A noted psychiatrist was a guest at a party and his host, Banta, naturally broached the subject in which the doctor was most at ease.
"Would you mind telling me, Doctor," Banta asked "how you detect a mental deficiency in somebody who appears completely normal?"
"Nothing is easier," he replied. "You ask him a simple question which everyone should answer with no trouble. If he hesitates, that puts you on the track."
"What sort of question?"
"Well, you might ask him, 'Captain Cook made three trips around the world and died during one of them. Which one?'
Banta thought for a moment, and then said with a nervous laugh, "You wouldn't happen to have another example would you? I must confess I don't know much about history."
More jokes hit hare----JOKES
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Nicolas Cage
Though haunted by cries of nepotism early in his career, actor Nicolas Cage, nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola, led anything but a charmed existence. At first credited as Nicolas Coppola, the actor found great difficulty being taken seriously by casting directors and his fellow actors. But when he changed his last name, he suddenly found a world of opportunity open up, starting with his first leading role in “Valley Girl” (1983). From there, Cage quickly earned a reputation – sometimes a bad one – for playing offbeat and sometimes bizarrely over-the-top characters in indie fare like “Birdy” (1984), “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986) and “Raising Arizona” (1987)....
Full Biography
Though haunted by cries of nepotism early in his career, actor Nicolas Cage, nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola, led anything but a charmed existence. At first credited as Nicolas Coppola, the actor found great difficulty being taken seriously by casting directors and his fellow actors. But when he changed his last name, he suddenly found a world of opportunity open up, starting with his first leading role in “Valley Girl” (1983). From there, Cage quickly earned a reputation – sometimes a bad one – for playing offbeat and sometimes bizarrely over-the-top characters in indie fare like “Birdy” (1984), “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986) and “Raising Arizona” (1987). After breaking through with a nationally recognized role in “Moonstruck” (1987), Cage found himself starring in challenging films that culminated in an Oscar-winning performance in “Leaving Las Vegas” (1995). Instead of being pigeonholed into low-budget films, he made the jump to action hero with “The Rock” (1995), “Con Air” (1997), “National Treasure” (2004) and “Ghost Rider” (2007), making Cage as diversified an actor as he was talented.
Born Nicolas Coppola on Jan. 7, 1964 in Long Beach, CA, Cage was raised by his father, August, a literature professor, and his mother, Joy, a modern dancer and choreographer who was hospitalized for severe depression, which kept her away from the family for long intervals. Because of his family’s deep show business roots – Uncle Francis was an Oscar-winning director and grandfather Carmine was an Oscar-winning composer – Cage became interested in becoming an actor at a young age. When he was 12, his parents divorced, leaving him to be raised by his father because his mother was considered unfit to retain custody. He later moved to San Francisco, where he performed in a production of “Golden Boy” at the American Conservatory Theatre. After moving back to Los Angeles, Cage made his onscreen debut on “The Best of Times” (ABC, 1981), a variety series that observed teenage life through songs, dance and skits. Cage then dropped out of Beverly Hills High School during his senior year to concentrate on acting fulltime. Making his feature debut, he made a brief appearance in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) before being cast by his uncle in S.E. Hinton’s “Rumble Fish” (1983).
Because he was billed early in his career as Nicolas Coppola, he had difficulty landing parts. When he did land parts, Cage heard cries of nepotism from his fellow cast mates. Instead of enduring the criticism, he simply changed his name – which was inspired by the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage – and immediately began to get cast with greater ease. Credited as Nicolas Cage for the first time, he channeled his frustrations in his initial leading role in "Valley Girl" (1983), playing a Hollywood punk who tries to win the heart of a sweet-natured Valley girl (Deborah Foreman). He made his first serious dramatic waves with a supporting role in the period romantic drama “Racing With the Moon” (1984), then played the sensitive, strong and fiercely loyal friend of a mentally-scarred Vietnam veteran (Matthew Modine) in Alan Parker's "Birdy" (1984). Due to his performance in “Valley Girl,” Uncle Francis was more than happy to cast him in a small role in “The Cotton Club” (1984), a film that greatly frustrated Cage to the point of trashing a trailer, thanks to Coppola keeping him on set for months after his initial three days of work; the director wanted him to hang around in case he had an idea that involved Cage’s character.
Despite the damage he caused on set, Cage was cast again by Coppola in the nostalgic look back at the 1960s, "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1986). Criticized at the time for his over-the-top acting choices, Cage was nonetheless on the verge of making his big breakthrough. Because of his performance in “Peggy Sue,” Cher – who likened his strange, but compelling performance to watching a two-hour car crash – proposed him for the role of Ronny in "Moonstruck" (1987), a young bakery operator who falls head-over-heels for a widowed bookkeeper (Cher). Though the film’s star, Cher, received the lion’s share of praise – and an Oscar to boot – Cage managed to more than hold his own in an off-beat performance that marked his true emergence into the public consciousness. He next earned legions of independent film fans with a wild, borderline over-the-top performance in Joel and Ethan Coen’s screwball comedy, "Raising Arizona" (1987). Cage played H.I. McDonnough, an unsuccessful petty thief who marries his arresting officer (Holly Hunter), only to learn that the couple cannot conceive. When they hatch and execute a plan to steal a baby from a wealthy Arizonan business owner (Trey Wilson), all hell breaks loose, including the unleashing of a motorcycle-riding bounty hunter (Randall 'Tex' Cobb) who acts like the spawn of Satan himself.
