Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
MONTHLY May 2019
50th NAACP Image Awards Highlights
Exclusive Interview with
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James Ingram
Baron Jay
Actor, Social Impact Entrepreneur, Author
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome readers to our May issue of Hollywood Monthly Magazine. We’re proud to feature Baron Jay Littleton Jr. on our Cover. It’s hard not to think about Baron Jay without smiling -- this is a man who, as you will read in his feature story, “Makes a living by making a difference.” If a person’s true agenda is to make this a better world, and they’re equipped with the many talents of Mr. Baron Jay Littleton Jr., then we all have wonderful things to look forward to. An actor, social impact entrepreneur, and author, Baron Jay implements many creative strategies to achieve his beautiful mission. We’re thrilled to have him share his incredible story with us. This is also our NAACP Image Awards issue. We have all the incredible moments and beautiful memories of that extraordinary night, honoring the very best in the African-American community. This the 50th NAACP Awards, which made this year so special for all the attendees. Personally, I have two words for my excitement of that NAACP evening: BLACK PANTHER! Forgive my “fanboy” moment, but Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole and the entire cast of Black Panther provided me with the kind of film escapism I haven’t felt in years. I loved seeing their brilliance on that film recognized and appreciated. This HWM Issue also launches our National American Acting Teachers Campaign. Just as glorious interstellar nebulas create our celestial stars, acting teachers across our country are producing cinematic Hollywood Stars. We celebrate acting teachers, because they taught our favorite stars their craft. In this first installment we feature the Margie Haber Studio, Diana Castle’s The Imagined Life, and the Braden Lynch Studio. We’re also very proud to feature an interview with the legendary Rita Moreno, a woman whose singing and dancing in “West Side Story” mesmerized me as a little boy. It’s surreal to have this incredibly talented artist in our Publication. This May Issue is turning into a true fanboy edition for me -- and that’s just how I like it! As always, everyone at Hollywood Weekly Magazine thanks you, our readers, for all of your overwhelming support. Wishing you all the Happiness! Anthony Ewart, Associate Editor
Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
MONTHLY
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April 2019
50th NAACP Image Awards Highlights
Exclusive Interview with
Michael Buble Hollywood Icon
On The Cover Dr. Baron Jay
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Baron Jay
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had students selling candy for me at other schools. My mother and father never got married because they were so young when they had me. Father 15 and Mother 17. They separated after my birth. My father went off to college and my mom stayed and did not go back to school until I started high school and received a scholarship to college. My mother said I inspired her to go back to school. By then she went back to school and ended up becoming a school teacher for disabled students. While, in high school I became a golf caddy which is a entrepreneur job (like a independent contractor) and a bat boy for the Detroit Tigers. It worked out pretty good because what I learned was that most of the people I caddied for were season ticket holders for the Tigers. I learned to leverage those relationships and my tips went up! I was meeting great people and made lifelong friends and mentors. I had so many contacts that I started helping my family members get jobs through my relationships at the age of 16. At a young age I received great advice outside the dugout and learned the importance of relationships, leveraging resources and surrounding myself with great people. I earned a full ride scholarship to Michigan State University from the Western Golf Association which send caddies to college.
Baron Jay Making a living by making a difference By Maleena Lawrence BARON JAY LITTLETON JR, Actor, Social Impact Entrepreneur, Author Baron Jay talks about bridging the Arts, Education and Technology to maximize social impact. According to his self-prescribed perspective for living his best life, Baron Jay shares the relevance of his opulence as “Making a living by making a difference”. Maleena Lawrence: Where did your philanthropic journey begin?
Baron Jay Littleton: I grew up in Detroit, MI. My family was on welfare but never knew I was poor because I had so much love around me. It started in middle school when I saw my teacher Mrs. Horne selling candy to students to raise money for the basketball team. I said, ‘wait I can do that’. So, I got candy at wholesale and started selling it in the classroom making $100 a week. To me I was making a lot of money. I even
ML: How did your Mentors influence your decision-making growing up? BJL: During my middle and high school years people gave back to me. I got a lot of great advice from the golfers on the golf course and it really helped me out as an entrepreneur. I remember one of my Mentors taking me to several different basketball and football games for the first time. When I got older I said that I wanted to give back and give students the same opportunity that I had been given --- help youth step up to advance them faster on their destination to accomplishing
whatever it is on their journey to do and be. Today, I am a brand ambassador for opportunity hub. www.opportunityhub.co It’s crazy to me sometimes because I didn’t even know what a brand ambassador was in high school. Now look. Also, giving back things I wanted to receive but didn’t receive or couldn’t afford. In my 20’s I told myself I needed to be a branded actor before I could give back and make a impact. Thinking once I had big recognition then I could help everybody. But that was not the case. Someone had mentioned to me, ‘Do what you can where you are with whatever resources you have’. I took that to heart and started being a impact social entrepreneur. ML: Define Social Entrepreneur? BJL: My definition of a Social Entrepreneur is someone who is able to earn money by making a difference. Whereas, if you can consider someone who is a drug dealer a social entrepreneur but they are making a difference by destroying lives. An example of someone making a living by making a difference at the same time is someone like Toms Shoe Company, for every pair
you buy a pair is given away to those in need. With me, it seems that everything I do, I am always trying to figure out how I can give, give, give. I did not design myself this way I just happen to be this way. Like, I designed a book series campaign for students, making them BOOK DEALERS and using it as a fundraiser program for classroom supplies and projects. Students sell the books for $10 and they earn 50% of the sale. Example you have 30 students sell 40 books each at $10 that is 1,200 books sold within 14 days. 1,200 x $10= $12,000. The students/school that hosted the fundraiser earned $6,000. We had one corporate partner purchase 10,000 books with their logo inside the book cover and we’re donating the books to schools for them to use as a fundraiser. I hope to do more corporate sponsors buying books by the truckload to donate. I also created a App called, BCEIVE that is a platform where people can find places to eat for Free or get a discount on your birthday. And someone has a birthday everyday! I think that these both are social entrepreneur avenues.
ML: Is there anything left undone when it comes to accomplishing your personal goals? BJL: One of my long term promises is to purchase a home and convert it into a artist residence with 13 beds where emerging artists can live and create paying low cost rent for 13 months while they get things organized financially and creatively. ML: Are you the contributing Author for the Book Dealers campaign? BJL: Yes, I Am. I love to read. Reading has saved my life and inspired me to be broaden my vision to be great. I ventured to write a entire Black Book Series to promote diversity, educate and inspire youth and adults who grew up in similar situations like myself. I am following up from last two books: Black Inventors and Latino Contributions to Society with a book series called, “Your Little ton Black Book Series” which focuses on Blacks in Sports, History, Science, Entertainment, Business, First and Entertainment. The books are small in size but huge in impact. The books are 4x6 pocket size that list the different contributions of the titles I just mentioned. I like to called it a movie trailer or a
30 years ago Baron Jay Littleton gave this picture with a note to his teacher Walter Smith in 1989 and Walter Smith posted is on Facebook in January 2019. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY• 7
fact finder book so when some once glance the pages of the book they can go to the library or internet to finds out more about that particular person. ML: There must be something that Giving does for you, what do you personally get out of circulating all this goodness? BJL: The more I give the more I receive. Understand, you may not receive from the same individuals you gave too and vice versa. It doesn’t always work like that. You may get it back from other entities. Giving fulfills my spirit to my soul and it gives me purpose. ML: Now more than ever, creative’s are utilizing technology to advance their career paths, share with us your invested interest that has helped advance as an actor and entrepreneur? BJL: As a social entrepreneur, I invest in people and ideas I believe in. For instance a good friend of mine named
Bright who is the Co-Founder of Oduwa coin, a cryptocurrency community business helping to build wealth and erase poverty in African countries. Nowadays, you can bring a group of people together without ever leaving your living room build wealth and make a impact globally. Just like the U.S. dollar. The reason why it is worth anything is because we the people give it value. This blockchain technology is now a global exchange system and I know it is the next best thing to hit the world stage since the internet. This is global technology can be utilized to advance careers and build wealth through community and entertainment industry. The reason why its worth anything to me is because I like investing in brilliant tech ideas, solutions and we believe in Oduwa coin and give it value and a means of exchange for buying and selling in different African countries. Simply put, Oduwa Coin is digital cash. It represents a next-gen digital payment system which takes to P2P system to settle transactions in a blockchain powered network. What separates it from many regular crypto coins is its state of the art hybrid blockchain architecture which assures asset protection to users and highly values privacy, security and efficiency. Oduwa community allows all users to sell, buy, donate gift and make payment with Oduwa coin. The project emphasis is on developing regions such as Africa for daily spending and buying using Oduwa Coin. www.oduwacoin.io ML: Beyond crypto currency, What do you gain from ‘passing it forward’? BJL: There’s a lot of great things going on in the universe so I like to empower others to focus on what you want and not what you don’t have. I believe we are all here to help and facilitate each other on our destination. There are so many good things going on that can benefit others---so why not share in-
