andPOP » Comedian

Tracy Morgan Goes On Anti-Gay Tirade At Comedy Show

Christian Allaire — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:30:12 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan went on anti-gay tirade during a comedy show in Nashville, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Kevin Rogers, who attended the show, claims Morgan said he would “pull out a knife and stab” his son if he were gay. Here’s what he said of the incident:

“I have very thick skin when it comes to humor; I can dish and I can take,” Rogers wrote. “What I can’t take is when Mr. Morgan took it upon himself to mention about how he feels all this gay shit was crazy and that women are a gift from God and that ‘Born this Way’ is bulls-it, gay is a choice, and the reason he knows this is exactly because ‘God don’t make no mistakes’ (referring to God not making someone gay cause that would be a mistake).”

“He said that there is no way a woman could love and have sexual desire for another woman, that’s just a woman pretending because she hates a f–king man. He took time to visit the bullshit of this bullying stuff and informed us that the gays needed to quit being pussies and not be whining about something as insignificant as bullying.”

Morgan also added that “gay was something kids learn from the media and programming,” says Rogers.

Rogers says about 10-15 people walked out of the show, but he forced himself to stay because “I knew if I got up … he won. He wanted to piss people off and get a rise. … I’m not angry … just very very, very disappointed.”

A rep for Ryman Auditorim, where the show took place, said in a statement: “The Ryman Auditorium regrets that people were offended by statements made by Tracy Morgan during his June 3 appearance. The Ryman does not control the content presented by people appearing on its stage, nor does it endorse any of the views of, or statements made by, such persons.”

Morgan has also released a statement today, reading:

“I want to apologize to my fans and the gay & lesbian community for my choice of words at my recent stand-up act in Nashville,” he said. “I’m not a hateful person and don’t condone any kind of violence against others. While I am an equal opportunity jokester, and my friends know what is in my heart, even in a comedy club this clearly went too far and was not funny in any context.”

I think he’s dug himself a nice hole, and it will take a long time to get out of it. This kind of humour is simply unacceptable, joking or not.

John Cleese Writes Memoirs To Fund Divorce Settlement

Christian Allaire — Mon, 09 May 2011 21:40:44 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Ouch, that has to sting.

John Cleese is writing his memoirs to fund a nasty divorce settlement, reports CTV.

The ‘Monty Python’ actor and comedian is writing a book in order to help fund his £12.2 million divorce settlement from third wife Alyce Faye Eichelberger.

The book, to be titled ‘The Maintenance Memoirs,’ will be written by John with an official biographer, with them each taking it in turns to write a page. The book is thought to be able to command an advance of around £2 million from potential publishers.

Cleese told ‘The Sun’ newspaper: “I don’t think anybody’s ever done one like this. I’d been putting it off – partly because I was too busy, and also because it was too difficult trying to remember things.”

The 71-year-old star has previously said he needs to earn about £1 million a year to pay off the settlement and he is currently on a comedy tour of the U.K., dubbed ‘The Alimony Tour,’ which finishes on July 2.

That has to suck. Working just to pay off a divorce? Cleese must be worth a hell of a lot or must have done something really bad, because the ex-wife seems to be getting a lot of money out of this.

Hopefully the book makes all that money and more, so he actually gets something out of writing it.

Chelsea Handler Going to Film

Christian Allaire — Sat, 07 May 2011 18:53:42 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Chelsea Handler may bring the laughs on stage, but the comedian is now set to appear in a dramatic film role, reports E Online.

It is reported that the ‘Chelsea Lately’ star will take on the dark role of a restless housewife in the adaptation of Eric Bogosian’s 2001 novel, Mall.

Handler’s castmates include ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ star Vincent D’Onofrio, who plays a ‘voyeuristic businessman’ and is also producing the film with partner Erika Hampson and Sam Maydew.

