Ewan McGregor

Ewan Gordon McGregor (born 31 March 1971) is a Scottish actor who had success in mainstream, indie and art house films. He is perhaps best known for his role as Mark Renton in the 1996 film Trainspotting, his portrayal of the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and his role as the romantic penniless writer Christian in the 2001 film Moulin Rouge!

In 2009, he appeared in the films I Love You Phillip Morris and Amelia, and portrayed the Camerlengo Patrick McKenna in the film adaption of Angels & Demons. Aside from his film work, McGregor has starred in theatre productions of Guys and Dolls. He also appeared in television series such as The Scarlet and the Black, Lipstick On Your Collar, Tales from the Crypt, and ER. He was ranked No. 36 in Empire magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list

Trivia:

Former roommate of Jude Law. They are still close friends.

Ranked #36 in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list (October 1997).

Nephew of Denis Lawson.

Father of Clara Mathilde (born in February 1996) and Esther Rose (born on 7 November 2001).

Born at 3:45pm-CET

He met his wife while filming for “Kavanagh QC” (1995).

Was originally up for the lead role in The Beach (2000/I), which would have reunited him with director Danny Boyle and screenwriter John Hodge who collaborated with McGregor on Shallow Grave (1994), Trainspotting (1996) and A Life Less Ordinary (1997). The role went to Leonardo DiCaprio. While McGregor blames studio influence for the casting decision he has not spoken to either Boyle nor Hodge since.

Originally auditioned for the role of Mercutio in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet (1996). He later got his chance to work with “Romeo” director Baz Luhrmann when he was cast as Christian in Moulin Rouge! (2001).

In the film Moulin Rouge! (2001) McGregor sang alongside Nicole Kidman.

Was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster at a graduation ceremony in Belfast, Northern Ireland (5 July 2001).

His first name is pronounced “you-an”.

He says that he was inspired to get into show business by his uncle, actor Denis Lawson. Lawson played Wedge Antilles in Episodes 4-6 of Star Wars.

Resides in North London with his family.

Slated to start filming ‘Nautic’ in Jamaica with Heath Ledger in a couple of months. However Ted Demme, who was picked to direct the film died suddenly at the age of 38 from a heart attack while playing basketball.

Early career dedicated almost exclusively to indie, low-budget, and non-feature films. When cast as Obi-wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), an interviewer reminded him of his “aversion” to major films, and he replied “I know what I said, but, hey! This is Star Wars!”

Ranked #8 in the 2001 Orange Film Survey of greatest British actors.

Born on the same exact day as Isobel Thomas, the “assistant to producer” on Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), in which Ewan starred.

Born to James Charles Stuart McGregor, a physical education teacher, and his wife Carol McGregor, née Lawson, a teacher and school administrator, he grew up in Crieff, Scotland.

Studied Alec Guinness’ films in preparation for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) and to ensure accuracy in everything from his accent to the pacing of his words.

Has a nephew (born in 1999).

Studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for three years, graduating in 1992.

Received the Film Actor Award for Moulin Rouge! (2001) at The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2002.

Was a student in the year-long theatre arts program at Kirkcaldy College of Technology in the fall of 1988.

In 1987, after leaving school at age 16, he worked as a stagehand at Perth Repertory Theatre and had small roles in their productions.

Good friends with Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri.

His brother Colin is part of the RAF’s Tornado display team who are based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

He and his uncle, Denis Lawson, have worked with two of the same directors. Both have been in Star Wars films, directed by George Lucas. His first film, Being Human (1993), was directed by Bill Forsyth, who also directed Lawson in Local Hero (1983).

Both he and Harrison Ford have worked for director Ridley Scott between Star Wars films. Ford made Blade Runner (1982) after Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), but before Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983). McGregor made Black Hawk Down (2001) shortly after filming Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), and thus before Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Embarked on a motorcycle trip around the World along with his friend and fellow actor Charley Boorman (2004).

Was voted #9 in the Greatest Movie Stars Of All Time (Channel 4).

Completed a trip from London to New York ‘The Long Way Round’ by riding a motorbike east, via Europe, Mongolia, Russia, Alaska and Canada to Manhattan over 115 days in 2004.

Was the original choice for the role of Jim in 28 Days Later… (2002), directed by Danny Boyle who has worked with Ewan three times previously (see above).

Ewan and his wife Eve have the same initials, even with her maiden name.

When filming in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), he kept imitating the noise of the light saber during his fights. George Lucas explained many times that this would be added in by the special effects people later on. Ewan said “I keep getting carried away.”.

Is a good friend of Naveen Andrews, star of the show “Lost” (2004), from drama school.

While he usually takes his family along with him during his movie shoots, he left them at home during the shoot of Young Adam (2003).

Was the best man at Dougray Scott’s wedding in 2000.

His Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, goes by the call sign Red Leader in Revenge of the Sith. Wedge Antilles, who was played by his uncle, Denis Lawson, has the same call sign in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983).

Is very particular about his children being photographed or seen on television. He strongly believes that just because he is famous, that should not give anyone the right to invade their privacy.

According to Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard, he picked up the light saber sword fighting style very quickly. In an interview on the DVD to The Phantom Menace, Gillard commented that Ewan was probably faster than anyone else who was working on the film, including the stunt department.

Is a casual supporter of St Johnstone Football Club.

Refused to have his wife and kids visit him on the set of _Black Hawk Down (2001)_, because he felt the content was too violent and too bloody for them to see.

Has been involved in a campaign against the closure of the maternity wing of Perth Royal Infirmary, the hospital ward where he was born.

Distant cousin of The Sound of Music (1965) actress Heather Menzies.

Cousin of Lou Gish and Kay Curram.

Ewan, a UNICEF ambassador, adopted a 4-year-old girl from Mongolia, named Jamyan, whom he met while traveling around the world in 2004. (April 2006).

Is short sighted.

Before his trip around the world with Charley Boorman, he had a laser eye operation to improve his eyesight, so he didn’t have to wear glasses or contact lenses.

His best friend is actor Charley Boorman, whom he traveled around the world with on motorbikes (“Long Way Round” (2004) trip). They met on the set of the 1997 movie The Serpent’s Kiss (1997).

