Brad Pitt Birthday December 18

 

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William Bradley “Brad” Pitt (born December 18, 1963) is an American actor and film producer. He has been cited as one of the world’s most attractive men, a label that entices the media to report on his off-screen life. Pitt has received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one.

Pitt began his acting career with television guest appearances which included a role on the CBS soap opera Dallas in 1987; later gaining recognition as the cowboy hitchhiker who seduces Geena Davis’s character in the 1991 road movie Thelma & Louise. Pitt’s first leading roles in big-budget productions came with A River Runs Through It (1992) and Interview with the Vampire (1994). He was cast opposite Anthony Hopkins in the 1994 drama Legends of the Fall which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. In 1995, he gave critically acclaimed performances in the crime thriller Seven and the science fiction film Twelve Monkeys, the latter earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. Four years later in 1999, Pitt starred in the cult hit Fight Club. Subsequently in 2001, he starred in the major international hit Ocean’s Eleven and its sequels Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007). He has had his biggest commercial successes with Troy (2004) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). Pitt received his second Academy Award nomination for his performance in the title role in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Following a high-profile relationship with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Pitt was married to actress Jennifer Aniston for five years. As of 2009, he lives with actress Angelina Jolie in a relationship that has attracted worldwide media attention. He and Jolie have three adopted children, Maddox, Zahara, and Pax, and have also given birth to three biological children, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne. Pitt owns a production company named Plan B Entertainment, which produced the 2007 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, The Departed, among other films. Since beginning his relationship with Jolie, he has become increasingly involved in social issues both in the United States and internationally.

Trivia

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#23). [1995]

Turned down a role as an astronaut in Apollo 13 (1995) to accept his role in Se7en (1995).

Posed for a campus calendar in college.

A girl went to Pitt’s Hollywood-area home shortly after midnight Jan. 7, 1999 and crawled in through an open window, dressed herself in his clothes and stayed for 10 hours before the alarm went off. Athena Rolando, 19, was ordered not to contact the actor and to stay 100 yards away from him for three years. [1999]

Ranked #32 in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list. [October 1997]

Mutally agrees to split with Gwyneth Paltrow. [June 1997]

Banned from entering China because of his role in Seven Years in Tibet (1997). [1997]

Chosen by “People” magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world. [1997]

Engaged to actress Gwyneth Paltrow. [20 December 1996]

Donated $100,000 to the Discovery Center – a children’s learning museum in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri. [June 1996]

Chosen by People (USA) magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world. [1996]

1994: Given title “Sexiest Man Alive” from People Magazine, after making Legends of the Fall (1994).

May 1992: Lived in Southern California with friend Buck Simmonds, who starred with him in A River Runs Through It (1992).

Dated Juliette Lewis. They met on the set of the NBC movie of the week Too Young to Die? (1990) (TV). They also did Kalifornia (1993) together.

He was the third choice for the role of J.D. in Thelma & Louise (1991). William Baldwin, the first choice, left to star in Backdraft (1991).

Had to learn to fly-cast for his role in A River Runs Through It (1992). He practiced on top of buildings in Hollywood. During these practices he frequently hooked himself in the back of his head.

Voted “Best Actor” by viewers of MTV’s “The Big Picture” (1988) in 1995.

Was a journalism major in college with an advertising focus.

Listed as one of twelve “Promising New Actors of 1991″ in John Willis’ Screen World, Vol. 43. [1991]

Graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Mo. [1982]

Dropped out of the University of Missouri School of Journalism (Columbia, Missouri).

In high school was a member of the golf, tennis, and swim teams.

Belonged to the Key Club and the Forensics Club in High School.

Listed in “People Weekly”s “Most Intriguing People” list. (December 25, 1995/January 1, 1996 issue)

He has a brother Doug, born in 1966 and a sister Julie, born in 1969.

Given title “Sexiest Man Alive” from People Magazine, Mr. Pitt was also People’s choice in 1995. [2000]

Was considered for the lead in The Matrix (1999).

Has his teeth capped.

Sued Damiani International, the company which created the wedding ring he gave Jennifer Aniston. According to Pitt, the ring was his design and was to be exclusive. The company has since been selling replicas and indicating Pitt/Aniston’s endorsement of the ring. [18 July 2001]

He and ex-wife Jennifer Aniston spent $1 million on their wedding. [2000]

He and ex-wife Jennifer Aniston reached a settlement with Damiani International. The pair claimed the company agreed to never reproduce their wedding rings, but it manufactured and sold “Brad and Jennifer” rings in 18 karat white or yellow gold, featuring either 12 or 13 diamonds and costing about $1,000 apiece. Under the settlement, Pitt will now design jewelry for Damiani that Aniston will model in ads, and Damiani will stop selling the Pitt and Aniston copies. [11 January 2002]

For the last couple of years he has been the spokesman for Edwin Jeans ads in Japan. In 2001 he was also the face of the ads for a new Japanese canned coffee which is named Roots. Was replaced in these tv ads (2002) by Kevin Costner.

Studied acting with the late Roy London.

Did TV commercial for Toyota (Altis model) that aired only in Asia. The car became very popular and its sales resulted in Toyota getting an almost 32% share of the passenger car market.

Has a home at Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey.

Auditioned for the role of “J.D.” in the 1988 cult classic film Heathers (1988) and, though he showed talent, casting directors thought him to be “too sweet” for the role, which later went to Christian Slater. He would later go on to a very similar role in the horror film Cutting Class (1989) in 1989.

Is mentioned by name in the Shania Twain hit song, “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

He is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. The Xi Xi chapter at The University of Missouri – Columbia.

After watching Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Pitt asked director Guy Ritchie if he could be in his next film. He couldn’t master the English accent, so Ritchie gave him the role of Mickey the One Punch Pikey, an Irish fighter, in Snatch. (2000).

With Brad Grey’s departure for Paramount and after the divorce settlement with ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, he now solely owns Plan B Entertainment.

Tore his Achilles tendon during the production of Troy (2004), in which he plays, ironically, Achilles. His injury caused the production of Ocean’s Twelve (2004) to be pushed back to April 2004. [2003]

Is the first man ever to be named “Sexiest Man Alive” twice by “People Magazine.” (1994 and 2000).

He and ex-wife Jennifer Aniston campaigned in the United States to save “EastEnders” (1985) from being axed there [2003].

Showed his parents the “Chemical Burn” scene to convince them not to watch Fight Club (1999).

Got into better shape and eventually gained over 20 pounds of muscle for Troy (2004).

He has appeared in three movies with the number seven in the title (Se7en (1995), Seven Years in Tibet (1997), and Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)). He has also appeared in two movies with the number twelve in the title (Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Twelve Monkeys (1995)).

He was ranked #6 on VH1′s “100 Hottest Hotties.”

