Monday, June 9, 2014

Who is Ryan John Seacrest?

Who is



















Ryan John Seacrest? The entertainment and acting world knows him as Ryan Seacrest. He is an American radio personality, television host, and producer. He hosts talent competition American Idol, as well as On Air with Ryan Seacrest, a morning radio show on KIIS-FM.[1][2][3]
He received Emmy Award nominations for American Idol, and won an Emmy for producing Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.[4]

Early life

Seacrest was born on December 24, 1974, in an Atlanta suburb, Dunwoody, Georgia,[5] the son of Constance Marie (née Zullinger), a homemaker, and Gary Lee Seacrest, a real estate lawyer.[6][7] His mother told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Instead of playing with G.I. Joes or Cowboys and Indians, [Ryan] would always have a little microphone and do shows in the house."[8]
At age 14, he attended Dunwoody High School. As his school's regular morning public address system announcer, he was known as the "Voice of Dunwoody High School". [9] At aged 16, while still attending high school, Seacrest won a hard-to-get internship at WSTR (FM), in Atlanta, with Tom Sullivan, who trained him in the many aspects of radio. When the regular DJ called in sick, Sullivan put him on the air for the very first show of his broadcasting career.[10] Seacrest was given the weekend overnight shift at WSTR.[8]
Seacrest continued to work on air at WSTR until graduating from Dunwoody High School in 1992.[11] Seacrest went on to study journalism at the University of Georgia in fall 1992. He continued his radio show at a local Athens station. Seacrest left the university at age 19 and moved to Hollywood to pursue his broadcasting career.[8]

Professional background

Television hosting

In 1993, Seacrest hosted the first season of ESPN's Radical Outdoor Challenge. He also hosted three kids' game shows, Gladiators 2000 from 1994–96 (a spinoff of the television show, American Gladiators), Wild Animal Games in 1995, and Click in 1997. Seacrest appeared as the host of the fictional game show Lover's Lane on Beverly Hills, 90210 in "The Final Proof".[12] In fall 2000, Seacrest was the host of NBC Saturday Night at the Movies.[13] From 2000 to 2001, Seacrest appeared as the host of an NBC Saturday morning television block, which broadcast a major theatrical film. During commercial breaks, he offered trivia on the film and a chance to win prizes by calling in a specific number. In 2001, he hosted a reality television program, Ultimate Revenge,[6] where elaborate practical jokes were played on family and friends instigated by their own relatives and friends. It was shown on TNN from 2001 to 2003.[12][14]
American Idol
In 2002, Seacrest accepted the position as co-host of a new Fox reality television series American Idol with comedian Brian Dunkleman. American Idol went on to success, putting Seacrest in the national spotlight. The following year, he became the sole host. When the show increased in popularity, seen by some 26 million viewers weekly, Seacrest became recognizable around the world. In 2003, Seacrest hosted the spin-off show, American Juniors.[15] In July 2009, Seacrest inked a deal with CKX for $45 million to continue to host American Idol, making him the highest paid reality television host to date.[16] In April 2012, Seacrest signed a two-year, $30 million deal to stay on as host of American Idol.[17]
New Year's Rockin' Eve
In August 2005, it was announced that Seacrest would become executive producer and co-host of ABC's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. On December 31, 2005, Seacrest performed much of the show's hosting duties. Dick Clark's role was limited by speech and mobility issues due to his recovery from a stroke. Seacrest also occasionally served as a substitute host on the CNN television program Larry King Live, and co-emceed Larry King's final show with Bill Maher on December 16, 2010.[18] In 2009, ABC renamed the program Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest, to reflect Seacrest's role. The 40th Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest, delivered ABC’s biggest New Year’s numbers in twelve years at 22.6 million viewers.[19]
When Dick Clark died, Seacrest publicly remembered his mentor's impact on his life in a special tribute in The Hollywood Reporter.[20] After Clark's death, Seacrest hosted the 2013 edition of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with co-hosts Jenny McCarthy and Fergie paying tribute to Dick Clark in the pre-show.[21] In October 2013, Ryan Seacrest signed a multi-year contract extension with Dick Clark Productions to continue as host and executive producer of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.[22]

Radio hosting

In January 2004, Seacrest became the new host of the radio program American Top 40,[23] a syndicated weekly countdown show, created and formerly hosted by Casey Kasem. The show was syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks. In February 2004, Seacrest became host of Los Angeles radio station KIIS's morning show, replacing long-time host Rick Dees.[24] This show, also known as On Air With Ryan Seacrest, remains on the air. Seacrest is the host, executive producer of this syndicated daily show airing on over 150 stations in North America, with affiliates worldwide.