Continuing with his penchant for independent film, Cage probably single-handedly guaranteed a perpetual cult status for "Vampire's Kiss" (1989) when he ate a live cockroach in another method-acting stunt; previously he had knocked out a tooth for the filming of "Birdy." In David Lynch's surrealist odyssey, "Wild at Heart" (1990), he was a violent ex-con with an Elvis Presley fixation – much like Cage in real life – who falls into a steamy relationship with the daughter (Laura Dern) of a rich, but mentally unstable Southern woman (Diane Ladd). Though critics united with the public in ignoring "Amos and Andrew" (1993), Cage’s wacky charm was central to the success of Andrew Bergman's comedy "Honeymoon in Vegas" (1992). Unfortunately Bergman couldn't repeat the formula for "It Could Happen to You" (1994), despite the presence of Cage in that cast. Returning to Sin City for Mike Figgis' "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995), Cage delivered an uncharacteristically subtle, multi-layered performance as an alcoholic writer who goes to Vegas to drink himself to death. Bringing warmth and humor to what could have been an unsympathetic role, Cage earned rave notices, while winning nearly every conceivable award, including his first Academy Award for Best Leading Actor.
Following his Oscar win, Cage unexpectedly reinvented himself as an action hero, starring in a trio of blockbuster muscle movies that elevated him to the ranks of aging icons Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford – certainly in terms of salary per picture. In his first big budget actioner, "The Rock" (1996), he played an at-first geeky FBI biochemist opposite Sean Connery – who was the only man ever to have escaped from Alcatraz – to free hostages on the famous island prison. Then in "Con Air" (1997), Cage matched his bad-luck good guy with offbeat Federal Marshall John Cusack to foil the machinations of some of the hardest criminals ever assembled, including a mastermind serial killer (John Malkovich). After playing a psychotic terrorist who swaps identities with FBI guy John Travolta in John Woo's "Face/Off" (1997), Cage enjoyed a respite from actioners in "City of Angels" (1998), a love story inspired by Wim Wenders' "Wings of Desire" (1988), before returning to action fare as corrupt homicide detective frantically searching for an assassin who killed the U.S. Secretary of Defense (Joel Fabiani) in Brian De Palma's crime thriller "Snake Eyes" (1998). In 1999, Cage starred in two edgy thrillers – the vile, depressing crime thriller about snuff films, "8mm," and the intriguing, but ultimately empty black comedy "Bringing out the Dead.”
In 2000, Cage returned to action movies, starring in the car theft movie "Gone in 60 Seconds." While short on character development and plot, the film was big on fast car chases – Cage was a well-known car enthusiast in his private life – and was a mild hit at the box office. Cage's next three films, however, did not fare as well – "Family Man" (2000), "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001) and "Windtalkers" (2002) all received lukewarm receptions. After becoming better known for his unorthodox personal life – such as his three-month marriage to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley in 2002 – Cage was ripe for a comeback when he starred as real-life screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his fictional twin brother Donald in the reality-bending "Adaptation" (2002), in which Kaufman and director Spike Jonze attempted to mix the fact and fiction behind Kaufman's attempts to adapt the bestselling novel The Orchid Thief into a motion picture. Finding an ideal vehicle for his offbeat talents, Cage finally returned to the kind of edgy, quirky and unpredictable characterizations that distinguished him early in his career. Cage's whimsical portrayal of the Kaufman brothers earned him his second nomination for a Best Leading Actor at the Academy Awards.
In addition to his high-profile acting career, Cage frequently made headlines for his high-profile romances. He had an unorthodox marriage to actress Patricia Arquette, which started with a proposal the day they met, followed by him trying to accomplish a series of bizarre tasks to win her love, including finding a non-existent black orchid and obtaining a signature from the reclusive J.D. Salinger. After their divorced was finalized in 2001, Cage had an on-again, off-again relationship with his idol Elvis Presley’s sole heir, daughter Lisa Marie Presley. When their brief marriage ended in 2004, the actor surprised many with his marriage to Alice Kim, a former sushi waitress 20 years younger than Cage, a mere two months after his divorce from Presley was finalized. And more than one eyebrow was raised when the self-professed Superman fanatic named his son w/ Kim, Kal-El – the Man of Steel’s birth name on planet Krypton.
In 2002, Cage saw the release of his first directorial effort, "Sonny," about a man (James Franco) who wants out of the family business as a professional gigolo, which opened quietly amid mixed to unfavorable reviews. Cage followed up his "Adaptation" triumph with a much-admired turn in director Ridley Scott's "Matchstick Men" (2003), playing a small time con man with an abundance of pathological quirks who nevertheless comes alive when he discovers the 14-year-old daughter (Alison Lohman) he never knew he had. He made another return to action fare – this time in a more lighthearted and appealing mode – with the panned, but popular Jerry Bruckheimer-produced "National Treasure" (2004). In this box office hit, he played Benjamin Franklin Gates, the descendent of a treasure-hunting clan who seeks a war chest hidden by the Founding Fathers after the Revolutionary War. Next was a turn in "Lord of War" (2005) as Yuri Orlov, a globetrotting arms dealer struggling to stay one step ahead of his enemies – a relentless Interpol agent (Ethan Hawke), his chief business rival (Ian Holm), and a notorious African dictator (Eamonn Walker) – while also grappling his own conscience. “Lord of War” polarized critics – some hated it, while others praised it – but all agreed Cage turned in a finely etched performance.
