Lee Daniels On Shonda Rhimes Comparisons, ‘Empire’ & His Son Not Realizing He’s Black
Lee Daniels, the brains behind the new Fox series, Empire, is covering the latest issue of Ad Week. The Philadelphia-bred actor/director/producer was introduced to most of us with the film Monster’s Ball and later, Precious (which received 6 Academy Award nominations). And now he’s in the forefront of conversation about his current series (Empire).
During his interview, Lee dishes on whether or not it was hard to sell Empire; if he wants to eventually become Shonda Rhimes; if TV is now more inclusive for people of color and why his son doesn’t believe he’s black. Peep a few excerpts.
On how hard was it to sell Empire & if it took a while for him and Danny Strong to feel the Fox love:
"Lee Daniels: No. There was a bidding war. Isn’t that crazy? We were red hot, Danny and I, coming off The Butler. We love working together. He wanted to do it as a film and I wanted to make money, so I saw it as a TV show. After The Butler, I was blown away by the amount of people who saw the story. It touched so many people’s lives. So I thought, wow, what would happen if we told the story in people’s homes?"
If he eventually sees himself becoming a Dick Wolf or Shonda Rhimes, with lots of series on the air at the same time:
"Empire was a very traumatic experience for me. It was very schizophrenic, and it wasn’t what I expected it to be. I think I’ve learned to become a better filmmaker because you have to make decisions immediately. You don’t have time to ponder. And if you don’t make those decisions, there are 80 people that will. And all 80 people have a say so. That, in itself, was shocking to my system."
"I have a very specific way of working. I’ve never done a studio movie, let alone worked for a network.
Every one of my films has been independently financed. I’ve been responsible for every frame that you see—and now I’ve got these people to talk to [laughs]."
"I had no intentions of going back [to television after Empire]. But I must be a masochist because once I looked at the success and all the people that were affected by it, I thought, OK, maybe the next time it will be easier."
"I don’t profess to be Shonda Rhimes by any stretch of the imagination, or Dick Wolf. They’re icons. I’m a filmmaker. They’ve really done something and I guess I have, too, but I don’t see myself as astute, with a body of [TV] work like those two people."
If he believes there’s a sense that we’re moving into a new era where TV is much more inclusive of multicultural talent:
"Really? I can’t tell you what excites me more, that I get my stories told [with Empire]—they’re 80 percent of the show—or to look out in my writers room and see a roomful of African Americans. I think with Empire, we’ve been able to touch Hollywood in a way it hasn’t been touched before. And that’s the kind of shit I can take to my grave."
On who Terrence Howard’s character (Lucious Lyon) is based on:
"Many shades of me. I can’t create anything that I haven’t lived. He’s a lot a bit of my dad, and the entrepreneurs that I’ve grown to know. He’s a lot a bit of Berry Gordy, a lot a bit of Joe Kennedy. When you think of the Kennedys, they are the American dream. Joe was bootlegging and doing all sorts of shady shit, and he produced the president of the United States."
His son having a sheltered upbringing:
"He’s 19, and he doesn’t realize that he’s a black man in America. Ignoring why taxis weren’t picking us up, … just shooting by us in New York City. And shielding him from the truth. It’s politically incorrect to talk about racism in Hollywood. But that’s not the real world. That’s not 90 percent of America. And people think that we’ve got Obama in and things have changed. In fact, I think that only inflamed things."
Well alright then………
RHOA Kenya Moore Reportedly Threatens Lawsuit Over ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ Fiasco…
Will this mess ever end? Word on the street is Kenya Moore of The Real Housewives of Atlanta is reportedly still dealing with the fallout from that messy scandal surrounding her relationship with ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ match, James Freeman.
Freeman’s new wife even spoke out, claiming that Moore and her husband stopped talking after a few dates, and that she was shocked Moore continued to contact Freeman after he told her he was ‘in a relationship’.
The former beauty queen is said to be furious with both Bravo and Matchmaker host Patti Stanger over the embarrassing situation… so much so, that she threatened a lawsuit!
