» Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington & Scarlett Johansson Win Big at Tony Awards

ShavarRoss.com — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:47:49 +0000

Big names were on hand to present, perform, and win big on Broadway’s biggest night–The 64th Annual Tony Awards . Hosted by Promises, Promises star Sean Hayes led the parade of notable names who made their way up to the podium at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.

Scarlett Johansson accepted her very first Tony from Katie Holmes and Harry Potter‘s Daniel Radcliffe for her role in A View From the Bridge.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be on Broadway,” she said. “And here I am.” Johannson also thanked hubby, Ryan Reynolds, while picking up the statue for Best Featured Actress in a Play, calling him “My Canadian”.

Denzel Washington was on hand to pick up his first Tony for his role in Fences, telling the crowd:

“My mother always said man gives you the award and God gives you the reward. I guess I got both tonight.”

Other notable winners included Catherine Zeta-Jones for A Little Night Music and Angela Lansbury, who was given an honorary award, while the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Kelsey Grammar, Cate Blanchett, and Michael Douglas, and Glee stars Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele all made appearances.

Overall, Red walked away the biggest winner of the night, taking home six Tonys, including Best Play, while the hit Memphis picked up five awards, including Best Musical.

Here’s a list of all the night’s winners:

Best Musical: Memphis

Best Play: Red

Best Musical Revival: La Cage aux Folles

Best Play Revival: Fences

Best Featured Actress in a Play: Scarlett Johansson, A View From the Bridge

Best Featured Actor in a Play: Eddie Redmayne, Red

Best Actress in a Play: Viola Davis, Fences

Best Actor in a Play: Denzel Washington, Fences

Best Actress in a Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Best Actor in a Musical: Douglas Hodge, La Cage aux Folles

Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Katie Finneran, Promises, Promises

Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Levi Kreis, Million Dollar Quartet

Best Choreography: Bill T. Jones, Fela!

Best Direction of a Play: Michael Grandage, Red

Best Direction of a Musical: Terry Johnson, La Cage aux Folles

Best Book: Memphis

Best Orchestrations: Memphis

Best Original Score: Memphis

Best Scenic Design: Red

Best Lighting Design: Red

Best Sound Design: Red

Best Scenic Design of a Musical: American Idiot

Best Lighting Design of a Musical: American Idiot

Best Sound Design of a Musical: Fela!

Best Costume Design of a Musical: Fela!

Best Costume Design of a Play: The Royal Family

Honorary Award: Angela Lansbury, American Theater Wing’s Honorary Chairman

ivillage

August Wilson’s ‘Fences’ Returns to Broadway

Shavar — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:35:15 +0000

It was two hours of laughter and cheers during last night’s opener of August Wilson‘s “Fences,” starring Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington and Tony Award-winner Viola Davis.

Opening night was so good that the crowd erupted into a standing ovation for each actor at the curtain call.

Denzel plays Troy Maxson, a hard-working garbage collector and father in working-class Pittsburgh who encounters different obstacles on account of his race and certain events from his past. He struggles to deal with his life’s responsibilities, while trying to break free from that which defines him.

Fences is now running on Broadway at the Court Theatre.

Cort Theatre
138 West 48th Street
(Between 6th and 7th Avenue)
New York
Check here for show times

Black History Month Photo: ‘Who’s The Greatest?’

Shavar — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

“Who’s the Greatest?”

Circa 1980.

Place: Poinsettia Park.
West Hollywood, California.

Info: Me at about 9 years old with The Greatest, Cassius Clay (aka: Muhammad Ali) in the background signing a few autographs.

During the mid 1970′s and well up into the early 1990′s, Poinsettia Park was known as (and still is to some extent) the “Park of the Stars.”

This was the park that mostly “Black Hollywood” gravitated to whenever they had some time off. It was a place to fellowship, network, and most of all, play tennis.

Growing up in the neighborhood? It was amazing for me to see “black folks” playing tennis there all the time.

