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All Good Things...

2012-02-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who has supported my efforts to make a few dollars. I think it is time for me to stop this. The more people I tell about it, more people seem to be upset by it.

As you know, images were taken from the internet and I manipulated them to make them look okay on a 1920 x 1080 screen, which is currently HDTV's highest resolution. Yes, the images are of women and a few military airplanes but I believed that some of you would give me "direction" to what you would like in desktop imagery. Alas, I only got two requests and nothing else.

Though the people that seemed the most upset are the people who I expected to give me ideas for different types of images but it is easier to complain than to help these days.

I'll leave what has been done up for a week or two and then it will be gone. If you know who I am and want the collection that I have created, please contact me FB or email. I'll get them to you.

If you are wondering how much money was collected, actually the total sum from Google is 0.00. I never hit the $100 point. That's the minimum amount for a check from Google.

For those curious about how many hits, it was about 30,000.

Thanks for your help,
KT

Brooklyn Decker

2012-02-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

Find Brooklyn Decker stuff here.

Below, you will see all the faces of Brooklyn Decker in all of the desktop pictures I've posted here. I want you to notice how different she is from one photo shoot to the next and most importantly, how she looks in "candid" style photos. I hope all of you are aware that these photographs where taken by professionals and, in this case Brooklyn had whole teams of make-up people to make her look perfect within the photo. Granted, she is very photogenic and has all the right curves, so I'm sure their jobs were made easier but please, please keep in mind that most, if not all, photos for magazines, catalogs, calendars and especially advertisements are made by humans on a human canvas. And that's the analog side. When you make it digital, then a program called Photoshop comes in to play. If the Matrix is our future Internet, then Photoshop will be part of it's DNA. I urge you to watch the link videos at the end of this and all post from now... and thanks for letting me editorialize.

New "Style." More pictures, less frequent updates. Hope that's okay with you.

Brooklyn Decker was born was born on April 12, 1987 in Kettering, Ohio as Brooklyn Danielle Decker. She is 5' 9" [1.75 m] tall.

I picked Brooklyn for this post for a few of different reasons. I wanted a young lady who would be the lead female actor in an up coming movie. I chose the movie "Battleship." I have a feeling that Hasbro, the toy making company, is hoping that the movie has the same success as their "Transformers" series and perhaps we'll see more movies made from games... go ahead, make you own joke here... Another consideration was that even though she is a super-star model, she has discussed that her father got her out of some type of eating disorder because she was obsessed with how others looked compared to her. I want to stress to all the people looking at pages like this to know what is real and what is fantasy. Hopefully she will stay on that wagon and eat healthy and feel good about herself. I can see the pressures that young women and, yes men, face these days. They are being bombarded with advertisements that are pure fantasy and as proof, please take a look at the videos at the bottom of the this page. I also wanted a good example of a professional who can look like a bombshell like Sophia Loren and also look like the girl next door like Meg Ryan. Look at the photos. What other actors do you see in her? Perhaps a Jennifer Anniston?

I haven't seen much of her, no pun intended, but I hope she has a good future and will age with the grace that many famous people struggle to find. Follow her on Twitter, @BrooklynDecker, if you are into... twit reading? twit listening?

Factoids:

She is a big fan of the Dave Matthews Band.
Appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue every year from 2006-2010, appearing on the cover of the 2010 issue.
Though she was born in Kettering, Ohio, she was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Discovered in a Charlotte shopping mall when she was a teenager.
Has appeared in magazines such as Teen Vogue, FHM, Glamour and Cosmopolitan, and in campaigns for the Gap, Victoria's Secret and J.C. Penney.
She has been married to Andy Roddick since April of 2009.
Her mother Tessa is a nurse and her father Stephen is in the [medical] pacemaker industry.
Brooklyn is the distant cousin of Hollywood socialite Ben Decker.

It looks like that some of these photos came from Sports Illustrated and I also noticed that some are from Felina, a company that sells under garments. If you want to see more of Brooklyn in bikini's and lingerie, I'm sure they will be happy that you stopped by.

Find more Brooklyn Decker stuff here.

Jamie Chung

2012-02-12T12:34:00.000-05:00

Find Jamie Chung stuff here.

Jamie Chung was born on April 10, 1983 as Jamie Ji-Lynn Chung in San Francisco, California. She is 5' 6" [1.69 m] tall.

I must admit that I haven't been following Jamie's acting career but I did see her in two movies, "Sucker Punch" and "Grown Ups." Both entertaining in their own way. I think she has potential but what is potential but a blank sheet of paper?

Factoids:

She is of Korean heritage
Was working at "Tremors", a sports bar in Riverside, California, as a waitress. When MTV held auditions there, they saw her and asked her to audition.
A member of the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma
Her movie Dragonball: Evolution (2009) came out on her 26th birthday, April 10th.
She replaced Emma Stone in Sucker Punch (2011) when Emma dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.

Find more Jamie Chung stuff here.

Elisha Cuthbert

2012-02-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

I may have found a new place to post and using the top most viewed,
I will try to move images to the new home, if it is a new home.

Find Elisha Cuthbert stuff here.

Elisha Cuthbert was born on November 30, 1982 in Calgary, Albert, Canada as Elisha Ann Cthbert. She is 5' 2½" [1.59 m] tall.

Elisha is probably best known as Jack Bauer's daughter in the TV series "24" and that is the first show I've seen her in but recently I watched the movie "The Girl Next Door." It is a re-telling of an older movie called "Risky Business," but with a few changes. The movie took me by surprise in that it was a good story and a just ending. It did keep reminding me of the catch phrase from Risky Business, hence, I felt that it was a re-telling of a similar story. Elisha did an outstanding job as the girl next door but her role's occupation, which I won't divulge for those who don't know or want to know, just doesn't fit her. She looks too sweet and nice. I just couldn't see that dark side that Rebecca DeMornay showed in Risky Business. Is that good? Bad? Who knows but I think her screen time should and will go up in the future.

Factoids:

While trotting the globe as a correspondent for the award-winning series "Popular Mechanics for Kids" (1997), she caught the eye of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and was invited to Washington for a meeting with her.
Speaks French as a result of growing up in Montreal.
Dislikes flying so much that she has certain rituals she must do: like always board the plane with her right foot first.
She left Canada at the age of 17 to move to Los Angeles, California to pursue an acting career. Had a deadline of 6 weeks. By the end of the 5th week was given the role of Kimberley Bauer on Fox's "24" (2001).
She's a huge hockey fan and has season tickets to the Kings. She also writes a blog for NHL.com called 'Hollywood Hockey Thoughts'.
She has a younger brother, Jonathan, and a younger sister, Lee-Ann
Auditioned but lost the lead role to Kirsten Dunst in Spider-Man (2002).

Quotes:

I believe not giving up on doing things.
I was lucky," (in Los Angeles) "I found what I wanted to do when I was 11.
"I don't ever want to be doing the same sort of thing, I never want to be typecast, because I have way too much to give to be sort of, to always be the hot chick in the movie." (Referring to The Girl Next Door (2004)).
I definitely believe in fate. And I believe what you put in is what you get in return. That's the way it's worked for me. As for the big picture - there's some sort of plan.
"I just went with my gut feeling and thought that if I care this much about what I'm doing, then maybe there are opportunities elsewhere and I'd be stupid not to give it a try." (when asked about moving from Montreal to L.A. at 17)
With friends and family in Montreal, it's always in the back of my mind. I like going back. I miss the nightlife. It's such a great city. I've been a lot of places in the world, and I'm sure I'm biased because I grew up there, but I love it.
At the time, "Sex and the City" (1998) was in its prime and I remember thinking, "God, those girl are so lucky! They got to wear all these different outfits and I'm stuck in the same thing for ten months". (referring to the show "24")
I'm very mellow. I think if I hadn't become an actress, I would've lived the simple life. You know, get married and sit on my porch.
I'm a huge fan of video games and comic books. I'm not die-hard or anything, but I definitely appreciate the art in it, which is really cool.

Find more Elisha Cuthbert stuff here.

Elizabeth Banks

2012-02-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

Find Elizabeth Banks stuff here.

Elizabeth Banks was born on February 10, 1974 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts as Elizabeth Maresal Mitchell. She is 5' 5" [1.65 m] tall.

Don't know her? You will. You might have already seen her in many other movies in non-starring roles but she's listed 15th on IMDB in the movie "Man on a Ledge" and she is listed 3rd in "The Hunger Games." Still not sure? She's been in "The 40 Year Old Virgin" as well as a couple of the Spiderman movies. If you still aren't sure, look her up. She has her own web site here and here is her IMDB link. Great actress because she can do all the roles and do them convincingly.

Factoids:

Graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta. Was the first in her family to graduate from college.
Graduated from American Conservatory Theater's Advanced Training Program in 1998.
Enjoys fantasy football as a hobby.
Was considered for the role of Susan Storm/Invisible Girl in Fantastic Four.
Converted to Judaism after marrying her husband in 2003.
Met President George W. Bush when Seabiscuit (2003) was screened at the White House. In Oliver Stone's W. (2008/I), she plays the role of Laura Bush, the president's wife.
As a young child, she was a contestant on the Nickelodeon game show "Finders Keepers" (1987).
Graduated from Pittsfield (Massachusetts) High School in 1992.
Turned down a role in The Crazies (2010) because the role was too similar to her character in Slither (2006), and she didn't want to repeat herself.
Got the role in Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) after Rosario Dawson turned it down.
Bad Santa (2003) is her favorite holiday movie.
Has a weakness for cupcakes.

