Stars Reality

Hangover 2

2011-06-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Hangover Part II is a 2011 American comedy film and sequel to 2009's The Hangover. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis. Justin Bartha and Ken Jeong also reprise their roles. Todd Phillips directed a script written by him, Craig Mazin and Scot Armstrong.

The film was produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Production began in October 2010 and the film was released in the United States on May 26, 2011.

Fast Five goes to the top speed.

2011-05-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Fast Five is a 2011 action film written by Chris Morgan and directed by Justin Lin. The film stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Dwayne Johnson and was first released in Australia on April 20, 2011 followed by a United States release on April 29, 2011 as the fifth film in the The Fast and the Furious franchise. Fast Five follows Brian O'Conner (Walker), Dom Toretto (Diesel) and Mia Toretto (Brewster) as they plan a heist to steal $100 million from corrupt businessman Hernan Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida) while being pursued for arrest by U.S. DSS agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson).

For development of Fast Five, a conscious effort was made by Universal Studios to shift away from the street racing theme prevalent in previous films in the series. Emphasis was instead placed on transforming the franchise into an action series in an attempt to attract wider audiences that may otherwise be turned off by the series' focus on cars and car culture. Fast Five is considered the transitional film in the series, featuring only one car race with more attention given to action set-pieces such as gun fights, brawls and the heist of $100 million.

Following its release, Fast Five garnered critical praise, becoming the highest rated entry in the franchise, and financial gain, breaking box office records to become the highest grossing opening weekend in an April and the second highest opening weekend in Spring, earning $168 million. As of May 14, 2011, Fast Five has grossed over $360 million.

Tom Cruise on his journey of life.

2010-12-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

Biography for
Tom Cruise

Date of Birth
3 July 1962, Syracuse, New York, USA

Birth Name
Thomas Cruise Mapother IV

Height
5' 7" (1.70 m)

Mini Biography

If you had told 14 year old Franciscan seminary student Thomas Cruise Mapother IV that one day in the not too distant future he would be considered one of the top 100 movie stars of all time, he would have probably grinned and told you that his ambition was to become a priest. Nonetheless, this sensitive, deeply religious youngster who was born in July 1962 in Syracuse, New York, was destined to become Tom Cruise, one of the highest paid and most sought after actors in screen history. The only son (among four children) of nomadic parents young Tom spent his boyhood eternally on the move and by the time he was 14 he had attended 15 different schools in the US and Canada. He finally settled in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, with his mother and her new husband. While in high school, he developed an interest in acting and abandoned his plans of becoming a priest, and at age 18 headed for New York and a possible acting career. The next 15 years of his life are the stuff of legends. He made his film debut with a small part in Endless Love (1981) and from the outset exhibited an undeniable box office appeal to both male and female audiences. Though below average height and not particularly handsome in the traditional sense, within 5 years Tom Cruise was starring in some of the top grossing films of the decade including Top Gun (1986); The Color of Money (1986), Rain Man (1988) and Born on the Fourth of July (1989). By the 1990s and 2000s he was one of the highest paid actors in the world earning an average 15 million dollars a picture in such blockbuster hits as Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994), Mission: Impossible (1996), Mission: Impossible II (2000), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Vanilla Sky (2001), Minority Report (2002), The Last Samurai (2003), Collateral (2004), War of the Worlds (2005), and Jerry Maguire (1996) - for which he received an Academy Award Nomination for best actor. In 1990 he renounced his devout Catholic beliefs and embraced The Church Of Scientology claiming that Scientology teachings had cured him of the dyslexia that had plagued him all of his life. A kind and thoughtful man well known for his compassion and generosity, Tom Cruise is one of the best liked members of the movie community. He was married to actress Nicole Kidman until 2001. Thomas Cruise Mapother IV has indeed come a long way from the lonely wanderings of his youth.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Tom McDonough

Spouse
Katie Holmes (18 November 2006 - present) 1 child
Nicole Kidman (24 December 1990 - 8 August 2001) (divorced) 2 (adopted) children
Mimi Rogers (9 May 1987 - 4 February 1990) (divorced)

Trade Mark

Often plays romantic leading men with an edge.

Trivia

Older cousin of actor William Mapother, Katherine Mapother and Amy Mapother.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#41) (1995).

Ranked #3 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list (October 1997).

Chosen by "People" magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world (1997).

Voted Best Dressed Male Movie Star (1997).

Stopped to help a hit and run victim and paid her hospital bills. The victim was aspiring Brazilian actress Heloisa Vinhas (1996).

Caused a stir in the medical community when he claimed, in an interview, that Scientology cured him of his dyslexia (1992).

While he was working with Paul Newman in the The Color of Money (1986), he engaged in much conversation with the politically active actor. The resulting conscious raising changed him from an actor who ignored the jingoistic tone of Top Gun (1986) to a performer who chose a film with a strong anti-war tone, Born on the Fourth of July (1989) to counter his contribution to the former film.

Has three sisters: Marian, Lee Anne De Vette and Cass. Lee Anne became his publicist in 2004 after he left Pat Kingsley and left in 2005 to concentrate on production matters for his production company.

Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world (1991).

Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world (1990).

Graduated from Glen Ridge High School in New Jersey (June 1980).

At age 14, he enrolled in a seminary to become a priest. He dropped out after one year.

He took up acting after losing his place on a high school wrestling team due to a knee injury.

He has two adopted children with Nicole Kidman: Isabella Jane Cruise (born December 22, 1992) Connor Antony Cruise (Connor Cruise) (born January 17, 1995).

Is right handed when writing, but does most things left handed.

Mission: Impossible (1996) gave him a total of $70 million with percentage of gross included.

Enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, and piloting his Pitts Special S-2B stunt plane

Recently restored an older home in the township of Biltmore Forest, a town within the city limits of Asheville, North Carolina (2000).

Chosen "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine (1990).

Received the John Huston Award for Artists Rights in 1998.

Was considered for the lead in The Matrix (1999).

Cruise earned roughly $75 million for Mission: Impossible II (2000). He did this by turning down any upfront salary, for instead taking a back-end deal that landed him 30% of the film's gross for both his producing and acting duties.

Attended Packanack School in Wayne, New Jersey from first through third grade.

Filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Michael Davis, a man who allegedly offered to sell videotapes of himself having sex with the actor. The lawsuit accuses Davis of making the statements "in order to hurt the plaintiff and gain widespread publicity for himself." (May 2001).

Lived together with Vanilla Sky (2001) co-star Penélope Cruz from 2001 to 2004.

Instead of his affair with Penélope Cruz damaging both their careers, it only boosted it.

Suffers from dyslexia.

Earned his pilot's license in Toronto, Canada in 1994.

He didn't stay for the remainder of the 2002 Academy Awards after opening them because it was his turn to look after his and ex-wife Nicole Kidman's children. He reportedly left the Kodak Theatre by a back door after opening proceedings and dashed home to watch the rest of the event on TV with his kids Conor and Isabella.

For 1988, he became the first actor to have the distinction of starring in both the year's Oscar winner for Best Picture, Rain Man (1988) and the year's Razzie "winner" for Worst Picture, Cocktail (1988).

Ranked #14 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List. Had ranked #16 in 2002.

Ranked #4 in Star TV's Top 10 Box Office Stars of the 1990s (2003)

Born to Thomas Mapother III (15 October 1934 - January 1984), an electrical engineer, and his wife Mary Lee Pfeiffer, a special education teacher.

Has two dogs called Basil and Murray and a cat called Harvey.

First actor in history to star in five consecutive films that grossed $100 million in the USA: A Few Good Men (1992), The Firm (1993), Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994), Mission: Impossible (1996), Jerry Maguire (1996).

Briefly attended St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky and was a paperboy for the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Wore braces on his flashy, million-dollar smile in 2002 to correct a misaligned bite.

Announced that his relationship with Penélope Cruz had ended in January 2004. [March 2004]

Has appeared in films opposite four directors who have also directed his films. Sydney Pollack, who directed The Firm (1993), appeared in Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Paul Thomas Anderson, who directed Magnolia (1999), appeared as an extra in Minority Report (2002). Minority Report (2002) director Steven Spielberg appeared in Vanilla Sky (2001) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). Cameron Crowe, who directed Jerry Maguire (1996) and Vanilla Sky (2001), appeared in Minority Report (2002).

Will not allow his likeness to be used in video games or for action figures.

While filming Days of Thunder (1990) at Daytona International Speedway, he drove one of the Hendricks Motorsports R&D cars around the track. The best time recorded was a lap at 205 MPH.

He was voted the 31st Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly.

Lives with his sister Cass and her three children in Los Angeles (September 2004).

Spoke at his niece's, Lee Anne De Vette's daughter, graduation from the Delphian School.

Ranked #18 on VH1's 100 Hottest Hotties

Lost out to actor Peter Barton for the lead role in "The Powers of Matthew Star" (1982).

Renée Zellweger thanked him in her Oscar acceptance speech when she won 'Best Actress in a Supporting Role' for Cold Mountain (2003).

Attended the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City.

Channel 4's 'Ultimate Film' show states that, in terms of UK cinema audience rather than revenue, Cruise's most successful film in the UK was Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002).

While a student at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre, he studied one of his courses under legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner.

Studied drama at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse, in conjunction with the Actors Studio, New School University, New York.

Was named the #1 top money-making star at the box office in Quigley Publications annual poll of movie exhibitors a record seven times between 1986 and 2005. Being crowned the top box office champ in 2005 put Cruise one title ahead of Tom Hanks, who has been named #1 at the B.O. six times. Bing Crosby and Burt Reynolds both were named #1 for five consecutive years, and Clint Eastwood also has been #1 five times, but non-consecutively.

He has been named to the Top 10 Poll of Money-Making Stars 18 times, as ranked by Quigley Publications' annual poll of movie exhibitors. With his 18th appearance on the B.O. list, he moved out of a tie for 4th place tie with Paul Newman (17 appearances on the list) into a tie for #3 with Gary Cooper. John Wayne is #1 on the all-time list, with 25 appearances in the Top 10, followed by Clint Eastwood with 21 appearances on the list. Gary Cooper rounds out the top three. Due to his young age and continued popularity, it is conceivable that within 10 years, he will exceed Wayne as the #1 box office champ ever.

Has donated to charities such as The Ashley Flint Fund, The Tsunami Relief Fund, Themoms.biz Diabetes Fund, Hillary Rodham Clinton's Campaign and The Church of Scientology.

Premiere Magazine ranked him as the #3 Greatest Movie Star of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature (2005).

Studied with renowned acting coach Phil Gushee at Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, New York.

His character Lt. Daniel Kaffee in A Few Good Men (1992) was based on real life U.S. Navy JAG Corp Donald Marcari, who now works as an attorney with Marcari, Russotto, and Spencer P.C. in Chesapeake, Virginia.

The name Mapother is pronounced like "MAY bother", only with a P.

Time magazine once described him as a "baby-faced Christopher Reeve".

Ranked #14 on Premiere's 2005 Power 50 List. He is the highest ranked actor on the list.

Engaged to actress Katie Holmes (17 June 2005).

Proposed to Katie Holmes at the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Was the original choice for the role of Tom Ripley in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999).

Emilio Estevez served as best man at his wedding to Mimi Rogers.

Celebrated his 43rd birthday atop the holiday box office with War of the Worlds (2005).

His May 2005 appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (1986) was named the #1 "Celebrity Meltdown Ever" by TV Guide Magazine.

Owns and operates "Montana Miss" a WWII P-51 Mustang.

He and his former girlfriend Penélope Cruz appeared together in Vanilla Sky (2001)

He and ex-wife Nicole Kidman made 3 movies together: Days of Thunder (1990), Eyes Wide Shut (1999) and Far and Away (1992). They met on the set of Days of Thunder (1990)

While attending the London premiere of War of the Worlds (2005), he was squirted in the face with water during a prank interview. His reaction on camera was stern but not livid. The culprit was charged with assault.

He was in two different movies featuring the song "Iko Iko" on its soundtrack - Rain Man (1988) by The Belle Stars and Mission: Impossible II (2000) by Zap Mama.

He is a big fan of British singer Joss Stone.

Has played a soldier in six different movies. Taps (1981), Top Gun (1986), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), A Few Good Men (1992), The Last Samurai (2003) and Valkyrie (2008).

Has worked with an impressive list of master filmmakers: Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palma, Francis Ford Coppola, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott and Steven Spielberg.

Is a vegetarian.

Tom and Katie Holmes became the parents of Suri Cruise, who was born on April 18, 2006 in Los Angeles. "Suri" weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 inches.

In the past twenty years since his first hundred million dollar grosser (Top Gun (1986)), only six of his films have failed to reach that status.

Was originally to star in Enemy of the State (1998), but scheduling conflicts with Eyes Wide Shut (1999) forced him to miss out on the film. His part went to Will Smith.

Wears a mask on six different movies. In all of the three "Mission: Impossible" movies and in Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Vanilla Sky (2001) and Minority Report (2002), where the injection that makes his face disfigured can be considered as a futuristic mask.

Topped Forbes magazine's "100 Top Celebrities" list in 2006 ahead of The Rolling Stones and Oprah Winfrey (June 2006).

Ranked #14 on Premiere's 2006 "Power 50" list. Had ranked #14 in 2005 as well. He is the highest-ranked actor on the list.

Stepfather of his children Isabella and Connor is Keith Urban

Is talked about in the song "Though the Wire" by Kanye West.

Was ranked # 1 in Forbes Celebrity 100 Who Made Bank (2006).

On August 22, 2006, Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone announced through the "Wall Street Journal" that Viacom' Paramount subsidiary was terminating its development dealt with Cruise after 14 years. Redstone said the firm terminated its deal with Cruise due to the under-performance of Mission: Impossible III (2006) (which had been expected to gross $100-150 million more than it did), which he attributed to Cruise's "bad behavior". Movie pundits were somewhat surprised by the announcement, as Cruise remains the top B.O. draw in North America and was Paramount's cash cow. Cruise's films reportedly have accounted for 32% of Paramount Pictures' revenues in the last six years, and he was named the Top Box Office draw for a record 7th time by Quigley Publications for the year 2005. As part of its machinations before severing its connections with Cruise, Paramount leaked to the press the information that the deal was worth $10 million annually; however, the development deal actually was for $3 million per annum. At the time of the announcement, Cruise and his advisers were considering Paramount's new offer of $2 million per year in development money when Redstone dropped his bombshell. The news gave rise to speculation that Paramount has run out of cash as it reportedly has told other development partners with which it has deals to use their own cash for the rest of the year, with the proviso they will be reimbursed come 2007.

