Latest news with #GeorgeClooney
Hindustan Times
35 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
When George Clooney gifted 14 of his friends $1M each for their support over the decades
A friend in need is a friend indeed. While once upon a time it was Hollywood's hall of fame veteran George Clooney who was the friend in need, the actor, despite tripling down on the success and the accolades, hasn't forgotten the people who were there for him through thick and thin, before his name became an institution in itself. Back in 2013, far long ahead of his days of struggle, George decided to pay it all back — and quite literally at that. He purchased 14 posh Tumi suitcases and filled each of them with a million dollars each. He then got down to planning a dinner party with the 14 recipients — his closest friends over 35 years — and surprised them on the spot. And if you happen to be wondering, George made sure to pay the required taxes on the bounty amounts, making sure that the million-dollar gifts, were not a penny less than that. What pushed him to work out this big, little gesture but? In an interview with GQ, George reflected, "I've slept on their couches when I was broke. They loaned me money when I was broke. They helped me when I needed help over the years. And I've helped them over the years". He continued, "I just held up a map and I just pointed to all the places I got to go in the world and all the things I've gotten to see because of them. And I said, 'How do you repay people like that?'. And I said, 'Oh well, how about a million bucks?'. Randy Gerber, one among George's 14 comrades, had shared with MSNBC back in 2017 how the gesture, "pretty much sums up who George is". Randy recalls George saying, "I know we've all been through some hard times, some of you are still going through it. You don't have to worry about your kids; you don't have to worry about school; you don't have to worry about paying your mortgage". What do you think about George's grand gesture for his friends?
Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Lenny Henry, review: a rusty yet thoughtful return to stand-up from a singular British talent
After a 16-year absence from stand-up, Lenny Henry 's 'triumphant return' to the stage in Perth last night consisted, in reality, of a fleeting half hour of new material, followed by a looser, more engaging Q&A. There were glimpses of the comic dynamo he once was, but this was more warm-up gig than comeback special. Performing as part of the Scottish city's Festival of the Arts, Henry's set was a mixture of personal and topical reflections on the last few years. He joked about Suella Braverman, Ozempic, and the Duke of York. None of which were groundbreaking. He was most captivating when delivering a retrospective, verbal memoir: on how humour could disarm bullies in the schoolyard, or his forthcoming film role in Noah Baumbach's Jay Kelly alongside George Clooney. Along the way, mime, songs and lively impressions of Tommy Cooper, Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington reminded the audience what makes Henry such a singular talent. This was the 66-year-old's first stand-up outing since 2009, having spent the intervening years acting on stage and screen (as well as his charity work with Comic Relief). As he put it: 'I'd been doing stand-up since I was 15. By the time I was 40, I thought, is this it? I felt like I was slightly spinning my wheels.' Host Fred MacAulay warmed up the 1,200-strong audience, at one point asking if anybody present was under 30. There were no more than four lonely whoops. Naturally, then, Henry's quippy material about getting older – from the joy of weekend trips to the garden centre to the cuts to the winter fuel allowance – went down a treat. 'I'm usually in bed by now,' he joked at 8:15pm, met with knowing laughter from the crowd. Other material was a harder sell. 'Do you know the Jamaican nod?' was answered with a silence borne not so much from disinterest as unfamiliarity. Henry delivered his jokes using presidential-style autocue screens. Understandable, perhaps, given the long hiatus, but it robbed him of spontaneity. For someone who was once one of the most physical performers in British comedy, it was a weirdly static performance. Only three times did he step out from behind the glass to deliver terrifically surreal, well-oiled routines with the fire and pacing of old. The second half of the show, a sit-down Q&A with MacAulay, was much stronger. Between the silly questions from the audience ('Do you actually stay in Premier Inns on tour?') and baffling ones ('What have Lenny Henry, Michael Jackson, Richard Attenborough and me got in common? Answer: the same birthday!'), there were some gems. A question about whether he still visits Dudley sparked a thoughtful response about growing up near where Enoch Powell gave his 1968 Rivers of Blood speech in Wolverhampton. It was in these unscripted moments that we saw the old Lenny shine through. So, though not quite a triumphant return for this national treasure, a necessary first-step. And an answer, finally: he does indeed stay in Premier Inns. No further dates
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift Springs Out in a Floral Dress While in New York, Plus George Clooney, Paul Rudd and More
