Latest news with #BusyPhilipps
Forbes
2 days ago
- General
- Forbes
How Busy Philipps And Vote Mama Are Making Motherhood Electable
Since its founding in 2019, Vote Mama has endorsed more than 600 candidates. Its newest initiative, the Motherboard, is a coalition that unites elected officials, creatives, and movement leaders to amplify the political power of moms through culture, media, and policy. Co-chaired by actor and activist Busy Philipps and Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams, the Motherboard brings together cultural influence and political leadership to elevate moms in public office. 'When a mom runs for office, it's usually because something's broken and she's ready to fix it,' explains Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder and CEO of Vote Mama. 'That urgency (that lived experience) cuts through the noise.' 'Right now, it is more expensive than ever to raise a family. The cost of childcare is more than a mortgage in almost every state, and fundamental rights have been on the chopping block. Moms are talking about the issues that matter most, and they're not sugarcoating it,' explains Shirley. What sets these candidates apart is their ability to turn everyday frustrations like finding affordable daycare, navigating public school systems and managing family health care into compelling campaign messages rooted in lived reality. 'We're seeing more moms run unapologetically as themselves. They're campaigning with babies in tow and putting childcare on the platform,' adds Shirley. Philipps states she supports the Motherboard because they aren't about performative allyship. 'I've marched, donated, and spoken out. But it still didn't feel like enough,' she said. 'This organization is an engine for amplifying the issues I care about: abortion rights, paid family leave, maternal health, gun safety and reform, and LGBTQ+ rights. We need real power. Political power. If my platform helps moms running for office get attention, resources, and into rooms they're often shut out of, then I'm doing my job.' This direct connection to family-centered policy resonates deeply with voters. 'People are exhausted and frustrated with performative politics,' Shirley said. 'They want leaders who prioritize action…. moms lead with urgency and empathy because they have to.' 'We launched the Motherboard ahead of Mother's Day to shake things up and to remind people that moms have always been at the frontlines of every major movement, from reproductive justice to gun violence prevention,' Shirley said. By elevating these stories on mainstream platforms, the Motherboard helps shift voter expectations about what leadership looks like, offering real-life, working-mom candidates as compelling, credible alternatives to the status quo. Other Cultural & Creative leaders for the Motherboard include celebrity moms such as Amanda Seyfried and Jodie Sweetin. Philipps explains, 'By harnessing voices that sit at the intersection of media, culture, and policy, we will bring more people into this movement to support pushing moms into power.' She adds that the vision is simple: to connect political power with cultural influence, bringing elected officials and creatives into the same room to build something bigger than politics so they can drive systemic change. As the only woman currently hosting a late-night talk show, Shirley believes Philipps brings both visibility and media savvy to the effort. 'When someone like Busy uses her voice to uplift a school board mama, it makes that mom and her vision become visible in a whole new way. When people see a state legislator like Virginia State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy or New York Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas, it reshapes expectations of who's qualified to lead. That visibility changes perception, which drives engagement, donations, and ultimately, policy wins.' Philipps believes she brings defiance as well. 'Watching my daughters grow up in a country where their rights are being stripped away, a society that encourages them to shrink themselves, stay quiet, and sit down–I can't be passive in that world. I've built a career out of being unapologetic for taking up space. I want to use that energy to help other moms step into their power.' The Motherboard aims to turn storytelling into action. By increasing public awareness, driving donations and generating local enthusiasm, it plays a crucial role in moving the needle on who runs, who gets funded and who ultimately wins. Shirley says, 'We measure our wins not just in votes, but in whose stories are being told, who's stepping up to run next, and which policies are finally getting passed because we helped moms get the power to push them through.' 