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Actor Louis Gossett Jr. he loved Hollywood even if it didn’t love him back – Andscape

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For informal insiders, the Oscar is the important thing that opens the door to profession opportunities in Hollywood. But not all that glitters is gold in a spot built on creating and maintaining illusions. Take, for instance, Louis Gossett Jr., the Oscar winner who died on March 29 on the age of 87. It is widely believed that after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1982 for , the classically trained actor’s phone rang. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

“After the Oscars, well, I’ve got plenty of time left.” Gossett said in 1989 “I thought I would get a lot of offers, but they didn’t come.”

And why would not he do it? Gossett was the second black man to win an Oscar since Sidney Poitier won best actor in 1963, and only the third black man. Box office success and significant acclaim must have made Gossett a hot commodity. But the phone didn’t ring for a very long time.

Louis Gossett Jr. he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role within the film An officer and a gentleman on the annual Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on April 11, 1983.

“I didn’t work in films for another year.” Gosset said. “I do not think people were ready for me to win. I believed winning an Oscar meant, “I’m a millionaire!” And it never really meant 1,000,000 dollars for nothing.

When film roles finally got here his way, he was relegated to supporting roles, often filled by black actors. In Gossett’s heyday, there weren’t many opportunities for black artists, so saying “no” wasn’t at all times an option. However, he never allowed the size of production or the form of film to find out the extent of his performance. Whether it was a giant studio movie, a 3rd film, or a low-budget Chuck Norris motion movie (1986), Gossett maintained the identical energy. Even if it meant wearing prosthetics and makeup like he did in .

“Everyone turned down the role because you couldn’t see your face or eyes. “How can you give a performance?” So there’s just a little little bit of Lon Chaney Sr. in me (), you gotta try it” Gosset said. “That’s why I made this decision, because it was a challenge.”

There’s something cool, almost regal, about someone who devotes himself to all the things with the identical dedication, especially when there’s an Oscar hanging on the mantelpiece. Gossett was pleased with his work ethic and understood the racial elements of his career. He lamented the industry’s treatment of the typical black actor in 1989 and Hollywood’s “limited vision of what Negroes are.”

“Wizard storytellers – fool roles, roles in cop movies, roles in blaxploitation movies, trickster types, all the stereotypical Black characters, Black roles with white hats, dark glasses and chains around their necks,” Gossett said. He experienced unequal treatment behind the scenes during a dark period in his life.

Depressed, Gossett became hooked on drugs and alcohol when the bounty didn’t bring him what he wanted. He fought for leading roles and equal pay that did not materialize. He has reached what many consider to be the top of acting, but nothing has modified. “I said to myself, ‘What else can I do? Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? I started to self-destruct.” He noted how narrow the trail was for black actors in comparison with their white counterparts. He wrote about it in his memoirs:

“(They) were in a position to overcome worse problems through drugs, alcohol and self-destructive actions. There was hope for them of redemption and an even more successful profession after treatment, and their drug problem only added to their allure. But for a black man who was alleged to “mind his manners,” drugs were a everlasting stain. For me, the road was too narrow to permit for playing around.

Louis Gossett Jr. on stage during Center Theater Group’s fiftieth Anniversary Celebration on the Ahmanson Theater on May 20, 2017 in Los Angeles.

Rich Polk/Getty Images for Center Theater Group

As Rowan Pope famously said on a TV show, “We have to be twice as good as them to get half of what they have.” It’s the identical now as it was then. It says loads that what he experienced 40 years ago continues to be relevant today. Even after Gossett’s successful stint in rehab, the established order remained for a person who deserved higher. What does it say concerning the entertainment industry when a person who overcame his transgressions, treated every job as if it were his last, won so many accolades along the best way, and who envisioned a world of color-blind casting never had the possibility to attain what several his white co-stars did on film? What does it say about this man that he found himself in a greater place and overcame his bitterness?

Gossett loved Hollywood, even if it never fully loved him. An Academy Award signifies that the complete entertainment community recognizes someone’s talent and says, “We such as you. We really such as you. The same individuals who voted for him in 1983 over Charles Durning, John Lithgow, James Mason and Robert Preston hung him to dry when the ceremony was over and the champagne stopped flowing. Gossett hoped that television would change the situation and that when audiences saw Black people in diverse roles, it might turn the tide for higher film roles.

It finally happened.

Jason Gedrick (left) and Louis Gossett Jr. (right) within the scene with Iron Eagle in 1986

TriStar/Getty Images

Although his film profession never really took off, Gossett blazed a trail in television. Having someone of his height forged in non-stereotypical roles opened doors for those behind him. He showed off his comedy talent in . He voiced Lucius Fox within the animated series and a drill sergeant in . In the series, he played priests, reverends, private detectives, teachers and even a superhero.

This last point stands out because it’s hard to assume a world during which Regina King existed because the principal character if it weren’t for all the things Gossett achieved. It’s even harder to see someone apart from him play Will Reeves/Hooded Justice with righteous outrage at what was taken from him and the methods he selected to take it back. There is a Bible verse about how there may be a time for all the things. Gossett had his way when individuals who grew up watching him in every sequel and casting him of their shows or movies like in 2023.