In September of 2006, he visited actress Brooke Shields at her home and personally apologized to her for criticizing her in 2005 about her use of prescription medication to overcome her post partum depression. Touched by the gesture, Brooke accepted his apology.

He once shared a record with Tom Hanks as the actor to star in the most consecutive $100 million-grossing movies (7). Both were surpassed by Will Smith who reached eight in 2008.

Resurrected United Artists together with MGM executives to produce and star in some of the company's projects (November 2006).

The years of birth of his wives are 11 years apart: Mimi Rogers was born in 1956, Nicole Kidman in 1967 and Katie Holmes in 1978.

Although they officialized their marriage in Los Angeles prior, he and Katie Holmes celebrated their wedding in the Odescalchi castle in Bracciano, Italy. The ceremony was performed by a Scientology minister in front of more than 150 relatives and friends including Hollywood superstars such as Jim Carrey, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Russell Crowe, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Richard Gere, Brooke Shields, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Kirstie Alley. Italian pop opera purveyor Andrea Bocelli serenaded the newlyweds (18 November 2006).

He and Katie Holmes both wore Armani at their wedding.

He and Katie Holmes honeymooned in the Maldives.

Best Man at his wedding to Katie Holmes was his best friend David Miscavige.

Once lived in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada & attended the same high school as Bryan Adams.

Donated to Hillary Rodham Clinton's electoral campaign for the U.S. Senate together with his then wife Nicole Kidman (2000).

Considered for the role, in Crimson Tide (1995), that went to Denzel Washington.

Mentioned in the song 'High School Never Ends' by 'Bowling For Soup'.

Was offered for the lead of Reign Over Me (2007).

According to Forbes, for each dollar he got paid, Cruise's movies averaged $11 of gross income (December 2007).

Attended St. Raphael The Archangel Elementary School in Louisville, Kentucky.

Although the shooting of Valkyrie (2008) caused controversy in Germany due to his Scientology membership, he was awarded at the Bambi Awards for "Courage", a category, newly created by the organizers to honor him for "tackling a story that had never been covered by Hollywood before". The decision was also heavily criticized by journalists and politicians (2 December 2007).

The Japan Memorial Day Association declared 10 October 2006 "Tom Cruise Day".

Due to his friendship to David Beckham, he became a supporter of Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

When attending a Franciscan seminary in Cincinatti, he aspired to become a priest.

Has German and English ancestry from his father's as well as German and Irish ancestry from his mother's family.

Was introduced to Scientology by his ex-wife Mimi Rogers.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his earnings for the year to be $31 million.

Mentioned in song "Faudrait leur dire" by French rap band "3eme oeil".

Listed at Number 7 on "The Top 10 Box Office Moneymakers of 2007".

Is the only actor to ever work with all of the following directors; Oliver Stone in Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Martin Scorsese in The Color of Money (1986), Stanley Kubrick in Eyes Wide Shut (1999), and Steven Spielberg in Minority Report (2002).

Huge fan of professional wrestling.

Has married two actresses who played Batman's love interest. Nicole Kidman from Batman Forever (1995) and Katie Holmes from Batman Begins (2005).

Is reportedly a huge fan of "The Simpsons" (1989). However, he has twice turned down guest roles; once for the part of "Tom", which was written specifically for him, in the episode "Brother From The Same Planet" (eventually voiced by regular Phil Hartman) and the other alongside his then-wife Nicole Kidman in the episode "When You Dish Upon A Star" (eventually voiced by then-couple Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger).

Considered for the role, in End of Days (1999), that went to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Was going to play as Tom Warshaw in House of D (2004) and opted to do War of the Worlds (2005) instead.

In 1974, when Cruise was 11, his parents divorced.

He is of German, English and Welsh descent.

Has "attended" Harvard Law School in 2 movies: A Few Good Men (1992) and The Firm (1993).

Was considered for the role of Frank Roberts in The Indian Runner (1991).

Went to an audition for the part of Howard Keach in Harry & Son (1984). He didn't get the part, but the director, Paul Newman remembered him, and decided that he wanted Cruise for The Color of Money (1986).

His acting idol is Paul Newman. Much to the delight of Cruise, they became good friends during work on The Color of Money (1986). Newman got him into racing, and Cruise ultimately raced on his team.

He became good friends with Sean Penn and Timothy Hutton during the making of Taps (1981).

Nine actors so far have got an Oscar nomination for their role in a movie co-starring Tom Cruise. Paul Newman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, Holly Hunter, Cuba Gooding Jr., Ken Watanabe, Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr..

From late January to early February 2009, he along with wife, 'Katie Holmes' and daughter, Suri, spent several days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil staying at the famous Copacabana Palace Hotel. They were in town for a vacation (which included a helicopter tour over Rio) as well as to promote his film Valkyrie (2008).

Visited Moscow, Russia for the first time. He told the press that since he was a boy he had always dreamed of visiting the city. He stayed at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton which offered sweeping views of the Red Square, Bolshoi Theatre and the History Museum. [January 25, 2009]

Still owns a P-51D Mustang, but changed the nose art from "Montana Miss" to "Kiss Me Kate". Airplane is very rarely spotted out of hanger.

In both Rain Man (1988) and The Firm (1993), he portrays a man with an older brother named Raymond, who he helps free from a confined environment.

Hired Amanda Lundberg as his new publicist, replacing the PR firm Rogers & Cowan [January 28, 2010].

Lives in Beverly Hills, California and Telluride, Colorado.

Personal Quotes

The thing about filmmaking is I give it everything, that's why I work so hard. I always tell young actors to take charge. It's not that hard. Sign your own checks, be responsible.

[to Jay Leno regarding his topless Vanity Fair cover shoot] I don't drink but I had a beer that night and they only did one setup like that. I'm a cheap date. What can I say?

[about Eyes Wide Shut (1999)] We knew from the beginning the level of commitment needed. We felt honored to work with Stanley Kubrick. We were going to do what it took to do this picture, whatever time, because I felt - and Nic [Nicole Kidman] did, too - that this was going to be a really special time for us. We knew it would be difficult. But I would have absolutely kicked myself if I hadn't done this.

I have cooked turkeys in my day but when Mom's around I let her do it.

I was 18 when I saw Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954). After about 30 seconds, I realized that this was not just a cultural thing, it was universal. Years later, I read Bushido. It talked about many things that I strive for in my own life: loyalty, compassion, responsibility, the idea of looking back on your life and taking responsibility for everything you've ever done. I'm fascinated by the samurai and the samurai code - it's one of the main reasons I wanted to make The Last Samurai (2003).

Awards are wonderful. I've been nominated many times and I've won many awards. But my journey is not towards that. If it happens it will be a blast. If it doesn't, it's still been a blast.

I believe in life. I know that life comes in at your heart and it doesn't matter if you're an actor, a filmmaker or a gentleman on the street, it comes at you. What Scientology gives me is the tools to deal with that, to better enjoy my life and to be able to contribute more.

[on his role as the hit man in Collateral (2004)] I've never played a character like this before. Vincent interested me because he is such an anti-social personality, bringing destruction and chaos with him wherever he goes. He's a force of nature.

I remember getting through high school and thinking, "Boy, I'm glad I got that behind me!" Then, when I was 19, I got Risky Business (1983), and I realized, "Ah, so this is life - it's a little bigger than I thought!"

As a young actor, people were trying to define who I was before I really knew that for myself. But I still remember thinking, "This is what I love doing, and I hope I'm going to be able to do it forever."

I've had a very interesting life. There are ways of handling the complexities. I'm willing to take on responsibilities as a father, as a producer, as an actor - and I enjoy that. I've always been changing and evolving and growing. There's no pinnacle of power where you can sit back and rest.

Because I grew up in so many different places, I was used to rumors [about me]. You know, I didn't have the right shoes, I didn't have the right clothes. I even had the wrong accent.

Nic [Nicole Kidman] and I don't talk publicly about custody but, definitely, both of us share the kids back and forth. They're amazing kids.

I would live with all of my sisters if I could. We've always been very close, my sisters and me.

The important thing with a child is that you love them, you protect them and you help them to grow and find out who they are. And as a parent, it's my responsibility to help them to become independent and get all the knowledge and a broad view of the world and life. I know that Nic [Nicole Kidman] absolutely agrees with that. And that's what's important: being there.

I'd like to be with a woman who goes [he switches into a woman's voice], "I've reviewed your schedule, and I'm going to set up this motorcycle trip for you, because you've been working really hard. And I'm going to go with you. We're going to go riding together. And I've already been working on it for a couple days so it can be special."

I don't really keep counsel with others. I'm the kind of person who will think about something, and if I know it's right I'm not going to ask anybody. I don't go, "Boy, what do you think about this?" I've made every decision for myself - in my career, in my life.

SAT (exam) scores have gone right down the toilet. The parents are blaming the teachers, the teachers are blaming the parents and the psychs are putting everyone on drugs.

[on the relationship with Katie Holmes, about other people thinking it's a publicity stunt] It's amusing at first. It's funny. But then you sit back and realize how sad it is that there are people who can't even imagine feeling like this. But my friends are happy for me. The people who know me are happy. My mom is happy. My family is happy.

I've never agreed with psychiatry, ever. Before I was a Scientologist, I never agreed with psychiatry. Here's the problem. You don't know the history of psychiatry. I do.

I'm passionate about learning. I'm passionate about life.

[on the invasion of Iraq] Personally, I don't have all the information President [George W. Bush] has. But I believe [Saddam Hussein] has committed many crimes against humanity and his own people.

Every single time I start to do a picture, without fail, I feel as if I don't know what I'm doing.

(On his father) He was a bully and a coward. He was the kind of person where, if something goes wrong, they kick you. It was a great lesson in my life - how he'd lull you in, make you feel safe and then, bang! For me, it was like, 'There's something wrong with this guy. Don't trust him. Be careful around him.' There's that anxiety.

[On Born on the Fourth of July (1989)] When I made that film people said, 'This is going to ruin your career. Why are you doing this after you did Top Gun. Why not just do Top Gun 2?'. I wanted to challenge myself.

(1992 quote) I'm very careful in choosing things. I'm not one of those people that's in, that's out. Once I make a decision, nothing will stop it. It's not something that takes me months to make a decision either, but I evaluate it very carefully, specifically, at the time, taking into account a lot of things.

(1992 quote) I really enjoy talking to other actors and directors. Sometimes, if I see their movies, I'll call them up or write them a note saying, "I enjoyed it," or asking, "How did you do that? How did you make that work?" I just saw Billy Crystal's movie Mr. Saturday Night a couple of weeks ago-he did a phenomenal job directing this-and afterwards, I talked to him for a couple of hours. It's true, I can be very shy around famous people. I remember, Sean Penn and Emilio Estevez and I used to drive by Brando's house and Nicholson's house. We'd see a light go on inside and go, "There he is-let's go knock on the door," then go, "Nah, nah, they'll never let us in."

(1992 quote on fame) In the beginning, when people were looking at me, it could be unnerving. People just start looking at you, staring at you. I used to get nervous. Sometimes I still get a little nervous when, all of a sudden, so much attention is directed at me just like - [snaps his fingers]

Salary
War of the Worlds (2005) (20% profit participation)
The Last Samurai (2003) $25,000,000 + % of profits
Minority Report (2002) $25,000,000+
Vanilla Sky (2001) $20,000,000 + 30% of Profits
Mission: Impossible II (2000) $20,000,000 + 12% of the gross
Eyes Wide Shut (1999) $20,000,000
Jerry Maguire (1996) $20,000,000 against 15%
Mission: Impossible (1996) $70,000,000 (gross participation)
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) $15,000,000
The Firm (1993) $12,000,000
A Few Good Men (1992) $12,500,000
Far and Away (1992) $13,000,000
Days of Thunder (1990) $9,000,000
Rain Man (1988) $3,000,000+% of gross
Cocktail (1988) $3,000,000
The Color of Money (1986) $1,000,000
Top Gun (1986) $2,000,000
Legend (1985) $500,000
Risky Business (1983) $75,000
Taps (1981) $50,000

Where Are They Now

(January 2003) In New Zealand filming The Last Samurai (2003).

(December 2004) Filming Paramount's War of the Worlds (2005), due out Summer 2005.

(August 2005) Filming Mission: Impossible III (2006) in Los Angeles, USA.

(November 2005) Filming Mission: Impossible III (2006) in Shanghai, China.

(January 2008) Release of the book, "Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography" by Andrew Morton.

(April 2006) Attended the Mission: Impossible III (2006) premiere in Paris, France.

(June 2006) Attended the Mission: Impossible III (2006) Tokyo premiere in Japan.

(October 2007) Attended the 2nd Rome Film Festival in Italy.

(February 2009) Attended the premiere of Valkyrie (2008) in Mexico City, Mexico on Feb. 5th.

(January 2009) Attended the international premieres for Valkyrie (2008) in Rome, Italy (Jan. 28th); Madrid, Spain (Jan. 27th); Moscow, Russia (Jan. 26th); Amsterdam, Netherlands (Jan. 22nd); London, England (Jan. 21st); Berlin, Germany (Jan. 20th), and Seoul, South Korea (Jan. 18th).

(July 2010) On July 6th, along with co-star Cameron Diaz, he visited Rio de Janeiro, Brazil briefly (less then 24hrs) to promote their latest film, "Knight and Day."

(September 2010) Currently visiting Prague, Czech Republic to scout out possible filming locations for Mission: Impossible IV, which he is also producing.

(September 2010) Along with Cameron Diaz, he attended the Knight and Day premiere at Roppongi Hills on Tuesday (September 28) in Tokyo, Japan.

(July 2010) Attended the premiere of Knight & Day in Mexico City (July 7) at the Cinemex Santa Fe.

