Celebrity
Saturday Night Live’s Darrell Hammond to Headline Comedy Benefit in the Hamptons
Published
10 years agoon
SAG HARBOR, N.Y., (FNN NEWS) By Facing Addiction — Saturday Night Live’s Darrell Hammond will headline a comedy benefit, “A Tribute to Lost Laughs, An Evening of Awareness and Entertainment” to draw attention to the major problem of drug addiction in America. The comedy event, sponsored by Facing Addiction and the Young Leadership team of Facing Addiction, will honor those who have struggled and lost the battle with addiction, while also providing hope and encouragement through laughter to those who are currently facing addiction and traveling the road to recovery.
Darrell Hammond has openly discussed his battle with addiction to help others who suffer like he did. He will be the subject of a new documentary feature film scheduled for release in 2017 by Ripple Effects Films, Inc., in association with Artemis Rising and in partnership with Academy Award winning producers Geralyn Dreyfous and Regina Skully. “Through Darrell’s inspiring story, along with emerging research, the film will show that childhood trauma is predominant as the root cause of addiction. If we simply focus on the drug use, we are only treating the smoke and not the fire,” said Michelle Esrick, the film’s director. A play based on Mr. Hammond’s New York Times best-selling book, “God if You’re Not Up There, I’m F***ed,” opened last year to rave reviews at The La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla, CA, and is slated to open soon on Broadway.
“Nobody wants to ruin their lives with drugs,” said Mr. Hammond. “Drug addiction is complex and America needs to reframe the conversation so that, as a society, we start providing structured resources to help those who are suffering.”
Singer and songwriter Matt Butler will be telling his story about how, after battling with addiction since a very young age, he found a life of purpose in recovery. Growing up as a normal, ambitious and goal oriented kid from New York City, Mr. Butler said he was blindsided by anxiety and depression that wasn’t identified with drug addiction or alcoholism until much later in life and after a lot of damage. “Once I finally asked for help, I reconnected to the world through recovery. I want people to understand how beautiful a life in recovery is,” he said. Mr. Butler’s first album, a document of his struggle and recovery titled “Reckless Son,” is being released on September 9.
“A Tribute to Lost Laughs, An Evening of Awareness and Entertainment” will take place Friday, August 19, 7pm – 9pm at Sag Harbor Cinema, 90 Main Street, Sag Harbor, New York 11963. Tickets prices are $50 student tickets (21 years and under); $250open seating; $500 reserved seating. Corporate and personal sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Donations from this event will go to supporting the work of Facing Addiction, the not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating the most trusted nationally recognized place to turn when facing addiction. “Facing Addiction is rebranding addiction to create the understanding, empathy, outrage and demand, all urgently needed to advance solutions for the millions of Americans impacted by drug addiction,” said Robin Kiam Aviv, founding board member of Facing Addiction.
Facing Addiction provides evidence-based solutions for multiple pathways of recovery for 45 million Americans and their families directly impacted by addiction; influences legislation to treat drug addiction as a disease instead of a crime; and works to solve the systematic problems impending progress, including the replacement of outdated in-school prevention programs and properly training pediatricians and other health care professionals in early detection and referral. The organization also advocates for scientific research and educates America about the importance of de-stigmatizing addiction by opening hearts through personal stories about struggle and recovery in order to begin facing addiction out loud.
The Young Leadership Team of Facing Addiction are teens who have witnessed first-hand the suffering and sometimes fatal result of addiction and drug overdose, the number one cause of death in people under 30 years of age. These young leaders contribute time to their local communities to open up a dialogue that faces addiction head on and confronts the stigma through awareness-building programs and special fundraising events.
For more information and tickets, please visit www.facingaddiction.eventbrite.com
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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.