Television producing

In January 2006, US cable channel E! announced a three-year, $21 million deal for Seacrest to host and produce various programs, including E! News and its red carpet awards show coverages (E!'s signature piece of original programming).[25] That same year, Seacrest launched Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP); in August 2008, Seacrest named his longtime William Morris Agent, Adam Sher, as CEO.[26] Comcast had first-look rights for all RSP shows through January 2012.[27] Clear Channel acquired a minority stake in RSP in early 2012, but the company no longer has a first look deal with any network.[28]
Seacrest remains managing editor of E! News and produces its red carpet awards show coverage but, as of January 2012, he no longer hosts E! News on a daily basis.[29]
In April 2012, Seacrest signed a deal with NBCUniversal expanding his on-air role beyond E! to NBC. He contributed to the Today Show, Olympics coverage, entertainment programming, as well as news and other special events. Seacrest will remain managing editor of E! News and host and produce its red carpet awards show coverage.[30]
An Associated Press profile portrayed Seacrest as using both the deal with E! and the Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve involvement as a springboard towards a long-lasting career in television production and ownership.[31]
RSP produces the hit series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the highest-rated show on the E! network, and the spin-offs Khloe and Lamar, Kourtney and Kim Take New York and Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami. RSP also produced the Emmy Award-winning ABC reality series Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. RSP also produced two new reality series in 2012 including Melissa and Tye, which aired on CMT and Shahs of Sunset for Bravo. Bravo announced a second season of Shahs of Sunset on April 18, 2012.[32] RSP's new show Married to Jonas premiered on August 19, 2012 on E! and was renewed for a second season.[33][34]
On January 31, 2012, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital announced they would invest up to $300M in Ryan Seacrest Media.[35] A consortium headed by Seacrest (with partners AEG and CAA) agreed to rebrand Mark Cuban's HDNet television network as AXS TV.[36]

Philanthropy

In 2010, Seacrest, along with his family, launched nonprofit organization Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF), intended to enhance the quality of life of children considered to be in need of help. Its actions include the construction of broadcast media centers in hospitals intended to educate children about using radio, television and new media technologies, including in ways that the RSF considers to be creative. RSF has two centers at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.[37] In April 2012, Seacrest named Selena Gomez as Ambassador to the Foundation.[38]

Personal life

In April 2010, Seacrest began dating Julianne Hough, a professional dancer, actress, and singer known for participating in Dancing with the Stars.[39][40] On March 15, 2013, it was announced that their relationship had ended.[41] [42]

They were dating for over two years before the split.

Credits

Radio [12]
  • On Air with Ryan Seacrest: Host, executive producer of this syndicated daily show airing on over 150 stations in North America alone, with affiliates worldwide
  • American Top 40: Host of this syndicated weekly countdown show since 2004
  • 2003 Radio Music Awards: Co-host
  • 102.7 KIIS-FM Los Angeles: Since 2004, Morning Drive Personality with co-host Ellen K.
  • Former On-Air Personality at KYSR, WSTR
  • 98.7 FM, 1pm to 4pm
Film
Television[12]
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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Who is Tony Little?

 Who is Tony Little? The entertainment and infomercial world knows him as an American television fitness personality and businessman, best known for his fitness infomercial products. Little is a certified personal trainer and identifies himself as "America's Personal Trainer". He is known for his over-the-top, hyper-enthusiastic personality and long blond ponytail.[1] Four of Little's favorite catchphrases are "You can do it," "It's technique!," "Always believe in yourself" and "No refunds if it's been opened, only store credit!". Little’s infomercials have generated more than $4 billion in sales globally. Little averages about 6,000 hours a year in front of a TV.

