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Tag: Roles

  • McConaughey, Harrelson reprise ‘True Detective’ roles in film ad – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth


    Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson reprised their roles in “True Detective” for a video pitch to the Texas Legislature called “True to Texas.”

    The two are among a handful of Texan actors asking for increased funding for film incentives in Texas this legislative session. They suggest the funding increase could turn Texas into a new Hollywood and bolster the economy.

    The star-studded pitch, posted on social media, features McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton and Renee Zellweger. It’s inspired by the series “True Detective,” which featured McConaughey and Harrelson in season one.

    But beneath the reunion that had many fans reminiscing is a deeper message to the Texas Legislature.

    “This project is more than a commercial — it’s a love letter to Texas,” Quaid said. “We’ve got everything filmmakers need: world-class talent, breathtaking locations, and a state that welcomes creativity with open arms. It’s time to bring the spotlight back to Texas and show the world what we can do.”

    The video shows Harrelson driving down a highway with McConaughey riding shotgun. Then, the video reveals Quaid in the backseat, handcuffed, joining in on the conversation. McConaughey then gets a phone call from Thornton and then from Zellweger.

    You don’t like what Hollywood’s been dishing? Let’s take over the kitchen.

    Matthew McConaughey, in the video pitch

    The video sparks a conversation about how Texas film incentives can generate more money for the Texas economy.

    “Every dollar from this incentive puts $4 back into the state of Texas,” McConaughey said.

    Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced his top 40 senate bills for this session on Wednesday. Among them is Senate Bill 22, “Establishing Texas as America’s Film Capital.” Another bill on the list, Senate Bill 1, which outlines the budget for the state, includes $498 million that would “revamp the Texas Film Initiative” and make Texas “the movie capital of the world” if passed.

    In 2023, the Texas legislature approved $200 million in funding for the state’s film incentive program, allocated within their budget for the next two years. Now, these actors suggest that increased funding could create jobs and boost local economies.

    So, McConaughey wants to know: What do you say, Texas Legislature?



    Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are set to reprise their iconic roles from the hit HBO series “True Detective” in a new film ad. The actors, who starred together in the first season of the critically acclaimed show, will once again team up to bring their captivating chemistry to the screen.

    Fans of the series can expect to see McConaughey and Harrelson back in action as Rust Cohle and Marty Hart, two detectives who are drawn into a dark and twisted murder investigation. The film ad, which will be directed by series creator Nic Pizzolatto, promises to capture the same gritty and intense atmosphere that made the show a massive success.

    The announcement of McConaughey and Harrelson’s return to their “True Detective” roles has already generated a buzz among fans, who are eagerly anticipating the chance to see the duo back together on screen. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!

    Tags:

    McConaughey, Harrelson, True Detective, film ad, NBC 5 Dallas, Dallas-Fort Worth, reprising roles, crime drama, HBO, television series, acting duo, detective duo, on-screen chemistry

    #McConaughey #Harrelson #reprise #True #Detective #roles #film #NBC #DallasFort #Worth

  • Building a Strong Disaster Recovery Team: Key Roles and Responsibilities

    Building a Strong Disaster Recovery Team: Key Roles and Responsibilities


    Disasters can strike at any moment, whether it be a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake, or a man-made disaster such as a cyber attack or fire. In order to effectively respond and recover from these disasters, organizations must have a strong disaster recovery team in place.

    Building a strong disaster recovery team involves identifying key roles and responsibilities that are essential for a successful response and recovery effort. Here are some key roles that should be included in a disaster recovery team, along with their respective responsibilities:

    1. Incident Commander: The incident commander is responsible for overseeing the entire response and recovery effort. They are in charge of making strategic decisions, coordinating resources, and communicating with key stakeholders. The incident commander must have strong leadership skills and be able to make quick and effective decisions under pressure.

    2. IT Manager: The IT manager is responsible for managing the organization’s IT systems and ensuring that they are properly backed up and secured. In the event of a disaster, the IT manager will be responsible for restoring IT systems and data, as well as implementing security measures to prevent further damage.

    3. Communications Coordinator: The communications coordinator is responsible for managing internal and external communications during a disaster. This includes keeping employees informed about the situation, coordinating with the media, and communicating with customers and suppliers. The communications coordinator must have strong communication skills and be able to convey information clearly and effectively.

    4. Operations Manager: The operations manager is responsible for coordinating the organization’s response and recovery efforts on the ground. This includes managing logistics, coordinating resources, and ensuring that critical operations are up and running as quickly as possible. The operations manager must have strong organizational skills and be able to work well under pressure.

    5. Human Resources Coordinator: The human resources coordinator is responsible for managing the organization’s workforce during a disaster. This includes ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, coordinating employee communications, and providing support for employees who may be affected by the disaster. The human resources coordinator must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to provide support and guidance to employees during a difficult time.

    Building a strong disaster recovery team requires careful planning and preparation. By identifying key roles and responsibilities, organizations can ensure that they have the right team in place to effectively respond and recover from any disaster that may come their way. With a strong disaster recovery team in place, organizations can minimize the impact of disasters and ensure a swift and successful recovery.

  • Heath Ledger’s 5 Most Memorable Movie Roles of His Career


    While Heath Ledger is no longer with Us, his spirit, sense of humor and sweet grin still live on in his movie roles.