Quotes:

I really think that we do a disservice to young people in America by not being more open about sex. Abstinence programs do not work. It's a natural, physical thing having sex.
I'm pleased that Hollywood hasn't figured out how to pigeonhole me yet..."
I love physical comedy. I love Oscar Wilde, I love Shakespeare comedies, I love improv. I knew I had a knack for it at a certain level, but I came into this business as a classically trained drama student and that was my reputation. When you live in a leading lady's body, which I do, you have to constantly prove that you are funny.
Every once in a while I play a true idiot, and they're really fun to play.

Find more Elizabeth Banks stuff here.

Leslie Bibb

2012-01-31T11:55:00.000-05:00

Find Leslie Bibb stuff here.

Leslie Bibb was born on November 17, 1974 in Bismarck, North Dakota as Leslie Louise Bibb. She is 5' 9" [1.75 m] tall.

Besides being the ex-Mrs. Ricky Bobby, she has had other "side-kick" type roles. Remember Iron Man (I & II)? How about Law Abiding Citizen? Zookeeper? I hope you've seen at least one of them because my feeling is that she'll be in many more. Why? How many can do comedy, drama and action out of the gate?

Factoids:

Raised in Nelson County, Virginia
She has three older sisters
Was on her high school dance team.
She went to St. Gertrude's High School, an all girls school
Started at University of Virginia and ended up at the William Esper Acting Studio.
Has 2 Dogs named Jack and Harley
Her hobbies include hiking, biking and collecting antiques
In 1990, as a 16-year-old brunette with a southern accent, she won a model search on The Oprah Winfrey Show. As a result, she modeled in Europe and Japan, began to appear on magazine covers, and started acting in commercials and soap operas. Today she is grateful to Oprah and recently told her she would not be where she is today without her.

Quotes:

I hate being a blonde.

Find more Leslie Bibb stuff here.

Alana de la Garza

2012-01-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

Find Alana de la Garza stuff here.

Alana de la Garza was born on June 18, 1976 in Columbus, Ohio as Alana de la Garza. She is 5' 9" [1.75 m] tall.

What do you get when you mix Jill Hennessy, Carey Lowell and Angie Harmon together? You get Alana de la Garza. I believe she's been the best Assistant DA in the whole Law & Order series. If you miss her or just the show, check out Law & Order: LA. I don't think it's as good as the NY version but worth watching. I especially like how they show the geography of LA so that viewers get a sense of distance.

On a slight side note, did you know she was in "All My Children?" Her character was Rosa Santos. I don't watch AMC or any soap operas so I was surprised that she was in one. No "real" movies yet but here's hoping.

Factoids:

In 2008, became the new face of Garnier Nutritioniste cosmetics.
Her husband, Michael Roberts is a writer.
Her son, Kieran Thomas Roberts, was born September 28, 2010.
Won the "Miss Photogenic" title in the Miss El Paso Teen USA local beauty pageant.
Was a special-needs teacher.
Has degrees in physical therapy and social work from the University of Texas.

Find more Alana de la Garza stuff here.

Vanessa Williams

2012-01-25T10:21:00.000-05:00

Find Vanessa Williams stuff here.

Vanessa Williams was born on March 18, 1963 in Tarrytown, New York as Vanessa Lynn Williams. She is 5' 6" [168 m] tall.

She has her own official web site.

Yes, Vanessa is famous for having to resign from being Miss America because some idiot dug deep enough to find some ancient photos of her but she is a strong person and made it back and starred in a few movies with some pretty famous people including Mace Windu and the Terminator. Think of her as you will but I believe she is a class act.

Factoids:

Was originally cast as Jane Toussaint in Spike Lee's School Daze (1988), but was replaced by Tisha Campbell-Martin due to artistic differences.
Parents, Milton & Helen Williams, were both music teachers.
In 1981, she won a musical theatre scholarship to Syracuse University. However, she eventually lost those funds. That led to her entry in the Miss America pageant.
Grew up in Millwood, New York, USA
As a Junior at Syracuse University, she was crowned Miss America in the fall of 1983 and dropped out to fulfill her contractual duties, but she eventually earned her Bachelor's degree from the Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts on May 10, 2008.
Has four children Melanie, Jillian, Devin and Sasha.
Was the first black contestant in the hot seat on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
Attended Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York.
Sang the National Anthem at Arnold Schwarzenegger's inauguration as Governor of California.
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 19 March 2007.
Turned down the role in Monster's Ball (2001), which later went to Halle Berry.

Personal Quote:

I throw myself into my work. It's exhausting. It's time-consuming. I feel guilty for not being with my kids all the time, But then when I'm home with my children and devoting my life to my kids, in the back of my mind I'm wondering whether I'll ever get employed again. So there's a constant battle of doing what fuels me and what I do best. And also, being there for my kids.

Find more Vanessa Williams stuff here.

Kari Byron : Ni-ban

2012-01-18T11:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, the first sequel! As you no doubt noticed on the list on the right that Kari is in first place "by views." That only gives you a small part of the picture. Notice that second place is (as I type this) is Cheryl Tiegs. Kari beating out Cheryl is worthy news in it's self but the real news is that she is beating her by over 1,000 and the lead is growing. This tells me two things. Many people like Kari and two, many people are really into Mythbusting or Headrushing. Hence, I give you the first sequel, Kari Byron.

Find Kari Byron stuff here, okay, it's still more Mythbusters stuff.

Kari Byron was born on December 18, 1974 as Kari Elizabeth Bryon in California. She is 5'5½" [1.66 m] tall.

As she should, she has a web site here. Here are the links to her shows, Head Rush and Mythbusters.

Factoids:

She studied film and sculpture at San Francisco State University.
After graduation, she had a career as an artist, working in sculpture and painting and holding exhibitions at some of San Francisco's leading galleries.
Graduated from Los Gatos (California) High School and San Francisco State University.
Beginning early in November, 1998, after college graduation, she took a year-long trip around the world with friend Dawn Gilbert. First visiting the Cook Islands, she then went to Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Malaysia, Thailand, Tokyo, Nepal and India by March 1999. At that point, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and then Europe remained on her plans.
Is a vegetarian.
Was once a face-painting clown.
Once helped resuscitate a dying duck during a myth on Mythbusters which went wrong.
Has a daughter, Stella Ruby, born on June 28, 2009.

Personal Quotes

Remarking on the topless Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia: "This must be where the beautiful people go."
A visit with a Balinese girl and her family "left me with an uneasiness I couldn't cure. I felt guilty and sad - Komang's family lived in a two-room shack with no doors - because I have a full stomach in every sense. Lesson learned. Life appreciated in a new way."
I have grown quite fond of firearms. I have always been an anti-gun liberal, but the rush you get from an M134D Gatling gun with 30 caliber bullets firing at 3,000 rounds per minute is unbelievable. (Source: Geek Monthly, January 2008, p. 35)
[at conclusion of Mythbusters "Do pretty girls fart?" experiment]: Can I take the microphone out of my butt now?

Find Kari Byron stuff here, okay, it's still more Mythbusters stuff.

Ann Margret

2012-01-13T13:34:00.001-05:00

Find Ann Margret stuff here.

Ann Margret was born on April 28th 1941 in Valsjöbyn, Jämtland Iän, Sweden as Ann-Margret Olsson. She is 5' 3½" [1.61 m] tall.

Ann has her own official site here. I don't think I can say enough about Ann and her career here but just two things. See the movie Magic with her and Sir Anthony Hopkins if you like scary movies and did you know she is a recording artist too!

Factoids:

Survived a dramatic 22-foot fall from a stage in a Lake Tahoe, NV, concert. She broke an arm, suffered five fractures of five facial bones including a smashed cheekbone, and a brain concussion. 10 weeks later to the day, she was back on stage in Las Vegas.
Was a cheerleader at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. Other New Trier graduates include Ralph Bellamy, Charlton Heston, Rock Hudson, Hugh O'Brien, Bruce Dern, Penelope Milford, Virginia Madsen and Liz Phair.
Attended Northwestern University.
She formed a lifelong bond of friendship with Elvis Presley in their first pairing in Viva Las Vegas (1964). It was kept alive by Elvis' habit of sending a bouquet of flowers to all of her stage-show appearances, until he died in 1977. She reveals her romance with Elvis in her autobiography.
She suffered three broken ribs and a fractured shoulder when she was thrown off a motorcycle she was driving in rural Minnesota.
Discovered by actor/comedian George Burns when he heard her sing in a campus musical at Northwestern University and hired her to be a part of his Las Vegas act.
Appeared on the cartoon show "The Flintstones" (1960) as "Ann-Margrock".
Speaks Swedish fluently.
She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She was initiated in the Tau chapter in 1960.
Rode a 500cc Triumph T100C Tiger motorcycle in The Swinger (1966) and the same model fitted with a non-standard electric starter in her stage show. A keen motorcyclist, she was featured in Triumph Motorcycles' official advertisements in the '60s.
Toured Vietnam with the USO during the Vietnam war.
She had two Billboard Club Play charting hits.: in 1979 with "Love Rush," which climbed to #8, and in 1980 with "Midnight Message," that peaked at #12.
Was first choice to play Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy (1962).
Is not a natural redhead. That was Sydney Guilaroff's idea. The legendary hairdresser was also responsible for turning Lucille Ball into a redhead.
Both films for which she was Oscar nominated, Carnal Knowledge (1971) and Tommy (1975)), also co-starred Jack Nicholson.
Wrote her autobiography when she heard that an unauthorized biography was in the works and wanted to beat the unauthorized biography to press.
Turned down the leading roles in Cat Ballou (1965) and Bonnie and Clyde (1967) for better-paying but lower-quality films.
Ann-Margret and George Burns (who discovered her) were both Oscar nominees in 1975 (respectively for Tommy (1975) and The Sunshine Boys (1975/I). Mr. Burns won but not Ann-Margret.
Combining her previous work in Viva Las Vegas (1964) with Elvis Presley and guest starring on "The Flintstones" (1960) as Ann-Margrock, she sang the title song in the Flintstones live action movie prequel The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000).

Personal Quotes:

The critics had an image of me, and they wouldn't accept any other...I was a cartoon character. A joke.
I was very flattered by the sex-kitten thing because I never thought of myself as that.

Find more Ann Margret stuff here.

Alicia Silverstone

2012-01-06T12:56:00.000-05:00

I'm back to posting but it won't be as often as it was before. It is actually taking a toll, MS wise, so enjoy while I can do this kind of stuff.

Alicia has her own web site which you can find here.

Find Alicia Silverstone stuff here.

Alicia was born on October 4, 1976 as Alicia Silverstone in San Francisco, California. She is 5' 5" [1.65 m] tall.

I saw Alicia in a movie called "Clueless." I went into that movie thinking that it was going to be "another teen movie." I was totally wrong, well, not totally. She does a great job acting the part and the story was not what I expected. If you haven't seen it, watch it when you have some free time. I think she could have continued that character style she played but ended up doing bad movies. She has the talent that we don't have. I wish they would get her into more TV and movie roles.

Factoids:

Refuses to appear nude in any of her movies. She requires a body double in her place for nude scenes. Also, when starring in the stage version of "The Graduate," she insisted on wearing underwear for the famous nude-scene. The producers were forced to let her do this because, otherwise, she would have resigned from the show.
Was offered the role of Valerie Malone, on "Beverly Hills, 90210" (1990). Since it was the beginning of her career, Alicia turned it down, and Tiffani Thiessen got the role instead. [1994]
Is a vegan.
Parents are Scottish and English, her mother was born in Scotland but raised in England and her father was born in England.
First commercial was for Domino's Pizza.
Became legally emancipated at 15 in order to work the hours required for the shooting schedule of The Crush (1993)
Was turned down for the lead in My Father the Hero (1994). They said she was too heavy for the part. The role went to Katherine Heigl.
Attended San Mateo High School in San Mateo, California. She was a cheerleader.
The Plain English Campaign awarded her the annual Foot in Mouth Award in 2000 for her 'baffling verbal statement', "I think that Clueless (1995) was very deep. I think it was deep in the way that it was very light. I think lightness has to come from a very deep place if it is true lightness".
She is an animal rights activist. During the filming of Clueless (1995), she adopted a raggedy old mutt, whom she found wandering the streets of Los Angeles. She named him "Samson," and kept him on the set.
In answer to the question 'Is it true that you like to do gardening naked?' in the UK's 'Radio Times' magazine (22.5.04) she said, 'Yes, that is something that I enjoy doing. I don't know how you know about that but it's ... not untrue. It's just that if it's really hot and you're in LA, and you happen to be doing some gardening -- your clothes come off. I also like to swim naked and trampoline naked and do all those kind of things'.
Went to William H. Crocker Middle School in Hillsborough, California.
Got a surprise grab-and-smooch by Jim Carrey at the 1997 MTV Movie Awards when she presented the Best Comedic Performance award to Carrey. Carrey apologized to her backstage after realizing that she felt very humiliated.
Was Bat Mitzvahed at Temple Beth Jacob in Redwood City, California.
Speaks French fluently.
Is widely credited for popularizing navel piercing due to her prominent role in the Aerosmith music video, "Cryin", where her rebellious character gets her navel pierced. The piercing shown in the video did happen on set.
Is good friends with Alanis Morissette.

Personal Quotes

"I don't feel like a dream girl, but I think it's really nice. I guess a part of me wishes I got that sort of attention in my real life. Because in my real life, I'm this weird, dorky girl who just hangs out with her dog."
"I hate people to call me 'that Aerosmith chick!'"
I think that Clueless (1995) was very deep. I think it was deep in the way that it was very light. I think lightness has to come from a very deep place if it's true lightness.
"My boyfriend calls me 'princess', but I think of myself more along the lines of 'monkey' and 'retard'".
Some days I wake up and think 'what's wrong' and I'd realize it's nothing other than waking up in a not so great a mood. Generally I feel good though. I go to yoga, I feel great. I love to wake up on Sundays - just hang out with the dogs.
"My parents taught me about other cultures. I spent time in Africa, Cuba, Europe, Jamaica, the Amazon and that was nothing to do with work."
"To be put in a position at 15 where people are saying how sexy you are is really awkward, so I did all I could to try and diffuse that. It's only now that I've started to feel like I've become a lady."
"I'm not obsessed with being in the public eye. It's not my job to impress people - I'm really just a working actress and I like to pick projects and do things that really inspire me."
"I think people that genuinely do good are great people. And I don't think, "Oh, there must be something wrong with them". I think that there's something wrong with the people who aren't doing good."
Everything you do in the name of the environment not only saves your health, it saves your soul.

Find more Alicia Silverstone stuff here.

Helen Mirren

2011-11-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hopefully I'm on the downhill side of my project.

I'll do my best to keep up a once a day post.

Helen has her own site. It is here. Go visit!

Find Helen Mirren stuff here.

Helen was born on July 26, 1945 in Chiswick, London, England, UK as Ilyena Lydia Vasilievna Mironoff (Wow, did not know that. -ed.). She is 5' 4" [1.63 m] tall.

There is not enough space for me to tell you about Helen Mirren. I'll just say this, using some of the slang we used to use… "At the age of 66, she's still a looker."

Factoids:

Daughter of Vasily Mironoff and Kathleen Rogers.
Her grandfather Piotr Vasilievich Mironoff was a Tsarist (White Russian) aristocrat who was in London negotiating an arms deal during World War I when the 1917 Russian Revolution stranded him there. His wife and son (Helen's father) joined him in London. (Wow. -ed.)
Used to work in Southend on Sea; Essex; UK at an amusement park "The Kursaal" as a "blagger" to attract customers on to rides. (I would have been one. -ed.)
She was awarded the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to drama.
John Boorman said he cast her opposite Nicol Williamson in Excalibur (1981), against both of their protests, because he felt their dislike of each other made them perfect as rivals Morgana and Merlin.
Nominated for Best Actress, Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for her performance of "Orpheus Descending" at the Donmar Warehouse. [2001]
Nominated for Best Actress, Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for her performance in "Mourning Becomes Electra" at the Royal National Theatre: Lyttelton Stage. [2004]
Nominated for Best Actress, Tony Award for "Dance of Death" by August Strindberg. [2002]
Despite her Russian birth name and ancestry, she does not speak Russian, but is fluent in French.
Her great-great-great-great-grandfather was field-marshal Kamensky, one of the Russian heroes of the Napoleonic wars.
She is the only actress to play both Queen Elizabeth I (in "Elizabeth I" (2005)) and Queen Elizabeth II (The Queen (2006)).
At the premiere of The Queen (2006) at the Venice Film Festival, her performance received a 5 minute standing ovation.
Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 2004.
Played a Queen a total of six times: The Queen (2006), "Elizabeth I" (2005), The Prince of Egypt (1998), The Snow Queen (1995), The Madness of King George (1994), and Caligula (1979).
Became the third person, after Sigourney Weaver and Joan Plowright, to win two Golden Globes for acting in the same year. The characters she played were both Queens of England, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II.
She dedicated her BAFTA win for The Queen (2006) (for Best Actress in a Leading Role) to Ian Richardson for playing a huge part in her success story. She said (in her acceptance speech) that Richardson was very supportive towards her when she started out acting, and without him she may not have been so successful. She dedicated this award two days after Richardson died. [2007]
Nominated for Best Actress, Tony Award for "A Month in the Country" by Ivan Turgenev. [1995]
She won an Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006), making her the most recent of 12 actors to win the Award for playing a real person who was still alive at the evening of the Award ceremony (as of 2007).
Won Film Achievement, Greatest Britons. [2007]
Won 29 major awards for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006), including all the awards that are considered the biggest (except Cannes). She was also nominated for 3 more awards for the same film.
Is one of eight actresses to have won the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Critics' Choice Award, Golden Globe Award and SAG Award.
Has a tattoo of a star on her left hand, acquired at a Native American reservation in Minnesota.
Met husband-to-be Taylor Hackford when he directed her in White Nights (1985). When the couple married in the Scottish Highlands, Hackford was dressed in a traditional Scottish tartan kilt.
According to an article in People Weekly (November 3, 1980) her tattoo is an American Indian symbol meaning "equal but opposite".
Nominated for the 2002 Tony Award (New York City) for Actress in a Drama for "Dance of Death".
Was in consideration for the part of Sarah/Anna in The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) but Meryl Streep, who went on to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her performance, was cast instead.
Plays Prospero (now Prospera) in The Tempest (2010/11), and Hobson in Arthur (2011). Both roles were originally written for a man, and had in fact previously been played by John Gielgud. Both films also cast her opposite Russell Brand.
Placed her hand and footprint in cement in front of Graumann Chinese theatre on March 28, 2011.

Quotes:

The trick in life is learning how to deal with it.
[About the Academy Awards] It's the creme-de-la-creme of bulls**t.
Actors are rogues and vagabonds. Or they ought to be. I can't stand it when they behave like solicitors from Penge." "I'm a would-be rebel. The good girl who'd like to be a bad one.
All you have to do is to look like crap on film and everyone thinks you're a brilliant actress. Actually, all you've done is look like crap.
Flesh sells. People don't want to see pictures of churches. They want to see naked bodies
[on becoming Dame Helen Mirren in 2003] In England, it's a big deal. I do feel it's a great honor. But I had to think about it quite seriously for a couple of weeks. It does sort of squash you into the establishment thing. In the end, my baser feelings got the better of me. I succumbed to pride.
[In 2006] Being me right now is sort of amazing.
[Part of her BAFTA acceptance speech, BAFTA Film Awards, 2007] This is great. What an honor, especially to be nominated - just to be nominated - amongst those incredible powerhouse performances this year from women. - I applaud them. I think they were absolutely fantastic. Write more roles for us like that please.
[on Ian Richardson, BAFTA Film Awards, 2007] Many years ago, when I started off as an actress, I had the immense good fortune to work with an actor that was so generous at sharing his craft - He became a mentor to me, he helped me believe in myself. Ian Richardson, I'm not too sure I would be here today if it wasn't for you.
[on her role in National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)] I get half-drowned, jump across an abyss and fly. I loved every minute of it. Getting attached to wires and flying was the most glorious feeling. It's a lot easier than acting!
[on the participation of celebrities in social movements] I've been involved with Oxfam on the proliferation of the illegal sale of small arms throughout the world, which is causing such, such devastation. The only way you can sometimes garner attention is by sending someone like me as a front person.
There's nothing sexy about doing a nude scene. It's rather uncomfortable. I like dressing up rather than dressing down.
I was never going to be anyone's mum or grandmother. But I can dig that beautiful earth-mother thing, feeding the masses. I'm thinking of Nigella Lawson. Does she have children? She does. Do you know what I mean? She's sort of gorgeously fertile. That's sexy.
I actually won my first Golden Globe for something called Losing Chase (1996) (TV). Kyra Sedgwick and me fell in love with each other, and it was a lovely piece about women loving women. In my heart of hearts I love women more than I love men. I mean sexuality aside - I'm heterosexual. I guess I'm heterosexual. I loved my friend I had at college because there was a sense of camaraderie and physical closeness that doesn't have to be sexual.
[on asking to be interviewed by male rather than female journalists]: ...I prefer male journalists because there's a streak of female journalism - the bitches - who are mean-spirited and nasty because you are another woman and want to make you feel crap. It's very upsetting. I'm more careful when I'm being interviewed by a woman because, from experience as well as reading articles about other women, I know there is a little stiletto knife hidden behind the back.
No, I am not confrontational at all. I met a great guy, then another great guy, and had a series of fantastic relationships with nice men. [And that healed me.] Until that point I was thinking men were horrible; they were boring, boorish, vulgar, selfish and arrogant. Then I met a guy who was funny and lovely to me and I loved him. That was Ken, my first boyfriend (Sadly, it was not me. -ed). I learnt from wonderful men, wonderful relationships. They gave me support, made me feel good and made me laugh. Now I think men are absolutely great.
My poshed-over voice was learnt and assimilated. I was an Essex girl.
You can't ask people: "Did you cast me in this because I won an Oscar?" They'd always deny it: "No! No! We would've had you anyway!" Liars!
I didn't cry when I got my Oscar [for The Queen (2006)], but I cried then [when applauded by baggage handlers at Heathrow Airport]. I had my Oscar in my bag, so I got it out. I was shameless, but they loved it.
[on going to the Oscars] Oh, it's such a palaver! It's like a day's work. You have to decide what you're going to wear. You put on your costume. You do your performance. It's exhausting. And if you win, everyone wants a piece of you. Of course, it's the mother ship of all ceremonies. And it's a fantastic, wonderful, carnival that you just can't resist. You jump aboard the roundabout, get whizzed round until you're vaguely nauseous and stagger off happily at the end, back to reality.
[on filming Red (2010/I)] I should be going to the gym now but I just don't want to do it. I don't do anything like that regularly at all. But because I'm filming, I should.
[on performing in television versus onstage] Theatre is more tiring, demanding, more frightening, everything. Film, you have to get up early in the morning, and I hate that. Both are powerful mediums. But the great thing about theatre is you do material you don't normally do on film. And you're the editor of your performance onstage.

In the movies below, Helen plays a Ex-spy who is an expert marksman, Morgana, the Sorceress and the Queen of England... how's that for a range of characters?

Find more Helen Mirren stuff here.

Jennifer Aniston

2011-11-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

I'm feel like I'm on the "back 9" on the project I've been working on,

so hope fully I can get back to 8 images per day again.

Find Jennifer Aniston stuff here.

Jennifer was born on February 11, 1969 in Sherman Oaks, California as Jennifer Joanna Aniston. She is 5' 4½" [1.64 m] tall.

At one point in her career she was probably the best known "Jennifer" out there and she caught Brad's eye first before Angelina snag him. Not sure on the gossip about all that but it was much less hoopla than I expected. She kept her composure throughout that mess and came out looking better, in my opinion for it.

I did have thought for a screen play were Brad, Angelina and Jennifer play themselves and Matthew McCaunghey plays Dirk Pitt, a literary fictional character but and plays the fictional character of Brad's family, like a brother. Jennifer, still mad about the whole Brangelina affair, makes up a plausible story about a treasure that interest Brad and asks his brother, the treasure hunter Dirk to help him find it. Of course Angelina joins in the hunt and Jennifer has a whole lot of fun sending them on red herrings to the fake treasure but the twist is that the plausible treasure that Jennifer made up, is a real treasure and now Jennifer wants to get to it before they do.

What do you think? I thought it would be fun like an "Oceans 11" kind of thing. I know it would draw men and women to a movie like that, don't you think?

Factoids:

While hosting "Saturday Night Live" (1975) in 1999, she did a skit satirizing boyfriend Brad Pitt's stalker, aspiring actress Athena Marie Rolando. Pitt was promoting Fight Club (1999) at the time.
Daughter of actors John Aniston and Nancy Dow.
Raised in Greece and New York City.
The late Telly Savalas was her godfather.
When she was 11, a painting she had done was displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Attended Fiorello La Guardia School of Music, Art & Performing Arts, New York City. Also known as the "Fame" School.
Suffered minor injuries in auto accident in Los Angeles. [January 15, 2002]
She offered to be Matthew Perry's personal trainer in a bid to help him lose weight. [2002]
Won award: International Star of Stars - The Scorpio Multimedia Cable TV Awards. [2002]
Long-time friend of actress Andrea Bendewald (US Actor -ed.). They both attended Manhattan's High School for the Performing Arts. Bendewald was maid of honor at Aniston's wedding and Aniston was matron of honor at Bendewald's wedding.
Her older half-brother, John T. Melick, worked as 2nd assistant director for the award winning Thirteen (2003), starring Holly Hunter.
Was a schoolmate of Chaz Bono.
Often plays a waitress - her characters in "Friends" (1994), Office Space (1999), The Iron Giant (1999) and Along Came Polly (2004) were all waitresses.
At one point in 2003, was filming "Friends" (1994), Bruce Almighty (2003), and Along Came Polly (2004) simultaneously.
Has a fear of flying.
Stepdaughter of Sherry Rooney.
Had worked as a telemarketer, bike messenger and waitress before making it as an actor.
Her middle name, Joanna, was her father John Aniston's mother's name.
Though she's half Greek, she does not like Greek food, but loves Mexican. She and Brad Pitt used to eat Mexican food and drink margaritas three times a week. She is also not fond of Chinese, Indian or and other spicy foods.
Was known as a class clown in high school.
Godmother of Courteney Cox and David Arquette's daughter, Coco.
She and "Friends" (1994) co-star Lisa Kudrow both auditioned to be regular cast members of "Saturday Night Live" (1975) prior to their success on "Friends" (1994).
Invented "The Rachel", a famous hairstyle in the '90s, which was copied by a lot of women and drew much attention to her.
Has a younger half-brother, Alexander.
Appeared in Heineken TV commercial frequently aired before UEFA Champions League (in Europe).
Behind the scenes of "Friends" (1994), Aniston was very close friends with co-star Matthew Perry.
Met ex-husband Brad Pitt on a blind date.
Best friend of Courteney Cox.
Was originally slated to play Mariane in A Mighty Heart (2007).
Good friends with Andrea Buchanan. They both directed the short film, Room 10 (2006).
Has two dogs, Norman and Dolly.
Said that yoga helped her to recover from her divorce.
Her niece was born in 1998.
Her birth name is Jennifer Aniston, not Jennifer Anastasakis. Her father John Aniston had changed the spelling of his last name to Aniston from Anastasakis before his marriage to Nancy Dow, and the last name that appears on Jennifer's birth certificate is Aniston.
Granddaughter of Yaya Joanna Aniston, Gordon McLean Dow and Louise Grieco Dow.
One of 115 people invited to join AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences -ed.) in 2007.
Noted that she was inspired to direct Room 10 (2006) by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who directed a short film in 2006.
She started to train in karate, encouraged by her best friend, Courteney Cox Arquette, who holds a brown belt in the sport.
Is of Greek (father's side) and Italian and Scottish (mother's side) descent.
Good friend of Catherine Keener and Jason Bateman, since 1995.
Good friends with Adam Sandler.
Her hand and footprints are in Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Quotes:

When somebody follows you 20 blocks to the pharmacy, where they watch you buy toilet paper, you know your life has changed.
It's impossible to satisfy everyone, and I suggest we all stop trying.
I always say, "Don't make plans, make options."
If we can say, "I loved, and I received a lot of love," then great. That's enough.
I've learned that you can get through things that hurt. Nothing will kill you. Nothing. People are unbelievable. We have such resilience.
The most unconditional love that you can encounter is with a dog. They're excited the minute you come home, and they show the same amount of excitement everyday. They're loyal and they're always, always faithful.

Find more Jennifer Aniston stuff here.

Lena Headley

2011-11-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

Going to be slim picken's for a while.