Even better was his portrayal of the successful Chicago weather forecaster Dave Spritz, who nevertheless inspires total strangers to throw fast foot at him in director Gore Verbinksi's seriocomic, existential "The Weather Man" (2005). Playing a newly introspective man wresting with his own mediocrity and plagued with an inability to meaningfully connect with his family members – his accomplished writer father (Michael Caine), his estranged wife (Hope Davis) and his children – in ways both hilarious and heartbreaking. Cage delivered one of his most measured, effective and surprisingly low-key performances, sparking much awards season buzz that ultimately proved fruitless. After voicing Zoc, the ant wizard in “The Ant Bully” (2006), Cage starred as Port Authority officer John McLoughlin in Oliver Stone’s sober and heart-wrenching look at the September 11th terrorist attacks, “World Trade Center” (2006). Along with Officer Will Jimeno (Michael Pena), McLoughlin survived for 24 hours underneath the rubble after both towers had collapsed. “World Trade Center” opened up to generally positive reviews, though a few expressed concern that it was too soon for a film about the horrific events.
Cage was next seen in “The Wicker Man” (2006), Neil LaBute’s remake of the 1973 British movie about a Scottish police officer who goes to a remote island to find a missing girl and in the process discovers the inhabitants engaged in strange and secretive rituals. He then returned to the big budget fame and glory that defined his career. A lifelong comic book fan who flirted with virtually every comic book adaptation from Superman to Constantine, Cage finally settled on starring in "Ghost Rider" (2007), playing the flaming-skulled motorcycle-riding demon bounty hunter forced by contract to do the Devil’s bidding. Instead of the hard-drinking, heavy metal-loving character from the comics, Cage transformed him into a jelly bean-eating teetotaler who loves to listen to the Carpenters – a testament to the actor’s famed weirdness. Despite an online uproar from comic geeks over early leaked footage of the character’s distinctive flaming skull, “Ghost Rider” rolled to an easy box office take of $52 million over the course of a four-day holiday weekend – surprising given the typical antipathy of audiences for past mid-February releases. Meanwhile, Cage starred in “Bangkok Dangerous” (2008), playing a remorseless hit man whose life takes a turn toward the unexpected when he travels to Thailand to complete a series of contract killings.
Profession(s):
Actor, producer, director
Sometimes Credited As:
Nic Cage
Nicholas Cage
Nicholas Coppola
Nicholas Kim Coppola
Nicolas Coppola
Nicolas Kim Coppola
Family
aunt:Eleanor Neil Coppola (Born in 1936; married to Francis Ford Coppola)
aunt:Talia Shire (Born in 1946; formerly married to composer David Shire; later married to and widowed by producer Jack Schwartzman)
brother:Marc Coppola (Born in 1957; works as a New York radio personality)
brother:Christopher Coppola (Born Jan. 25, 1962; directed Cage in "Deadfall")
cousin:Jason Schwartzman (Born in 1980; son of Talia Shire and Jack Schwartzman; starred in "Rushmore" (1998) and "The Darjeeling Limited" (2007))
cousin:Robert Schwartzman (Born in 1982; son of Talia Shire and Jack Schwartzman)
cousin:Roman Coppola (Born in 1965; son of Francis Ford Coppola and Eleanor Coppola)
cousin:Sofia Coppola (Born in 1971; daughter of Francis Ford Coppola and Eleanor Coppola; directed "Lost in Translation" (2003) and "Marie Antoinette" (2006))
father:August Floyd Coppola (Pioneer in studies for the blind; divorced from Cage's mother c. 1976)
grandfather:Carmine Coppola (Paternal grandparent; born June 11, 1910; died April 26, 1991; shared 1974 Oscar for Best Original Score for "The Godfather, Part II")
grandmother:Italia Pennino (Paternal grandparent; born in 1912; died in 2004; known for her Italian cooking and published a cookbook called Mama Coppola's Pasta Book)
mother:Joy Vogelsang (Suffered from chronic depression; divorced from Cage's father c. 1976)
son:Kal-el Coppola Cage (Born Oct. 3, 2005 in New York City; mother, Alice Kim)
son:Weston Coppola Cage (Born Dec. 26, 1990; mother, Kristina Fulton)
uncle:Francis Ford Coppola (Born in 1939; directed Cage in the films "Rumble Fish" (1983), "The Cotton Club" (1984) and "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1986))
wife:Lisa Marie Presley (Began dating in spring 2001; separated in January 2002; married Aug. 10, 2002 in Hawaii; filed divorce papers in Los Angeles on Nov. 26, 2002; divorce finalized May 24, 2004)
wife:Alice Kim (Met at the restaurant where she worked as a sushi waitress; began dating Febuary 2004; married July 30, 2004, at a private Northern California ranch)
wife:Patricia Arquette (Born April 8, 1968; dated briefly c. 1987; married in April 1995; Cage filed for divorce in February 2000; couple briefly reconciled and Cage withdrew his suit; Arquette filed for divorce in November 2000; divorced finalized Aug. 29, 2001)
Companion(s)
Carrie Tivador , Companion , ```..Rumored to have dated in 2003
Kristen Zang , Companion , ```..Born c. 1974; together from 1992-94
Kristina Fulton , Companion , ```..Born c. 1957; mother of Cage's son Weston; separated from Cage in 1991
Lori Allison , Companion , ```..Briefly dated; later married Johnny Depp
