Jared Leto Talks to Billboard on Packing on the Pounds to Play the Joker, Thirty Seconds to Mars' Success and Why He's 'Terminally Dissatisfied'
"Do you mind if I eat a little?" Jared Leto asks. "I'm trying to gain a lot of weight. It means I have to eat every couple of hours -- and I'm terrible at eating a lot." Leto, 43, is sitting on a battered circular couch in a cavernous white room on the ground floor of his Hollywood Hills home. A takeout container filled with vegan tacos sits before him. Leto's accessorized with red-and-purple socks, a woolly ski hat and a red fanny pack, for a look that is more Phish parking lot than red carpet. His beard and hair extend to Old Testament length.
Leto's packing on the pounds because he has been cast as the Joker in the all-star comic-book supervillain movie Suicide Squad, which starts filming in April for a 2016 release. He gained more than 60 pounds to play Mark David Chapman (assassin of John Lennon) in 2007's Chapter 27 and starved himself to play a junkie in 2000's Requiem for a Dream. "It can be an incredibly rewarding, but also destructive, thing to do," he says of yo-yoing between weight classes for a role. "Your body changes forever." He has had a lot of actors call him for advice on extreme weight regimens, he says, "and I always try to talk people out of it."
Actors and musicians have long coveted each other's careers. But today, when they leverage their brands to break into the other field, these hopeful hyphenates do better than one might assume they have any right to: Jennifer Hudson has an Oscar, Jack Black's Tenacious D won a Grammy, and Carrie Brownstein might be the funniest person in the history of indie rock. Leto, however, is arguably the leading double threat. He won a best supporting actor Oscar in 2014 for portraying the transgender, HIV-positive Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club. As a musician, he has led rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars to 2.4 million albums sold in the United States, according to Nielsen Music. (The act, which has yet to re-sign with a label after breaking away from Virgin in 2014, is spending March playing 14 shows in Russia. "We do the same thing in Germany, Italy, France," Leto says. "We play 20 dates in 20 different cities.") He's also a director and a film editor, not to mention a tech entrepreneur who founded the video platform Vyrt and was an early investor in Nest, which Google bought for $3.2 billion in 2014. "Many, many actors have tried to cross over into music-land," says Irving Azoff, Leto's manager and chairman/CEO of Azoff MSG Entertainment. "The reason Jared succeeded was he actually gave up his movie career. He's a rock star moonlighting as an actor. And he's got a work ethic unlike anybody I've ever seen." Says Leto, with a grin: "I'm terminally dissatisfied. That's probably part of being an artist."
Leto was born in Bossier City, La., in 1971. He and his older brother Shannon -- now the drummer for 30 Seconds to Mars -- were raised by their divorced hippie mother, who trotted the family around the globe, including Haiti, where they operated a free medical clinic. After a stint at the School of Visual Arts in New York to study filmmaking, Leto moved to Los Angeles at age 21, and soon won a role on the TV show My So-Called Life as Jordan Catalano, the bad boy beloved by Angela Chase, played by Claire Danes. A few years later, Shannon joined him in Los Angeles. Leto's epiphany: "No one has to give you permission to make music or make art."
Leto believes he has more skill as a musician, just because "I've been onstage more hours than I've been in front of a camera." And music has proved more lucrative than movies. "I've never made money from films," he declares. "It's a challenge to make money from music these days -- that's one of the reasons I've been really entrepreneurial."
He takes pride in Thirty Seconds to Mars being self-sufficient, making videos and even issuing tickets with its own team. "All our digital marketing and social media was done in-house before people even knew what those terms were," he says. The band's fan group, which calls itself "The Echelon," holds an annual international convention (Echelon Conference: The Gathering) and has raised funds for disaster relief in Haiti and Japan. (Fans also mobilized in 2014 to vote more than 3 million times in Billboard's "Fan Army Face-Off," in which the band ultimately placed second.)
Leto is guarded about his personal life, and his last long-term relationship, with Cameron Diaz, ended in 2003. In the last few months alone, gossips have linked him with the actress Lupita Nyong'o, Dutch model Dimphy Janse and Miley Cyrus, but he brought his mother as his date to the 2014 Oscars ceremony. He says he has never seen Claire Danes' CIA drama Homeland, but only because he watches almost no TV. Still, he's open to returning to TV as an actor: "I understand now the pleasure in consuming a story that doesn't end after 90 minutes and the ability to work on a character that long." He has, however, consistently declined offers to star in rock biopics and turned down roles in movies that promised to put his music on the soundtrack, because he doesn't want to promote one career on the basis of the other. "When we first signed a record deal in '98, it was like breaking a commandment." he says, explaining that he was wary of how people were judged for trying to cross over. "Now, if you can talk, you put an album out."