formation to benefit yourself and others you know directly and indirectly. I believe that if I don’t share what I’m doing or know some student or adult is gonna miss out on a great opportunity. Technology and Diversity is where we’re headed. Had I not found out about the golf caddy scholarship, I would not be able to pass it on to help others. Middle and High School students can apply for caddy/golf scholarship at www.wgaesf.org and let them know I referred you. Students can also benefit from the Robert Smith and Vista Equity Partners “Vista Frontier Fellows Program” to increase diversity in Finance and Tech. The initiative is designed to build a pipeline of highly-qualified students from colleges and universities around the United States. Students selected for the program will gain a meaningful and challenging summer internship experience and have the opportunity to earn an offer of employment at the conclusion of the program. More info at www.VistaFrontierFellowship.com and www.internx.org ML: What is the inspired mission of The BARON Jay FOUNDATION? BJL: The Baron J Foundation has been around since 2004. When my spirit departs my body, I want to leave the world better than I found it by giving and sharing my god given talent and resources. The Baron Jay Foundation focuses on 3 main verticals: Riches to Wealth, (financial literacy for middle, high school students, student athletes and their families) Immersive Technology and Creative Arts. We recently partnered with Hidden Empire Film Group and they gave our high school and college students job shadowing on the movie production “FATALE”, starring Hilary Swank produced by Roxanne Avent who is receiving the 2019 Baron Jay Foundation Trailblazer Award and directed by Deon Taylor, a former recipient of
the Baron Jay Foundation Trailblazer Award in 2018. In addition, we are proud to announce that we are new recipients of the Verizon Innovative Learning grant in conjunction with virtual reality company GRX Immersive Labs and award-winning filmmaker Alton Glass to offer immersive education through VR storytelling and career exploration to expose youth to opportunities in S.T.E.A.M. “Kids can’t be what they can’t see and through VR not only can they see it, they can interact and experience what’s it’s like to be a pilot, engineer or filmmaker right on the virtual set of major Hollywood movie.” When I was a kid growing up in Detroit we didn’t have the resources to bus all the students for career days and tours but now with the advancement of immersive technologies we can bring role models and career day to the underserved communities and bridge that awareness gap and start to close the digital divide which is Baron Jay Foundations core mission under this new collaboration and grant with Verizon. ML: Any new film projects coming out this year? BJL: I have a sitcom coming out in 2019 called Mia Casa Mia Casa that I produced with Bentley Kyle Evans (creator of Family Time and showrunner, Martin) and star in as well. Prior to this, I produced, star in and distribute my film called, THE CONDO. You can also find it streaming on Amazon Prime and all VOD platforms. I am the Executive Producer and Actor of “The Crumbs”, a story about a doctor who discovers a life preserving serum. Together with his family they run a Bed & Breakfast Inn in the woods where some of the unsuspecting visitors are subject to “The Crumb Family” procedure. I am currently producing and acting in a short film, “The Ordinary Extra”,this story is about a group of foster kids with different disabilities such
Giving fulfills my spirit to my soul and it gives me purpose. as autism and they realize they have super powers that are wanted by their government. I am in pre-production on web-series titled “That’s My Dad” Out of his element, a single father tries to navigate the world of social media in an attempt to protect his recently YouTube famous daughter. ML: You mentioned being a Executive Producer, did this role require you to start your own production company? BJL: I was up for many roles for studio projects but I got looked over for many projects either because a rapper had more followers or it was a pre packaged deal with bigger talent agencies. So, I established my own production company. I founded Baron J Film Group in 2012 and began producing and collaborated with friends, creators known and on Craigs List to do my own thing. ML: With so many disruptive ways of ‘making it in Hollywood’, what is your mindset when it comes to becoming a successful Creator? BJL: Don’t Wait! Take Mi Casa Mi Casa --- I produced it and star in it. I created my own opportunity. After years of acting, waiting in long casting lines, anticipating call backs and name dropping only to find out that the relation-
ship was not as strong as people made them out to be. It felt unsettling. I said to myself, “Wait I am from Detroit and I am waiting on someone to give me permission to do what I want to do. Where I’m from is the same home of Berry Gordy who created Motown. Stevie Wonder who is blind and created a legacy. Diana Ross. Smokey Robinson. All these people did not wait! So why am I. So, I started creating my own opportunities by producing projects. Don’t wait, Create!” I am an entrepreneur. If you can get the money then you in the game. My other film is Deadly Reunion coming out later this summer. I acted and produced this movie with our high school and college students. It was fun. I financed 50% of the film with other actors investments. Why not bet on our own set. The movie is about a group of college friends that unite after 10 years, a mysterious outsider traps them in the house and forces them into a night of horrifying games and murder. I enjoy staying creative. Recently, I produced a Pilot Presentation sitcom with NAACP Image Award Nominee and award winning filmmaker Reggie Gaskins and gave our students internships and job shadowing opportunities. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 9
will be a home for our students to gain experience. Every year I produce one project to give our students internships and job shadowing opportunities while Baron Jay Foundation partners with other independent filmmakers to give our students the same access. ML: You seem to enjoy taking risks, How do you encourage others to do the same? BJL: I learned the value of risk and reward at a early age. Watching my mother give up things for me taught me a lot about life. Then, I watched her eventually go after her goals. I did the same thing and never stopped. Then, I recognized the importance of inviting other Trailblazers to the table too share their personal stories in order help entrepreneurs like me, youth and people who like surrounding themselves with like minded individuals. I am searching for that right script and producer that fits my essence as a ac-
10 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
tor. I will surround myself around other notable recognized actors to give the story the push it needs in the film festival circuit to garner industry recognition. I will gamble and put up 1 million. Bet on yourself. ML: Who is included in the 2019 Trailblazing lineup? BJL: This year, the Baron Jay Foundation will be hosting it’s 4th Annual Trailblazer Award Luncheon on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., LA, CA 90049 from 10am to 2pm to honor Women of the Year: Roxanne Avent-Taylor (CEO/ President, Hidden Empire Film Group), Marilynn F. Booker (Managing Director, Morgan Stanley), Effie T. Brown (Award Winning Film & TV Producer, Dear White People & Star) and Ruth E. Carter (Award Winning Costume Designer, Black Panther). We are enthusiastic about recognizing each of these respectable Queens who are consistently opening doors in their industry.
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 11
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 12 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
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 MONTHLY 13
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 14 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Letitia Wright speaks onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards
Beyoncé 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 MONTHLY • 15
t h g tli our
Spo
of y s e isod today's p e t ates mas on l e h th TV dra ght c t a C ite otli r p o S v fa
TV | FAM
“Say Mess to the Dress” - When Clem’s mother-in-law, Rose, asks her to wear “Uncanny Valley of the Dolls” -- Holmes and Watson discover that the murder of a her old wedding dress, Clem is touched, but afraid to tell her it’s not her robotics engineer may be connected to his groundbreaking secret research in the area style. Also, Nick tries to prove his athleticism by taking Ben’s advanced spin of real-life teleportation. Also, when Detective Bell is shut out of a required class he class, on FAM, on the CBS Television Network. Pictured (L-R): Brian Stokes needs in order to complete his master’s degree and join the U.S. Marshal Service, he Mitchell as Walt, Odessa Adlon as Shannon, and Nina Dobrev as Clem. Phois shocked to discover the course instructor has personal reasons for denying him to: Cliff Lipson/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved access, on ELEMENTARY, Monday, August 13 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured Jon Michael Hill as Detective Marcus Bell JEFF NEIRA/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
16 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Spotlight
TV | MacGyver
TV | The Big Bang Theory
“The Laureate Accumulation” -- Pictured: Rajesh Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch). When competitors Pemberton (Sean Astin) and Campbell (Kal Penn) charm America on a publicity tour, Sheldon and Amy try to bring Nobel laureates Kip Thorne, George Smoot and Frances Arnold to their side. on THE BIG BANG THEORY, on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. TV | Arrow
LAUREL TEAMS UP WITH OLIVER — Laurel (Katie Cassidy) learns about some damaging information that affects Emiko (Sea Shimooka). Always looking to protect his sister, Oliver (Stephen Amell) invites Laurel to help investigate, which makes Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) happy as her friend is now working with the team. Patia Prouty directed the episode written by Sarah Tarkhoff & Elizabeth Kim HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 17
client to arrive and for the client to go home, we do all the in between.