Considered for the role of Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).

His uncle Denis Lawson was considered for the role of “Captain Antilles” in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).

September 2001: Attended the Royal Premiere of Moulin Rouge! (2001) alongside Kylie Minogue, Prince Charles and Nicole Kidman.

Was considered to play James Bond in Casino Royale (2006).

Although his motorcycles of choice include an MV Agusta F4S and a KTM Duke, McGregor and pal Charley Boorman each rode a BMW 1150GS Adventure for their marathon trip around the world in _”Long Way Round”_ (2004) (mini).

He actually dropped out of school because his mother wanted him to.

Befriended Colin Farrell during the shooting of Cassandra’s Dream (2007).

Good friends with Black Hawk Down (2001) co-star Hugh Dancy.

Had two moles, one just below his right eye and one on his forehead, removed after doctors advised him to do so, because the one near his eye was cancerous. [2008]

Older brother Colin is a pilot in the Royal Air Force.

Peter Berg

Peter Berg (born March 11, 1964) is an American actor, film director, producer and writer. He is known for directing films such as Friday Night Lights, The Kingdom, The Rundown and Hancock. As an actor he is best known for his role as Dr. Billy Kronk on the CBS medical drama Chicago Hope.

Trivia:

Worked as a dock worker in San Pedro, California prior to getting his “big break”.

Attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Worked as Domino’s delivery boy while at Macalaster.

Peter grew up in Chappaqua, New York and attended a private high school in Watertown, Connecticut.

Cousin of Buzz Bissinger

Appeared in local theater productions while attending college in Minnesota.

Moved to Los Angeles in 1985.

Attended the Guthrie Theater Drama School, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He and three others were ambushed and robbed in the Brazilian jungle while doing research for The Rundown (2003). They were held for 15 minutes and lost cash and a laptop computer. Nobody was injured.

His best friend, and room mate from Macalester College, is his agent, Ari Emanuel, inspiration for _”Entourage” (2004)_’s Ari Gold.

One of 115 people invited to join AMPAS in 2007.

Guest-starred in a two part “Alias” (2001), episode where he played Jennifer Garner’s ex-boyfriend. Based on this experience, he decided to cast and direct her in The Kingdom (2007).

His mother co-founded a youth group named Catalog for Giving and worked at a psychiatric hospital when Berg and his younger sister Mary were growing up.

Guest Speaker at Macalester College Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2008.

Visited Saudi Arabia for two weeks in research for The Kingdom (2007).

Has a son, Emmett Berg (born in November 1999), with ex-wife Elizabeth Rogers.

Paris Hilton

Paris Whitney Hilton (born February 17, 1981) is an American socialite, heiress, media personality, model, singer, author, fashion designer and actress. She is a great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton (founder of Hilton Hotels).

Hilton is best known for her appearance on the television series The Simple Life, her several minor film roles (most notably her role in the horror film House of Wax in 2005), her 2004 autobiography, her 2006 music album Paris, and her work in modeling. As a result of several legal incidents, Hilton also served a widely publicized sentence in a Los Angeles County jail in 2007. She is also known for her controversial appearance in a sex tape in 2003.

Trivia:

Sister of Nicky Hilton, Barron Hilton and Conrad Hughes Hilton.

Announced she would live on a farm for a new fish-out-of-water “reality” show called “The Simple Life” (2003). [2003]

Daughter of Rick Hilton and Kathy Hilton.

For her 21st birthday, she threw five parties for herself in New York, Las Vegas, London, Hollywood and Tokyo.

Has two younger brothers, Barron Hilton & Conrad Hughes Hilton.

Mother is the former actress Kathy Hilton.

Niece of Kim Richards and Kyle Richards.

Measurements: 34B-25-35 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).

Has three Pomeranians named Dolce, Sebastian and Prince, as well as two chihuahuas named Tinkerbell the Dog and “Bambi”.

Briefly attended the Canterbury School, a boarding school in Connecticut, during her junior year. She then transfered to the Dwight School in New York City before dropping out a few months later and getting a GED.

Chosen the worst-dressed celebrity in 2003 by fashion critic Mr. Blackwell (Richard Selzer).

Briefly attended the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California.

Popularity sky-rocketed after a homemade sex video between her and ex- boyfriend Rick Salomon (Shannen Doherty’s estranged husband) was scattered all over the Internet in October of 2003. The video was made when she was 19.

Great-niece of Conrad Hilton Jr. and Francesca Hilton.

Has been romantically linked to actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Furlong, Jamie Kennedy, Simon Rex, Australian Idol star Rob Mills, Sum 41 lead singer Deryck Whibley, producer Robert Evans, boxer Oscar De La Hoya, and nightclub owner Ingrid Casares.

Announced at the end of 2003 that she is recording an album. She enlisted the help of J.C. Chasez and his producer Robert Boldt to help in the creation of a dance-pop album.

Dated Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter. (December 2003-July 2004).

The Hilton name is of Norwegian origin. Her great-great-grandfather August Halvorsen Hilton was born on the family farm Hilton, at Kløfta, just outside Oslo, Norway before emigrating to the US with his family at age 10.

In October 2004, she officially had her popular quote, “That’s hot”, trademarked.

Great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton and Mary Adelaide Barron.

Plans to open “Club Paris” in Orlando, Florida in 2005.

She wears a size 11 shoe. Many top designers don’t make their shoes in an 11, so they have them custom made just for her.

Was a victim of a serious hacking incident, where her T-Mobile address book, notes and private photographs taken with a camera phone were released on the Internet. The address book revealed hotel and airline preferences and exposed private phone numbers and e-mail addresses for numerous celebrities and other Hollywood elite.

Favorite sport is golf.

“Madame Tussaud”‘s on 42nd Street unveiled a wax dummy of her to coincide with the release of her movie House of Wax (2005) (1 May 2005).

Met boyfriend Paris Latsis at a nightclub when he was only 16, while she was only 14.

Is working on a clothing line that she plans to name “That’s Hot”.

Studied the Sanford Meisner acting technique for three and a half years.

Became engaged to Paris Kasidokostas Latsis [May 25, 2005].

Along with her sister Nicky Hilton, Tara Reid, Bijou Phillips, Kimberly Stewart, Lindsay Lohan Nicole Richie and Kimberly Kardashian, she is one of Hollywood’s most famous party girls.

Had a falling out with co-star and former best friend Nicole Richie. [2005]

Was a cheerleader in high school.

Wrote to Prince Charles to ask if she and her fiancé, Paris Latsis, could be married in Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, or Windsor Castle.

Established her own record label, Heiress Records, in 2004.

Is a huge fan of the band Blondie and singer Deborah Harry.

Taught herself to play the guitar for the release of her upcoming album.

Ranked #59 in FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2004.

Named #3 in FHM’s “100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005″ special supplement. (2005).

. Was involved in a minor car crash along with some friends and her current boyfriend Stavros Niarchos. No-one was hurt. [November 2005]

Named #20 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2005 list.

Released her second perfume, “Just Me”, as a follow up to her first perfume, “Paris Hilton”.

Hilton’s ex-fiancé bought her a 24-carat yellow diamond ring while they were engaged.

Named #11 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2006 list.

Loves bath products from The Body Shop.

Is a huge fan of the card game poker after recently learning the game.

Says her upcoming album will be a mix of reggae, pop and hip-hop, with the first single being a reggae song called “Stars Are Blind” (2006).

Ended her relationship to Stavros Niarchos in May 2006.

Released her second single from her album “Paris”, due out this August, which is called “Turn it Up”. The song is a mix of rock and pop (August 2006).

Founder of her own Heiress Records, the label on which she plans to release her debut album. It is a sub-label of Warner Bros. Records and was created in 2004. Hilton also plans to eventually sign new artists.

Announced “Stars are Blind”, a reggae-influenced track produced by Fernando Garibay, as the first single. Her producers for the album include Greg Wells and Kara DioGuardi, Jane Wiedlin from The Go-Gos and Scott Storch.

Attended the prestigious Professional Children’s School in New York City with fellow actors Christina Ricci and Macaulay Culkin.

Nominated for two Razzie awards: “Worst Supporting Actress” for House of Wax (2005) and “Most Tiresome Tabloid Target”.

In 2006, she was ranked #56 on Forbes “Top 100 Celebrities”.

She was the subject of a “South Park” (1997) episode entitled “Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset”, in which she opens a store called “Stupid Spoiled Whore” selling girls everything they need to emulate her.

In November 2004, she participated in Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs’s Vote or Die campaign, to encourage youths to vote in the Presidential election. She drew criticism when it was revealed she did not vote, nor had she even registered to do so.

Best friend is childhood friend Kimberly Kardashian.

Named #11 in FHM magazine’s “100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006″ supplement (2006).

Released her third pop single and music video titled, “Nothing in This World,” off her debut album.

Launched her third perfume, “Heiress”, which coincides with her previous two, “Paris Hilton” and “Just Me.”.

Was the May 2007 entry in Stuff magazine’s 2006-2007 pin up calendar.

Was voted the second “Worst Celebrity Role Model of 2006″ behind her short-term party friend Britney Spears (30 December 2006).

Tied the top shot on the “Worst Dressed Women in 2006″ list by fashion critic Mr. Blackwell with Britney Spears for looking like “two peas in an overexposed pod”.

Austrian industrial Richard Lugner announced she would be his celebrity guest at the annual Vienna Opera Ball in February 2007. Previously, he had invited international stars such as Sofia Loren, Joan Collins, Farrah Fawcett or Andie MacDowell.

Had her personal photographs and other belongings posted on line after a storage facility holding her stuff was auctioned off.

After violating the terms of her DUI probation, driving her Bentley at 70 m.p.h. without her headlights on in a 35 m.p.h. zone and driving with a suspended license, she was sentenced to 45 days in jail (4 May 2007).

She was January on FHM magazine’s 2005 pin-up calendar (2005).

After serving 22 days in detention, with credit for her good behavior, she didn’t have to serve the whole 45 days sentence, she was released from the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California, where she was met by a huge contingent of paparazzi and camera crews. In her first interview on “Larry King Live” (1985), she stated that the time in jail was a “time-out in life” and the world would see a new Paris Hilton (June 2007).

Was the subject of the Paris in Jail: The Music Video (2007) (V) , a parody of her song “Stars are Blind”.

Takes Adderall for the Attention Deficit Disorder she’s had since childhood.

Bought a beach side home in Malibu, California.

Sold her Hollywood Hills home to move to a more private gate community.

Releasing her fourth perfume called Cancan in October 2007.

Played hockey while in high school.

Five of the films she has appeared in are listed on the Bottom 100 list (2008).

Ended her nine-month relationship with Benji Madden. [November 2008]

Spoofed by comedian Breven Angaelica Warren in a mock-reality for E!.

Taking a break from filming her reality show “My BFF” in Dubai, she visited Lebanon where she hosted the Crystal Jet-Set Audition party in the capital city of Beirut on the 4th of July. [July 2009]

Dominic Purcell

Dominic Purcell (born 17 February 1970) is an Australian actor best known for his role as Lincoln Burrows in Prison Break, and as the title character in John Doe.

Trivia:

He was a classmate of Hugh Jackman at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts.

Left high school to form a landscape gardening venture with some friends. His pre-acting stints also included surfing.

Has four children: Joseph (b. August 12th 1999), Audrey (b. October 30th 2001) and twins Lily-Rose and Augustus (b. July 7th 2003).

Did all of his stunts in the sword fight scene against Blade in _Blade: Trinity (2004)_.

His mother is Maureen (she’s Irish).

He’s the oldest of five children. Sibling’s names: Damian Purcell, Jaime Pucell, Patrick Purcell and Marie-Therese Purcell.

Has two nieces named Claudia and Eilisha (Marie-Therese’s daughters).

Former son-in-law of David Williamson.