Personal life

Little was born September 16, 1956. Fremont, Ohio. As an adult, he moved to Tampa, Florida to attempt to advance his personal fitness career. Little has two children from a prior relationship, daughter Tara (born ca. 1987) and son Trent (born ca. 1988). Little is now married to fitness model Melissa Hall, who has been seen on several of his home shopping channel appearances. She delivered their twin sons Cody and Chase in Tampa three months prematurely on November 23, 2009. Little is an avid collector of antiques, classic cars, and obscure species of livestock; he owns eight of the latter.
 As a child, Little and his mother were abandoned by his father. He was raised by his mother in
Little is a former Mr. Florida and Mr. Junior America bodybuilding champion.[2] In 1983, while training for the NPC USA Championships, he was involved in a car accident and suffered numerous physical injuries. He had two herniated discs, along with a knee dislocation and a cracked vertebra; in addition, he was lacerated in several places.[3] He recovered enough to compete in the event and finished fifth place as a middleweight competitor.
Although there was a AAU Mr. America bodybuilding championship held in 1983, Little did not compete. To end confusion, there were two Mr. America competitions run by two different organizations. The Mr. America competition controlled by the IFBB, International Federation of Bodybuilders, was handed over to the NPC, National Physique Committee. NPC nationals started in 1982, and are still running today.
During his recovery, Little began developing exercise programs and became successful in the fitness industry. His book One on One with Tony Little: The Complete 28-Day Body Sculpting And Weight Loss Program has sold thousands of copies. His fitness videos have won 14 Platinum Awards, 9 gold video awards, and over 47 million customers. His products are sold by retailers worldwide, including HSN and QVC. His most notable product is the "Gazelle" which was co-created by Little, colleague Bryan Williams, and Fitness Quest.[4]

Parodies and media appearances

Little has frequently been the target and source of parody. In his own infomercials, he has often dressed up, and parodied other TV personalities, such as Fabio, Richard Simmons, and Susan Powter.
Little's persona was depicted as "Peter Small" on an episode of Beavis and Butt-head, "Take a Lap".
Bruce Springsteen's 1995-97 Ghost of Tom Joad Tour, contained the song "Sell It and They Will Come", a tribute to the insanity of late-night infomercials. Tony Little remarked that, 'I figure that he (Springsteen) got home from a gig and wanted to watch some TV and couldn't get away from me. The line was: "And Tony Little, America's personal trainer, please kill yourself." That cracks me up. I love the parody stuff.'[5][6]
In 1997, he appeared as himself, making fun of his own image, on The Weird Al Show. The following year, he once again parodied himself on the Fox show MADtv. He also did a cameo appearance in the movie Frezno Smooth in 1999. In 2005, he appeared in a GEICO commercial, that at first

pretends to be another of his personal training videos, but then becomes a commercial for car insurance.
On an episode of MADtv in early 2002, he was parodied and was portrayed by WWE wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin himself would be parodied by MADtv cast member Will Sasso.
Little appeared in the 2006 film The Pumpkin Karver.
Little has appeared on VH1's Best Year Ever 2007.
In October 2006, Little appeared on an episode of G4TV's popular videogame review show X-Play; the episode in question was actually named "The Tony Little Episode". The highlight of the episode featured Little in a comedy sketch which directly parodied his own infomercials. In the sketch, Little magically transports (via superpowers) an excessively obese member of G4's web design team into a fitness infomercial (Little claims in the sketch that he obtained said superpowers when he was 16 years old, after being bitten by a radioactive ponytail). Little then shows the person how they can begin an exercise regimen using specialized video-game peripherals.(X-Play's Tony Little Fitness Infomercial - MP4 video format)
Little appeared in an October 29, 2006 episode of VH1 reality show Celebrity Paranormal Project.
Little has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno three times.
Little appeared on NFL Countdown on December 7, 2008. He was "training" the players on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 2009, he appeared on an episode of Real Chance of Love 2.
One of Tony Little's infomercials made it on the movie Jennifer's Body in a scene when Jennifer is watching TV and circling which boys to kill on her yearbook.
In April, 2014, Miller Lite beer launched a retrospective ad campaign that included a "recap" of the fitness crazes that (ostensibly) followed the introduction of Miller's low carb, low calorie beer, in which a brief clip of a Tony Little infomercial appears.
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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Who is Gabrielle Monique Union?

Who is Gabrielle Monique Union? The entertainment and acting world knows her as Gabrielle Union, she is an American actress and former model. Among her notable roles is her performance of the cheerleader opposite Kirsten Dunst in the film Bring It On, (2000). In 2000, she played a medical doctor in the CBS drama series City of Angels. In 2003, Union starred opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the blockbuster film Bad Boys II. Also in 2003, she starred with LL Cool J in Deliver Us from Eva. In 2008, she featured in the film Cadillac Records with Adrien Brody, Beyoncé Knowles and Jeffrey Wright. In 2011, Union featured in an ensemble cast of the film version of Think Like a Man.

Early life

Union was born October 29, 1972  in Omaha, Nebraska, the middle child in a family of four daughters. She is the daughter of Theresa (née Glass), a former dancer, social worker, and phone company manager, and Sylvester C. Union, an AT&T manager and military sergeant. Union's early childhood years were spent as part of a rich African American community. Her large family had been in the Omaha area for many generations.[1][2][3] She was raised Catholic.[4] When Union was eight years old, she and her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended Foothill High School. In high school, Union was an all-star point guard in basketball and a year-round athlete, also playing in soccer and ran track.