Penelope Cruz , Companion , ```..Met during filming of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001); rumored to have briefly dated
Sarah Jessica Parker , Companion , ```..Had one-year relationship with Cage in the 1990s
Education
Beverly Hills High School Beverly Hills, CA
American Conservatory Theatre San Francisco, CA
Hot and Spices more celebs profile-------Click
Digg the story Digg it
Full Biography
Though haunted by cries of nepotism early in his career, actor Nicolas Cage, nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola, led anything but a charmed existence. At first credited as Nicolas Coppola, the actor found great difficulty being taken seriously by casting directors and his fellow actors. But when he changed his last name, he suddenly found a world of opportunity open up, starting with his first leading role in “Valley Girl” (1983). From there, Cage quickly earned a reputation – sometimes a bad one – for playing offbeat and sometimes bizarrely over-the-top characters in indie fare like “Birdy” (1984), “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986) and “Raising Arizona” (1987). After breaking through with a nationally recognized role in “Moonstruck” (1987), Cage found himself starring in challenging films that culminated in an Oscar-winning performance in “Leaving Las Vegas” (1995). Instead of being pigeonholed into low-budget films, he made the jump to action hero with “The Rock” (1995), “Con Air” (1997), “National Treasure” (2004) and “Ghost Rider” (2007), making Cage as diversified an actor as he was talented.
Born Nicolas Coppola on Jan. 7, 1964 in Long Beach, CA, Cage was raised by his father, August, a literature professor, and his mother, Joy, a modern dancer and choreographer who was hospitalized for severe depression, which kept her away from the family for long intervals. Because of his family’s deep show business roots – Uncle Francis was an Oscar-winning director and grandfather Carmine was an Oscar-winning composer – Cage became interested in becoming an actor at a young age. When he was 12, his parents divorced, leaving him to be raised by his father because his mother was considered unfit to retain custody. He later moved to San Francisco, where he performed in a production of “Golden Boy” at the American Conservatory Theatre. After moving back to Los Angeles, Cage made his onscreen debut on “The Best of Times” (ABC, 1981), a variety series that observed teenage life through songs, dance and skits. Cage then dropped out of Beverly Hills High School during his senior year to concentrate on acting fulltime. Making his feature debut, he made a brief appearance in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) before being cast by his uncle in S.E. Hinton’s “Rumble Fish” (1983).
Because he was billed early in his career as Nicolas Coppola, he had difficulty landing parts. When he did land parts, Cage heard cries of nepotism from his fellow cast mates. Instead of enduring the criticism, he simply changed his name – which was inspired by the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage – and immediately began to get cast with greater ease. Credited as Nicolas Cage for the first time, he channeled his frustrations in his initial leading role in "Valley Girl" (1983), playing a Hollywood punk who tries to win the heart of a sweet-natured Valley girl (Deborah Foreman). He made his first serious dramatic waves with a supporting role in the period romantic drama “Racing With the Moon” (1984), then played the sensitive, strong and fiercely loyal friend of a mentally-scarred Vietnam veteran (Matthew Modine) in Alan Parker's "Birdy" (1984). Due to his performance in “Valley Girl,” Uncle Francis was more than happy to cast him in a small role in “The Cotton Club” (1984), a film that greatly frustrated Cage to the point of trashing a trailer, thanks to Coppola keeping him on set for months after his initial three days of work; the director wanted him to hang around in case he had an idea that involved Cage’s character.
Despite the damage he caused on set, Cage was cast again by Coppola in the nostalgic look back at the 1960s, "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1986). Criticized at the time for his over-the-top acting choices, Cage was nonetheless on the verge of making his big breakthrough. Because of his performance in “Peggy Sue,” Cher – who likened his strange, but compelling performance to watching a two-hour car crash – proposed him for the role of Ronny in "Moonstruck" (1987), a young bakery operator who falls head-over-heels for a widowed bookkeeper (Cher). Though the film’s star, Cher, received the lion’s share of praise – and an Oscar to boot – Cage managed to more than hold his own in an off-beat performance that marked his true emergence into the public consciousness. He next earned legions of independent film fans with a wild, borderline over-the-top performance in Joel and Ethan Coen’s screwball comedy, "Raising Arizona" (1987). Cage played H.I. McDonnough, an unsuccessful petty thief who marries his arresting officer (Holly Hunter), only to learn that the couple cannot conceive. When they hatch and execute a plan to steal a baby from a wealthy Arizonan business owner (Trey Wilson), all hell breaks loose, including the unleashing of a motorcycle-riding bounty hunter (Randall 'Tex' Cobb) who acts like the spawn of Satan himself.