Harry Potter returns

2010-12-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

PG_13 146 min - Action | Adventure | Fantasy - 19 November 2010 (USA)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8.0/10 X
Users: 8.0/10 (38,443 votes) 381 reviews | Critics: 224 reviews

As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.

Director: David Yates

Writers: Steve Kloves (screenplay), J.K. Rowling (novel)

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint

Taylor Swift with new album and is cheap

2010-12-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

Jay Sean with his History.

2010-12-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

The emergence of R&B singer Jay Sean looks set to redefine the UK's urban music rulebook. As the UK's first Asian crossover superstar, Sean has already tasted chart success with the slick anthem Dance With You (Nachna Tere Naal). But what makes Jay Sean such an exciting musical proposition is that as a UK born and bred artist his unique appeal is that he fuses 'Desi' rhythms with a credible R&B sensibility to produce a thoroughly authentic sound. With the highly-contagious Eyes On You already dominating radio nationally, Sean’s eagerly-awaited debut album has garnered positive critical anticipation from both the streets and the broadsheets in equal measure. It's not everyday you come across an urban music singer who includes punk and stadium rock as important to his musical upbringing as hip hop and R&B.

However, Jay Sean isn't your run of the mill urban music artist. Having given up a promising medical career in favour of his first love, music, Jay Sean’s story begins more than a decade ago in Hounslow, west London. "I started rapping 11 years ago," Sean remembers. "I was in a group called Compulsive Disorder, it was a punk-rap group. We got ourselves a few gigs and when DJs such as Choice FM’s 279 played it, we received a lot of local notoriety." Disillusioned with the UK's cynical rap scene, focussed as it was, on the colour of his skin rather than the content of his songs, Sean quickly immersed himself in R&B. "Hip hop was my first love, but as soon as I got into producing, R&B became my mistress. As a teenager, I grew up on a cocktail of music. I was surrounded by a lot of different influences from black, white and Asian friends," says the 22 year old. Integral to Jay Sean's trademark smooth R&B sound is the flawless production of UK superproducer Rishi Rich. The relationship, as Sean admits, is based on total trust and an obvious appreciation of one another’s respective talents. "Rishi’s an important part of my whole career, he’s fundamental," says Sean.

"He was the one who discovered me and had the faith to encourage me." For Sean, their initial meeting provided its very own 'Dr. Dre/ Eminem' moment. "Some close friends heard an early song I wrote called One Minute. Rishi Rich was one of the people that heard it. I had heard about him through the streets. When we met he asked me to sing for him on the spot! Rishi told his management about me, and on the strength of my impromptu performance, they wanted me to join their crew." However, as the only Asian R&B singer around at the time, Sean realised that becoming a soul singer was not necessarily the traditional path for what he describes as a "well brought up Sikh lad". He continues: "Like most people I was always singing around the house, so much so that when relatives came from overseas, I had to sing for them. I was the party trick!" he laughs. The diversity of the album proves that Jay Sean although an avowed entertainer is so much bigger than the 'Asian R&B' pigeonhole lazy commentators will unsuccessfully attempt to force him into. Songs such as One Night, On & On and Stolen deal with the universal issues of love, loss and regret to which everybody can relate.

"I believe that there was never that opportunity for Asian people to showcase their talents effectively," Sean says when asked why there’s been no breakthrough Asian urban performer up to this point. "It’s only in the last few years through the mainstream’s fascination with Bollywood and all things Asian that we can now be accepted in non-traditional and less stereo-typical roles," reasons Sean. It’s a theme tackled on the early song You Don’t Know Me, a track dealing with the negative response of record companies unwilling to take him seriously as an artist, who just happens to be Asian. "It was important to me to make sure that the Asian community understood me and what I was about. The song helped me gain respect in my own community, as it takes record companies to task for their own musical blindness."

On Me Vs Myself, one of the album’s stand-out tracks, Sean takes the opportunity to controversially attack himself. It's possibly the first time that an artist has attacked himself on vinyl, even Eminem would be proud. "All I do is diss myself!" he laughs. "It's Jay the singer versus Jay the rapper. I’m hard on myself. In truth, I’m not afraid to have a dig at myself as I try not to take myself too seriously." As a whole, it's the different influences that clearly inform much of Jay Sean's debut album and make the entire project such an intriguing find. Songs such as the massive Eyes On You through to the ultra-spiritual Ramta Jogi, mark Sean out as a singular talent to be reckoned with. Sean's biggest strength includes not only his versatile vocal talents, pitch-perfect delivery backed with on-point production but the fact that as a young Asian man, he represents a demographic wholly under-served by the mainstream. Sean already enjoys a huge fanbase from his highly-rated weekly Kiss FM show with Juggy D and Rishi Rich.

A recent performance in India on MTV Asia, where he performed as part of the Rishi Rich Project to a television audience of 165 million viewers led to a recent chance meeting with superproducer Tim 'Timbaland' Moseley and may yet see a Jay Sean collaboration. "Timbaland heard me rap and said he was feelin’ it. So I took him shopping in Southall to get some Indian CDs. He said my vocals were hot, which was really cool, a big compliment from one of the biggest producers on the planet." With a sound that embraces rather than alienates all races and colours, we can safely say that we've got front row seats in witnessing the emergence of the UK's first Asian R&B superstar. Watch this space.

Apple Iphone 4 with new generation

2010-11-27T17:26:00.000-08:00

When creating iPhone 4, Apple designers and engineers didn’t start with a clean sheet of paper. They started with three years of experience designing and building the phones that redefined what a phone can do. iPhone 4 is the result of everything they’ve learned so far. And it’s all contained in a beautiful enclosure a mere 9.3 millimeters thin, making iPhone 4 the world’s thinnest smartphone.

Engineered Glass
All the breakthrough technology in iPhone 4 is situated between two glossy panels of aluminosilicate glass — the same type of glass used in the windshields of helicopters and high-speed trains. Chemically strengthened to be 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic, the glass is ultra durable and more scratch resistant than ever. It’s also recyclable

Retina Display
The 960-by-640 back lit LCD display boasts a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, making it the highest-resolution phone screen ever. To achieve this, Apple engineers developed pixels so small — a mere 78 micrometers across — that the human eye can’t distinguish individual pixels. That makes text remarkably sharp and graphics incredibly vivid. IPS technology also provides excellent color and contrast from almost any viewing angle.

Stainless Steel Band Created from our own alloy, then forged to be five times stronger than standard steel, the CNC-machined band is the mounting point for all the components of iPhone 4. The band provides impressive structural rigidity and allows for its incredibly thin, refined design. It also functions as both iPhone 4 antennas.

Apple A4 Processor Apple engineers designed the A4 chip to be a remarkably powerful yet remarkably power-efficient mobile processor. With it, iPhone 4 can easily perform complex jobs such as multitasking, editing video, and placing FaceTime calls. All while maximizing battery life.

Gyro + Accelerometer iPhone 4 includes a built-in three-axis gyroscope. When paired with the accelerometer, it makes iPhone 4 capable of advanced motion sensing such as user acceleration, full 3D attitude, and rotation rate. Translation: More motion gestures and greater precision for an even better gaming experience.

Camera + LED The iPhone 4 camera shoots gorgeous 5-megapixel photos and stunning HD video. And with its advanced backside illumination sensor, it captures beautiful images even in low-light settings. The built-in LED flash does double duty. When you’re taking pictures, it works as a flash. When you’re shooting video it can stay on to light up the scene. And on the front of iPhone 4, the built-in camera is perfect for making FaceTime calls and shooting self-portraits.

Mic + Speaker While most phones have only one microphone, iPhone 4 has two. The main mic, located on the bottom next to the dock connector, is for phone calls, voice commands, and memos. The second mic, built into the top near the headphone jack, is for FaceTime calls and for making your phone calls better. It works with the main mic to suppress unwanted and distracting background sounds, such as music and loud conversations. This dual-mic noise suppression helps make every conversation a quiet one.

Multi-Touch With its large Multi-Touch display and innovative software, iPhone lets you control everything using just your fingers. How does it work? A panel laminated on the glass senses your touch using electrical fields. It can register multiple touches at once to support advanced gestures such as pinch to zoom, two-finger tap, and more. The panel then transmits the information to the Retina display below it.

New Beats Pro. unboxing.

2010-11-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

Christina a small town girl trades for Lingeria.

2010-11-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

The old bump and grind receives a squeaky-clean workout in “Burlesque,” a backstage tease-o-rama about life in and out of corsets and garters. Sparkly and smiley and thoroughly goofy (sleepy and dopey make appearances too), the story turns on an Iowan refugee for whom the Big Time means doing the hoochie-coochie in a Los Angeles club. There, where the dancers are dollies with Pilates physiques, the mistress of ceremonies should be Alan Cumming (who shows up now and again, giggling on the sidelines), but turns out to be Cher, trying her darnedest to play older and wiser but without, you know, the wrinkles and gray.

Cher plays Tess, the proprietress of one of those atmospheric holes in the wall where dreams turn into realities — or at least a savvy combination of a Disney tween program and a Lifetime weepie. It’s a perfect platter for the plucky Iowan dish, Ali, played by the pop singer Christina Aguilera, who enters in white hooker heels and a bright Beverly Hills smile. By all rights it should also be a nice fit for Ms. Aguilera, a graduate of “The Mickey Mouse Club” (where she appeared with Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears) and the seasoned music-video star of spectacles like “Dirrty,” in which she trampled on poor Walt’s grave (and her own bubble-gum persona) by feverishly pumping her hips in peek-a-boo chaps.

Alas, both her moves and her feature-film debut are perversely tame (no spanky-panky here, unlike in “Dirrty”), closer to your grandmother’s fan dance than to the neo-burlesque revues that began popping up in the early 1990s. As performed by troupes like the Velvet Hammer, the new burlesque put a feminist spin on the art of the tease with women who, with their tattoos and Bettie Page dos, bore little resemblance to the androgynous hard-bodies of mainstream music videos. In the new burlesque, women not only control their images (that’s the idea, anyway), but they also redefine what alluring looks like with sometimes proudly fleshy bodies. At its most radical, it is drag for women, a place where femininity is performed, not assumed.

“Burlesque” nods, though more rightly wags its derrière, in the direction of new burlesque, but it’s strictly old school — at times, really old school — with a story line that had already gathered dust by the time the choreographer Busby Berkeley pointed his camera up the collective skirt of the chorus in the 1933 musical “42nd Street.”

As in that old-studio gem, the story in “Burlesque” unwinds both onstage and off, a twinned perspective that in most backstage musicals helps define the line between ostensible real life and performance. No such line exists in this movie, either because the writer and director, Steven Antin, hasn’t a clue what real life looks like, or he actually does and has opted to sweeten these worlds with the same softly diffused, caramelized light.
disney,

Long live Machael Jackson

2010-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

Date of Birth
29 August 1958, Gary, Indiana, USA

Date of Death
25 June 2009, Los Angeles, California, USA (homicide)

Birth Name
Michael Joseph Jackson

Nickname
The Gloved One
Wacko Jacko
Jacko
King Of Pop
MJ

Height
5' 11" (1.80 m)

Mini Biography

American superstar Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joe Jackson, had been a guitarist but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine (Scruse). Together they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 1960s, the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964, Michael and Marlon had joined in.

A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature, and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of The Jackson 5. An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown, it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy's attention, and by 1969, the boys were producing back-to-back chart-busting hits as Motown artists ("I Want You Back," "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Got to Be There," etc.). As a product of the 1970s, the boys emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop/soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a group like The Temptations to a disco phenomenon.

Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 1980s, he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller" in 1982. A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had much better luck with elaborate music videos.

In the 1990s, the downside as an 1980s pop phenomenon began to rear itself. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his peerless celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically, and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one to Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes behind them appeared image-oriented. Despite it all, Michael Jackson's passion and artistry as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman are unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his seriously troubled adult life.

For it all to end on June 25, 2009, with his sudden death at age 50 of a drug-induced cardiac arrest, just as he was coming out of a four-year reclusive period and rehearsing for a sold-out London concert "comeback" in July, seems uncommonly cruel and tragic. Millions upon millions of dedicated fans will remember where they were "the day Michael died".
IMDb Mini Biography By: Gary Brumburgh / gr-home@pacbell.net

Spouse
Debbie Rowe (14 November 1996 - 8 October 1999) (divorced) 2 children
Lisa Marie Presley (26 May 1994 - 18 January 1996) (divorced)

Trade Mark

The Moonwalk.

Single sequined white glove.

He always wears white socks with black shoes.

Often wore a black hat and a jacket with a ribbon around one sleeve.

Trivia

Through his "Heal the World" Foundation, Jackson spearheaded airlifts of food and medical supplies to war-torn Sarajevo, instituted mentoring, immunization and drug-abuse education programs and paid for a Hungarian child's liver transplant.

Second child, with Debbie Rowe, daughter Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, is born. [3 April 1998]

Wife, Debbie Rowe, gave birth to a son in Beverly Hills, named Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. [13 February 1997]

Macaulay Culkin is godfather to his two eldest children.

Married Lisa Marie Presley in La Vega, Dominican Republic, by Judge Hugo Francisco Alvarez Perez. Witnesses present were Thomas Keough and Eve Darling (Lisa Marie's ex-brother-in-law and his wife, ex-sister-in-law). [26 May 1994]

Shares with Carlos Santana the record for most Grammys won in one year, with eight.

First solo artist to generate four top ten hits on the Billboard charts on one album with "Off the Wall."

First artist to generate seven top ten hits (USA) on one album with "Thriller."

Only artist in history to generate five #1 hits (USA) from one album with "Bad."

With Lionel Richie, co-wrote the song "We Are the World," and was one of its performers.

His 1982 album "Thriller" is the biggest selling album of all time, with confirmed sales of over 47 million, and over an estimated 100 million copies worldwide.

His 1991 album "Dangerous" is second to "Thriller" as the biggest selling album of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.

His 1987 album "BAD" is third to "Thriller" as the biggest selling album of all time, with 20 million copies sold worldwide.

Brother of (in this order) Rebbie Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson and Janet Jackson.

Copied his moon walk after mime Marcel Marceau in "walk-against-the- wind" pantomime techniques.

Wrote and recorded a song called "On the Line", produced by 'Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds' , for the film Get on the Bus (1996) that was not included on the soundtrack for the film.

