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Los Angeles Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Belly Laughs spotlights Asian comedians and cuisine, offering a tasty excuse to ‘laugh at ourselves'
'Never more than two.' That's Kumail Nanjiani's general assessment of the modest serving of Asian performers on a typical comedy show lineup (if any at all) when he was starting out in comedy. Even as an actor who's gone on to find success on hit TV shows like 'Silicon Valley' and has flown high in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 'Eternals,' the stereotype of ethnic comedy quotas from his roots in stand-up — which he's recently returned to a couple years ago — still sticks with him. Nanjiani recently spoke with The Times about this weekend's Belly Laughs Festival, a two-day event at L.A. Live that spotlights Asian comedians, cuisine and culture. He was joined by fellow festival performer Jonnie Park (a.k.a. rapper Dumbfoundead) and comedian/actor Sherry Cola (who is no longer performing at the festival due to a scheduling conflict) to talk about the importance of Asian representation in comedy. During the chat, Nanjiani described not only his love for food (specifically Biriyani Kabob House in Koreatown, which will be at the festival) but also for stand-up. After returning to performing live shows again in 2023, Nanjiani is slated to release 'Night Thoughts,' his first comedy special in 12 years, on Hulu later this year. Inspired by the Hollywood slowdown and the writers' strike that prevented him from pursuing TV and film work, Nanjiani says he returned to doing comedy in order to keep working on stage while the rest of Hollywood was mostly shut down. 'I missed being good at something that I wasn't good at anymore,' he said. 'I didn't like the feeling like I used to have so much confidence in this now it feels like [I'm] a different person, and so in the strikes, I was like, I want to try again and see if I still love it.' Since then, the Pakistani-born comedian says he's still hungry for both the craft of comedy and the community that gathers to devour it. For all three comedians, though moving into acting has elevated their profile on the small and big screen, stand-up is the art form that makes them feel the most sharp. 'I do find being a stand up comedian as a superpower, stepping onto a set, for sure,' says Cola, who most people know from her role as a series regular in the TV show 'Good Trouble' or in the 2023 raunchy road-trip comedy 'Joy Ride.' 'I think because we're good at crowd work, we have a quickness that not every actor has.' Belly Laughs, happening Saturday to Sunday, offers a buffet of top-tier Asian comedians performing all weekend inside the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live. Nanjiani takes center stage along with Hasan Minhaj, Margaret Cho, Bobby Lee and over 30 of the funniest Asian comedians to perform headlining shows in L.A. at theaters and clubs around the country. Outside the venue on L.A. Live's outdoor plaza, an array of food and activities like mah-jong, karaoke and cooking demonstrations with star chef Tue Nguyen will be available for fest-goers to enjoy throughout the tasty sprawl of Mama's Nightmarket. The idea for Belly Laughs took shape about three years ago when Michelle K. Sugihara, executive director and chief executive of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (better known as CAPE), joined forces with volunteer festival producer Viv Wang who helped bring on AEG as a venue partner, followed by L.A. outdoor food staple Mama's Nightmarket and event promotions company Nederlander Concerts. For CAPE, the world's longest-running nonprofit creating opportunities for Asian and Pacific Islander artists, actors and storytellers in Hollywood, Belly Laughs is a natural extension of its mission over the last 35 years. 'Food and comedy is really a chance to celebrate our culture with the broader L.A. and Southern California communities, but also it's a celebration of how food comedy culture just brings people together, which is needed now more than ever,' Sugihara said. For Park, who is also performing at Belly Laughs, his transition from music to stand-up comedy and podcasting more than 10 years ago was an effort to find a new way to express himself as he matured and became mildly more responsible. 'I started [rapping at] 14 years old and it had a lot of youthful energy to it. And as I got older, there's a lot of things I wanted to talk about that I didn't want to [express] over beats,' he said. 'I didn't want to share those adult things about my finances and doing taxes. I didn't want to make 'doing taxes rap,' he jokes. Park said his ability to use humor to give back to his community as a longtime resident of L.A.'s Koreatown helps foster more opportunities for Koreans from his neighborhood to see stand-up shows and festivals like Belly Laughs. 'When I was growing up, a lot of Koreans in my neighborhood had never seen a stand-up show,' he said. 'I've thrown a couple of all-Asian stand-up comedy shows in my neighborhood, and a lot of people who come, it was their first stand up show. They don't even go to the Comedy Store, the Laugh Factory — none of that. So [a festival like Belly Laughs] might be their first one.' If that's the case, any newcomers to L.A.'s comedy scene are likely to leave full and happy by the end, as the fest serves up not only amazing food but an inclusive environment to see comedy from an Asian perspective without feeling othered as part of a quota on a comedy lineup or the butt of any scathing racial humor — at least not by non-Asian comedians. 'If anyone's gonna roast my people, it's gonna be me,' Park said with a grin. 'I think there's a little bit of that with us as [Asian] comedians and talking about our own culture. We have to take ownership of that.' Cola concurs, adding that after being the subject of racial jokes for decades, the best way to counteract the sting of the stereotypes is for Asian comedians to write jokes about their cultures that help their communities laugh the hardest—just hopefully not while chewing their food. 'I don't know if it's just society trying to define us and put us in a box, but it's almost like we just recently got permission to laugh at ourselves,' Cola said. 'Because we've been the punch line for years in the media, but now it's like [a chance to] exhale, because this is a safe space. That's kind of what Belly Laughs is giving.'