“This film will be a comment on social violence,” D’Onofrio said in a statement. “It begins as a man walks through the front door of a suburban mall armed to the teeth, causing five strangers to embark on a night that will change them forever. As the bullets fly, one teenage boy hurtles through the night on a collision course with the man he will become.”

Joe Hahn of Linkin Park will also unleash his directing debut in this movie, and Bogosian will make a cameo as a store owner.

Wow – I love Handler, but I never saw this coming. It’s a pleasant surprise though, I think she’ll do great in this. She’s obviously shown she has the acting capabilities before, appearing on ‘In The Motherhood’ and always doing comedy sketches on ‘After Lately.’ Can’t wait to see this, I’m a huge fan!

Greg Giraldo Just Overdosed and Wasn’t A Suicide Attempt

andPOP Staff — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:49:38 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Comedian Greg Giraldo was hospitalized yesterday for an overdose but it was not a suicide attempt, reports TMZ.

The comedian known for his “Celebrity Roast” appearances was taken to a hospital in New Brunswick, NJ after being found by a friend. He apparently overdosed on prespcritpion medication.

He remains in hospital in stable condition.

Martin Short’s Wife Nancy Dead at 58

andPOP Staff — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:20:47 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Canadian funny man Martin Short’s wife, Nancy Dolman, has passed away at 58 years old.

JustJared has confirmed the death with Martin’s manager Marc Gurvitz. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Artie Lange in Hospital

andPOP Staff — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:12:51 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Artie Lange has been missing from The Howard Stern Radio Show since early December, and now it seems things are getting worse. E! Online reports that the radio comedian has been hospitalized in New Jersey for undisclosed reasons.

“We can confirm that Artie is in the hospital,” Lange’s camp said in a statement. “Artie has chosen to keep all information on this matter between him and his doctor. There will be no further comment.”

Lange has a long history of substance abuse problems. Let’s hope that 2010 is a healthier year for him.

Russell Peters Gets A New BFF for Next Tour

Emma Renda — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:46:51 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Russell Peters has found a new BFF – Edmonton comedian Kathleen McGee.

You know you’re funny when Russell Peters handpicks you from a roster of Canada’s top aspiring comics to open his next Canadian tour. Kathleen McGee, a comedian from Edmonton, Alta., was Peters’ choice from The SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Russel Peters’ Search for Canada’s BFF (Best Funny Five).

“I watched all the entries – not just the top 10,” Peters said. “I wanted to make sure that I found someone who made me laugh, and Kathleen made me laugh.”

Videos from thousands of comedians nationwide were submitted to the contest in the hopes of making Peters’ top 10, which aired on CTV’s The Comedy Network this October. McGee’s five-minute sketch came out on top, earning her the opening slot at one of Peters’ tour stops in 2010.

“I’m very grateful to both Russell Peters and SIRIUS Canada for giving me this opportunity to show Canadians what I’m all about,” said McGee. “This is such a huge step for me! Hopefully one day I will headline my own first big national tour, I can only hope I’ll be as gracious as Russell and always remember my comedy roots. For Russell to say that I’m funny means a lot to me!”

McGee, who currently resides in Toronto, uses her sketches to make an audience both laugh and blush at the same time. This is not her first brush with a comedy tour – she has toured Canada and has appeared on BiteTV.

Scarborough’s Jack Dani was the runner-up, and will also get the chance to share the spotlight with Peters.

“I was shocked to find out that I was selected as a wild card entry, and very honoured when I was told that Russell himself selected me out of the crowd,” said Dani. “Contests like these offer such great exposure for a comic like me and I’m thankful to both Russell Peters and SIRIUS for supporting the Canadian comedy scene and allowing me to unleash my humour on the unsuspecting masses.”

Dani’s specialty is animation and impressions, a trait that won over Peters so much he had to make the last minute wildcard selection.

“Choosing Jack as a wild card wasn’t planned, but here again, he just made me laugh,” said Peters. “I like to think that I’m sharing something new and funny with my fans when I have someone open for me – it’s like me saying, ‘hey I like this person and I think you will too’.”