Whilst in Ireland at Christmas 2007 he and his brother saved the life of a 16 month old boy, who was choking, by slapping his back to dislodge an onion ring and then Damian giving CPR until he started breathing again. Til this day both Dom and Damian keep in touch with the child and the boy’s family.

Dom’s parents and siblings all live in Dundalk,Ireland.So twice a year he flies in to see the family.

Seth Benjamin Gesshel Green (born February 8, 1974) is an American actor, comedian, voice actor, and television producer. He is well known for his role as Daniel “Oz” Osbourne in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as Doctor Evil’s son Scott in the Austin Powers series of comedy films and Mitch Miller in That ’70s Show. He also voices the characters of Chris Griffin on Family Guy, Lieutenant Gibbs in Titan Maximum, Flight Lieutenant Jeff “Joker” Moreau in the 2007 video game Mass Effect and its 2010 sequel Mass Effect 2, and is one of the creators and producers of the stop motion comedy series Robot Chicken, where he voices many characters as well. Green appeared in many other movies, such as Rat Race, The Italian Job, Can’t Hardly Wait, as a child in Stephen King’s It and as Dan in the 2004 movie Without a Paddle.

Trivia:

Jodie Foster’s production company, Egg Pictures, is named after Green’s character in The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), in which she also starred.

Has an older sister, Kaela Green.

He had a part filmed for Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992); the part was left on the cutting room floor, but a still from the scene appeared on the read or the commercial release videocassette box. Seth eventually got to be in Buffy, though, on the TV series.

At 13-years-old he played Alyson Hannigan’s boyfriend ‘Fred’ in My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988). Ten years later, at the age of 23, he played her boyfriend again when he landed the role of ‘Oz’ on the TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997).

Seth is thanked in the sleeve notes of Blink 182′s “Enema of the State”. Blink also thanks Idle Hands (1999) and Can’t Hardly Wait (1998) — both movies featuring a Blink 182 song and coincidentally both have Seth Green in them. Seth also had an uncredited role in Enemy of the State (1997).

Shares a birthday with Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil, his The Trumpet of the Swan (2001) co-star Mary Steenburgen, James Dean and Ethan Phillips.

Was once room-mates with crooner Brian Evans in California. In Macleans Magazine (Canada), Evans called the experience “Unfortunate for Seth”, adding that “I wasn’t stable enough to live alone, never mind have a roommate.”

Named #7 of the Top Ten Sexiest Men of the Buffy / Angel universe in a fan poll by the Buffy the Vampire Slayer fanzine (2004).

Not many people know that he was responsible for one of the most overused catchphrases of the 1990s. In 1992 he appeared in a commercial for Rally’s Burgers as an obnoxious drive-thru cashier who kept repeating the line “Cha-CHING!!” over and over again and the line entered the popular culture.

Based the gravelly voice of Chris Griffin in “Family Guy” (1999) on the Buffalo Bill character from The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

He played Lyle in The Italian Job (2003). His Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) co-star Michael Caine appeared in the original The Italian Job (1969).

Has made his entrance in two separate films to two separate Clay Aiken songs. They are “Invisible” in Without a Paddle (2004) and “The Way” in Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004).

Was among the guests at Jessica Simpson’s 25th birthday party.

Revealed in a 2005 “Fresh Air with Terry Gross” interview that he had auditioned for the American Beauty (1999) role that eventually went to Wes Bentley, and he was the runner-up for the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) role that went to Elijah Wood.

Seth is not related to Bruce Seth Green, who directed some episodes of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997). On occasion, some sources confuse the two and have credited Seth as the director.

In the movie Mallrats (1995), the studio had prepared to replace Jason Mewes with Seth Green to play the character of “Jay”. Director Kevin Smith insisted that Mewes reprise his part from Clerks. (1994) so the studio had Green on stand-by and ready to fly to the mall where they were filming while they viewed Mewes’ first scene. In the end, all parties agreed to Mewes keeping the part.

1998: Named on Entertainment Weekly’s “It List” of the 100 Most Creative People in Entertainment.

In his free time enjoys playing pool and seeing as many films as possible.

Graduated high school with honors.

Attended the same middle school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as pop artist Eve.

Has been long time friends with actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, and has collaborated with her quite a few times. They can be found together in Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004), “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997) and “Robot Chicken” (2005).

E! Entertainment Television’s poll proclaimed him the hottest young actor in Hollywood.

Entertainment Weekly once named him Best TV Actor.

At the same time he was offered the part in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997), he was also offered a role in Chairman of the Board (1998), starring ‘Scott ‘Carrot Top’ Thompson’ . Seth said making the choice between the two films was difficult at the time. [source: Seth Green interview on NPR, Feb 23, 2005].

Rutger Hauer

Rutger Oelsen Hauer (born 23 January 1944) is a Golden Globe–winning Dutch film actor. He is well known for his roles in Blind Fury, Blade Runner, The Hitcher, Nighthawks, Sin City, Ladyhawke, The Blood of Heroes and Batman Begins.

Trivia:

Father of Ayesha Hauer

Is color blind.

According to an interview she gave when Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) was first published, Rutger Hauer was Anne Rice ‘s original vision for Lestat when the book was being written. Despite a popular rumor that Julian Sands was her first choice, he didn’t even begin to show up in films or TV till 1982, so Rice couldn’t have been aware of him in 1976 when she was writing the book; Rutger has been acting since 1968. Rice may have said Sands would be great for the part when they were casting the film, because she has said that by the time the film was being made Rutger Hauer was too old to play Lestat.

Was Paul Verhoeven ‘s first choice to play RoboCop (1987).

Both his first and last name end with the letters “er”. He has appeared in 13 movies/TV-series whose title or alternative title end with “er” or “ers”. He has played 8 characters whose names end with “er”.

Speaks fluently German (more or less accent-free)

Once in a Dutch production of “Hair”.

Wife, Ineke, whom he married in 1985, was a painter and sculptor.

Is an environmentalist. Fought for the release of Greenpeace’s co-founder, Paul Watson who was convicted in 1994 for sinking an illegal Norwegian whaling vessel. According to The Official Rutger Hauer website, the vessel was sunk in 1992 as a protest to Norway’s announced intention to return to the commercial slaughter of whales, which was to be done in violation of the International Whaling Commission’s global ban on whaling.