His high school nickname was Brad the “Pitt-bull.”

He took Greek language lessons in secret to surprise his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston who is of Greek ancestry.

Voted #1 in Company magazine’s annual “100 Sexiest Men” poll, 2004.

His favorite movies are Planet of the Apes (1968) and Saturday Night Fever (1977).

Announced on January 7, 2005 that he and Jennifer Aniston are separating after 4 1/2 years of marriage.

Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2005 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was listed as a suggestion in the Worst Actor category for his performance in the film Troy (2004). He did not receive a nomination, however.

Dianne Wiest is his favorite actress.

Premiere Magazine ranked him as #50 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature (2005).

A short while after completing A River Runs Through It (1992), he fled to Amsterdam where he briefly lived for three months by himself in a small basement apartment before returning to the USA to film Kalifornia (1993).

He and his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston met on a blind date, which was arranged by their agent

He and his Ocean’s Eleven (2001) / Ocean’s Twelve (2004) co- stars, Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Elliott Gould, all have guest-starred on the TV show “Friends” (1994), though not in the same episodes

Owns and plays Taylor Guitars

In 2001 renowned architect Frank O. Gehry renovated the wine cellar in the home in which Pitt and wife Jennifer Aniston lived. Pitt subsequently did an informal apprenticeship in Gehry’s Los Angeles office.

Owns the rights to the Hong Kong thriller Mou gaan dou (2002). He wanted it to be remade with he and Tom Cruise in the leading roles.

Visited over 100 orphans affected by HIV at a facility run by The Salvation Army in South Africa.

Is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Has appeared in eight movies with a number in the title – and only one of them uses an actual number rather than spelling the word out. That is Se7en (1995), which is a combination of the two, He has appeared in 1 movie with the number Zero in the title, 1 with the number Two in the title, 3 with the number Seven in the title, 1 with the number Eleven and 2 with the Twelve.

Without being asked to, he made an appearance on MTV’s “Jackass” (2000) where he did stunts with the cast, dressed in an ape outfit.

Raised in Springfield, Missouri, and is an alumni of Kickapoo High School. Other alumni include Adrienne Wilkinson and Jay Kenneth Johnson.

Broke his arm during the filming of Se7en (1995). The injury was written into the movie.

Adoptive father of Maddox Jolie-Pitt and Zahara Jolie-Pitt with Angelina Jolie.

Wanted to play Darcy in Bride & Prejudice (2004), but wasn’t able to work out the filming dates.

Daughter (with girlfriend Angelina Jolie) Shiloh Jolie-Pitt was born 27 May 2006 in Namibia, Africa.

Ranked #15 on Premiere’s 2006 “Power 50″ list. Had ranked #31 in 2005.

Was considered for two roles which went to Johnny Depp: Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow (1999) and Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Both were directed by Tim Burton.

The first commercial that Brad Pitt ever booked was through Matrix Talent Agency, Los Angeles. His agent was Linda Olhava, sister of film director Jody Lee Olhava.

Has Single Engine Land pilot license.

Occasionally flies a Cessna 208B Caravan belonging to Chivan Productions.

Initially didn’t want to appear in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), although it was he who gave the script to director Doug Liman.

Originally cast as Colin Sullivan in The Departed (2006), but later dropped out. He continued to produce the film under his (and his then wife Jennifer Aniston’s) production company, Plan B.

Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden in Fight Club

His first job was dancing in a chicken suit to draw in

Donated 5 million dollars of his own money to rebuild homes in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans.

In 2005, he earned $4,500,000 for a Heineken commercial that aired during the 2005 Super Bowl.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his earnings for the year to be $35 million.

  

Steven Spielberg Birthday December 18

Steven Allan Spielberg, KBE (born December 18, 1946) is an American film director, screenwriter, and film producer. In a career spanning over four decades, Spielberg’s films have touched on many themes and genres. Spielberg’s early sci-fi and adventure films sometimes centering on children, were seen as an archetype of modern Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking. In later years his films began addressing such issues as The Holocaust, slavery, war and terrorism.

Spielberg won the Academy Award for Best Director for 1993′s Schindler’s List and 1998′s Saving Private Ryan. Four of Spielberg’s films, Jaws (1975), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and Jurassic Park (1993), broke box office records, each becoming the highest-grossing film made at the time. To date, the unadjusted gross of all Spielberg-directed films exceeds $8.5 billion worldwide. Forbes magazine places Spielberg’s personal net worth at $3.0 billion. In 2006, Premiere listed him as the most powerful and influential figure in the motion picture industry. Time listed him as one of the 100 Most Important People of the Century. At the end of the twentieth century, Life named him the most influential person of his generation.

 

 

 

 

 

ET and Steven Spielberg

Trademark:

Uses powerful flashlights in dark scenes (Jurassic Park (1993); The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997) and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)). The outline of the beam is often made visible through dust, mist, or fog.

Frequently uses music by John Williams.

Often shows shooting stars (Jaws (1975)).

Onscreen performers staring, usually at something off camera.

He often uses images of the sun (Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), The Color Purple (1985), Empire of the Sun (1987), Saving Private Ryan (1998)).

His films often show children in some sort of danger.

Consistent references to World War II.

Frequent references to Disney films, music, or theme parks.

Frequently uses a piano as an element in key scenes (Schindler’s List (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Minority Report (2002)).

Important images, or characters, are often seen through the rear-view mirror of a car (Duel (1971) (TV), E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Jurassic Park (1993), Schindler’s List (1993), Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001)).

Frequently casts Tom Hanks, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Frank Welker and Tom Cruise.

Protagonists in his films often come from families with divorced parents, with fathers portrayed as reluctant, absent or irresponsible, most notably in _E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)_ (Elliot’s mother is divorced and father is absent) and Catch Me If You Can (2002) (Frank Abagnale’s mother and father split early in the film). This reflects Spielberg’s own experience as a youth with his parents breaking up.

A common theme in many of his films is ordinary people who discover something extraordinary – people, places, artifacts, creatures, etc. (Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)).

Since Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), all of his movies have featured visual effects (even those that were undetected) by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the F/X house created by his friend George Lucas. The only exception has been The Terminal (2004), which had F/X work by Digital Imageworks.

Is credited for starting the summer blockbuster tradition with 1975′s first $100 million megahit, Jaws (1975).

Trivia:

Member of Theta Chi Fraternity (Zeta Epsilon Chapter, Long Beach State University). One of his fraternity brothers was Roger Ernest.