I'm actually working on a "real" project, so might miss a day or two if I get in a jam.
Bear with me… thanks everyone!

Find Lena Headey stuff here.

Lena was born on October 3, 1973 in Bermuda, UK as Lena Headey. She is 5'5½" [1.66 m] tall.

You've noticed something about the people I use for the images the last few times. I've been picking them, so I thought, randomly. I guess I've been picking them from my subconscious. No, not because they play roles of "kick-ass" women, though, that is part of the appeal to me anyway. You know or at least get the feeling that they can take care of themselves when push came to shove. And, I mean this sincerely, they are like my that way. Whether they need to kick some teeth in or just survive, they keep on going. Oh, did you figure out what my subconscious is picking? It's picking vegetarians. I'm not one and none in my family are but for some reason these actors are vegetarians. Go figure.

Factoids:

Had a tattoo on her arm saying 'Jason' in Thai. (an early boyfriend way back in 1994. -ed.)
Born in Bermuda, and move to Huddersfield, Yorkshire at age 5 where she lived until age 17.
Her father, a police officer, was sent to train in Bermuda shortly before Headey was born.
Lena has a son named Wylie Elliot Loughran.
Friends with actress Anna Torv as well as Piper Perabo.
She is a vegetarian.
She practices yoga but also boxing.

Quotes

We've all had that moment where you look into someone's eyes and there's some kind of recognition there, whether you act on it or not.
Shooting guns is not something I would do in my spare time. I really don't understand why Americans can purchase guns so easily and why they use them for sporting purposes. (Oh those crazy Brits. -ed.)

Find more Lena Headey stuff here.

Michelle Rodriguez

2011-11-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

Going to be slim picken's for a while.
I'm actually working on a "real" project, so might miss a day or two if I get in a jam.
Bear with me… thanks everyone!

Michelle has an official web site... go visit!

Find Michelle Rodriguez stuff here.

Michelle was born on July 12, 1978 in San Antonio, Texas as Mayte Michelle Rodriguez. She is 5' 4" [1.63 m] tall.

Michelle is know for portraying the "tough" chick in films like "Avatar," "Battle: LA" and "Resident Evil." But there is a softer side to her... okay, so I imagine there is a softer side to her and if you look on the web for images of her, you can see she can dress like a "girly-girl." Heck, you can get posters of her looking, umm, well, hot... you know, right? but make no mistake, she can look soft but she don't throw like a girl. I'll take her into a "situation" any day, actor or not.

Factoids:

Was raised in Texas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and in Jersey City.
Is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent.
She beat out 350 other girls for the role of Diana Guzman in Girlfight (2000).
Girlfight (2000) was her first acting audition, and she got the role. The Fast and the Furious (2001) was her second audition, and she also got that role.
Is an avid in-line skater.
Didn't have a driver's license before filming The Fast and the Furious (2001) and had to obtain one during her training for the car chase sequences.
Plays the piano.
Has two half-sisters on her father's side.
Has two older twin brothers named Raul and Omar.
Dropped out of high school at 17, but later obtained a G.E.D. equivalency certificate.
She was the original choice for the title role in Æon Flux (2005).
When interviewed to join the cast of "Lost" (2004) as a tough LAPD cop, she insisted that she would only sign on for one year because she is a "nomadic spirit". The producers came up with a story line and sold the idea of the short contract to the network.
Is often seen singing karaoke alongside Lindsay Lohan, Bo Barrett, Emile Hirsch, and Nicole Richie at Beverly Hills hot spot "Guys" .
Has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Was considered for the part of Christine Thayer in Crash (2004/I).
Is a vegetarian.

Quotes

I think empathy is a beautiful thing. I think that's the power of film though. We have one of the most powerful, one of the greatest communicative tools known to man. It's a form of communication and it's gonna reach you in a way of growth- most of the time.
I don't want people thinking of me sexually. I don't want people to be like, 'She's hot-looking,' you know? I want them to listen to me for what I am saying. And I think the best way to do that is to sniff my armpits, and like, sit and burp every now and then. It just completely throws people off. I had a couple of offers to do some hot scenes in the shower with some guy and to make it real hot and sexy. The next thing you know, I'd be the next J.Lo or something. But that's easy. I want [success] the hard way.
My favorite part of my body is my brain. I think no matter what my body looks like I won't be satisfied unless I know how to use it.
I don't think it's narcissistic at all to love yourself and believe in yourself. I think some people are really scared to do that. I have to. If I don't, I would not succeed in what I do.
No matter what, people are so narrow minded that it won't ever be Michelle Rodriguez the actress, it will always be Michelle Rodriguez the Latin actress. And it's just something that I have to live with, because of the fact that people need labels to understand things. I can't even get into this ignorance that I'm dealing with. So I just ignore it, you know? Ignore the ignorance.
[on why she always plays the "tough girl"]: Well, could you really imagine me playing the girlfriend that needs rescuing? Or the girlfriend?
You can keep knocking me down forever, I'll keep getting up and trying.

Find more Michelle Rodriguez stuff here.

Salma Hayek

2011-11-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

Going to be slim picken's for a while. I'm actually working on a "real" project, so might miss a day or two if I get in a jam. Bear with me… thanks everyone!

Find Salma Hayek stuff here.

Salma was born on September 2, 1966 in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico as Salma Valgarma Hayek-Jimènez. She is 5' 2" [1.57 m] tall.

I'm on a roll with the International thing, so, Salma is keeping it going. I think the first time I saw her on the big screen was the movie "Desperado," though at the time I did not know I was viewing a soon to be superstar… Okay, I give it to you that she might not be a superstar to you, but after "Frida," which I did not see, she was nominated for a bunch of awards, including an Oscar for leading female actor. Besides all that, I think her best role was being Serendipity in "Dogma." She's also done a voice in the movie, "Puss in Boots" another desperado movie with Antonio Banderas if you think about it.

Factoids:

Is dyslexic.
Frequently collaborates with Antonio Banderas and Robert Rodriguez, and is godmother to Rodriguez's children.
Is of Spanish and Lebanese descent, and fluent in Arabic, Spanish, Portugese and English.
Was originally considered for the part of Alicia Larde in A Beautiful Mind (2001) because the character in real life is from El Salvador. But the character for the film was later changed to American and given to Jennifer Connelly.
Salma is an Arabic name that means "peace" or "calm".
She was sent to a boarding school in Louisiana at age 12, but was soon sent back home after getting in trouble for frequently terrorizing the nuns!
Father was born in Lebanon and came to Mexico to start a small business where he met her mother.
Studied international relations and drama at college in Mexico City.
Won Best Newcomer at the 1989 Novela Awards for "Un nuevo amanecer" (1988).
Has her own production company, Ventanarosa.
Is the second Latin American actress to be nominated for the Best Actress in a Leading Role Academy Award, for her performance in Frida (2002). Brazilian veteran Fernanda Montenegro was the first, for Central Station (1998).
Good friends with Penélope Cruz, Ashley Judd and Valeria Golino.
Member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005
Played a (mythological creature disguised as a) stripper twice: in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and in Dogma (1999) (A Vampire and a Muse respectively).
Visited Guatemala from 2 May 2005 to 5 May 2005 as ambassador to Youth/AIDS, to promote the prevention of the mortal disease. Ashley Judd and Colombian pop singer Juanes also came with her.
As the announcer for the Oscars 2007, she was able to announce best friend Penélope Cruz' nominations for Best Actress for Volver (2006/I).
Diagnosed with diabetes while pregnant (July 2007).
In 2009, musician Prince included a song on his CD "Lotus Flow3r/MPLSound" that is about Salma Hayek. The song shares the same name as her daughter, Valentina.
Returned to work five months after giving birth to her daughter Valentina in order to begin filming Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009).

Quotes:

I keep waiting to meet a man who has more balls than I do.
I act tall!" "But look how short I am...I can't even act to be tall. I'm five-two. I can't even create the illusion that I am tall!
"I don't believe in the so-called Latino explosion when it comes to movies. Jennifer Lopez doesn't have an accent. She grew up in New York speaking English not Spanish. Her success is very important because she represents a different culture, but it doesn't help me. I grew up in Mexico, not the US, and the fact is that there just aren't any parts for Latin actresses. I have to persuade people that my accent won't be a problem, but an asset. Everyone's afraid of doing something a bit risky. Everyone wants a $200 million hit and anything they think might get in the way of that kind of success is considered a liability".
What worries me the most is that most men are so weak. Because of that they act like they don't care and like machos - because they are too fragile inside. They're scared of confrontation and afraid of so many things. And because of this they build up their life so they have to deal with their feelings as little as possible. I find feminine men unbelievably sexy. But most men are completely incapable of getting in touch with their feminine side. What am I supposed to talk about with a man who doesn't know what it's like to be a woman?
At the beginning [my career] was hard. People were like, 'Who is this Mexican jumping bean?'
"In my twenties I was offered lots of parts where there wasn't much to do but act sexy. I still get offered those roles - but now I take it as a compliment." Woman's World (7-11-06)
"If I go on a diet and work out, I'm always in a bad mood. I'd rather be a little heavier but nice." -quoted in Woman's Day 8-15-06 issue
In my world, you have to be so beautiful, so skinny, so rich, so famous and I don't believe you really have to be any of those things. You simply have to be who you are. I do have thighs and a butt. I have cellulite. Don't be too impressed with me. Don't try to dress like me or wear your hair like mine. Find your own style. Don't spend your savings trying to be someone else. You're not more important, smarter, or prettier because you wear a designer dress. I get them free and I'm too lazy to go out and look for my own. I, a rich girl from Mexico, came here with designer clothes. And one day, when I was starving in an apartment in Los Angeles, I looked at my Chanel blouses and said, 'If only I could pay the rent with one of these.'
If a man lets all of my dogs sleep in the bed with us, then that is the most romantic thing. You must love my dogs in order to love me. A man who is nice to my animals and doesn't shoo them away - well, that's the height of romance.
It sounds trite to go after men who are nice but when you've been hurt a lot it becomes appealing.
[on being pregnant] You are like a swollen whale and never looked worse in your life. And somebody goes, 'You're glowing.' They don't have the courage to tell you how bad you look.