The name of his 2700-acre ranch near Santa Ynez, California, is Neverland Valley Ranch. It contains Jackson's house, an amusement park co-designed by Macaulay Culkin, a private theater and dance stage, and exotic animals.

Once dated Brooke Shields.

He is being sued by two former financial advisors for $25 million over alleged unpaid expenses. Jackson denies owing them anything. [9 September 2001]

Had a skin disease called vitiligo.

Was a Jehovah's Witness.

Uncle of Jermaine Jackson II, Valencia Jackson, Brittany Jackson, Marlon Jackson Jr., Stevanna Jackson.

His estate contains a child's mini coaster, Zipper, Bumper cars, Merry go round, octopus, Giant slide and rocking dragon.. There is also a full size basketball court, water wars section (for water gun fights) 2 Trains, (one steam train) and a zoo where he has various exotic animals including elephants, giraffes, alligators, a tiger and even an Anaconda.

He does not own the right to the entire Beatles catalogue. For example, the family of the late George Harrison own songs he wrote, including "Something," and Sony music owns 50% of the catalogue after Jackson sold it to them because he needed the money.

Son of Katherine Jackson, and Joe Jackson.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 (as a solo artist).

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 (as a member of the Jackson 5).

Jackson shocked his fans when he dangled his third child, infant Prince Michael II, over a balcony on the fourth floor of a Berlin, Germany hotel for all hovering fans to see. He later stated that he made "a terrible mistake.". [November 2002]

Starting with Black or White (1991) (V), Jackson and his record company refer to his music videos, before or since, as "short films," never "videos".

Has his look-alike puppet in the French show "Les guignols de l'info" (1988).

Father of Prince Michael, Prince Michael II, Paris Jackson.

Is the godfather of Michael Gibb, son of The Bee Gees front man Barry Gibb.

He and his lawyer, Mark Geragos, sued jet charter company XtraJet for invasion of privacy. The firm allegedly installed hidden cameras to tape the two's confidential attorney-client conversations. A California judge has barred the firm from releasing or selling any footage it may have obtained. [25 November 2003]

In 2002 had planned to produce and star in the movie "The Nightmares of Edgar Allan Poe", about the last years of writer Edgar Allan Poe. He was to star as the famed 19th century author (who was Caucasian), and had written music for the film as well.

For a charity event held at the Neverland Ranch in September 2003, for the first time ever, he invited an artist from the outside to perform there. It was Yannick Harrison, also known as Jay Kid, from Denmark that performed a number of his interpretations of Michael Jackson songs for the specially invited guests.

Has sold over 750 million albums worldwide.

Was present at the private funeral service for Maurice Gibb.

He was voted the 35th Greatest Artist of all time in Rock 'n' Roll by Rolling Stone.

His favorite The Beatles'' song is "Come Together" - his version of the song is on "History - Past, Present and Future.".

Was found not guilty on ten counts of child molestation on 13 June 2005 due to lack of evidence.

Ranked #11 in VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Kid Stars" with his brothers as the Jackson 5.

He was (along with Tito Jackson) co-best man at Liza Minnelli's and David Gest's wedding.

Tatum O'Neal, was Jackson's first girlfriend and allegedly his first real love. However, she denied this in her book, saying that he only kissed.

His hit song "Bad" from 1987 was initially supposed to be a duet with fellow 80's superstar Prince. Prince said in an interview that he did not wish to sing the line "Your butt is mine".

Ex-brother-in-law of James DeBarge.

President Ronald Reagan wanted to award a special White House medal to Jackson, Bob Hope and the late John Wayne in 1984. However, future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts advised against the proposal, saying the award was too much for a pop singer.

Received a Presidential Humanitarian Award from President Ronald Reagan at the White House in May 1984, in recognition of Jackson's contribution to the government's campaign against drunk driving. "Beat It" was used in television advertisements.

Jackson joined Chris Tucker, Tony Bennett, former president Bill Clinton and members of the Democratic National Committee at Harlem's Apollo Theatre in New York for a concert fundraiser. Tucker co-hosted the event with actress Cicely Tyson, while Rubén Blades, k.d. lang and Bennett performed. Jackson sang a medley of songs that included "Black or White" and "Smooth Criminal", and was joined by Jane's Addiction guitarist and former Red Hot Chili Peppers Dave Navarro for a portion of his set (24 April 2002).

Attended a memorial service for the late actor Marlon Brando in August 2004, along with Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn.

Addressed the Oxford Union on the subject of child welfare and his new initiative "Heal the Kids". (6 March 2001)

Was asked to write and perform the songs for Batman (1989), but had to turn it down due to his concert commitments.

In January 2000 Jackson announced he was considering retiring from the music industry, citing his weariness at publicity as a reason.

In 1997, Jackson released an album of new material coupled with remixes of hit singles from the "HIStory" album titled "Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix". He dedicated the album to his friend Sir Elton John, who had helped him through his addiction to prescribed painkillers. It went on to sell 6 million copies worldwide, making it the biggest selling remix album of all time.

His album "HIStory: Past, Present and Future - Book I" has sold 16 million copies worldwide since its release in 1995, making it the biggest selling multiple-disc album of all time.

His 2001 album "Invincible" sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

In January 1993 Jackson performed during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. It drew the largest viewing audience in the history of American television.

In a move named by Jackson's advisers as "refinancing," it was announced in April 2006 that Jackson had struck a deal with Sony and Fortress investments. In the deal Sony may be allowed to take control of half of Jackson's 50% stake in Sony/ ATV Music Publishing (worth an estimated $1 billion) which Jackson co-owns. Jackson would be left with 25% of the catalog, with the rest belonging to Sony. In exchange, Sony negotiated with a loans company on behalf of Jackson. Jackson's $200m in loans were due in December 2005 and were secured on the catalog. Jackson failed to pay and the Bank of America sold them to Fortress investments, a company dealing in distressed loans. However, Jackson hasn't as yet sold any of the remainder of his stake. The possible purchase by Sony of 25% of Sony/ATV Music Publishing is a conditional option; it is assumed the singer will try to avoid having to sell part of the catalog of songs including material by other artists such as 'Bob Dylan' and Destiny's Child. As another part of the deal Jackson was given a new $300 million loan, and a lower interest rate on the old loan to match the original Bank of America rate. When the loan was sold to Fortress investments they increased the interest rate to 20%.

Winner of the Brit Award for International Male in 1989.

Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for International Solo Artist in 1988.

Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for International Solo Artist in 1984.

Was a frequent guest at the infamous "Studio 54"

On 27 May 2006, Jackson accepted a Legend Award at MTV Japan's VMA Awards in Tokyo. It was his first public appearance since being found not guilty in his child molestation trial almost a year earlier. The award was honoring his influence and impact in music videos over the past 25 years.

Despite a number of surgeons' claims that Jackson has undergone multiple nasal surgeries as well as a forehead lift, thinned lips and cheekbone surgery, Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography "Moon Walk" that he only had two rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin, while attributing puberty and diet to the noticeable change in the structure of his face.

Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the "Bad" album's title track. When the 18-minute music video debuted on television, it sparked a great deal of controversy as it was apparent that Jackson's appearance had changed dramatically. Although Jackson's skin color had been a medium- brown color for the entire duration of his youth, his skin had gradually become paler since 1982, and had now become a light brown color. This was now so noticeable that the entire press took out widespread coverage on it and claimed that Jackson had bleached his own skin. In 1993 Jackson claimed that his changing skin color is due to a skin disorder vitiligo whilst on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (1986).

Performed at the ball for President Bill Clinton's first inauguration on 20 January 1993.

"Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection", his third greatest hits package in less than ten years, sold 250,000 copies worldwide following its release in October 2004.

"The Essential Michael Jackson", another greatest hits package, debuted at a surprisingly high Number 2 on the UK charts and sold 200,000 copies within five months. In the United States it only reached Number 96 and soon disappeared.

Recorded an anti-war song about the US invasion of Iraq, "We've Had Enough", which was included on his greatest hits package "Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection".

His greatest hits compilation "Michael Jackson: Number Ones" sold 6 million copies worldwide following its release in November 2003, peaking at Number 1 in most countries except the United States. It had been planned at the last minute after "Resurrection", a follow-up to his 2001 album "Invincible", was canceled.

Fortress Investment Group foreclosed and took possession of Jackson's half- interest in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing company, estimated to be worth $1 billion, as well as the entire MiJac Music Publishing company. (December 2005)

Promotional videos of his songs directed by, among others, John Landis and John Singleton have cost more than some motion pictures.

Paid $1.5 million in 1999 for the Best Picture Oscar awarded to David O. Selznick for Gone with the Wind (1939).

Announced his intention to record a charity single dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina entitled, "I Have This Dream". Ciara, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Keyshia Cole, James Ingram, Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson, Shanice, the Shirley Caesar and The O'Jays all supposedly lent their voices to the charity song. At the time, Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone K. Bain, said the list of performers included Mary J. Blige, Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott, Jay-Z, James Brown and Lenny Kravitz. All of these artists later appeared to be no longer participating. The Katrina Charity Single remains unreleased.

He was a close friend of the former child star Mark Lester. Lester is godfather to Jackson's children. Although the two had not spoken for several years before his death.

He was never related to Elvis Presley by marriage since Presley died many years before his marriage to Lisa Marie.

Is spoofed in Eminem's music video "Just Lose It".

Jackson was fired from Two Seas Records, with whom he had signed a recording contract in April 2006 for one album. The album had been set for a fall 2007 release. (September 2006)

California state authorities ordered Jackson to close the Neverland Ranch and fined him more than $100,000 for failing to pay the staff there or maintain proper insurance. (March 2006).

When Jackson performed in England in 1982, he asked to meet former actor Mark Lester. "He wanted to meet someone who had a similar background, a child star," Lester said. The result was a lifelong friendship.

Presented with an "Artist of the decade" award by Elizabeth Taylor in 1989, proclaiming him "the true king of pop, rock and soul".

Ordered to pay Debbie Rowe $60,000 for legal fees in their battle for custody over of their two children. Los Angeles Judge Robert Schnider gave Jackson until 28 September to obey the order. Rowe had asked for $195,000, but the judge noted that she had received eight million dollars in the divorce. (6 September 2006).

In October 2002 it was revealed by various international banks that Jackson was in financial debt into the tens of millions of dollars due to various unpaid loans.

Some of his favorite pastimes were water balloon fights and climbing trees. He wrote several songs sitting in his favorite tree at Neverland, which he called Giving Tree, because it was so inspiring.

Is portrayed by Alex Burrall and Jason Weaver in The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992) (TV).

Godmother of his daughter Paris Jackson and son Prince Michael is Elizabeth Taylor.

Godfather of Nicole Richie.

Did not tour America after the BAD tour in 1987.

Received a Special Award for a Generation at the Brit Awards in 1996.

Received the World Music Award for world's best-selling album of all time, "Thriller", at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, on 8 May 1996.

Received the Diamond Award for selling more than 100 million albums at the World Music Awards in London on 15 November 2006.

Ended more than a year of speculation by buying the British music publishing company ATV Music for a reported £34 million ($50 million) in August 1985. The company owned 40,000 songs, including the Northern Songs catalog which contained all The Beatles songs up to their Apple Days. Jackson outbid Coca-Cola, EMI, CBS (who thereafter looked after the catalog for Jackson) and a very disappointed Paul McCartney, who had originally tried to buy Northern Songs for £21 million ($35 million) in 1981 and then later - again unsuccessfully - in conjunction with Yoko Ono.

1st May 2001: His video for "Thriller" was voted at #1 by VH1 on their countdown of the Top 100 Greatest Videos Of All Time. At #2 was "Like A Prayer" by Madonna.

Won a poll of superstars to have his image on a stamp issued by the Virgin Islands in July 1985. He asked that the Virgin Islands donated all revenue (the stamps were priced between 60 cents and $1.50) to welfare and education.

Disappointed his fans by singing a few lines from "We Are the World", accompanied by a children's choir, after he had been rumored to perform his 1982 hit "Thriller" as a triumphant comeback at the World Music Awards at Earls Court, London. Jackson left the stage to audible boos from the audience - some of his fans had paid up to £500 a ticket to see him perform. (15 November 2006).

Filed complaints against the Independent Television Commission and the Broadcasting Standards Commission of the UK following the documentary Living with Michael Jackson: A Tonight Special (2003) (TV).

Held his first live concert in four years at Madison Square Garden, New York, in early September 2001. He was paid £10 million for two concerts.

Originally intended to begin his solo career when he turned eighteen in 1976, but financial problems forced him to remain with the Jackson Five, renaming themselves The Jacksons for legals reasons, until 1979.

While Jackson has claimed 104 million sales for his 1982 album "Thriller", the Guinness Book of World Records has put the figure at 51 million copies sold as of 2006.

A $10 million lawsuit filed by Jackson was dismissed by a US judge. The lawsuit was filed against a man from New Jersey who was allegedly in possession of items and memorabilia that Jackson claims were stolen. (14 January 2006).

In 1997 a survey declared Jackson the most famous person in the world, ahead of Pope John Paul II and then US President Bill Clinton.

It is clear in the opinion of a number of plastic surgeons that Jackson has undergone extensive plastic surgery and it may be said that he is hardly recognizable as the same person he was as an adolescent, but the effectiveness of his cosmetic surgery has been hotly debated.

He was the highest earning singer of 1988-1989, with $125 million from his worldwide "BAD" album tour.

Honored by CBS as the "top selling act of the Eighties" in March 1990.

Jackson was seen by a record 500,000 people during his seven day stand at Wembley Stadium in July 1988.

Moonwalker (1988) was certified as the all-time top selling music video in March 1989.

Attended James Brown's funeral in Augusta, Georgia. (30 December 2006).

Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture. [11 November 2004]

He returned to live in the United States on 24 December 2006, setting up residence in Las Vegas.

On 13 June 2003, the day after his neighbor and friend of 25 years Gregory Peck died, Jackson went to Peck's house to help his widow plan the memorial service. Peck had once publicly praised the singer as a model parent.

The music video for his song "Thriller" was with 13 minutes the longest music video ever, until this record was broken by Mike Skinner with the video for the song "When You Wasn't Famous".

