Celebrity
Model-Actress April Wilkner Talks America’s Next Top Model and New Film ‘Chasing Taste’
Published
10 years agoon
LOS ANGELES, CA. (FNN NEWS) — Thrill-seeking model and actress April Wilkner is perfectly comfortable with disruption. The Providence, Rhode Island native became known around the world as a contestant on Tyra Banks’ hit reality series America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) and maximized her time on the show, despite having no prior modeling experience. She is a delightful mix of Japanese, German, Irish, Welsh, and Scottish, and can fluently speak Japanese, French, and English. She now juggles modeling, traditional art, and any other unique adventures on for size, including the new movie Chasing Taste, which releases today on VOD.
“The most tragic and dangerous thing to do is act from a place of thinking everything is safe. Nothing’s safe.” – April Wilkner
Wilkner previously studied at New York University and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Journalism, Communications, and Creative Arts, and trained at the Atlantic Theater in 2005. She was living in Florida when she auditioned for ANTM and was cast. She laughed about the experience during a recent interview with Florida National News. “I had never modeled before, and here I was on a photo shoot naked [being airbrushed] for America’s Next Top Model.” She admitted that she was terrified at the time, but now fully embraces uncertainty.
Since then, her career has flourished. She has appeared on Cycles 2, 8, 10, and 12 of ANTM, “Guiding Light” and “Golden Boy” (CBS), “Royal Pains” (USA), and Netflix’s “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” among others. She is with VCA Talent and Abrams Artists in L.A. and recently signed with L.A. Models in Los Angeles, CA. She has been featured in Stuff Magazine, and has done runway and print work for Valentino, Vivienne Westwood, and Emporio Armani, and shot two editorials for Marie Claire and COVER magazines. She has done style segments for Macy’s and was the NY Rangers and NY Knicks fan correspondent.
Today’s New VOD Release Chasing Taste
Chasing Taste, is a rom-com about food, love, and lies under an NYC Skyline. The movie follows Chase Guidry, a down and out writer who quickly becomes a top food critic in New York City. However, when a freak accident robs him of his sense of smell and taste, his team of “smellers” help him carry on his career, and he’s riding the wave until the wheels fall off. Wilkner stars as Savannah.
April Wilkner on Acting
Wilkner has her acting sights high. “I would love to [play] an intense, surreal, sci-fi drama character…a woman with a superhuman power.” She told FNN News that the best part of acting for her is that the child in her gets to show up play pretend. Of all her creative pursuits, acting is her favorite. “If I could go on set every day and tell a story that empowers me and other people, I can die a happy woman.”
But her passion doesn’t end in front of the camera.
April Wilkner Behind and Off the Camera
Among her many hats are the titles Producer and Director. She directed the SAG short “At This Table,” and was field producer for several Victoria’s Secret projects, including the behind the scenes videos and pink carpet celebrity interviews for Victoria’s Secret All Access during the 2013 runway show on CBS, and the 2012 Valentine’s Day Promo. She also field produced the video release of Snooki Perfume by Nicole Polizzi in 2011.
Wilkner also began painting a year ago, and sells her works on www.apespiration.com, with paintings made from recycled materials. Proceeds from purchases go to Miller Children’s Hospital.
Her advice for success is as disruptive as her passions. “Let go of seeking the guarantee of success,” she stated, instead exhorting people to make growing the goal. “Growth comes in being uncomfortable.” She said always asks herself, “What’s the scariest thing I can do right now? Am I making the choice that’s the most terrifying?” And for her, acting is the most terrifying of all her skills.
Which is precisely why she continues to push the envelope. And she has only just begun. She’ll next be seen in Sam, produced by Mel Brooks, this fall. “Bring the unknown on.”
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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.
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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.
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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 Brodsky
ORLANDO, 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.