Continuing with his penchant for independent film, Cage probably single-handedly guaranteed a perpetual cult status for "Vampire's Kiss" (1989) when he ate a live cockroach in another method-acting stunt; previously he had knocked out a tooth for the filming of "Birdy." In David Lynch's surrealist odyssey, "Wild at Heart" (1990), he was a violent ex-con with an Elvis Presley fixation – much like Cage in real life – who falls into a steamy relationship with the daughter (Laura Dern) of a rich, but mentally unstable Southern woman (Diane Ladd). Though critics united with the public in ignoring "Amos and Andrew" (1993), Cage’s wacky charm was central to the success of Andrew Bergman's comedy "Honeymoon in Vegas" (1992). Unfortunately Bergman couldn't repeat the formula for "It Could Happen to You" (1994), despite the presence of Cage in that cast. Returning to Sin City for Mike Figgis' "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995), Cage delivered an uncharacteristically subtle, multi-layered performance as an alcoholic writer who goes to Vegas to drink himself to death. Bringing warmth and humor to what could have been an unsympathetic role, Cage earned rave notices, while winning nearly every conceivable award, including his first Academy Award for Best Leading Actor.
Following his Oscar win, Cage unexpectedly reinvented himself as an action hero, starring in a trio of blockbuster muscle movies that elevated him to the ranks of aging icons Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford – certainly in terms of salary per picture. In his first big budget actioner, "The Rock" (1996), he played an at-first geeky FBI biochemist opposite Sean Connery – who was the only man ever to have escaped from Alcatraz – to free hostages on the famous island prison. Then in "Con Air" (1997), Cage matched his bad-luck good guy with offbeat Federal Marshall John Cusack to foil the machinations of some of the hardest criminals ever assembled, including a mastermind serial killer (John Malkovich). After playing a psychotic terrorist who swaps identities with FBI guy John Travolta in John Woo's "Face/Off" (1997), Cage enjoyed a respite from actioners in "City of Angels" (1998), a love story inspired by Wim Wenders' "Wings of Desire" (1988), before returning to action fare as corrupt homicide detective frantically searching for an assassin who killed the U.S. Secretary of Defense (Joel Fabiani) in Brian De Palma's crime thriller "Snake Eyes" (1998). In 1999, Cage starred in two edgy thrillers – the vile, depressing crime thriller about snuff films, "8mm," and the intriguing, but ultimately empty black comedy "Bringing out the Dead.”
In 2000, Cage returned to action movies, starring in the car theft movie "Gone in 60 Seconds." While short on character development and plot, the film was big on fast car chases – Cage was a well-known car enthusiast in his private life – and was a mild hit at the box office. Cage's next three films, however, did not fare as well – "Family Man" (2000), "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001) and "Windtalkers" (2002) all received lukewarm receptions. After becoming better known for his unorthodox personal life – such as his three-month marriage to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley in 2002 – Cage was ripe for a comeback when he starred as real-life screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his fictional twin brother Donald in the reality-bending "Adaptation" (2002), in which Kaufman and director Spike Jonze attempted to mix the fact and fiction behind Kaufman's attempts to adapt the bestselling novel The Orchid Thief into a motion picture. Finding an ideal vehicle for his offbeat talents, Cage finally returned to the kind of edgy, quirky and unpredictable characterizations that distinguished him early in his career. Cage's whimsical portrayal of the Kaufman brothers earned him his second nomination for a Best Leading Actor at the Academy Awards.
In addition to his high-profile acting career, Cage frequently made headlines for his high-profile romances. He had an unorthodox marriage to actress Patricia Arquette, which started with a proposal the day they met, followed by him trying to accomplish a series of bizarre tasks to win her love, including finding a non-existent black orchid and obtaining a signature from the reclusive J.D. Salinger. After their divorced was finalized in 2001, Cage had an on-again, off-again relationship with his idol Elvis Presley’s sole heir, daughter Lisa Marie Presley. When their brief marriage ended in 2004, the actor surprised many with his marriage to Alice Kim, a former sushi waitress 20 years younger than Cage, a mere two months after his divorce from Presley was finalized. And more than one eyebrow was raised when the self-professed Superman fanatic named his son w/ Kim, Kal-El – the Man of Steel’s birth name on planet Krypton.
In 2002, Cage saw the release of his first directorial effort, "Sonny," about a man (James Franco) who wants out of the family business as a professional gigolo, which opened quietly amid mixed to unfavorable reviews. Cage followed up his "Adaptation" triumph with a much-admired turn in director Ridley Scott's "Matchstick Men" (2003), playing a small time con man with an abundance of pathological quirks who nevertheless comes alive when he discovers the 14-year-old daughter (Alison Lohman) he never knew he had. He made another return to action fare – this time in a more lighthearted and appealing mode – with the panned, but popular Jerry Bruckheimer-produced "National Treasure" (2004). In this box office hit, he played Benjamin Franklin Gates, the descendent of a treasure-hunting clan who seeks a war chest hidden by the Founding Fathers after the Revolutionary War. Next was a turn in "Lord of War" (2005) as Yuri Orlov, a globetrotting arms dealer struggling to stay one step ahead of his enemies – a relentless Interpol agent (Ethan Hawke), his chief business rival (Ian Holm), and a notorious African dictator (Eamonn Walker) – while also grappling his own conscience. “Lord of War” polarized critics – some hated it, while others praised it – but all agreed Cage turned in a finely etched performance.