LOUIS PERRY
THE ULTIMATE SELF-PROMOTER He’s different; he’s big, he’s loud, and he’s funny, He is Louis Perry. If the name sounds familiar, it is possible you have seen him on a news report on KCAL9, CBS2, NBC, or FoxNews. If he looks familiar, you may have seen him in over three dozen magazines or newspaper articles, or perhaps in a fight on TV at the corner of the ring as an inspector for the California Athletic Commission or you have received one of Louis Perry packages in the mail or what he refers to as his promotional packages. Louis Perry is the ultimate self-promoter; he is everywhere, and not even a publicist could do what he has done for himself. Louis Perry is on TV, Newspapers, Radios, Magazines, and has ten thousand followers on his weekly blast. According to Louis Perry, that’s the way he wants it with lots of exposure, to be seen, to be heard, and to be read about by the world. When I walked into Louis Perry’s office at Kadima Security Services headquarters to which he is the President and Founder. His office walls are full of photos of the who’s who, from him 18 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
with three United States Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Reagan; Vice President Al Gore; Top Boxers; Top MMA Fighters; Robert S. Mueller III, Special Counsel; Pope John Paul II; Stanisław Dziwisz, Archbishop of Kraków; and the list goes on. When Louis visited Poland, he visited the concentration camps in Auschwitz to pay his respects to his Jewish Brothers and Sisters as he refers to his Jewish clients who have embraced him and named him “The Undercover Jew.” He is grateful for the clients that have entrusted him with being their security providers such as movie stars, politicians, the rich of the rich and even everyday folks call on Louis Perry. Kadima Security Services is slowly becoming the most sought-after company for the high profile, the Jewish community, and according to Louis: “The credit goes all to my team!” As my team at Kadima is like a puzzle, all the pieces fit and fall into place. We have a solid team; we care about our customers, and our customers know they can trust us as our goal from start to finish is for the
When I asked Louis what the future holds, Louis stated: “Whatever God tells me to do, I will be the best at it. I have a great blessed life; I love people, I have a wonderful wife, three wonderful kids, a granddaughter, three amazing dogs, and a wonderful company with a great team and a great assortment of clients. I am blessed, and I completely want to keep doing what I’m doing.” I also asked Louis: “what does he do for enjoyment?” and he stated: “I like to assist people to find their dreams and path in life; to watch people smile, and mentoring our youth. It’s my way of giving back, and it gives me enjoyment to see others progress and I love spreading in many ways that I choose to do so!” lastly, he stated: “Life is beautiful and through hard work and a solid relationship with God is my answer!”
Louis Perry with President Clinton
Louis Perry with Odell Becham Jr.
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 19
too bad for me, I answer my own phone,” and we shared a laugh. In reality, Buble’s music is important to millions around the world who glean such joy and comfort from his flawless interpretation of some of the most iconic music of the 20th century, as well as original music written and performed by Buble. His original works have swiftly gone on to achieve classic status in the soundtrack of our lives.
Michael Buble
Leans in with Love and Laughter
M
By Allison Kugel
ichael Buble’s first order of business when we began our conversation was to immediately put me at ease around his enormous celebrity. The multi-Grammy and multi-Juno Award (Canada’s answer to the Grammy awards) winning singer who sells out the world’s largest stadiums, has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide, and singlehandedly made us re-visit our 20 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
love affair with the great American songbook, set out to calm my excitable sensibilities with his seamless charm and wit. Upon picking up his call, a woman came on the line asking me if I was ready to speak with Michael. Two seconds later Michael, himself, came on the line and opened with, “She doesn’t really work for me. I just have her do that to make me sound more important,” as he let out a chuckle. My reply? “Well,
The year 2019 marks a boon of personal and professional success, and a packed schedule for Buble. His family’s much publicized heartbreak as they fought for their son Noah, as he battled pediatric liver cancer, set Buble on a new course of humility which was evident =throughout our conversation. Now, with Noah’s health much improved, Michael Buble re-emerged with a new album, aptly titled Love (or simply, the heart emoji) on which he collaborated with mega-music producer, David Foster; a sold-out worldwide tour and his seventh upcoming musical television special, set to air on NBC on March 20th. My conversation with Michael Buble is one of his most authentic and reflective, to date. We cover the subjects of parenthood, success, spirituality, love, humor, and of course, the music. Allison Kugel: Hello Michael. How are you? Michael Buble: If you hear kids screaming in the background, Oh My God, so sorry about that. My daughter is running around screaming. Allison Kugel: Aww, when I do my interviews from home, I have my
nine-year-old running around in the background, so I get it! Michael Buble: Boy or a girl? Allison Kugel: A boy. Michael Buble: You’re probably like, (whispering) “Shhh, Stop it (laughs).” Does he know the deal with what you do? Allison Kugel: He knows I interview people. It’s funny, I had him with me one day for “Take Your Kids to Work Day.” I was trying to impress him, saying how I interview all of these amazing people and showing him where my work is published, and his response was, “I’m bored.” Michael Buble: (Laughs) My kids love it. They’re actually coming with me now on tour. Allison Kugel: Is your wife on tour with you as well? Michael Buble: They all come along. I set it up so that they come on tour, and when my wife (Argentine actress, Luisana Lopilato) has a film, I schedule it so that for those weeks I take that time off and I take the kids on set to watch her. It’s a lot of fun. Allison Kugel: I have to tell you, I was watching footage of your upcoming NBC special (airing Wednesday, March 20th, 10 pm ET/PT), and you always reduce me to tears. You probably hear stories like this all the time, but when my son was a newborn, I had a routine with him every night, where before I put him down in his crib, I would pick him up in my arms and slow dance with him to your music. When I hear Home or Quando Quando Quando, I just lose it, because I think back to that beautiful time.
Michael Buble: That’s great. He’s your boyfriend. It sounds so strange to say that, and whenever I say that, people are like, “That sounds weird,” but it’s not. Obviously, not in that way, but it is romantic. He’s going to love you forever. You’ll be the love of his life and he’s the love of your life. Allison Kugel: I’m banking on it. Michael Buble: I love my boys and I’m close with my boys, but it’s not the same as with my daughter. Everyone told me it would be different, and I was like, “No, no it won’t be.” And it’s different. She looks at me with those big blue eyes and I’m toast. Allison Kugel: You must hear stories like mine all the time. Do people constantly share with you how your music has been weaved into their most important memories? Michael Buble: Oh, for sure. It allows me to have an even greater sense of fulfillment when people come up to me and tell me how my music has impacted or affected their lives.
More than anything, I think I have had servicemen and servicewomen tell me that they’ve gone through scary things and been away for long amounts of time in places that were obviously not comfortable for them, and that songs like Home brought them a ton of peace and got them through a tough time. I think when people say things like that to you, as an artist, it gives you a sense of understanding that what you do matters. I don’t mean “matters” in a sense of being more important than the jobs of other people. But when you’re missing people and you’re away from your own family, there is power in music. There is power in sharing songs like that and allowing people to interpret them in their own way. I’ve heard the same stories from people who have gone through terrible breakups and people who have been legitimately lonely. They’ve said to me, “The song Haven’t Met You Yet is getting me through.” And then Christmas comes up and I’ll hear from people that that’s all their kids listen to in the car, or it makes them think of
My goal in life is to be kind, and to do what I do with integrity, and just to know myself their grandfather who they lost. It’s a testament to the power of music. Melody is the voice of God, I think. Allison Kugel: I’ll tell you what I have always found fascinating about you, and I’m a fan of music from earlier times. I’m forever listening to music from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. What’s so interesting about you is that you came along in the very early 2000s when everything was hip hop, and rap/ rock. What made you believe that you could even break through as somebody who was crooning these songs from a bygone era? Michael Buble: It was probably stupidity (laughs). I mean, thinking that I might have success was probably naiveté. But honest to God, I think I was blinded by the love of the music. And by the way, I love all kinds of music. I love rock, R & B and rap. For me, if it’s good, it’s good. It doesn’t matter who did it or where it came from. I hoped that I could trust my instincts. Allison Kugel: I’ve been listening to this author and speaker named 22 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Dr. Joe Dispenza. He studies the patterns of the human brain and how we create our own reality. He essentially talks about how anybody who has ever achieved something great, has been able to believe in a vision and believe in a life for themselves that they couldn’t’t yet perceive with their physical senses. When I read that you, from the age of two, knew you were going to be a singer, slept with your bible at night and prayed for it, and you held strong to that vision for all of those years before it actually materialized in your life, I put you in that great category. Does that make sense? Michael Buble: Yeah, it does, and there’s a few people like Eckhart Tolle with The Power of Now, and some of these other philosophers who also talk about that. There is a Canadian writer [Malcolm Gladwell], he wrote a book called The Outliers. His whole premise was that to truly become great at something, you need to put in ten thousand hours of work. And if you find anyone who’s become truly great at what they do, they have put in that
amount of time. There are little parts of what you were talking about that mix with the practical application of doing things enough and focusing enough. You learn by osmosis and your experience helps you to grow. Then by the time you get your opportunity, you’re ready. I think that probably had a lot to do with it for me. Number one, I loved it. I had a passion for the music and the songs, and all of that. But I did the work; I practiced, I sang, and I studied. I took it all in and I digested it as much as possible and downloaded it as much as possible in every kind of genre. I get what you’re saying. You’re talking about visualizing. I have a friend who tells me often that he used to walk down the street and say to himself, “I have a million dollars.” Not, “I want a million dollars,” but, “I have a million dollars; I am successful.” Allison Kugel: You’re living it and believing it, rather than wishing for it. Michael Buble: Yes, but this is a difficult conversation, because I think for people who have had the success and who have done that, they can confidently say to you, “Yes, it works. It worked for me, I did that.” For most of the people who don’t have that, I think they look at it as pish posh. Allison Kugel: I think people afraid to relinquish their faith over to something that may leave them empty handed. It’s the fear of, well, if I really invest myself in this process and I really believe, and it doesn’t materialize in my life, I’ll be devastated. Therefore, I’m going to remain skeptical. Michael Buble: There’s times where I think to myself, “My God, I worked at visualizing and praying and want-
Photos courtesy of Elissa Ayadi
ing, and putting out all of that stuff to the universe, and it worked.” But then there’s a lot of times where I have to say to myself that I was just so lucky, so lucky. I mean, a million dominos had to fall in the most perfect way for this to have happened in my life. The question that I really ask myself is, if I had to do it all over again, would I be brave enough? Allison Kugel: Mmm, okay. I’ll ask you the question. Knowing everything you now know about the music industry, about the odds, about everything you’re aware of; if you had to start from square one, would you have the courage to do it all over again? Michael Buble: No. Allison Kugel: You don’t think so?