The Dutch Mail Service issued a stamp in 1995 with Rutger on it, taken from a scene in Turkish Delight.

Set up an AIDS research foundation called the Rutger Hauer Starfish Foundation.

Parents, Arend and Teunke, operated an acting school in Amsterdam.

Has appeared in two vampire movies with Donald Sutherland ; Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) , and ‘Salem’s Lot (2004) (TV) .

Director Richard Donner originally wanted to use him as the villain Marquet in Ladyhawke (1985) (1985) but Hauer turned that role down and expressed more interest in playing the film’s hero, Etienne Navarre.

Former father-in-law of his Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) co-star Thomas Jane .

Son of Arend Hauer.

Spent five years in a pantomime company prior to seriously pursuing an acting career.

During the late ’80s and early ’90s, Hauer became well known to the UK mainstream for a series of Guinness commercials where he is clad in black. He publicly took a dislike for the drink and had to spit it out after each take. His appearance is credited for an increase in sales of Guinnesses.

Grandfather of Leandro Maeder.

He gives master classes in movie-making to students and new actors and movie makers. This takes places in Rotterdam. He has been doing this for several years.

Turned down a role in Paul Verhoeven’s Zwartboek (2006) (aka Black Book).

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.

Winona Ryder

 

Winona Laura Horowitz (born October 29, 1971), better known under her professional name Winona Ryder, is an American actress who has appeared in film genres ranging from drama and comedy to science fiction. Her first significant role was as a goth teen in the 1988 Tim Burton film Beetlejuice, which won her critical and commercial recognition. After making various appearances in film and television, Ryder continued her career with the cult film Heathers (1989), a satire of teenage life. Ryder won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and an Academy Award nomination in the same category for her role in The Age of Innocence. In 2000, Ryder received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California.

Trivia:

Her real hair color is blonde but when she made her first major film, Lucas (1986), her hair color was dyed black. She was told to keep it that color and with the exception of Edward Scissorhands (1990)it has stayed that color since.

Was engaged to Matt Damon. [2000]

Her December 22, 1999, guest spot on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (1992) was her second-ever appearance on a talk show. She did it to promote Girl, Interrupted (1999), the first film on which she served as executive producer. She clearly had jitters but settled in comfortably. She made her first appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” (1986) with Mermaids (1990) co-star Cher.

Injured knee while filming Girl, Interrupted (1999). [22 March 1999]

Ranked #42 in Empire (UK) magazine’s the Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time list. [October 1997]

Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. [1997]

Born at 11:00am, CDT.

She briefly checked herself into a hospital when she was 20, because she was suffering from depression, anxiety attacks, and exhaustion, resulting from constantly working on films.

Graduated from Petaluma High School with a 4.0 GPA.

Received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, in October 2000, and was voted Best-Dressed Celebrity of the Week by Entertainment Weekly for the event.

Helped Italian designer Giorgio Armani promote his Manhattan chain of stores. [1996]

Had to turn down the role of Nina in The Object of My Affection (1998) due to scheduling conflicts. [1997]

Chosen as one of the Top Players Under 35 list by People magazine. [1996]

Began work on Girl, Interrupted (1999), which took four more years to make it to the screen. [1996]

The role of Nola in Celebrity (1998) was actually written for Drew Barrymore. [1997]

Although there was no electricity on the commune where they lived, when Winona was seven, her mother began to run an old movie theater in a nearby barn and would screen movies all day. She allowed Winona to miss school to watch movies with her.

Independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch wrote a part specifically for her in Night on Earth (1991), as a tattooed, chain-smoking cabbie who dreams of becoming a mechanic.

She dedicated the film Little Women (1994) to Polly Klaas, a young girl from her hometown of Petaluma, California, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered. She offered a $200,000 reward for anyone with information on the subject, and remains a strong supporter of the Polly Klaas Foundation.

Auditioned for the Marla Singer role in Fight Club (1999), which eventually went to Helena Bonham Carter.

Beat poet Allen Ginsberg was a close friend of her parents.

Upset with MGM for refusing to pre-screen Autumn in New York (2000), saying she was very proud of the film and that the studio was giving it a bad name before it was even released. [2000]

Refused to do promotion for Lost Souls (2000). [2000]

Signed on to “The Girl You Want.” After a few weeks of preproduction, she received a new version of the script, which she hated, and tried to get out of her contract. Touchstone Pictures threatened to sue her if she did, and so she completed the film. The film’s title was changed to Boys (1996) and sat on the shelf for more than a year. After it finally got its release, it was released in less than 100 theaters in North America and grossed less than five hundred thousand dollars. [1995]

Her favorite book is J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye.” She says she owns every paperback edition and translations.

In late 1999, she started her own music company, Roustabout Studios.

Presented Best Picture contender The Cider House Rules (1999) at the 72nd Academy Awards. [March 2000]

Appeared on the season finale of “Saturday Night Live” (1975) as herself. [19 May 2001]

Presented singer Björk at the 2001 Academy Awards in the category Best Original Song.

Had to turn down the role of Alice Sutton in Conspiracy Theory (1997), which went to Julia Roberts, because of scheduling conflicts.

The film Lost Souls (2000), though it was released in late 2000, was actually shot in 1998, and New Line Cinema kept in on the shelf for two years.

Had one date with Old 97′s frontman Rhett Miller, who wrote the song “Rollerskate Skinny” about her.

Turned down the lead role in Sabrina (1995) because she felt she could not fill Audrey Hepburn’s shoes and that the role was marked by sexism. [1994]

Her agent begged her not to do Heathers (1988), saying her career would be over.

Enrolled at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco at the age of 12.

The first house she bought was in the Hollywood Hills. She soon moved, saying she never fitted in.

Says Sarah Miles’s performance in Ryan’s Daughter (1970/I) inspired her to become a professional actress.

First auditioned for the role of Blanca in The House of the Spirits (1993) when she was sixteen, but the part went to Pernilla August. The film took years to get made, and when it finally did, August had to drop out at the last minute due to pregnancy, and Winona replaced her.

