Tim Curry

Timothy James “Tim” Curry (born 19 April 1946) is an English actor, singer, composer and voice actor, known for his work in a diverse range of theatre, film and television productions. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Curry first became known to audiences with his breakthrough role as Dr. Frank N. Furter in the 1975 cult movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show, then later for his roles as Rooster in the film adaption of Annie, Lord of Darkness in the film Legend (1985), Wadsworth in the movie Clue, and as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the horror film Stephen King’s It. He played Nigel, the father in the Nickelodeon children’s TV show The Wild Thornberrys. He has performed the role of King Arthur in the Broadway hit Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Trivia:

Provided the voice of “Sir” who welcomed visitors to the Alien Encounter attraction in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World. The Alien Encounter ride was replaced after a few years.

Tim Curry in Legend as Darkness

Has read several times for “The Great Writers Series” in Los Angeles

Performed in Roger Waters’ historic production of “The Wall: Live in Berlin” in July, 1990

Appears as both subject and author in the photography book “Double Exposure, Take Four” by Roddy McDowall.

Was Tim Burton’s second choice for the role of the Joker on Batman (1989). He did go on to playing a crazed “clown” in Stephen King’s It (1990) (TV).

Tim Curry as Pennywise in Stephen King's It

A close friend of Carly Simon and sang backing vocals on her 1979 album “Spy”.

Turned down the role of Mitzi in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Studied Drama & English at Cambridge and at Birmingham University, from which he graduated with Combined Honors.

Tim Curry Rocky Horror

Has earned three Tony Award nominations, the first in 1981 as Best Actor (Play) for portraying the title character Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in “Amadeus” – the second in 1993 as Best Actor (Musical) for “My Favorite Year” – and the third in 2005 for Best Actor (Musical) for his role of King Arthur in “Spamalot”.

Personally paid for his cousin, Keighley Twocker frontman Michael Loftus to have cosmetic surgery

Already an accomplished singer, he performed a cover of the theme song to Disney’s “Davey Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier”.

In a Fresh Air interview in 2005, he reported meeting Princess Diana. It turned out she was such a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), she told him, “Thank you for completing my education.”.

Not only was he Tim Burton’s second choice for the role of The Joker, he was the producers’ first choice for the role in the animated television series, until Mark Hamill was cast. Tom Hulce succeeded him in the role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Amadeus.

Don’t Look Now (1973) is one of his favorite films.

He was presented with an honorary citizenship of New Orleans and key to the City of New Orleans by Angela Baham, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Administrator Officer Reynard J. Rochon to Mayor Ernest Morial on October 8, 1979 following a concert in New Orleans.

Was working on an album project with Lou Adler in 1976. However only four songs were completed. The best is a cover of The Supremes’ “Baby Love.” Also recorded three albums for A&M Records. “Ready My Lips” (1978), “Fearless” (1979), and “Simplicity” (1981). Though only one charting song, “I Do the Rock,” both it at “Paradise Garage” [from "Fearless"] have become cult hits, having two music videos made for MTV which were often played before showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). His best album is often praised “Fearless,” and his best songs are “Birds of a Feather,” “Alan,” “Sloe Gin,” “I Do the Rock,” “S.O.S.,” “Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire,” “Paradise Garage,” “No Love on the Street,” “Something Short of Paradise,” “Working on My Tan,” “Simplicity,” “On a Roll,” “Take Me I’m Yours,” “Out of Pawn,” and “I Put a Spell on You.”.

Was on the 1980 Clash album “Sandinista!” On track 18, “The Sound of the Sinners”, he spoke as a priest mid-song.

Has voiced two royal cats, voicing Prince in “Garfield: A Tail Of Two Kitties” and The Cat King in “The Cat Returns”.

Has a dog named Frank.

Billy Dee Williams

Billy Dee Williams (born April 6, 1937) is an American actor, artist, singer and writer, best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars films.

Trivia:

Was an accomplished art student even before his acting career began. Has had professional gallery showings where his oil canvases have sold for tens of thousands of dollars.

He appeared in the music video and sang in the choir on the song “Voices That Care.”

Has a twin sister.

Was arrested in L.A. after police received a call from his live-in girlfriend accusing him of battery. Williams was charged with cohabitational abuse and released on $50,000 bail. [30 January 1996]

He and actress/singer Diahann Carroll were classmates at The New York City High School of the Performing Arts, the school that was featured on the popular TV show “Fame” (1982).

