Michael Colyar: From Jester to Addict to King

Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry

SUMMER EDITION

Monsta X WORLD TOUR [WE ARE HERE]

50th Naacp

IMAGE AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS

Dinamic Duo QUEEN OFIR AND WILLIAM TAYLOR BURTON

Michael Colyar:

From Jester to Addict to King

®

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome readers to our summer Issue of the National Hollywood Weekly Magazine. I call it our Love Issue because this Publication is bursting with it. On our Cover is the amazing, incredibly talented Michael Colyar, who talks about his sensational One Man Play “Michael Collar’s Mama,” currently entertaining audiences across the Nation. The only thing brighter and more colorful than Michael’s Cover and Layout photos taken by staff photographer Robert Long, is Michael’s vibrant personality. When you have an intelligent comedian with a visceral understanding of human nature and emotions, you have a powerful artist. Michael Colyar is an experience. He has an uncanny ability to motivate whoever meets him to strive to be better at whatever it is they do. I am your case in point. I’ve never had as much fun writing an article before. But that’s because I never wrote with Michael Colyar. I hope you enjoy his inspiring story; it’s filled with love, laughter and most importantly, introduces the world to the Love of Michael’s life, his beautiful fiancee Kellie McCann.

No Issue focusing on Love could leave International Singer, Songwriter and Producer Queen Ofir. Once again, Barbara Burke guides us into the phenomenal talent and philanthropic heart of Queen Ofir – and, Actor/Singer William Taylor Burton. Barbara calls the two of them a “Dynamic Duo,” and I’m sure when you finish her entertaining article you will agree. We’re very grateful to have these wonderful artists in this summer Issue.

As always, we thank all of you for your consistent love and support.

Please keep those letters coming! We read all of them!

We wish you all peace and happiness!

Anthony Ewart, Associate Editor

Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry

SUMMER EDITION

Monsta X WORLD TOUR [WE ARE HERE]

50th Naacp

IMAGE AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS

Dinamic Duo QUEEN OFIR AND WILLIAM TAYLOR BURTON

Michael Colyar:

From Jester to Addict to King

CALL US AT (424) 371 9900

®

On The Cover Michael Colyar Photographer Rorbert Long

Instagram @Michael_Colyar Website: therealmichaelcolyar.com.

EMAIL hollywoodweekly@gmail.com

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4 50 NAACP AWARDS 8 JANE UBELL-MAYER 20 KATERINA EICHENBERGER 28 MONSTA X 32 SAL VELEZ JR. 34 A DINAMIC DUO 38 HOLLYWOOD ICON 44 MICHAEL COLYAR From Jester to Addict to King

th Highlights

Books to Devour

On the Teen Suicide Drama World Tour Schedule

On Netflix’s New Apocalyptic Series

Queen Ofir and William Taylor Burton

James Ingram

a nationally recognized Comedic Star and Actor. But it wasn’t easy.

Along the way he embarked on a 23 year crack addiction, but through the love and power of his Mother and Father God Michael has successfully made it to the other side. And as of March 1st Michael is Celebrating 8 years of pure sobriety. In fact, he has a podcast where he interviews celebrities and they talk about Celebrating the Gifts of sobriety.

The show, called “The Happy Pod,” which you can reach by going to The Happy Pod.com, kicked off its first season with an interview by Academy Award-winning, acting legend Louis Gosset Jr. Michael Colyar and Roscoe from 103rd and Grape

Michael Colyar : From Jester to Addict to King

By Michael Colyar & Anthony Ewart

Motivational Speaker and Author, but let’s start at the beginning.

Michael came from The Robert Taylor Homes on the South Side of Chicago. His family was so poor they couldn’t afford the “or”. They were just “Po.” Michael loved to make his Mama laugh. It was his way of getting her attention. What started out as a connection with his mother turned into a career, a Michael is a Citizen of the World. path and a passion.

He digs everybody. He uses his comedy like a light saber, slashing From the projects Michael and and carving his way into your heart. his family moved to Morgan He believes that humor is healing Park, where he attended Morgan and he gets a kick out of healing Park High School and there he found his love for theatre. Over the world. the course of the next 30 years Actor, Comedian, Humanitarian, Michael Colyar would unfold into Michael Colyar is a prism of comedy.

He can convey compassion, love and drama through this comedy.

His love is so intense and focused it can pierce through cultural walls and nationalistic shields. Nothing can prevent Michael’s human connection. And who or what would want to? Because Michael Colyar is fabulous.

4 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Michael didn’t just start hanging out with the stars. No, he put in the work. On Venice Beach, California from 1986 to 1995, every Saturday and Sunday, without fail, Michael would do 5 one hour shows.

Tickling folks, changing lives and making his money. FIVE ONE HOUR SHOWS... 40 minutes of comedy and 20 minutes of getting his money.

While on Venice Beach everybody and they Mama came to see Michael Colyar. Arsenio Hall came.

Rick James came, and he was a regular and he brought Eddie Murphy. Snoop Doggy-Snoop Doggy-Snoop Doggy Dog came, so did TuPac. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, Don Cheadle and Laurence Fishburn, they were all regulars. Robin Williams even dropped by once and said to Michael he was brilliant. After that you couldn’t tell Michael “S@#t”.

Then to add icing to the cake

All Photos by Robert Long

invited to be on the first season of Def Comedy Jam and did so good he was invited back for the next 5 seasons. Then Michael co-created BET’s Comic View and over the years has been instrumental in helping hundreds of young During this time word got out and comedians find their way through Hollywood came a’calling. Robert their comedic path. And more and Townsend saw Michael out there more film and television roles came. and put him in his film “Hollywood Shuffle.” Michael didn’t have but But Mr. Colyar understands it’s not one line but he was in a Hollywood just about the doing, it’s also about movie. Then he landed the film the giving. Michael believes if you “Johnny B. Good” with Anthony ever want to have anything you’ve Michael Hall, a young Robert got to learn to give it away. If you Downey Jr., and Uma Thurman give all to all you will have so much who was 17 at the time and spoke stuff you won’t have any place to 7 languages. put it. One of the ways Mr. Colyar has exhibited this idea of giving is Through the help of Michael’s through his project called “Comics friend, Bernie Mac, Michael was Go To Jail.” the city of Venice Beach, CA. put Michaels handprints, footprints and signature in concrete and placed it in the middle of Venice to commemorate Michael Colyar as the King of Venice Beach.

Michael’s Queen and best friend, Kellie McCann produces that prison show and loves him to life.

For the last 14 years almost every month Michael has taken 3 to 4 comedians to the Terminal Island Federal Correctional Facility where they perform a free hour and a half concert for the inmates. Also in his quest to give Michael has always been a champion of the homeless.

While working his magic on Venice Beach he would regularly buy 10 breakfasts for the homeless. Cheap breakfasts. 99 cents breakfasts.

And distribute them to the first 10 homeless people he met on his way to the boardwalk.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5

Michael the author is killing the game with two books out, “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the White House, I Knocked on the Door and a Brother Answered,” (about his favorite President, Barack Obama), and “Ms. Innocent goes to Kool Skool and other Silly Stuff,” (a poetry book for Adult Children), and a third book arriving at the end of the year called “Michael Goes Motivational.”

Michael loves to tell his story.

The greatest way that Michael is currently telling his story is in his One Man Play “Michael Colyar’s Momma.”

The crown jewel of giving came in 1990 when Michael won $100,000 from Star Search and promptly gave $50,000 to the homeless.

Soon after that Chris Albrecht from HBO came out to Venice to see this cat that everybody was talking about. That resulted in Michael getting his first 30 minute HBO Comedy Special shot live 6 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

on Venice Beach. Mr. Colyar is returning this summer to shoot his first One Hour Comedy Special smack dab in the middle of Venice called “The King of Venice Beach.”

Michael Colyar holding his book “A

Is he a Saint? Hell naw! Did y’all Funny Thing Happened on the way to the forget about the crack? He’s just a White House: I Knocked on the Door and regular guy trying to figure life out a Brother Answered.” and helping others along the way.

The two-act dramatic comedy which follows Michael’s trials, successes, failures, addiction, recovery and discovery that everything is about family and God is set to do a 100 city tour and landing on Broadway. Michael is determined to get his Tony Award as he tickles, informs, enlightens and lifts the World...... and that ain’t no joke.

He says, “The more I face God the happier and healthier my life gets.”

He feels he can conquer the World and actualize all of his dreams because he stands with God. He says, “One with God is a Majority.”

