Comdienne Leslie Jones SERVES UP to photos for ELLE Magazine Cover
Super funny “SNL” star Leslie Jones is giving us Holiday in July feels on 1 of 4 covers for the newest ELLE magazine issue.
The comedienne, who’s gearing up for the premiere of her new movie Ghostbusters (July 15th), graces the cover of the inaugural Women In Comedy issue along with her co-stars Melissa McCartney, Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig.
The 48-year-old actress is proving there’s more to her than just comedy. She can slay a magazine cover with the best of them because face it, she looks gorgeous. And she's slapping "traditional beauty" (rolls eys) in the face with her utter fabness.
For the cover story, she sat down with ELLE magazine writer Ben Dickinson to dish on being the funny girl. She said,
"I just knew that I was funny, and I knew that it was just a matter of time. I didn't know what was going to actually happen—this is definitely way bigger than I thought—but I knew there was no way I was going to be that funny and nobody was going to notice it."
You can read her full interview when it hits newsstands on June 21st.
Leslie got plenty of love from her fellow comedians on social media who made it known that what looks like an overnight success is anything but:
Hitting the streets in L.A.:
Leslie was spotted heading inside the studio for an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
And here she is all dressed up for the ELLE's Women In Comedy event held at Hyde Sunset to celebrate her new cover.
HE'S WITH HER! President Barack Obama Endorses Hillary Clinton!
Obama made his endorsement via a video released Thursday:
“I want to congratulate Hillary Clinton on making history as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the president of the United States,” Obama said in the video.
“I don’t think there’s ever been someone so qualified to hold this office,” he said, adding, “I want those of you who’ve been with me from the beginning of this incredible journey to be the first to know that I’m with her.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) met with Obama at the White House earlier in the day, and said afterward during a press conference that he would work to ensure presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump does not make it to the White House. Sanders did not endorse Clinton or say that he would withdraw from the race.
Obama mentioned Sanders in his endorsement of Clinton, thanking the senator for “shining a spotlight on issues like economic inequality and the outsized influence of money in our politics, and bringing young people into the process.”
Obama emphasized that Clinton and Sanders have a shared vision of “the values that make America great.”
“Those are the values that are going to be tested in this election,” he said.
Clinton became the presumptive nominee on Monday, exceeding the 2,383 delegates required to be the party’s choice on the November ballot, according to The Associated Press. She declared victory Tuesday evening, after winning primary contests in four states and earning a majority of pledged delegates in the race.
Obama has hinted for months that he would endorse Clinton, but said it would be inappropriate to wade into the campaign until she clinched the nomination.
He is set to campaign with Clinton in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on June 15.
White House aides have said Obama is eager to defend Clinton against Trump. Obama has already begun assailing the former reality television star, sprinkling barbs against him into his recent speeches.
Clinton, who served as Obama’s secretary of state, is probably better equipped to preserve Obama’s presidential legacy than Sanders. Clinton aligned herself with Obama’s policies during the campaign, citing this as a reason primary voters should choose her over Sanders. Obama, referring to Clinton, acknowledged that “on certain issues, she agrees with me more than Bernie does.”
Obama has said he respects Sanders and his progressive platform. But in recent months, as Sanders’ odds of winning grew longer, the president has hinted that the Vermont senator should cede the race to Clinton and allow the party to unite around her.
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who competed against both Sanders and Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary, gave his endorsement shortly after Obama backed the former Secretary of State.
“For the future of the country we carry in our hearts, I am committing my energies to the election of Secretary Clinton as the next President of the United States,” O’Malley said in a statement. “Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike must come together to confront the fascist threat to our democracy presented by Donald Trump. The stakes in this election could not be higher, and the choice is clear.”
In February, Obama emphasized the importance of compromise and pragmatism in politics and warned against ideological absolutism.
“When I hear voices in either party boast of their refusal to compromise as an accomplishment in and of itself, I’m not impressed,” Obama said. “All that does is prevent what most Americans would consider actual accomplishments, like fixing roads, educating kids, passing budgets, cleaning our environment, making our streets safe.”
Clinton and Obama fought a bruising presidential primary battle in 2008, but mended ties. After conceding the race, Clinton campaigned for Obama in the general election. Obama offered her the secretary of state position, which she accepted after some hesitation. The two eventually developed a working partnership.
Clinton often spoke on the campaign trail of how she put aside her differences with Obama to work in his administration.
