Entertainment
‘Shaft’ Star Richard Roundtree, Considered The First Black Action Movie Hero, Has Died At 81
(LOS ANGELES) – Richard Roundtree, the pioneering actor who portrayed the ultra-smooth private detective in multiple “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.
Patrick McMinn, Roundtree’s longtime manager, said the actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. 1993, he was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn told the audience. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree, born in New Rochelle, New York, was regarded as the first Black action hero and rose to prominence in the blaxploitation genre with his portrayal of New York street-smart John Shaft in the Gordon Parks-directed film in 1971. Roundtree made his first feature film appearance at 28 after beginning his modeling career.
Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a shift in how Black films were perceived in Hollywood, which had previously overlooked Black actors in productions, particularly for main roles. The majority of blaxploitation films were aimed at African-American viewers.
‘Shaft’ Star Richard Roundtree, Considered The First Black Action Movie Hero, Has Died At 81
His character in the film navigated the world of thugs. He was known for his catchphrases, such as “It’s my duty to please that booty.”
“What we were doing was a good, old Saturday afternoon shoot ’em up,” Roundtree told The Associated Press in 2000.
The “Shaft” theme song by Isaac Hayes, which includes the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth),” helped cement the original film’s place in mainstream culture. The late vocalist, who died in 2008, said the song was “like the’shot heard round the world.” In 1971, his song received an Academy Award for Best Song and two Grammys the following year.
Following the popularity of the film, Roundtree reappeared in the sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973. That same year, he reprised his role as the astute detective in the CBS television series “Shaft,” which lasted only seven episodes.
Roundtree repeated his role in the remake of “Shaft” in 2000, starring Samuel L. Jackson. He played Jackson’s uncle in the big-budget film aimed at a broad audience. Both actors reprised their roles in the 2019 film starring Jessie T. Usher.
In a social media post, Jackson referred to Roundtree as a “prototype” and the “best to ever do it.”
“SHAFT, as we know it, is & will always be his Creation,” Roundtree said. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”
Richard featured in several other significant films during his 50-year career, including “Earthquake,” “Man Friday” with Peter O’Toole, “Roots,” “Maniac Cop,” “Se7en,” and “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson. He also had recurring parts on “Magnum P.I.,” “The Love Boat,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “The Love Boat.”
Roundtree was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the MTV Movie & T.V. Awards 1995.
SOURCE – (AP)
Entertainment
Vanessa Hudgens ‘Disappointed’ Her Privacy Was Invaded With Paparazzi Pictures Of Her New Baby
Vanessa Hudgens is thrilled to be a new mother but wishes she had more say over how the news was announced.
Vanessa Hudgens | People Image
Vanessa Hudgens ‘Disappointed’ Her Privacy Was Invaded With Paparazzi Pictures Of Her New Baby
The “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” star wrote in an Instagram post Thursday, “We’re disappointed that our family’s privacy was violated and exploited during this very special time due to the greed of a long-lens camera feeding the media.” Despite this, Mom, Dad, and Baby are happy and healthy.
Vanessa was alluding to reports published earlier this week that showed her leaving a hospital with her infant.
While the circumstances surrounding the announcement were not ideal, the singer and actor’s Instagram message served as her first confirmation that she had given birth to her kid, her first child with husband Cole Tucker.
CNN has contacted Hudgens’ agents to see if she has more comments.
On Oscar night in March, Vanessa disclosed that she and the Major League Baseball outfielder were expecting their first child.
Vanessa Hudgens | CNN Image
Vanessa Hudgens ‘Disappointed’ Her Privacy Was Invaded With Paparazzi Pictures Of Her New Baby
Vanessa and Tucker reportedly married in December in Tulum, Mexico, after announcing their engagement early last year.
Vanessa and Tucker were initially linked in 2020 when she tweeted a selfie of herself titled “date night” and was caught holding hands later that evening.