Career

Union attended the University of Nebraska before moving on to Cuesta College. She eventually transferred to UCLA and earned a degree in sociology. While studying there, she interned at the Judith Fontaine Modeling & Talent Agency to earn extra academic credits. Invited by the agency's owner, Judith Fontaine, Union started working as a model to pay off college loans.[5]
Union started her acting career in minor roles. Most were in teen movies such as 10 Things I Hate About You and Love and Basketball. In 1997, Union appeared in the sixth-season episode of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – "Sons and Daughters" as the Klingon N'Garen. She also appeared in Sister, Sister as Vanessa, in Smart Guy as Denise, and in five episodes of 7th Heaven as Keesha Hamilton.
In 2000, Union landed the role of Isis in the cheerleading movie Bring it On opposite Kirsten Dunst. Bring It On helped push Union into the mainstream and she began gaining more exposure. This led to Union being cast in the CBS television drama City of Angels as Dr. Courtney Ellis.
Union was cast in her first leading role in the 2003 film Deliver Us from Eva with rapper L.L. Cool J. This was her second time working with the rapper since making a cameo in his video "Paradise" in 2002. The film received fair reviews from critics and it showed that Union was a leading lady. Union landed the role of Will Smith's character's girlfriend Syd in the film Bad Boys II, a box office success grossing over $273 million worldwide. Union starred with Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx in the film Breakin' All the Rules in 2004.
Union starred in the short-lived 2005 ABC series Night Stalker. She has also starred in the independent drama films Neo Ned and Constellation, the latter of which was released to theaters. She won an award for Best Actress in Neo Ned at the Palm Beach International Film Festival, and the film received awards at several festivals.


She starred in the 2005 remake of The Honeymooners with comedian Cedric The Entertainer. In 2006, she starred as Busta Rhymes' love interest in the music video for Rhymes' "I Love My Chick". Union starred in the 2007 films Daddy's Little Girls by Tyler Perry (released on Valentine's Day) and the Christmas film The Perfect Holiday which opened on December 12.
In an interview with Art Nouveau Magazine, Union complained about the lack of roles for black actresses and actors in Hollywood: "There used to be [roles] specifically written black, if you knew Denzel was doing a movie you knew his wife, girl or love interest was going to be black [but] that’s not necessarily the case anymore. You’re in that room with every amazingly talented actress of every hue, and it’s a dogfight, it’s hard".[6]
In 2008, Union appeared on Ugly Betty for three episodes (36–38) as Renee, Wilhelmina Slater's (Vanessa L. Williams) sister and Daniel Meade's (Eric Mabius) love interest. She also made a cameo appearance in the music video for Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent".
She joined the cast of the U.S. television series Life on NBC and appeared in four episodes prior to the cancellation of series in May 2009.[7] She appeared in the ABC series FlashForward alongside John Cho and Joseph Fiennes as Zoey Andata, a role for which she got nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. In 2013, Union starred in Ava DuVernay's short film The Door as part of Miu Miu's Women's Tales campaign.[8]
In 2012, she worked with Tyler Perry on the romantic comedy Good Deeds playing the role of Natalie, the soon to be wife of Perry's character Wesley Deeds.[9] She now appears in Steve Harvey's movie Think Like A Man, another romantic comedy which is based on his book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. The movie debuted at No. 1 during the weekend of April 20, 2012. In 2013, she began as the star of the BET network show Being Mary Jane.[10]

Personal life

In 1992, at age 19, Union was attacked and raped[11] at her part-time job in a shoe store. Her attacker later turned himself in and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. She has since become an advocate for survivors of assault.[12] Union is an Ambassador in Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Circle of Promise.[13] She ran in the Global Race for the Cure in Washington D.C. on Saturday, June 2, 2012, in honor of her late friend [14]
Chris Howard
Kristen Martinez, who lost her battle with breast cancer.
Union met football player Chris Howard at a party in 1999. They married on May 5, 2001, and separated in October 2005.[15] The divorce was finalized in 2006. In 2009, Union began dating NBA player Dwyane Wade.[16][17] Union and Wade became engaged in December 2013.[18]