What drew him to the Joker for just his second film role in seven years? "The opportunity to take on this nearly Shakespearean character -- that's what graphic novels and comic books are becoming, right?" Leto never actually says the words "the Joker" out loud, as if the very name might summon the ghosts of Heath Ledger and Cesar Romero. "This beautiful disaster of a character -- what a big challenge," he muses.
Leto is known for seeking out dark material and immersing himself in his roles. Dallas Buyers Club director Jean-Marc Vallee says, "At the beginning, I was scared of him and Matthew [McConaughey, Leto's co-star]. I'm from the less-is-more school, and these guys were doing more-is-more. But I was using their more-is-more takes."
During his conversation with Billboard, Leto quotes everyone from Mahatma Gandhi to Milton Berle. The theme across the quotations: persistence. Ruminating on the skepticism that greeted Thirty Seconds to Mars, Leto drops one more: "Oscar Wilde said, 'The greatest revenge is massive success.'" Wilde didn't say that, actually; Frank Sinatra, one of the all-time great double threats, apparently did. But with massive enough success, you can make Oscar Wilde say whatever you like.
The Issue is on stands Now!
Such SAD NEWS! American Horror Story's Meep actor Ben Woolf dies from car crash injuries
American Horror Story star Ben Woolf has died days after sustaining a head injury in a car crash in Los Angeles.
Woolf, who played Meep, was hospitalized in a critical condition last Thursday (February 19) after being struck in the head by the side mirror of a moving SUV.
His family has confirmed that Woolf passed away as a result of his injuries on Monday (February 23).
The Woolf family said in a statement to E! News: "We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all over the world for our beloved Ben.
"He touched so many hearts in his 34 years. His memory will live on within each of us and within his work."
Woolf appeared in multiple seasons of American Horror Story as Infantata and Meep.
The frightening Meep was known for only being able to speak his own name, and for biting the heads off of small animals.
The actor also appeared in the Adult Swim comedy series Eagleheart earlier in his career.
May he rest in Peace!
DRAMA! Nick Gordon GOES OFF ON Bobby Brown For NOT Letting Him See Bobbi Kristina
While Nick Gordon has been known to take to Twitter to air out any frustrations he may be dealing with, lately he has been pretty quiet on social media, up until this weekend.
In a series of tweets, Bobbi Kristina's boyfriend Nick Gordon (not her husband like they wanted us to believe) begs Bobbi K’s dad Bobby Brown and the Brown family to allow him to see her, saying his voice would wake her up out of the coma. Apparently, the Brown family has barred him from seeing Bobbi Kris at her bedside at Emory University Hospital, where she has been fighting for her life as she lays in a medically induced coma.
The Brown family claims they gave Nick a chance to visit Bobbi Kris, but he was unable make the visit due to not agreeing to the family’s terms, which have not been specified.
During his Twitter rant, he said he would agree to their terms if Bobby Brown will assure him he can see her 24/7. He then went on to say he has actually already seen Bobbi K at least once and Tyler Perry, some of her aunts and Bobbi’s lawyer, joined him. He said he has been receiving death threats from the Brown family, but that’s not going to keep him from continuing to try and see her. He accused the Browns of gunning for Whitney’s money!
And then here’s the kicker….Nick also uploaded a series of text messages he allegedly sent to Bobby Brown, telling him to “grow up” and that his daughter is going to HATE him once she wakes up and finds out what he was doing.
Peep his rants:
And below is his Twitter rant with all of his accusations:
He also shared pics of his new "Bobbi Kristina" tattoo and a tattoed portrait of the late singer Whitney Houston, the woman he considered to be his mother:
We're sure Bobby isn't going to let him anywhere NEAR Bobbi K now that he has put him on blast.
On Sunday, Bobby Brown’s older sister was rushed by ambulance to the same hospital as Bobbi Kristina after stroke-like symptoms.
A source tells RadarOnline that Tina Brown was rushed to the hospital after her body went numb on her right side and feeling sick. It’s reported she has a history of heart trouble and that the added “stress” revolving around Bobbi Kristina’s recovery is likely the cause. A source allegedly told the publication, “She’s very stressed out.”
This is the same aunt who supposedly hit her son upside the head with a bottle, causing him to receive stitches during an argument earlier this month. Her son, Shayne Brown, decided not to press charges against his mom.
This is so messy on so many levels. Prayers all around.
Nicki Minaj Manager Murder: Person Of Interest Questioned and Released
An argument over a woman ultimately led to the stabbing death of rap superstar Nicki Minaj’s tour manager Wednesday, according to sources close to the investigation.