Stars like Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Ron O’Neil, Jim Kelly, Arsenio Hall, John Witherspoon, Roger Mosley, Les McCann, Shirley Hemphill, Norman Whitfield, Johnny Brown and Magic Johnson were all regulars.

And me? I was in the middle of it all…me and my tennis ball.

Denzel Washington Signs Autograph for Homeless Man

Shavar — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:10:22 +0000

That’s why I’ve always liked Denzel; he’s always been a “down-to-earth” guy. And you know he made that man’s day year.

After taping an episode of the “Late Show with David Letterman,” actor Denzel Washington greeted a homeless man and signed an autograph for him outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City Thursday (Jan 14) before making his way into his vehicle.

Washington’s latest film, “The Book of Eli,” was released to theaters this past Friday (Jan 15) and has already grossed over 40 million over the 3-Day MLK weekend.

Photos: Getty
Source

Denzel Washington and Wife Pauletta Hit ‘The Book of Eli’ Premiere

Shavar — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:24:19 +0000

I was driving through Hollywood yesterday on my way (with the Mrs.) to take my daughter to see The Princess and The Frog at The Grove and must’ve just missed Denzel Washington and wife Pauletta arriving at the premiere of his Warner Bros. film, ‘The Book Of Eli’ held at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Looked like a nice event.

Here are some pics from the premiere. It was nice to see Larenz Tate, Kimberly Elise and Ice Cube and his wife (Kim) out and about.

The movie opens this weekend so check it!

Ps. You can check out the trailer to the movie here if you’d like.

Denzel Washington and Will Smith: ‘Uptown Saturday Night’ Remake!

Shavar — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 04:29:21 +0000

OMG, I have been waiting for “Uptown Saturday Night” to be remade for the lonnnnngets time! I’m so excited.

I hope they do all three! “Let’s Do It It Again” AND “A Piece of the Action” needs to be remade to complete the trilogy, lol.

Denzel Washington and Will Smith are in talks to co-star in a remake of Uptown Saturday Night. The 1974 comedy was directed by Sidney Poitier and starred Poitier and Bill Cosby as two friends who meet up at a nightclub and get robbed of their wallets only to discover the next morning that one of their wallets contained a winning lottery ticket. Mark and Robb Cullen (Cop Out) are currently rewriting the script with David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers) attached to direct.

I love this chase scene from “Let’s Do It Again” LOL. I miss movies like this. (6:06 mark) is the best! And check out my homey Julius Harris (7:55 mark) bless his heart, rest his soul–I worked with him! Hilarious.

P.S. Memba the lady in the beginning of the video (the phone operator)? From “Coming to America.” She was the one that said “I’ll marry ya…” And then Eddie threw her them earrings, lol.

Viola Davis Joins Denzel Washington in ‘Fences’

Shavar — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:47:35 +0000

Wasn’t she fabulous in the film “Doubt?” Great news.

Oscar nominee and Tony Award-winning actress Viola Davis will join Denzel Washington in the revival of August Wilson’s “Fences,” arriving on Broadway in April of this year.

“Fences” will open April 26 at the Cort Theatre with preview performances beginning April 14, producers Carole Shorenstein Hays and Scott Rudin announced Tuesday.

The production will be directed by Kenny Leon.

I would love to see this. What a collaboration.

Trailer: Denzel Washington in ‘The Book of Eli’

Shavar — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:51:54 +0000

Just in case you missed it, check out Denzel Washington in the trailer of his upcoming movie “The Book of Eli.”

This phenomenal actor continues to pop out movie after movie. Great guy, too.

DW gonna be 80 years old, beatin’ folks up and still chasin’ people with guns in movies, watch—

Directed by Albert and Allen Hughes, the film is a post-apocalyptic tale in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind. Coming to theaters January 15, 2010.

Neon Lights, Broadway and Denzel Washington in August Wilson’s “Fences”

Shavar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:20 +0000

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. Denzel Washington has been there before.

2005. “Julius Caesar,” when he brought his backers 1 million in profits.