Received the Germany’s Cross of Merit with star for his sensible representation of Germany’s history in Schindler’s List (1993). [1998]

Jonathan Norman was sentenced to 25 years to life, for stalking Spielberg and threatening to rape him. [June 1998]

Chosen by Entertainment Weekly as the most powerful person in entertainment in 1997. [31 October 1997]

American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. [1995]

There are seven children in the Capshaw-Spielberg family: Theo Spielberg, who was adopted by Kate Capshaw before their marriage and later adopted by Spielberg, born in 1988, Sasha Spielberg, born on 14 May 1990, Sawyer Spielberg, born on 10 March 1992, their adopted daughter Mikaela George Spielberg, born on 28 February 1996, and Destry Allen Spielberg, born on 1 December 1996. Kate Capshaw’s daughter Jessica Capshaw, born in 1976, is from her previous marriage. Steven Spielberg’s son Max Spielberg, born in 1985, is from his previous marriage to Amy Irving.

Amy Irving gave birth to his son Max Spielberg on 13 June 1985.

He claims Richard Dreyfuss is his alter-ego.

Attended California State University, Long Beach after being turned down by USC Cinema school twice.

Attended Arcadia High School in Phoenix.

Awarded second annual John Huston Award for Artists Rights by the Artists Rights Foundation. [1995]

Co-founder (with Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen) of DreamWorks SKG.

He has one of the original Rosebud sleds from Citizen Kane (1941) in his house.

Godfather of Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Named Best Director of the 20th Century in an Entertainment Weekly on-line poll, substantially beating out runners-up Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick. [September 1999]

Born to Arnold Spielberg, a computer engineer, and Leah Adler, née Posner, a restaurateur and concert pianist.

Received the Distinguished Public Service Award, the U. S. Navy’s highest civilian honor, on Veterans Day 1999 for his work on the movie Saving Private Ryan (1998).

Sits on USC School of Cinema-Television’s Board of Councilors.

When he was a child, he sneaked onto the lot of Universal Studios during a tour and befriended an editor who showed him a few things about filmmaking.

Gwyneth Paltrow calls him Uncle Morty.

During filming of their episode of “Night Gallery” (1970), Spielberg gave Joan Crawford the gift of a single red rose in a Pepsi bottle. During an on-set conversation with Detroit Free Press reporter Shirley Eder, Crawford pointed out Spielberg and said, “Go interview that kid, because he’s going to be the biggest director of all time!” Crawford and Spielberg remained good friends until her death in 1977.

Awarded the honor of Knight of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in New Years Honours 2001 by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the British film industry. As a non-Commonwealth citizen, he will not be able to use the title. [December 2000]

States that the work of David Lean has had a profound effect on his career.

Spent five months developing the script for Rain Man (1988) with Ronald Bass, but had to commit to his handshake deal to direct Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Spielberg gave all of his notes to Barry Levinson.

Almost directed Big (1988) with Tom Hanks starring, but didn’t want to steal the thunder of his sister, Anne Spielberg, who co-wrote the script.

Personally offered the American Beauty (1999) script to Sam Mendes, who ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Director on the film, which was Mendes’s debut feature.

Flew Will Smith to his Hamptons home via helicopter to offer him the part in Men in Black (1997).

Often casts new actors based on their performances in other works. Rarely does auditions for major roles.

Was asked to approve use of the theme music from Jaws (1975) for Swingers (1996). When he saw a cut of the film, he saw Vince Vaughn, whom he chose to play Nick Van Owen in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997).

He is an Eagle Scout and was on an advisory board for the Boy Scouts of America. He left this position because he did not agree with the fact that the Boy Scouts of America discriminated against homosexuals.

Was directing a childbirth scene when he received a call that Amy Irving was giving birth to their son Max Spielberg.

According to the 2001 issue of Forbes’ “400 Richest People In America,” Spielberg’s fortune is $2.1 billion.

Was irked when footage from his movie Duel (1971) (TV) was used as stock footage in an episode of “The Incredible Hulk” (1978). But since Universal Studios owned the rights to both the The Incredible Hulk series and the film of Duel, taking legal action was not possible. However, he subsequently updated his contracts to include a clause that would protect his future material from being used as stock footage.

On May 31, 2002, graduated from California State University Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in film and electronic arts. He had dropped out of college in 1968 to concentrate on his career, but during the 2000s fulfilled his remaining graduation requirements via independent projects, which required correspondence courses and several term papers. For Spielberg, the school waived its requirement that all senior film majors must submit a completed 12-minute short film, accepting Schindler’s List (1993) in its place. He donned cap and gown and marched in the commencement ceremony with his fellow graduates.

Received honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Yale University (27 May 2002).

When Spielberg received his undergraduate degree (about 35 years after he had first entered college), the orchestra played the theme from the “Indiana Jones” series of films as he walked up to and across the stage.

Owns the rights to the Stephen King novel “The Talisman”. As of 2002, the book has not been made into a film. He is now producing this film for release in 2007.

His father served in World War II in South East Asian Front.

Michael Kahn has edited all of Spielberg’s theatrical features since Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), their first collaboration. Kahn did not, however, edit E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) because he was editing Poltergeist (1982). E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) was edited by Carol Littleton.

According to the 2002 edition of Forbes’ “400 Richest People in America,” his fortune is estimated at $2.2 billion, a $100 million improvement over the 2001 estimate.

Ranked #1 in Premiere’s 2003 annual Hollywood Power List. It is the third time he received the top ranking (the others being in 1994 & 1995). He had ranked #6 in 2002.

In Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), the humans and aliens use music and computers to communicate. Spielberg’s father was a computer scientist and his mother was a musician. This fact was only recently pointed out to him on “Inside the Actors Studio” (1994) by host James Lipton and he was unsurprisingly delighted when he realised the connection.

Is set to produce a mini-series for HBO that will set out to debunk the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The mini-series, written by David Leland, will focus on the historical reality of life in 500 A.D., when Arthur was thought to be King and will have no round table, Merlin, Lancelot, Excalibur, or knights. Camelot itself will be shown to have been a simple Roman fort and Arthur, named Artos in the film, will be portrayed as a humble blacksmith whose forging skills win him the English throne. It was expected to air sometime in 2004. [2003]

The first film he directed that was not scored by John Williams was The Color Purple (1985), which was scored by Quincy Jones.

Was voted the 11th Greatest Director of all time by Entertainment Weekly.

In 1983, he lost the Best Picture Oscar to Gandhi (1982), directed by Richard Attenborough. He later went on to direct five cast members, as well as Attenborough, in his later movies: Amrish Puri in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Roshan Seth in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984); Richard Attenborough in Jurassic Park (1993); Ben Kingsley in Schindler’s List (1993), Nigel Hawthorne in Amistad (1997) and Martin Sheen in Catch Me If You Can (2002).

