Latest news with #ViolaDavis
Black America Web
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Before Fame: 20 Black A-Listers Who Starred in Canceled Shows
Even A-listers start somewhere. These 20 Black celebrities appeared in shows that were canceled before hitting their stride — but the stars certainly didn't. Not every superstar begins their career with a blockbuster hit. In fact, some of the biggest names in Black Hollywood had their earliest roles in short-lived or forgotten TV shows. These series may have flopped, but they served as stepping stones for actors who went on to become household names. Think of it as a 'before they were famous' moment — a peek into the humble (and sometimes bizarre) beginnings of today's A-list talent. Whether it was a sitcom that didn't make it past season one or a drama buried under poor ratings, these canceled shows gave rising stars their first shot. From Oscar winners to Marvel heroes, these Black actors pushed through Hollywood's early rejections and emerged as icons. You might be surprised by how many got their start in TV shows you've never heard of — or barely remember. Tap in as we revisit 20 Black celebrities who turned early career flops into full-blown fame. 20 Black Movies That Flopped But Are Now Certified Classics The Residence Canceled by Netflix—And It's Not the Only Black-Led Show Cut Too Soon 20 Black Women in Film Who Proved One Role Can Change Everything Before Fame: 20 Black A-Listers Who Starred in Canceled Shows was originally published on 1. Viola Davis – City of Angels (2000) Before her Oscar, Viola starred in this short-lived CBS medical drama with a majority-Black cast. 2. Michael B. Jordan – The Assistants (2009) This comedy series aired on BET and was canceled quickly, but Jordan was already showing star power. 3. Jamie Foxx – Roc (1992, guest role) Before The Jamie Foxx Show, he appeared in this gritty, underrated sitcom — a stepping stone to stardom. 4. Zendaya – Shake It Up (2010–2013) A Disney hit that launched her, but the show was canceled after 3 seasons, just before her global breakout. 5. Donald Glover – Community (2009–2015) While a cult hit, Community was shuffled and canceled repeatedly — Glover left before his music and Emmy run. 6. Chadwick Boseman – Lincoln Heights (2007–2009) Before Black Panther, Chadwick had a recurring role on this family drama that ended after 4 seasons. 7. Kerry Washington – Wonderfalls (2004) She had a brief appearance before Scandal fame in this cult-favorite Fox series canceled after 4 episodes. 8. Regina King – 227 (1985–1990) Her first major role was in this NBC sitcom that faded just before the 90s, but launched her acting career. 9. Octavia Spencer – Halfway Home (2007) A short-lived improv-based sitcom on Comedy Central — Spencer was far from the Oscar winner she'd become. 10. Mahershala Ali – The 4400 (2004–2007) Ali starred in this sci-fi series on USA Network before grabbing two Oscars. 11. Queen Latifah – Living Single (1993–1998) Canceled after 5 seasons despite high ratings. Its legacy? Paving the way for Friends — and for Latifah's TV/film career. 12. Ultraviolet (1998, Channel 4 – UK) Long before Hollywood fame, Elba starred in this cult British sci-fi drama as a vampire hunter. The show was critically acclaimed but canceled after just six episodes — now it's a hidden gem for Elba fans. 13. Anthony Mackie – All the Way (2001) A political miniseries that disappeared fast, but gave Mackie his first major exposure. 14. Yara Shahidi – The First Family (2012–2013) Before Black-ish, Shahidi starred in this sitcom about a fictional Black president — it didn't last. 15. Lakeith Stanfield – The Get Down (2016–2017) Netflix axed it after one season, but Stanfield's scene-stealing role helped him land Atlanta and Judas and the Black Messiah. 16. Tessa Thompson – Veronica Mars (2005–2006) A supporting role in this teen detective drama helped her land more serious gigs. 17. Danai Gurira – Treme (2010–2013) Before The Walking Dead and Black Panther, she played a fierce activist in this HBO post-Katrina drama. 18. Meagan Good – Raising Dad (2001–2002) This sitcom with Bob Saget only lasted a season — Meagan later took off in Think Like a Man and Harlem. 19. Tyler James Williams – Go On (2012–2013) After Everybody Hates Chris but before Abbott Elementary, Williams was in this NBC dramedy canceled after one season. 20. Issa Rae – The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl (2011–2013) Her original YouTube series was eventually ended to make way for Insecure — a classic pivot from web to HBO.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DC Universe release dates: Every DCU movie and TV show
