Latest news with #JackBlack
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shallow Hal actor dies aged 70 after being hospitalised for two months as his family pay tribute
Shallow Hal star Rene Kirby has died, aged 70. The actor died on July 11 after being hospitalised for two months with infections as well as problems with his esophagus, kidneys and bladder, his brother Jon Kirby has said. He died at the University of Vermont Medical Center, as reported by Vermont publication Seven Days. He had previously battled throat cancer with his treatment including removal of his larynx meaning he had lost his ability to talk in recent years. Rene had a memorable role in the 2001 movie Shallow Hal, playing Walt, who like Rene had no use of his legs due to spina bifida. Rene's acting career also included a role in the 2003 film Stuck on You as well as one episode of the TV show Carnivàle. Rene was born with more than a foot of his lower spine missing whilst his spine was detached from his pelvis and his legs never developed. He found himself sharing the screen with Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow when he bumped into Hollywood director Peter Farrelly in 1999. Farrelly was in Rene's hometown of Burlington, Vermont shooting Me, Myself & Irene starring Jim Carrey. The director bought Rene a beer and after a night of talking, he had decided to cast Rene in hius next film, recalling in a 2001 interview: 'He's got a zest for life that is contagious and he's extremely funny.' Farrelly wrote a part for Rene in Shallow Hal, which he and his brother, Bobby, co-wrote and co-directed. The film was about looking beyond outward appearances so Farrelly deemed it a perfect fit for the acting newcomer as Rene 'epitomizes inner beauty.' Rene's acting career also included a role in the 2003 film Stuck on You as well as one episode of the TV show Carnivàle Rene was the second son of Don and Janet Kirby and had six siblings. His parents pushed back on doctor's recommendations to use a brace to stretch their baby son's legs, instead encouraging him to reach for his bottle. By the age of one Rene was walking on his hands. As a teenager he won state titles in gymnastics before working for IBM for 20 years.
New York Post
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
A look back on Jack Black's wild Ozzy Osbourne tribute at 2024 Rock & Rock Hall of Fame induction: ‘The Jack Nicholson of rock'
No more tears when there's a moment like this to remember. Jack Black gave Ozzy Osbourne a raucous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in October, just nine months before the legendary heavy metal rocker's death at age 76 on Tuesday. Osbourne said he was looking forward to Black's speech inducting him into the avowed institution as a solo artist, nearly 20 years after he was part of its Class of 2006 with his Black Sabbath bandmates, telling Rolling Stone he was 'always a big fan' of the actor. Advertisement 6 Jack Black and Ozzy Osbourne at the metal icon's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in October 2024. Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 6 Ozzy Osbourne at the Moscow Music Peace Festival in 1989. Getty Images 'Jack invited my family to the 'School of Rock' movie premiere in 2002,' Osbourne reflected. 'I've always been a big fan of his. Jack is one of the few great actors that is also a genuine rock & roller and not acting the part.' Advertisement And during last fall's highly anticipated moment, Black, 55, did not disappoint. Read Jack Black's wild Ozzy Osbourne tribute at 2024 Rock Hall induction 'Plumber, car horn tuner, slaughterhouse worker, the greatest frontman in the history of rock 'n' roll. Ozzy Osbourne. 'I remember the first time I heard of Ozzy. I was 13 years old, wandering around the record store. What should I get? Sticks? Journey? An older rock aficionado noticed my indecision, and he said, 'Stop f–king around, kid. This is the album you need to get, 'The Blizzard of Ozz.' Man, was he right! Thank you, nameless rock aficionado, wherever you are, you changed my life. I remember looking at that album cover at Ozzy's face before I even heard the music. I was transfixed. He looked so cool, that red-white suit with the white fringe on the sleeves, that crazy look in his eyes, the skull, the cross — Holy s–t. The whole thing just looked so badass. It was the most metal thing I'd ever seen, and I didn't even know what metal was. He was teaching me. I didn't realize I was entering a whole new world of heavy metal music. 6 Jack Black and Ozzy Osbourne during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Advertisement 6 Jack Black gave an induction speech that was fitting for the Prince of Darkness. Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 'I took that record home, and when the needle hit, the vinyl heaven opened up above me, I don't know. Then track two, 'Crazy Train.' There was an explosion of colors in my brain. 'Suicide Solution.' 'Mr. Crowley,' 'Revelation,' even 'Goodbye to Romance.' You best believe Ozzy could take it down a notch. He could do it all. 'Blizzard of Ozz' was the best thing I'd ever heard. A heavy metal masterpiece. That f–king sound was raw power. Randy f–king Rhodes, yeah, giving Eddie Van Halen a run for his money. And Ozzy, that voice, it could cut through a glass. Magic, joy, beauty. 