Now, for the Spring of 2010, Washington has finally decided to graced the stage again in a performance he’s been yearning to play for years: Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s “Fences.”

James Earl Jones won a Tony for portraying the same role back in 1987 and now Denzel has his chance.

“He was offered it a few times, but he knew he was too young,” a source close to the actor says. “He loves the play and he loved August.”

Out of all of the works in Pulitzer prize winning August Wilson’s 10 play series, “Fences” has proven to be the most profitable.

Set in the 1950′s, Fences explores the African-American experience and examines race relations, among other themes.

Carole Shorenstein Hays, who produced the original play, and Scott Rudin are backing the revived piece. Rudin also has the movie rights to the play and the “three years in the making” screenplay is already completed. If “Fences” is a success, be not surprised if you see Denzel carrying the movie as the Troy Maxson.

How I Met Michael Jackson

Shavar — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:20:12 +0000

This is a true and accurate account from my experiences meeting Michael Jackson. It is not meant to degrade or character bash him in any way. To a certain extent, I am still very much a fan of Michael Jackson. You must draw your own conclusions as to the true purpose or nature of me revealing this story. Either way, it’s all therapeutic for me and I’ve always wanted to share this, one of many amazing stories from my life.

Now don’t you go run and tell everyone what I’m about to mention to you. Only kidding…um, I think. Anyway, in the short 34 years of my amazing life, I have experienced a heck of a lot. So far my life has been one of fame, fortune and fun. I have also experienced many dangerous and perilous times in my life….the near death experiences, the confusion and the lack of peace. Ah, those were the days. I’ve come to learn that life is like a movie…you’re its star, there’s always someone watching and if you’re a “good guy,” you always win.

I”ve also had the opportunity to meet and actually spend some valuable time with a lot of famous people. I’ve prepared for a scene with Oprah Winfrey, “read lines” with First Lady Nancy Reagan, performed on stage with “Mr. Television” himself, Milton Berle, played pick-up ball with Denzel Washington, slept over Nina Simone’s house, compared hand sizes with Mike Tyson, walked the halls of Muhammad Ali’s mansion, took a picture with Sidney Poitier, and even jammed on drums as Clarence Clemens from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band blew away on his saxophone. I have been around, lol!

Now the ONE person I really got nervous about meeting was Michael Jackson. So here goes this story. I’ll try not to be too long so hold on to your coffee!

Alright, the photo above is a photo of when my father used to work for Joe Jackson’s (Michael Jackson’s father) music company (in the old Motown Building on Sunset Blvd.) back in the mid 1980′s. My dad was always trying to manage my career, his career, and just about anyone who would give him a chance to prove himself a true hustler—from The Bronx. He was a “mover and a shaker” as they say, and it always seemed like everyone knew my father. Somehow, someway, he ended up workin’ for the “King of Pop’s” pop.

I actually met Michael Jackson twice. The first time was at his home in Encino, California when I was about 11. My dad was good friends with singer Betty Wright at the time. Anyway, she ‘s the “Clean-Up Woman.” She also had a short comeback in the late 80′s with a song called “No Pain, No Gain.”

Betty wanted to drop a music demo tape off to Michael so I went along for the ride. I remember us waiting at the front entrance of his home (in Encino, California) and he actually came out to the running car to pick up the tape, lol. All I remember was that thick, big, red robe he wore and that high-pitched voice. Man, he and Diana Ross sure did sound alike! End of episode 1.

Gosh this is long already, I must write a book…I will right a book!

Episode 2. Jump cut to: I was 14, so 1985-ish. The Roxy on The Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California. The whole Jackson siblings are seated in the balcony to preview Joe Jackson’s hottest new kid group— an almost complete replicated version of The Jackson 5. The place is jumpin’ and I’m there, in the middle of it all.

Look, over there, oh snap! There’s my friend Alfonso Ribeiro, The Tap Dance Kid and hot off the Pepsi commercial he did with Michael. Boy, can he dance. He’ll always be Carlton from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to some though.

Back to past tense.