Finally ending this fun-filled and revealing interview by reminding me that once we get God and Family down everything else takes care of itself. His Motto: Life is a Garden...if you dig it.

To keep up with Michael’s antics and see where he’s performing his magic next follow him on Instagram @Michael_Colyar or even better check out his funny, sexy web page therealmichaelcolyar.com.

Michael Colyar with the Love of his Life, his Beautiful Queen and fiancee, Kellie McCann

“The King of Venice Beach” HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 7

Chadwick Boseman accepts the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award for ‘Black Panther’ onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards

(L-R) Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright speak onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards 8 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

L-R) Naturi Naughton, Mark Canton, Courtney A. Kemp, and Michael J Ferguson accept the Outstanding Drama Series for ‘Power’ onstage during the 50th NAACP Image Awards

Ne-Yo (C, holding award) and children accept the Black and Positively Golden award onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards

Thandie Newton speaks onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards

Photo Credit - Getty Images for NAACP

(L-R) Malinda Williams and Roshon Fegan speak onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 9

Omari Hardwick accepts the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series award for ‘Power’ onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards Photo Credit - Getty Images for NAACP

(L-R) Kerry Washington, Van Jones, and John Legend speak onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards

Letitia Wright speaks onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards

BeyoncĂŠ accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards

(L-R) Kate Beckinsale and Danai Gurira speak onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards Photo Credit - Getty Images for NAACP

(L-R) Regina Hall, Marsai Martin, and Issa Rae speak onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 11

t h g i l Spot

ews on N t s e t a eL n Catch th ite TV Shows o vor Your Fa potlight S ’s y a d To

12 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

TV | “BATWOMAN”

PREMIERES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) ON THE CW

Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) never planned to be Gotham’s new vigilante. Three years after Batman mysteriously disappeared, Gotham is a city in despair. Without the Caped Crusader, the Gotham City Police Department was overrun and outgunned by criminal gangs. Enter Jacob Kane (Dougray Scott) and his military-grade Crows Private Security, which now protects the city with omnipresent firepower and militia. Years before, Jacob’s first wife and daughter were killed in the crossfire of Gotham crime. He sent his only surviving daughter, Kate Kane, away from Gotham for her safety. After a dishonorable discharge from military school and years of brutal survival training, Kate returns home when the Alice in Wonderland gang targets her father and his security firm, by kidnapping his best Crow officer Sophie Moore (Meagan Tandy).

Although remarried to wealthy socialite Catherine Hamilton-Kane (Elizabeth Anweis), who bankrolls the Crows, Jacob is still struggling with the family he lost, while keeping Kate –– the daughter he still has –– at a distance. But Kate is a woman who’s done asking for permission. In order to help her family and her city, she’ll have to become the one thing her father loathes –– a dark knight vigilante. With the help of her compassionate stepsister, Mary (Nicole Kang), and the crafty Luke Fox (Camrus Johnson), the son of Wayne Enterprises’ tech guru Lucius Fox, Kate Kane continues the legacy of her missing cousin, Bruce Wayne, as Batwoman. Still holding a flame for her ex-girlfriend, Sophie, Kate uses everything in her power to combat the dark machinations of the psychotic Alice (Rachel Skarsten), who’s always somewhere slipping between sane and insane. Armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, Kate soars through the shadowed streets of Gotham as Batwoman. But don’t call her a hero yet. In a city desperate for a savior, she must first overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope.

TV | EVIL

EVIL is a psychological mystery that examines science vs. religion and the origins of evil. The series focuses on a skeptical female forensic psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a carpenter to investigate and assess the Church’s backlog of supposed miracles, demonic possessions and unexplained phenomena. The new drama premieres Thursday, Sept. 26 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured (L-R) Mike Colter as David Acosta and Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard Elizabeth Fisher/CBS ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

TV | BROKE When an outrageously wealthy trust fund baby is cut off by his father, he and his wife move into her estranged sister’s Reseda home, forcing the two siblings to reconnect, on BROKE, premiering during the 2019-2020 season, on the CBS Television Network.

Pictured: Pauley Perrette as Jackie, Jaime Camil as Javier, Natasha Leggero as Elizabeth. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

TV | “NANCY DREW” PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) ON THE CW Nancy Drew (Kennedy McMann) is a brilliant teenaged detective whose sense of self had come from solving mysteries in her hometown of Horseshoe Bay, Maine – until her mother’s untimely death derails Nancy’s college plans. Devastated by her mother’s passing, Nancy swears off crime-solving while crossing off the days until she can re-apply to college. But when a socialite is murdered, Nancy finds herself a prime suspect in the crime, along with a group of other teens present at the scene: Nancy’s nemesis from high school, George Fan (Leah Lewis); a rich girl with a mysterious past, Bess Marvin (Maddison Jaizani); Nancy’s secret boyfriend, Ned “Nick” Nickerson (Tunji Kasim), and amiable burnout Ace (Alex Saxon). The five of them must team up to clear their own names – encountering emotional entanglements and even more mysteries along the way.

Nancy’s reawakening brings her into conflict with her widowed father, Carson Drew (Scott Wolf), who is dating Detective Karen Hart (Alvina August). And, when a supernatural presence begins to haunt Nancy’s investigation, she discovers that the current crime has an astonishing connection to the unsolved murder of a local girl.

Whether the ghost is here to help, or hinder Nancy remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Nancy’s going to have to unravel the clues from both the living and the dead to solve the crimes.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 13

t h g i l Spot st the late h t i w e n s Stay tu re date e i m e r Fall P favorite of your ws T.V. Sho

NBC’S 2019-2020 FALL PREMIERE DATES

MONDAY, SEPT. 23 8 pm – The Neighborhood 8:30 pm – Bob ♥ Abishola series debut 9 pm – All Rise series debut 10 pm – Bull TUESDAY, SEPT. 24 8 pm – NCIS 9 pm – FBI 10 pm – NCIS: New Orleans WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25 8 pm – Survivor 9:30 pm – Big Brother THURSDAY, SEPT. 26 8 pm – Young Sheldon 8:30 pm – The Unicorn series debut 9 pm – MOM 9:30 pm – Carol’s Second Act series debut 10 pm – Evil series debut FRIDAY, SEPT. 27 8 pm – Hawaii Five-0 9 pm – Magnum P.I. 14 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

ABC start dates not announced yet

MONDAY, SEPT. 23 8 pm – The Voice 10 pm – Bluff City Law

series debut

MONDAY 8 pm – Dancing with the Stars 10 pm –The Good Doctor

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24 8 pm – The vvvVoice 9 pm – This Is Us 10 pm – New Amsterdam

TUESDAY 8 pm –The Conners 8:30 pm – Bless This Mess 9 pm – Mixed-ish series debut 9:30 pm – black-ish 10 pm – Emergence series debut

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25 8pm – Chicago Med 9pm – Chicago Fire 10pm – Chicago P.D.

CBS’S 2019-2020 FALL PREMIERE DATES

ABC’S 2019-2020 FALL PREMIERE DATES

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26 8 pm – Superstore 8:30 pm – Perfect Harmony series debut 9 pm – The Good Place 9:30 pm – Sunnyside series debut 10 pm – Law & Order: SVU FRIDAY, SEPT. 27 8 pm – Bluff City Law repeat -one week only 9 pm – Dateline NBC FRIDAY, OCT. 4 8 pm – The Blacklist

WEDNESDAY 8 pm – The Goldbergs 8:30 pm – Schooled 9 pm – Modern Family 9:30 pm – Single Parents 10 pm –Stumptown series debut THURSDAY 8 pm – Grey’s Anatomy 9 pm – A Million Little Things 10 pm – How to Get Away

with Murder FRIDAY 8 pm –American Housewife 8:30 pm – Fresh Off the Boat 9 pm – 20/20 2 hours

GAME SHOWS! Match wits with the contestants on Jeopardy! Take a spin of the wheel with on Wheel of Fortune. Bring out your pom-poms and pork pie hats for Let’s Make a Deal. These game shows and other classics are mainstays in Los Angeles. Want to be a contestant?

For some shows, that just means reserving a free ticket online and getting a callback to attend (then syncing up vacation plans), then crossing fingers that you’ll get picked from the audience.

STUDIO CONTESTANTS AND AUDIENCE FOR

LET’S MAKE A DEAL!

LET’S MAKE A DEAL STUDIO - LOS ANGELES, CA

Want cash? A vacation? A brand new car?

Then head on over to Let’s Make a Deal with Wayne Brady to scratch Game Show Contestant off your bucket list! Come join us in the studio audience for the chance to play this zany and fun game show!