    Ledger rose to fame in the late ‘90s and early 2000s following his breakout performance in 10 Things About You. Following the beloved rom-com, the actor went on to snag supporting film roles in The Patriot, A Knight’s Tale and more.

    In 2006, Ledger garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. The actor didn’t slow down after that as he went on to star in The Dark Knight as the villainous Joker.

    Months before The Dark Knight premiered, Ledger died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in his NYC apartment in January 2008. He was survived by daughter Matilda, whom he welcomed with actress Michelle Williams in October 2005.

    Keep scrolling to see Ledger’s top 5 most memorable film characters below:

    ’10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)

     

    Heath Ledgers 5 Most Memorable Movie Roles

    Heather Ledger and Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You INSTAR Images

    The romantic comedy turned out to be Ledger’s breakout role on the big screen. Playing tough as nails Patrick Verona (but oh, what a softy!) the hunk starred in the fan favorite alongside Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Larisa Oleynik. “He was so nice. He was such a force,” Stiles told Us of her late costar in November 2014. “Even at that age a very powerful, lovely human being.”

    ‘The Patriot’ (2000)

    Heath Ledgers 5 Most Memorable Movie Roles

    Heath Ledger in The Patriot INSTAR Images

    What a tearjerker. With the success of 10 Things I Hate About You under his belt, Ledger played Mel Gibson’s on-screen son a year later. The actor, who played Gabriel Martin, proved that he could also become a scene stealer in an action drama. “Maybe I could have called him,” Gibson told The Guardian in February in 2009, following Ledger’s death. “When you see sort of an impending tragedy or something that might go wrong, it just felt like I should do something about it.”

    ‘A Knight’s Tale’ (2001)

    Heath Ledgers 5 Most Memorable Movie Roles

    Heather Ledger in A Knight’s Tale INSTAR Images

    Still a dreamboat! Ledger laced up to portray peasant squire William Thatcher (horse-riding and jousting extraordinaire!) in the adventure flick. Following its release, he also became one of the hottest sought after actors in Hollywood. “To tell you the truth I don’t think about it and I don’t dwell on it,” he told Cinema.com at the time. “I just show up for work and live my normal life.”

    ‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005)

    Heath Ledgers 5 Most Memorable Movie Roles

    Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain INSTAR Images

    Ledger starred in the powerful romance drama opposite his good friend Jake Gyllenhaal, who later was named Matilda’s godfather. The Ang Lee-directed movie, which also starred Williams, centered on a forbidden relationship between two cowboys.

    ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

    Heath Ledgers 5 Most Memorable Movie Roles

    Christian Bale and Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight INSTAR Images

    The Christopher Nolan-directed film was the last movie Ledger would complete in its entirety. (He was still filming 2009’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus when he passed; Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law later stepped in for him.) Ledger’s petrifying portrayal of The Joker won him an Oscar in the Best Supporting category. As most fans will know, it was fun to see Ledger and Levitt go from high school students in 10 Things I Hate About You, to DC Comics characters. Levitt later played Robin in 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises.



    Heath Ledger was a talented actor whose untimely death in 2008 left a void in the film industry. Throughout his career, Ledger took on a variety of roles that showcased his versatility and range as an actor. Here are five of his most memorable movie roles:

    1. The Joker in “The Dark Knight” (2008) – Ledger’s portrayal of the iconic Batman villain earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His chilling and unpredictable performance is widely regarded as one of the best in cinematic history.

    2. Ennis Del Mar in “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) – Ledger received critical acclaim for his role as a ranch hand who embarks on a forbidden love affair with another man. The film was groundbreaking for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships and earned Ledger his first Academy Award nomination.

    3. Patrick Verona in “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) – Ledger showcased his charm and charisma in this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” His performance as the rebellious bad boy won over audiences and established him as a rising star in Hollywood.

    4. William Thatcher in “A Knight’s Tale” (2001) – Ledger displayed his comedic timing and physicality in this medieval sports comedy. His portrayal of a peasant who poses as a nobleman to compete in jousting tournaments was both entertaining and endearing.

    5. Jacob Grimm in “The Brothers Grimm” (2005) – Ledger starred alongside Matt Damon in this fantasy adventure film based on the legendary Brothers Grimm. His performance as the more skeptical and grounded of the two brothers added depth to the fantastical story.

    Heath Ledger’s talent and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact on the film industry, and his unforgettable performances will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

    Tags:

    Heath Ledger, memorable movie roles, career highlights, iconic performances, Joker, Brokeback Mountain, The Dark Knight, A Knight’s Tale, 10 Things I Hate About You.

    #Heath #Ledgers #Memorable #Movie #Roles #Career

  • Federal employees quietly edit job descriptions to protect roles from DOGE scrutiny



    New York
    CNN
     — 

    As President-elect Donald Trump’s administration prepares to take over Washington, some federal employees are quietly changing the language of job descriptions and performance reviews in an effort to protect roles and critical government functions in the face of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.

    Tech billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump tapped to lead the outside initiative, have said they plan to recommend slashing the federal workforce, cutting the government’s annual budget by at least $1 trillion, and curbing regulations.

    Ahead of the initiative’s deployment, five sources familiar with the effort, including senior staffers from multiple agencies, told CNN that some workers are removing mentions of “policy” decision-making and terms related to diversity programs from written job descriptions, duties, and performance reviews to protect the roles from possible cuts.