Jackson greeted thousands of US troops in a US army base south of Tokyo on 10 March 2007. About 3,000 troops and their family members gathered in a fitness center at Camp Zama. Jackson, after shaking hands with and thanking the troops personally for their service, spoke to the crowd gathered, saying, "Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world. It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom." Jackson also attended a ceremony at the camp for an army member being promoted and put a pin on his uniform.

At his peak, Jackson was reportedly worth around $1 Billion.

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

His 1979 debut solo album "Off the Wall" has sold around 20 million copies worldwide.

His 2001 album "Invincible" was his first full album of new material for ten years, since 1991's "Dangerous".

Fell out with Quincy Jones after the producer cut half the songs from his 1987 album "BAD". In a 2006 interview with "The Daily Telegraph" newspaper, Jones admitted he had not spoken to Jackson for years.

Diagnosed with lupus in 1984.

Claimed to have given $300 million to charity, more than any other celebrity apart from Oprah Winfrey.

Former son-in-law of Priscilla Presley.

Childhood school friend of David Gest.

Attended the funeral of his close friend Ryan White in April 1990.

Longtime supporter of AIDS research,and over 32 more charities.

In the early 1970s while still very young and a member of the Jackson 5, appeared on "The Dating Game" (1965). Roles were reversed; Michael asked questions and picked a date from three eligible "bachelorettes".

Is a fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A special 25th anniversary edition of his 1982 album "Thriller", entitled "Thriller 25", sold an estimated 3 million copies worldwide.

Upon his death, many fans left remembrances at the Hollywood star, located at 1541 Vine Street, awarded to a long time radio talk show host also named Michael Jackson. Upon hearing of this, the radio commentator said, "I am willingly loan it to him and, if it would bring him back, he can have it. He was a real star. Sinatra, Presley, The Beatles and Michael Jackson.".

The Jacksons were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

Made an out-of-court settlement with the family of 13-year-old Jordie Chandler for an estimated $25 million in January 1994 following allegations of sexual abuse against children.

Owed an estimated $435 million in debts at the time of his death.

At the time of his death Jackson was living in a rented mansion once owned by the actor Sir Sean Connery in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.

His favorite movie as a child and teenager was Oliver! (1968).

Celebrities provided varied comments after Jackson's sudden death. Madonna and Diana Ross released statements saying they could not stop crying. Jackson's former wife, Lisa Marie Presley, said the singer had told her he was afraid he would end up like Elvis Presley, her father. Elizabeth Taylor, a long-time friend, said she, "can't imagine life without him." Liza Minnelli told CBS, "When the autopsy comes, all hell's going to break loose, so thank God we're celebrating him now." Jamie Foxx, stated: "We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everybody else.".

Following his death, U.S. President Barack Obama sent a letter of condolence to the Jackson family, and during a press conference the Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that President Obama viewed Jackson as a "spectacular performer, and a music icon". In Congress, Representatives Diane Watson and Jesse Jackson Jr. asked members to observe a moment of silence.

MTV and BET began airing his music videos, and ran two news specials, until 8 p.m. EDT the following day of his death.

The news of his death spread quickly online, causing websites to crash and slow down from user overload. Both TMZ and the Los Angeles Times, two websites that were the first to confirm the news, suffered outages.

His death triggered an outpouring of grief. Fans gathered outside the UCLA Medical Center, his Holmby Hills home, the Apollo Theater in New York, and at Hitsville U.S.A., the old Motown headquarters in Detroit where his career began, now the Motown Museum. Streets around the hospital were blocked off, and across America people left offices and factories to watch the breaking news on television.

An Amazon spokesperson said that the website sold out of all of his CDs, and those of the Jackson 5, within minutes of the news of his death breaking.

He had been scheduled to perform 50 sold-out concerts to over one million people at London's O2 arena, from July 13, 2009 to March 6, 2010, which he implied during a press conference would have been the final concerts of his career. Unfortunately he passed away before he could perform any of these shows. His rehearsals for the tour were documented in This Is It (2009).

On the day of Jackson's death, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics received a 911 call at 12:21 pm (19:21 UTC), and arrived three minutes and seventeen seconds later, at which point Jackson was reportedly not breathing. The recording of the emergency call was released by the LAFD on June 27, 2009. Paramedics are reported to have wanted to pronounce him dead at the scene, but a doctor insisted he be taken to a hospital. CPR was performed on the way to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where they arrived at 1:14 pm (20:14 UTC), and continued for an hour. He was pronounced dead at 2:26 pm (21:26 UTC).

Producer Keya Morgan gave Jackson a ring that once belonged to Marilyn Monroe.

Following the week of his death, his album sales collectively spiked over 2000%.

The Staples Center Michael Jackson memorial service non-performing VIP attendees included Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, Larry King, Barbara Walters, Jaleel White, 'Kimberly 'Lil' Kim' Jones' , Spike Lee, Don King, Vicki Roberts, Nicole Richie, Dionne Warwick, Kim Kardashian, and Kris Jenner.

Music website Amazon sold as many Jackson albums in the 24 hours after his death as in the previous 11 years.

His gold coffin seen at his memorial is a rare design called the Promethean. It cost $25,000 and is made of solid bronze but is 14-carat gold-plated with a hand-polished mirror finish and lined with velvet. It is identical to the coffin used to bury James Brown in 2006 - which may have inspired Jackson after he saw it when Brown lay in state.

His memorial service from the Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7th 2009 brought the Internet's second largest day ever in terms of total traffic.

In the 1980s, Jackson and Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury became close friends and recorded three songs together - "Victory", "State of Shock" (later recorded by Mick Jagger) and "There Must Be More To Life Than This". All are demos and have never been officially released.

The Elephant Man (1980) was one of his favorite movies.

Spent his last days at a rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in Los Angeles. The property was once owned by Sean Connery.

An Andy Warhol head-and-shoulders portrait of Jackson made the cover of Time magazine on March 19, 1984.

He died on the same day as Farrah Fawcett. Both were in California at the time. She died at 9:28 a.m PDT, he was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. after hours of unsuccessful resuscitation.

It is estimated that Michael Jackson's earnings in the six months following his death on June 25 2009 will top the entire $149 million (£90 million) made by Jimi Hendrix since he passed away in 1970.

Two months after his death, just before what would be his 51st birthday, and the day of his burial, his Number Ones album surpassed Taylor Swift's highly successful album Fearless as the best selling album of 2009 at that point.

He had a long standing relationship with Cherokee Studios, reaching back to his days with the Jackson 5. It was during an early Jackson 5 recording session at Cherokee that Shelley Berger, longtime Motown Manager, first realized his talent, telling Rolling Stone Magazine he would be "the new Sammy Davis." Later, he came back to Cherokee to record his multi platinum breakout solo Album Off the Wall. His relationship with Cherokee continued throughout his solo career, culminating in the recording of what went on to become the best selling album of all time, Thriller (109 million albums sold worldwide).

Holds 10 different Guinness World Records.

In 1991, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a top secret film project called "MidKnight" which would star Jackson as meek young man by day, who secretly changes into a heroic singing and dancing knight at the stroke of midnight. The film was part of Jackson's $1 billion re-up with Sony Music. But the project fell apart due to contractual issues as well as the 1993 child molestation allegations.

Jackson received his very first screen kiss in the John Singleton-directed music video, "Remember the Time" (1992), when he kissed Iman (playing Queen Nefertiti to Eddie Murphy's Pharaoh).

Achieved the dubious distinction in 2009 of meriting the number three position on Forbes magazine's list of "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities". Jackson's posthumous earnings of $90 million were surpassed only by Yves Saint-Laurent and Richard Rodgers and 'Oscar Hammerstein (II)' (as Rodgers & Hammerstein).

Kept a pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.

Personal Quotes

I can't think of a better way to spread the message of world peace than by working with the NFL and being part of Super Bowl XXVII.

I don't like pop music.

I'll always be Peter Pan in my heart.

People think they know me, but they don't. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me.

"Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn't make it factual. To buy it is to feed it." - about tabloid magazines.

I made a terrible mistake. I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. I would never intentionally endanger the lives of my children.

"You ain't seen nothing yet, and the best is yet to come." (1999)

There is a lot of sadness in my past life. My father beat me. It was difficult to take being beaten and then going on stage. He was strict; very hard and stern.

Elizabeth Taylor used to feed me, to hand-feed me, at times. Please, I don't want anybody to think I'm starving, I'm not. My health is perfect, actually.

I just want to say to fans in every corner of the earth, every nationality, every race, every language: I love you from the bottom of my heart. I would love your prayers and your goodwill, and please be patient and be with me and believe in me because I am completely, completely innocent. But please know a lot of conspiracy is going on as we speak.

"Marlon Brando has been pushing. He's a wonderful man. He's a god. He wants a lot of money. He wants to get things done right now." - On a video about acting which he was planning to make with Brando in 2001

Elizabeth Taylor is a warm cuddly blanket that I love to snuggle up to and cover myself with. I can confide in her and trust her. She's Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, the Queen of England, and Wendy.

I trusted Martin Bashir to come into my life and that of my family because I wanted the truth to be told. Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that his would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me that he was the man that turned Diana's life around. I am surprised that a professional journalist would compromise his integrity by deceiving me in this way. Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before; that someone, who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair programme. Everyone who knows me will know the truth which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child. I also want to thank my fans around the world for the overwhelming number of messages of support that I have received, particularly from Great Britain, where people have e-mailed me and said how appalled they were by the Bashir film. Their love and support has touched me greatly.

I was coming out of the shower and I fell and all my body weight - I'm pretty fragile - all my body weight fell against my rib cage. And I bruised my lung very badly.

I love my children. I was holding my son tight. Why would I throw a baby off the balcony? That's the dumbest, stupidest story I ever heard.

I think that it's demeaning and disrespectful but I also want to make it clear it's not just about me but a pattern of disrespect that he has shown to our community. He needs to stop it and he needs to stop it now." - On Eminem's video for "Just Lose It

I have spent my entire life helping millions of children across the world. I would never harm a child. It is unfortunate that some individuals have seen fit to come forward and make a complaint that is completely false. Years ago, I settled with certain individuals because I was concerned about my family and the media scrutiny that would have ensued if I fought the matter in court. These people wanted to exploit my concern for children by threatening to destroy what I believe in and what I do. I have been a vulnerable target for those who want money.

I am always writing a potpourri of music. I want to give the world escapism through the wonder of great music and to reach the masses.

I'm a visionary and a creative person. God blessed me with certain talents. I hate to use an analogy, but Walt Disney was creative but not good with business. His brother Roy handled the books. He loved creating family-oriented entertainment and so do I. I feel that was a gift and I have that gift also. I'm very honored to have been chosen.

"When I saw him move I was mesmerized. I've never seen a performer perform like James Brown and right then and there I knew that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Success definitely brings on loneliness. People think you're lucky, that you have everything. They think you can go anywhere and do anything, but that's not the point. One hungers for the basic stuff.

My father was a management genius. But what I really wanted was a dad.

I've been in the entertainment industry since I was six-years-old ... As Charles Dickens says, 'It's been the best of times, the worst of times.' But I would not change my career ... While some have made deliberate attempts to hurt me, I take it in stride because I have a loving family, a strong faith and wonderful friends and fans who have, and continue, to support me. (2007)

[on his career] It all went by so fast, didn't it? I wish I could do it all over again, I really do.

[on refuting persistent rumors of skin surgery or bleaching] If I had a chance to talk to Michelangelo, I would ask him what inspired him to become who he is, the anatomy of his craftsmanship, not about who he dated last night or why he decided to sit out in the sun so long.

When I was 16, we were doing Las Vegas every night, and Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis Jr. would sit me and my brothers in a row and lecture us. 'Don't ever do drugs,' they told us. I never forgot it.

Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever.

You have to have that tragedy, that pain to pull from. That's what makes a clown great. You can see he's hurting behind the masquerade. He's something else externally. Charles Chaplin did that so beautifully, better than anyone. I can play off those moments, too. I've been through the fire many times.

I never had the chance to do the fun things kids do: sleepovers, parties, trick-or-treat. There was no Christmas, no holiday celebrating. So now you try to compensate for some of that loss.

My father is a much nicer person now. I think he realizes his children are everything. Without your family, you have nothing. He's a nice human being. At one time, we'd be horrified if he just showed up. We were scared to death. He turned out really well. I wish it wasn't so late.

I'm still fascinated by clouds and the sunset. I was making wishes on the rainbow yesterday. I saw the meteor shower. I made a wish every time I saw a shooting star.

I have confidence in my abilities. I have real perseverance. Nothing can stop me when I put my mind to it.

I never think about themes. I let the music create itself. I like it to be a potpourri of all kinds of sounds, all kinds of colors, something for everybody, from the farmer in Ireland to the lady who scrubs toilets in Harlem.

I've had people come to me, and after meeting me, they start crying. I say, "Why are you crying?" They say, "Because I thought you would be stuck up, but you're the nicest person." I say, "Who gave you this judgment?" They tell me they read it. I tell them, "Don't you believe what you read."

When I'm on stage, it's like a two-hour marathon. I weigh myself before and after each show, and I lose a good 10 pounds. Sweat is all over the stage. Then you get to your hotel and your adrenaline is at its zenith and you can't fall asleep. And you've got a show the next day. It's tough.

[on calling himself the 'King of Pop'] I never self-proclaimed myself to be anything. If I called up Elizabeth Taylor right now, she would tell you that she coined the phrase. She was introducing me, I think at the American Music Awards, and said in her own words - it wasn't in the script - "I'm a personal fan, and in my opinion he is the king of pop, rock and soul." Then the press started saying "King of Pop" and the fans started. This self-proclaimed garbage, I don't know who said that.

I sit in my room at home and sometimes cry. It's so hard to make friends. Sometimes I walk around the neighbourhood at night, just hoping to find someone to talk to. But I just end up coming home.

[on being asked what he thought his funeral would be like in 2002] It's going to be the greatest show on Earth. That's what I want. Fireworks and everything.

[on recording in Ireland in 2006] I've never given up on making music. Ireland has inspired me to make a great new album.

If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.

I am the captain of my ship. I take suggestions and listen to what everyone has to say, but the final decision is mine.