Over $7,000,000 in cash and prizes were given away this past season! That’s an average of about $80,000 in cash and prizes per day. This season could be your chance to win, so get your tickets now! Let’s Make a Deal tapes THREE shows a day and it has the best odds in town to win! DON’T MISS OUT. Make a deal with Wayne Brady in Los Angeles!

Event Website: http://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/lets_make_a_deal

LIVE TAPING OF

FAMILY FEUD

NBC UNIVERSAL - UNIVERSAL CITY, CA

Name one thing missing from Family Feud. Survey says, You! Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the live studio audience for one of America’s longest-running and most beloved game shows. Hosted

by Steve Harvey, the show features two families as they compete to name the most popular responses to a series of survey questions. At the end, only one family will walk away with a winning title and a big cash prize. Be there for every hilarious Freudian slip and see Harvey’s priceless reactions in real-time during this live taping of Family Feud at NBC Universal.

Event Website: http://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/family_feud

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 15

GLOBAL ICON MARIAH CAREY ANNOUNCES RETURN TO THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE IN NOVEMBER 2019 WITH “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU” FEBRUARY 2020 DATES ANNOUNCED FOR “THE BUTTERFLY RETURNS” LAS VEGAS – Mariah Carey, the iconic chanteuse and best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold, has announced that she will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this November with her acclaimed Christmas concert series “All I Want For Christmas Is You” for five dates from Nov. 22 through Nov. 30, 2019.

Additionally, Mariah has announced six new dates from Feb. 14 through Feb. 29, 2020 for her headlining Las Vegas residency, “The Butterfly Returns” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Tickets for all performances will go on sale to the public beginning Friday, May 10.

The performances going on sale are: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Nov 2019: 22, 23, 27, 29, 30

|

“The Butterfly Returns” Feb 2020: 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29

Mariah Carey: Return s to Ca

esars

Palace

Speaking Above The Stars (The Voice of Reasoning).

Fear Built from within

by Darwin Heard better known as Doc Heard July 1, 2019

Today, I bid you Welcome to all my Stars, Celebrities and VIPs as I explore the topic of “Fear Built from Within”. This topic has a surreal place in my life because it’s been nothing but fear from the start to this very moment; but before I get started, I just want to make it clear that your are aware of where I truly stand. I have been writing this column in the Hollywood Weekly Magazine since January of 2010 and I was featured back in July of 2009. I always say that “I have a firm belief that everyone is a VIP“ and I take a firm stand on this belief.

The fear built from within is what I called an obstacle that we place in our minds that hinders us from stepping into the challenge at hand. That kind of fear that has you standing in one position and you can’t even move. Your gears are locked. In one Of my past writings in this very publication I stated what I refer to as another one of “ Darwin’s Creative Strategies “ in which there are two types of obstacles; the obstacle that’s before you and the obstacles that you place in front of you. Now I can understand the challenge that comes with the first type of obstacle which is 22 • Hollywood Monthly

before you as it has its own unique challenges,but, that other obstacle that you placed before you is my biggest concern.

The kind of obstacle that you created all by yourself. It was you that placed that obstacle in your path creating a bigger struggle and it’s holding you down. Throughout my 57 years of life I’ve experienced many individuals conjuring up their own obstacles - including myself. One of the most familiar obstacles that I can think of is that word cannot or contraction can’t in which many of us have used. I can’t or cannot do it. It can’t or it cannot be done. Using these types of words can interrupt the process and can continue the struggle of that fear that’s built from within. The truth be told, fear is our worst enemy and can stop all of us in our tracks. Fear can place your mind and body in park mode. The fear that comes from within can cancel all the amazing thoughts and visions that comes to your mind. In fact, fear can place you on a brain freeze leaving you frozen and stuck in the same position for years to come wondering why you are in the exact position in which you started. Asking yourself “How did I get here or what did I do wrong”? Well it’s time to challenge that fear by stepping up and facing fear head on. The only person or thing that is stopping you from conquering that fear that has developed from within is (believe it or not is), you yourself. As a matter of fact your break through to accomplish your goals and overcoming fear is dependent on you challenging your fears and believing that yes you can do it. Let no one tell you it can’t be done because I know you can do it.

built from within. You will find that the more you challenge fear the less you will experience having to deal with fear. Be aggressive to the challenge and you will cancel fear in the process. Stay focused and stick to the process as fear fades away.

You must believe in your visions by rejecting fear and be true to your conceptions. I am a firm believer that the mind is a terrible thing to waste. The mind is powerful, awesome and creative in its own right so challenge fear with a vengeance. Write your vision down on a ledger, and scratch off all your fears because you no longer have any use for them. Fear is your indicator that you are on the right track and you should feel empowered to strike it head on in full force. When you’re experiencing fear just remember that your breakthrough has just begun. So stay true to yourself and believe in your visions and you will thank me later when it’s all said and done.

I personally believe that God doesn’t place visions on one’s mind to let them go to waste. Those visions must be captured like a screen shot and recorded for use. If you can conceive a vision or an idea believe it and you will achieve it. Stay positive and accept no negative thoughts. Just stick with the vision and you will succeed! Challenge your fears by telling yourself that the vision you have is real and relevant. Be like in the definition of the word of resilient and spring back in your fight against fear and you will conquer that fear that has been

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and please reach out to me at: heardconsultgroup@yahoo.com Or Mail To:

Let’s be fearless and stand firm to all the challenges set before us and remember fear is an obstacle that we can overcome just simply by believing in the possible not the impossible and remember to cancel that fear that comes from within by believing in your visions.

Yes, Doc Heard is inviting all of the Stars, Celebrities and VIPs of today’s world, who choose to read and explore the Motivational insertion of wisdom, that he offers up for all who can conceive and believe. I look forward to sharing Motivational word of wisdom with you all so let’s stay connected as we live and learn from the challenges of life.

Darwin Heard, CEO Heard Consulting Group Corporation 540 N. Dearborn Street P. O. Box 10629 Chicago,IL 60610 312-933-6635

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 23

Books to Devour by Jane Ubell-Meyer, Senior Book Curator, Founder Bedside Reading® Books & Traveling. Imagine going to your favorite hotel and your new FA (favorite author) is there live and in person for a book signing event. We’re starting a new trend in hotel amenities—book signing events. We just held one at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, CA. The hotel hosted bestselling author, Keele Burgin.

(Right). Her and “can’t-putit-down” memoir is blowing up on Amazon! It’s riveting, heart-wrenching and hopeful.

She owes me a night’s sleep!

When travelers stay at one of our partner hotels, they are all gifted with amazing books.

May and June books featured at the Fairmont Miramar are Keele Burgin’s Wholly Unraveled, Madame Fourcade’s Secret War by Lynne Olson, Raising Charitable Children, by Carol Weisman and The Power of Presence by Joy Thomas Moore.

Book Signing Events May 9 - Morrison House, Alexandria VA is hosting award-winning author Helaine Mario with her book, Dark Rhapsody and Robert M. Fleisher with The Divine Affliction.

May 11 - East Hampton Spring Festival will be in full swing. (books to the right and below) Dee Delaney is flying in from India, Mel Greenberg from Tucson, Keele Burgin from Boulder, Saryon Michael White from California, Lee Matthew Goldberg and Susan Silver from NYC and Genie Chipps Henderson from East Hampton area. Join Us!

Conversations with Authors Q&A Historical Fiction author, TJ Turner’s historical novel, Angel in the Fog will be at the Jacquard in Denver and the Mandarin Oriental Washington DC. Perfect for fans of espionage thrillers, historical fiction, and indefatigable female protagonists— Molly Ferguson’s comfortable life unravels when her Louisiana home is burned to the ground, her family murdered, and she is enslaved in a Baltimore brothel. Amidst the threat of the Civil War, Molly learns of secessionist plans to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln as he makes his way to Washington for his inauguration…(we won’t give away the plot!)

TJ Turner—Angel In The Fog Q: How hard was it to weave historical figures around Molly and remain historically accurate?

A: It turned out to be very easy. Molly’s cover name—Hattie Lawton—is another woman lost to history. We know she existed, but we don’t know anything about her before her Civil War activities, and nothing after.

Q: How did the women you have worked with professionally influence your writing?