Stars have been everywhere this week. In New York City, Taylor Swift hits the town for a dinner in New York, while George and Amal Clooney pose backstage on Broadway. Meanwhile, Kelsea Ballerini performs for Elle's Women in Music event with Rumer Willis in the audience as Paul Rudd supports a children's hospital fundraiser in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Here are the best photos of celebs out and about this week. Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings! Taylor Swift is a vision in florals as she steps out for dinner with Dakota Johnson and her brother (not pictured) in New York City on May 29. George and Amal Clooney pose backstage at George's Broadway play, Good Night, and Good Luck, on May 29 in New York City. Paul Rudd is all smiles on a panel at Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, a fundraiser for Children's Mercy Hospital in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri on May 30. Kelsea Ballerini and Rumer Willis attend Elle's Women in Music event on May 30 in New York City. Terry Crews flexes his muscles during the practice round of F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona on May 30. Devin Booker and Odell Beckham Jr. meet up in Monaco for the Grand Prix on May 23. Sue Bird celebrates J Vineyards' partnership with the Golden State Valkyries. Sarah Ramos, Busy Philipps and Gillian Jacobs hang out at fashion designer Rachel Antononoff's Club Ra at Margaritaville in New York City on May 30. Ricky Gervais celebrates his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a high kick in Los Angeles on May 30. Jason Sudeikis speaks on a panel for Big Slick Celebrity Weekend, a fundraiser for Children's Mercy Hospital on May 30 in Kansas City, Missouri. Baz Luhrmann, Sue Kim and Frank Marshall reunite at Sony Music Vision Content Showcase on May 29 in Los Angeles. Helen Hunt looks chic while walking in New York City on May 29. Josh O'Connor goes for a stroll around London with girlfriend Alison Oliver on May 30. Jonathan Groff, Tom Kirdahy and Lin-Manuel Miranda honor playwright Terrence McNally in a street naming ceremony on May 30 in New York City. Marc Shaiman, Matthew Broderick and John Slattery attend the unveiling ceremony for Terrence McNally's street dedication in New York City on May 30. Alix Earle and Stassi Schroeder break out their bikinis for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Beach Club in Miami, Florida on May 30. Bill Parks, David Arquette and Guilford Adams goof off at the theatrical premiere of American Clown in Los Angeles. Cynthia Nixon, her wife Christine Marinoni, Sarita Choudhury and Kristin Davis enjoy the French Open on May 30 in Paris. Luke Wilson supports his brother Owen Wilson at the premiere of his show Stick on May 29 in L.A. Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner take their seats courtside at Thursday's New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Corinne Foxx accompanies her dad Jamie Foxx to Netflix is a Joke's FYSEE L.A. Comedy Night at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood on May 29. Jennifer Garner takes the stage at WSJ's Future of Everything event at The Glasshouse in New York City on May 29. Dressed in fur and a cowboy hat, Beyoncé hits the stage at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on May 29. Cynthia Erivo gives a nod to Elphaba in her green attire while out in New York City on May 29. Alison Brie, Lily Rabe and Madeline Brewer pose together at a celebration for NET-A-PORTER and Isabel Marant's exclusive High Summer '25 Capsule Collection on May 29 in L.A. Bert Kreischer and Michelle Buteau have a laugh at Netflix is a Joke's FYSEE L.A. Comedy Night at The Comedy Store on May 29 in West Hollywood. Sydney Sweeney shows some love for Hey Dude while on set for her next campaign with the brand on May 29. Judy Greer rocks a white suit for the L.A. premiere of Stick at AMC Century City 15 on May 29 in L.A. Dakota Johnson is all dressed up at the Roberto Coin event at Cipriani 25 Broadway on May 29 in New York City. Jonathan Groff steps out for the 25th Annual Audience Choice Awards on May 29 in New York City. Rachel Bilson and January Jones share a moment together at the Isabel Marant and NET-A-PORTER dinner in L.A. on May 29. Kaitlyn Dever pops on a pair of shades while out in L.A. on May 29. Sarah Silverman arrives at Netflix is a Joke's FYSEE LA Comedy Night at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood on May 29. Nicole Scherzinger strikes a pose at the 25th Annual Audience Choice Awards on May 29 in New York City. Lily Allen steps out for Elizabeth Sulcer's birthday in New York City on May 29. Iris Law grabs some donuts and a beverage to-go on May 29 in L.A. Zoey Deutch adds a pop of color with her bag choice while out in New York City on May 29. Wilmer Valderrama poses with USO CEO and president JD Crouch and USO SE regional president Lisa Marie Riggins as he is honored at the USO annual gala this week in Washington, D.C. David Arquette rocks a layered look while out and about in L.A. on May 29. Isabela Merced sports a smokey eye look for the Evening with Sony Pictures Television FYC Event on May 29 at the Sony Studio Lot in Culver City, California. Jurnee Smollett sports a black gown for Thursday's premiere of Stick at AMC Century City 15 in L.A. Honey Bxby celebrates the release of her new album Raw Honey on May 29 in New York City. Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly smile together at the Evening with Sony Pictures Television FYC event at the Sony Studio Lot in Culver City on May 29. Sting and Shaggy hang out backstage at the Cherrytree Music Company's 20th anniversary concert at The Belasco in L.A. on May 29. Hailey Bieber and Winnie Harlow celebrate watchmaker Audemars Piguet's 150th anniversary with Vogue on May 28 in Los Angeles. Hugh Jackman means serious business while zipping around New York City on May 29. Spike Lee and Adrien Brody reunite at the opening night of Brody's art exhibit "Made in America" in New York City on May 29. A shaded Serena Williams is all smiles while having a ball at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 27. Nick and Kevin Jonas admire a portrait of Nick commemorating his performance in in The Last Five Years on Broadway in New York City on May 29. Bradley Cooper steps out for a phone call in New York City on May 29. Josh Allen arrives in style in Los Angeles on May 28, ahead of his wedding with Hailee Steinfeld this weekend. Tinx gets out her cowgirl gear at Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter concert in New York City on May 28. AnnaSophia Robb toasts to the Santa Margherita and LoveShackFancy collab at a launch party in New York City. And Just Like That... costars Nicole Ari Parker and Sarita Choudhury have a glamorous day out in Paris on May 29. Alana Thompson, a.k.a. Honey Boo Boo, and Mama June sip milkshakes to celebrate 100 episodes Mama June: Family Crisis. Avril Lavigne visits the SiriusXM studios in New York City on May 29. Cynthia Erivo goes for a walk in New York City in gravity defying heels on May 29. Gayle King and Hoda Kotb focus on health at Kotb's Joy 101 launch event in New York City on May 28. Mia Threapleton and Scarlett Johansson twin in diamond necklaces at the premiere of The Phoenician Scheme in New York City on May 28. Noah Wyle and Shabana Azeez leave the scrubs behind at an Emmy FYC event for The Pitt in Burbank, California on May 28. Tom Hanks attends the premiere of The Phoenician Scheme in New York City on May 28. Debra Messing and her son Roman Walker Zelman match in suits at the premiere of The Phoenician Scheme in New York City on May 28. Michael Cera and his wife Nadine Cera snap a shot at the premiere of The Phoenician Scheme on May 28 in New York City. Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston pose together at the afterparty of The Phoenician Scheme premiere in New York City on May 28. Benicio del Toro and Gina Gershon reunite at the premiere of The Phoenician Scheme in New York City on May 28. Uma Thurman keeps it cool on the set of Dexter: Resurrection on May 28 in New York City. Peter Dinklage is all smiles on the set of Dexter: Resurrection in New York City on May 28. Kelly Killoren Bensimon and her daughter Teddy Bensimon match in off-white at the American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala on May 28 in New York City. Hilaria Baldwin and Alec Baldwin have date night at the American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala in New York City on May 28. Quinta Brunson receives the key to the city of Philadelphia and unveils a mural co-designed by local artist Athena Scott on May 28. John Mayer attends a Vogue and Audemars Piguet event to celebrate the watchmaker's 150th anniversary on May 28. Victoria Monét and Winnie Harlow celebrate Audemars Piguet's 150th anniversary with Vogue on May 28 in Los Angeles. Paige DeSorbo takes her cat Daphne for a walk in New York City on May 21. Lucy Liu spreads positivity at Hoda Kotb's Joy 101 launch event in New York City on May 28. Nicole Ari Parker, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Sarita Choudhury promote And Just Like That... in New York City on May 28. Cynthia Erivo steps out in white in New York City on May 28. Lorde wins Song of the Year at the Aotearoa Music Awards for her hit collaboration with Charlie xcx, "Girl, so confusing," in Auckland, New Zealand on May 29. Gigi Hadid rocks a minidress after her launch party with Havaianas in New York City on May 28. Ashley Tisdale leaves a taping of The View in a double white ensemble in New York City on May 28. Ryan Reynolds smiles from under his sunglasses while out in New York City on Wednesday. Sarah Jessica Parker waves to the crowd at the And Just Like That... premiere on May 28 in Paris. Julianne Moore rocks a pair of statement sunglasses while out in New York City on May 28. Cynthia Erivo rocks a blue ensemble as she steps out in New York City on May 28. Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt walk hand-in-hand in New York City on May 28. Odell Beckham Jr. steps out for the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on May 28. Elsa Pataky sparkles in purple at the premiere of Matices at Callao Cinema in Madrid on May 28. Ana de Armas strikes a pose in a strapless gown at the premiere of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina at Le Grand Rex in Paris on May 28. Jackie Chan rocks a blue tracksuit while out in New York City on May 28. Kristin Davis opts for florals at the season 3 premiere of And Just Like That... at Le Lido in Paris on May 28. Nelly takes the stage at Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany on May 28. Teddy Swims poses backstage with his BMI Pop Awards at Radio City Music Hall on May 27 in New York City. Steph and Ayesha Curry have a laugh at chef Michael Mina's first-ever Art of Tuna carving event at Bungalow Kitchen in Tiburon, California on May 25. Olivia Holt smiles at a special screening of Clueless at Hollywood Forever hosted by Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video on May 25. Amir Arison spends some time at the Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines resort over Memorial Day weekend. Hardcore Knicks fans Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller cheer on the team as they face off against the Indiana Pacers on May 27 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sarah Jessica Parker continues the celebrations for And Just Like That... season 3 at a photo call in Paris on May 28. Bono wears his signature shades and flashes a smile while out in L.A. on May 27. Martha Stewart poses in front of a colorful Sydney Opera House on May 28. Miley Cyrus has some fun at her Something Beautiful album release event hosted by TikTok at Chateau Marmont in L.A. on May 27. Nicole Ari Parker is glowing at the And Just Like That... season 3 photo call on May 28 in Paris. Ralph Macchio smiles at the world premiere of Karate Kid: Legends at SVA Theatre in New York City on May 27. Sarah Snook flips her hair as she arrives at ABC Studios in New York City on May 27. Sarita Choudhury has some fun at the And Just Like That... season 3 photo call on May 28 in Paris. Queen Camilla smiles under the brim of her blue hat as her visit with King Charles to Ottawa, Canada comes to an end on May 27. Kristin Davis flashes a happy smile at the photo call for And Just Like That... season 3 on May 28 in Paris. Idina Menzel steps out for the 2025 New Dramatists Luncheon on May 27 at The New York Marriott Marquis. Cole Escola shows off their star power at the 2025 New Dramatists Luncheon on May 27 at The New York Marriott Marquis. Cynthia Nixon and Venus Williams share a moment together at the And Just Like That... season 3 photo call in Paris on May 28. Jackie Chan holds up a pair of panda bears at Tuesday's New York City premiere of Karate Kid: Legends at SVA Theatre. Joshua Jackson smiles at the world premiere of Karate Kid: Legends on May 27 at SVA Theatre in New York City. Ike Barinholtz and Seth Meyers pose together at a Late Night with Seth Meyers FYC Event at The Vibrato Grill Jazz in L.A. on May 27. Alexandra Daddario ducks under an umbrella at the Dior Cruise show on May 27 at the Villa Albani Torlonia in Rome. Adam Lambert wears his tux undone at the Polar Music Prize 2025 at Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, Sweden on May 27. Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters and Erin Doherty pose together at a an event for Adolescence hosted by ATAS at the Television Academy Saban Media Center in North Hollywood on May 27. Read the original article on People
Vogue
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Amal Clooney and George Clooney Reunited for a Glamorous Backstage Date Night
They were pictured backstage after one of George's performances, photographed with friends including Nancy Pelosi, Tanya Taylor, Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and Huma Abedin. Both of the Clooneys followed their usual style formulas for such bright-lighted affairs: While George opted for a slick and classic black tuxedo and bow tie, Amal wore a slinky black one-shouldered dress, with a draped front and embroidered, sheer skirt that fell to the calf. The high-powered lawyer and humanitarian paired it with gold drop earrings and pointed bronze pumps. As usual, she kept her makeup minimal and glowy, with a brown smoky eye and rose pink lip, and her signature long brunette hair flipped over into thick, flowing waves. When not glammed up for Cannes in a potentially dress code-breaking dress or backstage to support her husband's Broadway storming-play, Amal has been opting for flowy, high-waisted denim, off-duty athleisure, and even some experiments in the boho trend's return. With just a week left of Clooney's show, the couple will have more cause to step out for some glamorous nights on the town together again soon.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What to watch for at the Tony Awards, Broadway's biggest night