Has worked with four actors from the Hannibal Lecter film series, in reverse order to the order in which the Lecter films came out. The first one he worked with was Ralph Fiennes in Schindler’s List (1993), who went on to play Francis Dollarhyde in Red Dragon (2002). His next film was The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), with Julianne Moore, who played Clarice Starling in the third Lecter film, Hannibal (2001). After this, he made Amistad (1997), with Anthony Hopkins, who began playing Hannibal Lecter in the second film, The Silence of the Lambs (1991). After this he made Saving Private Ryan (1998), which featured Dennis Farina, who played Jack Crawford in the original Lecter film, Manhunter (1986).

When asked what are the films he’s made he would like to be remembered for, he said E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Schindler’s List (1993).

Although close friend, George Lucas, has vowed to only shoot future movies digitally, Spielberg has been the most vocal film-maker of the opposing view: to continue shooting all of his movies on film. Other directors siding with Spielberg include Martin Scorsese and Oliver Stone.

According to his interview on the series “Inside the Actors Studio” (1994), his favorite curse word is “Rats!”

To date, has never provided a director’s commentary on any of his films DVDs. [2004]

In the 2004 edition of Forbes’ “400 Richest People in America”, his net worth is estimated at $2.6 billion, his highest showing yet. The only filmmaker ahead of him is his good friend George Lucas, whose worth is estimated at $3 billion.

Described One Froggy Evening (1955) as “the most perfect cartoon ever made”.

His longtime friend George Lucas originally wanted him to direct the third entry of the original Star Wars trilogy, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) and Spielberg was eager to do so, but Lucas was unsuccessful in getting him the job because of his dispute with the Director’s Guild at the time.

When he used product placement in E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), he used Reese’s Pieces only because M & M’s parent company didn’t want their product associated with aliens and UFOs.

Directed nine actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Liam Neeson; Ralph Fiennes; Anthony Hopkins; Tom Hanks; Melinda Dillon; Whoopi Goldberg; Oprah Winfrey; Margaret Avery and Christopher Walken.

Wrote a letter to Polish writer/director Mira Hamermesh in appreciation of one of her films.

Graduated from Saratoga High School in Saratoga, California.

Ranked #2 on Premiere’s 2005 Power 50 List, behind only Peter Jackson. Had the same ranking in 2004, behind Pixar bosses John Lasseter and Steve Jobs.

Though he has directed 9 actors in Oscar-nominated performances, to date he has never directed an Oscar-winning performance.

Ranked #1 in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Greatest directors ever!” (2005).

Has been Honorary Member of the Society of Operating Cameramen (SOC) since 1995 and received the Governors Award “for his contributions in the advancement of the use of the motion picture camera”.

He has always been very protective of his name. If his company is working on a film and he feels it is not up to his standards, he will remove his name as a producer.

Aside from producing The Goonies (1985), he also directed at least one scene in the movie.

In the 2005 edition of Forbes’ “400 Richest People in America”, his net worth is estimated at $2.7 billion, a $100 million improvement over 2004 (due mostly to his share of the DreamWorks Animation public stock offering). He, and good friend George Lucas (net worth: $3.5 billion) are the only filmmakers on the list.

In December, he, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen sold DreamWorks SKG to Paramount Pictures Corporation for $1.6 billion.

Once screened Lawrence of Arabia (1962) with director David Lean, who gave Spielberg a “live director’s commentary”, as Spielberg put it. Spielberg said that it was one of the best moments of his life, learning from a true master. Consequently, Spielberg stated that it helped him make better pictures and that commentary directly influenced every movie he has made since.

His ten favourite films of all time are: Fantasia (1940); Citizen Kane (1941); A Guy Named Joe (1943); It’s a Wonderful Life (1946); The War of the Worlds (1953); Psycho (1960); Lawrence of Arabia (1962); 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); The Godfather (1972) and La nuit américaine (1973).

Has an estimated fortune of $2.8 billion ($2,800,000,000), according to the “Los Angeles Business Journal”. The size of his fortune him the 14th richest person in the Los Angeles area and likely the wealthiest producer-director in the world (with only his friend George Lucas coming close).

His iconic character “E.T.” from E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is ranked #26 on Premiere Magazine’s 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.

Is the most represented filmmaker on the American Film Institute’s 100 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time, with five films on the list and three in the top ten. They are: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) at #58; The Color Purple (1985) at #51; Saving Private Ryan (1998) at #10; E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) at #6 and Schindler’s List (1993) at #3.

Ranked #6 in the Power Rankings and #1 in the Money Rankings on Forbes’ 2006 Celebrity 100 List, with earnings of $332 million. Most of those earnings were from the 2005 sale of DreamWorks to Paramount Pictures.

Ranked #4 on Premiere’s 2006 “Power 50″ list. Had ranked #2 in 2005.

Interviewed in “Directors Close Up: Interviews with Directors Nominated for Best Film by the Directors Guild of America”, ed. by Jeremy Kagan, Scarecrow Press, 2006.

In 1996, he purchased Clark Gable’s Oscar (which he won for It Happened One Night (1934)) to protect it from further commercial exploitation and gave it back to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, commenting that he could think of “no better sanctuary for Gable’s only Oscar than the Motion Picture Academy”.

On 14 December 2002 he bought Bette Davis’ Oscar, which she won for Dangerous (1935), at a Sotheby’s auction in New York to return it to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The statuette was among the memorabilia sold by the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain, which has emerged from bankruptcy protection.

On 19 July 2001 he purchased Bette Davis’ Oscar statuette, which she won for Jezebel (1938), at a Christie’s auction and returned it to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Early in his career, while working for Universal Studios, he was asked to give a tour to a special guest who had just sold the film rights to one of his books to the studio. That guest was Michael Crichton, who later worked with Spielberg on Jurassic Park (1993).

Both live-action adaptations of “The Incredible Hulk” have references to his films. The first used stock footage from Duel (1971) (TV). In the 2003 film by Ang Lee (Hulk (2003)), the impact of the Hulk hitting the ground causes ripples to form in nearby bodies of water, just as the Tyrannosaur does in Jurassic Park (1993).

Though he frequently works with Tom Hanks, Hanks is not, as of 2006, involved in Spielberg’s biopic about Abraham Lincoln, even though he is descended from the family of Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks.

Owns one of the largest gun collections on the East Coast. He shoots, but only privately.

Awarded Kennedy Center Honors in 2006, with Dolly Parton, Smokey Robinson, Zubin Mehta, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

According to Teri Garr, Spielberg told her on a set that one of his favorite movies is Viva Las Vegas (1964), starring Elvis Presley.

Is of Hungarian descent, which explains his surname, coming from the Austrian city where his ancestors lived.

Considered directing Memoirs of a Geisha (2005).

He, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola presented Martin Scorsese with his first ever award for Best Director, for The Departed (2006).

Is a huge fan of the actors Steve Martin, Bill Murray and Robin Williams. He is also proud to admit they are good friends of his.