Even better was his portrayal of the successful Chicago weather forecaster Dave Spritz, who nevertheless inspires total strangers to throw fast foot at him in director Gore Verbinksi's seriocomic, existential "The Weather Man" (2005). Playing a newly introspective man wresting with his own mediocrity and plagued with an inability to meaningfully connect with his family members – his accomplished writer father (Michael Caine), his estranged wife (Hope Davis) and his children – in ways both hilarious and heartbreaking. Cage delivered one of his most measured, effective and surprisingly low-key performances, sparking much awards season buzz that ultimately proved fruitless. After voicing Zoc, the ant wizard in “The Ant Bully” (2006), Cage starred as Port Authority officer John McLoughlin in Oliver Stone’s sober and heart-wrenching look at the September 11th terrorist attacks, “World Trade Center” (2006). Along with Officer Will Jimeno (Michael Pena), McLoughlin survived for 24 hours underneath the rubble after both towers had collapsed. “World Trade Center” opened up to generally positive reviews, though a few expressed concern that it was too soon for a film about the horrific events.
Cage was next seen in “The Wicker Man” (2006), Neil LaBute’s remake of the 1973 British movie about a Scottish police officer who goes to a remote island to find a missing girl and in the process discovers the inhabitants engaged in strange and secretive rituals. He then returned to the big budget fame and glory that defined his career. A lifelong comic book fan who flirted with virtually every comic book adaptation from Superman to Constantine, Cage finally settled on starring in "Ghost Rider" (2007), playing the flaming-skulled motorcycle-riding demon bounty hunter forced by contract to do the Devil’s bidding. Instead of the hard-drinking, heavy metal-loving character from the comics, Cage transformed him into a jelly bean-eating teetotaler who loves to listen to the Carpenters – a testament to the actor’s famed weirdness. Despite an online uproar from comic geeks over early leaked footage of the character’s distinctive flaming skull, “Ghost Rider” rolled to an easy box office take of $52 million over the course of a four-day holiday weekend – surprising given the typical antipathy of audiences for past mid-February releases. Meanwhile, Cage starred in “Bangkok Dangerous” (2008), playing a remorseless hit man whose life takes a turn toward the unexpected when he travels to Thailand to complete a series of contract killings.
Profession(s):
Actor, producer, director
Sometimes Credited As:
Nic Cage
Nicholas Cage
Nicholas Coppola
Nicholas Kim Coppola
Nicolas Coppola
Nicolas Kim Coppola
Family
aunt:Eleanor Neil Coppola (Born in 1936; married to Francis Ford Coppola)
aunt:Talia Shire (Born in 1946; formerly married to composer David Shire; later married to and widowed by producer Jack Schwartzman)
brother:Marc Coppola (Born in 1957; works as a New York radio personality)
brother:Christopher Coppola (Born Jan. 25, 1962; directed Cage in "Deadfall")
cousin:Jason Schwartzman (Born in 1980; son of Talia Shire and Jack Schwartzman; starred in "Rushmore" (1998) and "The Darjeeling Limited" (2007))
cousin:Robert Schwartzman (Born in 1982; son of Talia Shire and Jack Schwartzman)
cousin:Roman Coppola (Born in 1965; son of Francis Ford Coppola and Eleanor Coppola)
cousin:Sofia Coppola (Born in 1971; daughter of Francis Ford Coppola and Eleanor Coppola; directed "Lost in Translation" (2003) and "Marie Antoinette" (2006))
father:August Floyd Coppola (Pioneer in studies for the blind; divorced from Cage's mother c. 1976)
grandfather:Carmine Coppola (Paternal grandparent; born June 11, 1910; died April 26, 1991; shared 1974 Oscar for Best Original Score for "The Godfather, Part II")
grandmother:Italia Pennino (Paternal grandparent; born in 1912; died in 2004; known for her Italian cooking and published a cookbook called Mama Coppola's Pasta Book)
mother:Joy Vogelsang (Suffered from chronic depression; divorced from Cage's father c. 1976)
son:Kal-el Coppola Cage (Born Oct. 3, 2005 in New York City; mother, Alice Kim)
son:Weston Coppola Cage (Born Dec. 26, 1990; mother, Kristina Fulton)
uncle:Francis Ford Coppola (Born in 1939; directed Cage in the films "Rumble Fish" (1983), "The Cotton Club" (1984) and "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1986))
wife:Lisa Marie Presley (Began dating in spring 2001; separated in January 2002; married Aug. 10, 2002 in Hawaii; filed divorce papers in Los Angeles on Nov. 26, 2002; divorce finalized May 24, 2004)
wife:Alice Kim (Met at the restaurant where she worked as a sushi waitress; began dating Febuary 2004; married July 30, 2004, at a private Northern California ranch)
wife:Patricia Arquette (Born April 8, 1968; dated briefly c. 1987; married in April 1995; Cage filed for divorce in February 2000; couple briefly reconciled and Cage withdrew his suit; Arquette filed for divorce in November 2000; divorced finalized Aug. 29, 2001)
Companion(s)
Carrie Tivador , Companion , ```..Rumored to have dated in 2003
Kristen Zang , Companion , ```..Born c. 1974; together from 1992-94
Kristina Fulton , Companion , ```..Born c. 1957; mother of Cage's son Weston; separated from Cage in 1991
Lori Allison , Companion , ```..Briefly dated; later married Johnny Depp
Penelope Cruz , Companion , ```..Met during filming of "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001); rumored to have briefly dated
Sarah Jessica Parker , Companion , ```..Had one-year relationship with Cage in the 1990s
Education
Beverly Hills High School Beverly Hills, CA
American Conservatory Theatre San Francisco, CA
Hot and Spices more celebs profile-------Click
Digg the story Digg it
Monday, September 29, 2008
jimihendrixmemorial
Jimi Hendrix passed suddenly on September 18, 1970 while touring through London, England. When news of the tragedy made its way to James “Al” Hendrix, (Jimi's father) back in the United States, the wheels for a lasting memorial began to take shape. Al Hendrix requested that Jimi's body be brought back to his birthplace of Seattle, Washington so that a burial at a new family plot, located at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton could be performed.
