Latest news with #acting
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Anne Burrell's ill-fated plans for her future revealed after ditching hit show before tragic death
Anne Burrell had career pivot plans after leaving her signature series Worst Cooks In America as the investigation surrounding her shock death has taken another twist. The celebrity chef — who famously hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America — had plans to expand her horizons as she had ambitions to try her hand at acting and was even taking improv classes before her tragic passing at 55. She appeared on Tori Spelling's Misspelling podcast back in March and said: 'Interestingly, I just started taking acting classes. I started yesterday, actually... It's like an improv for actors' class. 'I got there and it's like eight people in the class. I'm the oldest one. Every other person has like, "Oh, I have a master's in fine arts in theater."' Burrell showed off her self-awareness and sense of humor that her fans were familiar with as she joked about the age gap between she and her fellow students. She said: 'I'm like, "okay, I've never taken an acting class. I don't know, this is new to me." 'I wonder if these delightful and super talented kids look at me and they're like, "What's this old lady doing here?"' The television personality had taken a break from her show Worst Cooks In America for season 28 which baffled many fans and Spelling, 52, asked at the time what led her to that decision. Burrell answered: 'I can cook, yes, I can do TV, but also, what else? I've got more to do in my life, I feel like.' She also admitted that she was just 'dipping my toe' when it came to the pivot to acting. Burrell explained: 'I feel very excited about it. I've got a few other things that I'm working on as well, which I'm not quite ready to share yet. Hopefully, exciting [are] things coming.' This comes amid news that her shock death investigation has taken another twist as chilling new information emerged about the scene where the chef was found dead on Tuesday. The beloved Food Network star died at age 55 at her Brooklyn, New York apartment. Law enforcement sources told TMZ a large quantity of 'unknown pills' were found around where Burrell died while a separate source claimed to The Pos t the pill quantity was in the 'dozens.' Insiders had previously revealed Burrell was found unresponsive and lying on the shower floor by her husband Stuart Claxton early Tuesday morning. Claxton reportedly last saw his wife alive at approximately 1AM the night prior before discovering her unconscious between six to seven hours later in their bathroom. has contacted representatives for Food Network and Burrell for comment but did not immediately hear back. Claxton contacted 911 and was allegedly advised by the operator to perform CPR on Burrell. However, her body was said to be cold and it is not known if he performed CPR. A possible cause of death has now been indicated by the 911 call, with the New York Fire Department confirming to Daily Mail that they were responding to a report of a cardiac arrest at 7.50am on Tuesday. She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn, New York, home by police. In a statement to Daily Mail, the New York City Police Department confirmed that they were called to an address in Brooklyn in response to a report about an 'unconscious and unresponsive' 55-year-old female. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been reported by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, with an investigation ongoing. TMZ reports that EMS attempted CPR on Burrell but could not resuscitate her. Meanwhile many of Burrell's fellow Food Network personalities have paid tribute to her. Most recently, Andrew Zimmern gave a touching speech about his friend at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen on Thursday evening. The 63-year-old The Big Food Truck Tip host got emotional as he said: 'This week we lost Anne. And I know our entire community is beyond saddened.' He called her 'such a beautiful, gifted soul' while adding that she was a 'trailblazer on the Food Network.' Zimmern described his friend as 'a brash, bold, loud New Yorker, and a woman who had a tremendous capacity for love.' He also described her as being 'in the prime of life taken from us too soon' and admitted that dealing with her death has become 'so difficult.' Zimmern went on to plea with those on hand to care for others in the food community. He said: 'This community puts a lot of weight on how much we want to care for each other and we've done such an incredible job of it over the last 10 years. 'I can't think of another community that has done such an incredible job looking out for each other, but I honestly don't think we're doing enough. When we lose someone like Anne, I don't think we're doing enough.' He also urged those in attendance to live it up including joking, eating, drinking, dancing, and even doing karaoke because it is what Burrell would have wanted. 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,' her family said in a statement obtained by Tuesday. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal,' they shared. A Food Network spokesperson added, 'Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. 'Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.' The TV chef - who became synonymous with her trademark spiky platinum hair - is survived by husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in October 2021 in an autumn-themed ceremony and reception in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York. She is also survived by her mother Marlene and sister Jane and her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, and her brother Ben. Anne developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and by watching food icon Julia Child on television. After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she followed her culinary dreams and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996. She worked at a whole host of New York City hotspots including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she honed her craft in Mediterranean cuisine. She was later thrust into the spotlight and became best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America. The show, which ran for 28 seasons, saw celebrated chefs mentor amateur cooks in an attempt to transform them from rookies to kitchen experts. Elsewhere, she appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, competition series House of Knives - which premiered in March this year. The famed chef also penned two of her own cookbooks - Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower. Heartbroken fans have flooded to leave comments on her most recent Instagram post that was shared just four days ago. 'This can't be true. Chef Anne you were vivacious, hilarious, full of life and reminded me of my Mom. I'm so, so sorry. Rest with the Angels in Heaven and cook up a storm for us,' one wrote. 'Prayers for your family. This feels so unexpected! 'You were always one of our all time favorite chefs and seemed like a great person! I'm sure you'll be missed by many!' someone else shared. 'RIP ANNE! I can't believe this! We lost a good one!' one wrote. 'I was such a fan of you. I had been watching Worst Cooks for YEARS and just recently started watching newer seasons. 'I am so sad. May you rest in peace,' another penned. Gigi Hadid, who famously appeared on the cooking competition series Beat Bobby Flay with Burrell, led the celebrities expressing their heartbreak over Burrell's death. 'I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell,' the supermodel, 30, began. Hadid included a photo of herself and Burrell from their time filming Beat Bobby Flay back in 2023. 'As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat,' she recalled. 'I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend.' Chef Carla Hall, who previously appeared on Food Network's Top Chef, called Burrell an 'incredible cook and teacher.' Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Carson Kressley, who was a close friend of Burrell's, revealed that he spoke to her just days before her death. He also shared a post to his own Instagram page which included a photo of him and Burrell. 'Rest easy, Chef Anne. I'm so blessed I was able to work with you, learn from you, laugh with you. So many memories - on screen and off - I cherish this photo of us living our best lives, as the kids say,' Kressley wrote. 'It's one of my favorite memories - just swimming in the ocean after a great lunch. Good food, good friends and lots of love and laughter all around. 'That's what I wish for you where you are now . I'll see you again someday, dear friend.' To conclude the tribute, Kressley revealed that 'Anne loved this photo of us so I know she'd be happy I chose this one.'
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Awards Magnet': New Emmy predictions — including those cutthroat lead categories
Who will be squeezed out in the lead categories of five? Awards Magnet host Joyce Eng and a special guest, Gold Derby senior editor Denton Davidson, discuss their updated Emmy predictions as voting continues. With the number of slots per category now set, it's time to make some tough decisions. Or maybe not-so tough? All the lead acting categories will have five slots this year, barring a tie. That sucks for the Emmy hopefuls, but some of these categories have a pretty firm top four — or even five — contenders, which makes chopping a sixth person slightly less difficult. But with fewer slots for voters to fill in, will that inspire more passion picks? Like for, say, underdog Bridget Everett, who's on her last shot to be nominated for Somebody Somewhere? She's in 10th place in the Best Comedy Actress odds. Two years ago, Jason Segel (Shrinking) surprisingly made the Best Comedy Actor lineup in a field of five over Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building). Will history repeat? More from GoldDerby Everything to know about 'The Pitt' Season 2 'The Daily Show' leads Best Talk Series Emmy odds amid outrage over the low number of available slots 'Hope for the best, prepare for the worst': 'Overcompensating' breakout Wally Baram on making her acting debut, defiling prop toilet SEE Awards Magnet: Our updated Emmy predictions — for the last time together Two actings acting categories that gained a lot are the comedy supporting ones, which went from six to seven. That's good news for the solid top seven in the supporting actress race: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks), Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), Catherine O'Hara (The Studio), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary), Jessica Williams (Shrinking), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), and Kathryn Hahn (The Studio). But don't count out Megan Stalter, who had a strong season on Hacks and could coattail off being in the reigning Best Comedy Series winner. Plus: Could Marcello Hernandez be the new Bowen Yang? Does Best Drama Supporting Actor have room for two Patricks? Email your questions to slugfests@ Best of GoldDerby Everything to know about 'The Pitt' Season 2 Adam Brody, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and the best of our Emmy Comedy Actor interviews Kristen Bell, Tina Fey, Bridget Everett, and the best of our Emmy Comedy Actress interviews Click here to read the full article.