“Obviously, I’m excited about having the president’s support,” she said Monday. “I have said throughout this campaign I was honored to serve in the president’s cabinet as his secretary of state.
#RHOA: Drama: Kandi Burruss and Phaedra Parks Are Still Not Speaking After Season 8 Reunion Show Blowout
Kandi Burruss and Phaedra Parks used to be best friends on Real Housewives of Atlanta. Recently, though, the former besties have suffered from a strained friendship and many wonder if they will ever get back on track. Now, fans are learning that Kandi and Phaedra still haven’t talked since their huge blowout argument during the RHOA Season 8 reunion show.
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All About The Tea is spilling all the tea on Kandi and Phaedra’s broken friendship. It looks like Phaedra just can’t get over her estranged husband Apollo Nida’s friendship with Kandi’s husband Todd Tucker. The RHOA ladies have been able to squash their issues and become friends again; however, the process has come to a halt after has been revealed that Todd has stored a few of Apollo’s expensive toys in his garage in hopes that they would not be found and confiscated after his fraud conviction. Phaedra can’t seem to get over Kandi’s allegiance to her own husband after Todd hid Apollo’s ATV and other prized possessions for him.
Kandi Burruss defends Cynthia Bailey and Peter Thomas’ separation amid thair #RHOA divorce drama! https://t.co/w1K1bCJuhE
— OK! Magazine USA (@OKMagazine) June 6, 2016
Kandi Burruss opened up about her former friendship with Phaedra Parks at the recent OK! So Sexy party. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star confessed that she and Phaedra had’t had a conversation since the RHOA Season 8 reunion show. When asked about the status of their friendship, Kandi said, “We don’t really have a relationship.”
During an episode of Watch What Happens Live, Kandi was asked about the feds’ raid and whether she thought Phaedra Parks was the one who tipped them off or not. “Well see, the thing is, I really don’t know, ” Kandi replied. “Like that episode where we tried to resolve our differences, that aired that week. But she was also upset at Todd about something that he tweeted. A couple days later, this happened. I don’t know if it happened because of the TV show or because she was upset. The timing of it was so weird.”
Kandi was pretty upset with Phaedra after the feds raided her home, looking for Apollo’s hidden vehicles. She believed that it was Phaedra who tipped off the feds as to where Apollo Nida’s belongings might be. There was a lot of speculation about who might have turned Kandi and Todd in. Despite a discussion about having a garage full of Apollo’s stuff during a Season 8 episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi never denied that the timing of the search warrant was really suspicious, and that Phaedra Parks may have been responsible for the search.
Kandi didn’t just stop with her former RHOA bestie; she also dished on Cynthia Bailey during the party. Burruss told Ok! magazine that she wasn’t surprised when Cynthia and Peter Thomas split. Kandi claimed Cynthia had told her that she planned to leave Peter before she actually went through with it. She did admit that while she knew that Cynthia and Peter were splitting up, the separation really upset her.
“I hate that it happened because they were one of my favorite couples.”
It has been confirmed that Cynthia Bailey will be returning to Real Housewives of Atlanta as a full-time housewife even though she likely won’t be married to Peter Thomas anymore. Kandi Burruss is expected to join her on the Bravo hit. Season 9 of RHOA is reportedly already filming, as Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams are said to be spending time in front of the cameras already.
With filming for Season 9 already underway, Kandi Burruss and Phaedra Parks will likely cross paths. When they do, fans are curious to find out if the former friends will hash out their differences and move forward, or if they will continue to fight and argue. Do you think there is hope for Kandi and Phaedra to become friends again? Or, does Todd Tucker’s friendship with Apollo Nida throw a permanent hamper on their ability to co-exist?
‘Empire’ Executive Producer Sanaa Hamri on Female Directors, Diversity & ‘Sensational’ Season 3
Director Sanaa Hamri landed her first executive producer credit on “Empire” — the top drama on network television. An alum of “Shameless,” “Elementary” and “Nashville,” who also helmed the sequel to “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Hamri says the ratings and accolades are just gravy. “Of course there’s a lot of pressure,” she says, “but the pressure and loyalty is to the show itself and making it the best that we can.”
Music, to me, is an important element because music is really the rhythm of our lives. We can all love a song and it doesn’t matter what walk of life or socioeconomic background we’re from.
“Empire” is broadcast’s top show. Is there pressure to keep the viewers watching?