    “People are definitely reimagining how to communicate what they’ve done and do to try and escape scrutiny,” one federal employee told CNN.

    Even among those who support efforts to streamline the government and make it more efficient, some fear the effort will be ham-handed. One concern among federal workers is that DOGE will suggest cuts using a “hatchet not a scalpel” and utilize artificial intelligence to target buzzwords in job descriptions without carefully studying the roles, some said.

    DOGE does not have any direct power to make spending cuts, regulatory changes or other moves —– that authority belongs to Congress — though Musk’s comments have been shown to carry weight with lawmakers. While the DOGE effort exists outside of the government and will likely provide recommendations, Musk is reportedly set to have an office inside the White House.

    Representatives for DOGE, Musk and Ramaswamy did not respond to CNN requests for comment.

    The employees CNN spoke with said the moves were not part of a larger, coordinated effort across agencies. Instead, managers in some agencies are taking it upon themselves — some under the directive of the agency’s top appointees — to safeguard positions and policies. While some are concerned about losing their jobs and livelihoods, multiple employees told CNN they were also trying to protect roles critical to an agency’s function.

    Elon Musk, with his son on his shoulders, and Vivek Ramaswamy walk on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on December 5, 2024.

    President-elect Donald Trump, who has derided civil servants as agents of the “deep state,” promised on the campaign trail to reinstate a 2020 executive order known as Schedule F which created a new job category for federal employees in policy-related positions. The order removed much of the federal protections for civil servants, making it easier to fire workers. President Joe Biden has later cancelled the order shortly after taking office.

    Ahead of the order’s possible reinstatement, one senior staffer said they were advised by their agency’s “front office” to edit “any job description that mentioned policy.”

    “Managers could elect to just quietly tweak a career officials’ job description so that the functionality of the job stayed the same but would say ‘provide guidance’ instead of ‘provide policy guidance’,” the staffer told CNN. “It makes their role seem less policy and political orientated.”

    Other federal employees said there was more of a focus on editing out anything related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs (DEI) efforts that have become a right-wing bogeyman Musk has vowed to purge from the government.

    Another staffer at a different agency said that since Election Day, more people have stopped the use of DEI terms in performance appraisals and in hiring processes.

    One person familiar with the effort said some federal employees fear that could mean roles that have nothing to do with DEI policies will be targeted as well. As one example, the person said employees may edit job descriptions for finance roles that use the words “equity” or “diversification,” even though they have nothing to do with DEI programs. The fear, the person said, is the incoming administration will attempt to cut anything with these buzzwords without looking closely at the context.

    Jason Briefel, head of policy and legislative affairs at the Senior Executive Association, which represents thousands of the most senior career members of the federal government, confirmed to CNN some individuals at federal agencies are making edits around issues like DEI policies.

    “It’s in line with what lots of organizations and the private sector are doing, changing the words they use,” Briefel said.



    In a recent development, Federal employees have been quietly editing job descriptions to protect their roles from scrutiny by the Department of Government Ethics (DOGE). This sneaky tactic has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within government agencies.

    By tweaking the language in their job descriptions, employees are able to downplay the importance of their roles and responsibilities, making it more difficult for DOGE to assess the potential conflicts of interest or ethical concerns that may arise.

    This practice undermines the integrity of the government and hinders efforts to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions. It also raises questions about the level of oversight and regulation within federal agencies.

    It is crucial that steps are taken to address this issue and ensure that federal employees are held to the highest ethical standards. Transparency and accountability are essential in maintaining the public’s trust in government institutions, and any attempts to evade scrutiny must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

    Tags:

    • Federal employees
    • Job descriptions
    • Edit
    • Protect roles
    • DOGE scrutiny
    • Government scrutiny
    • Federal workforce
    • Employment regulations
    • Job security
    • Federal job descriptions

    #Federal #employees #quietly #edit #job #descriptions #protect #roles #DOGE #scrutiny

  • 1/18 Preview – Kings on Kuemps + Ending Trip Strong, PP roles, Laferriere skates but “a ways” off


    WHO: Los Angeles Kings (25-12-5) @ Seattle Kraken (19-24-3)
    WHAT: 2024-25 Regular-Season Game
    WHEN: Saturday, January 18 @ 7:00 PM Pacific
    WHERE: Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle, WA
    HOW TO FOLLOW: VIDEO: KCAL (Ch. 9) – AUDIO – ESPN LA App – TWITTER: @dooleylak & @lakings

    TODAY’S MATCHUP: The Kings conclude a five-game roadtrip this evening in Seattle, with their first visit of the season to the Emerald City.

    HEAD-TO-HEAD: Forward Anze Kopitar collected a pair of assists, while forwards Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield scored in a 2-1 victory over Seattle at Crypto.com Arena back in November.

    Forward Kevin Fiala has 15 points (2-13-15) from 11 career games versus the Kraken, tied for the sixth most of any player against the Kraken since they entered the NHL in 2021.

    KINGS VITALS: The Kings held a full-team morning skate today, after opting for an off-ice workout yesterday afternoon.

    Look for goaltender Darcy Kuemper to get the start today against the Kraken to conclude the trip, his fourth start from five games here on the road. Kuepmer who did not play in the 2-1 win over Seattle back in November, has a lifetime record of 1-1-1 against Seattle, with a .868 save percentage and a 3.33 goals-against average.