Was offered the opportunity to direct California Split (1974), but job went to Robert Altman.

Was originally set to direct Cape Fear (1991). He later recommended Martin Scorsese for the job and personally called the director, letting him know that this was a commercial film that had potential to be a hit, which would exercise more power for Scorcese to make his films.

Attended the funeral of Princess Diana with friends Richard Attenborough, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Tom Hanks. [September 6, 1997]

Went to the same college, CSULB as Frank Miranda.

Was originally in talks to direct The Mask of Zorro (1998) but later only produced it.

Burt Reynolds film “White Lightning” (1973) was originally slated to be Spielberg’s first theatrical feature and he spent months on pre-production.

Robbie Williams mentions him in his song “I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen”.

2007- Ranked #2 on EW’s The 50 Smartest People in Hollywood.

Is a fan of “Doctor Who” (1963).

In 2007, Forbes estimated his earnings for the year 2006 to be $110 million.

Is a fan of video games and says that their development is intriguing to him.

His dog Elmer starred in several of his films including Jaws (1975) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977).

Owns homes in Pacific Palisades, California; New York City; East Hampton, New York; and Naples, Florida.

Pulled out of his role as advisor to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, reacting to the Chinese government’s inaction over the genocide in Darfur (February 2008).

Is a fan of the works of Carl Barks, and cites them as a big inspiration on his storytelling.

Dated actress Valerie Bertinelli in the late ’70s.

Turned down the opportunity to direct Deep Impact (1998) and The Mask of Zorro (1998) to work on Saving Private Ryan (1998).

Steven Spielberg receiveing Philadelphia'’s 2009 Liberty Medal

Served on the Board for the Institute for the Study of Women in Men in Society for USC. Hosted events for the intellectual society at his screening room and offices on the Universal lot in the late 1980s.

In the 5th edition of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (edited by Steven Jay Schneider), 8 of Spielberg’s films are listed: Jaws (1975), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Color Purple (1985), Jurassic Park (1993), Schindler’s List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998).

When Spielberg accepted the Cecil B. DeMille award at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards he expressed his gratitude to DeMille for helping him come to love filmmaking in the first place, describing his earliest childhood memory of going to see DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) with his father. “I think my fate was probably sealed that day in 1952″, he said, recalling how the train wreck scene in that film inspired first a keen interest in electric train sets and eventually his passion for film.

Is an excellent shot with a shotgun. Actor Shia LaBeouf once said about his shooting, “He’s an Olympic shot. The hand-eye co-ordination of that man is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. If he weren’t a great director, he could be one of our greatest snipers”.

Worked with both father and son Brolin actors. He worked with James Brolin in Catch Me If You Can (2002), and Josh Brolin in The Goonies (1985) and “Into the West” (2005).

Is one of 7 directors to win the Golden Globe, Director’s Guild, BAFTA, and Oscar for the same movie, winning for Schindler’s List (1993). The other directors to achieve this are ‘Mike Nichols (I)’ for The Graduate (1967), Milos Forman for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), Richard Attenborough for Gandhi (1982), Oliver Stone for Platoon (1986), Ang Lee for Brokeback Mountain (2005), and Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire (2008).

  

Milla Jovovich Birthday December 17

 

http://goremaster.com/blog/2009/12/17/milla-jovovich-birthday-december-17/

 

Milla Jovovich (born Milica Nataša Jovović Serbian: Милица Наташа Јововић/Milica Jovović; December 17, 1975) is a Ukrainian-born American model, actress, musician, and fashion designer. Over her career, she has appeared in a number of science fiction and action themed films, for which music channel VH1 has referred to her as the “reigning queen of kick-butt”.

 

Bill Pullman Birthday December 17

William James “Bill” Pullman (born December 17, 1953) is an American film, television, and stage actor.

Trivia:

When promoting Independence Day (1996) in South America, some people actually thought he was the President of the United States,

Brother teaches English at Ithaca High School in Ithaca, NY

While teaching at Montana State University one of his students was director John Dahl. Later Dahl gave him a role in his film The Last Seduction (1994).

Received an honorary doctorate of fine arts on 24 May 2008 from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Currently co-owns a ranch in Montana with his brother.

Lost his sense of smell after a head injury and two-day coma.

Children: Maesa (b. 1988), Jack (b. 1989), Lewis (b. 1993)

Attended the State University of New York at Oneonta in the mid-’70s, but did not graduate. However, he was guest speaker for the Oneonta graduating class of 1992.

Appeared in both Cold Feet (1989) and Bright Angel (1990) during the time he was teaching at Montana State University in Bozeman. “Bright Angel” is one of the few films in which he played a bad guy. “Cold Feet” was shot in Livingston, MT, only 30 miles or so from Bozeman, and “Bright Angel” was shot entirely in and around Billings, MT.

Is the sixth of seven children. His father was a doctor and his mother a nurse.

Gary Dourdan Birthday December 11

Gary Dourdan

Gary Dourdan (born Gary Robert Durdin; December 11, 1966) is an American actor. He is widely known for portraying Warrick Brown on the television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Trivia:

Has a daughter, Nyla and a son, Lyric.

Discovered by actress/singer/dancer Debbie Allen.

His uncle plays saxophone for Sister Sledge and gave Gary a saxophone when he was around 13.

Is an accomplished musician. Plays the guitar, piano, bass, drum and sax.

Six years before the premiere of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000), he and Marg Helgenberger starred together in the pilot of an unsuccessful TV series called “Keys.”.

When he was 6, his older brother (26) was murdered when he was on a vacation in Haiti. The case is still unsolved.

In July 2005, he performed as part of DMC’s Guests at the LIVE 8 concert in Barrie, Ontario Canada

Is of French, Irish, Scottish, African, Indian and Jewish descent.

Was a model in the 1980′s and 1990′s for Boss Models in New York City.

Arrested at 5:21am on April 29, 2008 in Palm Springs, California for possession of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and prescription drugs. Was given a diversion by the judge on May 28.

In 2008, during negotiation with CBS, his “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000) contract was not renewed. In the Season 8 finale, Dourdan’s character was shot and left for dead at the episode’s end. The Season 9 premiere had Dourdan’s character dying in the arms of his colleague Grissom (William Petersen). Many have incorrectly assumed that his 2008 arrest caused CBS to drop him from the show, but his final scenes had been shot and his contract negotiations were concluded before his arrest.

Played Janet Jackson’s love interest in the video for her 1993 hit “Again”.

Dourdan got his first break when singer/actor/director Debbie Allen cast him as Shazza Zulu on “A Different World” (1987) based on a tape of him performing in an avant-garde play.

The second youngest of 5 children born to Sandy, a teacher and fashion designer, and Robert Durdin, an entrepreneur and agent for jazz musicians.