Michael Buble: I don’t think so. Allison Kugel: Wow. Well thank God that’s not an option! Michael Buble: It’s a hard question to think about, because reality doesn’t come into it. I came home yesterday with my wife and we had to take our son to his checkup, the scans and everything (Buble is talking about his son Noah, who is currently in remission from pediatric liver cancer). We take him every three months for checkups, and it’s really scary. My wife and I actually talked about this and we said, “My God, look at what we did.” Here we were, she was twenty-three years old and I was thirty-two. We met in Argentina and we fell in love. Everyone told us that it was impossible. They told us not to do it, because it was too far
away, the whole long-distance relationship thing. And we did it. We got married. Everyone said, “That’s crazy. That’s not going to work. And whatever you do, don’t have kids, because that’ll be murder.” And then we had kids. And then there’s what happened to our family (referencing son Noah’s cancer diagnosis). One of the first things a doctor told me at one of the hospitals we’d gone to, was to stay strong and help each other through this. A friend of ours, when we had asked why the doctors keep telling us that, this friend of ours who works with families going through things like this, said, that something like 92% of couples who go through this… Allison Kugel: Get divorced… Michael Buble: Get divorced. And HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 23
that you don’t have the power to completely shield them from the pain and discomfort of life. Michael Buble: And you don’t have the power to shield them from yourself. For sure, I thought to myself, “He’s going to be better than I am!” I am so flawed. I’m so flawed and so impatient, and there are so many things about me that I don’t like or that I wish I could improve on. And then you go, “Oh my God, he’s acting exactly like me.”
Photos courtesy of Elissa Ayadi
many of the 8% who don’t, have [more] children. And of course, my wife and I thought here we are with a beautiful daughter. We were in the car yesterday and I looked at her, and said, “Would you do it all over again?” She then answered, “Of course I would do it all over again. I wouldn’t want anything different. You guys are the greatest joy of my life.” But then my question to her was, “But would you be brave enough to do it all over again?” And then she said, “I don’t know.” And I 24 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
would have to say the same thing. I don’t know. Allison Kugel: Any of us could say that. It’s like when you have a baby. You bring that baby home from the hospital, and the thought that goes through your mind is that you are going to give this kid a perfect existence, and you’re going to shelter him or her from any pain or discomfort. And then life happens, and you feel completely out of control because you realize
Allison Kugel: You do your best and nobody gets through life without bumps and bruises. Turning things over to the enormity of your career, when you’re on that stage looking out over the massive crowd of 20,000 or 30,000 people who are there to watch you perform, do you ever have an out-of-body experience, like you’re looking at this famous guy singing his heart out on stage and you’re just like, “How did I get here?!” Michael Buble: It’s weird, I used to [feel like that] years ago. I don’t anymore. It’s really strange to say this, but after what I’ve gone through and what my family has gone through, I actually talk about it during my shows. I feel so deeply connected to all those beautiful souls in the audience; I don’t feel there is a difference between us. The truth is, they’re singing just as much as I am. We laugh together, we dance together, and we cry to together. The truth is, I would never have gotten through what I got through without them. I don’t care what people think of me. My goal in life is to be kind, and to do what I do with integrity, and just to know myself. But I’ll never use the word “fan.” I think it’s a shitty word. Allison Kugel: It is a shitty word.
Michael Buble: It’s short for “fanatical,” and I think that’s negative. I don’t think these are fanatics. I think these are beautiful human beings who need as much love, and who give as much love, as anybody else. When I’m standing there on stage, it’s emotional for me. Sometimes I can control that emotion and sometimes I can’t. But you’re asking me how I feel, and it’s overwhelming. I feel overwhelmed… and grateful. I didn’t know if I was ever going to come back. Allison Kugel: When you took that hiatus to deal with your son’s health, you really thought that could be it? Michael Buble: Yeah. Allison Kugel: What was the impetus for you to come back? Michael Buble: He was better. We didn’t know how it was going to turn out. My heart was broken, I don’t know. It wasn’t that I ever fell out of love with music. I just didn’t know if I had it in me to go out there and be joyful. It just wasn’t something I could turn on. Allison Kugel: And you returned with an album dedicated to love. The album’s title is a heart emoji, and features some of the most beautiful love songs. Is that because you were so filled with love and gratitude for your son’s healing? Michael Buble: It’s because I was in a bubble, looking out at the world, and I saw a lot of negative things happening around the world. I realized that I had an opportunity to put beautiful things out there. Allison Kugel: Which is so important, because we need as many
people out there as possible lifting collective consciousness. Michael Buble: Sometimes I feel like I’m just one small person, but I feel like there is a lot of power that one person can generate. We can all make a difference, and it usually comes in those random acts of kindness and putting love out there. I felt that if I didn’t do something that was being true to myself and true to how I felt about what the world needed, then I was one of the assholes that was making the world worse. I sat with my producer, David Foster, who had bene retired. And he wasn’t going back. This was a year before we ever got into the studio. I said, “Are you ever going to work again?” He said, “No, I don’t think so. I love being retired. I don’t think I could ever go back in the studio. What about you?” I said, “David, if I ever go back, I just want it to be joy. I want it to be bliss, and I want to work with people I love, put out beautiful music and make people fall in love.” I think both of us in that moment had this epiphany. After that day, he said to me, “Well, Mike, man, if I ever come back, it would be with you.” And then a year later we found ourselves in the studio doing it. Allison Kugel: What do you think you are here in this life as Michael Buble to learn? Michael Buble: Listen, I don’t know yet. I’m still learning a lot. What scares me is I’ve learned so much more in the past five years than I had in all my previous years combined. The reason I am reticent to give you an answer is because I can’t imagine what I will learn in another five. What I’ve learned is how much I don’t know. Life moves quickly, and… I think I sound like Ferris Bueller right now (laughs).
Allison Kugel: (Laughs) I was just thinking that! Michael Buble: (Laughs) I think just waking up in the morning and focusing on being kind. It sounds weird, but just be kind, be loving, forgive and try to get through this very short life. And especially when you have kids, you hope your actions are louder than your words. Allison Kugel: Dare I now ask, what you feel you are here to teach? Michael Buble: I do have an idea, but it’s really personal to me and I don’t want to get preachy. But I do, and I think you do to. I can hear it in the way you speak. I think you have a good, solid idea of what you are doing here. Allison Kugel: I’ve been studying this stuff for quite some time. I hope I don’t sound too airy fairy. Michael Buble: It’s okay to be airy fairy. I have my faith and I try never to put it in people’s faces, because there’s a lot of people who don’t believe the same things I do, and that’s okay I don’t know who’s right, I really don’t. I can keep it simple and say I don’t know what there is or what there isn’t, but I feel in some way we are all connected. I know that each one of us gets to play a part in bringing goodness and humanity into the world. I feel like sometimes, because of the job I have, it can be magnified. If I can do that as best as I can, that can be my legacy.
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 25
Feeling You By Victor Migalchan The film tells a love story that spans time and space. The talented musician Jay and a girl, May, who is photographer accidentally know each other through mysterious telepathy and they are able to share hearing and touching. Through the wonderful way of communication, the two injured hearts embrace each other and warm each other. They slowly fall in love. But when they decide to meet, they found that they are not at the same time and space. How did they love each other if she was in the past and he is in the future? This film is directed by Yuez Zeng, a new and vigorous female 90s Chinese director, who graduated from Beijing Film Academy. She likes to break through and innovate and like to constantly explore interesting and novel expressions of film. The film “Feeling You” is the first feature film of Yuez Zeng. The original story of the film came out in her brain when she was 26 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
22-years-old. After three years of modifying and polishing, the story turned from an original idea into a thick stack of A4 paper. In order to shoot her first feature film, at the age of 23 she founded a media company and started looking for investments. Luckily, she quickly found a film company that was willing to invest in the film. However, after signing the contract with the production company, she has not received any payment. She took 200,000 RMB which is all the funds she had saved to cover the costs of the preparatory period. The film was about to start shooting, but the production company only transfered 150,000 to her company’s bank account... In the case of extremely tight funds, Yuez Zeng started her tough journey. In the summer of 2017, she started shooting the film. That summer, the weather in southern China was extremely hot and she was anxious about the problem of funds shortages all the time while she was working under the hot sun. The lack of funds on the account occured instantly during
the shooting of the film and she sat in front of the monitor and downloaded loan apps one after another. After the filming, she hadto do the editing and distribution of the film alone because of the shortage of funds. Like a superhero, she continuously confronted and solved all kinds of difficulties, accompanying the film from birth to screening. Her persistence enable her to make this film. As of today, Yuez Zeng had participated in more than a dozen international film festivals with the film Feeling You and won Best Foreign Romance-Fantasy Feature in American Filmatic Arts Awards, Best Woman Filmmaker in Auckland International Film Festival, Best Cinematography in Canada China International Film Festival, Best Director in Cyprus international Film Festival, and First Feature Film in Vancouver China International Film Festival.
