Celebrity
Two-Time Oscar Winner Glenda Jackson, Who Mixed Acting With Politics, Dies At 87
(AP) LONDON — Glenda Jackson, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress who also served as a British lawmaker and pursued a second political career before making a well-received comeback to stage and cinema in her later years, passed away at age 87.
According to Jackson’s agent Lionel Larner, she passed away on Thursday at her London home following a brief illness. He claimed she had just finished filming “The Great Escaper,” where she had a supporting role alongside Michael Caine, 90.
Jackson received his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London after being born into a working-class family in Birkenhead, northwest England, in 1936. She participated with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she starred in the avant-garde drama “Marat/Sade” directed by Peter Brook. She became one of the biggest British stars of the 1960s and 1970s and won two Academy Awards for “Women in Love” in 1971 and “A Touch of Class” in 1974.
She won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in “Elizabeth R.” in 1972, and in 1971, she played Cleopatra in a memorable spoof on “The Morecambe & Wise Show,” cementing her position in British pop culture history. She said in a famous one-liner, “All men are fools, and what makes them so is seeing a beauty like what I have acquired.
Jackson entered politics in her fifties and was elected to the Parliament in 1992. She represented the Labour Party for 23 years and was appointed transport minister in 1997 under Prime Minister Tony Blair’s first administration.
Glenda Jackson, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress.
She and Blair eventually fell out over the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She claimed that Blair’s decision to join the U.S.-led conflict without the UN’s approval had left her feeling “deeply, deeply ashamed.”
Before the invasion, she warned The Associated Press that “the victims will be as they always are, women, children, and the elderly.”
Throughout her political career, Jackson maintained her forthright demeanor and outspokenness, which may have contributed to her exclusion from important government positions. Margaret Thatcher, a previous Conservative Prime Minister, passed away in 2013, and instead of showing respect for the deceased, a member of Parliament railed in Parliament about the “heinous social, economic, and spiritual damage wreaked upon this country” by the late leader.
After leaving Parliament in 2015, Jackson returned to acting and landed some of her most well-known parts, such as the main role in Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” It debuted in 2016 at London’s Old Vic before playing on Broadway.
2019’s “Elizabeth is Missing” featured her in her first movie appearance in 25 years. Jackson’s portrayal of an Alzheimer’s patient seeking to unravel a mystery earned her a BAFTA award, the British version of the Oscar.
The crew was “shocked and deeply saddened” by her passing, according to Oliver Parker, the director of the upcoming film “The Great Escaper,” which Jackson and Parker had just collaborated on.
Parker remarked, “She had such fierce intelligence, such passion, and such fearlessness.” We watched the finished movie for her and Michael Caine less than a month ago, and she was just as enthusiastic and aggressive as ever. We will always cherish the memories of that touching and joyous day.
When the two recently collaborated, Caine remarked that it was “as wonderful an experience this time as it was 50 years ago.”
Glenda was one of our best actresses in films, he noted. I’m going to miss her.
Jackson, according to Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, “leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled.”
“She played many roles with great distinction, passion, and commitment,” he remarked. Glenda Jackson, a celebrated performer, activist, Labour Party member of Parliament, and government minister, never stopped promoting social and human rights.
As a Labour legislator representing Hampstead and Kilburn in London, Tulip Siddiq, Jackson’s successor expressed her “devastation” at learning of Jackson’s passing.
“A strong politician, excellent performer, and a great mentor to me. Glenda, Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you,” Siddiq tweeted.
Her son Dan Hodges is the only survivor of Jackson.
SOURCE – (AP)
Celebrity
2024| Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Washington – Pras, On Friday, a court denied a request for a fresh trial in a multimillion-dollar political conspiracy lawsuit against Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly determined that his defensedefense attorney’s employment of a generative AI software during closing arguments and other errors made throughout the Washington, D.C. trial did not constitute a substantial miscarriage of justice.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel was found guilty of ten counts after a jury heard testimony from witnesses, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions. On the most serious charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He is free until sentencing, which has yet to be decided.