'For too long, moms have only been allowed to exist in one of two narratives: either we're perfect and self-sacrificing, or we're messy, selfish, and self-centered,' Philipps said. 'Real moms are complex. They're breastfeeding during briefings. Negotiating budgets before bedtime stories. Writing policy between school pick-ups and making dinner. The Motherboard is how we bust through closed doors, shake up the status quo, and give a loud, unapologetic voice to the people who've been told to wait their turn.' Shirley says the Vote Mama PAC has endorsed nearly 70 candidates so far for 2025 and 2026. But as Election Day approaches, the Motherboard will play a key role in mobilizing voters, generating buzz and redirecting resources toward competitive races. Shirley has a clear vision for what success looks like. 'Electing more moms to local offices like city councils and school boards, where real change for families happens. We're building long-term infrastructure to change the face of leadership at every level.' She wants this moment to be remembered as the turning point when moms stopped asking for a seat at the table and started taking the power to build a new one. Philipps agrees. 'Look, awareness is the first step. It's the foundation for getting people engaged and involved. The next step is building the actual scaffolding that holds moms up politically.' She envisions a future where no mother feels forced to choose between her family and her ambition. 'Fundraising, mentorship, infrastructure, community… all of it,' she said. 'I want to help create a world where any mom can run for office without feeling like she's drowning under the weight of balancing motherhood and her political ambitions.' To the working moms watching from the sidelines, those who may not see themselves as political but want to create change, Shirley has a clear message: you are political. 'If you're figuring out how to pay for daycare, fighting to keep your kids safe in school, or caring for a sick parent, you're already navigating policy every day,' she says. 'You don't need to be a policy expert. You just need the courage to lead and a commitment to your community.' Philipps concludes, 'The reality is that most moms grow into their power because they became mothers. We need more stories to show how the chaos, care, and urgency of motherhood made them more empathetic, more determined, and more strategic. We need stories that normalize that narrative. Because storytelling is how we build representation, and that is how we change everything.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Busy Philipps Told Ben Affleck to 'Do Something!' During Oscars Best Picture Mixup: 'He Was Batman'
Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams recall what happened in the front row of the Dolby Theater on the night of the 2017 Oscars A mixup involving the Best Picture category saw actor Warren Beatty mistakenly announce La La Land as the winner over Moonlight The Girls5eva actress called upon a nearby Ben Affleck to save the day since he was BatmanBusy Philipps still remembers the traumatic best picture mixup that happened at the 2017 Oscars — and she expected Ben Affleck to save the day. While speaking to Michelle Williams, 44, during an episode of QVC+ HSN+ this week, the Girls5eva actress, 45, recalled witnessing possibly the most awkward Academy Awards moment to date. 'It's just hours and hours and you've barely had anything to drink, and you have nothing to eat. You're just out of it. You're there, just witnessing it, the chaos,' Philipps began, painting the scene at the 2017 Best Picture blunder. 'Which also makes sense that he said the wrong thing,' she added of Bonnie and Clyde star Warren Beatty mistakenly announcing La La Land as the Best Picture winner instead of Moonlight, which actually won. 'This crazy thing happens. We knew because we were right there in the front row,' Philipps said of herself, Williams and Affleck, 52, sitting together. Photos showed the group seemingly confused about what was happening during the moment. The White Chicks alum said it wasn't until her QVC+ HSN+ conversation with Williams that she remembered what she told Affleck in the midst of the mixup. 'You turned to him and said, 'Do something! Do something!', ' the Dying for Sex star told Philipps. Apparently her reasoning for expecting Affleck to know what to do was 'because he was Batman,' Williams said. 'And you expected he was going to save the day,' she added. Laughs were heard in the background off-camera as Philipps shook her head in agreement. 'That's right,' Philipps said, recalling that Matt Damon was also seated nearby at the time. 