Dropped out of The Godfather: Part III (1990). She said in an interview later that year that she arrived in Rome to film and simply could not get out of bed. A doctor was called and ordered her to return home and sleep.

Dated Johnny Depp for many years. He had a tattoo of her name and after they broke up, he had it reduced to “Wino forever.”

Was considered for the part of Janet in a big-screen remake of “Three’s Company” (1977) opposite Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz, but the project was eventually cancelled.

Suffered severe stomach pains and doubled over in pain. She was sent to her hotel room in London, England, UK, and later was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a severe gastroenterological disorder. She left the UK on August 24th. The sickness caused her to drop out of the (unreleased) film Lily and the Secret Planting (2002) and her part eventually went to Kate Winslet instead. Winona was said to have been very passionate about her role in the film and was heartbroken to leave. The incident brought to mind the similar 1990 stomach flu that caused her to drop out of The Godfather: Part III (1990) two days before filming began, causing a lot of controversy. [16 August 2001]

Was arrested in Beverly Hills for allegedly stealing clothing items and carrying illegal pharmaceutical drugs without a prescription. Her lawyer denied the accusations, and Winona was released later that evening on $20,000 bail. Despite her alleged crime, Beverly Hills police described her as “very friendly, polite, and cooperative” and “a nice lady.” [December 12, 2001]

Appeared on the cover of the June 2002 cover of W magazine wearing a “Free Winona” T-shirt. “Free Winona” T-shirts became popular over the Internet following her December 22, 2001 arrest, with many fans sporting them and purses in support.

Broke her arm during the filming of Mr. Deeds (2002), in the scene where she and Adam Sandler are riding bikes down a flight of stairs.

November 6, 2002. She was found guilty of vandalism and grand theft in connection with the shoplifting charges dating from back on December 12, 2001. Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2002. She was acquitted of a third charge, burglary.

6 December 2002 – Sentenced to 480 hours of community service, three years’ probation, $3700 in fines, and $6355 in restitution for her arrest on shoplifting charges.

Measurements: 34C-22-34 (1992- on set of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)”), 35C-23 1/2- 34 (1996 designer notes), (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).

Was the host during Will Ferrell’s final episode as a regular cast member of “Saturday Night Live” (1975).

Dropped out of Eulogy (2004).

Turned down the role of Katrina in Sleepy Hollow (1999), which went to Christina Ricci.

A fan of the film Grey Gardens (1975).

Suffers from insomnia. She allegedly has had a habit of talking on the phone with actor Al Pacino, who also suffers from insomnia.

Suffers from aquaphobia due to trauma she suffered at the age of 12 when she nearly drowned. This caused problems when she had to act in some of the underwater scenes in Alien: Resurrection (1997). The scenes had to be re-shot numerous times because of this.

Member of jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1998

Her friendship with best friend Gwyneth Paltrow ended in the late 1990s because their lives grew apart.

Persuaded Universal Pictures to turn the February 1994 Los Angeles premiere of Reality Bites (1994) into a benefit for the Polly Klaas Foundation. She also had enough clout to see that Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” – Polly’s favorite book – was made into Little Women (1994), with Winona in the title role and the film dedicated to Polly Hannah Klaas.

She is the 2,165th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her great friend, Anthony Hopkins attended the ceremony. November 2000.

Billy Wilder and William Holden are two artists for whom Ryder has great respect.

She serves on the Board of American Indian College Funds.

March 17, 2000, San Francisco International Film Festival awarded the prestigious Peter J. Owens Award to her for brilliance, independence and integrity.

Had several films that were announced but later canceled in the mid-2000s: Robert Altman’s “The Widow Claire,” Norman Jewison’s “Embers,” Jonas Åkerlund’s “Oskur Fishman,” and Elie Chouraqui’s “Beyond Friendship.”.

Her participation in The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004) was reported by Italian newspapers months before the official announcements were made; Ryder claims she met author J.T. LeRoy in 1993 at an opera.

She was harassed her first week of junior high school when a group of bullies mistook her for an effeminate, scrawny boy.

VH1′s “100 Greatest Teen Stars” (2006) (mini) ranked her seventh.

She was given an honorary Master of Fine Arts degree from the American Conservatory Theater.

In 1995, she made yet another significant artistic departure, recording a spoken word reading of the famous diary of Anne Frank, for which she received a Grammy nomination. Winona became one of the few non-musicians to have been nominated for both an Oscar and a Grammy for different projects.

She has a younger brother Uri Horowitz (named after Yuri Gagarin), an older half-brother Jubal Palmer and an older half-sister Sunyata Palmer.

Her father’s family was originally named ‘Tomchin’, however she stated that they were wrongly assigned the name of the family that they were travelling with when they arrived at Ellis Island, in 1906.

Avid reader of 1960s literature (Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac), but also F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, Aldous Huxley, Oscar Wilde, and many more. All-time favorite book is “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger.

She is also into music and plays the guitar. Her favorite band at one point was ‘The Replacements’, but she also loves Tom Waits, Cocteau Twins, Wilco and many others.

She owns some of Hollywood’s stars’ most priceless possessions (Louis Armstrong’s bongo drums among others). She also has a collection of vintage Hollywood costumes, including Russ Tamblyn’s jacket from West Side Story (1961), Leslie Caron’s dress from An American in Paris (1951), Claudette Colbert’s gown from It Happened One Night (1934), Olivia de Havilland’s blouse from Gone with the Wind (1939), and Sandra Dee’s bikini from the “Tammy movies”.

Has done various commercials for cars (Subaru), coffee (Café Latté) and for Italian designer Giorgio Armani. Also participated in a clothing campaign (2003) for designer and friend Marc Jacobs (IV).

Most of her early childhood was spent in Petaluma,Sonoma county. The family spent some time in Columbia with Chilean revolutionaries in the mid-70s. They moved to a 300 acre commune in Elk, Mendocino County with seven other families in the late 1970s.

Her godfather is Timothy Leary.

Was considered for the part of Velma Kelly in Chicago (2002), but Catherine Zeta-Jones was cast instead.