She has already a done few films such as MacGruber, Fright Night and Jackie. She also has a documentary filmed about her amazing life story. Michelle has a very rich story of her life. This fighter gene, as she shared, came to her from her Mother who faced amazing life challenges in order to survive and give her children better living.
Michelle Waterson: The Champion who is empowered by her family. By Victor Migalchan
With almost having a tear on her eye, Michelle shared her stories and ups and downs and amazing support of the family, which always helped her to move on forward. She remembered one of the most difficult moments for her, when she had a very complicated injury of her wrist and could not train and compete, hence could not work. She had tremendous pressure on herself but thanks to her family’s support, especially her wonderful husband, an athlete Joshua Gomez, she could make it back and achieved even more. Of course,
the story won’t be complete without mentioning Michelle’s mother, who is her biggest fan and supporter and her beautiful daughter Araya, also known ask “Karate Cutie”, also a very talented martial artist. Besides being a real champion and warrior, Michelle has a very deep inner world. She shared her thoughts on how to build a good relationship, a strong family, how to avoid distractions caused by the spotlight and cameras. Michelle has amazing power and energy in herself which she brings to people and motivates them to be better. You are welcome to watch our full interview Comming soon on Hollywood Weekly TV.
Today our guest is legendary UFC fighter, martial artist and mother, Michelle Waterson. Michelle, also known as “Karate Hottie” was ranked the #1 women’s atomweight fighter in the world. Michelle started her career in Martial arts when she was 10 years old. She started with karate and then she fell in love with wushu (Chinese martial arts, a.k.a kungfu). She trained under the guidance of an amazing coach Jerry Silva and competed in multiple competitions. Since she wanted Martial Arts to become not only her hobby but profession, she decided to take the challenge and become not only an MMA fighter, but the champion. In order to achieve this goal Michelle also trained Muay Thai, BJJ, boxing and wrestling. As the winner of multiple UFC matches, Michelle also is pursuing her career as an actress and story teller. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY• 27
Guo Ming:
A Unique Teacher By Victor Migalchan
This story is about unique teacher, Phd Guo Ming. Originally, she is from Hubei province, China. She graduated from Wuhan University with a master’s degree and a got doctorate degree from the Macau University of Science and Technology. Her major is the cultural exchange between China and the West, international relations and cultural capital. Chinese culture has a profound heritage. This is one of the reasons why fans of Chinese art are so in love and also inspired by the elegant and delicate paintings and other masterpieces. “My contact with art and particularly paper fans began in 2005. I loved its unique artistic expressions and techniques, which is also inspired and encouraged by the older generation. I am particularly interested in paper-cut stickers in paper
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fans. It has been my focus for so many years, because it has also promoted my own work, and I have a deeper understanding of the charm of traditional culture in the comparison with Chinese and Western cultures. Therefore, I have collected paper fans, went a long way from making paper fans to designing paper fans, and learning to cut paper, sticking paper on the fan surface, and making a variety of colorful paper fans”- says Guo Ming. “I am engaged in education, particularly teaching and research. I won the first prize of the 2014 in a micro-class competition, the third prize of the 2012 at the youth teacher competition, and the third prize of the 2014 excellent teacher. In 2013, it was rated as “Rookie of the Teaching Circle”, and in 2014, I was rated as “Famous Teacher” and “Advanced Teacher” and got awarded for “Student’s Most Satisfactory Course” for five consecutive years. I also got a number of research results. “Entrepreneurship Award” Third Prize of Guangdong Science and Technology Returned Entrepreneurship Innovation in 2016; Third Prize of Zhuhai City Venture Innovation in 2016; First Prize of 2016 Zhuhai University Student Entrepreneurship Innovation. I received government innovation talent funding. I believe I got more dreams and goals after doing my master’s degree. Now as teacher andPhd, I work on improvement of educational
methods. Since education has a lot of routine work, I decide to find ways to make even those routines more exciting for students, hence I founded a unique method of using education and film, which was never used in China and Asia before, called visual education.” I personally love charity. I also work hard in my innovation - the application of visual education on a larger scale, and at the same time I work on the reduction and decoding of knowledge. I never forget my love to art. I brought my paper fan works to Los Angeles to share with my friends here. The paper-cutting technique is very difficult. It is a very rare way to decorate the paper with a paper cut. I hope that these pieces of art, paper fans, may also help to improve cultural exchange between China and the US.
ALL OF LA is Invited to a COMPLIMENTARY Sneak Preview of Winner of The Best Experimental Feature Film award from The Downtown LA Film Festival, 2018! Saturday, April 13, 2019, 10:30 am The Laemmle Town Center Theater 17200 Ventura Blvd, Encino LOWER LEVE LEVEL
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY JOY SHANNON
Saturday, April 20, 2019, 10:30 am The Laemmle NOHO Theater 5240 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood Saturday, April 27, 2019, 10:30 am The Laemmle Royal Theater 11523 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles Produced by Joy Shannon and Miriam Holder-Jacobs. Co-Produced by Jonathan Burnett and Associate Produced by Joy Parris
Starring Sharena Walker and AJ Garrett. 98 minutes.Q&A will follow. Arrive early, seating is limited.
www.mydeadselfie.com | info@mydeadselfie.com
SCENE PAGE BY: NIKI SHADROW SNYDER
The Funbox Influencer Event The Funbox LA, The Oaks Mall Staff Photography
Circus Vargas Presents “Greatest of Ease” Circus Vargas, Burbank House Photography
Lisa Vanderpump Cats’ opening night red carpet Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles Photo By: Matthew Murphy Manish Arora’s band of misfits Autumn/Winter 2019 Show Paris Fashion Week Photo By: Yannis Vlamos 30 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Keyana Franklin - KIDZCON Creator KIDZCON Media Day MAGIC REEF, Los Angeles Photo By: KIDZCON Tommy Hilfiger & Dee Hilfiger Vanity Fair Oscars After Party, Los Angeles. Dolby Theater, Los Angeles, CA Getty Images
The Stanley Brothers Meet the modern-day Frontiersmen: Hemp Can Help Humanity Los Angeles, CA Photo By: WKC Rocks Kylie Jenner White Fox Photo Shoot Los Angeles, Private studio Photo By White Fox
Malin Akerman & Constance Zimmer, H&M USA & The Environmental Media Association (EMA) Partnership Launch Event H& M, Los Angeles Photo By: Getty Images
HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 31
10
Most Influencial Women
Emma Watson Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson is an English actress, model, and activist. Born in Paris and brought up in Oxfordshire, Watson attended the Dragon School and trained as an actress at the Oxford branch of Stagecoach Theatre Arts. From 2011 to 2014, Watson split her time between working on film projects and continuing her education, studying at Brown University and Worcester College, Oxford and graduating from Brown with a bachelor’s degree in English literature in May 2014. Her modelling work has included campaigns for Burberry and Lancôme. As a fashion consultant, she helped create a line of clothing for People Tree.She was honoured by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 2014, winning for British Artist of the Year. That same year, she was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill ambassador and helped launch the UN Women campaign HeForShe, which calls for men to advocate gender equality.
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Michelle Obama Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is married to the 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama, is an American writer, lawyer and university administrator. She got her degree in Harvard University. As first lady, she focused her attention on social issues such as poverty, healthy living and education. Both Michelle and Barack Obama have stated that their personal priority is their family. The parents realized that the move from Chicago to Washington D.C. would be a major adjustment for any family. Residing in the White House, having Secret Service protection and always being in the wake of their parents’ public obligations dramatically transformed their lives. Both parents tried to make their daughters’ world as “normal” as possible, with set times for studying, going to bed and getting up. “My first priority will always be to make sure that our girls are healthy and grounded,” Michelle has said. “Then I want to help other families get the support they need, not just to survive, but to thrive.” Beside being known for such bestseller books as “Becoming”, “American Grown”, “Farewell Speeches”, “Holliday Messages from the Obamas”, etc Michelle started numerous social campaigns, and one of them “Global Girls Alliance”, which is aimed to support adolescent girls around the world to get education went viral and was supported by all major Hollywood celebrities and World public figures.