'So then I went back into Ozzy's earlier albums, to Black Sabbath, and I was, like, unholy s–t. This motherf–ker invented heavy metal, along with Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and the immortal Tony Iommi, the darkest, heaviest s–t the world had ever heard. And through all that power, Ozzy's voice carving through the sonic blast furnace like an air raid siren, he made the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. Clear and crisp as a morning bell, and that smile, he looked so happy, he looked insane. So much charisma, the Jack Nicholson of rock. 6 The two artists share a heartfelt moment during the The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Advertisement 'He invented a genre, had the greatest second-act comeback in rock history. Then what? How about 'No More Tears' in 1991 with the guitar god Zakk Wylde proving insane, lasting power, five times platinum. You heard me right! Quintuple platt. It was then that he decided to totally touch his tender side. So he called up Lemmy Kilmister from Motorhead, naturally, and together with Zakk, they wrote, 'Mama, I'm Coming Home.' And thus, Ozzy took a little dip into the Top 40 just to prove he could. Then what? The Osbornes? Yeah, he teamed up with his family to create another genre, reality TV, maybe the most evil thing he ever did. But there is no denying it, his whole family were f–king hilarious and intensely entertaining. Another f–king massive bit. Then what? Oh, maybe just a little thing called Ozzfest, only the most successful heavy metal music festival of all time. Ozzy, stop creating incredibly successful, genre-defining, world-changing hits. It's too much success for one lifetime. 'And you know, a lot has been made of his evil alliance with the Dark Lord Satan. But in truth, Ozzy is a loving father, and husband, and friend, loyal to his family and friends to the end of the world and back. 6 Jack Black listens to Ozzy Osbourne speak. Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 'And now I stand here, just another nameless rock aficionado. And I'm talking to you, 13-year-olds watching the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. All five of you put down your phones unless you're watching on the phone, then put it closer to your face. Oh, man, rock aficionado is about to drop some truth. Sure, you could go stream Post Malone and Taylor Swift and get all the warm hugs you need for your broken hearts, or you can stay up all night and get your minds blown by Ozzy's entire catalog for the first time. 'Holy s–t, you kids are so f–king lucky.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Clooney ‘Forced' Jack Black to Break Up Tenacious D After Trump Assassination Comment, Journalist Claims
In a long interview with former President Joe Biden's son Hunter, reporter Andrew Callaghan alleges that George Clooney ordered Jack Black to break up Tenacious D after the duo's guitarist Kyle Gass asked that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who allegedly attempted to assassinate Donald Trump in 2024, 'aim a little higher next time.' Reps for Clooney and Jack Black did not immediately respond to Variety's requests for comment. More from Variety Shaunagh Connaire, Former Communications Director for George and Amal Clooney's Justice Foundation, Sets Directorial Debut 'Brown Bread' (EXCLUSIVE) CNN's Live 'Good Night, and Good Luck' Telecast Spurs Special Coverage CNN to Exclusively Air George Clooney's Record-Breaking Broadway Hit 'Good Night, and Good Luck' Live for Free Two and a half hours into the video, following a claim that George Clooney's wife Amal was responsible for a full-page advertisement requesting an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Callaghan says, 'My only really famous Hollywood friend is actor Jack Black, we used to be neighbors in [Los Angeles], and Tenancious D did a concert in Sydney Australia, and, this is the day after they tried to assassinate Trump, and I guess Jack Black's guitarist or whatever jumps up on stage, and he yells something into the effect of 'Hey, next time you try to shoot Trump, aim a little bit closer.'' (That is not a verbatim recounting of the quote.) He continues, 'George Clooney is blowing his phone up, being like, 'If you don't kick your bandmember out of the band and, like, publicly denounce this guy — like I don't know what the consequences were, but it was kind of like, 'You're out!' Out of what, we don't know. And so his hand was basically forced to be like, 'Oh, sorry, my bandmember has serious mental-health problems. We're breaking up the band for now. The tour is canceled.'' (That also is not an entirely accurate recounting of events.) 'And so,' he continues, ' mean, it is cool to see Hollywood actors voice more progressive opinions, but…' 'Fuck him!' Biden shouts. 'Fuck him and everybody around him!' He then launches into a long tirade about Clooney. 'I don't have to be fucking nice! Number one. I agree with Quentin Tarantino. Fucking George Clooney is not a fucking actor. He is a fucking, like, I don't know what he is. He's a brand.' Biden then abruptly changes tack to say nice things about Clooney. 'And by the way and God bless him, you know what? He supposedly treats his friends really well, he buys them things and he's got a really great place in Lake Como and he's great friends with Barack Obama. Fuck you! What do you have to do with fucking anything? Why do I have to fucking listen to you?' He then continues his tirade about Clooney's alleged efforts to tear down former President Biden. See the full video below. On July 14, 2024, Tenacious D was performing at the ICC Sydney Theatre on, the day after the Trump rally shooting in Butler, Pa., where the current president was apparently grazed in the ear by a bullet allegedly fired by Crooks. At the show, Black presented a cake to Gass on stage to celebrate the latter's 64th birthday. When Black asked Gass to make a wish, Gass responded: 'Don't miss Trump next time.' 'I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,' Black said in a statement at the time. 'I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.' He continued, 'After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Clooney ‘Forced' Jack Black to Break Up Tenacious D After Trump Assassination Comment, Journalist Claims