I’m not focused on that so much as really creating the best show and the best episode that we can. You’re just as good as what you just did. I’m an artist, I’m a filmmaker, but I love doing that work so that’s what I’m fixated on. The other stuff comes with it and I appreciate it, but it’s not an obsession for me.
You’re directing the season three premiere and finale, plus more episodes, and you are an executive producer. How do you do it all?
Not to sound cliché, but women are the greatest multitaskers there are. I’ve always been by nature a multitasker. I love delegating. I’m also very organized. Listen, it’s a lot of hours. I feel like it’s a lot of hard work, but I love it.
Speaking of women, almost half of season three will be directed by female directors…
We believe in making sure that everyone is represented, whether it’s the writers room or directors.When you just go for the best people and when you’re not stuck in an old-school mindset, then you have diversity. You have a lot more women who are hired and who are working.
How closely do you work with directors when you’re not directing?
We take a lot of chances on directors who have not directed television before. I want every director on our show to succeed, whether they’re male, female, black, white or purple. I remember feeling like folks were trying to sabotage me and it always came from the wrong place. When we have different directors, I try to create a different environment for them where they feel embraced.
What can you tease about Season 3?
Season 3 is obviously going to be about the family dynamic, where Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is going to head, and where the relationship with his mother is going to take him. We also have to deal with Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), who is so devastated by Lucious’ decision. We’re going to follow her new path and see what happens between Lucious and Cookie because the great thing is, they’re co-CEOs of Empire. Let’s not forget, we have the half brother Tariq (Morocco Omari) that Lucious has to deal with and who’s in the FBI. You have Jamal (Jussie Smollett) who is literally broken by being shot and then, of course, we ended on Andre (Trai Byers) witnessing a death so that’s going to deeply affecting him. There’s so much and it’s going to be an exciting season.
Speaking of that cliffhanger, who died?
Anything is possible in the world of “Empire.” It’s going to quite sensational when we get back.
Right after the Season 2 finale, showrunner Ilene Chaiken said the entire cast did not know who died. Do they now?
We all know. What are your personal goals on “Empire,” as the show heads into its third season?
I’m extremely passionate about diversity and women working in entertainment. I really do believe if you’re looking for the best people, no holds barred, you will create a diverse roster. Benefiting from different point of views only makes our world and entertainment richer and more nuanced. That’s really what I’m about.
New Music: PJ Morton – Sticking To My Guns
Singer/musician PJ Morton takes us down south with the country, gospel, blues inspired new single “Sticking To My Guns.”
With some heavy guitar licks and brass horns, Morton pledges to follow his dreams down his own path and accomplish great things.
“So you could give me all you got / You could throw it all at me / Never ever gonna stop til I’m free,” he sings.
Take a listen to his new tune HERE.
The Maroon 5 band member will be heading out on a new tour of his own this summer, and appear on select dates with singer Emily King.
New Hip Hop: Lil Wayne – ‘Off Off Off’
While the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Lil Wayne makes a play of his own on “Off Off Off,” which he dedicates to the Cavs. Over the Ben Billions-produced beat, Weezy dabs for his favorite team and shouts out players including LeBron James, J.R. Smith, and Kyrie Irving.
“Pass me the ball, watch me go off, off, off,” he raps.
Weezy isn’t the only rapper rooting for the Cavs. Earlier today, Machine Gun Kelly put on for his hometown team with “4th Coast Freestyle.”
Hear Tunechi ball out. HERE!
Madonna shares snap of her meeting with President Obama behind the scenes of The Tonight Show
The queen of pop posted a snap to Instagram on Wednesday night of her meeting with the leader of the free world President Barack Obama.
The photo was taken behind the scenes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Once in a lifetime: For once Madonna was left speechless; The queen of pop posted a snap to Instagram on Wednesday night of her meeting with the leader of the free world President Barack Obama; The photo was taken behind the scenes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
In the photo, the 57-year-old looks stunned as she leans against a wall while the president faces her.
She captioned the image: 'For Once I 'm Speechless...........President Obama @jimmyfallon'.
On the show President Obama called on Democrats to start 'pulling things together' in an appearance on Jimmy Fallon as sources say Elizabeth Warren will endorse Hillary Clinton – and has not ruled out serving as her running mate.
Obama's first public comments at the end of the divisive primary fight came during a taped appearance on NBC's Tonight Show.
President Obama has called on Democrats to start 'pulling things together' in an appearance on Jimmy Fallon that was taped in New York on Wednesday
The president sad he hoped that divisions between Democrats would start to heal in coming weeks, now that his former secretary of state has clinched the party's nomination for the presidential election.