NEW YORK (AP) — Twenty-nine shows on Broadway got Tony Award nominations this season, but not all will walk away with a trophy — and the box office attention they usually bring. Here are some key things to know as Broadway's biggest night approaches, including how to watch, who is poised to make history, what old favorite gets to take a victory lap and how you can see George Clooney on Broadway from the comfort of your couch. When are the Tony Awards? The Tonys will be broadcast to both coasts on Sunday, June 8, from 8 p.m. ET-11 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT to 8 p.m. PT., live from Radio City Music Hall. How can I watch them? On CBS and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. Who's hosting the Tony Awards? Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy-winner and three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo, the 'Wicked' star, will be making her debut hosting the Tonys. She won the lead actress in a musical Tony in 2016 for 'The Color Purple' and will have just released her new album, 'I Forgive You.' A pre-show will be broadcast on Pluto TV from 6:40 p.m.-8:00 p.m. ET/3:40 p.m.-5:00 p.m. PT, where some Tonys will be handed out. Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry will host that telecast. Viewers can access it on their smart TV, streaming device, mobile app or online by going to Pluto TV and clicking on the 'Live Music' channel, found within the Entertainment category on the service. How many awards are there? A total of 26 competitive categories, from lead and featured actors to scenic, costume and lighting design. Some technical award handouts may be pre-taped and winners won't appear on the live show, only cut down into edited bits sandwiched into the telecast. What are the top nominees? There are three of them: 'Buena Vista Social Club,' which takes its inspiration from Wim Wenders' 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary; 'Death Becomes Her,' based on the 1992 cult classic film; and ' Dead Outlaw,' a musical about a real life alcoholic drifter shot dead in 1911 and whose afterlife proved to be stranger than fiction. Each have a leading 10 nominations. Who is vying for best new play and musical? For new musicals, it's 'Buena Vista Social Club,' 'Dead Outlaw,' 'Death Becomes Her,' 'Maybe Happy Ending' and 'Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical.' For new plays, it's 'English,' 'The Hills of California,' 'John Proctor Is the Villain,' 'Oh, Mary!' and 'Purpose.' Many of the races are unusually tight this year, the product of a Broadway heaving with shows after having largely rebounded from the pandemic. 'I haven't seen one nominated show that I haven't been wowed by. Everything brings something,' says Lowe Cunningham, lead producer of 'Death Becomes Her' and also a Tony voter. 'How dare the Broadway community come together with such excellent work,' she jokes. 'I needed everything else to be much worse, and I don't appreciate it.' Can history be made? Audra McDonald, the most recognized performer in the theater awards' history, could possibly extending her Tony lead. Already the record holder for most acting wins with six Tonys, McDonald could add to that thanks to her leading turn in an acclaimed revival of "Gypsy." She will push the record for a performer to most wins with seven if she prevails on Tony night. And Kara Young — the first Black actress to be nominated for a Tony Award in four consecutive years — could become the first Black person to win two Tonys consecutively should she win for her role in the play 'Purpose.' Other possible firsts: — Daniel Dae Kim could becomes the first Asian winner in the category of best leading actor in a play for his work in a revival of 'Yellow Face.' And Marjan Neshat and her co-star Tala Ashe are vying to become the first female actors of Iranian descent to win a Tony. A special guest Normally, shows open for several years don't get any Tony telecast attention but 'Hamilton' is no normal show. The original cast will celebrate the show's 10th anniversary on Broadway with a performance featuring creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and actors Goldsberry, Ariana DeBose, Daveed Diggs, Jonathan Groff, Christopher Jackson, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Javier Muñoz, Leslie Odom, Jr., Okieriete Onaodowan and Phillipa Soo. What will producers hope to avoid? Any repeat of last year, when Jay-Z's electrifying reunion with Alicia Keys on what appeared to be a live duet of 'Empire State of Mind' was actually pre-taped hours before the live show. The appearance by the rapper in support of Keys' musical 'Hell's Kitchen' turned out to be a piece of Hollywood trickery, undercutting the Broadway community's full-throated embrace of live singing and dancing. Broadway's big season The health of Broadway — once very much in doubt during the pandemic lockdown — is now very good, at least in terms of box office. The 2024-2025 season took in $1.9 billion, the highest-grossing season in recorded history, overtaking the pre-pandemic previous high of $1.8 billion during the 2018-2019 season. In terms of attendance, Broadway welcomed nearly 14.7 million ticket buyers, the second best attended season on record, behind only 2018-2019. But sky-high ticket prices have led to fears that Broadway is getting financially out of touch. A revival of 'Othello' with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal broke the record for top-grossing play in Broadway history with a gross of $2,818,297 for eight performances, fueled by some seats going for as high as $921. How can you get in the mood? Even if you haven't been able to get to Broadway this season, you can still see one of the shows. The night before the Tonys, 'Good Night, and Good Luck' — starring and co-written by Clooney, a Tony acting nominee — will stream across CNN properties. ___ For more coverage of the 2025 Tony Awards, visit:
