Celebrity

Cunard Hosts World Premiere of 20th Century Fox Film’s The Greatest Showman on board Greatest Ocean Liner, Flagship Queen Mary 2

Published

8 years ago

December 8, 2017

VALENCIA, Calif. (FNN NEWS) /Cunard Line/ — Luxury cruise line Cunard and 20^th Century Fox Film partnered to host the world premiere of “The Greatest Showman” on the greatest ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, while the ship was docked in New York today. This was the first time a Hollywood movie premiere took place on a passenger ship.

Hugh Jackman attends as Cunard Hosts World Premiere of 20 th Century Fox’s “The Greatest Showman” on board Greatest Ocean Liner, Flagship Queen Mary 2, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Photo by Diane Bondareff/Invision for Cunard/AP Images)

Hugh Jackman, left, and Zac Efron attend as Cunard Hosts the World Premiere of 20th Century Fox’s “The Greatest Showman” on board Queen Mary 2 on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, in Brooklyn, N.Y. This is the first ever major motion picture premier to take place on board a passenger ship. (Photo by Stuart Ramson/Invision for Cunard/AP Images)

Zendaya attends as Cunard Hosts World Premiere of 20 th Century Fox’s “The Greatest Showman” on board Greatest Ocean Liner, Flagship Queen Mary 2, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Photo by Stuart Ramson/Invision for Cunard/AP Images)

“The Greatest Showman” cast including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya, Director Michael Gracey and Oscar^®- and Tony^®-winning musical duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul walked the red carpet on board Cunard’s flagship ocean liner just before the film was shown in the ship’s Illuminations theater. Family and friends gathered in the Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea, to sip Moet as Captain Philpott, Master of Queen Mary 2, toasted the evening. Circus acts and fireworks delighted the crowd and the night was nothing less than spectacular.

To find event photos and video click here.

Debuting in theaters on December 20, “The Greatest Showman” is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. “The Greatest Showman” is directed by exciting new filmmaker, Michael Gracey, with songs by Academy Award^® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”) and starring Academy Award^® nominee Hugh Jackman. Jackman is joined by Academy Award^® nominee Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Zac Efron and Rebecca Ferguson.

During his life, P.T. Barnum sailed multiple times on various Cunard ships to cross the Atlantic between New York and England. Scenes from the movie were shot in the original U.S. headquarters of Cunard, a magnificent Italian Renaissance-style landmark building located at 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. In addition, many scenes were shot in Brooklyn, Queen Mary 2’s U.S. homeport.

Cruise industry executives including Carnival Corp CEO Arnold Donald, Carnival UK CEO Stein Kruse, Carnival UK President Josh Weinstein, CunardSenior Vice President Simon Palethorpe and Cunard Senior Vice President Josh Leibowitz were on hand at the premiere to mingle with event guests such as 20^th Century Fox Film’s Chairman and CEO Stacey Snider and other Hollywood insiders.

“The world premiere event of ‘The Greatest Showman’ on Queen Mary 2 tonight epitomizes the glamour and excitement that defines Cunard,” said Josh Leibowitz, Senior Vice President, Cunard North America. “We are thrilled to host the first major motion picture premiere on a Cunard ship and would welcome the opportunity to partner with 20^th Century Fox again on future endeavours.”

“The Greatest Showman’s” Emmy Award^®-winning costume designer Ellen Mirojnick remained on board to sail on the Transatlantic Crossing to England immediately following the premiere, offering talks on her career and showcasing her designs from the movie while mingling with guests.

SOURCE | Cunard Line

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Celebrity

Ananda Lewis: A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy

Published

11 months ago

June 12, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

Source: People.com

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

Celebrity

Val Kilmer, Iconic ‘Top Gun’ Star, Dies at 65

Published

1 year ago

April 3, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

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 ago

January 28, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

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.