Despite having barely enough funds to bring Jimi's body back to America, Al Hendrix created a family burial site, consisting of five plots; one for Jimi, half-brother Leon, half-sister Janie, Al Hendrix and his wife Ayako 'June'. With Jimi being the first laid to rest in the new family plot, a modest headstone engraved 'Forever In Our Hearts -- James M. "Jimi" Hendrix -- 1942-1970' was crafted. Despite Jimi's grand musical style, the simple headstone was all that Al could provide his son at that point.
Fourteen years later, with the passing of Nora Hendrix (Al's mother) in 1984, a decision was made to include her in the family plot. As the years continued to move forward, the Hendrix family, like most families continued to grow in significant numbers, with more than forty new additions to both immediate and extended families. As the family continued to grow, Al Hendrix always kept a small flickering flame on his mind, believing that creating a larger family plot where everyone could be buried together.
Thankfully, through all of this, Al Hendrix successfully regained the rights to his son's musical legacy in 1995. After a two and a half year legal battle, the legacy of Jimi Hendrix had finally come home to whom it rightfully belonged. With the control of the Hendrix legacy firmly in the grips of his family and the elder Hendrix, Al finally reaped some degree of financial security as a result. With the legacy firmly back in family hands, Al Hendrix was in a position to bring past wishes to life.
As Mr. Hendrix described in an interview in 1999, "with Jimi's music now in good hands, there is one important job left for me to take care of for my family. I have decided to create a memorial for Jimi at Greenwood Cemetery.
"A resting-place for a loved one is almost always a private issue dealt with quietly by family members. However, I have always understood that Jimi in some way belongs to his fans and the world.
"Understanding this, I recently joined with Greenwood Cemetery to create plans for a beautiful memorial on behalf of Jimi. This is something I always wished I could have done for my son, but I was not able to do so until now. With the creation of this new memorial, I am now able to make sure that there is a place where all my family can be buried together. This brings me great peace."
As Hendrix described, the proposed Jimi Hendrix Memorial is more than a place to celebrate the life of Jimi Hendrix, it will become the final resting place to other members of the Hendrix family. When the memorial is finished plans currently outline the relocation of several Hendrix family members to the new 54-plot memorial at Greenwood.
The new memorial will be a place for all to enjoy and a place to remember the life and the music of Jimi Hendrix. Al Hendrix's involvement in the creation of the new memorial was rooted at its very center. Following announcements of the memorial in September 1999, Hendrix explained, "I have been directly involved with every aspect of the memorial project.
"I hope that in the years to come, both my family and Jimi's fans will find peace, remembrance, and inspiration from this memorial. I shall continue to embrace all of the other tributes to Jimi throughout the world, but I hope that the memorial project at Greenwood Cemetery will come to be seen as my legacy to Jimi and my family."
Work on the project began in early 1999 after Mr. Hendrix and his daughter, Janie Hendrix commissioned architect Mark Barthelemy of Cold Springs Granite to design the proposed memorial. The interpretive design incorporates many of Jimi's lifelong beliefs, themes from his own music, input from surviving family members and several significant historical elements, all ensuring that the completed monument would be as unique as the life and music that it celebrates.
Over the years the Hendrix family recognized the need to create something more significant for the fans who help keep Jimi’s musical legacy alive. With more than 14 thousand fans from around the globe visiting Jimi's current grave at Greenwood Memorial Park every year, Al Hendrix sought to create something that would make visiting Jimi's final resting place a truly personal and memorable experience for everyone. In addition to Mr. Hendrix’s desire for a fitting monument to his son, he also wanted a memorial for Jimi that was more respectful to the surrounding graves. With the thousands of visitors that Jimi's grave receives annually, fans trying to pay their respect to Jimi often unwittingly trample the surrounding graves.
On September 24, 1999, Al Hendrix and members of the Hendrix family held a press conference at Greenwood Memorial Park to unveil the initial design and announce to the world his intentions of creating a lasting memorial for his son.
