Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
MONTHLY
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REMEMBERING
MICHAEL JACKSON
THE KING OF POP
JEN & BRAD HONEYMOON MASION
KOBE BRYANT TRIBUTE
CELESTE M. COOPER
GOING THE DISTANCE IN "RANGE RUNNER"
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR W
elcome readers to a very special issue of Hollywood Monthly and a personal one for me, as well. To begin with we're incredibly excited to have our first animated feature film as a Hollywood Monthly Cover. SCORPION GIRL! When you read about the creative minds that went into producing this amazing film you'll be adding this to your must-see list of new movies coming soon. We also have in this issue our Kobe Bryant Tribute and a pictorial layout of Remembering Michael Jackson, The King of Pop. Hollywood Weekly continues reprinting our Original 2013 "Joe Exotic: Tiger King Series" in this issue of Hollywood Monthly. Within the pages of the publication in your hands you will find my April 2103 Cover Story on Joe Exotic entitled "Joe Exotic: Born To Save The Wild." I am so excited for you to finally be able to read who "the real Joe Exotic is." The compassionate, multidimensional human being we met in 2013 who was born to care for animals and love them. I don't want to say too much about my story on Joe Exotic and why Hollywood Weekly saw it fit to crown him our "Tiger King" in 2013. You be the Judge... Enjoy! As always we thank you, our readers. We are who we are because of you...
Anthony Ewart Associate Editor
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES & ASST TO THE PUBLISHER Jordan O'Quinn-Campbell MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Ewart Alex A. Kecskes Jenny Werth ART DIRECTOR Denise Chavez CHINA OPERATIONS Victor Migalchan victor@hollywoodweeklymagazine.com (213) 220-3052 (424) 371-9900 INDIA OPERATION Ike Sinha Country Director Art4Peace Awards Hollywood Weekly Magazine B1/1565 Vasantkunj New Delhi-110 070 Mobile +919599068592 ASIA OPERATION Bench Bello HWM Asia Operations hollywoodmagazineusa@gmail.com Mobile +639273895559 DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS
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JEN AND BRAD OCTAVIA SPENCER 4 SCORPION-GIRL 16 28 Honeymoon Mansion Personal Crusade A Conversation with Surinder Multani HITHA CELESTE M. COOPER KOBE 18 32 8 Tribute Who Are We? Generation Z! Going the Distance in "Range Run" MICHAEL JACKSON CAROLINA DELA PACE SOUL VISION MAGAZINE 20 The King of Pop 34 Designer 12 Dominique Williams 14 DR.Real DealJAIAdvice I'd Use Myself 24 JOEBorn ToEXOTIC Save the Wild HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY IS A PUBLICATION WHOLLY OWNED BY PRATHER JACKSON HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAY BE SENT TO: PRATHER@HOLLYWOODWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM. 8345 RESEDA BLVD #117, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CALL: (424) 371-9900
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Photo: Terence Patrick ©2017 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 11
FEATURES FROM
DOMINIQUE “MRSGIJANE” WILLIAMS: HEADING FOR THE BRIGHT LIGHTS
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Do what moves your spirit.
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DominiQue “MrsGiJane” Williams is a blossoming actress. She’s from Cincinnati, Ohio which she describes as a “fun little city full of wishers and dreamers that sometimes gets the opportunity to give their ambitions life.” The Isley Brothers, L.A. Reid, and Katt Williams all have roots in the city. DominiQue looks at herself as continuing the lineage of stars who had ambitions beyond the city limits. They were headed for the bright lights! DominiQue admits that Cincinnati “is not known as a place where stars are born,” but she is definitely proud to call it home.
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I’m trying to give my audience the truest version of myself as the character that I am playing at the time. I embody that technique and truth into my artistic work.