Originally auditioned for the role of Han Solo in 1976.

He accepted the role of D.A. Harvey Dent in Batman (1989) with the knowledge and expectation that Dent would eventually become Two-Face: he reportedly had a clause put into his contract reserving the role for him in any sequels, which Warner Bros. had to buy out so they could cast Tommy Lee Jones.

He has 2 children.

Has a son named Corey Williams who graduated from North Hollywood in 1978. Step-daughter Miyako also attended same high school, was in the 10th grade when Corey graduated.

Studied art at both New York’s High School of Music and Art and at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design.

When appearing at sci-fi conventions, he refuses to autograph Colt 45 merchandise, despite his being Colt 45′s commercial pitchman for a brief period in the 1980s.

Billy Dee Williams as Lando

He still actively paints, and some of his work can be seen at his online gallery . He has had solo exhibitions in various galleries around the US, and his work hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, The Smithsonian Institution, and The Schomburg Museum. The beautiful covers of the Thelonious Monk Competition programs since 1990 are by him.

Was cited as one of the most promising movie personalities of 1973 in John Willis’ 1974 Film Annual “Screen World” book.

Eddie Murphy

Edward “Eddie” Regan Murphy (born April 3, 1961) is an American actor, voice actor, film director, producer, comedian and singer. He is the second-highest grossing actor in motion picture history. He was a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984, and has worked as a stand-up comedian. He was ranked #10 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.

He has received Golden Globe Award nominations for best actor in a comedy or musical for his performances in Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop II, Beverly Hills Cop III, Trading Places, and The Nutty Professor. In 2007, he won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of soul singer James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls, and received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the same role.

Murphy’s work as a voice actor includes Thurgood Stubbs in The PJs, Donkey in the Shrek series and the dragon Mushu in Disney’s Mulan. In some of his films, he plays multiple roles in addition to his main character, intended as a tribute to one of his idols Peter Sellers, who played multiple roles in Dr. Strangelove and elsewhere. Murphy has played multiple roles in Coming to America, Wes Craven’s Vampire In Brooklyn, the Nutty Professor films (where he played the title role in two incarnations, plus his father, brother, mother and grandmother), Bowfinger and 2007′s Norbit.

Trivia:

Was cast by “Saturday Night Live” (1975) and NBC when he was 19 years old.

Ranked #78 in Empire (UK) magazine’s Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time list (October 1997).

Born at 1:30pm-EST.

In a TV commercial never shown in the USA, Eddie Murphy kissed the front bumper of a Toyota sedan.

Has eight children: His first and oldest child was by ‘Paulette McNeely’: son Eric Murphy (born on 10 July 1989). He also has a child by ‘Tamara Hood’: son Christian Murphy (born on 29 November 1990) Murphy also fathered five children with Nicole Mitchell Murphy: daughter Bria (born on 18 November 1989 in Sacramento); son Miles Mitchell (born on 7 November 1992); daughter Shayne Audra (born on 10 Ocotber 1994); daughter Zola Ivy (born on 24 December 1999 in Los Angeles); and daughter Bella Zahra (born on 29 January 2002); and, One child with ex-girlfriend Melanie Brown a daughter, Angel Iris Murphy Brown (born on 3 April 2007).

Attended Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York, before beginning his acting career.

Did stand-up comedy at the same Bay Area Comedy Club as Robin Williams and Caryn Johnson (whose stage name eventually became Whoopi Goldberg) before getting into acting.

Was voted Most Popular while attending Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School in Roosevelt, New York, due to the stand-up comedy routines he would perform in the school’s auditorium and jokes he would tell classmates during lunch.

Older brother Charles Q. Murphy is also an actor. Younger brother Vernon Jr. was half of the hip-hop group K-9 Posse, which released two albums in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Won a Grammy for his 1983 comedy album “Comedian,” which featured his stand-up routine.

Turned down the role of Winston Zeddemore in Ghost Busters (1984).

Idolized Richard Pryor and was inspired by him to do comedy. Went on to cast Pryor in his directorial debut Harlem Nights (1989).

At the height of his popularity in the mid 1980s, he began a music career, spawning the popular song “Party all the Time,” which he recorded with Rick James. Also recorded an album in the early 90s, entitled “Whazzupwitu,” in which he performs in a video of the single of the same name, alongside Michael Jackson. Murphy appeared in Jackson’s “Remember the Time” video in 1992 alongside fellow celebrities Magic Johnson and Iman.