A: I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing women throughout my career. And when you dig into the history of the Civil War, you find story after story of amazing women who were pioneers in their own right—fighting alongside men in uniform, conducting espionage, even taking part in sabotage behind the lines. They had the same spirit of all the women I’ve had the pleasure to serve with

John Steinbeck is remembered. In 2020 It will be 60 years since Steinbeck’s trip around America. Author, Gregory Zeigler has traveled through Steinbeck Country and has created a timeless documentary and book exploring Steinbeck’s world.

Gregory Zeigler— Travels With Max: In Search of Steinbeck’s America Fifty Years Later Q: What motivated you to drive 15,000 miles around America retracing John Steinbeck’s journey for Travels with Charley?

A: John Steinbeck is a timeless Nobel Prize winning literary hero. Like many Americans, I studied his novels in high school and college. Later, I taught them to high school students. When I realized the fiftieth anniversary of John Steinbeck’s trip around America was approaching, I relished the chance to revisit his life and work, and as he wrote, “rediscover this monster land.”

Q: What was the highlight of your nine weeks on the road in pursuit of Steinbeck’s legacy?

A: We are fortunate to live in a country that is still more beautiful than despoiled, so the fascinating places I visited (such as The Bible and Rifle Church in Wabaunsee, Kansas) driving through thirty-five states were, of course, a highlight. However, the people I met, including Steinbeck’s intriguing son, Thom, were most memorable. Americans are for the most part, kind, generous and becoming more inclusive—political divisiveness notwithstanding. Unfortunately, those Americans don’t make the news. Gregory Zeigler’s award-winning short film: “Steinbeck Country” will be screened. on opening night at the Jackson Hole Writers Conference HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 21

Add these to your summer list!

Cassidy Janson

On a recent trip to London, I met Cassidy Janson, one of London’s leading stage and film actresses. She’s been working on a new album which is coming out in June.

Q: You’ve worked with Carole King, Neil Patrick Harris, Idina Menzel and Amber Riley. Pretty amazing people. Who would you like to work with next?

A: I’m currently rehearsing with Kelsey Grammer for Man Of La Mancha at the London Coliseum.

I’m playing Aldonza/Dulcinea to his Don Quixote. I pinch myself most days. He is a dream to watch work.

Q: You played a famous songwriter in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” in London. Your solo album “Cassidy” is out this summer on BMG. What inspired you to create it?

A: I’ve been wanting to record my debut album for sometime but was always busy doing a show.

I serendipitously reconnected with my producer Rupert Christie a few years ago and we came up with an idea for the album. We’ve been working on it ever since. This is an exciting time to finally have it come to fruition. I’ve found it very cathartic writing an album. I feel I’ve got something to say. I hope people connect with it.

For more information on these books and what I recommend: BedsideReading.com

22 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Mara-Joanne Derinor

My Black is Beautiful

“Mara is a writer who demonstrates with Grace and passion the history of her experience--the hopes and dreams that shapes lives. She is a young voice that we will hear from for years!”

-Danny M. Hoey, Jr., Author of the Butterfly Lady.

About The Author Mara-Joanne Derinor, also known as Belle La Poet, is a Haitian-American poet, writer, song-writer, dancer, director, and choreographer. She completed her Bachelor’s in Nursing and Dance at Barry University. She is currently a Registered Nurse. She is recognized by many for her hard work. Her poetry and flash fiction has been recognized and published in Barry University’s Newspaper.

Two of her poems written about the history and culture of Haiti titled “A People” and “Unity” were both published by Haiti: Then and Now” (HTN) in 2017. Her poem “The Last Dance” and her choreographed ballet piece were featured in Indian River State College’s Dance Ensemble January 2018. Her poetry, visual art projects, songs, and short films are all creative masterpieces put together to raise awareness on different social issues such as anxiety and depression, domestic violence, social injustice, Black Lives Matter Movement, self-esteem, and self-love.

Contact: Mderinor@gmail.com

@ Belle_La_Poet

https://www.amazon.com/My-Black-Beautiful-Mara-Joanne-Derinor/ dp/1626329982 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 23

JENNAELFMAN

Fearless in “Fear the Walking Dead” Jenna Elfman Fearless in “Fear the Walking Dead”

By Alex A. Kecskes

L

oved as the free-spirited yoga instructor in the late '90s sitcom “Dharma & Greg” and more recently as a PR exec with a ghostlike mentor in the sitcom “Imaginary Mary,” Jenna Elfman has an extensive body of work that includes both features and television. A native of Los Angeles, Elfman began her career in commercials. After studying with the renowned Milton Katselas, she appeared in a number of TV series, including “Dharma & Greg,” for which she won a Golden Globe. Elfman has also appeared in such TV hits like “Growing Up Fisher,” “1600 Penn,” “Damages,” “Matumbo Goldberg,” “Accidentally on Purpose” and “Courting Alex.“ Her first feature role was in “Krippendorf's Tribe.” She has since appeared in several other features, including “Big Stone Gap” and “Friends with Benefits.”

Elfman surprised her fans when she joined the cast of “Fear the Walking Dead,” a hardcore spinoff of the popular “The Walking Dead” franchise. A series regular as June and alternatively as Naomi, her complex character harbors a dark past. (Naomi killed everyone she blamed for her daughter’s death in a FEMA center, which brings lots of emotional baggage to the role.)

Thank you for taking the time for this interview.

“Fear the Walking Dead” is a departure from your light comedic fare. What drew you to the role of June/Naomi?

Jenna Elfman: As an artist, I was really craving to go into another genre, a new chapter, and to keep challenging myself.

I wanted to reinvent myself, to dig into the human condition and explore it. So I looked for a role that would let me do that. When I sorted that out for myself, 10 days later, they offered me this role.

What did you find most challenging about being in this series?

Elfman: When you first start a new job in any occupation, there’s a learning curve. For me, it was the genre, this particular universe, the fandom, my co-stars, and the characters. When I was hired, I watched every season of both shows.

This is a big universe and I wanted to know what I’m part of because I was very happy to be part of it. I wanted to fully own my experience. I’ve enjoyed the process of going through the learning curve, of developing a character. In comedy, you have your character and you just keep telling funny stories with that character; but in a drama like this, your character goes through such a dynamic change. So that was a fun journey. I’ve just been very stimulated going through this whole process.

I love all the stunt work and learning new things in the stunt realm. I really feel fulfilled in doing this job.

Will the show unravel more of June’s background? Will she finally find

her core or center?

Elfman: She was a trauma nurse, she’s a helper and she cares about people. She’s a mother and we recently found out how she lost her child.

And how the downfall of the FEMA shelter was kind of on her shoulders. She’s experienced a lot of trauma and guilt. But having someone like John Dorie, who is so benevolent and loving, has been a very healing thing for her. So I don’t think there’s some dark backstory to June. I think we’ve found out what it was and how it was eating and traumatizing her. She’s been recovering from that and learning.

She’s a helper and any time she’s helping others, it heals her. And that’s her journey, to keep helping people because that’s who she is. I don’t think you’re a trauma nurse if you don’t like people. So it’s been a journey of rehabilitation and healing for her.

What was it like, your first days on the set?

What surprised you about the role?

Elfman: My first day may have been at the baseball diamond, after the oil scene, where I return to the stadium. It was a big transitional year for everyone.

I was just trying to observe and do the best with the information I had. I’d spent the weekend before my first day really digging into my character and what she’s been through. I didn’t know the full trajectory of what their plan was for my character’s future. I didn’t know how much of the love story would be a thing. I hadn’t shot the Laura episode yet. I was very honored HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25

And then there’s the magic of editing it all together.

I was a trained professional dancer most of my life, so I had the acumen in the use of my body. But I’m like a tomboy in that I enjoy doing my own stunts.

and happy to be there. It was really what I’d wanted to do so I felt very grateful. It’s a very talented crew and what struck me the most was the competence level of every department. That was inspiring. I was just trying to learn. You’re telling the story of humanity so you watch people.

This is an emotionally and mentally demanding role. What did you draw from to convey June’s guilt and loss of a child?

Elfman: Artists have an imagination, for one. And I’m a mother, so I know what it is to love your children. I can imagine how terrible such a loss would be. I did some research on parents who lost their children. I watched interviews with people talking about it to try and find a common denominator of what it is for them. How rough the healing process is. The guilt that occurs when you feel that it’s your fault. So watching these interviews of people who’d lost their children in a normal world was one thing. It takes years and they never fully recover. But June lost her child in an apocalyptic environment with no loved ones around, lots of guilt, and a very harsh environment. So that’s enough to really do you in.

Ok, last season, you fell through a roof holding a pistol. Did you land without injury?

How physically demanding is this show?