Good friends with Courtney Love.

Was considered by director Neil LaBute for a part in The Wicker Man (2006). She however turned it down.

Took her last name Ryder from singer Mitch Ryder of the Detroit Wheels. She saw one of his albums in her father’s record collection.

The rock group, “The Wynona Ryders” named themselves after her.

Was offered the role of Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie in Steel Magnolias (1989). However Julia Roberts, who went on to receive a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her performance, was cast instead.

Julia Roberts

 

Julia Fiona Roberts (born October 28, 1967) is an American actress. She became well known during the early 1990s after starring in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman opposite Richard Gere, which grossed $463 million worldwide. After receiving Academy Award nominations for Steel Magnolias in 1990 and Pretty Woman in 1991, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2001 for her performance in Erin Brockovich. Her films, which also include romantic comedies such as My Best Friend’s Wedding, Mystic Pizza, Notting Hill, Runaway Bride, and crime films such as The Pelican Brief and Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve have collectively brought box office receipts of over $2 billion, making her the most successful actress in terms of box office receipts.

Roberts had become one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, topping the Hollywood Reporter’s annual “power list” of top-earning female stars from 2002 to 2005, until 2006, when Nicole Kidman won the top spot. Her fee for 1990′s Pretty Woman was $300,000; in 2003, she was paid an unprecedented $25 million for her role in Mona Lisa Smile. As of 2007, Roberts’s net worth was estimated to be $140 million.

Roberts was the first actress to appear on the cover of Vogue. GQ once erroneously claimed she was the first woman to appear on their cover, but later retracted the statement (Carol Channing appeared on a GQ cover in 1964). She has been named one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” eleven times, tied with Halle Berry. In 2001 Ladies Home Journal ranked her as the 11th most powerful woman in America. Roberts has a production company called Red Om Films, formerly Shoelace Productions (“Moder” spelled backwards, after her husband’s last name).

Trivia:

Lent her celebrity name to help raise money for research to develop a cure for Rett Syndrome (a disease which is potentially fatal and randomly strikes girls between the ages of 2 to 6 years).

Chosen of the “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People magazine in 2000.

Ranked #66 in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list (October 1997).

Was engaged to Kiefer Sutherland for a short period.

Sister of Lisa Roberts Gillan and Eric Roberts.

Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1990 and 1991.

Has “movie within a movie” scenes in The Player (1992), Notting Hill (1999), America’s Sweethearts (2001) and Full Frontal (2002).

Was considered for the role of Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin (1997).

She once tried out for a part on “All My Children” (1970), but was turned down.

Born to Walter Grady Roberts, a vacuum cleaner salesman, and his wife Betty Lou Bredemus, a one-time church secretary and real estate agent.

Ranked #1 (in Hollywood Power) and #12 (in $$) on Forbes magazine ‘Power 100′.

Tops the list of the 200 “hottest” actors and actresses in the business in “James Ulmer’s Hollywood Hot List: The Complete Guide to Star Power – 2000″ book which is published in October 2000 (June 2000).

Turned down the Sharon Stone role in Basic Instinct (1992).

Frequently works with Steven Soderbergh

After George Clooney and Brad Pitt found out that she was going to be joining them in Ocean’s Eleven (2001), they sent her a card that read “We heard that you get 20 per film” and in it was a $20 bill; the joke was that she reportedly gets $20 million per film.

Named one of People Magazine’s ’25 Most Intriguing People of 2001′.

Named one of E!’s “top 20 entertainers of 2001″.

At the 2002 Peoples Choice Awards she admitted to being a huge fan of “Days of Our Lives” (1965) and asked to be seated near the cast.

Splits her down time between her ranch in Taos, New Mexico and a home in New York City.

Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2002.

Was ranked 6th of the 100 Sexiest Women by FHM Taiwan (2001).

Married boyfriend, cameraman Daniel Moder, at their ranch home in Taos, New Mexico in a midnight ceremony. Bruce Willis was the only celebrity that attended her wedding to Daniel Moder. Julia wore a simple pink cotton halter dress by pal Judith Beylerian (4 July 2002).

She never acted in a sequel until Ocean’s Twelve (2004).

She has Irish ancestry.

Moved from rank # 18 in 2002 to rank #16 in 2003 on Premiere’s Annual Hollywood Power List. Also in 2003 Julia ranked #10 in Star TV’s Top 10 Box Office Stars of the 1990s. In 2005, Premiere Magazine Stars in Our Constellation feature ranked Julia as the #7 Greatest Movie Star of All Time. in their Stars in Our Constellation feature (2005).

Ranked #10 in Star TV’s Top 10 Box Office Stars of the 1990s (2003)

Measurements: 34B-23-34 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

She is a huge fan of actress Aishwarya Rai, whom she once commented on being “The most beautiful woman in the world, more beautiful than any Hollywood actress.”

Pakistani film director Rauf Khalid wanted her to work in his film, and even invited her to Pakistan to discuss the project, but she refused because of prior commitments.

Observed art history classes at New York University in order to prepare for her role in Mona Lisa Smile (2003).

Her Oscar-winning performance as Erin Brockovich-Ellis was ranked #31 on the American Film Institute’s Heroes list of the 100 years of The Greatest Screen Heroes and Villains.

Announced that she and husband Daniel Moder are expecting twins. Twins run in her family. She is due in early 2005. [June 2004].

Shares a birthday with actor Joaquin Phoenix.

A 9000 year old female skeleton excavated in Bulgaria in November 2004, was called by the archaeologists “Julia Roberts” because of the perfect teeth it had. They said that woman would have had a perfect smile – just like the actress.

Has worked with both Hector Elizondo and Richard Gere in two different movies, first in Pretty Woman (1990), and then again in Runaway Bride (1999).

Because Erin Brockovich-Ellis is right handed and Roberts is not, she had to learn to use her right hand for Erin Brockovich (2000).

Premiere Magazine ranked her as the #7 Greatest Movie Star of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature (2005).

Has played an art historian twice, once in Everyone Says I Love You (1996) and also in Mona Lisa Smile (2003).