Vivi Lin Vivi Lin, a.k.a Lin Wei, is an award-winning TV Journalist, TV Host, innovation advocate, producer and entrepreneur. She is inspiring because of her active advocacy in the power of communication and connection, which breaks down barriers between countries, cultures and races. Vivi has worked for the world’s top media, including Reuters, BBC, and CCTV. Just when people thought she was at the sweet spot as a popular TV personality on national television and global media networks, she left the comfort zone to pursue her dreams as an entrepreneur. She aims to help the small and medium-sized startups across the world with storytelling, so that they could better connect them with their customers and the investor communities across the world. She combined her unique knowledge and experience in business journalism and understanding in storytelling, and applied them in the cross-border innovation and investment space between China and the world. Her two TV shows - “Vivi in the Valley” and “On the Blocks with Vivi Lin” , which she produces and hosts, became powerful platform for connection and communication in the entrepreneurial communities. “Vivi in the Valley”, featuring global innovators, showcases their technologies, business models and human stories, and broadcasts in Iqiyi, Netflix’s China partner and inspires millions of viewers. The other show “On the Blocks with Vivi Lin”, aims to bring the opaque world of blockchain and tokenomics to a wider audience of general public, as she believes innovation and new technology like blockchain should not be limited to the geek and elite community, the masses are entitled to enjoy the benefits of the innovation as well. With her active advocacy in innovation and effective storytelling through her TV and video Shows, Vivi has helped connecting numerous US Startups with Chinese investors and partners. When people from different cultures and countries understand each other better, trust will grow and so do the business and opportunities. That’s exactly what happened - the business of the American companies profiled in Vivi’s shows has flourished and thus created more job opportunities. Currently Vivi is working on a new book based on her years of experiences in the cross-border TV journalism and business storytelling, in which she will unveil the unique system and methodology. She is also blending a course for western entrepreneurs on inside secrets of doing business and how to succeed in China. She is hoping to help more global entrepreneurs and businessmen, as she is invited to TEDx Shanghai, to share her expertise and stories to motivate and inspire millions of audiences across the world.
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Daisy Lang Daisy Lang, a.k.a Dessislava Kirova and Daisy “The Lady” Lang, is world martial arts champion, a professional female boxer and the pioneer of European Female Professional Boxing. She holds titles of GBU world champion in Super Bantamweight in 2003, WIBF world champion in Super Flyweight from 1999 to 2003, and is residing GBU world champion in Bantamweight.Besides having a very successful athletic career she develops brilliant career as businesswoman, Hollywood Actress and Public personality. She travels around the world and gives motivational speeches, supports young generations, amator and professional athletes. She holds numerous seminars and teaches not only self defence, but a complete system of well being. In december 2018 Daisy received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the International Hollywood Youth Film Festival for her contribution as professional athlete and movie star. As she shared now her goal is to inspire, support and motivate women in China and other Asian countries, where amator and professional female boxing develops on one hand, and traditional structures with women’s role in society changes on another hand. Currently Daisy is writing a book, based on her life story, which will definitely inspire and support more and more people around the world.
Melinda Gates Melinda Ann Gates is an American philanthropist. She is a former Microsoft employee and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She worked at Microsoft, where she was project manager for Microsoft Bob, Encarta and Expedia. Melinda received numerous awards such as: the Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged in 2002; Melinda was awarded the Insignia of the Order of the Aztec Eagle in 2006; Melinda Gates received an honorary doctorate in medicine from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden 2007 ; 2009, Melinda and Bill Gates received honorary degrees from the University of Cambridge. In 2016, President Barack Obama honored Gates and her husband with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their philanthropic efforts. In 2017, President François Hollande awarded Gates and her husband with France’s highest national award, the Legion of Honour; In 2017 she was awarded the Otto Hahn Peace Medal and many others. In September 2016, Melinda announced her desire to begin working on the lack of women in technology, saying: We’re graduating fewer women technologists. That is not good for society. We have to change it.
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Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She is known for human rights advocacy, especially the education of women and children in her native Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school. Her advocacy has grown into an international movement, and according to former Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, she has become “the most prominent citizen” of the country. Yousafzai became a prominent activist for the right to education. Based out of Birmingham, she founded the Malala Fund, a non-profit organisation, and in 2013 co-authored I Am Malala, an international best seller. In 2012, she was the recipient of Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize and the 2013 Sakharov Prize. In 2014, she was the co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, along with Kailash Satyarthi of India. Aged 17 at the time, this made her the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. In 2015, Yousafzai was a subject of the Oscar-shortlisted documentary He Named Me Malala. The 2013, 2014 and 2015 issues of Time magazine featured her as one of the most influential people globally. In 2017, she was awarded honorary Canadian citizenship and became the youngest person to address the House of Commons of Canada. Yousafzai attended Edgbaston High School from 2013 to 2017, and is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.
Oprah Winfrey Oprah is an American media executive, actress, talk show host, television producer and philanthropist. She is best known for her talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was the highest-rated television program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011 in Chicago. Dubbed the “Queen of All Media”,she was the richest African American of the 20th century and North America’s first black multi-billionaire, and has been ranked the greatest black philanthropist in American history. She has also been sometimes ranked as the most influential woman in the world. By the mid-1990s, Winfrey had reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, mindfulness and spirituality. Though she was criticized for unleashing a confession culture, promoting controversial self-help ideas, and having an emotion-centered approach, she has also been praised for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others. Winfrey had also emerged as a political force in the 2008 presidential race, delivering about one million votes to Barack Obama in the razor close 2008 Democratic primary. In 2013, Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama and honorary doctorate degrees from Duke and Harvard. In 2008, she formed her own network, Oprah Winfrey Network.
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Reese Witherspoon Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon is an American actress, producer, and entrepreneur. She is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, two Golden Globe Awards and two Critics’ Choice Awards. Reese she is actively involved in children’s and women’s advocacy organizations. She serves on the board of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and was named Global Ambassador of Avon Products in 2007, serving as honorary chair of the charitable Avon Foundation. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
Adele Lim Adele Lim is a Malaysian screenwriter of Chinese descent. Lim started her Hollywood career in Xena: Warrior Princess. Lim is known for her writing on TV shows such as One Tree Hill, Life Unexpected, Reign and Star-Crossed. In 2018, Lim was co-screenwriter for the 2018 movie Crazy Rich Asians which attracted world’s attention to her. As many industry specialists admit, and not everyone agrees, Asian actors and actresses are underrepresented in Hollywood. There has been a change in this trend recently. Adele Lim was one of those who contributed to this change and presented to the whole world a modern Asian story with professional Asian actors. She got 2 major nominations for Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Life on Mars (2008).
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ELLEN Ellen Lee DeGeneres is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, producer, and LGBT activist.[2] She starred in the popular sitcom Ellen from 1994 to 1998 and has hosted her syndicated TV talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, since 2003. She starred in two television sitcoms, Ellen from 1994 to 1998, and The Ellen Show from 2001 to 2002. During the fourth season of Ellen in 1997, she came out as a lesbian in an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her character, Ellen Morgan, also came out to a therapist played by Winfrey, and the series went on to explore various LGBT issues, including the coming-out process. In 2008, she married her longtime girlfriend Portia de Rossi. DeGeneres has hosted the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and the Primetime Emmys. She has authored four books and started her own record company, Eleveneleven, as well as a production company, A Very Good Production. She also launched a lifestyle brand, ED Ellen DeGeneres, which comprises a collection of apparel, accessories, home, baby, and pet items. She has won 30 Emmys, 20 People’s Choice Awards (more than any other person), and numerous other awards for her work and charitable efforts. In 2016, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ellen is considered not only as a LGBT activist, but the one who influenced and gave support to millions in their personal development, growth and self esteem. Among many others, her Tulane’s 2009 Commencement Speech went viral and was the one which “moved the ice” and empowered millions around the globe.
purchasing carbon offsets. The company will donate offsets on all of its domestic flights on all trips including staff travel. It will invite clients to offset and make a donation to Offsetters.
This company that pioneered women-only adventure travel today offers more international itineraries than any of its competitors in the women-only sector. But to Jennifer Haddow, owner and guiding director, more important than the size of her company is its on-going, two-fold mission wrapped around the word kind: to support climate justice and to support women to take their place as leaders in the world of outdoor adventure travel. Climate Justice Wild Womenkind’s initial campaign focuses on the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia. Wild Women Expeditions will invest in a conservation economy through a planned contribution of $10,000 to this valuable resource and by
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The primary recipient will be the Great Bear Forest Carbon Project. The setting is a temperate rainforest of 1,000-year-old Western red cedar and Sitka spruce that spans the Pacific Coast of British Columbia and is part of the world’s largest remaining, pristine, coastal, temperate rainforest. Here, too, are the traditional (since 7190 BCE) territories of the Heiltsuk First Nation. The forest teems with life, including the S pirit (Kermode) Bear, a white (thanks to a recessive gene) relative of the American black bear that also resides here, along with cougars and wolves. In the surrounding water are flitting dolphins and the blowing mists of humpback whales. (For details see Great Bear Rainforest Kayak Adventure, an eight-day kayaking and camping journey with July 8 and July 15 departures in 2019. See https://wildwomenexpeditions. com/trips/great-bear-british-columbia/
“Our adventure in the Great Bear Rainforest celebrates the spirit of the international campaign to bring attention to this endangered coastline and its iconic wildlife. If we want to see precious places like this protected, we need to go there and enjoy them and show the world their tremendous value,” said Haddow. “We support the end to the trophy bear hunt and making sure that threatened species such as sea wolves are targeted in a positive way by tourism.” The campaign also celebrates a new IMAX film, “Great Bear Rainforest: Land of the Spirit Bear.” This 41-minute film debuted on Feb. 15, 2019.