Despite the dramatic situation, Moore and Stanger appeared to be on good terms as they posed for a photo together (along with Moore’s RHOA castmate Kandi Burruss) during NBC’s upfront presentation in New York City on May 14, 2015.
Stanger even appeared to take Moore’s side when it came to the situation with Freeman, saying that she was “sure he played both sides of the street as men often do!”… .
Patti is even putting up a united front online, tweeting the following just a few hours ago as word about Kenya’s threats started to spread…
Radar online is reporting that Kenya ‘lashed out’ at both Bravo and Stanger over the incident, stating:
She lashed out at both [host] Patti Stanger and Millionaire Matchmaker, threatening to sue,” the source reveals.
“She was so embarrassed and wanted someone to blame, instead of admitting that she wasn’t seeing James anymore and that she had faked their engagement. But Bravo told her to chill out.”
The source tells Radar that the Real Housewives of Atlanta star “doesn’t want to be kicked off her show, but she’s worried about not having a story line without a guy.”
Kenya was afraid to be exposed as a liar,” the source tells Radar.
“She tried to do damage control, but ultimately listened to Bravo because that’s in her best interest financially. But she is really mad at James and everyone else for outing her scheme.”
Clearly, Kenya’s entire RHOA storyline was about to be centered around her new ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ boyfriend and it all blew up in her face.
For the record, while Kenya is passing the buck, Patti is still maintaining her innocence in the situation…
Seems like the goal of both is to just keep their jobs at this point….
Tyson Beckford Nude On Snap Chat
In an effort to promote his Snapchat page, model Tyson Beckford posted a mostly nude picture on his Instagram with just his private parts covered up. Tyson has been spending some time in Las Vegas as a celebrity host at Chippendales. Last week he did a strip tease lap dance sort of thing for Mariah Carey and…welll…you’ll just have to see that video inside.
Tyson Beckford comes out NUDE HERE!
OOOOPS!
Pamela Anderson Gets “Psycho” For PETA
Continuing her crusade against animal cruelty, Pamela Anderson stars in a new throwback ad campaign for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization.
This time around, the 47-year-old “Baywatch” babe goes retro in an Alfred Hitchcock-style pose from the iconic flick “Psycho,” along with the tagline, “Meat and dairy farms drain half the country’s water. Making a splash for the environment doesn’t just mean shorter showers. Try vegan.”
Furthermore, Pamela told Ellen DeGeneres, “Rivers are siphoned off, not just for the animals but also for crops grown to feed animals on factory farms. Producing one pound of beef uses as much water as about six months of showers.”
'Everybody wants justice for Freddie but what about justice for Khai'Lee Sampson?
Mom and disabled son lose home and all his medical equipment to Baltimore riots fire
Freddie Gray's death while in the custody of Baltimore police sparked outrage which led to riots that captured the attention of the nation and cost a single mother and her disabled son their home.
On April 28 around 1am, the liquor store next to 28-year-old Laporsha Lawson's home caught fire and the blaze quickly spread to her two-story home next door.
All Lawson could do was grab her severely disabled son, Khai'Lee Sampson, seven, and get out.
They made it to safety about a block away at her parents' house, but all of the items Khai'Lee relied on to help with the cerebral palsy he developed from being deprived of oxygen because of an asthma attack when he was 18 months old were destroyed, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Khai'Lee, who lost the ability to speak and move his arms and legs, was deprived of his clothes, feeding tube, back brace, customized wheelchair and the machine that helps him breathe at night.
Lawson, who goes by Porsha, said: 'They took everything from my child.
'Everybody wants justice for Freddie Gray.
'But what about justice for Khai'Lee?'
She believes whoever lit the fire didn't think of all the consequences, CBS Baltimore reported.
Lawson said: 'People burned the bar down, which burned his home down, which burned all his equipment.
Lawson, who was been told more than once her child was on death's door, is grateful he survived because smoke from the fire, one of 61 on April 27 and 28, could have destroyed Khai'Lee's lungs.