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. After failing to match Marvel with its own beloved comic book cinematic universe, Warner Bros. Discovery opted to start over. The DCEU wrapped up with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and the new DC Universe kicked off in 2025 with James Gunn's Superman. Meanwhile, DC Studios co-chairmen James Gunn and Peter Safran have already shared their plans for the first chapter of the DCU, including release dates for movies and shows. Showrunner: James Gunn Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Robert Patrick, Frank Grillo, Sol Rodríguez, David Denman, Tim Meadows, Michael Rooker While the first season of Peacemaker technically took place in the DCEU, the second season will reckon with the transition into James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DCU. After a cameo in Superman, John Cena will reprise his role as not just one Chris Smith (aka Peacemaker), but two, as revealed in the teaser trailer above. Today's Top Deals XGIMI Prime Day deals feature the new MoGo 4 and up to 42% off smart projectors Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Director: TBA Cast: Viola Davis, Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Frank Grillo Viola Davis reprises her role as Amanda Waller in a live-action series set between Peacemaker seasons 1 and 2. She looks to be one of the few DCEU characters who will transition seamlessly into the DCU after previously appearing in both Suicide Squad movies and Black Adam. She will team up with members of Team Peacemaker in her latest mission. Director: Craig Gillespie Cast: Milly Alcock Inspired by on Tom King and Bilquis Evely's Supergirl: World of Tomorrow comic, the movie will follow the titular cousin of Superman, who spent the first 14 years of her life on a broken piece of Krypton after the planet was destroyed. Gunn describes her as 'a much harsher and more f***ed up Supergirl than you've been used to thus far.' Director: James Watkins Cast: Tom Rhys Harries It wasn't part of the original plans for the first chapter, but barring any delays, Clayface will be the third DCU movie to hit theaters. James Watkins will direct a script from Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini about a struggling actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance to remain relevant, and turns into a walking piece of clay. Showrunner: Chris Mundy Cast: TBA Two Green Lanterns are better than one. At least, that's what the HBO series Lanterns posits, as Hal Jordan and John Stewart team up to solve a 'True Detective-style mystery.' Gunn says that the ancient horror that the Lanterns discover on Earth will lead into the overarching plot of the DCU. It sounds like this show will be key to understanding the bigger story. Here's HBO's official logline: 'The series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.' Director: TBA Cast: TBA This superhero team initially had no connection to the larger DC universe, but Gunn plans to integrate The Authority into the DCU right away. While they want to save the world just like their DC superhero counterparts, they don't mind killing people, toppling governments, or even taking control themselves in order to reshape the world as they see fit. Director: TBA Cast: TBA Gunn and Safran describe Paradise Lost as 'a Game of Thrones-type story about Themyscira,' which is the home of the Amazons and the birthplace of Wonder Woman. The Max show takes place before the birth of Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) and covers the origin of Paradise Island along with all of the political turmoil that shaped its society. Director: Andy Muschietti Cast: TBA Along with a new Superman, the DCU will also get a new Batman. But The Brave and the Bold will center on Damian Wayne, Batman's son, who eventually becomes Robin. The movie will be based on Grant Morrison's 2010 run of Batman comics. Safran adds that other members of the Bat-Family will feature heavily as well. Director: TBA Cast: TBA When it comes to lovable losers in comics, Booster Gold is near the top of the list. Mike Carter isn't really a superhero at all, but rather a 25th-century former football star who comes back in time and uses future technology to convince everyone he's a hero. Much like Peacemaker, this Max series should lean heavily into the comedy. Director: James Mangold Cast: TBA Finally, closing out Chapter One of the DCU is Swamp Thing. This dark horror movie will unravel the origins of the monster known as Swamp Thing. Unfortunately, that's all that DC Studios has shared about this mysterious project as of late 2023. While the DC Extended Universe and its version of the Justice League are no more, DC Studios isn't totally scrapping everything that came before the new DC Universe. Anything that doesn't fit directly into the larger cinematic universe will be known as DC Elseworlds. Here are all of the upcoming DC shows and movies that will exist outside of the DCU: The long-running animated series Teen Titans Go! is currently airing its ninth season, and given all of the success it has seen since premiering in 2013, it's no wonder DC is keeping it around. In addition to the eight seasons on Cartoon Network, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies hit theaters in 2018. Expect more seasons in the coming years. Director: Matt Reeves Cast: Robert Pattinson The Batman (Robert Pattinson) saved many lives in the first movie, but Gotham City is in a sorry state after the flood caused by Riddler's bombs. We have a sneaking suspicion Batman's rogues gallery is going to try to take advantage of this situation in The Batman – Part II. It might not be a part of the DCU, but this is a universe worth building on. (2024) (2025) (2013-Present) (2019) Harley Quinn (2019-Present) (2021–2024) My Adventures with Superman (2023-Present) (2024) (2024) (2024) We'll continue to add to this list as more movies and shows come out. Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more More Top Deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 See the