Dated actress Halle Berry.

Dated Robin Givens.

Close friends with former late night talk show host Arsenio Hall

Paid for the funeral of comedic inspiration Redd Foxx.

Was criticized tremendously by Spike Lee for not using his show business stature to help black actors break into film.

Named one of E!’s Top 20 Entertainers of 2001.

His wife Nicole Mitchell Murphy gave birth to their daughter Bella Zahra(30 January 2002).

Is the only cast member of “Saturday Night Live” (1975) to host while still a cast member. Nick Nolte was to host but fell ill and Eddie replaced him.

Was in a relationship with singer Whitney Houston before she married former husband, Bobby Brown.

Former wife, Nicole Mitchell Murphy, is an Associate with Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

In 1997, he and his late-night encounter with Shalimar Seiuli was ranked #61 on E! TV’s The Greatest Shocking Moments In Entertainment History.

His brother Charles Q. Murphy is a regular performer on the hit sketch comedy show “Chappelle’s Show” (2003) on Comedy Central.

Has a house in Englewood, New Jersey.

Scored two hits on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts with “Party All the Time” (US #2, 1985) and “Put Your Mouth on Me” (US #27, 1989).

Although arguably the biggest movie star ever to come out of “Saturday Night Live” (1975), he has never attended a cast reunion and is not known to even talk about having been on the show.

Chosen as #10 in Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comics of All Time.

Stepson of Vernon Lynch.

Hosted the MTV Movie Awards in 1993

At one time, was considered to play The Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).

Met Nicole Mitchell Murphy in 1988 at an NAACP Image Awards show. They lived together for a year and a half before they married. They were married at the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Was one of the last movie actors to sign an exclusive contract with a studio. In this case, it was Paramount Pictures, which released all of his early films.

Chris Rock is an admirer of Murphy and considers him his role model and inspiration to become an actor and comedian.

His favorite TV show is “Star Trek” (1966).

Nephew of Uncle Ray Murphy.

The first actor to receive $1,000,000 for his first film.

Huge fan of Elvis Presley.

Is mentioned, along with Vanessa Redgrave, and Joe Piscopo in the song “Jammin’ Me”, by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

He and his ex-wife, Nicole Mitchell Murphy, celebrated their first wedding anniversary in Montego Bay, Jamaica where they stayed for one week.

Ex-girlfriend Melanie Brown gave birth to a daughter, Angel Iris Murphy Brown, on 3 April 2007.

One of 115 people invited to join AMPAS in 2007.

A huge fan of the bands “Ratt” and “Cinderella”, particularly the former as can be seen in The Golden Child (1986) where their song “Body Talk” (from their 1986 album “Dancing Undercover”) is featured.

Got the idea of playing multiple roles in one film after watching another one of his idols, Peter Sellers, in one of his all time favorite films Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964).

Married Tracey E. Edmonds in a private ceremony on an island off Bora Bora on 1 January 2008, but their nuptials were not legal in the U.S. They initially decided to renew their vows in America, but eventually separated 2 weeks after their island wedding.

After picking up a pre-op transsexual prostitute on Santa Monica Boulveard in West Hollywood, he was arrested by LAPD deputies, but finally released (2 May 1997).

Was heavily influenced by Bill Cosby.

Born to Charles Edward Murphy, a transit police officer, and his wife Lilian, a telephone operator, his father left the family when Eddy was three years old and was stabbed five years later.

He is an avid fan of professional wrestling, with Hulk Hogan as his all time favorite wrestler.

Supports Senator Barack Obama’s bid to win the Democratic nomination for the 2008 presidential election.

Was considered for the move Star Trek: The Voyage Home (1986) as a UFO-file who gets involved with Captain Kirk’s search for a hump back whale.

Set a new Razzie Award record for most nominations by one person in a single year, with five nominations total. All of which were for the movie Norbit (2007). Murphy was nominated for Worst Actor (as the character Norbit), Worst Supporting Actor (as the character Mr. Wong), Worst Supporting Actress (as the character Rasputia), Worst Screen Couple (Eddie Murphy as Norbit and either Eddie Murphy as Mr. Wong or Eddie Murphy as Rasputia) and Worst Screenplay. He went on to “win” all three of the acting nominations, becoming the first person to ever “win” in both male and female acting categories in one year.

