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NBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
'Honey Don't!' is the steamy lesbian noir you didn't know you needed
In the dark comedy 'Honey Don't!' private detective Honey O'Donahue (Margaret Qualley) investigates a suspicious death that leads her to a narcissistic reverend (Chris Evans) and his mysterious church. The film, which debuts Aug. 22 and stars Margaret Qualley in the lead role, is the second installment of married couple Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke's lesbian-centric trilogy. Last year's 'Drive-Away Dolls,' a raunchy road-trip comedy starring Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan and Beanie Feldstein, was the first. Early in her career, Cooke edited many of the films her husband directed with his brother, Joel (the renowned duo often simply referred to as the 'Coen Brothers'), including 'The Big Lebowski' and 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' But for this film she joined her spouse in the writers' room. In addition to their films, their unique relationship has also made headlines: Cooke is a lesbian, Coen is straight, they share two children and have been in a platonic union for more than 30 years. Cooke said that in 'Honey Don't!' which her husband directed, it was her mission to make lesbian protagonists visible within the noir genre. 'Ethan and I are both big noir fans. It was a genre that made sense to us — in, like, a classic B-movie genre' she told NBC News. But, she added, 'I couldn't think of any noir genre movies that were lesbian or queer-themed.' Cooke was also inspired by the butch-femme dynamic and wanted to 'switch the gender norms' in 'Honey Don't!' 'Instead of it being like the masculine male detective, it would be great if the very feminine character was the detective, and the more butch character was the femme fatale,' she said of her initial thought process. Honey's wardrobe is largely feminine, though edgier fashion icons — like Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn — served as inspiration for her wardrobe, Cooke said. Though the location of the story, a landlocked Southern California city, did present some sartorial limitations. 'Honey's a detective in Bakersfield, so she couldn't look that good. She couldn't look that styled because we wanted her to feel realistic,' Cooke added. The main character also uses her feminine wiles, charisma and flowery dresses to disarm her opponents and catch them off guard to her benefit, so she can hit them hard with her sharp investigative skills. Her charm proves successful in getting information from those ranging from a slimy megachurch reverend (Evans) to a deadpan cop with whom she shares a steamy romance (Aubrey Plaza). Cooke revealed that Plaza's character, MG Falcone, was initially intended to be more masculine but was reworked to better fit Plaza's casting. Honey, Cooke added, was inspired by a friend of hers who once managed a sex shop. Similarly to 'Drive-Away Dolls,' 'Honey Don't!' embraces women's sexuality. Honey and MG share a vibrant chemistry, or, as Cooke refers to it, 'a classic femme-butch attraction.' 'We definitely wanted it to feel sexy. We wanted there to be a lot of sex in the movie. Everyone has it,' she said. While 'everyone has it,' the tone is different across the narrative. Cooke said the reverend's sex scenes were meant to be a bit ridiculous, while the scenes between Honey and MG were intended to be sexy, with the first of their steamy scenes inspired by 'Basic Instinct.' 'We wanted them to feel sexual tension from the beginning, like it was a big spark in both of their lives,' Cooke said. 'We just tried to write things that felt like, 'OK, this makes sense. They're really into each other.'' As for the film's location, Cooke, who was raised in Southern California, said she and Coen wanted to deviate from the typically grim environments of noir films and use the backdrop of sun-drenched Bakersfield. 'We thought visually it would be interesting. Also, there's a bit of a bleakness — not to the city, but just the landscape there — that felt right for that type of story,' she said. But while the film's opening was actually shot in Bakersfield, most of the film was shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the Coen Brothers shot 'True Grit' and 'No Country for Old Men.' Cooke noted that some of Albuquerque's background terrain, such as its mountains, had to be edited out. With 'Honey Don't' about to hit theaters, Cooke and Coen are now working on the final installment of their sapphic trilogy: 'Go Beavers.' Cooke said the script is in its early stages and is about 'a crew team who gets together for their reunion, and they start dying off one by one.' However, Cooke noted, she's not a fan of horror and is hoping to steer the story in a different direction, one that is specifically inspired by the 1971 Australian outback survival film 'Walkabout.' 'That film is whoa, psychedelic. What is life?' Cooke said. 'It has a little more depth, so we're thinking about taking it in that direction.'