Anyway, I had heard that Janet Jackson was there (in the balcony) and since we were friends from the show “Diff’rent Strokes,” I asked Alfonso if he could take me up there to her and also introduce me to Michael…again! Like it wasn’t nothin’, and after getting through some heavy security, I arrived with Alfonso to that balcony…oh that balcony, I’ll never forget it! They were all there. Rebi, Latoya, Janet and the King of Pop himself–and all strangely giggling amongst themselves. Must’ve been “inside” jokes. They were like kids. I couldn’t believe my eyes, that I was in Michael’s presence, so I froze. Alfonso grabbed me and pushed me towards Janet as if he were forcing his best friend to go to the high school prom with his dateless sister. She didn’t notice me right away but guess who did? Michael screeched in a high pitched voice, “Oh I remember you, you’re on the show with Janet, right?” He called out to his sister, “Janet guess who’s here? it’s your little friend Dudley…” After Janet and I had a nice reunion, I got to meet Latoya and their other sister Rebi. Then, uh oh…the show is starting! (present tense) “What should I do?” I thought.
Lights out. Then, like a movie playing itself out:

Michael:
(to Shavar)
Come sit down, sit down, watch the show with us.

Chairs pull up. Hmmmm…how did Alfonso find his seat so quickly. “He’s been up here before” I thought. Michael surprisingly pulls up a chair for me! Wow, I’m stunned! Lights even darker now. Intro. Applause. Music. The show starts. Why it’s The Jackson 5 all over again. No where near as good though.

My only goal: To get one good look at Michael Jackson before the night is over! I am literally sitting RIGHT next to him and mind you, this was the mid 1980′s. Michael was HOT at the time. In between the strobe and spot lights, I glance at him. It’s unreal! I mean, HE’S unreal…literally. He had what looked to be the perfect face, yet so porcelain, so surreal. I got a bit scared and nervous.

For the whole set I just stared at him, in such awe of this man so famous to the world. I tried to figure out how his powerful influence could have so many people ridiculously in tears, sobbing and crying hysterically in his concerts.

For a brief moment, Michael must have felt me hawking my eyes at him. I just couldn’t help it.

Michael:
(to Shavar again)
Could you move to the left just a little bit. I can’t see.

He DID seem to really be enjoying the show….and that imitation Jackson 5 performing? I could care less! I was sitting next to Michael Jackson!

And lastly, to make a long story even longer, the boring show finally came to an end but surprisingly to an almost standing ovation! Standing ovation? What? Was Michael standing too? More giggles.

Smash cut to: Kid imitation Jackson 5 group coming up to the balcony to meet Michael! Michael inviting them to his home AND to Disneyland. Close up: Me hearing it all.

Silence. Waiting for my invite. Silence again. Nothing. No nice meeting you, no nothing. I turned my head for a quick second to look for Alfonso and the Jackson Clan had disappeared! Poof! Like right out of thin air! That’s when I realized that celebrities have an art to their grand exits. It’s all very stealth. Then the announcer said something to the effect that Michael, Janet, Latoya and Rebi had “left the building.” Depression, dejection, rejection and everything else you can fill in seem to settle into my 14 year old heart. I was devastated. Michael didn’t invite me to his DisneyWorld.

I finally found Alfonso. “You didn’t go?”, I asked intently. “Why didn’t he invite us?” I hammered Alfonso again. “Oh ’cause we too old man…we teenagers now and if you over 12, he don’t like you no more,” replied Alfonso. Alfonso laughed it off but I still didn’t understand him. It would take me nearly 20 years to understand what he meant and even now I am still not sure what he meant by that statement.

That night, and all throughout the entire night, I found myself sobbing hysterically to the point where I made myself literally sick to my stomach. I threw up several times and thought I was gonna die because I got to sit next to Michael Jackson.

In hindsight, maybe it was all for the best that I never got invited, who knows…(June 25, 2009, but may he now rest in peace).

June 26, 2009: Note: Just know that Michael Jackson inviting me to sit next to him beats Disneyland with a bunch of kids any day.