Although he frequently plays multiple characters in films and television, and has lent his voice to a dozen animated projects, he has never once voiced more then one character in the same animated project.

Was considered for the role of Furious Styles in Boyz n the Hood (1991).

Is a huge fan of Kylie Minogue.

At first denied that he was the father of Melanie Brown’s daughter Angel until a DNA-test proved that he was.

Does an excellent impersonation of Stevie Wonder. This can be seen and heard on Saturday Night Live; Best of Eddie Murphy (last scene).

He doesn’t drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and the only drug he takes is caffeine.

Sold his Granite Bay vacation home, near Sacramento, for $6.1 million shortly after divorcing ex-wife, Nicole. [2008]

Vacations in Hawaii nearly every year, almost always staying at Maui’s Four Seasons Hotel.

Was considered for the title role in Candyman (1992).

Eric Idle

Eric Idle (born 29 March 1943) is an English comedian, actor, author, singer, writer and comedic composer. He wrote and performed as a member of the British comedy group Monty Python.

Trivia:

Daughter, Lily (b. 1990), with Tania Kosevich.

Son, Carey (b. 1973), with Lyn Ashley.

Member of the comedy group “Monty Python”

Studied English at Cambridge University. While at university, he was a member of the prestigious Cambridge Footlights Club, and later, President of the Footlights Club.

Eric Idle

Eric’s father, who served in the Royal Air Force, died in a car crash on Christmas eve when he was two years old.

The only member of the Monty Python group to write alone. Therefore, it was difficult at times for him to get his material accepted and used by the others.

In 1963, as a collegiate, he was admitted into the Cambridge Footlights comedy club. He became president of the club the following year and one of his first acts was to open the membership up to include women. Feminist/writer Germaine Greer was one of the first to join.

Supporter of Sunderland Football Club of the English Premiership

Proudly calls himself “the third tallest member of Monty Python.”

Is an accomplished guitar player.

Biography in: “Who’s Who in Comedy” by Ronald L. Smith, pg. 225-226. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387

Defeated Charles Barkley and Martha Stewart on a celebrity episode of “Jeopardy” (2002) in 2002.

Got permission from the other members of Monty Python (except, naturally, Graham Chapman) to go ahead with his play/musical “Spamalot” (set to hit Broadway in early 2005), a twist on their classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), because they all found the script hilarious.

Was once tasked by his fellow Pythons with composing a response to an angry piece of fan mail. Monty Python member Graham Chapman was openly gay, and a letter had been written citing Bible verses, stating that homosexuals should be stoned to death. He jokingly replied that they had stoned Chapman to death.

Friend of Robin Williams.

Describes himself as having “creative dyslexia”, meaning he can look at any word and automatically see the anagrams that can be made from it. One of the characters he played in “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” was a man who speaks only in anagrams.

Admired by the other Pythons for his circle of friends, it was he who procured part of the production money for Life of Brian (1979) from former Beatle George Harrison.

Appears as the M.C. in the 3-D film Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (1994) at Disneyland.

Although his picture An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn (1997) was a commercial and critical disappointment, Idle has been asked for Alan Smithee’s “autograph” in real life…and consented (Smithee was the nonexistent, pseudonymous director whom Idle “portrayed” in said movie).

Rented out his house to Carrie Fisher during the production of Life of Brian (1979), while she was in London filming Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980).

Steve Martin calls him his mentor.

The only member of Monty Python not to appear on “Friday Night, Saturday Morning” (1979).

Was invited to the party Steve Martin was throwing that turned out to be his wedding.

Member of Monty Python along with John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam.

Lucy Lawless

Lucy Lawless, MNZM (born Lucille Frances Ryan; 29 March 1968) is a New Zealand actress and singer. She is best known for playing the title character of the internationally successful television series Xena: Warrior Princess which ran from 1995 to 2001. She has also appeared on the reimagined Battlestar Galactica television series. She currently appears on the television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand as Lucretia – Batiatus’ wife.

Trivia:

Son, Julius Robert Bay Tapert, born in New Zealand. [16 October 1999]

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

fractured her pelvis after falling from a horse. She was practicing a scene for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (1992) . [October 1996]

Daughter, with Garth Lawless, Daisy (born 1989).

Studied drama at the William Davis Center for Actors Study, under William B. Davis. [1991]

Gave birth to third child, Judah Miro Tapert, May 7, 2002 in New Zealand: weight 8 lbs, 8 ounces. It’s her second child with Robert Tapert.