'I don't know Ben Affleck — I just was like, 'He's Batman, he's a movie star, he can go onstage and handle it!' ' 'He could not,' she added as Williams laughed. Philipps and the Dawson's Creek alum then recreated the photo of them 'that became very famous' of the three sitting in the audience as they watched the mix-up in real-time. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'It's iconic,' Philipps said. In a 2017 Instagram Story, she explained, 'La La Land got up there, all of a sudden this stage manager or somebody who worked there with a microphone crouched in front of Casey [Affleck] and started whispering into his microphone really urgently and saying, 'It's a mistake! Moonlight is supposed to be Best Picture. It's a mistake! It's a mistake! Moonlight is Best Picture!' ' 'We all heard it right there — like right in the front,' Philipps added. 'Nobody else heard it.' While the Batman star didn't save the day, the snafu ended with the Moonlight cast being brought up to accept Hollywood's highest honor. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Busy Philipps Calls Being Late-Night's Only Female Host The 'Dumbest Glass Ceiling Of All Time'
As Busy Philipps prepares for Season 2 of her QVC+ late-night talk show, she's opening up about taking on the male-dominated time slot. The Busy This Week host recently commented on being the only woman in late-night with her series, which returns to the free streamer on May 21 at 10pm ET, as well as the need to 'carve out our spaces.' More from Deadline Busy Philipps Says 'Dawson's Creek' Cast Is 'Very Hopeful' For Reunion Supporting James Van Der Beek E! Cancels Talk Show 'Busy Tonight'; Busy Philipps Reveals End Date & Plans To Shop Series Elsewhere In Late-Night Instagram Post 'Mean Girls' Movie Musical At Paramount Adds Busy Philipps 'I was saying earlier, this is the dumbest glass ceiling of all time, but I'm happy to be there. But also, guys, what's happening? I just feel like, the moment, we've moved past it. We've got to get more ladies in late-night,' said Philipps, adding: 'Maybe if we can get a lady in late-night, we can get a lady in the White House.' Noting she 'was bummed' after her first talk show Busy Tonight was canceled after one season on E!, Philipps also discussed finding an unexpected home for her current late-night outing. 'If you can't get a seat at the table, you gotta find a different table. And maybe it's at a place where you can also buy the table,' she joked. 'I think that we do have to be a little bit creative sometimes and carve out our spaces.' With the sophomore season of her talk show, she had the chance to interview late-night legend David Letterman. 'It was a little high pressure, I'm not gonna lie. It was a little bit intense,' Philipps admitted. 'But it was really fun, and I'm excited for people to see the show.' This season on Busy This Week, which is available on HSN+ as well, Philipps also welcomes guests Michelle Williams, Andrew Rannells, Chrissy Metz and more. Best of Deadline All The Songs In Netflix's 'Forever': From Tyler The Creator To SZA 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Busy Philipps Helps California Pizza Kitchen Turn a Mid-Life Crisis into a Celebration as Brand Turns 40
Beloved restaurant enlists former employee-turned-actor to celebrate its 40th Anniversary, while rewarding guests with the return of their favorite promotion and dishes from past decades COSTA MESA, Calif., March 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), the iconic restaurant brand that revolutionized casual dining with its twist on familiar foods, is marking 40 years of culinary delights with an epic celebration that's full of surprises. From fan-favorite dishes making a glorious return to an upgraded Thank You Card promotion that rewards every guest, CPK is ushering in its next era with a little help from former employee, superfan and actor Busy Philipps. Relatable Take on Turning 40 Earlier this week, CPK feigned a mid-life crisis ahead of turning 40, debuting "new branding" across all digital channels. Inspired by streetwear fashion and culture to stay fresh with today's consumers, the holistic but fake brand was brought to life through preposterous videos, graphics, and images, leaving everyone wondering what was truly going on. Today, thanks to Philipps – a perfect partner and brand fan – CPK revealed its true perspective, "We're 40 & Fine with It!" Through this mockumentary style video, Philipps leads the brand to embrace this milestone and keep doing what they've always done best: combining fresh, innovative cuisine with a California-cool vibe. "I've been a huge fan of CPK ever since I worked there as a hostess back in the day, so of course I was