Celebrity
AGTA Confirms the 2017 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Celebrity Talent for Winning Collection Photo Shoot
Published
9 years agoon
DALLAS, (FNN NEWS) — The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is thrilled to announce that Garcelle Beauvais and Tricia Helfer have been confirmed to headline the 2017 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ collection photo shoot. Taking place in Los Angeles, California in August, this industry-unique event follows the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition, North America’s premier colored gemstone and cultured pearl jewelry design competition. “The stars are definitely coming out to take part in this amazing photo shoot. These talented women will beautifully showcase this year’s winning designer jewelry pieces,” stated AGTA CEO, Douglas K. Hucker. This year’s photo shoot will be shot by renowned photographer, Andrew Macpherson, and will be produced and styled by fashion expert, Tod Hallman of THPFashion, Inc.
Named one of PEOPLE Magazine’s highly-coveted 50 Most Beautiful in 2014, Haitian-born model Garcelle Beauvais, transitioned to acting in the Aaron Spelling series “Models, Inc,” and continues to expand her horizons in film and television with several high-profile current projects. Garcelle was also seen as the host of “Window Warriors,” a store front skill-based design reality series on GSN, and has also completed filming her latest film project “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” The wildly anticipated addition to the super-hero series will be release July of 2017. In addition, Garcelle also served as host on Fox’s daytime talk-show, HOLLYWOOD TODAY LIVE.

A seasoned actress, Garcelle Beauvais recently starred in the upcoming indie film, “A Girl Like Grace,” from executive producer Dan Garcia. “A Girl Like Grace,” is a coming of age story about a young girl Grace from a small town discovering her purpose in this world. Garcelle plays Lisa, her alcoholic single mother lost in her youth trying to live a caviar life on a spam budget at the expense of her daughter. “A Girl like Grace,” released in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Ohio, D.C. and Los Angeles in December 2016.
She has been inspired by motherhood to write a children’s book series entitled ‘I AM,’ addressing identity issues relevant to many children today. The first book ‘I AM MIXED,’ about being siblings of mixed ethnicities, was released in 2013. The second book, “I AM LIVING IN TWO HOMES,” released in 2014, addresses the difficulty of having parents who are no longer together as they discover the benefits of having two very different homes to explore and enjoy. “I AM AWESOME,” was published in 2015.
Garcelle is best owns for roles in “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and “NYPD Blue,” as well as recent stints on “Franklin & Bash,” “Grimm,” “The Mentalist” and “Eyes.” Film roles include “Wild Wild West,” “White House Down,” “American Gin,” “Women in Trouble,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” and “Bad Company.”

Tricia Helfer
Tricia Helfer is a Canadian cover girl model turned actress who has developed her resume beyond the catwalk to include many diverse roles highlighting her versatile and natural screen presence. Best known as the face of the series, and for her Leo award-winning lead performance as the humanoid, Cylon ‘Number Six’ in the critically acclaimed Syfy series, “Battlestar Galactica,” Helfer has since gone on to book leading roles on a wide variety of networks. Most recently, Tricia has joined the season two cast of the FOX drama, “Lucifer.” She takes on the series regular role of playing Lucifer’s mother “Charlotte” in the series.
Prior to “Lucifer,” Tricia was cast in a recurring role in season two of the Playstation & Sony Picture TV series, “Powers.” Just before that, Helfer also played the lead of the Syfy channel’s original miniseries “Ascension,” co-starring Brian Van Holt. In early 2014, Helfer starred as the lead of the ABC series, “Killer Women,” the Sophia Vergara-produced series followed beautiful Molly Parker (Helfer), in the notorious Texas Rangers frontier patrol, as she pursued justice despite being embroiled in a continuous fight for her peers’ respect.
Adding to her impressive resume, Helfer has done prolific voiceover work in mega-hit video game franchises including, playing the roles of Commander Veronica Dare in Halo: ODST, EDI in Mass Effect 2 and 3, Sarah Kerrigan in Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, for which she won the 2010 VGA for Best Performance by a Human Female, as well as in StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. She also showcased her voice talent in animated productions, “Green Lantern: First Flight,” a Cartoon Network TV movie, on Disney XD’s “The Spectacular Spiderman,” and on Disney XD’s TRON: Uprising.
Next up, is her thriller, “Isolation,” co-starring Luke Malby, a film that will portray the true events of a couple vacationing in the Bahamas. The getaway quickly spirals out of control, forcing the couple into survival mode
SOURCE | American Gem Trade Association
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
____________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
__________________________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike BrodskyORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.