    Here’s how the Kings lined up this morning, previewing what we could see tonight –

    Turcotte – Kopitar – Kempe
    Foegele – Byfield – Jeannot
    Fiala – Danault – Moore
    Lewis – Helenius – Thomas

    Anderson – Gavrikov
    Edmundson – Clarke
    Moverare – Spence
    Englund – Burroughs

    Kuemper
    Rittich

    Forward Alex Laferriere is not expected to play tonight due to an upper-body injury, his second straight game out of the lineup. Laferriere skated this morning, hopping on the ice after the group was mostly finished, but he isn’t expected to play tonight and his timeline is a bit longer than day-to-day. He’s “a way’s away”, per Jim Hiller this morning.

    Not expecting any lineup changes today for the Kings based off of morning skate. Forward Akil Thomas and defenseman Andreas Englund are options to check in, should the Kings pursue any adjustments from the way they lined up on Thursday in Vancouver.

    KRAKEN VITALS: Seattle begins a four-game homestand this evening, entering the contest with four wins from its last 15 games,

    Per Mike Benton of the Seattle radio broadcast, here’s how the Kraken aligned this morning –

    Kraken winger Brandon Tanev missed Thursday’s game in Winnipeg due to illness but appears set to check back in tonight against the Kings.

    Seattle forward Jordan Eberle has led the Kraken against the Kings over the last four seasons, with 11 points (4-7-11) from 10 games played. Nine of his points have come at even strength, tied for the sixth most in the NHL since the 2021-22 season.

    Storyline Of The Day – Kings on Kuemps
    Always the team guy.

    Darcy Kuemper set a pretty impressive statistic after the 5-1 win over Vancouver. Kuemper has allowed one or fewer goals over his last five starts, tying the all-time franchise record for the most consecutive games allowing 0 or 1 goals. Jonathan Quick achieved the feat twice in his time here. Kuemper’s now done it once in his second stint.

    As such, Kuemper now ranks second in the NHL in goals-against average at 2.06, trailing only Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck. He’s also in the league’s Top-5 in save percentage, now up to .922 on the season. Pretty good numbers, that he deflected mostly onto the team in front of him.

    “The responsibility that every player plays with, there’s no one out there cheating for offense, guys are playing the right way and playing patient,” Kuemper said. “I think maybe when goals aren’t coming, as they didn’t for a few game stretch there, it’s easy to start cheating offensively but just the maturity of our group to know that the offense will come and dry spells do happen and just keep playing the right way and not change anything, I think that’s what makes us so tough to play against.”

    Kuemper’s teammates, though, were more than willing to talk about the way he’s been playing.

    For the week ending on January 5, Kuemper was selected as the NHL’s Third Star of the Week. With another strong showing tonight, Kuemper could be in line for another nod, entering the game with a .961 save percentage this week. He has simply been at such a high level

    “Elite is the word I use,” forward Trevor Moore said of Kuemper. “He’s been keeping us in games when we shouldn’t have been and he’s just always giving us chance, always making these big saves. We don’t want to give up too many of those chances, but we know that if something breaks down, we have Darcy there to keep it out.”

    For Jim Hiller, he’s felt that the Kings have gotten that level from Kuemper for awhile now.

    While his numbers right now are at the highest level they’ve been all season, he feels that Kuemper has delivered a solid presence for the group for pretty much the entire season, since he came in back in September.

    It’s something that has clearly made everyone in front of him comfortable playing their game.

    “He’s been unreal, it’s really easy playing in front of him, just with how confident we are with him in our net,” defenseman Jordan Spence added. “The way he’s playing right now, I think we’re really happy and I know that he’ll keep it going like that. We still have to do our job but at the same time, it gives us the confidence or momentum to get some goals and trying to win the game for him.”

    Kuemper will be back in net tonight against the Kraken, with eyes on another strong showing to propel the Kings to a winning trip.

    3 To Watch For –
    – Kings will look to conclude their trip here on a positive note, with a winning record on the line tonight against Seattle.

    Moore spoke this morning about knowing the team is 2-2 thus far, placing the importance on getting on the right side of .500. There’s something to that.

    Coming into this trip, which feels like ages ago, the Kings weren’t all that sure how they would come out. Considering everything going on back in Los Angeles when the Kings left, how would the focus be for Game 1 in Winnipeg? The answer was pretty good. The team was able to, for those few hours, focus on the game, in a win that players and coaches shared meant a little bit more than your average victory for the Kings.

    Hiller always has his focus on the final game of a trip. He felt that, despite a loss, the Kings played their best game of the December trip in Game 7 in Washington.

    “We talked about it this morning and to me, my favorite game of the road trips are always the last game, because it’s the greatest challenge,” Hiller said. “I think we’ve seen it from our team this year, they’ve been ready to meet that challenge, so I’m excited for it.”

    Despite a 2-2 record, the Kings feel their performances have been better than that mark. Compare that to perhaps some other trips this season and it’s been the other way at times. With a dialed in group today, Kings have a good chance to get on the right side of this trip, with a game that matches the first four they’ve played.

    – One small change expected for tonight, based on morning skate today.

    Defensemen Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke swapped roles on the power play, with Spence taking reps with the first unit and Clarke on the second.

    Hiller shared that he feels Spence has the best one timer of the seven defensemen who are playing right now, even if he’d like to see him use it a little bit more. With the puck not regularly going in on the power play, it’s a change designed to get another threat into the mix up top, as the Kings continue to wait for Drew Doughty to eventually return to game action.