Reports NBC Philadelphia: De’Von Pickett was stabbed outside the Che Bar & Grill along Stenton Ave. in Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane neighborhood early Wednesday morning following an altercation with several other men, police said.
He was with Eric Parker, 27, and a few friends outside the bar around 2:35 a.m. making sure that one of the bartenders, a woman that Parker was dating, made it to her car safely when a group of men approached the woman, according to sources.
Parker apparently asked the woman if she was OK and that’s when the fight broke out, sources said.
Someone stabbed both Pickett and Parker several times.
Pickett suffered stab wounds in the torso while Parker suffered stab wounds to his left arm and left side.
A private car rushed both men to Albert Einstein Medical Center. Pickett died from his injuries at 2:45 a.m.
Police later returned to the 6300 block of Stenton Ave where they found personal items, a cellphone and blood on the sidewalk outside the bar. A Philadelphia police crime camera and business surveillance cameras that captured at least part of the incident, said investigators.
Philadelphia police questioned and released a person of interest Friday in connection with the murder.
Despite the person’s release, Police Captain James Clark says arrests in the stabbing death of Pickett are imminent.
“We believe we have identified all of the participants involved in this fight and ultimate murder,” said Clark.
Sources tell NBC10 that the woman in the middle of the fight was dating Parker as well as one of the attackers.
Pickett was a tour manager and Parker, a tour employee, who were working on preparations for Minaj’s “The Pinkprint Tour,” which is set to begin next month in Sweden.
Pickett’s cousin, who did not want to be identified, also confirmed with NBC10 that Pickett was in Philly to work on the tour with Philly rapper Meek Mill.
“They were all here for her,” the cousin said. “I guess they were out celebrating and things went wrong.”
During his career, Pickett worked with some of the biggest stars in the music industry, including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Hip-Hop artist, Fabolous, who shared his condolences on his Instagram page.
Ariana Grande has settle a legal issue over Music stealing!
Pop star Ariana Grande has reached a confidential settlement in the legal battle accusing her of stealing a 70’s disco bands music for her mega hit “The Way”
The music company Minder Music reportedly filed a federal lawsuit against the pop star accusing her of infringing on the song “Troglodyte” to which they own the rights to. They explained that the 70’s disco group The Jimmy Castor Bunch originally released the song and featured the line “What we’re gonna do right here is go back, way back, back into time.”
Minder Music sued claiming Grande’s mega hit “The Way” stole music from the 70’s song and even used substantially similar phrases. Then months later, Grande responded back to the allegations, claiming she didn’t steal anything. She explains that her song does feature the line “What we gotta do right here is go back, back into time,”… but claimed she wrote that on her own and never heard the 70’s track “Troglodyte”. She said that she didn’t infringe on any copyright and demanded their lawsuit be dismissed.
ariana grande-teen choice awards 2014-the jasmine brand
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On February 20th, docs were filed in the case stating Grande and the music company have settled their battle and agree to dismiss the lawsuit completely. The court docs say Grande and the company will both pay their own legal bills for the case. See the exclusive court docs. Courtesy of thejasminebrand
Columbus Short Lands Role Post “Scandal”
It looks like there’s life after Scandal for Columbus Short. The disgraced actor will be starring on Fear Files, the second installment of TV One’s original horror film franchise.
According to E! who broke the story, Short will play City Councilman Harvey Jordan, “whose plan to build a football stadium in a low income neighborhood causes friction to erupt within the community. And after a deadly fire removes the last resident standing in the way of his project, people begin to question if the death was an accident or a murder planned by the Councilman. While the truth begins to haunt Jordan, he must charm Kelisia Waters (Erica Hubbard), a determined reporter in order to sway the media attention away from him.”
Fear premieres on Friday, March 13.
Afroman Strikes, Again: Rapper Attacks Another Fan!
It looks like Afroman is at it again. Just days after he was recorded savagely punching a female fan in the face, the rapper appears in a new recording tossing a male fan off of another stage.
You can watch the incident in the video below.
WATCH
A witness says that the “Because I Got High” singer’s action were sparked by the victim refusing to pass his blunt. No word on if criminal charges were filed
Rich Dollaz Arrested For Owing $200K In Child Support
Bruh…
Sheriffs’ officers picked up Erica Mena’s one-time paramour near his North Bergen, NJ home last week, and he was still in jail Monday on $82,000 cash bail at the Hudson County Jail in Kearny, NJ, jail and officials confirmed.
Dollaz, real name Richard Trowers, was nabbed on two child support warrants: one for $188,000 and another for nearly $12,000, Hudson County officials has claimed in a news conference.