The Grammy-winning rapper was accused of funneling money from a now-fugitive Malaysian financier through straw donors to Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, then attempting to deter a Justice Department investigation and influence an extradition case on behalf of China during the Trump administration.
The defense said Michel received lousy advice as he attempted to support himself while recreating himself in politics.
His defense attorney, David Kenner, who has previously represented rappers like Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg, pleaded guilty to leaking grand jury evidence to reporters.
Michel hired a new lawyer, who claimed Kenner had made several errors, including deploying an “experimental” generative AI software that botched closing arguments by misattributing a lyric from his client’s influential 1990s group.
Judge Rejects Claims That Generative AI Tanked Political Conspiracy Case Against Fugees Rapper Pras
Michel, however, failed to prove that Kenner’s handling of the case influenced the jury, according to Judge Kollar-Kotelly.
She accepted that some of Michel’s faults were valid, but they did not neutralise the prosecution’s extensive evidence against him or render the nearly month-long trial unfair.
Michel’s representative had no immediate comment on the ruling.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Julian Ortega, a Spanish actor best known for his role in the popular Spanish-language Netflix drama series “Elite,” has died, according to the country’s actor and actress union. He was 41.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the union said in a statement Monday.
The sun
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
Ortega, the son of Spanish actress Gloria Muñoz, was born in Madrid in 1983. According to the organization, he attended acting school in the Spanish capital.
He began his career in Spanish-language films, including the 2000 drama “El Otro Barrio” (“The Other Side”) and the 2008 horror fantasy “La raíz del mal.”
He appeared in various Spanish television programs before becoming well-known internationally after appearing in six episodes of Netflix’s Elite.
Ortega played a restaurant manager in the murder-mystery-infused high school thriller, which follows privileged pupils at a prestigious school.
His most recent performances were in drama programs like “The Countryside” (formerly called “El Pueblo”) and “4 estrellas.”
“You were a great man; humble, always smiling, generous, and thoughtful…” I have a great colleague. “Thank you for everything,” wrote his “Countryside” co-star Ruth Diaz in an Instagram post.
Julian Ortega, Actor In Netflix’s ‘Elite’ Series, Dies Aged 41
According to the Spanish Theatre in Madrid, Ortega has worked on theatre ventures, including the 2021 play “Ira,” which he created and co-starred in with his mother.
The reason for the death has not been officially confirmed.
SOURCE | AP
Celebrity
Selena Gomez Reacts To Taylor Swift Cameo Rumors in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Selena Gomez has recently put a fun twist on rumors swirling about a potential cameo by Taylor Swift in the fourth season of Only Murders in the Building. In an interview with E! News, Gomez responded to the speculation with her signature humor and charm.
Laughing off the rumors, Gomez quipped, “You’re hilarious. She’s a little busy, you guys.”
Her playful tone continued as she added, “Oh dear, I love that,” while still chuckling. Gomez’s light-hearted response showcased her easy-going nature and her ability to handle fan speculation with grace.
Gomez’s co-stars, Steve Martin and Martin Short, also joined in on the playful banter. Martin, in a comedic twist, said, “Listen, she calls us every day. Here – she’s calling right now. Ahh I’ll take it later.”
‘Only Murders in the Building’ S4
Martin Short added to the jest, joking, “No, I was talking to Taylor around 3:00 a.m.” Their jokes highlighted the camaraderie and fun atmosphere among the cast.
Beyond the jokes, Martin took a moment to genuinely praise both Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez for their poise.
He commented, “Taylor Swift handles everything perfectly and so does Selena. In the situations I’ve seen—politically, trolls, everything—she just seems to have a wisdom about how to do something quietly, effortlessly.”
The interaction underscores not only the strong bond between the cast members but also their mutual respect and admiration for each other.
Gomez and Swift’s friendship, along with their shared ability to navigate public life with elegance, continues to be a topic of interest and admiration among fans and colleagues alike.
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