Find more Salma Hayek stuff here.

Yifei Liu

2011-11-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

Going to be slim picken's for a while. I'm actually working on a "real" project, so might miss a day or two if I get in a jam. Bear with me… thanks everyone!

Yifei, or called XiXi by her mother (closest pronunciation might be Gigi, correct me on this if I'm wrong. -ed.) was born on August 25, 1987 in Wuhan, Hubei, China as An Feng. She changed her name after her parents divorced to Liu Ximeizi. In 2002 she began an acting career and began to be known as Liu Yifei. (In the Oriental way, the last name comes first and first name comes last, so you may see her listed as "Liu Yifei." Her last name or family name in the "Western" style is Liu. -ed.) She is 5' 7" [1.70 m] tall.

Just trying to keep an International thing going with a Chinese born actress. You might have seen her in a movie called "The Forbidden Kingdom" with Jet Li and Jackie Chang. Though born in China, she moved to New York City and then moved back to China!

Factoids:

Favorite actress: Audrey Hepburn and Vivian Leigh.
Her song "Mayonaka no Doa" as recorded by Sony Music appeared on television as one of the ending themes to "Demashita! Powerpuff Girls Z".

(Sorry for such a short list of Factoids. If you have any to add, let me know. -ed.)

Carrie Ann Moss

2011-11-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

Going to be slim picken's for a while.
I'm actually working on a "real" project, so might miss a day or two if I get in a jam.
Bear with me… thanks everyone!

Find Carrie Ann Moss stuff here.

Q: What do Yvonne Strahovski and Carrie-Anne Moss have in common? (Answer at the bottom of this page.)

Carrie-Anne was born on August 21, 1967 in Vancouver, British Columbia as Carrie-Anne Moss.
She is 5' 8½" [1.74 m] tall.

I only have one word. Trinity.

(...but only the first one. Talk about a train wreck with 2 & 3.)

Factoids:

Her husband, Steven Roy, is an actor.
Was a character in a television show also named "Matrix" (1993).
Has starred with each of the three main actors from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) in separate films: Hugo Weaving in The Matrix (1999), Guy Pearce in Memento (2000) and Terence Stamp in Red Planet (2000).
Recommended Joe Pantoliano for Memento (2000)
Was named after The Hollies' 1967 song "Carrie Anne", which was on the charts when she was born.
Appeared in three movies with Joe Pantoliano within the space of two years: The Matrix (1999), New Blood (2000) and Memento (2000).
Favourite drink is coffee (lots of cream, but no sugar).
Best friend is actress Maria Bello.
She's godmother of Maria Bello's son Jack
Maria Bello is the godmother of her first son, Owen
Toured Europe with her high school choir.
Has been good friends with Jada Pinkett Smith since the filming of The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003).
Graduated from Magee Secondary School in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
Graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts 1988.
Is a vegan.

Quotes:

After The Matrix, I cannot wear sunglasses. As soon as I put them on, people recognize me.
I wouldn't play another character like Trinity out of respect to her and respect to the film. I don't want to be the leather-clad, kicking-butt girl with another name. It would be like cheating on Trinity.

Find more Carrie Ann Moss stuff here.

Q: What do Yvonne Strahovski and Carrie-Anne Moss have in common?
A: They both worked on the video game "Mass Effect 2."

Yvonne Strahovski

2011-11-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

Going to be slim picken's for a while. I'm actually working on a "real" project, so might miss a day or two if I get in a jam. Bear with me… thanks everyone!

Find Yvonne Strahovski stuff here.

Yvonne was born on July 30. 1982 in Sydney, Australia as Yvonne Strzechowski (Stra-hov-ski, like how she spells it now). She is 5' 9¼" [1.76 m] tall (Hey, Yvonne, do you really need the ¼ on your height? You make me feel short already without it!).

I first saw Yvonne on the TV show called "Chuck." It has been on the radar of cancellation for all the years that it has been on air. 2011-2012 is the last season… officially. It's too bad because it was one of those shows that geeks like me loved… a smart guy who went to a great university, gets a rotten job and still ends with a hot girlfriend who doesn't mind dressing up as Leia Organa for Holloween (see bonus image below).

She was in a movie called "Killer Elite" and "Canyon" but haven't seen either. I'll finish "Chuck" before I hear her speak with her real accent for now.

Factoids:

Sent in her audition tape for the show "Chuck" (2007) in the United States while in the states doing an audition for two other shows (see special features of disk 3 of "Chuck" (2007) Season 1 "Chuck's World". She sent in an audition tape while waiting to hear from the other two jobs. She was contacted by the producers of "Chuck" (2007) the next day to come in to "run lines" with Zachary Levi A.K.A. Chuck Bartowski/Charles Carmichael. The chemistry was undeniable and the producers of "Chuck" (2007) called her back a week later letting her know she got the job. Six months later, she moved to the United States and was cast as the leading lady on "Chuck" (2007) three days later.
Was a straight-A student in school.
Had a nose ring for five years and says that the hole is still visible from close-up.
Is of Polish descent and speak Polish fluently.
After her acting success, mother and father moved to the United States to be near her. Yvonne's remaining relatives reside in Poland.
Yvonne's last name, Strahovski, is the phonetic spelling of how to pronounce her actual last name, Strzechowski.

Find more Yvonne Strahovski stuff here.

Olivia Wilde

2011-11-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

Find Olivia Wilde stuff here.

Olivia was born on March 10, 1984 in New York, New York (sorry, can't find a burrough) as Olivia Jane Cockburn. She is 5' 7½" [1.71 m] tall.

Those of you who are sic-fi geeks like me would know Olivia from "Cowboys and Aliens" and "Tron: Legacy" but if you are into science-like television, like me, you would know Olivia as "13" on the once formerly good TV show "House." Now the show is called "House, M.D." and it stinks, not only because this show and so many other shows has become a soap-opera but also because Olivia is no longer in the cast. Perhaps Fox News is starting to influence Fox TV, but I digress...

Olivia seems to be able to somehow become the age of the character she is playing. For some reason, she just looks ageless… well, to me anyway. Doing the math, as of today (11/8/11) she is 27 years old but I guarantee you that she can play 18 or 35 without make-up. Any younger would be almost unbelievable unless they ugly her up a bit with acne & other teenage angst and any older she would have to have more wrinkles.

Her next/current movie is a must see for sic-fiers, "In Time" but she has two in the can (done, no more filming), one in post (final touches) and three in pre (preparing to film). She is a busy young lady and hopefully she will be for a long time.

Factoids:

Daughter of Andrew Cockburn and Leslie Cockburn.
Attended Georgetown Day School in Washington, DC, through 8th grade.
Attended Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland.
Spent one month on the set of The Girl Next Door (2004) before being asked to join the cast.
Raised in Washington, DC.
Graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.
Has a dog named Paco.
Won Best Actress at HBO's US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, 2006 for her role in Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas (2006).
Has dual citizenship between Ireland and the United States. (I alway have to answer this question about dual citizenship. The United States does not recognize another country's citizenship if you are a citizen of the United States. In other words, if you're American, you're American and nothing else from the point of view of the United States... under oath, you renounced other countries if you were naturalized. Other countries, however, will recognize other citizenships, so, Ireland must recognize U.S. citizenship and Irish citizenship, hence, from the Irish government's point of view, you have dual citizenship. -ed., who is a naturalized U.S. citizen)
Once won a pancake eating contest while in Australia.
Is a natural blond. (I thought the other way around, didn't you? -ed.)
Is a vegan.
Is Irish-American.
Was rumored to play the lead Bond girl in Bond 23. (I can see that. -ed.)
Replaced Kate Hudson in "Butter."
A lifelong lover of classic cars, the actress owns a 1958 Chevy Biscayne and a 1959 Thunderbird Convertible. Once owned a 1966 Lincoln Continental with suicide doors. (We used to own one of those Lincolns too. -ed.)
Adopted her professional name "Wilde" after she developed a profound respect and admiration for Irish poet and writer Oscar Wilde and his body of literature.
Has an older sister named Chloe, and a younger brother named Charlie.
Mick Jagger was once her parents' dinner guest at their Washington D.C. home, and she had an impromptu brownie-eating contest with Chris Farley when, at age 10, she visited the set of "Saturday Night Live" (1975).
Her well-connected journalist parents once helped her get a casting office job in Los Angeles, hoping the experience would dissuade her from taking up acting.
Her paternal grandmother, Jean Ross, was the inspiration for Christopher Isherwood's character "Sally Bowles", portrayed on film in "I Am a Camera" (1955) by Julie Harris, and "Cabaret" (1972) by Liza Minnelli.