thrilled to help them celebrate this incredible anniversary," said actor Busy Philipps. "My job was to remind CPK that at 40 years old, there's no need for reinvention. Their legacy and continued leadership of creating incredible flavors and lasting memories is exactly what will keep people of all ages loving the brand for many years to come." New Seasonal Menu – Decades in the Making Now fully embracing 40 delicious years and counting, CPK is also bringing back a limited-time menu of some of its most iconic dishes from the past four decades. These items were hand selected by CPK guests, team members, Executive Chef Paul Pszybylski, and even CPK's founders, Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. Now through May 19, guests can enjoy these classic flavors, whether to relive cherished memories or discover new favorites: (Founders' Pick) Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza: CPK's zesty lemon cream sauce, grilled chicken, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all crowned with fresh rosemary and wild Greek oregano. A true classic! (Chef Paul's Pick) Chicken Milanese: Crispy panko-crusted chicken breast, served with fresh arugula and housemade checca, and finished with shaved Parmesan and fresh lemon. Prefer a twist? Chef Paul's version features a rich tomato basil sauce. (Team Members' Pick) Waldorf Chicken Salad: A refreshing mix of field greens, grilled chicken, red grapes, Granny Smith apples, celery, candied walnuts, and Gorgonzola, tossed in your choice of Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing. (Guests' Pick) Tortilla Spring Rolls: Hand-rolled flour tortillas stuffed with your choice of Baja Chicken, Thai Chicken, or Mediterranean, baked to perfection in CPK's signature pizza oven. Thank You Card Promotion — Rewarding Every CPK Guest with More Prizes & Surprises CPK's most popular promotion returns better than ever, this time to thank guests for 40 years. Now through May 11, every adult guest – whether dining in restaurant or for takeout or delivery – receives a Thank You Card containing a hidden prize to be revealed at their next visit. From CPK meal discounts to gift cards at major brands and cash prizes up to $40,000, every guest is a winner. New to the program this year, CPK is offering a digital second chance to win. By scanning the QR code on their card, guests can join CPK rewards to score an instant $5 bonus and a chance to win a five-day cruise getaway. From March 2 through June 8, guests can visit any full-service CPK location with their unopened Thank You Card to have their prize revealed by a restaurant manager. It's an easy and exciting way to join the anniversary celebration! For more information on the Thank You Card program, visit A 40 Year Legacy of Fan-Favorite Innovation & Flavor CPK has spent 40 years as a trendsetter in casual dining, repeatedly giving guests of all ages craveable dishes that are fresh, flavorful and often unexpected. As the brand looks ahead, it remains committed to its innovation mastery, delivering an unmatched dining experience that continues to offer globally inspired creations reflecting California's vibrant culinary landscape. "The CPK future is brighter than ever," says Jeff Warne, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at California Pizza Kitchen. "Today we celebrate our 40 year legacy thanks to the loyalty and passion of our guests, and the incredible dedication of our teams. With the strength of this lasting foundation, our ambitions have never been bigger and we are committed to serving up another epic 40 years for generations of guests." For more information, visit and follow @cpk on Instagram, @calpizzakitchen on TikTok or @calpizzakitchen on X. About California Pizza Kitchen Founded in 1985, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) revolutionized casual dining with its first restaurant in Beverly Hills, introducing the world to gourmet, California-inspired pizza. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, CPK is a beloved global brand, serving creative California cuisine across 27 states and in nine countries and U.S. territories. CPK continues to redefine casual dining, fueled by a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold global flavors. From iconic hearth-baked pizzas like The Original BBQ Chicken and California Club, to inventive salads like Thai Crunch, unique pastas like Chicken Tequila Fettuccine, and industry firsts like Cauliflower Crust and Take & Bake Pizzas, CPK combines familiar foods with a fresh, imaginative California twist that guests continue to crave. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING A PRIZE. Must be or become a CPK Rewards member prior to entering Sweepstakes. Open only to legal residents of the states where California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) restaurants operate within the contiguous US and Hawaii, who are 18 or older, and who either live or work within a 25-mile radius of a participating CPK restaurant. Void elsewhere and where prohibited. Promotion begins on 3/1/25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 6/8/25. See Rules for eligible states, how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions at participating CPK restaurants or online at Sponsor: California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., 575 Anton Blvd., Suite 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. View source version on Contacts Blue EngineEliza Bianco / (646) 677-1837cpk@ Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Busy Philipps helps California Pizza Kitchen turn 40, recalls high school hostess job
Busy Philipps helps California Pizza Kitchen turn 40, recalls high school hostess job The actress, who worked at CPK as a teen, told USA TODAY: 'I've been stalking California Pizza Kitchen for years, trying to see if they're ever going to do any kind of campaign.' Show Caption Hide Caption Busy Philipps and California Pizza Kitchen make perfect combination Busy Philipps knows what it means to embrace your 40s with confidence and pizza, partnering with California Pizza Kitchen for their 40th anniversary. California Pizza Kitchen is turning 40 and an actress who's shared a "lifelong partnership" with the restaurant chain is helping the brand come to terms with its age. Busy Philipps, known as Kim Kelly in the 1990s drama series "Freaks and Geeks" and Karen in the 2004 comedy "White Chicks," is California Pizza Kitchen's spokesperson for the brand's 40th anniversary. Philipps began working as a hostess at California Pizza Kitchen in Arizona in high school − around 16 or 17 − and has had a soft spot for the chain ever since her younger years growing up in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale. "I've been stalking California Pizza Kitchen for years, trying to see if they're ever going to do any kind of campaign − 'Can I be a part of it because I love them so much?'" Philipps told USA TODAY. California Pizza Kitchen's 40th anniversary campaign launched on Monday, when the chain began posting rebranded content, featuring dark colors, a chrome palm tree and the tagline: "Fresh. To. Death." In a promotional video shared on Thursday, the 45-year-old Philipps comes in to "save" the California Pizza Kitchen from its rebrand disaster and remind the chain that it's OK to be 40. The campaign also features a new seasonal menu − full of CPK classics. Here's what to know about California Pizza Kitchen's 40th anniversary menu and promotions. What items are returning to the California Pizza Kitchen menu? Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza: Lemon cream sauce, grilled cheese, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, rosemary and oregano Lemon cream sauce, grilled cheese, roasted Yukon gold potatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, rosemary and oregano Chicken Milanese: Panko-crusted chicken breast served with arugula and checca (uncooked tomato sauce), finished with shaved Parmesan and fresh lemon Panko-crusted chicken breast served with arugula and checca (uncooked tomato sauce), finished with shaved Parmesan and fresh lemon Waldorf Chicken Salad: Field greens, grilled chicken, red grapes, Granny Smith apples, celery, candied walnuts, gorgonzola, tossed in Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing Field greens, grilled chicken, red grapes, Granny Smith apples, celery, candied walnuts, gorgonzola, tossed in Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing Tortilla Spring Rolls: Flour tortillas stuffed with Baja Chicken, Thai Chicken or Mediterranean, baked in a pizza oven When will the seasonal menu be available? The California Pizza Kitchen seasonal menu is available Thursday through May 19. Dine in, take out or order in and redeem a prize Between Thursday and May 11, adult customers who dine in or order takeout or delivery may receive a promotional Thank You Card. Each card contains a prize, ranging from California Pizza Kitchen discounts, retail gift cards and cash prizes. Cards can be opened at any full-service California Pizza Kitchen website by a restaurant manager through June 8. Customers may also join California Pizza Kitchen Rewards for a $5 bonus and a chance to win a cruise getaway prize. Where is your nearest California Pizza Kitchen? Check where the nearest California Pizza Kitchen is to you on the CPK website at Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