However, the president did not explicitly endorse Clinton or call for rival Bernie Sanders to drop out.
Instead, he praised Sanders for bringing 'enormous energy' to the party and said he thinks the fight made Clinton a better candidate.
Obama also acknowledged that there are plenty of bruised feelings after the bitter fight – and says it may take some time for Democrats to unite against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
'My hope is that over the next couple of weeks we're able to pull things together,' Obama said in his first public remarks since primary election wins on Tuesday in California and elsewhere propelled Clinton to victory over rival Sanders after a hard-fought, months-long campaign.'
Kerry Washington Talks Not Being "Urban" Enough for Roles
Kerry Washington’s roles as an actress have changed and developed drastically from her “Save the Last Dance” days. Since 2012, she has gained widespread public appreciation after starring in ABC’s drama “Scandal,” as head-honcho and gladiator, Olivia Pope. However, before landing the lead role, the actress struggled to find work that was a good fit for her.
It’s no secret, Hollywood has been known to type-cast women of color to special stereotypical roles. Instead, Washington wanted roles that would allow her to interpret them in her own way.
The actress told Aziz Ansari in Variety Studio: Actors on Actors, “Before Scandal, I was actually cast in two other pilots,” she said. “Both went to series, but I was fired and recast. For both, It was because they wanted me to sound more ‘girlfriend,’ more like ‘hood,’ more ‘urban.’”
As a solution, Ansari, as well as several writers and producers in the industry, including Shonda Rhimes, writers of “Scandal”, have created roles to give characters more dimension and opened doors for minorities that are not able to break out of the type-casted roles. “You can’t wait for anyone to open doors for you.” He said. “You have to create your own doors.”
Washington is far removed from the “girlfriend” roles; she feels she is now able to create her own roles. “I definitely feel like I’m at that point where it’s nice to not have to sit at home and wait to be invited to the party, but to be creating work for yourself,” Washington told Ansari.
Will Smith’s Muhammad Ali Biopic Returning To Theaters For Limited Run
In wake of Muhammad Ali‘s passing on Friday, Sony pictures has announced the re-release of its 2001 biopic, Ali. According to Deadline, the film will play this weekend in a few hundred theaters nationwide.
Starring Will Smith, the film follows the life and career of the boxing legend, philanthropist and civil rights icon, from 1964 to his 1974 victory over George Foreman in the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” bout.
“With the passing of Muhammad Ali, we have received many requests for this film to return to theaters, in celebration of his life,” said president of Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures, Rory Bruer. “The film truly honors everything that made Ali one of the central figures of our time, a man who commanded his sport but whose personal faith and principles made him mean so much more. Muhammad Ali truly was The Greatest, and this tribute is a great way to honor him.”
Ali, also starring Jon Voight, Jamie Foxx and Mario Van Peebles, garnered two Oscar nominations – Best Actor for Will Smith, and Best Supporting Actor for Jon Voight.
Ewww, LOL, 12-Year-Old 'So You Think You Can Dance' Contestant Vomits on Paula Abdul
Tahani Anderson's energetic audition in Chicago that aired Monday night on Fox earned high marks from the judges, including Abdul. After Abdul greeted Anderson with a hug and told her how "proud" she was of her, Anderson threw up.
WATCH:
Just a little bit got an Abdul, who remarked, "I've never had anyone vomit on me like that."
Anderson said Abdul had squeezed her a bit too tight, "and all the happiness came out on her jacket."
It's Official: 'Suicide Squad' Lands PG-13 Rating
Every other film directed by David Ayer, including his most recent pic, Fury, was rated R.
Hollywood studios, however, are loath to slap their superhero offerings with an R rating. The one film daring to break the rule was Fox's Deadpool, which stunned in earning north of $772 million at the worldwide box office earlier this year despite the restrictive rating.
Deadpool has prompted plenty of debate about whether other studios should follow suit; so far, no one else has been willing to make that move.
Generally speaking, there can be a fair amount of violence in a PG-13 title, but language and sex are another matter.
Suicide Squad, which revolves around an irreverent band of supervillains, is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout, disturbing behavior, suggestive content and language, according to the ratings board.
Set to open in theaters Aug. 5, Suicide Squad stars Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adwale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood and Cara Delevingne.
#EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Husky Horacio!
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Enjoy!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘Grandpa?’
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