Their home was condemned so Lawson and her son are still living with her parents, but an online fundraiser has been set up.
Donations have more than doubled the campaign's $10,000 goal, but the $24,000 that has already been raised may not even cover the cost of replacing Khai'Lee's specialized medical equipment.
Even though they still have a long way to go, all the support has been much appreciated.
“Everybody wants justice for Freddie Gray. But what about justice for Khai'Lee?”Mother Laporsha Lawson 'We are in awe of the generosity displayed by those who have given,' wrote the campaign organizer.
'This is one time when $1 has no greater value than 1 million because as a collective effort, you all have shown that support and love still prevails.
'From college students on tight budgets to local businesses and major corporations, your giving has far exceeded the goal we set...in such a short amount of time... but we're not through yet!'
'Let's see this campaign to the finish line and rebuild Baltimore, one family, one heart at a time starting with Porsha Lawson and her son, Khai'Lee!'
Hot Shot: Ciara Celebrates Baby Future’s 1st Birthday
The R&B star, who released album ‘Jackie’ recently, is celebrating the first birthday of her son Future Zahir and is keen to share her joy with the world.
Taking to Instagram, the 29-year-old gushed:
“HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!! I Can’t Believe It! Feels Like It Was Just Yesterday I Was Carrying You In My Belly!:) Now I’m Chasing After You! I Love You Soooo Much#JuicyMan#MyLittleFuture
”The youngster, whose father is rapper Future, is the singer’s first child.
Bill O'Reilly Accused Of Domestic Violence
Bill O'Reilly, who blames most of the world's problems on rap music, is being accused of domestic violence. Did hip hop make him do it?
Bill O'Reilly and his ex-wife Maureen McPhilmy were involved in a messy custody battle that came to a conclusion just a few weeks ago. During the custody battle O'Reilly was accused of assaulting his wife in the couple’s Manhasset home while his minor children watched. O’Reilly’s 16 year old daughter claimed to have witnessed her father dragging her mother down a staircase by her neck, apparently unaware that the daughter was watching. She claimed the incident happened within the past year even though O'Reilly and McPhilmy have been divorced since 2011.
This is only one of the indicators that Bill O'Reilly is as crazy as we all thought. Shortly after he and his wife divorced, he found out that she began dating a Nassau County Police detective. Since he was helping the police department raise money, he called in some favors to have his ex-wife's new boo "looked into," an obvious waste of police resources. I guess rap music made him do that too.
O'Reilly has since issued a statement, denying all allegations of abuse. “All allegations against me in these circumstances are 100% false. I am going to respect the court-mandated confidentiality put in place to protect my children and will not comment any further.” O'Reilly's ex-wife was awarded custody of the couple's children.
THE SHADE! L.A.Reid says its “not realistic” for Mariah Carey to have another No. 1 Hit
IS HE BEING REALISTIC OR NO FAITH IN HIS ARTIST AND REAL TALENT???
L.A. Reid says the chances of Mariah Carey having another No. 1 Hit, ‘It’s Not Realistic…..
Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid said in an interview with Billboard published Monday: “To even be on the radio at this point in her career is a huge accomplishment, because radio doesn’t cater to veteran artists or legends. Radio caters to in-the-moment stars.”
VIA THE WRAP: Reid was quick to point out that Carey is not the only legacy artist to have trouble cracking the charts these days. “Nobody that put out records 25 years ago is going to have a No. 1. Not Paul [McCartney], Stevie [Wonder], Bruce [Springsteen], Mick [Jagger] or Keith [Richards]. Not Prince, not anyone,” he said. So if she can get on the radio, we’ve done damn good. Would we like to have a No. 1? F– yeah, I’m greedy. But it’s not realistic.”
Maybe it’s that kind of honesty that brought Carey back to Reid, who signed the 45-year-old star to Epic in March and immediately packaged a greatest-hits collection, “#1s,” to accompany her Las Vegas concert residency. Or maybe We should just remind LA REID that Madonna has a number one hit out right now??? Please share your thoughts? The music industry is always changing and he has a valid point, but its not impossible to score huge with an epic #1 hit on Epic Records.