Lucy suffered a miscarriage immediately following the filming of the last episode of Xena. She considered canceling the appearance she was to make with Xena partner ‘Renée O’Connor (I)’ (Gabrielle) at a fan convention. However, she decided to show up despite the tragic event just a few days earlier and even though Renee was 6 months pregnant with her first baby.

Sister-in-law of actress Mary Beth Tapert.

Wanted to be an opera singer until she was 16. Then she learned they have a strict diet and can’t stay out all night. After that she changed her mind but still sings.

Measurements: 35 1/2C-25-36 1/2 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

Speaks German, French, some Italian.

Owns a holiday house at Taupo on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand.

Was asked by Peter Jackson to audition for the role of “Galadriel” in “Lord of the Rings”, but declined because her pregnancy would stall production.

Is a natural ash blonde.

She said that her partner at Xena, Renée O’Connor, has been one of the few people who have joined her true friends from youth. As an example, she invited her to her wedding with Robert G. Tapert. They also act together on conventions stages.

She was offered the role of Ellen Tigh in Battlestar Galactica (2004), but she refused. That role was played by Kate Vernon and the scriptwriters created another role for her, the evil D’anna Biers.

Awarded the New Zealand Order Of Merit (NZOM), Queen’s Birthday Honours 2004, for services to NZ entertainment and the community.

Member of the Starship Foundation board of trustees since 2000. Starship is NZ’s main children’s hospital.

Is a distant relative of Tayla Cummings.

A vocal supporter of gay rights, Lawless is considered something of a gay icon. After the cancellation of “Xena: Warrior Princess” (1995), Lawless has said she considered her character a lesbian. Since that time the actress has also worked to support equal protections for gay and lesbian couples including protesting Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian couples of the right to wed in California.

John Travolta

John Joseph Travolta (born February 18, 1954) is an American actor, dancer and singer. He first became known in the 1970s, after appearing on the television series Welcome Back, Kotter and starring in the box office successes Saturday Night Fever and Grease. Travolta’s career re-surged in the 1990s, with his role in Pulp Fiction, and he has since continued starring in Hollywood films, including Face/Off, Ladder 49 and Wild Hogs.

Travolta has twice been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The first, for his role in Saturday Night Fever and the second for Pulp Fiction. He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his performance in Get Shorty.

Trivia:

Ranked #21 in Empire (UK) magazine’s “The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time” list. [October 1997]

He appeared on the cover of “Rolling Stone” magazine 4 times, the most for any actor (through 1994).

He was named Man of the Year by Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Club in 1981.

Richard Gere practically owes his film career to Travolta. Travolta turned down the leads for Days of Heaven (1978), American Gigolo (1980), An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), and Chicago (2002), all of which went to Gere.

John Travolta married Kelly Preston twice. Their first wedding on 5 September 1991, by a French Scientologist minister, was declared illegal. The couple met during the filming of The Experts (1989).

John Travolta and Kelly Preston had a son, Jett Travolta (13 April 1992 – 2 January 2009).

Jett was conceived during a weekend at the home of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. (source: Premiere August 1996, p.60).

Brother of Joey Travolta; Ellen Travolta; Ann Travolta; Margaret Travolta and Sam Travolta.

Was the youngest of six siblings. Parents: Salvatore and Helen Travolta of Englewood, NJ.

During the filming of The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976) (TV) he fell in love with Diana Hyland, 18 years his senior. She died of cancer in his arms in 1977.

Pilots a multitude of jet aircraft. Most notable aviation feat is successful landing at Washington National of a Gulfstream IIB with complete electrical failure. Conditions at the time were night, IMC, icing. December of 1993.

Listed as one of twelve “Promising New Actors of 1976″ in John Willis’ Screen World, Vol. 28.

In July 1978 he became the very first male to make the cover of “McCall’s” magazine.

He pilots three Gulfstream jets and a Learjet. Also owns a Boeing 707.

His second child with Kelly Preston, daughter Ella Bleu Travolta was born, weighing in at 4.08 kilos (nine pounds). [3 April 2000]

Read for the Tom Hanks role in Splash (1984) but was discouraged by his agent from doing the film.

Was signed on to play rock star Jim Morrison in an early 1980s biopic about The Doors. Due to legal problems, the project was dropped.

Did yoga and boxing to cut his love handles for the film Swordfish (2001).