Elfman: Oh, it’s very physically demanding. I had a lot of bruises. On that particular stunt, our stuntman was about three feet down with a giant fluffy pad.

And when we’re in the oil tank, it’s a separate thing where a stunt double actually fell down into the oil; then they had me start under the oil and pop up.

26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

You once mentioned that people in crisis start cracking jokes. With June being more relaxed this season, will we see a bit of your comedic talent emerge?

Elfman: Yeah, there are a few moments, though I wouldn’t say comedic. But there’s some levity and charming stuff with John, here and there. You’ll see some smiles and jovial-ness. But June has some things she wants to accomplish so she’ll be focused.

Bonnie Hunt was an oncology nurse who used humor to lighten things up for her and her patients. Do you think June’s need for a bit of humor will help her lighten things up in dealing with her tragedies and everything that’s going on around her?

Elfman: I know with “Dharma and Gregg,” I had fans come up to me and thank me for helping them through a hard time—they were going through dialysis, dealing with cancer, or a family member who was ill. They said ‘you just kept me laughing through that’ and how helpful and therapeutic it was. It was really heartfelt gratitude.

On the teen suicide drama, “Just Say Goodbye”

Katerina Eichenberger

28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

By Alex A. Kecskes

A native New Englander, Katerina Eichenberger studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, the Atlantic Acting School, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and Stonestreet Studios. She has appeared in a number of independent films, including the drama “Brief Candle.” She was also in the family drama “Through Your Eyes.” And she co-starred in the musical drama “Star.” In “Just Say Goodbye,” Eichenberger is Sarah Morin, a young woman who cuts her summer vacation short when she discovers that her best friend plans to end his life.

Thanks for taking the time for this interview. “Just Say Goodbye” underscores the tragedy of teen suicide. What attracted you to the role of Sarah? katerina eichenberger:

I just noticed all the teen suicides occurring throughout the US, which is particularly disturbing. I saw a lot of myself in Sarah when I read the sides for the role. I was immediately taken by the film’s focus on friendship and the reality of these two teens rather than just dramatizing suicide. So that drew me to the role.

Did you audition for the role? If so, what was that like? katerina:

I was finishing my degree at NYU, trying to get an agent and submitting myself to work on projects.

I responded to an audition posted on Backstage, which is an online site for artists who want to audition for projects or for people to upload their projects. So I submitted myself, waited to be confirmed, and finally auditioned for the role of Sarah. A month after that, I got the part.

What did you draw from internally to bring Sarah to life?

katerina:

I felt that the relationship between Sarah and Jesse (Max MacKenzie) was not only one of ‘best friends’ but familiar to me. There was a moment when Jesse said something to me and I broke down. That hit me hard, viscerally as if my little brother—who’s three years younger— had said those words. That solidified it because my brother is one of the few men in my life who I care deeply about.

I would do anything for him. If he ever told me he wanted to commit suicide because he was dealing with all these horrible things, it would absolutely destroy me. So I had that moment that reminded me of my brother, someone I would do anything for. I also drew from being in school, growing up around ‘special ed’ kids who were bullied or left alone at the cafeteria table. I felt so much sadness and frustration towards these kids who don’t get the same opportunities or experiences for any reason other than some classmates being mean. So I would take the time to sit with them or do what I could to just make them feel like people cared. Being isolated is one of the most ostracizing feelings in the world.

Isolation can be hurtful, especially with today’s social media.

katerina:

It’s truly awful. If you just have one person in your life, it’s much better than feeling completely alone.

When kids feel completely alone, they’re unable to find a reason to keep going or enjoy life.

What did you find most challenging about being in this film?

katerina:

I was traveling back and forth from New York City to Massachusetts, which was exhausting. I’d work during the week and drive to Massachusetts to film for three-and-a-half hours during the weekend. I did that for HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 29

about two months. On top of that, “Just Say Goodbye” is a very emotionally driven film. Like when you cry, you not only feel a sense of cathartic release, but it’s also very exhausting. And then when you do three more scenes right after that till 2 a.m., you’re absolutely drained and just trying to muster the strength to feel awake. I remember doing one scene at night where Max just keeps messing up a line, so we just broke down and started laughing.

What was your favorite scene? katerina:

It was when Jesse and I were sitting on the bed and we had that intimate moment where I try to sleep with him to try and change his mind. That was our second scene in the entire film and we barely knew each other. As an actor, you have to strip away your ego and just work with the person in front of you—whether you know them or not. It’s being able to fully commit to that relationship and having that moment where you’re able to show that relationship without having one in your personal life.

The film speaks to bullying and parental abuse. What do you see as the film’s core message? katerina:

That it’s better to say something even if it feels like you’re betraying the trust of a friend—especially when it comes to their life. It also reminds us that you can get past so much, even if you only have one friend.

So take those relationships, use them, foster them, and make them more important than anything else.

What did you learn about teen suicide that you didn’t know before being in this film? katerina:

How quickly people can make their minds up about committing suicide. I thought it would be this long process. Sometimes people are very sure about their decision. I found it heartbreaking that someone could be so committed to ending his or her life. But I think within that commitment, there’s that ability to change their mind. People need to be more proactive and just say something.

How are you like Sarah and how are you different?

katerina: I think we’re both willing to stand up for what we

believe and unwilling to take crap from anyone. I may not be as upfront as Sarah is and I don’t know if I’d punch 30 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

anyone in the face. I’ve been lucky enough not to have to deal with anything to that extent. But that passion, that go-getter quality is something she and I share. I also have that dedication to those I love. I think Sarah is structured but she’s also pretty free. She doesn’t really care about certain things. She’s smart and will probably do her homework but be late about something else. She doesn’t seem that anxious and I think I’m a little bit more of a worrywart. I like to get to places on time and do things on time.

What advice would you give young actors just starting out? katerina:

Make sure this is what you want to commit your entire life to because it’s a never-ending process.

And remember that any step you take, even if it’s small and seemingly insignificant is actually huge. You should celebrate those small successes because it’s a really difficult industry. You just never know what will happen with something that you do. I couldn’t have guessed that “Just Say Goodbye” would get to this point. I did it because I love the work and wanted to do it. I didn’t do it for money or fame.

I hear that a lot from actors: celebrate the small successes.

katerina:

If you get an audition for something, that to me is a small success—even if you just get a callback or don’t get the part. Some people don’t even get auditions Getting a stage reading for something is also a success.

It’s the things that people don’t think about when they talk about everything they’re working on. The things they don’t mention tend to be the small successes. They’re the things that make us better actors.

What’s next for you?

katerina: I’m in a play right now with a movement-based

experimental theater company. The play is called “Spirits to Enforce,” which is loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It actually takes place 400 years after the events of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It’s a fun, smart witty play.

MONSTA X world tour [ we are here ]

K-POP SUPERGROUP, MONSTA X CONTINUE WORLDWIDE DOMINATION INK DEAL WITH EPIC RECORDS MONSTA X WORLD TOUR

New York, NY - May 28, 2019 - Continuing a banner year marked by sold out arena shows, tens of millions of streams, and widespread critical acclaim, K-pop supergroup and worldwide phenomenon, Monsta X, sign to Epic Records for their English language recordings and worldwide distribution ex Korea.

July 3

Amsterdam, NL

AFAS Live

July 6

Paris, FR

La Seine Musicale

July 9

London, UK

The SSE Arena Wembley

July 13

Berlin, DE

Mercedes-Benz Arena (O2 World Berlin)

July 19

São Paulo, BR

Espaco das Americas

July 21

Mexico City, MX

Teatro Metropolitan

July 25

Dallas, TX

Verizon Theatre

July 27

Houston, TX

July 30

Atlanta, GA

“We are thrilled to join the Epic Family alongside some of the artists we admire the most. This is like a dream come true and we still can’t believe that Smart this is happening to us. We can’t thank our monbebe Financial Centre enough for their endless support and for making everything possible,” said Monsta X. Fox Theatre

August 3

New York, NY

Hulu Theater

August 6

Chicago, IL

August 10

Los Angeles, CA

(Heineken Music Hall)

“K-pop has indelibly impacted the global conversation and influenced culture everywhere. At the top of that conversation, you’ll find Monsta X. They’re ushering the genre into the future with an original style befitting of their experience, passion, and diverse influences. We’re honored to welcome them to the Epic Records family,” said Epic Records Chairman and C.E.O. Sylvia Rhone.

Currently on the cusp of their seventeen-date “we are here” would tour, Monsta X will only catapult further in the U.S. market with this prestigious partnership.