Want To See a Twenty-Two Second Interview With Chris Rock?

@jordans_life — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:19:27 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

At andPOP we are all about creating efficient interviews that get straight to the point. In that spirit here is our interview with Chris Rock after the Toronto premiere of Good Hair.

Russell Peters Searching for a BFF

Sara Harowitz — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:57:43 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

It looks like Paris Hilton isn’t the only one on a nation-wide search for a new BFF. But this time, don’t count on any input from Tinkerbell.

SIRIUS Canada announced in a press release yesterday that Canadian comic Russell Peters was in partnership with the satellite radio company to find Canada’s next big stand-up comedian. SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Russell Peters’ Search for Canada’s BFF (“BFF,” in this case standing for, ”Best Funny Five”), is a national talent search to find the Canadian amateur stand-up comedian with the best five-minute set.

The winner will receive the opportunity to open with their five-minute act for Peters on his upcoming North American tour. The winning comedian will also receive a $2,500 “appearance fee,” travel and accommodation for two, VIP backstage treatment, and the chance to hang out with Peters before the show.

“The SIRIUS Best Funny Five contest is a great opportunity for someone to experience what it’s like to step into the spotlight and perform in front of thousands of people,” said Peters. ”I’m looking forward to reviewing the top ten entries and sharing the spotlight with Canada’s next comedy star.”

The contest will be promoted at sirius.ca and on CTV’s The Comedy Network.

“The Russell Peters’ BFF contest is a great fit for SIRIUS,” said Paul Cunningham, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for SIRIUS Canada Inc. “We’re excited to give an up-and-coming Canadian comic a shot at the big-time by performing with Russell.”

Starting October 5, Canadians can upload a video of their best five-minute comedy set to www.sirius.ca. The video can be of anything from jokes, to impressions, to physical comedy. After the upload is complete, entrants will be able to invite people to view and rate their video.

Then, beginning November 1, online voting will open and Canadians will be able to vote for their overall favourite comedian.

And starting November 15, Peters and SIRIUS will review the top 10 videos based on viewer votes, and will select the grand prize winner from there.

However, those who may not necessarily be the next Peters, but still feel they have something to offer, should not be discouraged. Full five-minute video uploads are not mandatory, because the highest rated videos of jokes and other comic relief have a great chance of winning runner-up prizes from SIRIUS.

These secondary prizes include SIRIUS Satellite Radios, accessories, subscriptions, and merchandise.

Peters, who has been a world-wide comic favourite for two decades, reminds those who are serious about being the BFF that it’s no Paris Hilton charade.

“There’s nowhere to hide when you’re on-stage doing stand-up,” he said. ”You’ve got to deliver.”

Ben Stiller Tries To Mooch Ryan Seacrest Tweets

Robert Ostfield — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:15:51 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Apparently Ben Stiller is trying to get huge with Twitter and is trying to Mooch Ryan Seacrest. See below for proof:

Balls Of Steel

Robert Ostfield — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:04:05 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

This summer, Sacha Baron Cohen returns to theatres with Brüno. Surprisingly, there have been nearly no successful attempts to take on reality comedy appetite Cohen helped bring into the mainstream.

From a Friendly Goth to the infomercial host Fibre Man, Canadian comedian Paul Telner has soared to becoming one of the most popular Canadian comedians online.

Paul also stars in hidden camera pranks under the brand name of Apauled, which first aired on U.S. cable network G4 TV. Each episode monthly has Paul failing at different jobs out in front of the unsuspecting public.

Another element of the Paul Telner experience is the behind-the-scenes of Paul’s world as he and his crew pulls pranks on the public, and each other.

While many prank shows from Jackass to Viva La Bam have embraced a dark and punk look, Paul’s comedy, as directed by Paul’s co-writer Jason Fisher, is not afraid to look and feel big, bright and goofy, while mixing with edgy and daring concepts.