First actress to reach 20 million dollar mark salary (for Erin Brockovich (2000))

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

Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2005 and appeared on the cover of the May 9, 2005 issue.

“The Alchemist” is one of her favorite books.

Roberts’ production company “Red Om” films is her husband Danny’s second name reversed

As a gesture of thanks for giving her children music lessons, Coretta Scott King paid the hospital bills when the pregnant Mrs. Roberts’ delivered her next child. That child ended up being Julia.

Early in her career, she auditioned unsuccessfully for two soap opera roles. She lost the part of “Linda Warner” to Melissa Leo on “All My Children” (1970); and the part of “Hayley Benson” to Stacy Edwards on “Santa Barbara” (1984).

Was named of the 100 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2006.

Her great-grandmother Elin (Eleanor) was Swedish, born 1884 in Värmland, Sweden. She died in Minneapolis 1960, seven years before Julia was born.

Chosen “Sexiest Bespectacled Star” by the readers of “In Touch” magazine ahead of Felicity Huffman and Alicia Keys (November 2006).

Her Broadway debut in the play “Three Days of Rain” received terrible reviews for her performance and ran only 70 performances.

Cited as America’s Favorite Movie Star in a Harris Poll conducted in 2001.

Ranked #8 in Forbes the 20 Richest Women In Entertainment.

She won an Oscar for playing Erin Brockovich-Ellis in Erin Brockovich (2000), making her one of eleven actors to win the Award for playing a real person who was still alive at the evening of the Award ceremony (as of 2007). The other ten actors and their respective performances are: Spencer Tracy for playing Father Edward Flanagan in Boys Town (1938), Gary Cooper for playing Alvin C. York in Sergeant York (1941), Patty Duke for playing Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker (1962), Jason Robards for playing Benjamin C. Bradlee in All the President’s Men (1976), Robert De Niro for playing Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980), Sissy Spacek for playing Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), Susan Sarandon for playing Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking (1995), Geoffrey Rush for playing David Helfgott in Shine (1996), Jim Broadbent for playing John Bayley in Iris (2001/I) and, most recently, Helen Mirren for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006).

An accomplished equestrienne, Julia did her own riding in Runaway Bride (1999).

Turned down leading role in Sleepless in Seattle (1993) which went to Meg Ryan.

Received the American Cinematheque Award (10 October 2007).

Is an alumni of the Lee Strasberg Institute such as actors Angelina Jolie, Frank Miranda, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson, Rosario Dawson, Dennis Hopper.

Five directors that cast Julia at least twice are: Mike Nichols, Steven Soderbergh, Garry Marshall, Robert Altman and Joel Schumacher.

Good friends with Bruce Willis.

After divorcing Walter Roberts in January 1972, her mother Betty Lou married theater critic Michael Motes (11 September 1972).

Her films have grossed more than $ 2 billion at the US box office, making her the biggest female movie star of all time (February 2007).

Has supported UNICEF enthusiastically.

Buys her own organic greens at the market near her apartment in New York.

In 2006, she earned $5 million for endorsing Gianfranco Ferre. She posed for eight print ads, which was equivalent for one day of work.

Named #57 on Empire Magazine’s 100 Sexiest Movie Stars. (2007).

By 2004, she had a fortune estimated to be worth $212 million.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated her earnings for the year at $9 million.

Made just one movie – Blood Red (1989) – with brother Eric Roberts.

Ranked #1 on Forbes magazine ‘Celebrity 100′ (2000).

Is one of six actresses that have won an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award and SAG Award for the same performance. The others in chronological order are Renée Zellweger for Cold Mountain (2003), Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line (2005), Helen Mirren for The Queen (2006), Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls (2006) and Kate Winslet for The Reader (2008).

27x40 Movie Poster

Village of the Giants is a 1965 science-fiction/comedy movie with many elements of the beach party film genre. It was produced, directed and written by Bert I. Gordon, and based loosely on H.G. Wells’s book The Food of the Gods. The story revolves mostly around a chemical substance called “Goo”, which causes giant growth in living things, and what happens after a gang of rebellious youngsters get their hands on it. The cast was mostly teens, or young actors playing teens, and The Beau Brummels and Freddy Cannon make musical guest appearances. The movie was a low-budget exploitation film and not a huge hit (released mostly to drive-ins as part of a double bill), but had some notable use of special effects and undoubted sex appeal, and went on to become a cult classic. The movie proved far more successful years later, when released on home video.

Tagline:  They’re 30 feet tall!

Trivia:

• In one scene one of the giants reads an issue of “Famous Monsters of Filmland” with another Bert I. Gordon film, War of the Colossal Beast (1958), in the cover.
• Exteriors were shot on the Columbia Studios backlot (now part of the Warner Bros. Backlot), the same lot as the exteriors for the TV series “Bewitched” (1964) and “I Dream of Jeannie” (1965). Many scenes were shot on Courthouse Square at Universal Studios, which doubled as Hill Valley in Back to the Future (1985).

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• Loosely based on the H.G. Wells story “The Food of the Gods”, about a substance that causes giant mutations in growing organisms. Children fed the substance become giants (capable of producing giant offspring), who choose to fight when their existence is threatened by adult authorities.
• The brand of chicken that the giant teenagers eat is a tie-in to the once-famous restaurant chain called Chicken Delight. The chain was known for home delivery of chicken and ribs, as well as it’s catchy motto: “Don’t cook tonight, call Chicken Delight.” A banner for the restaurant chain can be seen on a wall behind the adults who turn in their rifles.
• The beer that the delinquent teens drink after crashing their car is the once popular Blatz Beer.
• The fountain that Freddy Cannon sings in front of is the same one seen in the opening of “Friends” (1994).
• An alternate version of the theme music – “The Last Race” – was reused by Quentin Tarantino in Death Proof (2007).
• The “Teen Magazine” that Merrie (Joy Harmon) reads was an actual issue of the magazine published in July 1965.
• Ron Howard plays a boy genius who invents a super growth formula. He later played the same kind of role in “Land of the Giants: Genius at Work (#1.21)” (1969)
• Filmed in “Perceptovision”.

Joy Harmon