In a long interview with former President Joe Biden's son Hunter, reporter Andrew Callaghan alleges that George Clooney ordered Jack Black to break up Tenacious D after the duo's guitarist Kyle Gass asked that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who allegedly attempted to assassinate Donald Trump in 2024, 'aim a little higher next time.' Reps for Clooney and Jack Black did not immediately respond to Variety's requests for comment. More from Variety Shaunagh Connaire, Former Communications Director for George and Amal Clooney's Justice Foundation, Sets Directorial Debut 'Brown Bread' (EXCLUSIVE) CNN's Live 'Good Night, and Good Luck' Telecast Spurs Special Coverage CNN to Exclusively Air George Clooney's Record-Breaking Broadway Hit 'Good Night, and Good Luck' Live for Free Two and a half hours into the video, following a claim that George Clooney's wife Amal was responsible for a full-page advertisement requesting an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Callaghan says, 'My only really famous Hollywood friend is actor Jack Black, we used to be neighbors in [Los Angeles], and Tenancious D did a concert in Sydney Australia, and, this is the day after they tried to assassinate Trump, and I guess Jack Black's guitarist or whatever jumps up on stage, and he yells something into the effect of 'Hey, next time you try to shoot Trump, aim a little bit closer.'' (That is not a verbatim recounting of the quote.) He continues, 'George Clooney is blowing his phone up, being like, 'If you don't kick your bandmember out of the band and, like, publicly denounce this guy — like I don't know what the consequences were, but it was kind of like, 'You're out!' Out of what, we don't know. And so his hand was basically forced to be like, 'Oh, sorry, my bandmember has serious mental-health problems. We're breaking up the band for now. The tour is canceled.'' (That also is not an entirely accurate recounting of events.) 'And so,' he continues, ' mean, it is cool to see Hollywood actors voice more progressive opinions, but…' 'Fuck him!' Biden shouts. 'Fuck him and everybody around him!' He then launches into a long tirade about Clooney. 'I don't have to be fucking nice! Number one. I agree with Quentin Tarantino. Fucking George Clooney is not a fucking actor. He is a fucking, like, I don't know what he is. He's a brand.' Biden then abruptly changes tack to say nice things about Clooney. 'And by the way and God bless him, you know what? He supposedly treats his friends really well, he buys them things and he's got a really great place in Lake Como and he's great friends with Barack Obama. Fuck you! What do you have to do with fucking anything? Why do I have to fucking listen to you?' He then continues his tirade about Clooney's alleged efforts to tear down former President Biden. See the full video below. On July 14, 2024, Tenacious D was performing at the ICC Sydney Theatre on, the day after the Trump rally shooting in Butler, Pa., where the current president was apparently grazed in the ear by a bullet allegedly fired by Crooks. At the show, Black presented a cake to Gass on stage to celebrate the latter's 64th birthday. When Black asked Gass to make a wish, Gass responded: 'Don't miss Trump next time.' 'I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday,' Black said in a statement at the time. 'I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form.' He continued, 'After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? Final Emmy Predictions: Talk Series and Scripted Variety - New Blood Looks to Tackle Late Night Staples
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Hilarious' sequel to iconic Robin Williams comedy is streaming for free
Robin Williams' iconic nineties comedy gets a new lease of life in this 2017 sequel, available to stream now Fans of Robin Williams are in for a delight as a sequel to his legendary 1995 comedy, Jumanji, is now available for free streaming. Channel 4's on-demand service has recently added Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to its catalogue, ready for UK viewers to enjoy. The 2017 film is a direct sequel to the nineties comedy, which featured the late actor alongside Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde and Bebe Neuwirth. The original film tells the story of two siblings who discover a mystical jungle-themed board game, with an unfortunate man trapped within. To liberate the man permanently, the children must successfully finish the game, which involves facing various jungle creatures. Robin, who sadly passed away in 2014, portrayed the unfortunate man, named Alan Parrish. In its 2017 reboot, the plot revolves around a group of high school students who stumble upon a magical video game, and are pulled into its fictional jungle environment. Each character plays the game as an adult avatar they selected, and can only escape by surviving the jungle's dangers and completing the adventure. This time, comedic actors Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson take the lead roles, alongside Scottish actress Karen Gillian, reports the Express. The comedy film received a notable 77% Rotten Tomatoes critical rating upon its release, with audiences giving it an impressive 87% score. Critics praised the film, saying: "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle uses a charming cast and a humorous twist to offer an undemanding yet solidly entertaining update on its source material." Audiences also raved about the film, with one reviewer calling it an "underappreciated masterpiece." Another fan exclaimed: "Literally one of the best comedies of all time! HILARIOUS." A third viewer wrote: "Hilarious, action-packed return to Jumanji! Filled with entertaining adventure! "Actors did great and always make me laugh! Hats off to Jack Black! Watched the movie several times! "Never get tired of watching it! Perfect watch for movie night if you're craving something funny and adventurous." A long-time fan of the original Jumanji film shared their pleasant surprise at how well the new instalment turned out, saying: "As a long time fan of the original Jumanji film, it was a pleasant surprise to find out how good this one ended up being. "Honouring the original, but putting a modern spin on it, and going inside Jumanji instead of taking it to the real world, really gave the story a new perspective."