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She does not describe her developing career as an actress as a learned skill or even work. “As an actress, I don’t categorize what I do as a craft. I am who I am,” she explains. “I am who I have been called to be. Acting embodies my persona.” Self-care is important to DominiQue. She’s always working on herself. She says that it is important for her “spiritual side” to be taken care of as well. This is how she performs her best when she’s on screen. “I am channeling my most inner emotions into the roles I play,” she explains. “I’m trying to give my audience the truest version of myself as the character that I am playing at the time. I embody that technique and truth into my artistic work.” DominiQue Williams makes her debut on the big screen in Warner Bros’ Shaft (2019) with Samuel L. Jackson, Regina Lee Hall and a cameo by Richard Roundtree (the original Shaft). The new film is the fifth in the series and the sequel to the 2000’s film of the same name. It premieres at
the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) this summer in Miami and will be in theaters nationwide on June 14. She has a number of projects in the works but is playfully reluctant to share the details on those. She believes the suspense will keep the fans wanting more. “I could tell you more, but where’s the fun in that? I have to leave you with something to stay tuned for.” And just like that, we are left to guess the magnitude of her next projects. We have a feeling they’re going to be fantastic! To learn more about DominiQue “MrsGiJane” Williams, follow her on IG @mrsgijane. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 13
REAL DEAL ADVICE I’D USE MYSELF
Signed, ~IsitLove DEAR ISITLOVE: Thank you for writing queen. In all honesty, your question has a reoccurring theme that I am hearing more and more by women and men alike. The truth is that dating in these days and times is indeed different and finding new ways of meeting people especially online has become the new norm. So, let’s talk… about (duh... duh … duh) …love! Everyone who knows me knows I love talking about love and all its components in between, but in my reality and my opinion love doesn’t fit into one description. Just like a lot of us, I have fallen in love; thought I had fallen in love and been in and out of love a few times in my life. Each of these experiences were at the time something amazingly special and all were very different. With that said, my feelings are that the true definition of love is remarkably different for everyone. When we are first beginning a relationship there is a heavy production of hormones that can indeed give us an overwhelming feeling that one could consider love, but it could really can be love… right?! 14 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
So, are you ready? I’m going to give you some JRDA (Jai’s Real Deal Advice). • Take your time and focus on getting to know him. Statistics do show that it takes a year or more to really get to know someone, but not everyone fits into a statistic so follow your intuition on what is best for you. • Remember it’s okay to follow your heart. If you both are feeling love that’s a beautiful thing. The beauty of love is that if you both are feeling it there is no rush…with love comes patience. • Pay special attention to your feelings. Always make sure you feel comfortable and unpressured and if he truly loves you then this won’t be a problem at all. So, to answer your questions, I don’t think it is crazy “at all” to meet your new found guy online. My advice is the same as any good friend, parent or coach and that is to just be careful, making sure he is who he says he is. Review his social media presence as this is important., Is he good with his family? Is he okay with facetime? Always listen to your gut and notice the red flags. People meet people in the strangest places. I have met someone in a Starbucks, in a club, and on an airplane and each were all special in different ways and meant for me in that moment in time. Dating on line like anywhere else have nice guys and not so nice ones. There are jerks everywhere so again trust your instincts. My rule for you is if there is more than three red flags, you aren’t evenly yoked.
But you have to trust, believe, and use your intuition to determine when enough is enough for you. Remember “YOU GOT THIS”, and all will fall into place! Blessings to you and may you find your happily ever after”. ~Dr. Jai Strategic Ladies Generational Prospective Tips • Be mindful of how this relationship makes you feel about your true self… • Acknowledge the red flags so that you can rid yourself of negative energy… • Follow your instincts …and Background checks are good Monthly Mindful Relationship Quote
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With all of your mite embrace the good and rid yourself of the all that is negative...Nourish you heart as you do your body
~Dr. Jai
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DEAR DR. JAI: Is it weird that I am starting a relationship and already having strong feelings for someone during a pandemic? I have been single for a very long time and finally had the nerve to get on a dating site and met this great guy. He seems like everything I ever wanted, but because of the pandemic we haven’t met. Should I slow things down? He’s already told me he is falling in love.
HAVE A QUESTION? WANT COACHING ADVICE?
Listen to Dr. Jai and her fellow strategic lady Dr. Estella. On the Mindful Media Show airing life weekly for relationship talks with a generational perspective. Go to www.strategicladies.com and www.askdrjai.com for dates and showtimes.
WRITE: OFFICE@ASKDRJAI.COM or DRJACINTA@STRATEGICLADIES.COM
WANT MORE? VISIT: WWW.ASKSDRJAI.COM or
DR. Jacinta CK (Dr. JAI)
WWW.STRATEGICLADIES.COM
NEED ROMANCE
STRATEGIC LADIES
DR. Estella (Mindful Dr. E)
NEED CLOTHING VISIT: WWW.ASKDRJAI.COM
Disclaimer Notice: All coaching/intuitive advice given on any platform, article, magazine, website etc.; does not substitute a medical practitioner or any other expert advice. All choices you make in life are your responsibility and in no way does Dr.Jai (Jacinta) guarantee and does not accept any liability for indirect or direct damage that may arise or for any loss or damage of any kind. Be safe, make wise choices and be blessed. All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 15
Jen & Brad’s Honeymoon Mansion T
hough not much has been said lately about the possibility of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt getting back together again now that they’re both single, the drop-dead-gorgeous home they bought soon after they were married in 2000 for $13.5 million, and owned together until one year after their 2005 divorce, has just sold. The 11,173-square-foot home, originally built in 1934 for twotime Oscar-winning actor Fredric March as one of the first movie star mansions in Beverly Hills, came on the market last year listed at $56 million. The price was lowered over time but didn’t sell and was taken off the market when it reached $44.5 million in March. It finally sold for $32.5 million in an off-market deal, more than double what Aniston and Pitt originally paid for it.