Trey Songz Releases “About You” [New Music]
Trey Songz has clearly been keeping busy in the studio and he has the albums and singles to prove it . Just hours after the R&B stud released a surprise EP titled, Intermission I & II, he gave us a taste of what else is set to come by dropping his new single, “About You.”
With it’s catchy hook that samples the Carly Simon classic “You’re So Vain,” and a beat that forces you to move, Trey may have created a new ladies club anthem for the summer.
This your favorite song. When they put it on. Girl, I know you know it’s all about you….I ain’t saying no names, but you know what I’m saying…I can tell it by the way you move…I bet you think this song is about you — don’t you?
Mr. Steal Your Girl even took the meaning of “About You,” one step further and paired the single with a cover generator that allows fans to upload their own selfies to create their own cover for the single.
LISTEN HERE:
Thoughts?
Ciara and Russell Wilson Break Up?
For weeks there have been whispers that Ciara and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson may have quietly broken up.
Did Cici just cryptically confirm the news..?
Thoughts?
Dwyane Wade, His Sister Tragil Wade & Holly Robinson Peete Honored At The 5th Annual Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala
Recently, Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation hosted their 5th annual gala held at the Hilton Chicago to help raise funds and recognize the do-gooders who work serving young adults through mentorship programs and camps. And Dwayne Wade was one of the evening’s honorees.
Thanks to over 400 supporters, Steve and Marjorie's charity raised more than $1 million to continue their philanthropic efforts.
Looking radiant in a green Black Halo gown and Jane Berg Collection jewels, honoree Holly Robinson Peete brought her son Rodney Jackson “RJ” Peete along as her date. RJ was tapped to make a speech about his mom before she accepted her award.
The Harveys hand selected four individuals who exemplify the Foundation’s mission. And Holly was recognized for her non-profit HollyRod Foundation, co-founded by her husband Rodney Peete. The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to providing medical, physical, and emotional support to individuals living with Parkinson's disease as well as families of children with autism, like her son RJ.
Things were a little different for this year’s event after Steve and Marjorie Harvey were not in attendance to host the event as they have in the past. “TODAY” co-host Tamron Hall and Steve’s twin daughter Karli Harvey (on the carpet with her fiancé Ben Raymond) had to step in to host the event due to a family emergency that occurred that day.
Marjorie’s 18-year-old daughter Lori was involved in a horseback riding accident where she was thrown off of her horse in Lexington, KY. The Harveys decided to be by their daughter’s bedside in the hospital where she’s receiving treatment. Luckily, Lori is expected to be ok and will make a full recovery. Good news.
D. Wade and his sister Tragil Wade were honored for their hard work and dedication to the Wade’s World Foundation. The Wade’s World Foundation provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for children in at-risk situations where Tragil serves as the foundation’s director.
The other honorees included Chairman, CEO and Chief Executive Officer of Ariel Investments John W. Rogers, Jr. and Chief Administrative Officer of The Coca-Cola Company Alex B. Cummings.
Soul songstress Ledisi closed the evening serenading the audience with her vocals.
Nice!
Is Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi On Their Last Legs of a marriage?
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's marriage speeding towards a break.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s strained relationship is getting rockier by the second!
The latest nasty incident occurred when 57-year-old talk show host DeGeneres recently forgot her manners when talking to 42-year-old de Rossi in front of company.
“Ellen’s team came to do her hair and Portia asked them if they wanted water… Ellen ripped into her, screaming, ‘Don’t offer them water! We already offered!'” an insider reveals.
The nasty confrontation left everyone “in shock” and de Rossi was so mortified by the outburst that she stayed silent, continued the insider.
According to reports, this isn’t the first time DeGeneres has sweated the small stuff when it comes to her wife. “Ellen controls Portia,” one source sniped. “No one knows why she puts up with it. Their relationship is so unhealthy.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘The Kid Crusher’
Guess there was a BOGO on kids today. Can’t pass that deal up. Dented kids are half price too!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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