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
George Clooney doesn't 'give a s**t' about critics who say he only plays himself in movies
Hollywood star George Clooney is brushing off long-standing criticism about his acting range. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the Oscar-winning actor addressed claims that he often plays a version of himself on screen, saying, 'Do people say that I only play myself? I don't give a s**t.' George Clooney will be seen in Jay Kelly next Expanding on his point, the 64-year-old defended the versatility he's brought to his film roles over the years. 'There aren't that many guys in my age group that are allowed to do both broad comedies like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and then do Michael Clayton or Syriana. So if that means I'm playing myself all the time, I don't give a s**t. … Have you ever tried playing yourself? It's hard to do,' he said. George, whose on-screen charm has often blurred with his off-screen persona, reflected on how the timing of his success shaped his perspective. 'I've been the beneficiary of having my career not be massively successful in lots of different directions,' he explained. 'I didn't really get successful, in the kind of success that can be blinding, until I was 33 years old. I'd been working for 12 years at that point. I had a real understanding of how fleeting all of it is and how little it has to do with you, quite honestly,' added George. The actor and filmmaker, is far from slowing down. He will next be seen in Jay Kelly, written by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer. In the movie, George plays the titular role of a world-famous movie star in his 60s who travels to an Italian film festival to receive a tribute award — only to confront a deeply personal reckoning. The film also stars Laura Dern as his longtime publicist and Adam Sandler as his manager. Whether he's playing 'himself' or not, George Clooney's staying power — and refusal to play by anyone's rules but his own — is part of what continues to define his career.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ed Gale, Actor Who Played 'Chucky' In 3 Films, Dead At 61
Ed Gale, an actor and stuntman who was most famous for being the physical performer of Chucky, the evil doll that was the namesake of the Chucky horror franchise, died earlier this week at the age of 61. His niece, Kayse Gale, announced his death Tuesday on Facebook. The cause of death was not revealed. TMZ reported that the actor died while in hospice. Kayse Gale celebrated her uncle, who was born with dwarfism, by cheekily beginning her post, 'It is with a heavy heart and a surprisingly light coffin (see what I did there?) that we announce the sudden passing of our uncle.' Kayse Gale also noted that Ed Gale ventured out to Hollywood when he was 20 with only $41 in his pocket, but ended up lighting up the silver screen in cult classic films like 1986's 'Howard the Duck' and 1989's 'Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town.' She said appearing in cult films earned Ed Gale 'some serious street cred at every con he attended' and added, 'which he never stopped bragging about. Ever.' TMZ said that at the time of Gale's death, he was under investigation for allegedly attempting to solicit sex from minor boys. People noted that Gale admitted to soliciting minors for sex to a group called Creep Catchers Unit in April 2023. The LA County District Attorney's office told the publication that one case was referred to the LA City Attorney's Office in September 2023 for a possible misdemeanor filing. Ed Gale's first big role in Hollywood was wearing the suit for the title character in 'Howard the Duck,' while actor Chip Zien supplied the character's voice. He did a similar split role in 1988's 'Child's Play,' the film that first introduced the now-iconic Chucky character to film fans. He worked the costume while actor Brad Dourif supplied the voice. His role in the series helped define the character, 'Child's Play' director Tom Holland told People. 'Ed was a pleasure to work with on 'Child's Play' and played an important role in helping me sell the action of Chucky and thus a reason to fear Chucky,' Holland said. 'Ed was always ready to go when I called action.' Ed Gale went on to play Chucky in two other films in the franchise. and also appeared in films and TV shows like 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?,' 'Baywatch,' '3rd Rock From the Sun,' 'Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey' and 'Friday the 13th: The Series.' His last acting role was portraying an artist in the 2020 film 'Pandemonic,' and he also was interviewed for a 2022 science fiction documentary, 'In Search of Tomorrow.'
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Chucky actor Ed Gale dies at 61 after hospice care in Los Angeles
Ed Gale, the actor best known for portraying the character Chucky in several films from the Child's Play horror franchise, has died at the age of 61, TMZ reported. A source present at the time of his death told TMZ that Gale passed away Tuesday while receiving hospice care in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Gale's niece, Kayse Gale, commemorated his passing with a touching Facebook tribute, referring to him as her 'fun uncle.' She wrote that Gale had 'taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife,' reflecting on his journey from a young dreamer with just $41 and a ride to California, to a prolific performer with over 130 acting credits spanning films, television shows, and commercials. Beyond his personal journey, Gale's career was defined by a wide range of memorable roles. He appeared in several cult classics, including Howard the Duck, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, Spaceballs, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? However, he was most widely recognized for physically portraying the killer doll Chucky in the original Child's Play and two of its sequels, helping bring one of horror's most infamous characters to life. Despite his accomplishments, Gale had been embroiled in legal controversy in recent years. At the time of his death, he remained under investigation for allegedly attempting to solicit sex from minors. No charges had been officially filed. Gale leaves behind a legacy marked by creativity, controversy, and unforgettable characters. He is remembered by fans and colleagues alike for his unique contributions to cult cinema and for helping shape a horror icon.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Cast of 'ER: 'Where Are They Now?