    For Spence, he understands the opportunity and is excited for it, hoping to play his part in helping to get that unit going. He noted that he’s being encouraged to shoot the puck from the point in power-play situations, with the staff emphasizing the need to return to a more simple approach, to have a shooter’s mentality. Get shots to the net, get second looks or reset and do it again.

    “It hasn’t been our best this season, but I know they’re trying to work some things out and just rotate some guys in and see if anything clicks,” he added. “For me personally, I just have to play my game, do my job and try and contribute as much as I can on the power play. It’s great the have the opportunity to do that.”

    – Lastly, one additional way to support the LAFD and those impacted by the LA wildfires. Proceeds from sales of this merchandise will go towards the LAFD Foundaation.

    Kings and Kraken to conclude the trip! Reminder that tonight’s game is a KCAL broadcast, not FanDuel Sports Network. Talk soon!





    The Sacramento Kings are gearing up for their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on 1/18, and all eyes are on goaltender Darcy Kuemper as he looks to continue his strong play between the pipes. The Kings will also be looking to end their road trip on a high note, as they face off against the Timberwolves in what promises to be an exciting game.

    One key aspect of the Kings’ game that will be crucial to their success is their power play. Head coach Todd McLellan will be looking to solidify the roles of his players on the man advantage, as they look to capitalize on their opportunities and put more goals on the board.

    In injury news, promising young defenseman Jordan Laferriere was spotted skating with the team, but reports indicate that he is still “a ways off” from returning to the lineup. The Kings will be looking forward to Laferriere’s return, as he has shown great potential and could provide a boost to the team’s defensive depth.

    Be sure to tune in to the game on 1/18 to see how the Kings fare against the Timberwolves, and keep an eye on Kuemper, the power play, and the progress of Laferriere as the team looks to end their road trip on a high note.

    Tags:

    1/18 preview, Kings on Kuemps, ending trip strong, power play roles, Laferriere skates, NHL news, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, hockey update

    #Preview #Kings #Kuemps #Trip #Strong #roles #Laferriere #skates #ways

  • The roles Burt Reynolds felt like an idiot for rejecting


    Burt Reynolds - 2024 - Actor

    (Credits: Far Out / YouTube Still)

    While there are no guarantees that any given movie or role within it is destined to win awards, conquer the box office, or change the face of cinema, hindsight isn’t only 20/20 but undefeated with a 100% success rate. Burt Reynolds was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars at his peak, but he was left kicking himself for decades after turning down two parts that worked wonders for the people who played them.

    For at least half a decade, no leading man was more popular than Reynolds. The consecutive success of Smokey and the Bandit, Semi-Tough, The End, Hooper, Starting Over, Smokey and the Bandit II, The Cannonball Run, Sharky’s Machine, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas made him the highest-grossing actor in Tinseltown for five years in a row.

    Understandably, he was happy to keep doing what he was doing. After all, his name was enough to put butts in seats, his distinctly American brand of moustachioed machismo had propelled him to the top of the A-list, and he even notched a couple of Golden Globe nominations in the ‘Best Actor – Musical or Comedy’ category to underline that he wasn’t entirely bereft of acting chops.

    All good things must come to an end, though, and the early 1980s marked a period of irreversible decline. Reynolds gradually began slipping down the pecking order and never came close to being restored to former glories. The pinnacle of his career from that point on was undoubtedly his Academy Award-nominated turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights, even if he despised the director.

    However, things could have been very different had Reynolds accepted either of the roles he’d come to regret turning down. The first would have made his star shine even brighter and guaranteed him millions of dollars in earnings for decades to come, while the other could have seen him take to the stage and collect an Oscar.

    “This is where my IQ drops about 40 points,” he admitted, per Desert Sun. “Star Wars. That was the one.” Reynolds was being eyed for Han Solo, and after he decided he didn’t want to head off to a galaxy far, far away, Harrison Ford was awarded the part and turned the character – as well as himself – into a cultural icon.

    “But the biggest one that I turned down, and I think I could have knocked it out of the park, was Terms of Endearment,” he said. “I felt it was very close to my life at the time. But I understood the character, and that’s very important. Actors will come along and act like they know what they’re doing, but they don’t even know who they’re playing or why they’re playing the guy.”

    James L Brooks offered Garrett Breedlove to Reynolds, who knocked it back in favour of Stroker Ace, which bombed hard and landed five Razzie nominations, including ‘Worst Picture’. Meanwhile, Terms of Endearment enlisted Jack Nicholson after failing to secure its number one choice for the character, and he ended up winning the Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actor’.

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    Burt Reynolds was a Hollywood legend known for his charm, wit, and undeniable screen presence. However, there were a few roles that the iconic actor regretted turning down, leaving him feeling like an idiot for missing out on the opportunity. Here are a few of the roles Burt Reynolds wished he hadn’t rejected:

    1. James Bond in “Live and Let Die”: Reynolds was offered the role of James Bond after Sean Connery left the franchise, but he turned it down, feeling that he wasn’t right for the part. The role eventually went to Roger Moore, and Reynolds later admitted that he regretted passing up the chance to play the iconic spy.