A self-proclaimed dork, obsessed with Orange soda, cake, and bright clothing, Paul’s innocent factor is what has lured many people to him. Paul is doing what no one would imagine someone doing with his physical make-up. One of the most common comments on Paul’s YouTube videos is that he has balls of steel.

Thanks to his American TV gig, and the success of his segments on sites such as YouTube, where he now has nearly 50,000 subscribers on his various channels, MuchMusic decided to bring Paul’s comedy to their 7 million household audience.

For the last two months, MuchMusic’s flagship daily series MuchOnDemand has showcased the best of Paul’s clips on YouTube. Starting shortly, new pranks and character-based segments will premiere on MOD.

The best starting point is PaulTelner.com.

Public Memorial Held for Bernie Mac

Irene Ogrodnik — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:19:53 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Bernie Mac was remembered by family, friends and thousands of fans at a public memorial, reports E! News. Mac died one week ago from complications with pneumonia at the age of 50.

Some stars to pay tribute to the late actor/comedian were Chris Rock, Rev. Jesse Jackson and actor Samuel L. Jackson – who all delivered emotional speeches.

Mac’s fellow Original Kings of Comedy – Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and DL Hughley – sat next to each other, breaking down in tears during the service. However, once on stage, the group remembered the Mac Man with funny memories.

“This dude is a very popular guy,” said Cedric. “You know y’all were like ‘let me get four tickets to the funeral!’ He’s still the hottest ticket in town.”

Oprah Winfrey, Senator Barack Obama and Andy Garcia all sent written condolences.

Stars Pay Tribute to Bernie Mac

Irene Ogrodnik — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:33:55 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

As word spreads that comedian actor Bernie Mac has died, tributes are pouring in from the funny man’s friends and colleagues.

Chris Rock issued the following statement to E! News: “Bernie Mac was one of the best and funniest comedians to ever live but that was the second best thing he did. Bernie was one of the greatest friends a person could have. Losing him is like losing 12 people because he absolutely filled up any room he was in. I’m gonna miss the Mac Man.”

Co-star Carl Reiner, who starred with Mac in all three “Oceans 11” movies, had these words to say: “It’s a tremendous loss because of his age and the fact that he was such a vital original human being. When I use the word ‘original’ I really mean it. He was like no other person I knew. He lived his life to the fullest even when we were on the set when we did Oceans. He had his own little apartment and he cooked and invited people to lunch everyday and he had food that was for everybody. He made very exotic things. His conversations were always different that any conversations I had with anyone else. They were very family oriented he talked about his wife and children with such love and it’s very hard to believe that he’s not with us anymore.”

Mac’s other co-stars George Clooney says: “The world just got a little less funny. He will be missed dearly,” while Brad Pitt expresses his words: “I lament the loss of a ferociously funny and hardcore family man. My thoughts are with Rhonda and their family. Bernie Mac, you are already missed.”

Bernie Mac died Saturday morning due complications from pneumonia. The actor was 50.

Bernie Mac Hospitalized

Irene Ogrodnik — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:52:00 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Funnyman Bernie Mac is in the hospital, undergoing treatment for pneumonia.

According to E! News, the comedian’s publicist Danica Smith released the following statement:

“Mr. Mac is responding well to treatment and will be released soon. He asked that his privacy and that of his family is respected while he gets well.”

Mac’s wife, Rhonda McCullough, has been by her husband’s side with him at the hospital.

“He’s doing great and hopes to get out soon,” Smith said. “He’s Bernie — he’s one of the best guys you’ll meet.”

The star’s pneumonia is not related to his 2005 diagnosis of sarcoidosis—an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation in organs such as the lungs or lymph nodes.

Mac is well known for his role in “The Bernie Mac Show,” “Ocean’s 11,” “Transformers” and “Charlie’s Angel: Full Throttle.”