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Jen and Brad’s love mansion is nestled into a bit over an acre on a quiet cul-de-sac with gated entrances on two streets, five bedrooms and thirteen baths between the main house and a one-bedroom guest house. Formal rooms are large with the dining room capable of seating 20 guests and the bar room with its original fireplace, eat-in gourmet kitchen and gym. The lower-level living room and bar-screening room open to the swimming pool terrace. Grounds are tropical and thick with mature greenery. Much of what exists inside and outside the house today was thanks to Jen and Brad. Soon after they bought the home in 2001, the super couple began a three-year renovation replacing the kitchen floor with heated marble, designing and installing a pub with floors sourced from a 200-year-old French château and adding a private screening room. They also added a tennis court and pavilion with a guest house on the upper level. In January of 2005, their separation was announced and the home sold in 2006 for $26 million to hedge fund executive Jonathan Brooks, who completed the renovation and added some features of his own. Having owned the home for 14 years and not counting the cost of his own changes, his profit on this sale was approximately $6 million. Susan Smith of Hilton & Hyland was the listing agent and representing the buyer were Justin Huchel and Drew Fenton who are also with Hilton & Hyland.
Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com • Photo Credit: Tyler Hogan Link: www. Toptenrealestatedeals.com/weekly-ten-best-homedeals/home/jen-brads-honeymoon-mansion-just-sold
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Hitha 18 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Who are we? GENERATION Z!
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et’s face a fact, our generation, Generation Z, is one of the most powerful generations of all time. Born between 1995 and 2015, we entered the world just as a new century began. Growing up, we were taught about all the things we didn’t need to know. We are surrounded by technology, which can be considered good, but it can also be extremely harmful and not in the way most people think. Technological advancements such as phones and computers were introduced to us at a much earlier age than prior generations. It means we have had all the world’s knowledge and resources at our fingertips. Sure, these devices have been an incredible resource, but they have also introduced us to important things at a younger age, forcing us to grow up faster than ever before. Looking at social media, and seeing all the bad that’s happening around us, and then not learning about ways to solve these kinds of problems just left us confused and anxious. How are we suppose to resolve these issues when we are in charge? Then a tidal wave hit our world, COVID19. Everyone had to be self-quarantined in their own home for an unknown amount of time, and when everyone believed that the Corona Virus would be the worst of our problems, secrets started spilling out and bad things were done to good people. America started to see the truth behind our country. That’s when Generation Z finally took action. No matter what our political stances were, and no matter what situations we put ourselves in, we could count on each other as a whole community. Gen Z fought for their beliefs and made their mark on the world. Because we were introduced to technology earlier, we got to connect to people all over the world, unifying our generation and allowing many to name Generation Z as one of the most influential generations in history.
Now let’s talk about change. Many issues in the American societies started when the first colonists to discover America, took the land for themselves. As this country began to grow and develop, more and more discriminatory and unjust methods were taking action. Now, in 2020, we are at a time where the discrimination being hidden has been brought to light. Racism was embedded in our American history and still, even today is being shoved under a rug. But that’s not the only thing that’s happening. Influential people are being held accountable for their mistakes, no matter how big or small they were. People are raising awareness to the Native American women going missing. They are trying to bring attention to the number of unjust deaths to many African Americans, including Breonna Taylor and many more. People are not only focused on problems in America though, we are talking about worldwide issues such as Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and the concentration camps for Muslims in China. There are many problems all over the world right now. The best way to overcome them is by felling globally united and tackling one problem by one. When the world is at a time of crisis, Generation Z has shown that they can come together as a league and fight for what they believe in. After all, the way we were brought up lead us to be very forward-thinking and innovative, with strong morals and true clarification of what is right and what is wrong. This is only the start of a long journey to complete the vision of a perfect world, but this generation knows how to take the next step. We know just how strong we are as a union.