    2. Han Solo in “Star Wars”: Reynolds was also considered for the role of Han Solo in the original “Star Wars” film, but he declined the offer, believing that the movie would flop. The role ultimately went to Harrison Ford, and Reynolds later expressed regret for not taking on the iconic character.

    3. John McClane in “Die Hard”: Reynolds was offered the role of John McClane in the action-packed film “Die Hard,” but he turned it down, feeling that it wasn’t the right fit for him. The role eventually went to Bruce Willis, and Reynolds later admitted that he felt like an idiot for passing on the opportunity to star in such a blockbuster hit.

    In the end, Burt Reynolds had an incredible career filled with memorable performances, but even he had moments where he wished he had made different choices. These missed opportunities serve as a reminder that even Hollywood legends can have regrets when it comes to turning down certain roles.

    Tags:

    Burt Reynolds, rejected roles, missed opportunities, Hollywood regrets, actor regrets, Burt Reynolds movies, career decisions, Burt Reynolds iconic roles

    #roles #Burt #Reynolds #felt #idiot #rejecting

  • The only roles Gene Hackman regretted not playing


    Gene Hackman - Actor - 1980s

    (Credits: Far Out / YouTube Still)

    Gene Hackman is regarded as one of the greatest actors in Hollywood history. His list of classics is extensive, with his Oscar-winning turns in The French Connection and Unforgiven being particularly beloved by cinephiles everywhere.

    However, even though Hackman was grateful for those films, he admitted that the nature of his roles tended to make Hollywood view him in a certain way. Much to his chagrin, he felt he became typecast as characters who use violence to achieve their ends, and that’s not where his interests lay. Instead, he regretted not exploring more roles in a vein that he rarely tapped into in his career but had a blast anytime he was afforded the opportunity.

    In 1974, Mel Brooks’s Young Frankenstein took the box office by storm. Audiences loved its fiercely clever but brilliantly silly parody of classic horror and were particularly enamoured with one scene that took them by surprise. When Peter Boyle’s lumbering Frankenstein’s Monster visits a blind, hermetic priest who spills hot soup on his lap and sets his thumb on fire instead of a cigar, the audience is stunned to realise the actor under the priest’s long wig and bushy beard is Hackman.

    At that time, Hackman was only a few years removed from winning ‘Best Actor’ for playing renegade cop Popeye Doyle in William Friedkin’s ‘Best Picture’-winning classic. He followed that up with a heroic role in The Poseidon Adventure and Francis Ford Coppola’s quietly menacing neo-noir The Conversation, cementing his status as one of the finest dramatic actors in the business. That said, Hackman had a secret hankering that few knew about: he wanted to make people laugh.

    Thankfully, Hackman regularly played tennis with one of the industry’s premiere funnymen: Gene Wilder, the star of Young Frankenstein. During one of their frequent showdowns on the court, Hackman put himself forward for a role despite being told the money on offer was nothing like what he was used to. Undeterred, he said he just wanted to be a part of it, and that was that.

    Hackman’s rib-tickling Young Frankenstein cameo became one of his most popular parts, although genuine inroads into comedy still proved difficult. In 1978’s Superman, he jumped at the chance to embrace his silly side again as Lex Luthor, telling the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “I loved the Superman assignments, on account of the comic villainy I was allowed to do there.” Indeed, Hackman wound up playing the supervillain in Superman II and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, too.

    In addition to comedy, Hackman also wanted to take a stab at another venerable Hollywood genre: the romantic drama. Once again, those roles proved few and far between for the star, even though he loved playing the steelworker tempted by an extra-marital affair in 1985’s Twice in a Lifetime. “I have regretted not letting more of my career go toward comedy or toward romantic portrayals,” he confessed. “The idea of myself as a romantic leading man – well, let’s just say Twice in a Lifetime was a very real pleasure.”

    On the plus side, Hackman did get the chance to make audiences chuckle a couple more times in the decade or so before he retired. He memorably played B-movie director Harry Zimm in 1995’s Get Shorty, as well as the odious tobacco tycoon William B Tensy in 2001’s Heartbreakers. That same year, he gave the world arguably his best comic performance in Wes Anderson’s quirky The Royal Tenenbaums, even if his dispute with the director became the stuff of legend.

    Unfortunately, no more romantic roles were on the cards, and it’s tempting to wonder if that would have been the case if, as Hackman lamented, he had pursued them more forcefully in his early career.

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    1. "The only roles Gene Hackman regretted not playing"
    2. "Uncovering the roles Gene Hackman wished he had taken on"
    3. "Gene Hackman’s biggest acting regrets revealed"
    4. "The missed opportunities of Gene Hackman’s acting career"
    5. "Exploring the roles that got away from Gene Hackman"

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    2. Gene Hackman movies
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    #roles #Gene #Hackman #regretted #playing

  • No one is offering Julia Louis-Dreyfus any dramatic roles

    No one is offering Julia Louis-Dreyfus any dramatic roles


    Even the most awarded and esteemed of actors can get pigeonholed in a certain type of role. Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a lot of awards, but they’re all for comedy, and Hollywood hasn’t provided a lot of chances for her to leave that lane. Asked in a new interview for W Magazine‘s Best Performances issue whether she’s gotten “other offers for sadder or more serious roles” since her dramatic turn in Tuesday, Louis-Dreyfus says, “No, I really have not. People usually come to me with comedic bits.” In fact, the movie was so out of her usual wheelhouse that “I did think, Why me?” she admits.