[On his father] He is a very jealous father. He isn't gonna show you love, but anybody that gets closer to us than him he would tell them, 'Leave my boys alone!' To tell you the truth, I never have felt close to him. He has always been like a mystery man.

I would like some way to disappear where people don't see me anymore at some point. I don't want to grow old. I never want to look in the mirror and see that.

The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work.

In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.

Where Are They Now

(November 2003) Greatest hits compilation released on 17th November 2003, entitled "Michael Jackson: Number Ones", with one new song entitled "One More Chance".

(November 2003) Arrested and charged with sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy.

(February 2005) Trial for charges including molestation and intoxication of a minor begin. Expected to last at least 6 months.

(June 2005) Acquitted on all charges in the child molestation and intoxication of a minor trial.

(September 2005) Resides in Bahrain, a Muslim country that is located on the Southern part of Persian Gulf.

(November 2006) Accepted Guinness World Record award for Greatest Album of all time, at London's Earls Court.

Kanye dates Kim..

2010-11-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

One of the few truly unique hip-hop artists to revel atop the commercial side of the industry during the early 2000s, The Few spent most of his time producing flavorful hits for Jay-Z and other top-tier rappers, yet he eventually seized the opportunity to launch his own rapping career as well. Granted, West himself wasn't a phenomenal rapper, but he had a lot going for him. For one, he was witty, coming up with off-the-wall lyrics like "She's got a light-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson/Got a dark-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson" that were smart and funny at the same time, even if they didn't employ elaborate rhyming schemes à la Rakim or street-prophet motifs à la Nas. Secondly, he had a singsong flow that made him seem like an Everyman rapper as if he were your homeboy from down the street (or perhaps you yourself), even though he was, in fact, a seasoned rapper who'd been spitting game since he first heard Run-D.M.C. way back in the day. Moreover, his beatmaking skills were peerless: a trademark pitched-up, chopped-up use of somewhat recognizable samples for his hooks, and a likewise trademark stutter-step drum-programming touch for his rhythms -- a simple yet potent combination. And lastly, because of his hitmaking credentials, he had ties to some of the top names in the industry, from Jay-Z and Ludacris to Dame Dash and Jamie Foxx all of whom helped West get his solo career off the ground with a bang. That bang happened during the opening weeks of 2004, when not one but two songs featuring him as a rapper ("Through the Wire" and "Slow Jamz") were downright ubiquitous, saturating music-video television and urban radio all the while skyrocketing to the top of the charts. Of course, West was no stranger to success, having produced hits for years, but suddenly he wasn't just an in-demand producer -- he was It, the latest in a long line of momentarily brand-new, red-hot rappers thrust into the mass-media spotlight. Yet at the same time, West wasn't your ordinary superstar rapper. Again, he was very much your Everyman rapper, relying more on his wit and his earnestness (and his own beatmaking) than the usual cocktail of sex, drugs, violence, and street dreams (though he did have a good car-accident back-story) -- all of which, of course, was refreshing circa 2004 in the wake of 50 Cent.

From out of left field (i.e., Chicago, anything but a hip-hop hotbed), West was an unlikely sensation and more than once defied adversity. Like so many others who were initially inspired by Run-D.M.C., he began as just another aspiring rapper with a boundless passion for hip-hop, albeit a rapper with a Midas touch when it came to beatmaking. And it was indeed his beatmaking skills that got his foot in the industry door. Though he did quite a bit of noteworthy production work during the late '90s, it was his work for Roc-a-Fella at the dawn of the new millennium that took his career to the next level. Alongside fellow fresh talent Just Blaze, West became one of The Roc's go-to producers, consistently delivering hot tracks to album after album. He first caught everyone's ear in 2001 when he laced Jay-Z's earth-shaking Blueprint album with "Takeover" and "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)." Both songs were enormous successes, partly so because of West's trademark beatmaking style, which was largely sample-based -- in these brilliant cases the former track appropriating snippets of the Doors' "Five to One," the latter the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back."

More high-profile productions followed, and before long word spread that West was going to release an album of his own, on which he'd rap as well as produce. Unfortunately, that album was a long time coming, pushed back and then pushed back again. It didn't help, of course, that West experienced a tragic car accident in October 2002 that almost cost him his life. He capitalized on the traumatic experience by using it as the inspiration for "Through the Wire" (and its corresponding video), which would later become the lead single for his eventually released debut album. That debut album, The College Dropout (2004), was continually delayed while West continued to churn out big hits for the likes of Talib Kweli ("Get By"), Ludacris ("Stand Up"), Jay-Z ("'03 Bonnie & Clyde"), and Alicia Keys ("You Don't Know My Name"). Then, just as "Through the Wire" was breaking big-time at the tail end of 2003, another West song caught fire, a collaboration with Twista and comedian/actor Jamie Foxxcalled "Slow Jamz" that gave the rapper/producer two simultaneously ubiquitous singles and a much-anticipated debut album. As with so many of West's songs, these two were driven by somewhat recognizable sample-based hooks -- Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire" in the case of "Through the Wire," and Luther Vandross' "A House Is Not a Home" in the case of "Slow Jamz." West earned 10 nominations for the 47th annual Grammy Awards, held in early 2005. The College Dropout won the Best Rap Album award, "Jesus Walks" won Best Rap Song, and a songwriting credit on "You Don't Know My Name" had West sharing the Best R&B Song award with Alicia Keys and Harold Lilly.

Due Date - One of the comedy movie "most watch"

2010-11-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

DUE-DATE - 2010

High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay on a road trip in order to make it to his child's birth on time.

Director: Todd Phillips

Writers: Alan R. Cohen (screenplay), Alan Freedland (screenplay), and 4 more credits »

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis and Michelle Monaghan

Kim Kardashian thinking of her future.

2010-11-15T14:14:00.000-08:00

Kim Kardashian is the ex-girlfriend of Nick Cannon, Reggie Bush and Ray J. She had intercourse on camera with the former, which is what made Kim a celebrity gossip favorite.

She stars in Keeping Up with the Kardashians. This ridiculous reality show has been on for two seasons and is centered around Kim and her attention-starved family, which includes former Olympian Bruce Jenner and an assortment of sisters with first names that begin with the letter K.

It's hard to say what makes Kim so popular, but you gotta admire how she's mastered the celebrity gossip game. Kardashian makes millions a year by simply appearing at clubs and blogging about random parties. She must love capitalism.

Kardashian had been seriously dating NFL star Reggie Bush for years. Following rumors of an engagement, the pair broke up in July 2009, only to get back together about a month later. And then break up again. She was then linked to wide receiver Miles Austin.

She appeared on season seven of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Mark Ballas... and didn't do very well. In closing, Kim and her sisters own a clothing store. It's called "Dash" and they like to pretend as though they actually play a role in its daily operations.

Kevin says- "I had a lisp"

2010-11-15T14:00:00.001-08:00

In elementary school, Kevin remembers cringing if his teacher called on him to read out loud. "I had a lisp and I stuttered," Kevin confides to M. "So I literally had to work through every single word I spoke, which was pretty hard. I did speech therapy and had a teacher who worked with me a lot. I would love to go back to her and thank her, because who would've known that in the future, I would be doing interviews all day long!"

Eminem on new road to Hip Hop..

2010-11-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was born October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He spent his early years with his mother in various Missouri towns before finally settling in the Detroit, Michigan suburbs. Young Marshall became interested in hip hop as a teen after listening to the Beastie Boys. He began performing in amateur shows at the age of 14.

Eminem signed to a recording contract in the early 1990s and released his first album Infinite in 1996. After winning the 1997 Rap Olympics, Eminem came to the attention of Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine. He was signed to a contract and began recording an album with Dr. Dre.

Eminem's 'Slim Shady' Breakthrough:

With production work from Dr. Dre, Eminem unleashed the Slim Shady LP in early 1999. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard album chart and went on to sell over five million copies in the US alone. The collection of songs met almost instant controversy over lyrical content dealing with murder, sex, and drugs. Eminem has since discussed the "Slim Shady" character as an exaggerated one that does not match the real Marshall Mathers. The single "My Name Is" became Eminem's first top 40 pop hit in the US.
Marshall Mathers:

In May 2000 Eminem released the Marshall Mathers LP titled after his own birth name. It became the fastest selling album ever by a solo artist with 1.7 million copies sold in its first week. Following the title the collection of songs are significantly more personal and introspective than those on the Slim Shady LP. The single "The Real Slim Shady" became Eminem's first top 10 pop single climbing all the way to #4. Eminem won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for the second time, and he received his first nomination or Album of the Year.
Eminem Reviews:

* "Crack a Bottle" with 50 Cent and Dr. Dre
* Recovery
* "Shake That" featuring Nate Dogg
* "When I'm Gone"

'The Eminem Show' and '8 Mile':

When The Eminem Show was released in June 2002, Eminem once again sold over a million copies in the first week of release and debuted at #1 on the album chart. It was considered a lighter album than the Marshall Mathers LP. Eminem received another Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and nomination for Album of the Year. The Eminem Show generated two top 10 pop singles.

Eminem's acting debut followed in the fall of 2002 with the release of the autobiographical film 8 Mile. The song "Lose Yourself" became Eminem's first #1 pop single and it also won the Academy Award for Best Song, the first rap recording to do so.
Eminem's 'Encore' and Hiatus:

It was two years until the next studio album Encore was released in November 2004. The new collection went straight to #1 once again. However, the album was criticized for being simplistic lyrically. The top 10 single "Just Lose It" was criticized for making fun of Michael Jackson in its accompanying video.

Throughout 2005 rumors circulated that Eminem was considering retirement. In August he cancelled a European concert tour and announced that he was entering rehab. A compilation album Curtain Call: The Hits appeared in December 2005 and included two new top 10 pop hits "When I'm Gone" and "Shake That."
Personal Issues and Headlines:

Eminem's personal life has been the subject of constant press scrutiny. He has been married twice to Kimberley Anne Scott, and their relationship has been featured in both tabloids and Eminem's own music. Eminem shares custody of his daughter with Kim, Hailie. He is also the adoptive father of a niece, Lainey, and Whitney, the child of a previous relationship.

Eminem's mother sued him for slander in 1999 over lyrics on the Slim Shady LP. He has appeared in headlines referencing ongoing problems with drug abuse. Eminem's ongoing feud with Mariah Carey has been a frequent gossip magazine topic.
'Relapse' and 'Recovery':

Eminem released his first new studio album in nearly five years when Relapse appeared in May 2009. It sold over 600,000 copies in its first week of release and opened at #1 on the album chart. The album is a response to Eminem's drug rehabilitation experiences and the return of the alter ego Slim Shady. Critical response was mixed but Eminem won another Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The single "Crack a Bottle" hit #1.

Instead of an originally planned Relapse 2, Eminem announced a new album Recovery. It was preceded by the #1 pop single "Not Afraid," and Recovery sold over 700,000 copies to hit #1 upon release.

Dwayne Johnson is the "Rock"

2010-11-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Date of Birth
2 May 1972, Hayward, California, USA

Birth Name
Dwayne Douglas Johnson

Nickname
The People's Champion
The Brahma Bull
The Great One
The Rock

Height
6' 4" (1.93 m)

Mini Biography

Dwayne Douglas Johnson was born in Hayward, California on May 2nd 1972 to Rocky Johnson and Ata Johnson. While growing up, Dwayne traveled around a lot with his parents and watched his father perform in the ring. During his high school years, Dwayne began playing football and he soon received a full scholarship from the University of Miami where he had tremendous success as a football player. In 1995, Dwayne suffered a back injury which cost him a place in the NFL. He then signed a 3 year deal with the Canadian League but left after a year to pursue a career in wrestling. He made his wrestling debut in the USWA under the name Flex Kavanah where he won the tag team championship with Brett Sawyer. In 1996, Dwayne joined the WWE and became Rocky Maivia where he joined a group known as "The Nation of Domination" and turned heel. Rocky eventually took over leadership of the "Nation" and began taking the persona of The Rock. After the "Nation" split, The Rock joined another elite group of wrestlers known as the "Corporation" and began a memorable feud with Steve Austin. Soon the Rock was kicked out of the "Corporation". He turned face and became known as "The Peoples Champion". In 2000, the Rock took time off from WWE to film his appearance in The Mummy Returns (2001). He returned in 2001 during the WCW/ECW invasion where he joined a team of WWE wrestlers at The Scorpion King (2002), a prequel to The Mummy Returns (2001). He is divorced from his first wife Dany Garcia (Garcia). They have a daughter together named Simone Alexandra, born in 2001.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Zak Hamza < mj_zak@yahoo.co.uk> / ritual < vsritual@vsritual.com>

Spouse
Dany Garcia (3 May 1997 - 19 May 2008) (divorced) 1 child

Trade Mark

Wrestling finisher: The People's Elbow

As his wrestling character The Rock, often referred to himself in the third person.

Removing elbow pad before delivering the People's Elbow.

Trademark move: Spine on the Pine (modified Spinebuster)

Trademark move: Three open handed punches, followed by a hand spitting motion, followed by a fourth punch which typically levelled the opponent.

Trademark move: Flowing DDT

Trademark move: Floatover DDT

Trademark move: Sharpshooter

Trademark move: Samoan Drop

Trademark move: Charging Double Leg Spinebuster

Finishing move: Rock Bottom

Trivia

First ever 7 time WWE World Champion.

Was the first person to ever kick out of the "Stone Cold Stunner" while fighting Stone Cold Steve Austin (Steve Austin) at Wrestlemania XV.

His favorite eyebrow trademark (not including his own) is Groucho Marx's.

Former World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champion (with Mankind (Mick Foley) in "The Rock 'n Sock Connection").

Was a member of Miami's NCAA national championship football team in 1991. Later in his career he played as Warren Sapp's backup at defensive tackle.

Received guidance and training from Bret Hart (aka "The Hitman") when he first came to the WWF.

Grandson of Peter Fanene Maivia.

Daughter with his wife, Dany Garcia, Simone Alexandra Johnson, was born in Davie, Florida. [14 August 2001]

A member of the elite group of wrestlers, such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair to hold the WWF and WCW world titles on several different occasions.

Named one of E!'s "top 20 entertainers of 2001."

He once appeared on "Martha Stewart Living" (1991) to cook one of his favorite family recipes.