Hitha.me
Social: @OfficialHitha HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 19
Michael Jackson Photos Michael Jackson The King of Pop
Remembering
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JOE EXOTIC Born to Save the Wild Written by Anthony Ewart
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F
ew of us have the courage to do what we were born to do; and before you ask who really knows what we were born to do – you know. We all do. You don’t have to be Nostradamus to put the signs of your life together and see where they’re pointing. The problem is fate is scary. Just ask Euripides and Sophocles. Greek tragedies are filled with stories about people who fought against their destiny. It’s difficult to outrun it – but if you do, what then? What kind of life can you live that the Universe didn’t have planned for you. Whether you like
yourself or not, there you are – you might as well use the talents that you have for the purpose they were given to you. Who knows, the Universe just may know what it’s doing… Before he became the world-renowned Joe Exotic, Joe was just a regular kid growing up with his brother on a farm in Garden City, Kansas. He worked on the farm until he was thirteen and his family moved to Centennial, Wyoming. If you don’t know the exact location of Centennial you’re in good company with the rest of the world – it’s literally in the mountains, and at the time had a population of fifty people. Joe worked on a cattle ranch there until he was seventeen. So, from birth until nearly his eighteenth birthday Joe had lived around and worked with animals. The Universe had spoken, but it wasn’t done…
tigers and lions to bottle feed them – Joe was transfixed. These were endangered animals from all over the world. Animals who needed help. Compassion never leaves, it only grows, and whatever life throws at you the Universe will find a way to get you back on track to what you’re supposed to be doing. Once Joe’s therapy was finished he moved back to Texas where he bought an exotic pet store with his brother, Garold Wayne, in Arlington. They named it Pet Safari. For sixteen years Joe and Garold operated the largest privately owned exotic animal store in Texas. It was 40,000 square feet, and most importantly, Joe and Garold began rescuing wild animals, as well…but tragedy struck again.
Compassion is sparked by witnessing something firsthand that touches your heart. You never forget it. It colors your view of love and sympathy and empathy. It shapes you. You develop a resolve to do something about any further atrocities that you see. Compassion is a powerful emotion.
On October 14th, 1997 Joe’s brother, Garold, was struck by a drunk driver at the wheel of a semitruck. Seven days on Earth was all Joe had left with his brother who died while on life-support. Just like that, everything was different. The world changed. Garold, Joe’s brother and best friend in life was gone…
As a young teenager living in Centennial Joe witnessed just such an atrocity. Trees in the mountains were being cut down at an alarming rate, animals were losing their homes and being left to die. Face to face with this, Joe made a decision, whether he knew at such a young age that this decision would end up being his life’s work I don’t know. I don’t even think Joe knew. He saw a horrendous problem and he acted based on the compassion he felt for the stranded animals. He began bringing baby raccoons, opossums, porcupines and even skunks home to nurse them
There was, however, a way Joe could keep Garold’s memory close to his heart while celebrating all Garold was with the world. In the last seven days of Garold’s life in that hospital room Joe made his brother two promises: one, Garold’s name would be remembered forever; and two, he would take care of their parents and never let them end up in a nursing home – this was Garold’s biggest fear. Garold was always thinking about the future of his parents; he wanted them happy. The mold may have been broken when Garold and Joe were born…
back to health and then release them. I know, skunks. Let’s just say Joe has always had a very big heart.
The G.W. Exotic Animal Memorial Park is Joe’s promise to his brother, Garold. He started the park with one deer and one mountain lion, the park is now the largest in the world for rescuing tigers. It houses 173 tigers with over 800 other animals who were rescued…and things didn’t stop there. Joe knew it would be hard convincing people to care about endangered animals they’ve never seen, so he created a traveling show with his animals that toured the Nation. A magic show. The opening song of the show, written by Joe, is a beautifully touching composition about the life and death of his brother, Garold, the namesake of the Memorial Park. In Joe’s closing song he wrote about what people could do to stop killing animals in the wild – and also, how we could all stop hurting and killing each other. The magic show was a tremendous success. It became a world tour and lasted eight years. Millions of people witnessed Joe’s magical mystery tour with his tigers and lions, and Garold’s name was spread across the universe… Promise fulfilled.