    Louis-Dreyfus’ preternatural comedic talents combined with a truthfully spotty filmography may have something to do with the industry’s reluctance to let her go dramatic. (Or, to indulge in conspiracy, it’s the Jennifer Lawrence problem where her team isn’t even letting those offers make it to JLD’s desk.) “But I would argue that the films that I’ve made with Nicole Holofcener have melancholy,” she adds. “Certainly, there’s dramas baked into her stories.”

    With Tuesday, “I was looking for something, I’m not going to use the word ‘dark,’ but dramatic, and it came at the right time, and this exact role, I felt like I had a way into it. I had an emotional understanding of what the task was before me,” Louis-Dreyfus told IndieWire in June 2024. Praising the film’s director Daina O. Pusić, she said, “This movie required me to go to a place … I have not gone before as an actor in such a big way. Perhaps when I was younger on stage, and I did dramatic parts, but to do a film that explores this kind of dramatic material, I needed to make sure I was in safe, tender hands.”

    As The A.V. Club‘s Emma Keates has argued, however, the best hands to guide Louis-Dreyfus’ immense talents on the silver screen remain Holofcener’s. Luckily, that’s a relationship both director and actor are keen to continue: “We’re trying to come up with something, but it’s not for lack of trying. We’re working on it. I’m going to see her soon. I’m definitely going to work with her again, but I can’t tell you what it is yet,” Louis-Dreyfus shared with IndieWire. In the meantime, if any other directors want to test out her dramatic abilities, she’s interested!



    Julia Louis-Dreyfus is undeniably one of the most talented comedic actresses in Hollywood, but it’s time for her to showcase her dramatic chops as well. Despite her incredible range and versatility, it seems that no one is offering her any dramatic roles.

    From her iconic roles in “Seinfeld” and “Veep” to her numerous Emmy wins, Louis-Dreyfus has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy. However, it’s clear that she has the acting chops to tackle more serious and emotional roles as well.

    It’s a shame that Hollywood seems to be pigeonholing Louis-Dreyfus into comedic roles, when she has so much more to offer as an actress. Hopefully, someone will recognize her talent and offer her the opportunity to showcase her dramatic skills in a powerful and compelling role.

    Julia Louis-Dreyfus deserves the chance to prove that she is not just a comedic actress, but a truly versatile and talented performer. It’s time for Hollywood to start offering her the dramatic roles she deserves.

    Tags:

    Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress, dramatic roles, Hollywood, television, comedy, career, Emmy winner, Seinfeld, Veep, entertainment industry, acting opportunities, leading lady, talented performer

    #offering #Julia #LouisDreyfus #dramatic #roles

  • Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season Two; Rosemarie DeWitt and Aleks Paunovic to Guest on Disney+ Series in Key Roles – canceled + renewed TV shows, ratings

    Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season Two; Rosemarie DeWitt and Aleks Paunovic to Guest on Disney+ Series in Key Roles – canceled + renewed TV shows, ratings


    by Regina Avalos,

    Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV Show on Disney+: canceled or renewed?

    (Photo: Disney+)

    Four more actors have joined the second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a  Disney+ fantasy series. They are Rosemarie DeWitt, Aleks Paunovic, Beatrice Kitsos, and Kevin Chacon.

    Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri star in the Disney+ fantasy series inspired by the Rick Riordan novels. Season two of Percy Jackson is based on the second novel in the book series titled “The Sea of Monsters.” Andra Day, Tamara Smart, Daniel Diemer, Sandra Bernhard, Kristen Schaal, and Margaret Cho will also appear in season two.

    According to THR, DeWitt will guest star as C.C., and Paunovic has signed on to play the Cyclops Polyphemus. The following was revealed about their roles:

    DeWitt’s C.C. is a stylish and composed New Age guru-type whom Percy (Walker Scobell) and Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) encounter in their quest to find the Golden Fleece. She radiates warmth and empathy, but readers of The Sea of Monsters — the book on which season two is based — know there’s more to her than that.

    Polyphemus is an ancient cyclops who was blinded by Odysseus long ago. He now tends animals and jealously guards the Golden Fleece on his private island.

    Meanwhile, Kitsos and Chacon have joined the Disney+ series in recurring roles. More was revealed about their roles as well.

    Kitsos will play Alison Simms, a character who doesn’t appear in author Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians books. She’s a Camp Half-Blood “graduate” who lives in the human world but is a true believer in the world Kronos is promising and aligns herself with Luke.

    Chacon will play Chris Rodriguez, who like Luke is a son of Hermes and is part of his group (Andrew Alvarez played Chris in few episodes of season one).

    The 2025 premiere date for season two of Percy Jackson and the Olympians will be announced later.

    What do you think? Have you enjoyed this Disney+ series? Do you plan to watch season two when it launches next year?

    Check out our status sheets to track new TV series pickups, renewals, and cancellations. You can find lists of cancelled shows here.



    Exciting news for Percy Jackson fans! Season Two of the hit Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians is in the works, and two new guest stars have been announced in key roles.

    Rosemarie DeWitt, known for her roles in La La Land and Little Fires Everywhere, will be joining the cast in a mysterious and powerful role that will shake things up for Percy and his friends. Aleks Paunovic, who has appeared in Van Helsing and Snowpiercer, will also be making a guest appearance in a pivotal role that will challenge our young heroes in unexpected ways.