John Travolta in Battlefield Earth

His favorite film is Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942).

Was told to gain thirty pounds for his role in the movie Primary Colors (1998).

Owns homes in Santa Barbara, California; Ocala, Florida; Maine; and in his wife’s home state of Hawaii. Main residence is in Ocala, Florida where he owns a large home, complete with airstrip for his planes.

Hit #106 on the Billboard Singles Charts in 1977 with “Slow Dancing (Feels So Good)” (Midland Int. 10977).

According to the documentary We Get to Win This Time (2002) (V), the producers of Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) considered teaming up Sylvester Stallone with John Travolta as Rambo’s young partner in rescuing the American POWs. Sylvester Stallone nixed this idea when he decided it would be better to make the film a solo project.

Spent nine months learning how to dance to disco music while filming Saturday Night Fever (1977).

He owns (and is qualified to fly as second in command) a Boeing 707-138, appropriately registered N707JT, first built in 1964 for QANTAS of Australia. Recently he had the aircraft painted in its original QANTAS paint-job and took it on a worldwide promotional tour for QANTAS and, in return, was trained as a 747-400 first officer with Qantas.

He has also worked as a musician and released several albums. He claims that he got all his inspiration from one song only; the instrumental song “Dreamstreet”, a song by Patrick Rondat.

While filming the movie Blow Out (1981), he suffered from insomnia, which he had since he was a child waiting up for his mother to come home from late acting jobs. He learned to play the violin to calm his nerves.

In October 2004, he starred in a series of television commercials for Sky TV (meant for Italian TV). Directed by Harald Zwart, the television commercials play as a sit-com, where John Travolta – as himself – moves in with a working-class family because they have Sky.

He was voted the 64th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly.

Ranked #3 in TV Guide’s list of “TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols” (23 January 2005 issue).

Has published two books: “John Travolta Staying Fit!”, published by Simon and Schuster in 1984, & “Propeller One-Way Night Coach, A Fable for All Ages”, published by Warner Books in 1997.

His first released record came out in 1976 when he had a Top 20 hit single, “Let Her In”. When record producers saw him in “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975) singing “Barbara Anne”, originally by The Beach Boys, they signed him.

After the “Grease” album was released, he came out with a deluxe 2-record set called: “Travolta Fever”, which was released in 1978.

His favorite movie is Un homme et une femme (1966). His favorite movie as a child was Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942).

During the 1970s, he frequently watched foreign films. One of his favorites was La strada (1954).

Is Oprah Winfrey’s favorite movie star.

His best female friend is Kirstie Alley.

He frequently eats at Denny’s in the middle of the night. Which is where he ate through the movie Lucky Numbers (2000).

Was friends with James Cagney, Cary Grant and Barbara Stanwyck.

His favorite actor growing up was James Cagney.

Turned down the roles: Splash (1984), Apollo 13 (1995) and Forrest Gump (1994).

Owned a three-bedroom beach front oceanfront estate, on Oahu in Hawaii from 1986-2005. He and his wife Kelly Preston sold it to Kathy Ireland for $3 million U.S. and she plans to rent the private residence out as one of several Kathy Ireland Worldwide company vacation villas.

Turned down several offers from the producers of Chicago (2002) to play the role of Billy Flynn. Richard Gere accepted the role and won a Golden Globe for his performance.

Got the role of Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction (1994) primarily because Michael Madsen, the actor whom the part was written for, was unavailable due to a prior film commitment. Vincent was the brother of Michael Madsen’s character Vic Vega (AKA: Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs (1992)) and the role jump-started his career after a long slump.

Is of Italian descent on his father’s side and Irish descent on his mother’s side.

Was considered for the role of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991). The part went to Val Kilmer instead.

His performance as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977) is ranked #73 on Premiere Magazine’s 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).

One episode of “Saturday Night Live” (1975) (episode 20.3) he parodied his own character Vinnie Barbarino of “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975).

His characters make mention of an Al Pacino film in at least three of his films: Saturday Night Fever (1977); Get Shorty (1995) and Swordfish (2001).

Owns a home in Ocala, Florida because of his wife’s intense love of horses.

He lost 20 pounds for his role in Saturday Night Fever (1977).

Was strongly in the running to play Larry Meadows in The Last Detail (1973), only losing the part to Randy Quaid at the last minute. This would have been his big-screen debut.

Is good friends with actor Forest Whitaker who appeared with him in Phenomenon (1996) and Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 (2000).