At seventeen Joe’s family sold their ranch and they all moved to Texas where Joe finished high school. Joe was in the city now, and his mountain rescue days were behind him. After graduation he joined the police academy. At nineteen he became the youngest police chief in the state of Texas. Tragedy struck soon after, however, when Joe’s police car was struck by a drunk driver. Joe was in traction for close to two months after the accident, and forced to where braces for the next five years. He moved to West Palm Beach for a form of physical therapy he’d read about that involved salt water and kept him out of operating rooms. A neighbor in his apartment was the manager of Lion Country Safari in Florida… What are the odds? The neighbor would bring home baby monkeys,
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 25
Joe discovered in his crusade to help rhinos that farmers in South Africa were being murdered for their crops and farms. Women being beaten , raped and murdered. Cruelty and evil doesn’t segregate its victims – both animals and humans are seen as prey. Every Tuesday night on JoeExoticTV.com the entire show is dedicated to a South African woman Joe met named Anna. Not only was Anna beaten and raped on her farm, she had one of her feet chopped off by criminals stealing from her. The Tuesday show is entitled “Hope for Anna,” and the goal is to raise money to hire at least four more South African rangers to protect farmers like Anna. Joe is now rescuing people. Joe found an old circus man and his chimpanzee living on a beach in south Texas. Homeless. Forgotten. Neglected. Joe brought the man and his chimpanzee to live in his park… How proud JoeExoticTV.com is a worldwide phenomenon. He broadcasts live from a private studio in his animal park in Oklahoma every day. Thousands of people from around the world log in nightly to watch his show – imagine having a base demographic of America, Europe, Africa and Brazil. Joe Exotic is name synonymous with animal rescue. He’s made movies for the BBC, Nat Geo and Korea TV, and has been seen on television in Austria, Belgium and the UK. Joe is now working with the United States Zoological Association to bring awareness about the plight of wild rhinos in South Africa. One rhino is killed every day simply for their horn. Wild rhinos are sedated and their horns chopped off with hatchets and chainsaws; the rhino is then left to bleed to death…this kind of horrific brutality taking place in 2013? Unbelievable. Some say America is not getting involved in stopping this slaughter because we have nothing to financially gain from doing so; regardless,
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Joe is getting the message to his fans worldwide. $2,000 a month is all it would take to hire one armed ranger to protect rhinos – there are currently only four rangers in all of South Africa. The courage to do what one was born to do… The Universe chose well with Joe Exotic. Despite unbearable tragedy in his life, Joe has continued to pour out his love into this world and try to stop suffering – all this from a man with broken heart. The human heart, it seems, is more powerful and resilient than many of us ever thought; and compassion is the gift of life that keeps on giving.
Garold must be of his brother, Joe. How far has Joe come from the exotic pet store he opened with Garold, as George Harrison would say, “all those years ago.” Joe Exotic has fulfilled his destiny to protect those unable to protect themselves – and his parents? Joe kept his promise to Garold. Joe moved his parents near his animal park where he can keep a close eye on them. Most days you’ll find Joe’s parents at the animal park, feeding chickens and talking to visitors about theirs two sons, of whom they are very proud… I think we can all share in that sentiment…
Compassion is sparked by witnessing something firsthand that touches your heart. You never forget it. It colors your view of love and sympathy and empathy.
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OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS OCTAVIA SPENCER CALLS FOR INCREASED AND AUTHENTIC CASTING OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Photo Credit: Getty Images
“CASTING ABLE-BODIED ACTORS IN ROLES FOR CHARACTERS WITH DISABILITIES IS OFFENSIVE, UNJUST, AND DEPRIVES AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE FROM OPPORTUNITIES,” OCTAVIA SPENCER SAYS IN A NEW PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT WITH THE RUDERMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer today joined the
Ruderman Family Foundation in calling on the entertainment industry to increase the casting of people with disabilities, including in on-screen roles that portray characters with disabilities. Appearing in a newly released public service announcement, Spencer recounts Hollywood’s long history of inauthentic representation and exclusion of marginalized populations — from men playing women until 1660; to white actors playing black, Asian, and Native American characters; to LGBTQ stories getting left out of film and television until the last two decades. “All of these communities of people had to endure not only their stories being told inauthentically, but also seeing themselves portrayed inauthentically,” says Spencer in a message filmed for the Ruderman Family Foundation. “But nothing can replace lived experience and authentic representation. That’s why it’s imperative that we cast the appropriate actor for the appropriate role, and that means people with disabilities as well. Casting able-bodied actors in roles for characters with disabilities is offensive, unjust, and deprives an entire community of people from opportunities.” She continues, “I am joining with the Ruderman Family Foundation to call on the entertainment industry to increase casting of people with disabilities. There is no reason that we should continue to repeat the same mistakes of the past. Together, we should and can do better.” Spencer’s call amplifies the Foundation’s series of initiatives to foster greater inclusion in the entertainment industry. 