    Fans can expect even more action, adventure, and mythology in Season Two of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, as Percy and his friends continue their quest to save the world from the forces of darkness.

    Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming season, and get ready to dive back into the world of gods and monsters with Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+!

    #PercyJackson #DisneyPlus #RosemarieDeWitt #AleksPaunovic #SeasonTwo #RenewedShows #TVNews

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    Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Season Two, Disney+ Series, Rosemarie DeWitt, Aleks Paunovic, Guest Roles, canceled TV shows, renewed TV shows, ratings, Disney+ original series

    #Percy #Jackson #Olympians #Season #Rosemarie #DeWitt #Aleks #Paunovic #Guest #Disney #Series #Key #Roles #canceled #renewed #shows #ratings

  • Mother and son given lengthy prison terms for their roles in the killings of 8 Ohio family members

    Mother and son given lengthy prison terms for their roles in the killings of 8 Ohio family members


    COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two more family members convicted in the killings of eight members of an Ohio family received lengthy prison terms on Friday for their roles in the 2016 shootings, as prosecutions near completion in what has been described as the most heinous crime in modern Ohio history.

    Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein sentenced Edward “Jake” Wagner to life in prison with the chance of parole in 32 years — after 12 years on gun charges and then 20 for the murders of five of the eight victims.

    It was a surprising turn, given that Wagner had pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and other charges and agreed earlier to serve eight consecutive life sentences with no chance of parole. However, Hein said he took into account other participants’ sentences in the case, as well as Wagner’s cooperation with authorities in solving the murders of seven adults and a teenager from the Rhoden family in southern Ohio’s Pike County.

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    Hein sentenced Wagner’s mother, Angela Wagner, to 30 years including credit for six years served. She had pleaded guilty to her role in helping plan the slayings.

    Angela’s mother, Rita Holcomb, was also sentenced, receiving five years of probation, a $750 fine and a suspended 180-day jail sentence, seven days of which she’s already served, for lying to investigators.

    “Each generation has its own people who can prove the depths of depravity of human nature, and that’s what this case did,” the judge said before handing down the sentences in a Waverly courtroom, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) south of Columbus. “It showed the boundless depravity of people who have no respect for others, only their own self-interest in mind.”

    During the emotional hearing, Andrea Shoemaker, the mother of shooting victim Hannah Gilley, scorned Jake Wagner as the “spawn of Satan” and his mother as “evil.” A group of the victims’ supporters later walked out of the packed courtroom in protest as Wagner went on at length about Christian forgiveness during his final statement to the judge.

    Wagner told the courtroom that two or three weeks after the murders, he prayed the most sincere prayer of his life.

    “I asked God, I said, ‘Put me and my family back on the straight and narrow path, by any means necessary,” he said. “I can tell you today I am not sorry that I got caught. I am sorry for what I’ve done, but I’m glad I got caught. I 100% believe that it was Jesus who made me get caught to answer my prayer.”

    George Wagner IV, who is Angela’s son and Jake’s brother, was sentenced in June to eight consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The judge said he wanted to distinguish Jake’s sentence from his brother’s, since Jake had cooperated with authorities while George chose to go to trial. Hein said he also took into account that Angela was facing a maximum sentence of 30 years, even though she had the power to put an end to the vicious murder plot with a single phone call and chose not to.

    According to prosecutors, George Wagner, his brother and their parents plotted the killings amid a dispute over custody of Wagner’s niece, whose mother was among those slain.

    The April 2016 shootings at three mobile homes and a camper near Piketon terrified residents in that part of rural Ohio and initially prompted speculation about drug cartel involvement. The resulting multimillion-dollar investigation and prosecution is among the state’s most extensive.

    The victims were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr. and his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden and 16-year-old Christopher Rhoden Jr.; 20-year-old Hannah Gilley, who was Clarence Rhoden’s fiancee; Christopher Rhoden Sr.’s brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; and a cousin, 38-year-old Gary Rhoden.

    The patriarch of the Wagner family, George “Billy” Wagner III, is the last of four family members facing charges in the case. Hein recently agreed to move his trial out of Pike County, a small rural community intimately familiar with the case.

    __

    This story has been updated to correct Edward “Jake” Wagner sentence to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 32 years, not 32 years in prison.



    A mother and son have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the brutal killings of 8 family members in Ohio. The two were convicted of planning and carrying out the massacre, which shocked the small community where the family lived.

    The mother, who was described as the mastermind behind the killings, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Her son, who was her accomplice in the crime, was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

    The motive for the killings remains unclear, but prosecutors believe it was related to a long-standing family feud. The victims, which included children as young as 16 years old, were found shot to death in their homes.

    The judge described the crimes as “heinous and premeditated” and said that the mother and son showed no remorse for their actions. The community has been left reeling from the tragedy, and many are struggling to come to terms with the loss of so many loved ones.

    As the mother and son begin their long prison sentences, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the senseless violence that has torn apart so many lives. May justice be served for the victims and their families.

    Tags:

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    2. Mother and son convicted
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    5. Criminal charges for Ohio family deaths
    6. Mother and son sentencing
    7. Ohio family murder case details
    8. Justice served in Ohio killings
    9. Convicted duo in Ohio family murders
    10. Mother and son prison sentences

    #Mother #son #lengthy #prison #terms #roles #killings #Ohio #family #members

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