Rosemont Kicking off on June 1st in Bangkok, the tour will Theatre weave through places such as Sydney, London, Staples Center Mexico City, closing out with a bang in 6 cities throughout the U.S.

THE BAND’S LATEST ALBUM, TAKE.2 ‘WE ARE HERE,’ DEBUTED AT #5 ON BILLBOARD’S WORLD ALBUMS CHART FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 2, 2019; AND HAS BEEN CAUSING AN UNSTOPPABLE WAVE OF INTEREST WITH NOTABLE MENTIONS IN COMPLEX, IDOLATOR, BILLBOARD, COSMOPOLITAN, AND NME STATING THAT THE ALBUM “FEATURES SOME GIANT LEAPS FORWARD FOR THE BAND.” ON TOP OF THAT, THE BAND IS CURRENTLY SET TO PERFORM AS THE FIRST K-POP GROUP AT THE IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL OUT IN LAS VEGAS ON SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2019.

Sal Velez Jr.

By Alex A. Kecskes

On Netflix’s new apocalyptic series “Black Summer”

A second-generation Puerto Rican, Chicago born Salvador Velez Jr. auditioned for the infamous Chicago’s “Second City” where he won a three-year scholarship. He studied improv, sketch writing, and musical theater and later joined their Second City Tour Company. His love for performing found him at The Goodman Theater doing everything from Nuyorican Poet Miguel Pinero plays to the Life of Cesar Chavez musicals. Sal is best known for his current portrayal of Big Benny on FX’s series the “Mayans M.C.” He is also known for his role as Leonardo on ABC’s newest drama “10 Days in the Valley” and as Adrian Carrera in “Chicago Justice.” In Netflix’s new zombie apocalypse series, “Black Summer,” Sal is William Velez, one of a handful of survivors in the dark, early days of the apocalypse.

Thanks for taking the time for this interview. What attracted you to this apocalyptic series and the role of William? velez:

William is kind of like us, a normal guy. He’s not a hero or person who’s trying to do anything malicious. He’s just a regular guy with a family. When I read the script, I thought, this guy is really normal and I love that. It’s the kind of character that would be willing to die for anybody he fell in love with.

Did you audition for the role? If so, what was that like? velez: Yeah. I was at my son’s house in San Diego when I got the call and they said, we want you for the role of William. When I first read the script, I noticed that the William role was written for an African American. But when I came to casting, the director said we really loved the way you played William. The scenes were intense, super long, and the process was pretty extreme. The show’s creators John Hyams and Karl Schaefer told everyone they had cast that they would have to go up to Canada for shooting.

34 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

The scenes in the diner called for William to make some difficult life-and-death decisions. What did you draw from to make William’s internal conflict so convincing? velez:

I believe that in normalcy and just being in the moment of life, we go through some of that already. We may not have to make life or death decisions but they are conflicting situations. You make a choice that will either leave you at the bottom or end up hurting someone. One of the things with William is that he was really hurting because he couldn’t get back to his family. He was also hurting before the apocalypse started since he was a father separated from his family. Seeing Sun—a small, beautiful Korean girl who can’t speak English—made William decide that at some point, he would adopt her into his family. He wanted to make sure that even if he didn’t make it, she would. So that was the vibe. When I was with her, I drew a lot from the love I had for my own daughters. To see someone who was exploited, picked on and bullied, I thought, who steps up to defend that person? William was willing to put it all on the line no matter what, just to make sure that Sun got to the end of her journey.

“Black Summer” is both physically demanding and emotionally draining. What challenged you the most about being in this series? velez:

We were up in Alberta for three months. It was in the middle of the summer so it was hot. We were shooting Monday through Friday, 12 to 14 hours a day. So I thought, okay, this is what I do.

I’ve been doing this for a long time. I ate square meals and tried to rest as much as possible. I also let my body heal after all the stunts, throwing people left and right, shooting and car accidents. After a while, your body feels like it’s been hit by a truck. With all that going on, the people in those Canadian provinces treated us so well.

They’re so professional.

There are many zombie films and series out there. What do you see as the core message in “Black Summer”?

velez: Humanity. We live in a society that is almost apocalyptic. The

wealthy live across the street from poverty. We see that daily. We have third world countries where banks monopolize the lives of the poor. So while it’s not zombies on the streets or missiles flying overhead, it is a society that can only be saved by humanity—our own, inner self that we all should have. Is greed or money really the answer? Or is it really love? “Black Summer” shows us that love is still one of the strongest forces in the universe.

How are you like William and how are you different?

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 35

velez:

It’s hard to say that William is not me and I’m not him. I ama father and I would literally die for my children. That’s never been a question.

William has a lot of anxiety and built-up tension toward this new society and younger generation, a generation that doesn’t truly understand the history of what we went through to be here today. Things are completely different from when we grew up. You ask yourself, how much easier are things today and what do young people do with that? Is today’s younger generation still respectful, humble and thoughtful? Are they still going to want all the things we had and should have? I believe there’s still a human side in connecting with people—even if it’s just a smile. We live in this social media world, which as an actor and human being took a long time for me to accept. My agents, managers, and publishers were all saying, you need to accept and embrace that, which I finally did. But I did find that while social media is a beautiful thing, some of the people in social media are the most unsocial people I’ve met in my whole life (laughs).

Why do you think the basic need to survive sometimes brings out the worst in humanity?

velez:

Fear. Fear causes everyone to make mistakes, to misjudge the situation, to be impatient. It’s a human emotion that we underestimate. But fear can also cause you to be heroic at times when being heroic may seem irrational in your mind.

What’s next for you?

velez:

It’s funny. I woke up this morning and l saw a tweet from Stephen King saying how much he liked “Back Summer.” I can’t say for certain, but it could be that William may come back as Jon Snow did in “Game of Thrones.”

I’m shooting a film with Warner Brothers and Ben Affleck called “Torrance.” Our characters have sons who have cancer. We share this bonding relationship that revolves around who loses and who keeps their son. It’s a heart-wrenching tearjerker.

36 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY WEEKLY

A Dynamic Duo - Queen Ofir and William Taylor Burton

By Barbara Burke Sizzling. Sensational. Sensual. Sensible.

Soulful. L.A.’s lovely and luscious Queen Ofir dazzles her fans worldwide as she performs and impresses with savoir faire and great flair. Eight times considered for Grammy Nominations, she is an award-winning international singer, songwriter and producer. Queen Ofir’s songs inspire and are infused with genuine love and laughter, with moving, motivational, melodic messages advocating and advancing the empowerment of women and with genuine gratitude toward, and admiration of, those who serve in uniform and protect this wonderful country. V programs, in addition to her live stage performances.

Queen Ofir’s cutting-edge world 38 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

dance music sets audiences afire with emotion as she seamlessly segues across a full spectrum of cultures and languages – she has performed Spanish, Hebrew, French, English and Persian pieces.

She magically transcends many musical genres, including world pop, Hip Hop, R&B, techno and classical. Ofir’s passionate performances of her soul-searching songs have earned her worldwide acclaim.

“You’re incredible!” Simon Cowell gushed with admiration after her stunning X-Factor performance.

Queen Ofir began receiving accolades in the industry in 2015, when she garnered a total of four Grammy Award FYC’s as her stellar songs, Higher and Sound of

the Jewish Soul, were both dually nominated for Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year. Love and caring infuse her very essence and all of her phenomenal works that are produced by her company, Passion Show Records.

“When a prism accepts a single beam of light, it produces a spectrum of magnificent colors,” read the introduction to one of Queen Ofir’s songs, manifesting her stage presence, production prowess and multi-faceted, excellent entertainment excursions that encompass her vast expanse of talents, ranging from being a producer, an animator, an actor, a song-writer, a singer and an accomplished model.

A champion of the downtrodden, Ofir dedicated a CD as a tribute to Natalee Ann Holloway, a girl whose life was tragically struck down by an attacker who has never been identified.

“I always use my talents to give of my soul to other people and I often write my songs about international causes deserving attention,” Ofir said. “I met Natalie’s family and tried to support them and let them know that a light is shining on them and that I and so many people send them rays of light and love.”

“Envision the beach beyond the horizon,” Queen Ofir gently admonishes as she inspires her adoring fans, lifting them up and taking them to higher levels of aspiration, inspiration and imagination. “Dare to live with passion, for passion is a lifestyle and a purpose.”

No need for retrograde retrospectives, Queen Ofir suggests. Rather, introspection and innovative insights should inform a person’s essence and her define her ethos. “When the mind is clear, the answer is heard within.” Ofir opines.