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marvel Hero Spotted Supporting Superman at World Premiere
Superman recently held its world premiere at Los Angeles' TCL Chinese Theater. The high-profile event featured appearances from not just the movie's cast and crew but also other actors and personalities within the entertainment industry. Notably, a Marvel star showed up at the premiere to show support for the film as well. Kumail Nanjiani, who starred in Marvel's Eternals as Kingo, showed up to the Superman world premiere along with his wife Emily V. Gordon. At the event, the actor wore a gray suit, crisp white shirt, and brown boots. Meanwhile, his partner wore a red, blue, and yellow floral-patterned dress to the movie premiere. Interestingly, Nanjiani was once rumored to be portraying Booster Gold in James Gunn's DC Universe. These rumors began when Cobra Kai star Xolo Maridueña — who will reprise his role as Blue Beetle from the DCEU in the DCU — claimed that The Big Sick star had been cast in the role (via The Cosmic Circus). However, Gunn eventually debunked the rumor on Threads after a fan asked him to confirm the same. Notably, multiple actors who have previously appeared in Marvel productions are part of Superman's cast. These include: Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) – He previously played Hank McCoy/Beast in 20th Century Fox's X-Men films between 2011 and 2019. Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific) – He portrayed Darwin in X-Men: First Class, released in 2011. Michael Rooker (Superman Robot Five) – He essayed Yondu Udonta in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy films, helmed by Gunn. Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner/Green Lantern) – He voiced Blue Alien Prisoner in Guardians of the Galaxy and played Master Karja in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl) – She played Anya Corazon in the critically panned Sony Pictures film Madame Web, based on the eponymous Spider-Man supporting character. Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen) – He played Gwen Stacy's brother, Howard, in Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man films. Sean Gunn (Maxwell Lord) – James Gunn's brother played Kraglin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mikaela Hoover (Cat Grant) – She played Nova Prime's assistant in Guardians of the Galaxy. Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.) – He played Brock Rumlow/Crossbones in Marvel Studios' Captain America films. Superman premieres in theaters across the United States on July 11, 2025. Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon. The post Marvel Hero Spotted Supporting Superman at World Premiere appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gugu Mbatha-Raw & Richard Madden To Lead Netflix Drama Series ‘Trinity'
Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Lift, Surface and Richard Madden (Bodyguard, Eternals) have been set as the leads of the new Netflix drama series Trinity. The eight-episode series follows a heroic female naval officer who becomes involved with the outwardly charismatic Secretary of Defense, only to discover that he may be at the heart of a dangerous conspiracy. More from Deadline Olivia Newton-John Documentary Heading To Netflix, Directed By Oscar Nominee Nicole Newnham Comedian Dusty Slay Sets Second Special With Netflix In Two Years With 'Wet Heat' 'My Life With The Walter Boys' Season 2 Sets Premiere Window, Unveils First Look Images Mbatha-Raw will play Commander Katherine Decker. She serves as second-in-command on the USS Kansas, a nuclear submarine and one of the deadliest weapons on Earth. Madden will play Secretary of Defense Webb Preston. With a technology background that makes him different from most politicians, Webb's innovation and purpose are seen as a threat in more ways than one. Jed Mercurio (Bodyguard) is the show's showrunner, writer and executive producer. Executive producers include Jimmy Mulville for Hat Trick Mercurio and Wendy Mericle. Michael Cuesta will direct and executive produce the first and second episodes of the 20th Television-produced series. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds
News18
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Angelina Jolie Chooses Quality Time With Kids Over A Big Party On 50th Birthday