28 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Last December, the organization circulated an open letter calling on studio, production, and network executives to pledge to create more opportunities for people with disabilities, and to make more inclusive casting decisions. Among those who signed the pledge were Oscar winners George Clooney and Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar nominees Ed Norton, Bryan Cranston and Mark Ruffalo, Golden Globe winner Glenn Close, Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly, accomplished actress Eva Longoria, and acclaimed filmmaker Bobby Farrelly. A separate Foundation-initiated pledge to commit to auditioning more actors with disabilities was signed by CBS, while the BBC pledged to implement more authentic and distinctive representation of people with disabilities on screen. The Foundation also released a white paper showing that half of U.S. households want accurate portrayals of characters with disabilities, and despite that only 22% of characters with disabilities are authentically portrayed on television. “As an Oscar-winning actor, Octavia Spencer embodies Hollywood’s vast potential to serve as a powerful catalyst for positive social change if studio, production, and network executives commit to more inclusive and authentic representation,” said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “We are gratified that Ms. Spencer has joined our call and we look forward to have other actors and actresses, filmmakers, producers and studios to continue to create unprecedented momentum that brings about greater casting of people with disabilities.” To view Octavia Spencer's video message in full, please see here: Youtube.com/watch?v=RYcKlnIc63M
Photo Credit: Getty Images HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 29
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HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 31
CELESTE M. COOPER Going the distance in Range Runners
By Alex A. Kecskes Born and raised in Joliet, IL, Celeste M. Cooper is the youngest of four children of Keith, the former warden of Joliet Correctional Center, and Anitra, a special education teacher. A former shy athlete (track and field, basketball, volleyball, and swimming), Celeste got the acting bug after several teachers persuaded her to start acting. She eventually skipped track practice in her senior year of high school to audition for You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Soon after, Celeste was cast as Lucy Van Pelt and never looked back. Celeste went on to study acting at Tennessee State University and then DePaul University’s The Theatre School, where she received her MFA in Acting in 2012. Less than a year out of school, Celeste performed at one of the top theaters in the Midwest—the Goodman Theatre—where she played Juliet in Measure for Measure. A few months later, she co-stared on Chicago P.D. as Medical Examiner Cooper, which turned into a recurring role. In 2014, Celeste was named Most Promising Actress at the Black Theatre Alliance Awards. In Range Runners, Celeste is Mel, a distance runner who encounters two drug criminals on a rugged mountain trail. After being beaten, tied up, and badly injured, she summons the courage and will survive. Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What drew you to Range Runners and the character of Mel? Celeste M. Cooper: As soon as I got the sides from my agent, I identified with Mel, which included being pushed and encouraged by her father and running to please him. I thought, OMG, I completely understand this woman. Succeeding in sports was part of my father’s dream for me and Mel was trying to prove that she could distance run and ultimately fight for her life. Did you audition for the role, if so, what was that like? Celeste: Yes, I got the sides and went into PR Casting. After doing both sides, they set up a callback but I was rehearsing for a play, so I met them at a shooting warehouse in Chicago. And when I saw the producer, director, and
32 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
writer, and no one else, I just assumed that the other actors for the role had come for their callback on another day. But I learned later, that I was the only one they called back. After seeing how I ran and engaged in fight coordination, the stunt coordinator, Aaron Crippen, who is amazing, liked me. Then the director, Philip S. Plowden started talking to me like I’d already got the part, saying, you’re the one I want for this. So I was a bit surprised. But then I thought, well, I proved that I could act and do the physical stuff, so why not? Being the only person in a callback was something I’d never experienced. I sometimes like auditions, just so I can prove to myself that, yeah, this one’s mine. I’m going to rock this thing (laughs). Are you a runner? Did you train for this physically grueling film?