Was among the guests at Tom Cruise’s and Katie Holmes’ wedding ceremony in Italy.

[2 April 2007] On his return flight from Germany to New York, the actor was forced to make an emergency landing in his Boeing 707 at Ireland’s Shannon Airport. He’d been promoting his new movie in Europe and encountered technical difficulties on his return flight. Fortunately for the actor, he was flying over Ireland at the time he first detected his private jet’s engine problems and was safely diverted to Shannon on Ireland’s west coast. Not allowing himself to be fazed by the whole ordeal, Travolta grounded his 34-seater and continued his flight home on a commercial airline.

Friend of actor Billy Lockwood.

In 1985, Princess Diana asked him to dance at a party at the White House.

For his acting, drew inspiration from James Cagney, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and others.

Master of Ceremony at the Centennial of Flight Celebration at Kitty Hawk in December 2003, where he presented to John Glenn aviation’s highest award.

Has been the Ambassador for Qantas since 2001.

One of his closest friends is Robin Williams.

He also owns an Eclipse 500 twin turbofan aircraft.

Appears in Hairspray (2007), opposite Michelle Pfeiffer, whose debut film was Grease 2 (1982), the sequel to Grease (1978), in which Travolta appeared.

He has claimed his favorite director to work with was Sylvester Stallone, for Staying Alive (1983). He said Stallone knew how to make him look the best on screen.

Stated that one of his favorite places is Gander, Newfoundland, Canada.

Jett Travolta, his 16-year-old son, died following a seizure at the family’s Bahamas holiday retreat on Friday Jan 2, 2009.

His publicist is Paul Bloch.

Was offered the role of Melvin Udall in As Good as It Gets (1997). The part went to Jack Nicholson.

Close friend of Dakota Fanning.

Was in consideration for the part of Lester Burnham in American Beauty (1999) but Kevin Spacey, who went on to win a Best Actor Oscar for his performance, was cast instead.

He was offered Richard Gere’s role in An Officer and a Gentleman, and opted to go to American Airlines’ jet pilot school instead.

Owns a vacation home on a small island in Maine’s Penobscot Bay. The secluded 20-room château, surrounded by acres of pines, overlooks the ocean and comfortably accommodates up to 50 guests. He bought it because Christmas is his favorite holiday, and he wanted a place big enough to house his extended family.

Was married to Kelly Preston in Paris in a private ceremony.

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]

Telly Savalas

Aristotelis “Telly” Savalas (January 21, 1922 – January 22, 1994) was an American film and television actor and singer, whose career spanned four decades. Best known for playing the title role in the 1970s crime drama Kojak, Savalas was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Birdman of Alcatraz (1962). His other movie credits include The Young Savages (1961), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Battle of the Bulge (1965), The Dirty Dozen (1967), The Scalphunters (1968), supervillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971), Inside Out (1975) and Escape to Athena (1979). He was easily recognizable with his shaved head and strong, masculine features.

Trivia:

Early in his career he played mainly brutish criminals until he changed his image completely in the 1970s, when he was cast as a homicide detective in the acclaimed TV-movie The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) (TV) and its spin-off series, “Kojak” (1973).

He used off-script phrases and mottoes in Greek during filming.

His brother, George Savalas, starred in “Kojak” (1973) with him.

Father of Christina Savalas (with Katherine Nicolaides); Candace Savalas and Penelope Savalas (with Marilyn Gardner); Nick Savalas (with Sally Adams); and Christian Savalas and Ariana Savalas (with Julie Hovland).

On January 21 1994, he celebrated his 72nd and last birthday with his family, friends and colleagues at the Universal Sheraton Inn in Universal City, California, 1 day before his death.

Godfather of Jennifer Aniston

Was originally slated to play Luke in Cool Hand Luke (1967), but the producers were unable to wait for him to complete his boat trip from Europe to the U.S. Therefore, Paul Newman played the role instead.

Early in his career, he directed stage plays at a theater in Connecticut.

He was an accomplished poker player.

His son Nick Savalas’s half-sister, Nicollette Sheridan, and his former “Kojak” (1973) co-star, Kevin Dobson, both starred in the popular 1980s soap opera, “Knots Landing” (1979).

Before becoming an actor, he had many odd jobs, from newspaper vendor to lifeguard.

Was a member of Company C, 12th Medical Training Battalion, 4th Medical Training Regiment at Camp Pickett, Virginia.

