Celebrity

SAG Honoree Burnett’s Achievements Loom Larger than TV

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2016

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Carol Burnett is so glad she’s had some six decades together with television viewers.

After all, it was on the small screen where Burnett arguably reached her artistic and popularity peaks, most notably with the variety series, “The Carol Burnett Show” (1967-78).

So, little wonder that Burnett was a bit surprised when, out of the gate, the conversation turned to another aspect of her screen career, to which the Screen Actors Guild will pay tribute with its top honor, for Life Achievement, at the SAG Awards on Saturday.

In addition to all that TV, Burnett also made an impressive number of feature films with some of the industry’s most highly regarded directors: Martin Ritt, Peter Bogdanovich, Robert Altman and John Huston among them.

By the early ’60s, Burnett was already a star of stage (a Tony nomination for the 1959 musical “Once Upon a Mattress”) and TV (a 1962 Emmy for her work on the variety series “The Gary Moore Show”).

So film offers were inevitable.

“I was very nervous (about) making movies,” Burnett said in a recent interview. “I always felt that I was small screen and movie stars were big screen. And, also, I missed an audience and having that feedback.”

She marked her feature-film debut in the 1963 Dean Martin-Elizabeth Montgomery farce “Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed?” ”A terrible movie,” recalled Burnett, adding it was still a fun shoot and that she loved both Martin and Montgomery.

Burnett’s starring debut wouldn’t come for another decade. With the “Burnett Show” flying high, she spent her summer vacation working with director Ritt (“Hud,” ”Norma Rae”) portraying one of the two leads in “Pete ‘n’ Tillie” (1972), about a 40-ish virgin who gets fixed up with a confirmed bachelor, portrayed by Walter Matthau.

Burnett remembered that she was so “tight” the first few days of filming, because she was so overwhelmed by movie star Matthau.

He soon invited her to lunch, and shortly after they sat down, Matthau asked, “Why do you do all of this television crap?'”

That got her goat. So, she asked how long it took him to make a movie, how many movies he made per year, and if any of them were “crap.”

He replied about 10 weeks a film, about two a year, and, yes, some were awful.

“And I said, ‘Well, it takes you, Walter, 10 weeks to make crap,'” Burnett remembered. ‘”It takes me five days.'”

Matthau howled with laughter, and both a solid professional and lifelong personal relationship were born.

“He did that to get a rise out of me,” Burnett recalled. “And it worked.”

Sadly, that small-screen insecurity would return to Burnett’s big-screen work. But at least it made for a funny story.

Burnett said she so hated her own portrayal of the prostitute in the 1974 remake of the classic “The Front Page” that she refused to watch it – only to get trapped on an airplane showing the movie.

When the film ended, Burnett asked the stewardess for the microphone:

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is Carol Burnett and I was in the movie that you just watched, and I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to each and every one of you for my performance in that film.”

The passengers applauded.

“I felt cleansed,” Burnett said, laughing heartily.

Her next two films were for “Nashville” and “M(asterisk)A(asterisk)S(asterisk)H” director Altman, the ensemble comedies “Health” and “A Wedding.” She then scored a box-office smash in Alan Alda’s dramedy “The Four Seasons,” followed by “Key Largo” director Huston’s big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical “Annie,” which would introduce Burnett, as the wicked orphanage matron Miss Hannigan, to a new generation of fans.

And new Burnett fans have been cropping up ever since, perhaps at a greater rate now than in some time, thanks to “Burnett Show” clips on YouTube, Time Life’s recent DVD releases of series episodes, as well as reruns of the show on the MeTV network.

The lanky, stylish Burnett, 82, also keeps busy, with a recurring role on the CBS series “Hawaii Five-0” (of which she’s a fan) and a road show in which Burnett does just as she did on the old series: She asks someone backstage to “bump up the lights” so she can see the audience and answer questions.

To be honored by Hollywood for Life Achievement, “To use my friend Julie Andrews’ term, I’m gobsmacked about it,” Burnett said. “I’m still in awe of the big screen, of the movie stars. ‘Oh my god, there’s Meryl Streep!’ ‘Oh my god, there’s so-and-so!’ I think I’m going to be very nervous. But I’m thrilled.”

Celebrity

Ananda Lewis: A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy

Published

10 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.