenging role as an autistic adult on TNT's Claws, a character that has become one of his most meaningful performances. He discusses the extensive research he conducted to authentically portray someone whose brain is simply wired differently, his commitment to avoiding stereotypes or mockery, and how his own family experiences with autism informed his approach. Harold explains how his character's loving relationship with his sister, played by Niecy Nash, provides the emotional grounding that balances the show's wild, money-laundering nail salon antics. This conversation showcases an actor who takes representation seriously and uses his platform to bring depth, humanity, and respect to every role he inhabits.

In a special September 11th episode commemorating the bicentennial of America's national anthem, The Neil Haley Show brings together author Peter Alderman and multi-platinum country music star Jo Dee Messina for their only joint interview. Alderman discusses his coffee table book "The Rockets Red Glare," which tells the story of Francis Scott Key witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry and writing the poem that would become the Star-Spangled Banner, later set to a British pub song melody. Messina, who grew up as Alderman's neighbor in Hollis, Massachusetts, explains her deep connection to the project, having performed the national anthem numerous times and sharing Alderman's love for American history and patriotism.Messina reveals that she not only sings the national anthem and her tribute song "Heaven Was Needing a Hero" on the accompanying CD but also narrates the entire audiobook, making this her first experience reading a complete book for audio. The pair discuss how the book is written to be accessible for children while providing adults with deeper historical context about the blood, sweat, and tears behind the anthem. With Scholastic and Barnes & Noble picking up the book, and local school systems expressing interest, Alderman and Messina hope to reintroduce Americans to their country's heritage and help people understand that the national anthem represents more than just the start of sporting events—it's a symbol of sacrifice that honors armed forces members, first responders, and all those who protect the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

Richard Rawlings, celebrity car enthusiast and star of Discovery Channel's "Fast and Loud," joins The Neil Haley Show to discuss his newest venture, "Garage Rehab." Rawlings opens up about his 16-year journey building Gas Monkey Garage, sharing the humbling moments when he had to borrow money from his wife just to make rent. He explains how these struggles inspired him to help other garage owners who are facing the same challenges he once overcame, emphasizing that he's looking for dedication to both business and family in the shop owners he chooses to mentor.Unlike typical reality rehab shows filled with drama and confrontation, Rawlings describes "Garage Rehab" as a genuine investment in people and their businesses, featuring less drama but plenty of eye candy with shops, cars, and motorcycles. He discusses what makes a great garage, stressing that it's not about square footage but about the passion and love people have for their craft. Rawlings expresses concern about losing manual labor skills as young people focus more on computers, emphasizing that skilled trades can provide excellent livings and put kids through college. The episode concludes with Rawlings teasing upcoming shows, including one focused on teaching young people in shop classes to keep the automotive passion alive.

Singer Wanz shares his extraordinary journey from near-retirement to international fame on The Neil Haley Show, recounting how one June evening phone call in 2012 changed his life forever. After decades of grinding in Seattle's music scene alongside friends who became members of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam, Wanz had resigned himself to life as a software test engineer, believing there was no such thing as an old pop star. When he met Ben Haggerty (Macklemore) and Ryan Lewis for the first time, they were looking for a singer who sounded like the legendary West Coast hook singer Nate Dogg, and within 45 minutes, Wanz recorded what would become one of the most recognizable hooks in modern music. By August 29, 2012, when the "Thrift Shop" video dropped, Wanz watched in amazement as the numbers skyrocketed, leading him to quit his secure job with no savings or safety net after a sold-out show at San Francisco's Fillmore brought him to tears.At 53 years old, Wanz experienced the fulfillment of every dream he'd ever had as "Thrift Shop" topped charts worldwide and earned him two Grammy awards. He describes the electric moment of walking on stage as the crowd elevated to another level when he began singing, with thousands of voices joining his. After the "Thrift Shop" phenomenon peaked and touring with Macklemore ended, Wanz returned to his passion for creating original music, releasing a five-song EP called "Wander" about his journey through depression and back to hope. His tribute song "To Nate Dogg," featuring Warren G and earning the blessing of Nate Dogg's son, represents both homage to his inspiration and the beginning of his post-"Thrift Shop" career. Wanz's message to aspiring artists reflects his own improbable success story: never stop doing what makes you and others happy, because at any age and any moment, you never know where your passion might take you.