Quotes

(In the interview Wilde at Heart to Sara Vilkomerson to The New York Observer on April 15 2007) When people saw "The Black Donnellys" (2007), they didn't know it was the same girl from "The O.C." (2003). I'm a natural blonde, but I feel like a brunette. I feel like people treat me now how I should be treated. People used to be shocked, when I was blond, that I wasn't stupid. I used to get these comments that I swear people thought were compliments. Like, 'Oh! You're smart!' - like they couldn't believe it.
Trying to find this industry's tendency to celebrate the physical is a waste of time. So I'm happy to play the game. But I am also thirsty for input. I'm not a dunce whose only skill is knowing how to take a photograph, you know? And at the end of the day I think it makes me slightly less replaceable.
[on TRON: Legacy (2010)] It was an effort to get into that suit, but if I was a real astronaut I wouldn't expect that to be easy either. It's all part of the process, it's a challenge and that is what creates the rewards.
I wanted to be on "Saturday Night Live" (1975) as a cast member. So I went to my mom at ten years old and said, 'This is what I want.' And she said, 'Great, well, you're going to have to go to Second City and you're going to have to audition.' And she took me seriously. And I think that's what always kind of helped propel me and take myself seriously is that I had supportive parents that were in no way pressuring me to do anything. But if I declared that I wanted something, they took me seriously. And that is often what it takes when you decide to be an artist. (I hope my son says something like this when he's rich and famous. -ed.)

Find more Olivia Wilde stuff here.

Michelle Monaghan

2011-11-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

Find Michelle Monaghan stuff here.

Michelle was born on March 23, 1976 in Winthrop, Iowa as Michelle Lynn Monaghan. She is 5' 7" [1.70 m] tall.

The amazing thing about Michelle is that you have probably seen her in a movie or on TV and never noticed her. I think she is that good of an actor. She does her character so well, you believe that she's just playing herself. She's beautiful but in the sense that she's on your level, hence, you don't remember her name but probably her character's name, if that. Here are a couple of examples… She was the fiancé to Ethan (Tom Cruise) in "MI:3." She was the wife of Peter (Robert Downy Jr.) in "Due Date." She was also in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Supremmacy" and don't forget "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." There are few more you might have seen and missed Michelle.

If you aren't one of those people who didn't miss her and started noticing her name, I know it wasn't a surprise to you when she started to get the leading roles like in "Eagle Eye" and "Source Code." No worries that she will have a long career.

Factoids:

Grew up in the small town of Winthrop, near Cedar Rapids in northeast Iowa.
Studied journalism at Chicago's Columbia College.
She had scenes deleted from Constantine (2005) and Syriana (2005).
Moved to New York in 1999.
Is married to Australian graphic designer.
Has two older brothers.
In Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), she plays an actress who did a commercial for a beer called Genaro's. In Gone Baby Gone (2007) she plays a character named Angie Gennaro.
She has a daughter, Willow Katherine White.
Returned to work seven months after giving birth to her daughter Willow in order to begin filming Somewhere (2010).
Holds a "Class A" driver's license permitting her to legally drive an 18-wheeler truck. Monaghan merited this permit while preparing for her role in Trucker (2008).
She is a cancer survivor. (skin cancer)

Quotes:

"You don't grow up in a town of 700 thinking you're going to be an actress. I loved doing [school] plays, but it was just something to keep me busy."
"I don't really look like I do in any of my films."

Find more Michelle Monaghan stuff here.

Grace Park

2011-11-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

Find Grace Park stuff here.

Grace was born on March 14, 1974 in Los Angeles, California as Jee Un Park. She is 5' 9" [1.75 m] tall.

I think her first major role was the TV remake of "Battlestar Galactica." She played the character of "Boomer," which was played by a guy in the older version and the name "Boomer" became a call-sign instead of a given name, so, he can be a she. Apparently, she started her career as a model, though I've never seen her before I started to watch "Battlstar Galactica." Hope she lands a movie role soon because the remake of "Hawaii Five - O" stank.

Also, I have a little gripe against the Internet denizens. Note the following images: None of them are Grace Park.

In order, they are Linda Park, Ming Na Wen and Lucy Liu. So, get it straight Internet people!

Here is Grace Park!

Factoids:

Started out as a model.
Loves extreme sports and travelling.
Spoke English in the family home, knows a little French (being raised and educated in Canada).
After graduating from college, wanted to try acting for only a year, but ended up getting a teen show called "Edgemont" (2000) right away.
Born in Los Angeles, but moved to Canada at 22 months. Considers herself a Canadian native, but always a Korean first.
Has starred in two remakes of earlier shows, "Battlestar Galactica" (2004) ("Battlestar Galactica" (1978)) and "Hawaii Five-0" (2010) ("Hawaii Five-O" (1968)). Both of her characters, Boomer and Kono respectively, were originally male.

Quotes:

[on what's next for her character Sharon on "Battlestar Galactica" (2004)] It's funny because I was on the plane with [producer Ronald D. Moore] on the way here, and I was like, "What do you see for my character?" And he was kind of lost, and I was like, "It's kind of funny because I'm sort of lost. I was sort of looking at my character to maybe give me some ideas." And he's like, "So the responsibility lies on me to help shape your life?" I'm like, "Yeah, pretty much!" Then he's like, "Well, I was drawing on the actress". And I'm like, "Oh, so you're looking to me to provide you with a storyline?"
[on playing two characters on "Battlestar Galactica" (2004)] There was a lot of pressure that I felt, especially since the second episode was very heavy on the two characters right away. And I remember the director was reiterating some of the points of the show. And I was sitting there thinking, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, but why are you saying these things?" Because they're obvious points. Then I realized in that moment she was making sure that she had the points right, and then I knew the safety net was gone. And then I thought that was very scary at that point.
[on fanfiction] I get really confused. I didn't know what that really was. I was like, "I don't remember reading this script anywhere!"
[on fan art] I just saw a montage that they put together to music, and it was the whole Tyrol and Boomer storyline. And it was all these clips that they put together, and someone sent it to me for my interest. And I watched the thing, and by the end, I was all moved. I was like, "I want them to be together!" [laughs] "They're so great!" Then I was like, "But if I think about it, that was doomed."

Find more Grace Park stuff here.

Diane Kruger

2011-11-05T03:00:00.000-04:00

Find Diane Kruger stuff here.

Diane was born on July 15, 1976 in Algermissen, Lower Saxony, West Germany as Diane Heidkrüger.

She is 5' 7" [1.70 m] tall.

She's not a house hold name yet but I think she has a great chance. She's been in a Tarantino movie, "Inglorious Bastards" and in a popular adventure movie, "National Treasure," the first and the sequel (I'm sure they'll be another) and she's been in a epic history film, "Troy." (Or should it be historical fiction but Troy really existed, so who knows if the story in the movie is any where accurate.) All three movies are fun to watch, though make sure you notice the ratings on some of them. Even though she was born in Germany, she does quite well with an American accent. There is no way you would have guessed that she was born in Germany after her performances in the "National Treasure" movies. Can't wait for "Special Forces to come out. Looks very exciting.

Here's a trailer:

Unfortunately, I don't see a U.S. release for it. If you want to fly to France, it opened on November 2nd, last Wednesday. Take me with you if you go!

Factoids:

Was a finalist in Elite's 1992 Look Of The Year competition at age 15.
Had to gain 15 lbs for Troy (2004) because director Wolfgang Petersen wanted her to appear rounder. She has since lost the weight.
She has a younger brother, Stefan.
Modeled under her birth name, Diane Heidkrüger, in the mid to late-1990s.
Originally a ballet dancer, but quit dancing due to an injury at the age of 18.
Trained at the Cours Florent and won the Classe Libre award for best actor in her year.
Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2005 Razzie Award nominating ballot. She was suggested in the Worst Supporting Actress category for her performance in the film Troy (2004), however, she failed to receive a nomination.
Started her dancing career in the Royal Ballet in London.
Is an active supporter of UNICEF.
Learned Latin in school for eight years.
She is fluent in English, French and German.
Learned Russian for The Tiger Brigades (2006).
Lived three weeks in a mental hospital to shoot Frankie (2005). She is the only actress in that film, all patients are real.
She always dubs herself in three languages
First German to become host (maitresse de cérèmonie) at the Cannes Film Festival (2007).
Daughter of Maria-Theresia, a bank employee, and Hans-Heinrich, a printer.
Member of the jury at the 58th Berlin Film Festival in 2008.

Quotes

With Wolfgang Petersen, we were always the only two ready at time and the first on the set during the filming of Troy (2004). The German rigour without a doubt.
It was something strange for me, to kiss Orlando. I was so embarassed! It is not as fun as people think to shoot love scenes. You feel vulnerable, and there are about 100 people looking at you.
I'm a little bit worried about this sudden success. I am quite independent and I'm afraid that this privilege could escape from me.
Sometimes it takes courage and experience to allow yourself to actually go there, and it's the most liberating thing to let go. I do think that's why I love acting - you're right, it's being someone that you're not. And sometimes you're really scared of it, and then once you let yourself go there, it's the best thing ever.
[on her quitting modeling] I thought "f*ck everyone" and moved back to Paris, called my agent and said I didn't want to model any more, which they couldn't believe because I was 22 and doing very well. But I left it and went to drama school, and I'm so happy I did.

Find more Diane Kruger stuff here.

Catherine Zeta Jones

2011-11-04T03:00:00.000-04:00

Find Catherine Zeta Jones stuff here.

Catherine was born on September 25, 1969 in Swansea, Wales, UK as Catherine Zeta Jones. She is 5' 6½" [1.69 m] tall.

Back a few years ago I was surprised to find out that she was of Welsh decent. I always assumed that she was hispanic due to her complexion. Talk about judging a book by it's cover! I was an entire ocean off!

I think the first movie I saw her in was in Entrapment with Sean Connery. Good movie and the "young lady going through the laser beam trap" was the enticement of that movie and it was the first time it was done, as far as I know. Everyone else is a copy. I thought she did a great job in Oceans 12, though the story was a little too much. You have to watch it a few times before you finally "get it." Glad I waited for the DVD on that one.