Attended Freedom High School, Bethlehem, PA.

Has a wax figure likeness of himself at Madame Tussaud's museum

Wife, Dany Garcia, was 22 when they met.

Decided to attend the University of Miami because they didn't openly express interest in him

After years of dating Dany Garcia, he did not meet her parents until shortly before their wedding.

Married Dany Garcia the day after his 25th birthday.

His $5.5-million paycheck for The Scorpion King (2002) earned him a listing in the Guinness Book of World Records, as his salary was the highest for any actor receiving top billing for the first time.

No athlete who ever hosted "Saturday Night Live" (1975) has ever repeated for a second time, until The Rock did so in 2002. Technically, he was promoting a film for his second sting (The Scorpion King (2002)) but his college football, CFL and pro wrestling background makes him the show's first two-time athlete-host.

He owns the rights to name "The Rock" (including logos, phrases, etc). The rights to the name "The Rock" were previously owned by WWE, Inc. (which is the main reason why Vince McMahon has received executive producer credits in some of the Rock's films).

Once, while putting on a show for WWF road agent Pat Patterson, sold his opponent's moves so well, his then-girlfriend Dany Garcia thought he was actually hurt.

Growing up, considered what his father did, "wrestling"; he once tried amateur wrestling, and found he didn't like it.

In a 2000 episode of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" (1975), proved his acting and singing abilities by performing in various skits throughout the show.

He was offered a promotional deal with "Dunkin' Donuts", which would have seen the company name a donut after him. Thinking it would make him appear big-headed, he graciously turned the offer down.

His last match in the WWE before leaving to film The Rundown (2003) was against Bill Goldberg at the 2003 Backlash Pay-Per-View.

WWF Royal Rumble (2000) (TV) winner.

Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion (during the wCw/ECW Alliance storyline)

Accidentally smashed the tail-light of a Porsche while filming the movie Walking Tall (2004).

Is of African-Canadian and Samoan descent.

Was a team mate of Doug Flutie with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

In his first semester at the University of Miami, earned a .7 grade point average. He was majoring in criminology.

His wedding anniversary falls on the same day as Stu Hart's birthday. Stu's son, Bret Hart, would often give him tips on how to improve in his matches.

Played his own father in an episode of "That '70s Show" (1998).

Tonga Fifita, the wrestler known as Haku, was Best Man at Dwayne and Dany Garcia's wedding.

In The Rundown (2003), he tells one of the rebels that Muhammad Ali would win a match against Mike Tyson. To intimidate his opponents, his father, Rocky Johnson, would often perform the "Ali shuffle" during his wrestling matches.

While filming The Scorpion King (2002), accidentally hit Michael Clarke Duncan during a fight sequence. Duncan leaned in too far for a hit, and his chin connected with The Rock's elbow.

Is the third youngest superstar to hold the IC Championship. Jeff Hardy is the youngest at 23, and Randy Orton is the second youngest, also at 23, only a few months older than Hardy.

He weighed 290 pounds during his college football career, but reduced his weight to about 265 pounds late in his wrestling career. He has lost an addition 30 pounds recently for his part in Southland Tales (2006), some of which he since regained.

Dwayne is a skilled light tackle salt water fisherman.

Notable Title Wins Include: USWA Tag Team Titles w/Bret Sawyer; WWF Intercontinental Title; WWF/WWE Heavyweight Title (7); WWF Tag Team Titles w/Mick Foley; WWF Royal Rumble Winner; WWE Tag Team Titles w/Chris Jericho; WCW Heavyweight Title.

Son of Ata Johnson and Rocky Johnson.

Ranked #61 on VH1's 100 Hottest Hotties

WWE named their Thursday night show after one of The Rock's catchphrases, "Layeth the Smack Down" (Smackdown, in case you were wondering)

Officially proclaimed himself "The Rock" during a promo where he attacked Ron Simmons (Faarooq) in a "WWF Raw" (1997) telecast.

Sparred with, and gave guidance to, current Smackdown superstar Orlando Jordan.

He originally chose "Flex Kavana" as his stage name, because he didn't want to seem like he was trading off his family's legacy (Rocky Johnson, his father, and High Chief Peter Fanene Maivia his grandfather). Ironically, WWE officials came up with "Rocky Maivia" after they felt "Flex Kavana" wasn't exactly a great name.

When Rocky Maivia was first considering going by the name The Rock for short, he resisted because he felt it would be stealing the former nickname of WWE Hall-of-Famer Don Muraco. He was talked into it by Vince Russo.

Is good friends with actor Michael Clarke Duncan.

His cousin, Tanoai Reed, is his stunt double for many of his movies.

During a visit to Samoa in July 2004, he was anointed by Head of State Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II with the chiefly title of 'Seiuli, Son of Malietoa'.

Was listed as a potential nominee on both the 2003 and 2005 Razzie Award nominating ballots. He was suggested in the Worst Actor category on the 2003 ballot for his role in the film The Scorpion King (2002). And he was suggested again two years later in the Worst Actor category of the 2005 Razzie nominating ballot for his performance in the film _Walking Tall (2004)_. He failed to receive either nomination. The following year though, he finally got a Worst Actor Razzie Nomination for his role in the film Doom (2005).

Attended the Republican National Convention in 2004

Cousin of Solofa Fatu Jr. (Rikishi) and Rodney Anoai (Yokozuna).

As of 2008, Doom (2005) and Southland Tales (2006) are the two only R-rated films he has starred in. All of his other films have received PG-13, at the most.

While filming Be Cool (2005), he was "Punk'd" (2003) by Ashton Kutcher's crew. They set his trailer on fire, which didn't seem to faze him. It was only after Vince, one of the "Punk'd" (2003) crew, blamed the fire on him that things got really heated and they revealed the gag.

Was Tim Burton's second choice for the role of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).

Daughter: Simone Alexander Johnson (born August 14th 2001)

With his wife, donated $2 million to the University of Miami for the new Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center's living room, to be named "The Dany and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Living Room". The donation was announced at the Miami premiere of Gridiron Gang (2006).

Made his WWF television debut at the Survivor Series (1996) (TV).

[October 2006] In an interview with "Entertainment Magazine", he no longer wants to be known as "The Rock". Because of his retirement from the wrestling business, he now considers himself an actor: "I no longer am a wrestler, I am now pursuing a future as an actor and someday as a director. I am not the Rock. I am Dwayne Johnson".

Former World Tag Team Champion.

Not only was his father, Rocky Johnson, a wrestler, but his grandfather, three uncles, and six cousins (one adopted) have been in wrestling too.

Ex-brother-in-law of Hiram Garcia.

Has a fear of spiders.

In 2006, he donated $2 million for University of Miami to name new Alumni Center living room.

Has a stepbrother, Jared.

Remains close friends with WWE writer Brian Gewirtz.

Inducted his father and grandfather, Rocky Johnson and Peter Fanene Maivia into the WWE Hall of Fame on March 29th 2008.

Honored by the Congressional Award in Washington, DC on June 19, 2008 with the Horizon Award. The Horizon Award is a special recognition from the Joint Leadership of the United States Congress and the Congressional Award Board of Directors. The Horizon Award is presented to individuals from the private sectors who have contributed to expanding opportunities for all Americans through their own personal contributions, and who have set exceptional examples for young people through their successes in life.

Has expressed his desire to play a villain in a James Bond film. Dwayne's grandfather Peter Fanene Maivia appeared as a Bond villain in You Only Live Twice (1967).

Although he has lived in the United States for most of his life, he has Samoan citizenship as his mother is Samoan. He has often stated in interviews he is proud of his Samoan heritage and feels honored to be a Samoan.

Has stated that the film adaptation of Doom (2005) was a complete failure, and that the movie did a huge disservice to fans of the video game franchise.

Was contacted about appearing at the Flair farewell address the night following WrestleMania XXIV (2008) (TV) but declined due to scheduling conflicts.

Personal Quotes

Finally...The Rock...has come back to [whatever city he's in at the time]

You will go one on one with the Great One!

Who in the blue hell are you?

[Referring to his 0.7 grade point average in college] "It's pretty hard to get a point seven. You have to do close to nothing."

Can you smell what The Rock is cooking!

The Rock will take you down Know Your Role Boulevard which is on the corner of Jabroni Drive and check you directly into the Smackdown Hotel!

It doesn't matter what you think.

"I have so much love and respect for the fans. I'll never forget where I came from. I love the business. I grew up in the business. And everyone always asks me, from Letterman [David Letterman] to Stone Phillips, what I miss about wrestling. Hands down, I miss the interaction with the fans. Outside of the ring I loved it, too. I mean, how hard is it to sign an autograph? Don't be an a**hole to your fans. And there's many [in WWE] that won't, which is bulls**t. But inside the ring, just that energy and feeding off that energy is great. There's something so special about it. And every night I would just have a blueprint of what I would say and rely so much on ad-libbing and waiting to see what happens when I get out there and let it materialize organically and see what happens. Every night was a different crowd and they gave me so much energy, and I'll always love that and always miss that for sure." [Interview with WWE.com in October 2005]

Salary
Walking Tall (2004) $15,000,000
The Rundown (2003) $12,500,000
The Scorpion King (2002) $5,500,000

Where Are They Now

(July 2003) Currently filming Walking Tall (2004) in Vancouver, Canada (June 25th- September 10).

(May 2003) Beat Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania 19. Leaving for a couple months, to shoot more movies.

(January 2004) Coming back to WWE for a month then leaving in February to shoot "Be Cool" and be back for Wrestlemania.

(April 2004) Leaving WWE again for a while to promote Walking Tall (2004) and shoot Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run (2006) (VG) in June.

(February 2005) Has let his contract with WWE expire, thus, is no longer employed by them. Has turned his career to films.

(May 2005) Still on the RAW roster. Talked with Vince McMahon after WrestleMania 21, and they agreed that "The Rock" will come back when he has time.

(March 2007) Made a pre-taped guest appearance on the March 12 edition of "Monday Night Raw" to further the Vince McMahon/Donald Trump storyline.

Lindsay Jailed Again

2010-11-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

Even if he has to wait FOREVER!
Okay, maybe not forever, but he's still willing to wait until after she gets out of the Betty Ford Clinic.
Matthew Wilder, the director of the yet-to-see-the-light-of-production flick Inferno, released an official statement, claiming he had no plans to abandon Lindsay Lohan as the lead in his movie. He explained that the studio would not be" replacing her with another person" and that they're planning on starting up as soon as Lindsay is ready. He explains:
"She's good and productive and thinking about life beyond [rehab]. I think she feels a little cooped up there, but she's okay."
We bet she is great now, considering she reportedly is flat broke and will take any job she can get! Bills don't pay themselves.

But is this really the best movie for her to be doing straight out a rehab? Just saying, a nice Disney comedy might be more her speed or perhaps an uplifting romcom joint.

Angie's reality life

2010-11-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

Angelina Jolie is an Oscar-winning actress who has become popular by taking on the title role in the "Lara Croft" series of blockbuster movies. Off-screen, Jolie has become prominently involved in international charity projects, especially those involving refugees. She often appears on many "most beautiful women" lists, and she has a personal life that is avidly covered by the tabloid press.

In her earliest years, Angelina began absorbing the acting craft from her parents - her father is the Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight and her mother is Marcheline Bertrand, who had studied with Lee Strasberg. At age 11, Angelina began studying at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. She undertook some film studies at New York University and later joined the renowned Met Theatre Group in Los Angeles. At age 16, she took up a career in modeling and appeared in some music videos. Her exotic good looks may derive from her mixed ancestry which is Czech, French-Canadian, Iroquois and English.

In the mid-1990s, Jolie appeared in various small films where she got good notices, including Hackers (1995) and Foxfire (1996). Her critical acclaim increased when she played strong roles in the made-for-TV movies True Women (1997) (TV), and in George Wallace (1997) (TV) which won her a Golden Globe award and an Emmy nomination. Jolie's acclaim increased even further when she played the lead role in the HBO production Gia (1998) (TV). This was the true life story of supermodel Gia Carangi, a sensitive wild child who was both brazen and needy and who had a difficult time handling professional success and the deaths of people who were close to her. Carangi became involved with drugs and because of her needle-using habits she became, at the tender age of 26, one of the first celebrities to die of AIDS. Jolie's performance in Giaaward and another Emmy nomination, and she additionally earned a SAG Award.

Angelina got a major break in 1999 when she won a leading role in the successful feature The Bone CollectorDenzel Washington. In that same year, Jolie gave a tour de force performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999) playing opposite Winona Ryder. The movie was a true story of women who spent time in a psychiatric hospital. Jolie's role was reminiscent of Jack Nicholson's character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), the role which won Nicholson his first Oscar. Unlike "Cuckoo", "Girl" was a small film that received mixed reviews and barely made money at the box office. But when it came time to give out awards, Jolie won the triple crown -- "Girl" propelled her to win the Golden Globe, the SAG Award and the Academy Award for best leading actress in a supporting role.

With her new-found prominence, Jolie began to get in-depth attention from the press. Numerous aspects of her controversial personal life became news. At her wedding to her Hackers (1995) co-star Jonny Lee Miller, she had displayed her husband's name on the back of her shirt painted in her own blood. Jolie and Miller divorced and in 2000 she married her Pushing Tin (1999) co-star Billy Bob Thornton. Jolie had become the fifth wife of a man twenty years her senior. During her marriage to Thornton, the spouses each wore a vial of the other's blood around their necks. That marriage came apart in 2002 and ended in divorce. In addition, Jolie was estranged from her famous father, Jon Voight.
2004, Jolie began filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) with co-star Brad Pitt. The film became a major box office success. There were rumors that Pitt and Jolie had an affair while filming "Smith". Jolie insisted that because her mother had been hurt by adultery, she herself could never participate in an affair with a married man, therefore there had been no affair with Pitt at that time. Nonetheless, Pitt separated from his wife Jennifer Aniston in January 2005 and, in the months that followed, he was frequently seen in public with Jolie, apparently as a couple. Pitt's divorce was finalized later in 2005.

Jolie and Pitt announced in early 2006 that they would have a child together, and Jolie gave birth to daughter Shiloh that May. They also adopted a three-year-old Vietnamese boy named Pax. The couple continues to pursue movie and humanitarian projects. (1998) (TV) again garnered a Golden Globe (1999), starring alongside

Will Smith with his Legend.