SOURCE – CNN
Entertainment
For ‘Love Island USA’ Superfan Ariana Madix, Hosting The Show ‘Does Not Feel Like Work’
Before the real-life infidelity scandal known as Sandoval, there was a scene in Season 10 of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules” in which Ariana Madix and her then-boyfriend Tom Sandoval admitted to not spending enough quality time together. Sandoval wanted to party like a rock star, but Madix preferred that he stay at home with her and watch her favorite TV show, “Love Island USA,” with pals.
“I do not have time to watch 50 (expletive) episodes of ‘Love Island.'” “No, I don’t.” he replied.
Ariana Madix | AP News Image
For ‘Love Island USA’ Superfan Ariana Madix, Hosting The Show ‘Does Not Feel Like Work’
After roughly a year and a half, Madix and Sandoval split. Sandoval had been cheating on Madix for almost six months with a “Vanderpump” co-star. Madix is presently the host of “Love Island USA” on Peacock, succeeding Sarah Hyland.
It’s a fitting development for Madix, whose nearly decade-long romance ended publicly. Since then, she has appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” and on Broadway as Roxie Hart in “Chicago.” Her original tenure was extended due to high ticket demand, and she will return to the position next month. Madix, a former bartender, published a best-selling cocktail recipe book and launched a sandwich business called “Something About Her” in Los Angeles with “Vanderpump” co-star Katie Maloney.
Madix has spent the past month in Fiji filming “Love Island USA.” She describes the work as a dream come true for a superfan like herself.
“I love watching how this show is made,” Madix stated in a recent Zoom interview. “There’s a crew of about 400 people who work on the show to make it happen and turn these episodes around virtually in real time. It is really stunning.”
Ariana Madix | AP news image
For ‘Love Island USA’ Superfan Ariana Madix, Hosting The Show ‘Does Not Feel Like Work’
On “Love Island USA,” a group of single men and women move to an isolated villa in the hopes of finding love. The candidates form couples based on their first impressions. These relationships are put to the test. Do they have lasting chemistry? They can also make connections with others, including a constant influx of fresh singles. At various points, viewers are allowed to vote for their favorite couples. Contestants are eliminated at various points, and the public ultimately votes for the winning couple, who receives a financial award.
SOURCE – (AP)
Entertainment
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused Of Sex Trafficking And Sexual Assault In Lawsuit By Former Adult Film Actress
Adria English, a former adult video actor who claims to have worked for Sean “Diddy” Combs from 2004 to 2009, accused the music mogul of sex trafficking and sexual assault in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.
The 114-page complaint claims that Combs and other defendants in the case exploited English as “a sexual pawn for the pleasure and financial benefit of others” during “White Parties” at Combs’ mansions in the Hamptons, New York, and Miami, Florida. The case, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, also claims Combs compelled English to “engage in prostitution and sex work” from 2006 to 2009.
P diddy Combs | CNN Image
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused Of Sex Trafficking And Sexual Assault In Lawsuit By Former Adult Film Actress
The lawsuit is the ninth against Combs since November and the eighth expressly accusing him of sexual assault. One of the eight lawsuits filed by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura has been resolved. Another lawsuit accuses his son Christian Combs of sexual assault, while Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting.
“No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone,” stated Jonathan Davis, an attorney for Combs, in response to English’s claim.
“We live in a society where anyone can bring a lawsuit for any reason and without providing proof. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to determine the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident in his ability to succeed in court against these and other unfounded charges,” the attorney continued.
English’s claim wants a jury trial and undisclosed punitive damages.
Combs has aggressively refuted charges in many of the civil complaints but has not responded to them. In December 2023, after four lawsuits were filed against him, Combs issued a vehement denial on social media, claiming that “sickening allegations” were made by accusers “looking for a quick payday.”
He said, “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused Of Sex Trafficking And Sexual Assault In Lawsuit By Former Adult Film Actress
Federal investigators are also prepared to put Combs’ accusers before a federal grand jury, two individuals familiar with the investigation previously told CNN, indicating that the US Justice Department is considering an indictment of Combs.
Bringing those who have filed civil complaints against Combs before a grand jury would represent a significant step forward in the government’s continuing investigation into the producer and Bad Boy Records founder.
SOURCE – (CNN)
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