Michael Clark Duncan Birthday December 10

 

Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan (born December 10, 1957) is an American actor, best known for his breakout role as John Coffey in The Green Mile, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

Trivia:

Supposedly gives five dollars to anyone who recognizes him on the street and knows what his full name is.

Considered becoming a police officer with the LAPD, which was revealed during an interview on “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” (1989).

Attended Alcorn State University in Mississippi, but dropped out to support his family when his mother became ill. Has an older sister, Judith. Worked as a security guard for a theatre troupe.

Played basketball at Kankakee Community College. After college, spent several years digging ditches for the gas company in Chicago.

Did bodyguard work for Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, and The Notorious B.I.G.; he let a friend take over for him the night Notorious B.I.G. got shot, which prompted him to quit that line of work.

For his role as the criminal mastermind behemoth Kingpin in Daredevil (2003), Clarke put on 40 lbs. to his already largely built physique.

While filming The Scorpion King (2002), was accidentally hit by Dwayne Johnson during a fight sequence. He leaned in too far for a hit, and his chin connected with The Rock’s elbow.

Michael Clarke Duncan as Attar in Planet of the Apes

He tried out for the Chicago Bears in the mid 1980s. He wanted to try out at for one of the linebacker postions, but the coaches chose to see how he would be perform at Tightend.

Has appeared in 4 films with Bruce Willis Armageddon (1998/I), Breakfast of Champions (1999), The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and Sin City (2005).

Narrates the 2005 Major League Baseball World Series Film, featuring the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox.

Ran onto the field and slid into third base during the Disco Demolition Night fiasco at Comiskey Park on July 12, 1979.

His Daredevil character, Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, first appeared as an enemy of Spiderman until Frank Miller made him a major enemy of Daredevil. Duncan has played him opposite both characters, and as both a white man in the animated series “Spider-Man” (2003) and a black man in Daredevil (2003).

Has five cats.

Has one chinchilla, “Chucky”.

Is a blue belt in Brazilian JuJutsu.

Moonlighting as a bouncer and guard at various clubs on Chicago’s South Side, he met one of the producers of the touring stage show, “Beauty Shop, Part 2″ and was hired as the producer’s personal security. Although he often asked for the opportunity to act in the play, the producer never gave him the chance.

 

Kirk Douglas Birthday December 9

Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch December 9, 1916) is an American actor and film producer recognized for his prominent cleft chin, his gravelly voice and his recurring roles as the kinds of characters Douglas himself once described as “sons of bitches”. He is the father of Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas. He was #17 on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest male American screen legends of all time.

Trivia:

Recipient of American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement award, with screening of 16 his films, Decemer 1999. 

Ranked #53 in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list, October 1997. 

Born Issur Danielovitch to father Jacob Danielovitch, and mother Bryna, from Russia, who came to America in 1912. 

Suffered a stroke in 1995 that made it very difficult for him to talk. Speech therapy over the years alleviated the problem greatly. 

Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Jimmy Carter on 17th January 1981. This is the highest US honor a civilian can receive. 

Turned down two Oscar-winning roles: Lee Marvin’s in Cat Ballou (1965) and William Holden’s in Stalag 17 (1953). 

Father of 4 sons: Michael Douglas, Eric Douglas, Joel Douglas and Peter Douglas. 

Earned $50,000 for saying the only English word at the end of a 1980s Japanese TV commercial: “Coffee”. 

Speaks German (fluently, but not accent-free) and also French. 

Survived a helicopter crash on 23 February 1991 in which two people were killed. He was left with a debilitating back injury. 

Kirk has celebrated his Bar Mitzvah twice. Once, obviously, when he was 13 years old and the other time when he was 83 years old. 

President Class Of 1939, St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York. Graduated with a degree in English. 

Received a UCLA Medal of honor 14 June 2002 from the University of California, Los Angeles, during school’s graduation ceremony for theater, film and television students. Previous recipients include former US Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, and actors Laurence Olivier and Carol Burnett. 

Granddaughter Carys Zeta Douglas born April 21, 2003. 

Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1984. 

Father-in-law of Catherine Zeta-Jones. 

Was originally cast to play Col. Sam Trautman in First Blood (1982), but walked out on the project. Douglas wanted substantial changes made to the script, specifically that John Rambo die at the hands of Trautman, like the character did in the novel. The writers held their ground and refused. Richard Crenna was eventually cast in the role. 

He was voted the 36th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly. 

He wore lifts in many of his films, which made him appear about 5′ 11″ or 6 feet on screen. Once, as a prank, Burt Lancaster found Douglas’s lifts on a film set and hid them from him, which allegedly infuriated the shorter actor. 

Kirk had a fully Jewish upbringing, but did not practice extensively as an adult. This changed when, in his 80s, he had a second Bar Mitzvah, reaffirming his faith and causing him to practice again. 

Was named #17 greatest actor on The 50 Greatest Screen Legends list by the American Film Institute. 

Had a pacemaker fitted following a heart attack in a restaurant in August 1986. 

President of jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1980. 

Member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1970. 

He and Burt Lancaster acted together in 7 movies: Victory at Entebbe (1976) (TV), Tough Guys (1986), Seven Days in May (1964), The List of Adrian Messenger (1963), I Walk Alone (1948), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) and The Devil’s Disciple (1959). 

He was not as good of a friend with Burt Lancaster as was often perceived. The closeness of their friendship was largely fabricated by the publicity-wise Douglas, while, in reality, Lancaster was often cruel and dismissive to Douglas. 

He had both knees replaced in 2005, against the advice of his doctors. The operation was a success. 

After his son Michael Douglas was fired from the stage production of the play “Summer Tree”, Kirk bought the stage and film rights to the story and gave it to Michael to star in. 

Grandfather of 7 children: Cameron Douglas (b. 13 December 1978), Dylan Michael Douglas (b. 8 August 2000), Carys Zeta Douglas (b. 20 April 2003) (children of his son Michael Douglas), Kelsey (b. 1992), Tyler (b. 1996), Ryan (b. 2000) and Jason (b. 2003) (children of his son Peter Douglas) 

Former father-in-law of Diandra Douglas. 

Appeared in a stage production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and later bought the film rights. He didn’t make a movie of it and eventually turned the rights over to his son Michael Douglas, who was able to secure financing and produce the film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). 

If he had not heeded wife Anne Buydens’s advice, he would have been on producer Michael Todd’s private plane in 1958 when it crashed and killed all onboard. Todd’s wife Elizabeth Taylor was also scheduled to be on the plane but canceled to to a bad cold. 

Met his German wife-to-be, Anne Buydens, when she applied for a job as his assistant on the French location shoot for the movie Un acte d’amour (1953). 

He was awarded the American National Medal of Arts in 2001 from the National Endowment of the Arts. 