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mexican president didn't send rescue teams to Texas after deadly flooding
In early July 2025, a claim began circulating on social media that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sent rescue teams to Texas in response to the deadly floods that struck the state over the Fourth of July weekend. The rumor gained significant traction after actor Viola Davis shared an Instagram post (archived) that featured a photograph of Sheinbaum alongside text praising her supposed decision to help. "Much respect Madam President," the caption read. (Instagram user @violadavis) The graphic, which gained over 395,000 likes as of this writing, included the lines (emphasis added): Mexico's president just sent rescue teams to Texas. After all the hate. After all the anti-immigrant policies. After all the racism toward brown people. She still helped. She still showed up. She still did the right thing. To a red state that wouldn't do the same for her. That's leadership. That's power. That's a woman. The image originated from a Threads post (archived) by the user @swagrman, whose username appeared on the graphic Davis shared. The claim spread across platforms including Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, Threads, X and TikTok, as well as in Spanish-language posts. In short, while Mexico did assist in the flood response in Texas in early July 2025, there was no evidence that Sheinbaum ordered or coordinated the deployment of rescue teams. The personnel who assisted in search and rescue efforts in Kerr County were volunteers from the Civil Protection and Fire Department of Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, and the nonprofit organization Fundación 911. Their deployment was made independently, in response to a request from the U.S.-based organization Texas EquuSearch, and was not coordinated by the Mexican federal government. While Sheinbaum acknowledged and praised their efforts during a July 7, 2025, news conference, she didn't claim to have organized or authorized their deployment. The Mexican government's assistance focused on consular support for the roughly 30 Mexican nationals affected by the flooding. Despite claims crediting Sheinbaum with sending rescue teams to Texas, the aid that arrived from Mexico came from a local emergency unit in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, a Mexican border city across from Del Rio, Texas. (Google Maps) On July 6, 2025, the Acuña's Civil Protection and Fire Department (Dirección de Protección Civil y Bomberos de Acuña) announced on Facebook that its water rescue team, along with firefighters and members of Fundación 911, departed to assist with flood search efforts in Kerrville, Texas. According to the post, the team responded to a request from Texas EquuSearch, a U.S.-based volunteer search-and-rescue organization. The volunteers worked in coordination with local U.S. authorities to help locate missing persons along the flooded Guadalupe River. Fundación 911 also shared several updates about its involvement in the Texas flood response on its official Facebook page. Sheinbaum did not take credit for sending rescue teams to Texas. When asked about the viral Viola Davis post during her July 7 news conference (at about 1:11:23 into the official livestream), she clarified that the aid came from volunteer firefighters in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, who traveled to Texas independently. "Honor to whom honor is due," Sheinbaum said, naming several firefighters and acknowledging Acuña's mayor, Emilio de Hoyos, along with members of Fundación 911. "They truly deserve our recognition," she added. Sheinbaum also explained that Mexico's Foreign Affairs Ministry was in contact with both the Texas state government and the U.S. Department of State to offer further assistance. When the reporter read Davis' Instagram post aloud, Sheinbaum responded, "That is the people of Mexico. That is our culture," adding that "Mexicans are supportive and fraternal, always. And what's reflected in firefighters going and risking their lives, as they also did in California to save others, is the essence of the Mexican people. It's humanism." Therefore, at no point did Sheinbaum claim to have ordered or facilitated the deployment of the rescue team. Her comments made it clear that the response came from a local initiative. Additionally, a search of Sheinbaum's official social media profiles, including X, showed no statements suggesting she directed or announced the rescue effort. The official response from the Mexican government focused on consular support for its citizens affected by the disaster. On July 5, the Foreign Affairs Ministry (SRE) expressed condolences and announced that the Consulate General in San Antonio was monitoring the situation and visiting shelters to assist Mexican nationals, reiterating it on July 7. During her July 7 news conference, Sheinbaum stated that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was assisting at least 30 Mexican nationals impacted by the flooding in Kerr County. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson wrote on X that "Mexican K9 teams, trained with U.S. support for law enforcement missions, are now in Texas helping families find missing loved ones. We remain committed to working side by side with Mexico in moments like this." He also thanked the Government of Mexico "for their solidarity and support following the floods in Texas." Similarly, Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, thanked Mexico for "lending a hand with recovery after the devastating Texas flood." However, these statements referred to diplomatic efforts and local volunteer assistance, with no mention of rescue teams sent by Sheinbaum. We've investigated multiple rumors related to the July 2025 floods in Texas, including a claim that a Houston pediatric practice fired Dr. Christina Propst after she posted online that Texas flood victims in July 2025 were supporters of President Donald Trump who got "what they voted for." We also debunked the claim that Rainmaker Technology Corporation's cloud seeding mission caused deadly flooding in parts of Texas over Fourth of July weekend. - YouTube. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025. ---. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025. Loe, Megan. "Unraveling Claims Cloud Seeding Caused Deadly Texas Floods in 2025." Snopes, 8 Jul. 2025, Texas EquuSearch Search And Recovery Non-Profit. 26 May 2017, Texas Floods Articles | Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
'The most addictive thriller on TV' is finally made free to stream after shock Netflix axe that left fans furious
A hugely addictive thriller has finally been made free to stream after its shock axe from Netflix that left fans seething. The streaming giant removed the hit show, which has a respectable 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, last year. However, How To Get Away With Murder has now been made available to stream once again - and even for free. The smash-hit legal drama originally aired between 2014 and 2020, running for six seasons before its cancellation. Viola Davis plays the lead role of defence attorney and professor Annalise Keating as the series follows her life. As the drama unfolds, Annalise becomes caught up in a murder plot that involves five of her students. In 2015, Davis became the first African American to win an Emmy for best lead actress in a drama series. How To Get Away With Murder has now officially landed on Channel 4's streaming site, which doesn't require a subscription. Bosses have made all six seasons of the binge-watch worthy thriller available. Critics have praised the series, with Entertainment Weekly previously calling it 'the most addictive new thriller on TV'. Other stars in the series include Alfred Enoch, Matt McGorry, and Karla Souza, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Charlie Weber and Liza Weil. Back in 2019 when it was confirmed the show would be ending, series creator and executive producer Pete Nowalk called ending the show a 'brutal decision,' but said the story demanded it. 'For me, Annalise Keating's journey has always had a clear ending,' Nowalk said in a statement. 'Knowing I have 15 episodes left to finish her story, and the chance to give all the characters their own killer endings is a rare gift.' One thriller fan wrote in the Netflix Bangers Facebook group about the show: 'I'm quite lost after Dexter: New Blood. Honest review please, if you have seen this one' alongside a poster of How To Get Away With Murder. Others commented that they were going to be re-watching the show and labelled it 'amazing' while other's added: 'It's a must-watch from me, sooo good'. Another wrote: 'Really good, you won't be disappointed, loved this show'; 'Yes, it is so good!'; 'Very intriguing', and 'I couldn't stop watching!' Some fans even confessed they had watched it three times while another said: 'This is so addictive, absolutely brilliant'. Meanwhile, a 'fascinating and suspenseful' Netflix thriller has left fans gripped with a 'psychopathic' leading man and a 'dark' twist. The Occupant first hit screens back in 2020 and is available to watch on the streaming platform. Back in 2019 when it was confirmed the show would be ending, series creator and executive producer Pete Nowalk called ending the show a 'brutal decision,' but said the story demanded it It follows unemployed advertising executive Javier Muñoz (Javier Gutiérrez) who becomes obsessed with the new tenants of the home he had to give up. However, things take a horrifying twist when 'his motives toward the family turn sinister,' according to the synopsis. Despite only having a modest 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Occupant has still managed to collect plenty of praise from fans. High On Films penned: 'The main reason why The Occupant works is Javier Gutierrez's dedicated performance as the psychopathic, dejected advertiser who would go to any heights to get what he wants.'
New Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Viola Davis and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to headline and back reimagining of House of Games
A reimagining of 1987 film House of Games is in development at Amazon MGM Studios which will be headlined by Viola Davis and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Apart from starring in the lead role, the duo will also back the film under their respective production banners. David Mamet directed the original neo-noir film about con-men and confidence scams in his directorial debut. The film's cast includes Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, Ricky Jay, and JT Walsh. Much details about the new film, including the story and a release date are under wraps.