Filmography

Film

Year Film Role
1999 She's All That Katie
1999 10 Things I Hate About You Chastity
1999 H-E Double Hockey Sticks Gabrielle
2000 Love & Basketball Shawnee
2000 Bring It On Isis
2001 The Brothers Denise Johnson
2001 Two Can Play That Game Conny Spalding
2002 Welcome to Collinwood Michelle
2002 Abandon Amanda Luttrell
2003 Deliver Us from Eva Evangeline 'Eva' Dandrige
2003 Cradle 2 the Grave Daria
2003 Bad Boys II Syd
2004 Something the Lord Made Clara Thomas
2004 Breakin' All the Rules Nicky Callas
2005 Neo Ned Rachael
2005 The Honeymooners Alice Kramden
2005 Say Uncle Elise Carter
2006 Running with Scissors Dorothy
2007 Constellation Carmel Boxer
2007 Daddy's Little Girls Julia
2007 The Box Det. Cris Romano
2007 The Perfect Holiday Nancy
2008 Meet Dave Number 3 – Cultural Officer
2008 Cadillac Records Geneva Wade
2010 The Van Zandt Shakedown TBA
2012 Good Deeds Natalie
2012 Think Like a Man Kristen
2012 In Our Nature Vicki
2013 Miss Dial Long Story Caller
2013 Being Mary Jane Mary Jane Paul
2014 Think Like a Man Too Kristen

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1993 Family Matters Mall girl (uncredited) Episode: "Scenes from a Mall"
1995/96 Saved by the Bell: The New Class Hilary / Jennifer 2 episodes
1996 Moesha Ashli Episode: "Friends"
1996 Malibu Shores Shannon Everette Episode: "The Competitive Edge"
1996 Goode Behavior Tracy Monaghan 3 episodes
1996–99 7th Heaven Keesha Hamilton 5 episodes
1997 Smart Guy Lydia Episode: "Don't Do That Thing You Do"
1997 Dave's World Carly Episode: "Oh Dad, Poor Dad"
1997 Hitz Soul Episode: "The Godfather: Not the Movie"
1997 Sister, Sister Shawn / Vanessa 2 episodes
1997 City Guys Katisha Grant Episode: "The Date"
1997 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine N'Garen Episode: "Sons and Daughters"
1998 The Steve Harvey Show Naomi Parson Episode: "The He-Man, Player-Hater's Club"
1998/99 Clueless Lydia / Rebecca 2 episodes
1999 Grown Ups Felicia Episode: "Pilot"
1999 H-E Double Hockey Sticks Gabrielle Movie
2000 ER Tamara Davis Episode: "Family Matters"
2000 The Others Lindsay Episode: "Theta"
2000 Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane Lana Episode: "Too Much Pressure"
2000 City of Angels Dr. Courtney Ellis 11 episodes
2001 Close to Home Gabby Movie
2001 Friends Kristen Leigh Episode: "The One With The Cheap Wedding Dress"
2003 The Proud Family Sunny Stevens / Iesha (voice) Episode: "Hooray for Iesha"
2004 The West Wing Meeshel Anders Episode: "The Benign Prerogative"
2004 Something the Lord Made Clara Thomas Movie
2005 Family Guy Shauna Parks (voice) Episode: "Peter's Got Woods"
2005–06 Night Stalker Perri Reed 10 episodes
2007 Football Wives Chardonnay Lane Movie
2008 Ugly Betty Renee Slater 3 episodes
2009 Life Jane Seever 4 episodes
2010 The BET Honors Herself Movie
2009–10 FlashForward Zoey Andata 9 episodes
2010 Army Wives
Episode: "Murder in Charleston"
2011 NTSF:SD:SUV Sandy Canyons Episode: "Tijuana, We've Got a Problem"
2012 Half the Sky Herself Documentary
2013 Being Mary Jane Mary Jane Paul Movie

Awards and nominations

Year Nominated work Award Category Result
2001 Bring It On Black Reel Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
2002 The Brothers Nominated
2003 Bring It On MTV Awards Best Actress Nominated
2004 Deliver Us From Eva Black Reel Awards Nominated
Image Awards Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Nominated
Bad Boys II Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Nominated
Deliver Us From Eva MTV Awards Best Actress Nominated
2005 Nominated
Breakin' All the Rules Black Reel Awards Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Nominated
Something the Lord Made Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Mini-Series Nominated
Breakin' All the Rules Image Awards Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Nominated
Something the Lord Made Outstanding Actress in a TV Movie/Mini-Series Nominated
2009 Cadillac Records Black Reel Awards Best Ensemble Won
2006 Neo Ned Palm Beach International Film Festival Best Actress Won
2013 Think Like a Man BET Awards Nominated
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