And Michael Douglas is one... you know what. He is 25 years older than Catherine. If you have a daughter, just think about that one... but Michael must bring something to the game. Catherine is no dummy.

Factoids:

Is a trained singer and dancer.
Her father was the manager of a candy factory.
Has a son, Dylan Michael Douglas and daughter Carys Zeta Douglas
Named after her grandmothers: Catherine Fair on her mother's side, and Zeta Jones on her fathers.
Catherine and husband Michael Douglas share the same birthday, 25 years apart. He was born 25 September 1944; she was born 25 September 1969.
Daughter-in-law of Kirk Douglas and Diana Douglas.
Stepmother of Cameron Douglas.
Sister-in-law of Joel Douglas, Peter Douglas and the late Eric Douglas.
Her character in Traffic (2000) was changed to a pregnant woman, because Zeta-Jones herself was pregnant at the time with her son, Dylan.
Mother is Irish, father is Welsh.
She portrayed Palene, the beautiful Thracian prophetess and woman of Spartacus, in Jeff Wayne's 1992 musical version of "Spartacus." The role of Spartacus was played by her future father-in-law, Kirk Douglas, in Stanley Kubrick's motion picture Spartacus (1960).
Had a traditional Welsh choir sing at her wedding.
Her wedding ring includes a Celtic motif and was bought in a Welsh town called Aberystwyth.
As a child, she was exposed to a virus that gave her breathing difficulties. This required a tracheotomy surgery, which ultimately left a surgical scar on her neck.
Is an avid fan of musicals, particularly the ones she saw as a child: Mary Poppins (1964) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968).
On December 11, 2003 she was a hostess with her husband Michael Douglas at the 2003 annual Nobel Peace Price Concert in Oslo Spectrum in Oslo, Norway.
Was born in Swansea but grew up in the small seaside town of Mumbles in Wales.
Her friend, singer Bonnie Tyler, sang at her wedding. Both Zeta-Jones and Tyler come from the same region of Wales.
In addition to Michael Douglas, she also shares a birthday with Will Smith, Heather Locklear, Barbara Walters, Michael Madsen and the late Christopher Reeve.
Was considered for the role of Jane Smith in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005).
Was originally approached to play "Roxie" in Chicago (2002), but wanted to play Velma Kelly because of the song "All That Jazz". Renée Zellweger ended up winning the role of Roxie.
Was in consideration for the part of Satine in Moulin Rouge! (2001) but Nicole Kidman, who went on to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her performance, was cast instead.
Was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen's 2010 Birthday Honours List for her services to drama.
Won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 2010 for her portrayal of Desiree in A Little Night Music.
Admitted herself into Silver Hills Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut on April 6, 2011 for a five-day treatment of her Bipolar II Disorder before leaving the hospital on April 11, 2011.
Signed a pre-nuptial agreement whereby she will receive $3,000,000 for every year of marriage if her husband cheats on her. (Michael would be crazy to stray. -ed.)
Met her husband at Deville's Film Festival in September 1998, while she was promoting her upcoming film 'The Mask of Zorro'.
Acquired her first actor's guild card at the age of 15.
Before moving to LA, she had a house in Fulham, London.
Her birth name is Catherine Jones, but she took her grandmother's name (on her father's side) because there were many others Catherine Jones, especially in her school class.
Fluent in Welsh, French, English and Spanish.
Attended Dumbarton House School in Swansea.
Likes listening to soul music. Is a big fan of Gladys Knight. She also likes Elvis Presley and Van Morrison. Every Sunday morning for 15 years, her father woke her up to Elvis Presley singing "American Trilogy" or Van Morrison's "Moondance".

Quotes:

I used to go around looking as frumpy as possible because it was inconceivable you could be attractive as well as be smart. It wasn't until I started being myself, the way I like to turn out to meet people, that I started to get any work.
I like women who look like women. I hated grunge. No one's more feminist than me, but you don't have to look as if you don't give a - you know. You can be smart, bright, and attractive aesthetically to others - and to yourself.
In Wales it's brilliant. I go to the pub and see everybody who I went to school with. And everybody goes "So what you doing now?" And I go, "Oh, I'm doing a film with Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins". And they go, "Ooh, good". And that's it.
After Scottish actor Sean Connery presented her with the Oscar: A Scotsman giving a Welsh girl an Oscar - oh my God!.
After The Mask of Zorro (1998), people spoke Spanish to me for ages. I'm Welsh but that movie instantly gave me a new ethnicity.
[On her duel/strip scene from The Mask of Zorro (1998)]: I kept thinking 'Thank God I have long hair in this movie'.
This film (Mask of Zorro) holds a lot of meaning to me, both professionally and personally. I actually met my husband when I was promoting the film in Deauville, France, and it was such an amazing time for me, being completely unknown, really, in America or in Mexico, where I shot the first one. It's a very important film for me and it's very close to my heart.
"Did I want this role? That's like saying did I want to wake up in the morning wanting to breath!" on landing the part of Velma Kelly in Chicago.
I do think I'm lucky I met Michael. Not just Michael Douglas the actor and producer with two Oscars on the shelf, but Michael Douglas, the love of my life. I really do think it was meant to happen.
I like to feel sexy. I know my husband thinks I'm sexy. I think he is too. But I don't go out half-naked with 'sex' written across my back.
Yes, I was in love with my husband at first sight and still am. We have the most solid relationship.
I'm more insecure than I ever let anyone know, sometimes you protect yourself with this kind of armor that people see more than they see you.
I was a chorus girl. That's all I ever wanted - to be onstage. I would queue up for auditions and then change my costume or put on a different leotard and audition again. It might take me two tries, but I always got the job. I figured out what they wanted.
[on being awarded the CBE in June 2010] As a British subject, I feel incredibly proud, at the same time it is overwhelming and humbling. And my mum and dad are delighted beyond belief.
I didn't even think about movies where I came from. I wanted to be on the stage. When I was 10, I did Annie in the West End. I did Bugsy Malone when I was 11 and 12. And then at 16, David Merrick saw me in 42nd Street. I took over the lead and he cast me. I was there for two and a half years. Right now, these young kids are going crazy. I never had that because I had a work ethic. I had to turn up and be there six nights a week.

Find more Catherine Zeta Jones stuff here.

Amy Adams

2011-11-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

Find Amy Adams stuff here.

The soon-to-be Louis Lane was born on August 20, 1974 in Vicenza, Veneto, Italy as Amy Lou Adams. (Her father was stationed in Italy.) She is 5' 4" [1.63 m] tall.

Savior of Ricky Bobby. Enough said.

Factoids:

Alumnus of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Minnesota. Appeared there in many productions including "Brigadoon" and "Good News".
Has six sisters and brothers.
Natural hair color is Strawberry Blonde.
Though born in Italy but raised in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Born at the U.S. military base located in Aviano, Italy but spent part of her childhood in the US military base located in Vicenza, Italy.
Invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2006.
Attended, and graduated from, Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Sang in the school choir at Douglas County High School.
Is a trained dancer.
Once worked at The Gap, a clothing store chain.
Has made two movies back-to-back starring Meryl Streep: Doubt (2008/I) and Julie & Julia (2009). In the latter she has no scenes with Streep.
During a red carpet interview at the 81st Academy Awards, she claimed to suffer from extreme stage fright and claustrophobia.
Has a lot of hot sauce in her kitchen. Loves raw onions, garlic and garlic press.
Enjoys singing karaoke. (It's pronounced Ka, as in Cat, La as in tra-la-la, O, as in Okay, Ke as in Kent. There is no Japanese sound for L or R but they are combined. It is not pronounced Carry-Okie. -ed.)
Ha a daughter Aviana Olea Le Gallo.
Her performance as Ashley Johnsten in Junebug (2005) was named the 6th best performance of the decade in Paste Magazine's 25 Best Movie Performances of the Decade.
Was one month pregnant with her daughter Aviana when she completed filming on The Fighter (2010).
Was in consideration for the part of Dagny Taggart in Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011) after Charlize Theron dropped out of the project, but Taylor Schilling was cast instead.
Was in attendance at the wedding of her Sunshine Cleaning (2008) co-star and best friend Emily Blunt to John Krasinski (10 July 2010).
Returned to work three months after giving birth to her daughter Aviana in order to begin filming On the Road (2012).
Her favorite films include Gone with the Wind (1939), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Paulie (1998), Vertigo (1958) and The Shawshank Redemption (1994).
Appeared in one episode of the TV series, "Smallville" (2001), which is about the early life of Clark Kent before he became Superman.

Quotes:

I have worked with some of the meanest people in the world. You can't do anything to intimidate me.
I think that I've always been attracted to characters who are positive and come from a very innocent place. I think there's a lot of room for discovery in these characters and that's something I always have fun playing.
Thirty was a big deal for me. It was the age where I reevaluated everything - how I approached life and how I thought about myself. When I look at my 20s, or when I look at any period in my life, I think about how much time I've wasted trying to find the right man. It's like, if I could go back and do it again, I would have taken guitar lessons or something. I would have put my energy into something that paid off in the end, instead of trying to improve myself for men. Oh, the time and the energy, trying to impress somebody who was actually a big jerk, you know? But the truth is, once you have a great man in your life, it allows you - or at least for me - to look at yourself and grow as an individual. And gosh, if I had known I was going to find this, my 20s would have been completely different.
I was a hostess at Hooters, and that was sort of fun. I was 17, and then when I was 18, I waited [tables] for about a month. I wasn't cut out to be a waitress, and I certainly wasn't cut out to be a Hooters waitress. That was a short-lived ambition. Everyone would agree, if they could see me, Hooters isn't necessarily the best way to describe me.

Find more Amy Adams stuff here.