When it comes to medical procedural dramas, ER walked so your favorite show can run. The hit show, which premiered on NBC in 1994, followed a group of healthcare workers in the fictional County General Hospital as they tried to find the balance between their demanding jobs and equally chaotic personal lives. The medical drama featured up-and-comers who would later become some of the world's biggest stars — including George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, Noah Wyle, Eriq La Salle and more, who all went on to have huge careers after the show ended its 15-season run. Below, see what the main cast of season 1 of ER has been up to since the show wrapped in 2009. On his way to becoming a movie star, George Clooney brought tons of charisma (and a very famous Caesar haircut) to the role of Dr. Doug Ross on ER. Following his five-season stint on the show, he went on to star in blockbuster movies such as From Dusk Till Dawn, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Ides of March, the Oceans franchise, and many more films. Though he spent most of his career as a highly sought-after bachelor, Clooney found love with barrister and human rights advocate Amal Alamuddin, whom he married in Italy in 2014. The two welcomed twins Alexander and Ella on June 6, 2017. Years before Eriq La Salle's Peter Benton was running things on ER, the actor was making audiences laugh with his role as the oh-so-suave "Prince of Soul Glo," Daryl Jenks in Coming to America and had credits in movies and TV shows such as A Different World, Quantum Leap, The Human Factor and more. Following his eight-season stint on the medical drama, La Salle continued to act, lending his talents to 24, How to Make It in America and Logan, with his latest credit in 2024's On Call. Making sure that everything ran smoothly and that the troops were in line was Mark Greene, played by Anthony Edwards. Prior to landing the role, Edwards appeared in It Take Two, Northern Exposure, Don't Go Breaking My Heart and other notable works. Like La Salle, Edwards was a fixture on the show for the first eight seasons before leaving to spend more time with his family. Though his character was killed off the show, he came back in a flashback sequence in season 15. Edwards married makeup artist Jeanine Lobell in 1994; the couple welcomed four children together before divorcing in 2015. The actor found love again with Mare Winningham, whom he had previously worked with on ER and remained friends with through the years, growing closer during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They eloped in 2021 and have been living happily ever after since. Noah Wyle won the hearts of America playing baby-faced Dr. John Carter for 11 seasons. Over the years, the actor continued to forge a career in Hollywood, snagging roles in Falling Skies, Enough, The Librarians, The Californians and many more. Thirty years after the premiere of ER, Wyle is back in the emergency room, playing Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch in the critically-acclaimed Max series The Pitt. Offscreen, Wyle is a dedicated family man. The actor has been married to wife Sara since 2014. The two welcomed daughter Frances a year later; she joined her older siblings Owen and Auden, whom Noah shares with his ex-wife Tracy Warbin. Julianna Margulies' portrayal of troubled registered nurse Carol Hathaway was so poignant, she won an Emmy in the show's first season. And her star only continued to rise. Following her six seasons on the show, Margulies snagged roles in The Sopranos, Canterbury's Laws, Snakes on a Plane, and more, before she landed the lead role of Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife, for which she won an additional two Emmys. Margulies has been married to lawyer Keith Lieberthal since 2007. The two share a son named Kieran Lindsay Lieberthal, whom they welcomed on Jan. 17, 2008. Decades before he was causing havoc as Frank Gallagher on Shameless, William H. Macy was saving lives as chief of surgery Dr. David Morgenstern on ER. In the years between ER and Shameless, he appeared in The Maiden Heist, The Lincoln Lawyer, Versailles, Marmaduke and several other projects. The two-time Emmy winner has been married to wife Felicity Huffman since 1997. They welcomed their eldest daughter, Sophia, in 2000 and their youngest Georgia joined the family in 2002. By the time Sherry Stringfield landed the role of Susan Lewis on ER, she had a well-established career. The actress had previously played Blake Thorpe in CBS' Guiding Light for three years. She also landed a small role in NYPD Blue before finally making her way to Cook County Hospital. Following her time on the show, Stringfield has appeared in Tell Me You Love Me, The Stepfather, Under the Dome and more. Her most recent credit was in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, on which she played Karen Garrett from 2016 to 2017. Stringfield has two children, Milo and Phoebe, whom she shares with ex-husband Larry Joseph. Playing nurse Haleh Adams was Yvette Freeman, who portrayed the recurring character for the entirety of the show's 15-season run. In the years since, Freeman has appeared in Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, Orange Is the New Black, A Black Lady Sketch Show and more. According to IMDB, she's been married to Lanny Hartley since 1996. Like Freeman, Emily Wagner played the role of Doris Pickman for all of ER's 15 seasons. Over the years, she's added to her resume with appearances in Judging Amy, Jack & Jill, Criminal Minds, Mr. Woodcock and more. Keeping the good vibes going amid all the chaos was licensed practical nurse Malik McGrath, who was played by the late Dearon Thompson, most commonly known as Deezer D. Before his death at age 55 in 2021, the actor also made appearances in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Bringing Down the House, In the Mix and more. Manning the phones and making sure the medical staff was updated with news of patients and then some, was County General Hospital's desk clerk Jerry Markovic, played by Abraham Benrubi. The actor has been working steadily since the late '80s, when he played a bodyguard in Living Dolls. You've also seen Benrubi in Blossom, Parker Lewis Can't Lose, Sleepwalkers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Criminal Minds, Men in Trees and plenty more notable works. Read the original article on People