He lived in Palm Springs, CA, for more than 40 years. In October 2005 the city honored him by naming a lushly-landscaped drive “Kirk Douglas Way”. It winds around part of Palm Springs International Airport. A lavish ceremony and party was given by the Palm Springs International Film Society and International Film Festival and was attended by the actor, his wife Anne Buydens and their three surviving sons. His son Joel, also a Palm Springs resident, was responsible for the campaign. 

Gave up his two- to three-pack-a-day cigarette habit in 1950 after his father died from lung cancer at the age of 72. 

In 1955 he was among the first actors to set up his own production company. He called it Bryna, after his mother. 

He and his wife Anne Buydens renewed their wedding vows in California around the 50th anniversary of their 1954 marriage. They reaffirmed their vows before 300 friends and family members at the famous Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills. Guests included Dan Aykroyd, Lauren Bacall, Nancy Davis and Tony Curtis. Douglas walked into the traditional Jewish ceremony to the tune of “I’m In The Mood For Love” and later sang a tune he’d written for the occasion, “Please Stay In Love With Me”. 

Attended the state funeral of former President Ronald Reagan, Gov. with Charlton Heston, Tom Selleck and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, on June 11, 2004. 

Helped break the Hollywood blacklist by hiring Dalton Trumbo, a member of the “Hollywood Ten”, to write the screenplay. Despite widespread criticism from many in the industry, including John Wayne and Hedda Hopper, Douglas refused to back down and Trumbo received a screen credit under his own name. When presenting Douglas with an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement at The 68th Annual Academy Awards (1996) (TV), Steven Spielberg thanked Douglas for his courage. 

Attended the premiere of Basic Instinct (1992). 

Fell out with his close friend, former President Jimmy Carter, over Carter’s 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid”. 

His idol was President Harry S. Truman. 

Confirmed his retirement from acting after making Illusion (2004). 

While filming The War Wagon (1967) in September 1966, Douglas enraged his co-star John Wayne by recording a television advertisement for Edmund G. Brown, the Democratic Governor of California, after Wayne had recorded an advertisement for Republican challenger Ronald Reagan. 

Admitted he made The Big Trees (1952) for nothing just to get out of his contract with Warner Bros. He later said, “It was a terrible movie.”. 

In his last book, “Let’s Face It: 90 Years of Living, Loving and Learning”, he expressed regret at turning down William Holden’s Oscar-winning role in Stalag 17 (1953), Stephen Boyd’s role in The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964), and Lee Marvin’s Oscar-winning role in Cat Ballou (1965). 

He was a close friend of Jack Valenti. 

He was originally cast in John Wayne’s role in Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), but pulled out in order to make Champion (1949). 

His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is at 6263 Hollywood Blvd. 

Is an avid user of the Internet and is registered with MySpace. 

Best of friends with Karl Malden (who was also very close with his son Michael Douglas), with whom he co-starred on “The Streets of San Francisco” (1972). After he died, Douglas remarked that their acquaintance was the longest he had with anyone in his life, lasting 70 years.

 

John Malkovich Birthday December 9

John Malkovich

John Gavin Malkovich (born December 9, 1953) is an American actor, producer and director. Over the last 25 years, Malkovich has appeared in more than 70 motion pictures. Arguably, his particularly distinctive voice marks him out even more than his face: “a reedy, faintly orgasmic drawl” according to the Guardian, which adds that “Perhaps not since Cary Grant has an actor been so vocally distinctive”. His film credits include Death of a Salesman, Dangerous Liaisons, In the Line of Fire, Con Air, The Man in the Iron Mask, Of Mice And Men, Rounders, Changeling, Eragon, Being John Malkovich, and Burn After Reading.

Trivia:

Listed as one of twelve “Promising New Actors of 1984″ in John Willis’ Screen World, Vol. 36.

The costume he wore in the Annie Lennox video, “Walking On Broken Glass” was borrowed from the set of Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Education: Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#70). [1995]

Is of Croatian heritage.

Parents ran and owned local newspaper in Benton, Illinois, his hometown.

Briefly dated Michelle Pfeiffer.

Children with Nicoletta Peyran: daughter Amandine (b. 1990) and son Lowry (b. 1992).

His first film experience was a job as an extra in Robert Altman’s 1978 feature A Wedding (1978).

Has developed a great passion for Portugal, where he has filmed some movies recently. He also keeps a house here, as he co-owns a disco in Lisbon.

Legend has it that he was told by the head of the Theatre Department at Illinois State University that he would not have a career as an actor. Even though he did not graduate from ISU (he never took the constitution test), the Theatre Department still claims him as an alumnus. On April 4, 2005, he returned to visit the Theatre Department where he was presented with an official diploma for his bachelor’s degree in theatre.

When he was 16, he decided to get his excessive weight under control and lost 70 pounds by eating nothing but Jell-O for two months.

Is a big fan of Tom Waits and rap artist Dr. Dre.

In 1976, he quit college in order to work at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater.

His favorite films include: La battaglia di Algeri (1966), Les quatre cents coups (1959), Citizen Kane (1941), Il conformista (1970), This Is Spinal Tap (1984), High Noon (1952), and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).

Won a Village Voice Obie for his performance in “True West” in 1984.

Won a second Village Voice Obie this time for Direction for “Balm in Gilead” in 1985.

Attended college with Joan Allen who was occasionally a scene partner of Malkovich’s in their acting classes. Later attended another acting class years with John Mahoney. He encouraged both actors to join the Steppenwolf Theater Company, which they did.

First actor to win a major award (New York Film Critics) for portraying himself in a movie (non-cameo role). The film was Being John Malkovich (1999).

His performance as himself in Being John Malkovich (1999) is ranked #90 on Premiere Magazine’s 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.

Frequently visits Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia).

Offered the role of Green Goblin/Norman Osborn in Spider-Man (2002).

He dropped out of Crazy People (1990) after around 2 weeks of filming and was replaced by Dudley Moore.

He co-owns a restaurant/nightclub in Portugal. [2003]

His favourite song is Sandy Denny’s “Who Knows Where the Time Goes” as covered by Nina Simone, and his favourite novel is The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner.

He was nominated for a 1980 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in the play, “Say Goodnight, Gracie,” at the Travel Light Productions Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.

He was awarded the 1981 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for “Balm in Gilead” at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.

He was awarded the 1982 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for “True West” at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.

He was nominated for a 1985 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a play for “Coyote Ugly” at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.

He was nominated for a 1996 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for “The Libertine” at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.

Good friend of Gérard Depardieu. They worked together on several projects: The Man in the Iron Mask (1998/I), “Les miserables” (2000) and “Napoleon” (2002).

 

Michael Dorn Birthday December 9

Michael Dorn (born December 9, 1952) is an American actor known for his role as the Klingon Worf in multiple Star Trek shows and movies.