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
He hails from an acting dynasty and his father is an iconic comedic star... can YOU guess the nepo baby?
He hails from an acting dynasty and is the son of a beloved Hollywood couple. This 19-year-old has dabbled in acting as well, with roles in four different projects (all of which involve his father). His parents, whose marriage survived a three-year breakup, even played love interests in the massive hit comedy Zoolander. The acting bug clearly runs in his family, as his late grandparents are also famous stars. On Wednesday night, this teen attended the premiere of his sister's off-Broadway show Dilaria alongside their parents. Can you guess who this nepo baby is? He's the son of a beloved Hollywood couple who has followed his parents' footsteps into the acting world It's Quinlin Dempsey Stiller, the 19-year-old son of Ben Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor! The famous actors attended the premiere of their daughter Ella Stiller's off-Broadway play Dilaria on Wednesday and brought along Quinlin. The trio proudly supported Ella on her big night as they posed up a storm together on the red carpet. She costars with Emily Carey (HBO's House of the Dragon) and Kaci Walfall (CW's Naomi) in the show. The director is Alex Keegan. The play follows Ella in the title role of Dilaria, 'a rich, young girl who finds there's nothing more powerful on social media than your classmate dying tragically young,' according to a synopsis on Playbill. Both Ella and Quinlin come from showbiz legends. Not only are their parents Ben and Christine well-known, but their grandparents are also famous: grandpa is the late Jerry Stiller and his wife is the late Anne Meara. Jerry and Anne were a comedy team in the 1960s called Stiller and Meara. Quinlin's acting resume contains just a few acting credits, and his father is in the cast for every project he's taken on. His first-ever role was in the 2008 animated film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, a movie which also starred his father. Quinlin was just three at the time of the movie's release and lent his voice to the role of Baby Alex. Next was another voice acting role in the 2010 film Megamind, followed by an uncredited role as Child on London Bus in the 2014 flick Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. His most recent role was in the 2021 comedy caper starring Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Locked Down, in which he played the son of his father's character. Like her brother, Ella has also pursued acting - and many of her projects somehow incorporate her father as well. Ella has already acted in the 2018 limited series Escape at Dannemora (directed by her dad), as well as three other projects which include her father in the cast - Adam Sandler's 2020 hit Hubie Halloween, an uncredited appearance in 2014's Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, and as a voice actor in 2010's Megamind. She's also appeared in two short films - and has another project coming up - however her father was not involved in those projects. Ben and Christine have been married since 2000 but they split up in 2017 before reconciling in 2020. Earlier this year, Ben revealed his parent's relationship motivated him to rekindle with Christine during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite recalling how his mother and father, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, butted heads during their 60-year marriage, the actor explained he was inspired by their commitment to one another to never lose hope on the possibility of reconciliation. 'My dad was committed to turning their relationship into something that they could make a living doing a comedy act about,' Stiller told The Hollywood Reporter. 'And my mom didn't really love that as much, but she was really good at it, and that affected their relationship.' Ultimately, Ben acknowledged he began to repeat some of his parents' dynamics when it came to allowing his career impact his marriage. 'You start making movies, and if they don't go well, that would affect me,' he said. After he and Taylor called it quits following 17 years of marriage in 2017, Stiller said he didn't expect them 'to get back together.' 'When we broke up, there was a part of me that wasn't ready to just give up on it. Probably a certain amount of that is having watched my parents,' he admitted. 'And I love Christine, I love my family, and I was not ready to just go, "OK, enough of this."' During their time apart, Ben and Taylor never never formally filed for divorce. Ben's parented stayed married from 1954 until her death in 2015. His dad passed five years later in 2020. Although, at times, he still has to be 'pulled from' work, Ben insists he is more balanced now. 'I also really love hanging out with my family and Christine and having fun together,' he said. 'So I'm happy that I didn't totally miss the boat on that.'