Higher, a work that was written and composed by Queen Ofir as a celebratory homage to patriotism, joyfully exudes this philosophy, “Dare live with passion, higher through discovery, vistas turning answers, let it take you higher, surrender, surrender.” the lyrics sweetly say.

Queen Ofir’s meteoric musical career also features You’re My Hero, a lovely melody that was Grammy nominated for Song of the Year in 2017. “It was a lot of fun working on this video with fellow artist, professional photographer and videographer Don Atkinson!” Queen Ofir said, speaking about their collaborative efforts to produce a truly stellar work that, as Ofir notes,

the contours of my essence.”

Queen Ofir’s relevance resonates with fans from all cultures, generations and walks of life, as evidenced by the fact that recently, she created a phenomenal new version of the classic Farsi song, “Gole Sangam,” a favorite Persian piece with an eternally familiar theme – it talks about a person in love who is struggling because she faces rejection by the objects of her desire.

Life can be a struggle, Queen Ofir knows.

However, it is sweeter and more meaningful when salving solutions are divined. Poetic passion permeates her being and her musical path is augmented by her strong faith in the fundamental decency embedded in every person’s spirit.

“I know that music is my gift,” Queen Ofir said. “I have it ingrained in my soul, in my emotions, in my spirit and I feel responsible for my musical creations, knowing they are meant to instill faith and inspire my fans.”

She’s constantly in motion, evolving as an artist with many talents, and passionately reaching out into new creative spaces and platforms. Queen Ofir wants to always give back to society, to author a global narrative furthering peace, tranquility and creativity, to constantly create and innovatively exceed fans’ expectations. “I want to add to the world’s growing aspirations in this era of consciousness.” Queen Ofir said. “I’m currently working on a fascinating TV show – I am always creating.”

honors law enforcement officials from all sectors, ranging from the police, those who serve in uniform in this country and abroad, the FBI and local responders. Collaboration and convivial colloquy between Queen Ofir and the talented artists with whom she works help to further her musical journey and amplify her celebration of life, of love and of having a meaningful, successful and creative life’s journey.

Amazingly, Queen Ofir’s tune, Game of Love received three Grammy Award FYC’s in 2018 - one nomination each for Song of the Year, Pop Performance of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

“The wisdom of your mind can take you where you want to be,” Queen Ofir believes and therefore, she always searches deeply for each creation’s impact and meaning by meditating, focusing and searching. “As I compose, the music plays

in my head and it is a gift from God.” Ultimately, Queen Ofir’s philosophy that one should always enjoy life to the fullest infuses every element in her creative process.

Blessed, humbled, motivated, inspired, and very, very honored . . . those are Queen Ofir’s reactions to the many accolades she has received which recognize and celebrate her musical accomplishments over the years. Perhaps the most heartening and inspiring were when she twice performed at the National Prayer Day ceremony at the White House and when she was named as a double nominee for Album of the Year and the Artist of the Year in the L.A. Music Awards.

Queen Ofir is delighted to make her home in Tinsel Town. “I always knew I wanted to live and create in L.A.,” She told Hollywood Magazine. “Being an Angelino is part of my character and helps to define

To connect with Queen Ofir directly to discuss possible opportunities and collaboration, contact her at Passion Show Records by dialing: (949) 526-4292 or email her at THEQUEENOFIR@GMAIL.COM. “I can help you in your endeavors and I’m always excited to discuss new opportunities.” Queen Ofir said. “I am open to travelling worldwide to help you realize your dreams.”

Toward that end, Queen Ofir keeps producing, performing and passionately sharing her positive outlook, often serving as a life coach in addition to pursuing all of her artistic explorations and creativity.

“With love in your heart, you are the magic and the miracle wherever you are.” Queen Ofir promises her fans.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 38

William Taylor Burton

An Amazing, Evolving Creative Journey

By Barbara Burke When William Taylor Burton stands on stage, there is not just magic in his performance - he also personifies a miracle – the miracle of his return to the entertainment industry after a distinguished career as a sales executive and business leader. Burton and Ofir are currently collaborating on some forthcoming projects and are thereby creating more magic.

“William create new, wonderful songs and we sing together beautifully as a duet,” Queen Ofir said. “William possesses strong stage vocals and has excellent charisma.”

We both can compose and perform brilliantly in other languages.”

The sky is the limit concerning where their synergy will lead.

“We will be participating in shows highlighting the Broadway style with newly composed music,” Queen Ofir said. “We both can compose and perform brilliantly in other languages.”

William’s wonderful world consists of a terrific trifecta as he primarily focuses on three things: His acting – he’s soaring 40 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

higher and higher every day; his book tour sharing the excitement about and the message in Ride the Horses, Feed the Lions, his new book about professional sales that is brilliantly written and reads like a novel that is aspirational, but that also provides practical advice to readers regarding how to be authentic, have integrity and invest time in relationships.

William has extrapolated that philosophy and cognizance into his work in the theatrical realm. “We are all on stage when pursuing a profession,” He said. “When we believe in our message of the play, musical, screenplay or television series or pilot we are cast on, the audience can feel if we are living in the skin of the person or role we are portraying.”

As Sir Edward Rutledge, in the musical 1776, William portrayed the Governor of South Carolina, member of the Federalist Party, who became the youngest signatory of the Constitution. Before doing so, historically, he led the southern delegation out of the Constitutional Convention, over

the issue of slavery. Late in the second act, William stood upon his desk, positioned on stage to deliver his impassioned show stopping plea in 1776’s Molasses to Rum, emotionally pointing out the hypocrisy of northern states’ blind eyes to slavery’s in lyrics “We dance with you, you dance with us…”

An inspirational, headlining keynote speaker, William sang Bring Him Home from Les Miserable at the end of a recent business Summit luncheon in Ohio, followed by a 90-minute presentation on the final day, both times receiving a standing ovation. Helping others reach their potential in acting, singing, business and achieving personal goals, William is not shy utilizing and sharing his talents. “We’re all salespeople as actors. The measure of our abilities is reflected in the relationships we develop on and off the stage.”

As he pursues entertainment and business opportunities, William stays grounded, very family-oriented – he has six thriving children – and is laser-focused on his most important goal – performing on Broadway.

An Accomplished Author Sharing Experience-based Wisdom His powerful treatise in his book, Ride the Horses, Feed the Lions, One Man’s Crusade to Humanize Selling, released on Amazon, Kindle and Barnes & Noble in April under his given name, William D. Hatch, paints his picture of an idyllic, stylistic salesperson - of a consummate people-oriented professional imbued with authentic interpersonal skills. Such salespeople, referred to in the book as The Horses and The Lions, takes sales performance from average to greatness with their management skills utilizing William’s key strategies, strategies that recognize that they perform optimally when they are given two essential things: the support needed to sell effectively and freedom to make the sale utilizing their unique strengths and styles.

The subtitle of the book is: “One Man’s Crusade to Humanize Selling,” a theme that focuses on understanding the importance of each person’s unique personality and skill set and how those attributes can be utilized for that person - and their organization - to obtain optimal success. “Each one of these salespeople is like a book with something unique on each page,” William’s book advises. “Don’t rush. Listen to the stories they tell. Watch, learn, and

have fun!” William sagely suggests. “Get to know them personally because they’re the thoroughbreds of your sales team. Don’t rein them in right out of the gate. Let them set their own pace. Be on their team so they’re on yours.”

William has always been instrumental in the success of any organization he has been affiliated. As the founder and publisher of Nuestra Gente, the first ABC-audited Spanish-language U.S. Magazine that was published nationwide from 1992 to 2005, he led Sears in its efforts to focus on the importance of cross-cultural understanding and creativity and of knowing its audience.

A Thespian with Innate Talent and an Expansive Dream. In the last few years, William has taken that skill set – that people-oriented, public relations skill set - back to the milieu he loves – the world of theater and performance. Indeed, he really never left that world because, while he worked at Sears, in addition to corporate marketing, William was a reporter for the Sears TV Video Series and filmed a full 36 episodes in studio and on location, episodes that inspired and challenged those working for Sears to reach their maximum potential. William’s success in this regard was recognized when he received the Sears 1st Marketing Excellence Award where he was TV host and was an emcee with a wonderfully-entertaining quick wit and an impressive stage presence.

Schenectady Light Opera Co. (“S.L.O.C.”) served as the venue for William excellently portraying Curly in Oklahoma, William’s favorite role to date because “he felt the essence of the character.” William also graced stages of theaters nationwide where he skillfully, convincingly and powerfully delivered voiceovers.