Was the second of 5 children.

He had many hobbies including golfing, swimming, gambling, collecting luxury cars, spending time with his family, horse racing, motorcycle racing, watching football and reading romantic books.

Purchased a house in the Southern California desert community of Palm Desert because he enjoyed playing golf so much.

Interred at the George Washington Section of Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Attended Columbia University in New York, New York.

When he worked as a lifeguard, he failed to save a man from drowning, and was troubled by the memory forever after.

Was involved in a serious car accident in Virginia during his hitch in the army.

Met his first wife (Katherine) at a Greek dance while attending Columbia University.

Hosted a popular radio program, “Telly’s Coffeehouse,” in the early 1950s.

Left index finger was deformed.

Reason why he sucked on a lollipop during “Kojak” (1973): to help him to quit smoking.

Graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York, in 1942.

Met his last wife, Julie Hovland, on the set of “Kojak” (1973) while he was traveling with her to Minnesota in 1977.

Would always refuse to talk about his service during World War II.

Spoke Greek fluently

Former stepfather of Nicollette Sheridan. (Sheridan’s mother is Sally Sheridan .).

He didn’t appear in his first film until he was 37.

Had a fear of flying. Ironically, he played a pilot in Capricorn One (1977).

Has the distinction of playing two Alcatraz prison inmates; Feto Gomez in Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) and Cretzer in Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980) (TV).

Was the first choice for the role of Harry Orwell in the TV series “Harry O” (1973). He declined due to filming commitments in Europe. David Janssen was eventually cast in the role.

Owned a wide variety of luxury vehicles, including Cadillacs, Lincolns, Fords, Pontiacs, Mercedes and DeLoreans.

Loved gambling and was a very successful gambler, winning many Vegas poker tournaments and losing few.

After portraying Pontius Pilate in The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), he chose to remain completely bald and this signature look, somewhere between the comic and the ominous, stood him in good stead in the years that followed.

In 1990 the city of New York declared The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) (TV) as the official movie of New York City, and awarded Telly with the Key to the City. The film was the one that introduced Savalas’ most famous character, Lt. Theo Kojak, later made famous on its spin-off series “Kojak” (1973).

His mother, Christina, was a world recognized contemporary of Pablo Picasso, and Savalas himself released several records, the most remembered being his version of “If”, that was #1 in Europe for 10 weeks in 1975.

He was also a strong contributor to his Greek Orthodox roots through the Saint Sophia and Saint Nicholas cathedrals in Los Angeles, and was the sponsor of bringing electricity in the ’70s to his ancestral home, Yeraka, Greece.

Uncle of Australian-born actor Peter Cavnoudias.

Born on the same day as Benny Hill, who impersonated Savalas’s “Kojak” (1973) character on “The Benny Hill Show” (1969).

Enjoyed watching “Jeopardy!” (1984).

Loved to read historical biographies and, somewhat surprisingly, romance novels.

Underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer in 1989, but in 1991 was diagnosed with bladder cancer which spread to his bones and pancreas.

Did the narration on several tourist information films on British Cities during the 1970s. Apparently he recorded them all during one visit to the UK to promote his Kojak show.

Best remembered by the public for his starring role in “Kojak” (1973).

Was good friends with Burt Lancaster, Angie Dickinson, Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra and Shelley Winters.

His mother, Christina, died in 1989.

He wasn’t the first choice to audition for “Kojak” (1973), when Marlon Brando had been offered the role.

At first, Telly was an executive director and then senior director of the news special events at ABC, Savalas then became an executive producer for the “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports,” where he gave Howard Cosell his first job.

Worked at the Garden City Theatre Center where he met and fell in love with Marilyn Gardner.

He was an active liberal Democrat.

Remained good friends with Kevin Dobson during and after “Kojak” (1973).

Of Greek descent.

Was a spokesperson for the Players’ Club Gold Card from 1981 to 1990.

A test pilot is missing and a search party is sent out in the jungles of Mexico; however, while searching they uncover a monster in the jungle who became this way due to a dose of radioactivity.

Starring: James Craig, Gloria Talbott, Lon Chaney Jr., Tom Drake, and Duncan ‘Dean’ Parkin as The Cyclops (Bruce Barton)

Tagline: SEE ONE-EYED CYCLOPS — BEASTS HUGE AS DINOSAURS — PYTHONS 75 FT. LONG