myself, ‘no matter what, I have to get this shot…mind over matter.’ What did you draw from to portray the emotions of a woman at first defeated, then summoning the strength, willpower, and courage to go on? Celeste: I personalized every situation Devon Colwell wrote for Mel. I used my imagination, small pieces of my life, and/or personalized experiences I’ve heard about. What was the biggest challenge you faced in completing this film? Celeste: Two things: the conditions and dealing with unfamiliar props. We shot in the woods and it was extremely hot; however, I still had to run and fight whenever the scene called for it. There were ticks everywhere—sometimes on me—and snakes, bugs, dirt, and more. My make-up consisted of dirt, fake blood, and sweat. I felt gross every day. I was afraid of heights but quickly had to get over that. I used to call Range Runners the ultimate Fear Factor episode (laughs). The other challenge was dealing with several props for the first time in a scene. I remember filming one particular scene that overwhelmed me with what seemed like a multitude of unfamiliar props. But I pushed through my frustration and insecurity and I told myself, ‘I got this!’ That scene turned out pretty great and it makes me so happy. Mind over matter won once again. Where was the film shot and how many days were you in the woods? Celeste: We shot for about 18 days in Southern, Illinois— Makanda and Carbondale. Some of the fight scenes were pretty physical. Did you sustain any injuries? Celeste: My father was the warden at the Joliet Correctional Center and Anitra pushed me in sports. So I was used to running—I’ve been running since I was seven years old and kept it up till I was 18. My father coached me in basketball and track, screaming at me from the sidelines. So what Carl Clemons-Hopkins, who plays my father in the film, was saying sounded very familiar (laughs). I was already doing lots of physical acting. In a play called The Doppelganger at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, I was sword fighting, dragging bodies, and doing lots of physical stuff—nine times a week for a couple of months. Distance runners often talk about ’hitting the wall.’ Did you experience any of that while filming or training? Celeste: I definitely had some exhausting shooting days; however, I was always focused on getting the shot. I’d tell
Celeste: Yes, but nothing that would stop me from shooting. I got some minor burns on my hands, several scrapes, and I rolled my ankle once or twice. What’s next for you? Drama or more physical action roles? Celeste: With this pandemic, who really knows? However, I’m great at staying busy. I will definitely continue to produce different creative projects. I’m currently working on a short film by Mia Chung with my theatre home, Steppenwolf Theatre Company. I’m also interested in more TV and film opportunities—drama, comedy, action, and thrillers. I’d love to do some more physical roles and I’ve always been interested in playing a superhero, action figure, boxer, and basketball star.
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 33
Designer Carolina Dela Pace Designer: Carolina Dela Pace Photo: Frankie Gorchess
Over 700 dressed brides during 6 years of her career. Happy couples from different continents: Asia, Europe, South and North America. Carolina Dela Pace is a new star who is rocking the wedding world. Summer and autumn usually are favorite marriage seasons. How to be a stylish bride or to be a wedding guest and do not spoil your relatives big day by having incorrect clothes or gifts. Today her advice is especially relevant for you. Carolina, is fashion a passion for you? Yes, there is nothing better than working with what you love and believe in! How did you start and why did you become a designer? If we talk about the very beginning, it was when I was a kid. My main fun was designing gala and bride dresses for my Barbies. But I was able to resume my passion and managed to rescue my dream of being a fashion designer at only 30 years old. I finished my specialization in haute couture and studied from renowned professors in the area. As I’ve always been in love with wedding dresses, I decided to quit my job to live my dream and believe in my talent. For whom do you design your dresses? I create my dresses for women who want to look beautiful on a very special day like their wedding or prom night. My wedding and gala dresses 34 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
are handmade, I make them unique for each lady. Is there a fashion in wedding dresses? Yes, just like in the casual fashion universe, in wedding dresses fashion is updated every season, but of course, in a more subtle way. As for example, a few years ago the chic dresses were made practically with taffeta fabric, bulky sleeves, large tails, volume throughout the dress, like the iconic dress of Princess Diana. Today the puff sleeves have become trendy again, however in a more modernized and balanced way with the rest of the dress and with lighter fabrics. How do you keep yourself updated in fashion? I study a lot about trends, take improvement courses. I follow fashion shows. I can say that every day I learn something new about fashion and its trends. But at the time of creation I follow my feeling of what I should exhibit in my shows. How should the most elegant bride and groom look in 2020? An elegant bride getting married this year should bet on a dress with fluidity and delicate lace, but of course never forget the importance of feeling beautiful! Today we have many brides who choose these seasons because they have a good climate for an external and romantic wedding, although it is also very chic
and luxurious to get married in winter. But I guarantee, if the bride chooses to wear a Carolina Dela Pace dress she will be elegant in any season. And of course, the most elegant bride and groom are those who do not overdo the look of the big day, romanticism is still the most elegant part of a wedding. What are the fashionable wedding accessories in 2020? An accessory that is very popular is the cape, especially for the bride who does not want to wear a headdress or bridal veil, the cape brings an air of royalty, power and sensuality. We started to see the use of the cape in 2019, but it is only the beginning, I believe we will have another 3 years with this upward trend. What are the fashion colors for wedding dresses in 2020? Blush and nude are still very strong in 2020, I believe we will still see a lot of these shades in 2021. How about forms? Must it be a big round dress or straight and simple? Every woman has a body shape and the ideal dress model should be the one that best values her. It doesn’t have to be the “right format” that is in fashion, because the wedding day is something linked to the dream of the bride, often from childhood. The bride idealized the dress for many years before starting to look for it. As a designer I have to adapt my designs
Signature gown of Bossa Nova collection 2020 at NYFW Designer: Carolina Dela Pace Makeup stylist: Fen Lin Photo: John Prescod Jarekay Studios Hair stylist: Cici Chang Retouch: Paryzhan Lecya
guests be dressed so as not to spoil the elegant wedding ceremony? This is an issue that varies greatly from country to country and religion, as each has its own rules of conduct when it comes to wedding dressing. In countries where brides have a tradition of wearing the white dress, it is not elegant for a guest to go dressed in white clothes, after all the focus of the wedding is the bride and groom and we don’t need anyone else wearing white at the party. Of course dress must not be casual, any sportswear, jeans and sneakers are absolutely forbidden for many countries. according her lifetime dream! I have done years of study on the creative process working with the brides because I think it’s important to have respect for each bride`s dream. I saw in your NYFW wedding collection that you even had "hood" for your brides. Is it a new fashion trend? Yes! As I said earlier, the cape is super hot and the hood that I added to the cape gives it an extra charm, a variation for that bride who likes to dare.