These props didn’t arrive when he called, but they eventually arrived on time.

Marcus Shorter is a communications specialist and author. When he’s not writing ideas for Consequence, Cageside Seats, or Bloody Disgusting, he gets extremely nerdy about rap lyrics, politics, poetry, and comics.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Former Bad Boy artist Shyne reveals his true feelings about Diddy’s role in sending him to prison following Mogul’s recent arrest

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Former rapper turned politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow has broken his silence on the recent arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The Belize-born artist, once an integral a part of Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, has publicly shared his thoughts for the primary time on the music executive’s recent legal troubles.

Though he’s made it clear that Diddy’s legal troubles “don’t make him happy,” the “Bad Boyz” chart-topper stays adamant that his former boss “ruined” his life.

Former Bad Boy artist Shyne blames Diddy for his 10-year sentence for a 1999 nightclub shooting. (Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage; Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Shyne’s statement got here just days after Combs was arrested on federal charges including extortion, human trafficking and prostitution, which resulted in Diddy being denied bail twice.

The case has made headlines, with many wondering about Diddy’s past. Not only are people bringing up his infamous “Freak-offs” and “Diddy Parties,” but in addition his infamous connection to an incident at a New York nightclub in 1999, where Shyne was partying with the Bad Boy founder and his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, before gunfire injured two people.

Shyne had no idea how his life would unravel after that night. His profession was cut short, and his life as a free man was marked by first-degree assault, possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. The chart-topping star was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001 for his role in the altercation. He was eventually released in 2009 and deported to Belize.

Fast forward to 2024, and the 2 men appear to be on completely different paths. Shyne is now the leader of the opposition in the Belize House of Representatives, while Diddy faces charges that would land him a life sentence. Shyne shared his thoughts on his former boss’ case at a press conference in Belize.

“When I was an 18-year-old kid who wanted to do nothing but make my mother and Belize happy and be recognized for my talent and take over the world,” Shyne recalled in an interview with Channel 5 Belize. “I defended him and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me.”

Shyne’s face remained impassive as he explained the role Diddy played in his legal struggles. “He contributed to… basically sent me to prison. That’s the context in which this (relationship) should always be described. I’ve forgiven. I’ve moved on. But let’s not pretend I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Shyne suggested that he and Combs aren’t as close as some might think. Despite his forgiving heart, he made sure to set the record straight about their relationship.

“So let’s not lose sight of the cold, hard facts,” Shyne said. “This is not someone I vacationed with and he and I had this wonderful, intimate brotherhood with. This is someone who destroyed my life and I have forgiven him and moved on.”

For years, Shyne has worked with Diddy to bring resources to Belize, but Diddy has clarified that their partnership is strictly business-related.

“Don’t distort it like we’re boom bally. This is someone who ruined my life,” he continued.

Shyne’s evolution from rapper to politician has not gone unnoticed. When The Shade Room published press conference, many praised him for his grace and wisdom in handling the situation, with one commentator noting, “Shyne is the true definition of someone who will sit back and let God do the work.”

Another person said, “This man has really grown. Holding on to bitterness and resentment only hurts you, not the perpetrator. Let life deal with people. Karma never loses its address.”

“Forgiving someone without an apology is powerful,” said a 3rd comment.

Not everyone was impressed. Some wanted him to admit his role in his death.

“First of all, you ruined your life…let’s take responsibility,” the Shade Room commentary admonished. “That’s the problem, people not taking responsibility for their actions and how it leads them to destruction.”

Despite his troubled past, Shyne stays focused on his future and the well-being of his country. “Nobody has to fail for me to succeed,” he said, further evidence of his growth.

Meanwhile, the producer behind the success of artists like Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G. and The Lox is facing legal troubles. His legal team had proposed a $50 million bail to secure his release, but a judge denied the request, citing concerns about witness intimidation and flight risk. The music mogul will remain behind bars in Brooklyn as his trial approaches.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Pharrell Williams ‘Irritated’ by Celebrity Political Endorsements

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Pharrell Williams shouldn’t be a fan of celebrity political endorsements. In an interview with Hollywood ReporterThe multi-faceted star shared her more “humanist” view of politics and her opinion on the music and entertainment industry’s involvement in elections.

“I’m more of a humanitarian. I like people who try to help others. I’m not sure I’ll ever vote for the far right. I won’t,” he reportedly said with fun. “But I’m not really into politics. I do like some of the politics; I think education is important. We have a nonprofit called YELLOW (whose mission is equality through education), and then there’s another 501(c)(3) that helps black and brown entrepreneurs called Black Ambition—those are the things I lean into. I’m not an activist, but I believe in action.”

As hundreds of men and girls rally to support Vice President Kamala Harris within the 2024 presidential election, Williams revealed his mixed feelings about celebrities publicly endorsing political candidates. When asked if he would allow any party to make use of his music of their campaigns, as Beyoncé did with Harris, Williams said no, adding that he sometimes “gets irritated” by celebrities getting involved in politics.

