Here's the Scoop...
Any 'Stranger Things' fans out there? I have casting news for the highly anticipated third season!
Cary Elwes and Jake Busey have been cast in the third season of Netflix's hit supernatural series, Stranger Things.
Elwes, best known for starring in The Princess Bride and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, will be portraying Mayor Kline, a character described by Netflix in a press release as a classic '80s politician who is "more concerned with his own image than with the people of the small town he governs."
Busey, known for starring in Starship Troopers and who will be seen in Fox's upcoming revival of The Predator, will be portraying Bruce, a "journalist for the The Hawkins Post with questionable morals and a sick sense of humor."
Elwes and Busey join Maya Thurman-Hawke who was announced as joining Season 3 in March. The actress is set to play Robin, "an alternative girl who is equal parts sharp and playful."
Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Winona Ryder and David Harbour, among others, will also be returning for Season 3. The new season will feature Eleven (Brown) and Mike (Wolfhard) in a relationship.
Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos announced that Elwes and Busey were joining the series Wednesday at the streaming services What's Next event in Rome, Variety reported. The event featured Netflix announcing a slate of new programming that will be produced throughout Europe and other places around the globe.
"Our next Stranger Things could just as likely come from anywhere in the world. I have a strong feeling it could come from right here," Sarandos said.
I can't wait until season 3! It can't get here fast enough for me. What say you?
Be Well,
Steve
Comments? Questions? Nooz? Email Steve
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'Night Court' actor Harry Anderson dies at 65
Night Court actor Harry Anderson died at his home in North Carolina Monday morning at the age of 65.
Asheville Police Department responded to Anderson's home and found him dead at 6:41 a.m., Public Affairs officer Christina Hallingse told The Hollywood Reporter.
The cause of death wasn't disclosed, but Hallingse said no foul play was suspected.
Anderson was born Oct. 14, 1952 in Newport, R.I., but later moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where he was drawn to the art of magic.
He performed as a street magician in San Francisco when he was 17 and also appearing at clubs like Dante Magic Club and the Magic Castle under the stage name "Harry the Hat," in reference to the trademark fedora he wore on stage.
Anderson made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Saturday Night Live, before landing a recurring role on Cheers as a grifter named Harry the Hat.
His time on Cheers eventually led Anderson to his most recognizable role, starring as Judge Harry Stone on Night Court beginning in 1984.
"I guess they figured I was an actor," Anderson said of getting the role. "I never auditioned for anything. I had the scripts next to me behind the bench. They named the character Harry so I'd remember to react when someone said my name. By the time they figured out that I couldn't act scared on the subway at 4 a.m., I already had a five-year contract."
Anderson earned three Emmy nominations for his portrayal of the wise-cracking judge throughout the show's nine seasons and was honored as Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts in 1988.
Following his time on Night Court, Anderson starred as Pulitzer Prize-winning Miami Herald humor columnist Dave Barry on the CBS sitcom Dave's World.
Actor and writer Judd Apatow tweeted in reverence of Anderson, recalling a meeting they had in his youth.
"I interviewed Harry Anderson when I was 15 years old and he was so kind, and frank and hilarious. The interview is in my book Sick In The Head. He was a one of a kind talent who made millions so happy," Apatow wrote.
Former first lady Barbara Bush dies at age 92
Barbara Bush, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty who championed family literacy during her time as first lady, died Tuesday in Texas, her family announced. She was 92.
"A former first lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 92," a statement from the office of her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, said.
Her death comes days after a family spokesman said she was in failing health and had declined further medical treatment. Barbara Bush had been in and out of the hospital over the past year for treatment for congestive heart failure, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
"It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself -- thanks to her abiding faith -- but for others," a statement said at the time her family announced she would forego further medical treatment. "She is surrounded by a family she adores and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving."
"Laura, Barbara, Jenna and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was," said a statement from her son, former President George W. Bush. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I'm a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother."
Barbara Bush was the wife of George H.W. Bush, the 41st and oldest living former U.S. president. They were married Jan. 6, 1945.
Born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, in Manhattan, she met her future husband at age 16 at a school dance in Rye, N.Y. George H.W. Bush was a Navy pilot and the two married after the end of World War II, when they moved to Texas and the future president started his oil business.
The two entered political life in 1967, when voters elected George H.W. Bush to the U.S. House of Representatives for Texas' 7th District. Barbara Bush became second lady in 1981 when her husband became vice president under President Ronald Reagan.
George H.W. Bush succeeded Reagan to the Oval Office in 1989, and as first lady, Barbara Bush championed literacy for all ages. Inspired by her son Neil Bush's dyslexia, she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989. She chaired the organization until 2012.
"Parents are their children's first teacher and role model," Bush said in a speech launching the foundation. "Many of the estimated 23 million adults with literacy problems are parents."
"To break this cycle of despair we have to work to establish literacy as a value in every American family. And I mean every type of family."