Last Updated: Angelina Jolie has changed her view on ageing over the years and feels calm about growing older. Angelina Jolie opted to celebrate her 50th birthday on June 4 with a small and private gathering instead of a big Hollywood party. Jolie, who was last seen in Maria, decided that a quiet celebration was the best way to ring in her special day. The Eternals star reportedly spent time with her six children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne. A source close to Jolie told People that she 'seems genuinely excited and happy about turning 50. She doesn't want a big party." The insider added that 'So much of her 40s were rough. She's in a much better place now. The kids are amazing and thriving. There is less family drama." The source further mentioned that Angelina Jolie 'is embracing the idea of turning 50 and feels more grounded than ever. She's not shying away from getting older, in fact, she's leaning into it. Angie sees ageing in a really positive light, especially after losing her mom so young. She feels calm, inspired, and she's excited about what's ahead." The last ten years have been very difficult for Angelina Jolie due to her acrimonious divorce proceedings with Brad Pitt. After a long relationship, Jolie and Pitt tied the knot in 2014. Two years later, they separated after the actress accused her Mr and Mrs Smith co-star of being abusive to her and their six children during a private plane flight. The former couple were granted a divorce in December 2024 after an eight-year-long legal battle. During this time, Pitt found support in his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. According to People, de Ramon has helped him stay calm and feel supported through the long process. As per sources, 'There's no pressure between them. She gives him space when he needs it, but is always there when it counts. Ines has brought a lot of peace into Brad's life. Their relationship has been easy and natural." Coming back to Angelina Jolie, the star was recently seen at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where she attended the Trophee Chopard dinner. She also showed up at the world premiere of Eddington, starring Emma Stone. First Published:
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Angelina Jolie Will Opt for 'Intimate' 50th Birthday Celebration with Family After 'Rough' Past Decade (Exclusive Source)
A source close to Angelina Jolie tells PEOPLE that the actress "doesn't want a big party" to celebrate her 50th birthday on June 4 "She prefers a more intimate celebration with her kids," the source adds Jolie, who recently appeared at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, "is embracing the idea of turning 50 and feels more grounded than ever" ahead of her birthday, according to a separate insiderAngelina Jolie just turned 50, but don't expect her to throw a major party to celebrate. A source close to Jolie, who reached her milestone birthday on June 4, tells PEOPLE that while the Oscar winner "seems genuinely excited and happy about turning 50," she "doesn't want a big party." Instead, the insider says the Maria actress will opt for "a more intimate celebration" with her six children: Maddox, 23; Pax, 21; Zahara, 20; Shiloh, 18; Knox, 16 and Vivienne, also 16. "So much of her 40s were rough. She's in a much better place now," the source continues of Jolie, who reached a divorce settlement with ex Brad Pitt in December 2024 after an eight-year legal battle. "The kids are amazing and thriving. There is less family drama." Jolie stepped back into movies in 2024 with her Maria Callas biopic on Netflix, which marked her first acting role since she starred in 2021's Those Who Wish Me Dead and Marvel's Eternals. Last year, she also debuted her first movie as a director since 2017, Without Blood, which world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Her sons Maddox and Pax worked on the movie's set, and Salma Hayek Pinault starred. The prominent humanitarian also won her first Tony Award in 2024 for producing the new musical The Outsiders. Her daughter Vivienne worked as a volunteer assistant on the production. A separate insider tells PEOPLE that Jolie "is embracing the idea of turning 50 and feels more grounded than ever" on her birthday. 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. "She's not shying away from getting older, in fact she's leaning into it," that source says. "Angie sees aging in a really positive light especially after losing her mom so young. She feels calm, inspired, and she's excited about what's ahead." Jolie most recently stepped out at the Cannes Film Festival in France to attend the Trophée Chopard dinner. She also attended the world premiere of Emma Stone's new movie Eddington at the French International film festival on Friday, May 16. Read the original article on People