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“Sometimes I get annoyed when I see celebrities trying to tell you (who to vote for). There are celebrities I respect who have their own opinions, but not all of them. I’m one of those people (who says, ‘What the hell? Shut up. Nobody asked you,'” he explained. “When people come out and start thinking they’re righteous, they roll up their sleeves and go around with a sign saying, ‘Shut up!'”

In recent years, celebrity endorsements have turn into a key a part of each parties’ political campaigns. While Williams apparently has no plans to endorse anyone this election cycle, he publicly endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Similarly, he sent former President Trump a letter demanding that he stop using his song “Happy” at one in all his rallies.

“Politics is not my field of expertise,” he said, at a Clinton rally in 2016“But I am a human being. I am a human being with a family, a human being who shares this Earth with other people. These elections are simply too important. I could not sit on the sidelines and just remain silent.”

Social media users were quick to criticize the Louis Vuitton menswear creative director for his seemingly contradictory comments.

“I respectfully disagree, Pharrell. The voices of the informed can educate,” one user wrote on X.

“That’s a privileged approach, lol,” said one other as well as.

Regardless of your opinion on celebrity political endorsements, Williams’ statement reminds us how vital it’s to do your research and fully understand the ballot before casting your vote.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Jennifer Lopez allegedly wants ‘revenge’ on Ben Affleck, revealing how he ‘let her down’ in the bedroom amid embarrassing divorce

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jlo-ben-affleck revenge

Soon-to-be-four-time divorcee Jennifer Lopez is reportedly gearing up to disclose unflattering details about her relationship with Ben Affleck following their recent split.

According to a brand new report, Lopez, 55, who has previously praised their passionate sex life in her music, is now considering changing her praise and should be preparing to release a song that paints a very different picture.

jlo-ben-affleck revenge
Sources claim that singer Jennifer Lopez wants to embarrass her soon-to-be ex-husband Ben Affleck with songs about his poor bedroom performance. (Photos: @jlo/(Instagram; Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

As tensions between them intensify following their breakup, a more essential side of their time together begins to come back to light.

Lopez, who once bragged about watching the “Good Will Hunting” actor have sex in the bedroom while singing sensual lyrics in “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” appears to be changing his tune on Affleck’s abilities in the bedroom.

“When things were going well between them, J.Lo put Ben and his bedroom skills on a pedestal,” the insider said. revealed to In Touch, “but she’s taken off her rose-tinted glasses and is telling people he was actually a pretty selfish and basic lover.”

This marks a major change from Lopez’s previous tributes to Affleck, in which she appeared to idolize him each personally and physically.

Her latest album, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, released in February, was intended to have a good time their renewed romance.

Lopez’s ninth studio album featured a companion film that showcased their relationship in a vibrant light. While she produced the project herself, In Touch’s alleged source claims that Affleck played a major role behind the scenes, likely controlling the narrative greater than people realize.

Just two months after the project’s premiere, the couple announced their end of collaboration and have remained separated ever since.

However, Lopez’s tone has reportedly modified drastically. She not praises Affleck’s talent but as a substitute expresses frustrations about their personal lives, especially his mediocre performance in the bedroom, a brand new report claims.

“She’s so pissed she wrote all those sexy lyrics about him,” an alleged insider told In Touch, claiming Lopez is considering writing one other song that exposes Affleck’s flaws.

The person said at the time: “She says she’s now ready to write a breakup song that hits where it hurts most and makes up to him for all the ways he let her down, including in the bedroom.”

Adding that Lopez uses writing as an outlet for her emotions and that her team is fully supportive of the idea, the anonymous spokesperson said, “She’s very emotional and angry right now, and part of the way she deals with her emotions is by keeping a journal and writing. Her team is encouraging her to channel that into songwriting.”

Lopez’s longtime manager Benny Medina and her team are reportedly urging her to pursue the project, though some speculate they’ve been working behind the scenes to break Affleck’s image since their marriage began to unravel.

This alleged manipulation is not any stranger to those that have previously been involved with Lopez’s life.

Her first husband, Ojani Noa, recently spoke to the Daily Mail about the similar treatment he experienced during his marriage to the star.

“(Her people) wanted her to look good for everything that was coming out — the movie, the album, and they didn’t want any bad publicity,” Noa claimed. “They made it sound like I didn’t want to be with her, and it was the opposite.”

There’s no word on whether Lopez plans to officially channel her frustrations with Affleck into recent music. She’s currently promoting her latest film, “Unstoppable,” a project she co-produced with Affleck and his longtime friend Matt Damon. Lopez recently attended the Toronto International Film Festival to advertise the film, although Affleck was noticeably absent.

Despite their split, the duo have remained in touch, reportedly raising their combined family together. Lopez and Affleck were recently spotted at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they met up with their children — Affleck’s daughter Seraphina, 15, son Samuel, 12, and Lopez’s twins, Emme and Max, 16 — for a family chat.

Art often imitates life, and Lopez’s story suggests she could use this tumultuous time to fuel her creativity. Whether it’s a chart-topping song or successful movie, the fallout from this breakup could encourage her next big hit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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