Owns and operates an old Air Force T-33 trainer jet, one of the first jet aircraft in the US inventory; it’s often referred to as his “starship.”

Is an accomplished pilot and the owner of several aircraft. He has flown with the Blue Angels and the USAF Precision Flight team.

Provides the voice of the Captain on the icebox.com series, “Starship Regulars”.

Owns and flies an old F-86 Sabre jet that he acquired from the South African Air Force. He flies out of Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, CA

Has appeared on-screen in more Star Trek episodes & movies as the same character, than anyone. (“Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987), “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993) Seasons 4-7, Star Trek: Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), & Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)).

Along with Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis, Colm Meaney and Jeffrey Combs, he is one of only six actors to appear in the finales of two different “Star Trek” series. (“Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987) and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993))

Has stated that his favorite episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987) is “The Drumhead”.

Along with Armin Shimerman, he is one of only two actors to appear in eleven different seasons of “Star Trek” (“Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987) Seasons One through Seven and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993) Seasons Four through Seven.)

Played the same character, Worf, on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987) and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993) for twelve consecutive years from 1987 to 1999. The only other actor to do this is Colm Meaney.

He currently serves as a member of the Air Force Aviation Heritage Foundation.

Has appeared with Rene Auberjonois in five different productions: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), “Aladdin” (1994), “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993), “The Savage Dragon” (1996) and “Captain Simian & The Space Monkeys” (1996).

Previously appeared with four of his future “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993) co-stars on “Star Trek” before joining the cast of that series. He appeared with Colm Meaney in many episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987), Armin Shimerman in the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987) episodes “Haven”, “The Last Outpost”, “Peak Performance” and “Firstborn”, Rene Auberjonois in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) and Alexander Siddig in the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987) episode “Birthright Part I” (although he and Siddig did not share any scenes).

Made a grand total of 282 “Star Trek” appearances. He appeared in 176 of the 178 episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987), 101 of the 176 episodes of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993) Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), Star Trek: Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). He also directed the “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993) episodes “In the Cards”, “Inquisition” and “When it Rains…” and the “Enterprise” (2001) episode “Two Days and Two Nights”.

Voice grew deeper, as a result of inflecting a bass tone for his Lt. Cmndr. Worf character.

Developed a mild skin condition for his years of wearing his “Next Generation” make up, for which the departments use a different type for alien effects.

The Klingon proverb his Worf character is fond of:”It is a good day to die!” has been included in the StarCraft computer game dialog when the flying Corsair unit has completed production.

Played a lot of cops in his early career, and got tired of it very quickly.

Once lived in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s.

At a science fiction convention, he told the audience that he thinks of Worf as Hamlet.

The part of Worf was a last minute decision and had no written character as such. Dorn was told to ‘create his own’ character and was given the history, being rescued by humans etc. The rest is down to him.

 

Margaret Hamilton Birthday December 9, 1902

Margaret Hamilton (December 9, 1902 – May 16, 1985) was an American film actress known for her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. A former schoolteacher, she worked as a character actor in films for seven years before she was offered the role that defined her public image.

In later years, Hamilton made frequent cameo appearances on television sitcoms and commercials. She also gained recognition for her work as an advocate of causes designed to benefit children and animals, and retained a lifelong commitment to public education.

 Trivia:

It is ironic that her performance as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz (1939) was so scary to children, because her first job was as a kindergarten teacher. She loved and doted upon children all her life.

Until the day she died she had children recognizing her and coming up to her to ask why she was so mean to Dorothy. She became very concerned about the role’s effect on children, and finally guested on “MisteRogers’ Neighborhood” (1968) to explain that the Witch was just a character in the film, and not herself.

She was the kindergarten teacher of five-year-old William Windom, until she threw him out for rambunctious behavior. Another of her students was Jim Backus.

Gave her most noted recollection of her role in The Wizard of Oz (1939) by writing the Preface to the book “The Making of The Wizard of Oz” by Aljean Harmetz.

Nearly quit as the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz (1939) after a December 1938 accident in which she was severely burned during her dramatic exit from Munchkinland. The impressive special effect was achieved by her stepping onto a trap door (obscured by rising smoke) that dropped beneath her, and then a burst of real fire came up. On one take, the fire came too early, and her costume caught fire. She was off the film for more than a month. After she recuperated, she said “I won’t sue, because I know how this business works, and I would never work again. I will return to work on one condition – no more fire work!”.

Welcomed pen-pal fans to visit her at her New York City apartment in later years.

Her legendary role as the Wicked Witch of the West was ranked #4 on the American Film Institute’s villains list of the 100 years of The Greatest Screen Heroes and Villains.

She was cremated and her ashes spread on her Dutchess County, New York estate.

She is a distant cousin of Neil Hamilton.

Lived in a Gramercy Park building in New York City that was also occupied by James Cagney and now boasts Jimmy Fallon as one of its tenants.

And Your Little Dog, Too: Miss Hamilton was a strong promoter of animal rights and the welfare of companion animals. She often appeared in TV public service announcements with her cat, pleading that everyone spay and neuter their pets to help cut down on the number of unwanted, homeless animals. She also had a dachshund named Otto.

For many years, she appeared in Maxwell House coffee commercials as the feisty storekeeper who declares, “It’s the only brand I sell!”

Had one son, Hamilton Wadsworth Meserve (b.1935)

Biography in: “The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives”. Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 360-361. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1998.

Starred in the live on-stage musical “A Little Night Music” (with actress Jean Simmons in the lead role) during the mid-1970s in San Francisco.

Under her married name of Margaret Meserve, she served on the Beverly Hills Board of Education from 1948 to 1951.

Wore the same costume for two productions, 26 years apart. The dress she wore as Miss Gulch in The Wizard of Oz (1939) was worn again when she played Grandma Frump in “The Addams Family” (1964) in 1965.

She said that when sees the scene in The Wizard of Oz (1939) when Frank Morgan as the Wizard is giving Dorothy’s friends gifts from his “black bag” (a diploma for the Scarecrow, a ticking heart for the Tin Man, and a medal for the Cowardly Lion), she gets teary eyed, because “Frank Morgan was just like that in real life – very generous”.

She knew and accepted that she was not “conventionally glamorous”. She often told the story that when her agent first called and told her MGM was interested in talking to her about a role in The Wizard of Oz (1939), she responded, “Oh, I loved reading those books to my kindergarten children. Which role?” Her agent replied: “The witch.” Hamilton said: “The witch?” and the agent responded: “Yes, what else?”.

Remarked during an interview that many children believed that she was mean in real life. She had a hard time to convince them that she was only play acting when she appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West.

She attended Wheelock College in Boston, MA. A school that specializes in working with children and families. She acted in some of the Wheelock Family Theater productions.