2010-11-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

Although he initially became famous as a rapper, Will Smith went on to prove his acting talents in both television and films, eventually winning a reputation as an entertainer who could easily cross back and forth between musician and actor. In the process, he became one of the most successful entertainers--African-American or otherwise--in
the American popular consciousness of the 1990s.
A native of Philadelphia, Smith was born on September 25, 1968. The son of middle-class parents (his father owned a refrigeration company and his mother worked for the school board) and the second of four children, he earned the nickname "Prince" thanks to his ability to talk himself out of trouble. The nickname became part of his popular persona when, with fellow rapper Jeff Townes, Smith (who had been rapping since the age of twelve) formed the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Smith found fame as a rapper, producing two platinum albums and winning a Grammy for He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper.
However, by the time he was eighteen, Smith had squandered much of his fortune and was in debt to the IRS. Help came in the form of Warner Bros. executive Benny Medina, who wanted to create a TV show based on his own experiences as a poor kid living with a rich Beverly Hills family. The result was The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, a popular sitcom that gave Smith--who had turned down an MIT scholarship to pursue his career--even greater fame as the show's protagonist. During the show's six-year run, Smith began to branch out towards film work. Following roles in Where the Day Takes You (1992) and Made in America (1993), he scored critical approval as a young, gay con man pretending to be Sidney Poitier's son in Six Degrees of Separation (1993). He also scored a decent helping of controversy, thanks to remarks he made in an interview that were perceived as homophobic. Two years later, Smith found his first major commercial success alongside Martin Lawrence in the action flick Bad Boys. The following year, he topped that with a turn in the sci-fi smash Independence Day, which was one of the year's biggest moneymakers.

Extraterrestrial lifeforms proved to be a profitable subject for Smith, as he went on to make a similarly gargantuan amount of money playing a secret agent tracking down aliens with Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black (1997). The film turned out to be a lucrative enterprise for him off the screen as well, as his theme-song single also became a hit. Its success inspired him to begin rapping again, and that same year he released Big Willie Style. 1997 also brought Smith success on a more personal front, as he married actress Jada Pinkett on New Year's Eve. In 1998, the actor starred in Enemy of the State, a conspiracy thriller also starring Gene Hackman that had him on the run from government agents. The film was a commercial success, and the next year Smith starred in Wild Wild West. As the film's eponymous 19th-century lawman hero, Smith was part of a project that was widely dismissed by critics and failed to make back its high costs. However, his theme-song single provided another hit for the actor and musician.

Life Story of Justin Bieber and his Music.

2010-11-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

The new face of Pop singing "Justin Bieber", who is loved & admired by so many young fans from all around the world will have been planning to hit the big screen. Paramount Pictures has made a deal to turn Justin Bieber’s life story into a 3D feature biopic. The tittle for his flick is not yet set.

Me and My Music

The flick will be starring Justin Bieber and featuring concert footage from his current concert tour, the great director David Guggenheim is in news to direct the flick. The film will be releasing in February 11, 2011 on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Justin Bieber has lots of things in his mind, he has been thinking to write his first autobiography as well. The tittle of his autobiography book is "Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story". The book will show his journey of success and some never-before-seen photos of him. The book will be launching in October. Justin Bieber is flying high these days and recently his song " Baby" has became the highest and most watched video with nearly 247 millions views on YouTube. All the fans are very excited & eagerly waiting for the release of his book and 3D biopic movie. We would like to request our readers to please express your thoughts & feelings with us!

Real Story of Lady GaGa

2010-11-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

When Lady Gaga was a little girl, she would sing along on her mini plastic tape recorder to Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper hits and get twirled in the air in daddy’s arms to the sounds of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. The precocious child would dance around the table at fancy Upper West Side restaurants using the breadsticks as a baton. And, she would innocently greet a new babysitter in nothing but her birthday suit.
It’s no wonder that little girl from a good Italian New York family, turned into the exhibitionist, multi-talented singer-songwriter with a flair for theatrics that she is today: Lady Gaga.
“I was always an entertainer. I was a ham as a little girl and I’m a ham today,” says Lady Gaga, 23, who made a name for herself on the Lower East Side club scene with the infectious dance-pop party song “Beautiful Dirty Rich,” and wild, theatrical, and often tongue-in-cheek “shock art” performances where Gaga – who designs and makes many of her stage outfits -- would strip down to her hand-crafted hot pants and bikini top, light cans of hairspray on fire, and strike a pose as a disco ball lowered from the ceiling to the orchestral sounds of A Clockwork Orange.
“I always loved rock and pop and theater. When I discovered Queen and David Bowie is when it really came together for me and I realized I could do all three,” says Gaga, who nicked her name from Queen’s song “Radio Gaga” and who cites rock star girlfriends, Peggy Bundy, and Donatella Versace as her fashion icons. “I look at those artists as icons in art. It’s not just about the music. It’s about the performance, the attitude, the look; it’s everything. And, that is where I live as an artist and that is what I want to accomplish.”
That goal might seem lofty, but consider the artist: Gaga is the girl who at age 4 learned piano by ear. By age 13, she had written her first piano ballad. At 14, she played open mike nights at clubs such as New York’s the Bitter End by night and was teased for her quirky, eccentric style by her Convent of the Sacred Heart School (the Manhattan private school Nicky and Paris Hilton attended) classmates by day. At age 17, she became was one of 20 kids in the world to get early admission to Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Signed by her 20^th birthday and writing songs for other artists (such as the Pussycat Dolls, and has been asked to write for a series of Interscope artists) before her debut album was even released, Lady Gaga has earned the right to reach for the sky.
“My goal as an artist is to funnel a pop record to a world in a very interesting way,” says Gaga, who wrote all of her lyrics, all of her melodies, and played most of the synth work on her album, The Fame (Streamline/KonLive/Interscope). “I almost want to trick people into hanging with something that is really cool with a pop song. It’s almost like the spoonful of sugar and I’m the medicine.”
On The Fame, it’s as if Gaga took two parts dance-pop, one part electro-pop, and one part rock with a splash of disco and burlesque and generously poured it into the figurative martini glasses of the world in an effort to get everyone drunk with her Fame. “The Fame is about how anyone can feel famous,” she explains. “Pop culture is art. It doesn’t make you cool to hate pop culture, so I embraced it and you hear it all over The Fame. But, it’s a sharable fame. I want to invite you all to the party. I want people to feel a part of this lifestyle.”
The CD’s opener and first single, “Just Dance,” gets the dance floor rocking with it’s “fun, L.A., celebratory vibe.” As for the equally catchy, “Boys Boys Boys,” Gaga doesn’t mind wearing her influences on her sleeve. “I wanted to write the female version of Motley Crue’s ‘Girls Girls Girls,’ but with my own twist. I wanted to write a pop song that rockers would like.”
“Beautiful Dirty Rich” sums up her time of self-discovery, living in the Lower East Side and dabbling in drugs and the party scene. “That time, and that song, was just me trying to figure things out,” says Gaga. “Once I grabbed the reigns of my artistry, I fell in love with that more than I did with the party life.” On first listen, “Paparazzi” might come off as a love song to cameras, and in all honestly, Gaga jokes “on one level it IS about wooing the paparazzi and wanting fame. But, it’s not to be taken completely seriously. It’s about everyone’s obsession with that idea. But, it’s also about wanting a guy to love you and the struggle of whether you can have success or love or both.”
Gaga shows her passion for love songs on such softer tracks as the Queen-influenced “Brown Eyes” and the sweet kiss-off break-up song “Nothing I can Say (eh eh).” “‘Brown Eyes’ is the most vulnerable song on the album,” she explains. “‘Eh Eh’ is my simple pop song about finding someone new and breaking up with the old boyfriend.”
For the new tour for this album, fans will be treated to a more polished version of what they saw (and loved) at her critically acclaimed Lollapalooza show in August 2007 and Winter Music Conference performance in March 2008. “This new show is the couture version of my handmade downtown performance of the past few years. It’s more fine-tuned, but some of my favorite elements to my past shows – the disco balls, hot pants, sequin, and stilettos – will still be there. Just more fierce and more of a conceptual show with a vision for pop performance art.”
It’s been a while since a new pop artist has made her way in the music industry the old-fashioned/grass roots way by paying her dues with seedy club gigs and self-promotion. This is one rising pop star who hasn’t been plucked from a model casting call, born into a famous family, won a reality TV singing contest, or emerged from a teen cable TV sitcom. “I did this the way you are supposed to. I played every club in New York City and I bombed in every club and then killed it in every club and I found myself as an artist. I learned how to survive as an artist, get real, and how to fail and then figure out who I was as singer and performer. And, I worked hard.”
Gaga adds with a wink in her eye, “And, now, I’m just trying to change the world one sequin at a time.”

John Cena, a real Hero.

2010-11-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

Date of Birth

23 April 1977, West Newbury, Massachusetts, USA

Birth Name

John Felix Anthony Cena

Nickname

Prototype

Dr. of Thuganomics

The Franchise

The Marine

The Champ

Chain Gang

Super Cena

Height

6' 1" (1.85 m)

Mini Biography

John Felix Anthony Cena or better known as John Cena, the WWE superstar was born on April 23rd, 1977 in West Newbury, Massachusetts. When he was in college, he played football. He then continued on to be a bodybuilder and a limousine driver. The 6-foot-1 tall star weighs exactly at 240 pounds and is a very successful superstar in the WWE.

The Dr. of Thuganomics started training to be a wrestler at Ultimate Pro Wrestling where he also created the character, The Prototype. Cena fist appeared on WWE in a match against Kurt Angle on the 27th of June, 2002 which ended up with him losing.

In 2004, John Cena's status as a celebrity began to develop. Cena won the United States Championship from Big Show. Not too long later, Cena lost the title but he gained it back soon. Cena then lost the title again to fellow WWE superstar, Carlito. During that time, Cena apparently got stabbed in the kidney by one of Carlito's bodyguard. This resulted him to stay out of action for a month.

In 2005 and 2006 respectively, Cena has made a few controversies. He had a feud with champion John Bradshaw Layfield, manager Eric Bischoff and fellow wrestler Chris Jericho. Cena also made feuds with Edge and Umaga at that time. But even so, some friendships were formed. Cena is said to be friends with Carlito after they won a match with Jeff Hardy against Edge, Randy Orton and Johnny Nitro.

The year 2007 became a big year for Cena as he got involved in a wrestling match with Britney Spears' ex and rap star, Kevin Federline. John ended up losing that match thanks to some assistance from Umaga to Kevin Federline. Later that night, Cena took revenge by body slamming Kevin Federline backstage. The year 2007 also started pretty well for John Cena as he became the first person to defeat the Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga that year. The Chain Gang Soldier also teamed up with Shaun Michaels defeating the RKO tag team, Randy Orton and Edge. The match ended up with Cena and Michaels winning.

As of October 2007, Cena lost his WWE Championship title because of an injury. While wrestling against Mr. Kennedy, Cena tore his pectoral muscle while executing a hip toss. Eventhough he finished the match and completed the rest of the scripted event, check up the next day found out that John's pectoral major muscle was torn completely from the bone, requiring seven months to a year rehabilitation. Because of not being able to perform, WWE's CEO, Vince McMahon stripped him off the title and ended his reign.

In the year 2008, Cena made an unannounced return to action on January 27 as the final participant of the Royal Rumble match. He won the match, and the traditional WrestleMania title shot. Cena also had a match against JBL, which he defeated at Judgment Day and then at One Night Stand in a First Blood match. However, JBL defeated him at the New York City Parking Lot Brawl. In the month of August, Cena had to replaced by Rey Mysterio after it was announced Cena had suffered a herniated disk in his neck which will require surgery and he will be out of action indefinitely. According to reports, Cena underwent successive surgery to repair the herniated disk in his neck with Doctor Joseph Maroon on August 25.

Aside from wrestling, John has also made his own name in the movie business. In 2006, a WWE franchise movie titled The Marine was released with John playing the lead character, John Triton. The movie received mix reviews due to the poor storyline and discrimination to the US Marines. Even so, fans queued up to watch the movie as this was John's first big screen appearance.

The WWE wrestler also adds recording artist to his resume as he released his debut rap album "You Can't See Me" which debuted at #15 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was recorded with his cousin Tha Trademarc. The album features his entrance theme song, 'The Time Is Now' & a host of other singles performed by Cena & one the songs he performed with popular rap band Estoric & a number of other songs Cena performed with famous rapper Bumpy Knuckles. Cena is the only professional wrestler to ever perform on BBC Two's long running TV show Top of the Pops.

While still being active with WWE, Cena made a couple of guest appearances Jimmy Kimmel Live! twice to promote his album. He has also appeared on popular shows like Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Fuse's Celebrity Playlist, Fox Sports Net's The Best Damn Sports Show Period, MADtv, G4's Training Camp and two appearances on MTV's Punk'd. He also served as a co-presenter, with Hulk Hogan, at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, as a guest judge during the third week of the 2006 season of Nashville Star, and appeared at the 2007 Nickelodeon UK Kids Choice Awards 2007.

In fashion, The Champ has also made a few trademarks. Cena is often seen with knee-high denim jeans and throwback jerseys when he first started on WWE. Lately, Cena has been wearing a lot of Chain Gang merchandise. When his movie, The Marine was released, John was seen to be adding more military-inspired clothing to his outfit to promote his movie.

Cena graduated from Springfield College, Massachusetts with degrees in exercise physiology and human anatomy. He applied for 60 colleges and he got accepted by 58 of them but in the end, he chose Springfield College. He is the second eldest of five brothers and is said to be a family guy when he is not wrestling. His good friends are fellow wrestlers, John Hennigan, Batista, Randy Orton, Carlito, Jeff and Matt Hardy among whom he will have to fight with.

John Cena is definitely going to be a big inspiration to all whether in wrestling, fashion, music or even movies as his participation in the industry is already more than regular celebrity. With all he has achieved, fans can definitely expect to see more of this WWE superstar in the coming future.

Also recently he has completed his new movie 12 Rounds produced by WWE Films. This movie was said to be completed when John suffered from his injury in 2007.