Barbara Bush wrote a number of books during and after her time as first lady, including Reflections: Life After the White House and Barbara Bush: A Memoir, and two books in the voices of her dogs, C. Fred and Millie's Book.
She also held honorary degrees from Smith College, St. Louis University and Baylor University. After four years as president, George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush retired to Houston.
The matriarch of the Bush family, several of her children and grandchildren have followed the 41st president's footsteps into the political sphere, while others have entered other areas of public life.
Her oldest son, George W. Bush, was the 43rd president of the United States and her third-oldest child, Jeb Bush, was governor of Florida and ran for president in 2016. Sons Neil Bush and Marvin Bush are businessmen, and daughter Dorothy Bush Koch is in author and philanthropist. The Bushes' first daughter, Robin, died at age 3.
Jeb Bush's oldest son, George P. Bush, is running for re-election as Texas land commissioner. Granddaughter Barbara Bush founded a health-focused non-profit, and her twin sister Jenna Bush Hager is a journalist.
Barbara Bush is survived by her husband, five children, 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her brother, Scott Pierce.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump offered their thoughts and prayers to the Bush family.
"As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse and former first lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family," a statement from Trump's press secretary said. "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection."
LOOSE LIPS:
"Being on a set in which they want to hear your voice, and they want to hear your input - you know, it's very special for an actor - but particularly, a teenager. And a teenage girl."
--Yara Shahidi, on how Black-ish and Grown-ish have taught her that her opinion matters, to PEOPLE
??? Guess Who ???
Which singing sensation will host the 2018 Billboard Music Awards?
Comedian Maria Bamford requests restraining order from Donald Trump over tweets
Comedian Maria Bamford filed a request for a restraining order against President Donald Trump because of his nuclear war threats, but said she was denied pending another hearing.
Bamford, who kicks off a new tour Tuesday in Houston, first brought up the idea of filing a restraining order against Trump on Twitter on April 7.
"Does anyone know how to file a restraining order against The President of the United States? I have bought the filing paperwork for $39," she wrote.
On Friday, she went to her local courthouse and filed the paperwork.
"Ok! Going to local courthouse to file restraining order against Donald Trump. I'll let you know what happens. It may just be rejected after a long wait in line," Bamford tweeted.
Among the documents Bamford presented to make her case were printed out version of Trump's Jan. 2 tweet where he said his nuclear button is "bigger & more powerful" than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's supposed nuclear button.
The court accepted Bamford's paperwork for review, but on Monday, she said her request was denied until another hearing in May. However, she says she might not follow through with the effort.
"I may stop here because it's getting weird," she tweeted. "I think that sometimes comedic premises are rejected as legitimate democratic action. And so I thought I'd follow through."
Steven Spielberg to helm DC Comics adaptation 'Blackhawk'
Steven Spielberg is developing a film adaptation of DC Comics property Blackhawk about an elite group of pilots who fought in World War II.
Spielberg and his Amblin Entertainment are producing the film for Warner Bros. with the intention of the filmmaker taking on directing duties.
David Koepp, a frequent collaborator of Spielberg's who has penned Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is writing the script.
Blackhawk was first introduced in 1941 by Quality Comics before DC acquired the property in 1957. The series followed a man named Blackhawk who led an international group of pilots known as the Blackhawk Squadron during World War II.
Spielberg last collaborated with Warner Bros. on Ready Player One which has grossed over $476 million worldwide since hitting theaters in March.
"It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring Ready Player One to the screen," Spielberg said in a statement. "They bring a blend of passion and professionalism to everything they do and have a tremendous history in this genre. I am excited to reunite with them on Blackhawk.
Spielberg is next set to helm a fifth Indiana Jones film followed by a remake of musical West Side Story.
??? Guess Who ???
Which singing sensation will host the 2018 Billboard Music Awards?
Kelly Clarkson has been announced as the host of the 2018 Billboard Music Awards which will take place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20.
"Did you hear who is hosting the @BBMAs Music awards?! This is going to be fun!" Clarkson said on Twitter Tuesday.
Clarkson, who is currently a coach on NBC's The Voice and was the winner of the Powerhouse Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards event in November, has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts having made it onto the Hot 100 chart 27 times throughout her career, including 11 Top 10 hits.
"To prepare for hosting the Billboard Music Awards, I already have 20 costume changes planned," the singer said in a statement. "I will be flying in like my girl Pink, and calling Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman for jokes. Well, or I'm just gonna show up and celebrate my favorite artists and get to know a few more. Yeah, maybe I'll go with that plan."
"Kelly Clarkson has long been a Billboard chart phenomenon and has a first-hand understanding of what matters most in music today," said president, alternative and reality group, NBC Entertainment Paul Telegdy. "Her enthusiasm for all genres of music and her innate sense of humor will make for a truly memorable night."
The nominees for the award show are led by artists Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar, who are nominated for Top Artist, alongside Drake, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.
The 2018 Billboard Music Awards airs live May 20 on NBC at 8 p.m. ET.