One of Dollaz’s baby mama’s, Chaundrea Nicole, confirmed that he was arrested for owing her $188,000 in back child support for their 14 year old daughter.
“My caseworker called me last week and told me they had him,” the woman said “He’s never made one payment. He’s only seen my daughter one time. I do want them to develop a relationship, but it’s not right at all.”
You may recall that late last year Dollaz got popped for child support after cops stopped him for double parking his car while going on a burger run.
Think VH1, or Mona Scott Young, is going to pick up his bail? Needless to say, Rich Quarterz is losing right about now.
New Music: Pretty Ricky – “Puddles”
The fellas of Pretty Ricky reunite on a seductive new single, titled “Puddles.” In celebration of their 10-year anniversary since the release of their 2005 debut album, Bluestars – Baby Blue, Spectacular, Slick’em, and Pleasure P drop the “Love You Down”-inspired slow jam.
Listen
According to SingersRoom, “Puddles” is the first offering from the R&B group’s upcoming sequel project, Bluestars 2, which will be accompanied by an international tour.
Jennifer Lawrence Dazzles For Dior
What does Jennifer Lawrence keep in her handbag? Well, we have to wait until Thursday (Feb. 26) to find out, but before the behind-the-scenes film is released, WWD is giving us our first look at the Oscar-winner’s campaign for “Be Dior.”
In the new ad images, Jennifer gazes intensely into the camera while showing off Dior’s latest handbag collection. The “Hunger Games” star poses for photographer Paolo Roversi, wearing pieces from Raf Simons’ spring collection and a perfectly imperfect updo.
The new advertisement will also feature a short film in which she talks about what she keeps in her handbag and more. The film and ad images are slated to break later this week.
Oscar Night Leftovers! The Celebs attended Elton John’s Oscar Viewing Party and The Oscar’s Governors Ball
Rap queen Lil Kim took a night off from motherhood to enjoy the Oscars festivities going on in Hollywood. The new mom trekked it to Elton John’s 23rd Annual AIDS Foundation viewing Oscar party in L.A.
The Brooklyn-bred raptress worked a flowy pale pink gown with gold embellishments.
Are we feelin' it?
Round of applause for this uber glam Keke Palmer served some winter white fabness in a Stella McCartney gown, strappy Christian Louboutin heels, accessorizing with Henri J. Sillam & Swarovski jewels.
Work Keke! The actress is gearing up to start filming for the horror-comedy anthology television series "Scream Queens."
R&B songstress Toni Braxton was her usual sexy self on the carpet styling in a Shady Zeineldine couture gown. Ms. Braxton is fresh off a Grammy high after winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album with Babyface for their joint album Love, Marriage & Divorce.
She looks great!
"Instant Mom" actress Tia Mowry Hardrict and her husband/American Sniper star Cory Hardrict hit the party in all black.
TLAM 2 star Meagan Good and her handsome husband DeVon Franklin made a hot looking couple on the carpet.
"True Blood" star Jurnee Smollett-Bell and her hubby Josiah Bell looked nice on the carpet.
Jurnie's brother and "Empire" star Jussie Smollett cleaned up nice for the party.
"Big Bang Theory" star Regina King kept it funky and fresh with her long sleeve printed gown. She was one of the honorees during this year's Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon a few days ago.
Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons was all smiles rocking his Adidas sneakers.
HLN correspondent Rocsi Diaz (in a Dennis Basso gown) caught up with the Queen Bee on the carpet.
Best Man star Taye Diggs and his girlfriend Amanza Smith Brown were all wrapped up in love. We wonder how it was watching his soon-to-be ex-wife Idina Menzel on the stage. He likely had no qualms about it being that he and Idina seem to be handling their divorce without any hiccups.
"Vampire Diaries" star Kat Graham was all about showing cleavage in a black Michael Costello gown, Chelsea Paris and Neil Lane jewelry.
And musician Nile Rodgers was in the mix.
After the show is the after party! Oscar winner Common linked up with Questlove, Akiva Schaffer and Andy Samberg of "The Lonely Island" for some laughs and good times during the Oscar's Governors Ball at the Hollywood & Highland Center.
Media mogul Oprah was spotted carrying around the LEGO Oscar she received during the "Everything Is Awesome" performance by Tegan and Sara.
Kevin Hart's fiancee Eniko Parrish looked on as Kevin got silly. Typical Kevin antics....
SELMA star David Oyelowo also hit the Governors Ball scene.
And so did Eddie Murphy and his girlfriend Paige Butche
Fun Times!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘WHEELS ON WHEELS’
I guess this is like the baby version of jacking up your truck with those huge monster truck tires. It’s a cart within a cart…Inception…
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
EFREM
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