How does it feels to be a wedding designer? Do you feel you create special emotions for couples by the dresses you design for them? It is an incredible feeling when I see a bride making her dream come true with a dress created by me and thoughts of her! I was often thrilled when I saw the finished dress and the radiant bride wearing it. After all, besides great emotions it is also a great responsibility! How should wedding witnesses and close relatives or perhaps even
What’s the funniest wedding dress you’ve ever seen? I’ve seen some funny and very bad taste dresses. I guess they are eccentric brides and want to dare, but I think after a few years they look at the wedding photos and regret the choice! For example in Brazil some brides are football fanatics and take it to their wedding, it’s okay if you want something from your favorite team at the wedding, but making a wedding dress with the colors of the team’s HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 35
Bossa Nova collection 2020 at NYFW Photo: John Prescod Jarekay Studios
flag, surely the bride will not draw attention in a positive way. You've seen as more that most people. From your experience, what is the most stylish wedding gift? Because the gift is always a great challenge for all guests. Well, giving the honeymoon as a gift would be an excellent idea! It is good if the bride and groom make a list of gifts that they would like to receive, which greatly facilitates the lives of the guests when buying, as there is no mistake. But if you want to be different and rock, give the honeymoon as a gift! What is the secret of your success? 700 brides during 6 years is a big number for any new wedding designer. I honestly don’t know what the secret is, I just work with a lot of passion and love! And I work a lot, I study a lot, I’m 36 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
always updating myself to give the best to my clients. Achieving dreams is like a mission for me and I think my clients see it in me. Maybe the secret is to love what I do and feel fulfilled with my profession. What is your biggest dream? Consolidate myself as an international stylist. Who is the most stylish celebrity in your opinion? I am from Brazil, so I really like the style of a Brazilian celebrity line Marina Ruy Barbosa. What is the craziest thing you would like to do in Hollywood? To create costumes for movies like “Miss Congeniality” where women wear luxurious dresses. I would move to Hollywood especially for it!
How was New York Fashion Week in February 2020? I launched my winter / autumn Bossa Nova collection at NYFW 2020 in February. And it was a great success. I`m still full of amazing emotions. Fashion week was wonderful, I had positive feedback from people who watched my show and also from other designers who participated, which was a great honor for me. What other fashion events do you participating? I participated in many fashion shows in Brazil, NYFW in September last year opened many doors. For September 2020 I got proposals to participate in Fashion Week in London. Of course, dressing celebrities for the Oscars red carpet is coming next after that.
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Think Outside the Studio The Thompson-Nicola Region in British Columbia, Canada, anchored by the cities Kamloops and Merritt, consists of desert, rolling grasslands, alpine rugged hills and snowcapped mountains. Picture colour palettes of emerald green to golden brown. A 45 minute flight from Vancouver, we boast an ultra-modern university, ski resorts, a western town, Middle East settings, and miles of open prairie-like range. Imagine the Thompson-Nicola.
FilmThompsonNicola.com HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 39
Think Outside the Studio The Thompson-Nicola Region in British Columbia, Canada, anchored by the cities Kamloops and Merritt, consists of desert, rolling grasslands, alpine rugged hills and snowcapped mountains. Picture colour palettes of emerald green to golden brown. A 45 minute flight from Vancouver, we boast an ultra-modern university, ski resorts, a western town, Middle East settings, and miles of open prairie-like range. Imagine the Thompson-Nicola.
FilmThompsonNicola.com