His monologues are as diverse as The Royal Gazette and The Death of King Arthur - The Siege Round Joyous Gard.

Here’s a peek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=5UzHrielKuo. William is also credited as the co-author with Thomas M. Collins of The Top Secret Life of Jack Comer, an original screen play scored and formatted as a thirteen-episode TV mini-series that is currently awaiting Hollywood funding.

Knowing an audience – really knowing an audience - is William’s strongest suit in life. His ability to communicate, to collaborate and to use creativity to catalyze visionary, artistic expression, as well as his magnanimously sharing how joyful it is to thoroughly entertain an audience reaches its apex when he appears in theatrical productions, for that is where he shines the most. William’s creative genius has been recognized by accolades, including the “Best Male Adult Singer,” at the International Modeling Talent Association in New York in 2018, where he also received five Excellence in Acting awards.

William’s talents are multi-faceted as his voice imitation competency ranges from Southern drawl to an Irish brogue or classical British actor and he can convincingly segue between dialects with great facility.

The ability to be flexible and innovative is one of William’s strongest suits because he effortlessly and seamlessly moves between his careers, going where life leads him, all the while keeping true to fundamental core ethical values while seizing opportunities to evolve and grow.

Those are the defining, success-driven attributes that William and Queen Ofir both share. They both have incredible work ethics and fully embrace a challenge. Together, this dynamic duo envisions great success in their collaborative efforts.

Look for more follow up about their projects in future Hollywood Weekly editions.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 41

Hollywood

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The Man with the Golden Voice

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By Anthony Ewart here will be endless biographies written about Mr. James Edward Ingram.

But that’s not how you remember James Ingram. You remember him through the moments you spent with someone while his songs were playing.

Almost a musical, mental snapchat moment immortalized in your soul and the soul of the person you experienced that beautiful moment with.

James Ingram was the 44 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

most altruistic singer I’ve ever heard. His voice lived for the song. It suported the melody.

It gave life and meaning to the lyrics. James Ingram, the man, became the Supporting Actor -- he gave the spotlight to his voice, and made it Lead Actor.

What an incredibly giving artist he was. It was all about the song.

The story...That’s really what James Ingram was. A great storyteller. He took us into tales of love and

heartbreak that we all connected with. James Ingram could give confidence to a lovesick, junior high school student. He could make a husband married 30 years look at his wife as if he was seeing her for the first time.

That was the magic of James Ingram. We believed him and the beautiful lyrics he chose to share with us, many of which he wrote himself. When thinking about the sincerity and integrity James Ingram brought as an

artist, it brings to mind another famous “James” who captured the trust and heart of America.

James Maitland Stewart. You may know him better as “Jimmy Stewart.” One of the most loved Stars in Hollywood, Jimmy Stewart always put his art first.

He inhabited the characters he played with sincerity and believability. And we believed him.

James Ingram sang a variety of songs in different styles and tempos and rhythms, but for me,

and I know many others, his love songs have imprinted themselves in the atoms of my cells.

Hearing his song, by chance, on a radio, through sheer synchronicity, is the Universe comforting me with love.

All artists want to leave a legacy of their work behind.

James Ingram has left a body of work that will be enjoyed by his f a n s and students of music forever. And I don’t say that word lightly. But the truly lasting

legacy of James Ingram is the ripple effect the beauty of his voice will have on us for the rest of our lives. His tone. The vibrations of his sound. That feeling of love and happiness.

That’s what will live on. That is the ripple effect of James Ingram.

And what a beautiful ocean of sound he gave us.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 45

Books That Make You… Savor Summer

By Bree Swider

Let’s celebrate summer! Relaxing barefoot with a cold drink, the fragrance of sunscreen lingering on your skin, sunglasses on the tip of your nose while you’re buried deep in a good book. Nothing is better than summer-time reading.

Where is your favorite place to read summer books? These books are great for all summer reading locales — sunbathing on the beach, swinging in a hammock, reading by a campfire, or chilling poolside. Make sure your summer book is as good as your summer reading spot!

Here is the Books That Make You Summertime Reading List.

IGHT SPOTLOK BO

The Lonely Hearts Bar Sunny California, the perfect setting for a summertime read. The Lonely Hearts Bar by Konni Granma is set in Hollywood as main character Connie starts her first semester of film school. Follow along as she meets friends, falls in love, and discovers her values and principles.

A piece from The Lonely Hearts Bar, “We’re only here and now. And in several minutes, it’ll be now again. And there’ll never be a past and a future. There’s always now, and it’s different for everybody. Don’t leave your now to chance, to an aimless existence. And don’t get trapped in petty fears and hate. You’ve dedicated your lives to cinema, and cinema just might be the only now that’ll last forever. The director might be long gone, but a movie lives on for years after. Cinema will always be your now in this reality.”

Author Konni Granma shares, “Los Angeles is a city of constant summer, so to speak. Well, why not, if Woody Allen calls New York a black and white city in the film Hollywood Ending?”

“We’re only here and now.

And in several minutes, it’ll be now again.

And there’ll never be a past and a future. ” Konni Granma

Love books? Want to win books?

Want to join us on a totally bookish adventure?

Visit www.BooksThatMakeYou.com to discover more.

A Promise in Autumn

If you’re a sucker for a summer romance novel here it is: A Promise in Autumn by Barbara Morriss. This heart-warming novel is a love story laced with suspense and mystery. Set in the early 1900s, it depicts the challenges of finding true love among the chaos of the First World War and the Influenza Pandemic of 1918.

Dream, wonder and fall in love this summer.

Growing Up Hollywood

Nothing says summer like kids squealing with joy as they skip through sprinklers, ride bikes, and play ball. But sometimes things aren’t always as carefree as they seem, like in the new book Growing Up Hollywood by Tara Botel Doherty. This collection of short stories gives readers a glimpse into the unfiltered and unedited lives of two young sisters growing up on the hostile, dead-end street in the Hollywood hills.

Unique In America

What is it REALLY like immigrating to the United States? Learn of the challenges, sacrifices made, and get a real-life picture of one woman’s journey to become a legal citizen of the United States. Unique In America by Yanique Beliard-Michel shares her personal struggles, disappointments and sorrows as she fights to achieve her lifelong dream.

Last Call – America: Last Call Before Darkness Falls

As we enjoy booming firework displays this 4th of July, let us not forget the freedoms we enjoy and our responsibility to preserve them for future generations. Last Call by Debra Tash forecasts the potentially bleak future we face with a thought-provoking dystopian story set in a devastated post-constitutional America.

Citizens are stripped of their basic human rights as they meekly accept their dwindling rations of food. One thing is certain, a revolution is in the air.

The Engine Woman’s Light

Take a ride this summer on a steampunk locomotive. This ride is unlike anything you’ve experienced as the ghosts of the past guide the living to help save the damned. The Engine Woman’s Light by Laurel Anne Hill takes place in an alternate nineteenth-century California where both love and hatred emanate from beyond the grave.

11 Best Ways to Face Life’s Challenges: A Guide to Discovering and Changing the Limiting Beliefs That Block You from Creating the Life You Want

Make this summer the summer of YOU, with 11 Best Ways to Face Life’s Challenges by Dr. Ken Best.

Discover and challenge the beliefs you’re holding on to that block you from creating the life you want and deserve. Dr. Ken Best explains in simple terms how you can change your habits and shape your reality. Take the steps you need this summer to change your life for the better.

The Divorce Recovery Ladder: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Successfully Climb Out of Your Divorce

If you or someone you know are in the throes of a divorce this summer, you’ll want to read The Divorce Recovery Ladder by Susan Shofer. Knowing how challenging and complex divorce can be, Susan helps you take control of your divorce and learn which battles are worth the fight – and which are not. The Divorce Recovery Ladder will answer your questions about legal issues, complex emotions, mental and financial well-being, and many other aspects of divorce.

Straight Outta Tombstone

Straight Outta Tombstone is ‘bout to heat this summa up! Top authors put their own twist on classic westerns. These tales ain’t yo grampies Old Westies! Seventeen tales that breathe new life in the Old West with the help of a few soul-sucking ghosts, demons, and wayward aliens. Our pick in this collection is Coyote by Naomi Brett Rourke.

Next Therapist Please

Cruise along with Janie as she reminisces about her past therapists while reinventing her life. In Next Therapist Please by Laurie Finkelstein, Janie is blessed with OCD, depression, and anxiety. Follow along as she hops from one therapist to the next while a light and hilarious romance blossoms.

This romantic comedy is the perfect breezy summertime read.

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