Actress and producer Vivica A. Fox joins The Neil Haley Show to share the joy of the holiday season and discuss her latest Christmas film, "A Christmas Cruise," airing on the ION network. Fox reveals her cherished Christmas Day traditions, which include breakfast with her godson's family complete with mimosas, a relaxing spa visit, lunch with business partners while watching basketball games, and ending the evening with a fish fry and Uno games at her best friend's house. Beyond celebrating the holidays, she embraces her role as a "Christmas cheer angel" in Los Angeles, providing packages to families in need, emphasizing the importance of giving back during this special time of year.In "A Christmas Cruise," Fox plays Pamela Stevenson, a workaholic writer whose best friend convinces her to take a holiday cruise where she unexpectedly finds love on the high seas. The film, featuring an impressive cast including Kristoff St. John from The Young and the Restless and Nick Viall from Bachelor in Paradise, delivers a powerful message about work-life balance that resonates with Fox personally. She reflects on her illustrious career, from starring in Independence Day with Will Smith nearly 20 years ago to her current role on Empire with Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, and her work in Set It Off with Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union. Fox attributes her longevity to versatility, advising young actors to become triple threats who can sing, act, and dance. As a co-producer through her company Foxy Brown Productions, she takes pride in delivering quality content to audiences, reminding viewers that success comes from doing what makes you happy and spreading love rather than chasing accolades and promotions without pause.

Jay Underwood's career encompasses some of the most beloved films of the 1980s, from his breakout role as the non-speaking autistic title character in "The Boy Who Could Fly" to his memorable turn as the despised boyfriend Bud opposite John Candy in John Hughes' "Uncle Buck." Working with Hughes taught Jay the value of improvisation and creative freedom, as the legendary filmmaker would shoot the script first, then keep cameras rolling to let actors experiment and try different approaches. Those formative experiences working with comedy greats and visionary directors provided invaluable lessons about character development, storytelling, and connecting with audiences. Yet perhaps the most fascinating chapter of Jay's Hollywood story remained untold for 25 years: the mystery of Roger Corman's "The Fantastic Four," a completed film that never saw theatrical release despite generating buzz, magazine covers, and a scheduled premiere at the Mall of America.The new documentary "Doom: The Untold Story of Roger Corman's The Fantastic Four" finally reveals the elaborate rights scheme that doomed the production. A German producer needed to maintain Fantastic Four rights before they expired on December 31, 1993, so he funded Corman's million-dollar version simply to keep the rights and sell them to 20th Century Fox for substantial profit. The actors, believing they were creating their breakthrough opportunity, stayed faithful to the comic book characters only to have the film pulled weeks before premiere. Now serving as a full-time pastor in Northern California's mountains, Jay has discovered how his acting skills translate beautifully to ministry—his storytelling ability, understanding of human nature, and animated preaching style all stem from years studying characters and connecting with audiences. His journey from Hollywood to the pulpit reflects a man who followed his evolving faith, declined scripts that conflicted with his values, and found that God had been preparing him for ministry all along, weaving together past and present in unexpected and meaningful ways.

After 13 years of dedicated work and self-funding, Shelley Morrison (beloved for her role as Rosario on Will and Grace) and her husband Walter Dominguez are finally premiering their documentary "Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" at Pasadena's Laemmle Playhouse Seven Theaters. The film chronicles Walter's personal quest to uncover his grandfather's involvement in the Mexican Revolution and find family members lost for nearly a century. What began as a family history project evolved into a powerful educational tool that examines one of history's most violent revolutions, where one in five Mexicans died between 1910 and 1920. The documentary explores how this conflict drove waves of refugees northward, fundamentally shaping the cultural landscape of the American Southwest and creating immigration patterns that continue to influence policy debates today.The couple's 41-year marriage has been strengthened through this collaborative journey, with Shelley serving as executive producer and learning technical skills while in her late seventies. Early screenings have generated remarkable responses, with young people expressing newfound desire to interview their elders and history teachers incorporating the film into curricula. Shelley's activism extends beyond the documentary, having successfully campaigned to save a historic church in downtown Los Angeles that Walter's grandfather helped establish in 1911. Their grassroots approach prioritizes making the film accessible to educators and community groups, believing that connecting personal family histories with broader historical contexts makes learning compelling and relevant. The documentary proves that understanding our shared past provides wisdom for navigating present challenges, from immigration crises to questions of cultural identity and preservation.