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Generous Anthony Joshua pays fees for gifted student to study at Ashley Walters' drama school
CHAMPION boxer Anthony Joshua's generous company has helped pay the tuition fees for a gifted student to attend Ashley Walters' drama school. Non-profit organisation Clean Herts Company has teamed up with creative agency IMC to make Watford lad Lebron James' dreams a reality. 3 3 The student, whose namesake is an NBA legend that has also starred as the lead role in box office hit Space Jam 2, said he is 'incredibly honoured and grateful" for the contribution. He continued: 'None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of AJ and the Clean Herts Commumity team and Kat with ICM, whose belief in me has opened doors I used to only dream about." Lebron was invited to Elstree Studios for a behind the scenes glimpse at how top productions like The Crown, Star Wars, and Strictly Come Dancing are made. He said: "Experiences like this have only fuelled my passion to become a respected actor. "This opportunity is a major step forward in developing my craft, and learning from some of the very best in the industry which I don't take lightly "I've made a promise to my family, my friends, and to myself - to always give everything I've got, stay grounded, and bring my community with me on this journey "These are only the sweet beginnings - the best is yet to come!" Kingdom School of Arts was founded in 2012 by Top Boy star Walters and film producer Nagajan Modhwadia. It is open to both amateurs and professionals and seeks to help close the gap between studies and real-life acting work. A spokesman for ICM said: "We are delighted to be able to give back to our local community. Anthony Joshua given hero's welcome on boxing trip to Ghana as Brit shows off his motorbike skills "After our CEO learned of Lebron James gaining a place at Kingdom Drama School, she instinctively wanted to assist Lebron and his family with paying towards his tuition fees and approached CHC." They continued: "We are extremely happy that CHC enabled us to do this for Lebron. It is a beautiful thing when like-minded organisations come together to help our future generation succeed - this is proof, that it does take a village to raise a child. "We have also offered Lebron, Actor Representation with ICM upon his graduation from Kingdom Drama School. "Our CEO Katerina Michael, thoroughly enjoyed showing Lebron and CHC around our office headquarters here in the Elstree Film Studios. "We hope being immersed in this environment for the day further inspired him to go get his dreams and achieve them. We look forward to working with Lebron and continuing to support him." Community interest company CHC is committed to supporting people in Joshua's hometown of Watford and across Hertfordshire. Whether it be hosting paintballing events, Christmas gatherings or sessions in AJ's old boxing gym, CHC is determined to be a source of aid and inspiration for the area it serves. 3
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Meghan Markle stuns podcast host with personal confession about her acting career struggles
Meghan Markle has revealed that she once struggled to get acting roles while she was working due to her race. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, appeared on British businesswoman Emma Grede's podcast Aspire to speak about her personal life and new brand. When Grede asked about her former acting career, Meghan shared a response that left the podcast host stunned. Meghan told Grede that she struggled to find acting roles due to her ethnicity in her younger years in Hollywood. 'When I was an auditioning actress, and this was well before Suits, you have to think … at that time there were certainly not a lot of mixed-race parts.' Grede looked surprised at Meghan's confession, and exclaimed: 'Really?!' Meghan replied: 'No,' before the host repeated: 'Really?' The Duchess continued: 'No. There weren't a lot of … If I was going in for an audition, it was either, you have to remember this was a very different time than it is now. 'It was 'Girl Next Door'. That was typically blonde-haired, blue-eyed and a certain look. But because I'm half-white, I would also be submitted for those roles. 'And then if it was a character that had any sort of ethnicity, there was always a bit of an edge to those characters, but I'd be submitted for those roles.' 'And I also to a lot of people in casting, they thought I was Latina. 'So I share that because, and I've shared this before, it was a numbers game. 'If I'm only up for 10 parts, that could be 10 no's. 'But if I'm up for 30 parts, because I can fit into so many different rooms, that could be 30 nos, that is a lot to chip away at your self-esteem. That is really hard.' Markle went on to share that all the difficult rejections that she faced while trying to make it in the entertainment industry took a toll on her self-confidence. 'I went through my chapter of self-doubt as an auditioning actor and beyond that,' she said. 'When you're so consumed with what everyone around you thinks of you, that can be a really hard way to live.' Meghan explained that after turning 40 and becoming a mother she realised that she needed to set a good example for her family. 'You can't have an impostor syndrome around. No way,' she emphasised. 'You have to be so authentically the role model and the example of confidence, self-forgiveness, kindness, fun — all of those things and you can't fake that.'