Women Rising In such diverse countries as Morocco and Thailand, Wild Women Expeditions’ outreach to women – as guests on trips, as guides on these trips, as workers in their communities – is making a difference in the lives of the women themselves. The key is empowerment that can lead women to taking on leadership positions. For example, two itineraries being introduced this year focus on the Berber culture of the women of Morocco. Morocco is known for being one of the most progressive states in the Middle East and North because of its sup-
port for women’s rights. Despite these advancements, women’s education in Morocco still lags behind and over 80% of women are illiterate. By casting Moroccan women as, among others, drivers and guides for these trips, Haddow hopes that both guests and locals will be empowered. “On our Morocco tour we put the stories of women in the spotlight while empowering them with opportunities to benefit from tourism and play a leading role,” she said. Wild Women Expeditions tours in Morocco will help empower women by: Working with a female Berber entrepreneur who owns the transportation company for these tours and who hires female drivers; Engaging Berber Moroccan women as tour leaders are hiring female guides; Supporting trek guide training for Moroccan women;Visiting women’s cooperatives where locally made items are sold; Basing in a riad in Marrakech that employs women trained by the Amal Centre for disadvantaged women (http:// amalnonprofit.org/) Conversing over a women-hosted dinner in Casablanca through Al Hidn, an association that empowers illiterate widow women in rebuilding their lives through a series of educational programs as well as providing them with financial and educational support to keep their kids in school; Supporting the Henna Café, a social enterprise project for women in Marrakech; Using accommodations that reflect the company’s commitment to women’s empowerment, such
as the Kasbah Toubkhal that co-founded the Education for All program for girls’ education (an additional 5% of the revenue from a group stay here is donated to this local project); Donating to the Education for All campaign as a project partner; Being mindful of the environment – through women – with an overnight at an eco lodge owned by a local woman and part of an ecotourism initiative focused on empowering local women in the Riff: See: http://www.gitetalassemtane.com/en/qui-sommesnous/ For details on two itineraries being offered see: https://wildwomenexpeditions. com/trips/medinas-to-mountains-northern-morocco/ and https://wildwomenexpeditions.com/trips/mosiac-of-wild-morocco/ Wild Womenkind extends a hand to both women and wildlife. On Elephants, Treks, and Temples Tour Wild Women Expeditions supports an elephant project run by the Karen Hill Tribe women to protect elephants that had been abused in an exploitative riding camp. The company is a funder of the first elephant hospital in Thailand and it supports the campaign of the Asian Captive Elephant Working group, a leading coalition of elephant experts and conservationists.
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edly throughout the 1960s as she fought to be cast in roles that didn’t box her in to antiquated stereotypes. Though film roles for a leading lady of color were far and few between at the time, Rita Moreno turned her attention to television and music, taking home a Grammy Award in 1973 for Best Children’s Album during her stint on the popular children’s television program and, The Electric Company. Then came a Tony Award in 1975 for her work in the Broadway production of, The Ritz. Soon, two primetime Emmys followed in 1977 and 1978. Moreno was hard at work establishing herself as a bonified triple threat. She cemented an indelible legacy as one of the world’s most versatile and talented performers. Throughout the ensuing decades, Moreno continued to take on roles on her own terms, proving her staying power for six decades. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she played Sister Peter Marie Reimondo in HBO’s first original and groundbreaking dramatic series, OZ.
Rita Moreno Legacy of a Hollywood Pioneer and Humanitarian By Allison Kugel
Multi-award-winning actress, singer and dancer, Rita Moreno, blazed an iconic trail as the first mainstream Hispanic actress to grace Hollywood when she exploded onto the big screen as Anita in 1961’s classic film, West Side Story. The 40 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
role earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, crowning her the first Hispanic performer to ever win an Academy Award. But even after taking home Hollywood’s top prize, Moreno’s career started and stalled repeat-
Moreno currently stars as Abuelita Lydia Riera, the hilarious and spicy grandmother on the new incarnation of Norman Lear’s television creation, One Day at a Time, now streaming its third season on Netflix. The show’s official premise is, “Two Cultures, One Familia.” It’s an updated twist on the 1975 hit series starring Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips, Valerie Bertinelli and Pat Harrington, but with a twist. The reboot centers around a Hispanic American family, no doubt Lear’s way of thumbing his nose at some of the more racist rhetoric
flung through 2016’s presidential campaign. In 2014, Actor Morgan Freeman presented Moreno with the Screen Actor’s Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, calling her “a world class actress, singer and dancer,” and just as significantly, “a fighter, who battled to break free of racial and sexual barriers that plagued Hollywood’s golden age.” Before there was Rosie Perez, Salma Hyek or Jennifer Lopez, there was the inimitable Rita Moreno. Recently, Moreno got the call from Steven Spielberg, for a forthcoming remake of the film that made her an icon, West Side Story. Moreno will play a role in the film as well as Executive Produce. I recently sat down with Rita Moreno to discuss her one-of-a-kind career and journey. Allison Kugel: When you won your Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1962 for the film, West Side Story, you thought you would then transcend racial stereotypes with the parts you would be offered. Rita Moreno: And I was very disappointed (laughs). Not only disappointed, but it really, really broke my heart. Allison Kugel: I feel you. I’ve experienced it as a journalist, not in terms of ethnic discrimination, but the bewilderment of hitting a peak and then stalling. Your famous quote about this phase of your career was, “I showed them. I didn’t work for seven years.” Rita Moreno: When I say, “I showed them,” of course, I’m being facetious.
Allison Kugel: Of course. And in this business, it’s very hard to turn down work. Writers write, Actors act, etc. It’s what you do, and you crave it. Rita Moreno: Not only crave it. It pays the rent. Allison Kugel: Yeah, and then there’s that! (Laughs) Any regrets about taking that stance? Rita Moreno: I think it was a very good decision on my part, because the only thing that was being offered, really, were gang movies, and they certainly weren’t as interesting as West Side Story. I think it would have depressed the heck out of me to go back to that stuff. It paid off in the sense that I had peace of mind and I didn’t feel like I was being insulted. Allison Kugel: Let’s talk about the amazing Norman Lear and the One Day at a Time reboot on Netflix you’re starring in. Rita Moreno: Isn’t he something?! Allison Kugel: I think he is a genius! Rita Moreno: He is a genius, you’re right. He’s still going strong. He’s going to be 96, and he can speak and he can walk (laughs). He’s a remarkable man, and a lovely, lovely person. Allison Kugel: All in the Family is my favorite sitcom of all time. Rita Moreno: Oh, it’s one of my favorite shows too! Allison Kugel: The way he has tackled race, gender, religion, sexuality... on and on, has helped to re-shape our society. The original
One Day at a Time with Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips, Valerie Bertinelli and Pat Harrington that premiered in 1975 was very progressive in that single motherhood was much more taboo at that time. With this updated version, there’s an extra layer to the story in that the family are Hispanic Americans. After all you went through in terms of fighting for roles that accurately represent Hispanic people, do you feel a sense of vindication at portraying a positive representation of a Hispanic family on television? Rita Moreno: Vindication implies that I’m still angry. No, I don’t feel any sense of vindication. I’m just so happy and so proud that Hispanics have more representation. I think we’re still not there. I think we are underrepresented. But feeling vindictive is a waste of time, don’t you think? Allison Kugel: Wrong choice of words. Perhaps a better way to put it would be, “a sense of wholeness.” I was watching an episode earlier, and there’s a scene where your character, Lydia, is talking about the racial slurs she had to endure in her generation. When her daughter and granddaughter ask her for specifics, Lydia summons up the courage to say the word “spic” out loud. The context of the scene is that she is disempowering that word that was so painful for her. To be able to stand there and say it, and disempower the word... Rita Moreno: What was so remarkable about that scene is that kids don’t even [fully] understand that word. It’s bizarre. Lydia is carrying on and on about the word “spic,” HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 41
and everybody in the room is like, “Yeah, so?” It was a terrible word in my time. I love that! Allison Kugel: I have to give so much credit to the show’s creator, Norman Lear. The courage to look something in the eye and stare it down, man, and incorporate comedy into it is amazing. Rita Moreno: That’s a wonderful way to put it, yes. You’re right. Allison Kugel: What do you hope viewers of the updated ODAAT will learn about Hispanic American families? Rita Moreno: It’s what I think they are learning, because we have now gained an American audience as well. We always, of course, had the Hispanic community watching the show. People who are not Hispanic are learning that family is family, is family. It’s universal. That’s what Norman was hoping for. You want the universality of the situation to work on people, and that’s what has happened. The moment of, “Oh My God. We’re like that too!” Just add in some spice and some deliciousness, which is the Hispanic nature of the show. Allison Kugel: If you live in a smaller town in the United States, where you are only surrounded by people who are just like you, it’s so easy to dismiss other types of people, because you don’t have to get to know them. Once you get to know people who are different from you and you see their humanity, it becomes much harder to be dismissive. Rita Moreno: Yeah. And I find that a lot of people who watch our show just love Lydia. She’s so outrageous and so big. Children love Lydia. Go figure! 42 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Allison Kugel: Because your character is that bridge between what was and what is. You’re teetering on the edge between the old school stuff that you came of age with, while trying to embrace the world we’re living in now. Rita Moreno: She’s familiar with what she calls “JouTube.” (Moreno puts on a Cuban accent) and “SnapChap.” (Laughs) But she’s familiar with it, which is terrific. It’s because we have a room full of young writers who are all into that kind of stuff. For the new season, there’s an episode that guest stars Gloria Estefan. It’s hilarious. She plays my sister, and all I can tell you is we hate each other. The whole episode is centered around a funeral of an aunt, and Gloria’s character comes to town to attend the funeral. Gloria is absolutely, deliciously funny! And of course, we’re both over the top as we’re trying to do air kisses that are about three feet apart. Allison Kugel: When you hear other Hispanic performers speak, and I know I have heard this from Jennifer Lopez, they always refer to you as the gold standard of excellence and inspiration. You were the performer who made them believe that this career was achievable for them. Have you had a chance to speak to any of the younger Latino actors and singers about your influence on them? Rita Moreno: I’ve heard it from Jennifer, and I’ve heard it from Rosie Perez, and also from Andy Garcia. Allison Kugel: As someone who emigrated to the states from Puerto Rico as a young girl and
who wanted to be a performer, who did you look to as a blueprint? Rita Moreno: Well, you know what? No, there were no role models when I was young and in the movies in my late teens. There was nobody. So, I chose one for myself. I chose Elizabeth Taylor because she was close to my age and she was brunette (laughs); and she was beautiful and gorgeous. I made her my role model. But, you know, there was just nobody that looked like me in a public [space]. The Hispanic community very often calls me La Pionera, the Pioneer. Allison Kugel: How do you define yourself as a human being? Rita Moreno: I’m a family person before anything else. I have a daughter, Fernanda Louisa, that I’m insane about. And I have two grandsons, and that is where I live. They are in my heart all the time. I adore them, and I don’t have much family; I never did because I left Puerto Rico with my mom on a ship, and that was the end of family. I never saw them again. I had a brother that I never saw. His name was Francisco. Allison Kugel: And there was no contact after you left Puerto Rico? That was it? Rita Moreno: No, and I attribute that to my mom. For whatever reasons, she just stayed away. I don’t know how to explain it, because I don’t understand it. By the time I did try to find him, I couldn’t find him. About a month or two after my book came out (Rita Moreno: A Memoir/Celebra Books), I heard that he died. I have a half-brother, Sam Alverio, because that’s my true [last] name. I’m Rosa Dolores
Alverío (she speaks her full birth name, punctuated with the pride of a strong Puerto Rican accent). I speak to him on the phone now and then. That’s about it. Like many Hispanic people, I’m sure I have tons and tons of distant cousins. Allison Kugel: How do you find peace in your heart regarding the brother who passed away? Rita Moreno: I just have to tell myself that it’s not my fault. My mom, for whatever reason, she always had difficulties with men. I had four stepfathers. It doesn’t make me happy, but that’s the reality of the situation. Allison Kugel: Let’s talk about the upcoming remake of the film West Side Story. That’s a hell of a segue! Rita Moreno: Isn’t that astonishing though? Talk about coming full circle. Allison Kugel: How did you be-
come involved as Executive Producer? Rita Moreno: [Steven Spielberg] always wanted to do the film, and he was a good friend of Robert Wise, who co-directed the original film with Jerome Robbins. When the original West Side Story film came out [in 1961] Steven was crazy about it, and that’s when he got very close to Robert Wise. He said he just hounded him about how the film was shot. It’s something he always wanted to re-do. The interesting thing is that he’s not updating it. It will still take place in 1957. It’s Romeo and Juliet. What’s wonderful about the young girl that he chose for the remake (17-year-old newcomer, Rachel Zegler) is a young girl. Natalie Wood was a woman. I was a woman, playing Anita. I was really, way too old for that role. But that’s how it happened, then. Tony Kushner is doing the script. He wrote Angels in America. They both thought that the original part of Doc (the candy
store owner in the 1961 film played by Ned Glass) was not fully realized, which I think is true. They both agreed that they weren’t terribly interested in that role for the remake. One, or both of them said, “What about Rita Moreno as Doc’s wife?” So, the storyline in the new film will be that Doc passed away, and now it’s Valentina who runs the candy store. They offered the Executive Producer credit to me, because Steven feels that I am the bridge to this movie. Allison Kugel: You’re offering all this first-person insight into what went on during the filming of the original movie. Rita Moreno: Exactly. He’s asked me a lot of questions, and he will probably ask even more. We talk about the shots all the time, because, you know, the director of the original film, Bob Wise, was really an editor. He was a great, great editor. He did Citizen Kane with Orson Welles.
talking about Hollywood stars, I like Michael Jackson, because he is a legend, his popularity can only be envied. In clothes I prefer its comfort, even if it is a super brand or expensive thing, but uncomfortable, I will easily give it up (laughs). There is no favorite brand, there are cool things in different brands. I approach all my occupations and hobbies seriously, and I work very hard, so everything I do should be of high quality, but in the future I plan to get a good education. It does not interfere. In future I would like to take part in the shows for Victoria’s Secret.
Melisa Halitoglu:
10-year-old Hollywood model and host
M
elisa Halitoglu a 10 years old Ukrainian model and TV host, tells how to achieve recognition in Hollywood and talks about the features of modeling overseas. I started to like modeling in Ukraine, in the USA I just continued. There isn’t any difference in it here, I guess, it’s just that America seems to have more loyal requirements for height and weight, at least in children’s modeling. 44 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
I prefer working here in America, because whatever you do, they admire you, they praise you, in many situations they even flatter, but it is still pleasant, while in our country there is stricter and more demanding attitude to you in everything. As far as I have Ukrainian tempering, I am now self-demanding. Above all I remember the first shooting, I really liked myself in the image of a rock star, this was filmed for a fashion magazine. If
Before modeling I started to do dances, I also enjoy painting, play the piano and flute, and, of course, do some sport like stretching and Zumba. Many young models start their career from the beauty contests. As for me, any kind of a contest is great, as it gives the feeling of rivalry, which is always an incentive to be better. I would definitely take part if I had the opportunity. How to raise a supermodel? Melisa’s mother, Svetlana Halitoglu What is the secret of raising a young top model? I don’t bring her up as a top model, I bring her up as an ordinary child, who has a chance to try herself and see if this is close to her. I try to show her different facets of life, and she herself should choose what she wants to do. How does the modeling influence her studying? A lot of parents complain that the child completely
loses interest in the lessons when thoughts are busy with something like this. In the grown up modeling there is a place for diets and strict parameters. How strict are the rules in kids model business? It doesn’t disturb us, because the school is our priority. We easily refuse inconvenient for school projects. Our goal is to obtain education in Stanford. Share your experience with others, how to notice that a child is talented as a model? Her being photogenic at an early age (there was not even a year for Meliska) was observed by her grandfather, he worked as a press photographer in the newspaper. And I certainly supported his opinion. We grew up a bit and went to the casting, where we were invited to television, although she likes to be photographed more. In Ukraine, Melisa was a popular TV presenter. Do you plan to develop a career in this direction in America, and are there any difficulties with the language? When we flew to America, we immediately found a good agency, but we received mostly offers on children’s shows hosts or roles in video clips, and we refused because of the language barrier, but we still have everything ahead, everything takes time and Meliska has it enough. Photographer: Tina Sokolovskaya PR: Maria Borovenskaya Producer: Svetlna Halitoglu
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Hollywood
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The Man with the Golden Voice By Anthony Ewart
T
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 most altruistic singer I’ve ever heard. His voice lived for the song. It supported 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.
Toi is also excited about her non-fiction television drama: ‘The Commissioner,’ which investigates the hearts and minds of “life prisoners” as they appear before the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) for parole consideration and exploring the struggles of the Commissioner assigned to determine their fate. As an ongoing writer for several national newspapers and magazines throughout the US and
TOI MOORE Adult Coversations According to God’s Words Celebrity author Toi Moore is excited to present to us her twelfth book, Adult Conversations; According to God’s word, which will be released during the spring of 2019. This book addresses sex and relationship questions and answers from a BIBLICAL and CHRISTIAN viewpoint. Christian leaders from the; Church of God in Christ, Baptist, and Christian faith-based foundations are giving you real, raw, and unbiased opinions according to God’s word. Information provided is intended to help, strengthen, and guide relationships, while giving suggestions and advice as to how someone can grow and learn from their own personal experiences. Questions addressed are those that many want to know, but may be afraid to ask. A portion of the proceeds made from each book will be donated to each leader’s church/congregation who participated. 50 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
Canada including; Billboard and Upscale, Toi has over 350 bylines to her name. The author has penned several screenplays, sitcom’s, television and reality shows, which she is shopping for production. Toi is also a public speaker on topics connecting to her books. For more information, visit her website: ToiMoore.com and find her books on Amazon.com.
Brazil Carnival
A reveller from the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school performs during the first night of the Carnival parade at the Sambadrome. Photo by: Pilar Olivares A reveller from the Sao Clemente samba school performs. Photo by: Pilar Olivares
Performers from the Portela samba school. Photo by: Silvia Izquierdo
Members of the Mangueira Samba School perform. Buda Mendes/Getty Images
A member of the Paraiso do Tuiuti samba school. CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/ Getty Images
Revellers from the Mocidade samba school. Photo by: Pilar Olivares HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 51