Following on the heels of the announcement of the Hendrix memorial, the family took some pressure from fans after incorrect information was published in news reports throughout the country. Shortly following that, Al Hendrix released a statement to fans to reiterate why he was moving forward with the memorial.
Since that time, work on the project continued, leading up to a public commemoration of the memorial on June 10, 2002, a day that would mark Al Hendrix’s 83rd Birthday. Sadly in late 2001, Mr. Hendrix’s health gradually deteriorated and attention to the project was diverted towards his health. Sadly, James “Al” Hendrix passes away at his Seattle home on April 17, 2002 at the age of 82.
Al was known for his deep affection for all those around him and he always had a special place in his heart for animals. Kindness, honor and loyalty were among his best characteristics. His is a spirit that will be truly missed yet his deeds will live on.
Just as Al Hendrix had strived to fulfill the dreams and preserve the legacy of his famous son, Jimi; surviving members of the Hendrix family vowed to keep Al Hendrix’s vision alive and to complete the projects that had already been started.
While Al Hendrix is no longer here to help see this project through to completion himself, his family has renewed their focus on the memorial project and are destined to see it to completion and a public dedication ceremony this June, to help mark what would have been Al Hendrix’s 84th birthday.
Since September, considerable work has been completed on the project including the construction of three granite pillars that brace the large granite dome that will cover a life-sized bronze statue currently being constructed in Italy. In November, the remains of Jimi Hendrix, his father Al Hendrix and step-mother Ayako were moved to their permanent burial sites around the memorial.
In the coming months, considerable more granite work and bronze accents will be added to the memorial and the life size bronze statue will be installed. As the project continues, this website will feature the latest information.
http://www.jimihendrixmemorial.com/
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I no longer blow my own trumpet: Kareena
Kareena is the golden girl. Just when you started feeling sorry for her for bringing in her 27th birthday on Sunday all alone far away from family friends and boyfriend in Ladakh she surprises everyone and herself by seducing destiny to change its mind.
Nursing seriously sore throat, Kareena cheers herself up by informing that Saif might be visiting her in Ladakh for her birthday.
"I get the feeling that he's going to surprise me on my birthday. I know he'd want to. So yes, I'm pretty sure we'll be together on my birthday," she says with a sigh and gives Saif full marks for being an understanding boyfriend.
"He never complains about the lack of time between us. He knows this is the best time of my career. After Jab We Met the roles are just getting so much more interesting. Saif is extremely supportive. Besides he's very busy himself. So we snatch whatever time we get together."
Kareena says she has no time for anything besides work. "Such is my life these days.I've no time for family friends…or even for love.
Even the few hours that I have between schedules I use to shoot for endorsements, or whatever. So yes this is the most rewarding time of my life. But I miss my time with my mom, my sister and niece," sighs Kareena from Ladakh on the eve of her 27th birthday.
"I'm here in Ladakh for one of the most important films of my career Idiots. It can't get any hotter than Aamir Khan and Raj Kumar Hirani."
Throw Kareena into the dish and you have a real appetizer, I tell her.
Kareena laughs modestly. "I'm not saying that. I no longer blow my own trumpet. But it does feel good to be here shooting with such a brilliant team. I can't think of a better way to bring in my birthday.
But at the moment I'm feeling very under the weather. I landed here in the cold in Ladakh from the heat of Delhi and my throat has gone really sore. But work will go on."
As for the birthday on 21 September she'll have to celebrate it without family. "Mum can't brave it to Ladakh in this weather.
This was the day the ghastly bomb blasts in Delhi.
"In fact," shudders Kareena. "I was in Greater Kailash (the area where one of the bombs went off) in the morning of the blasts. It is so disturbing when such a thing happens right where you are. Why should anyone want to harm normal law-abiding peace-loving people?"
Looking forward to being together on her birthday, Kareena could possibly be getting a new Saif Ali Khan film for her birthday.
"He does want me to be in his next production Agent Vinod. But for me to agree to be in it both he and his partner (Dinesh Vijeyan) will have to plead on bended knees after not having me signed for their first film."
Nursing seriously sore throat, Kareena cheers herself up by informing that Saif might be visiting her in Ladakh for her birthday.
"I get the feeling that he's going to surprise me on my birthday. I know he'd want to. So yes, I'm pretty sure we'll be together on my birthday," she says with a sigh and gives Saif full marks for being an understanding boyfriend.
"He never complains about the lack of time between us. He knows this is the best time of my career. After Jab We Met the roles are just getting so much more interesting. Saif is extremely supportive. Besides he's very busy himself. So we snatch whatever time we get together."
Kareena says she has no time for anything besides work. "Such is my life these days.I've no time for family friends…or even for love.
Even the few hours that I have between schedules I use to shoot for endorsements, or whatever. So yes this is the most rewarding time of my life. But I miss my time with my mom, my sister and niece," sighs Kareena from Ladakh on the eve of her 27th birthday.
"I'm here in Ladakh for one of the most important films of my career Idiots. It can't get any hotter than Aamir Khan and Raj Kumar Hirani."
Throw Kareena into the dish and you have a real appetizer, I tell her.
Kareena laughs modestly. "I'm not saying that. I no longer blow my own trumpet. But it does feel good to be here shooting with such a brilliant team. I can't think of a better way to bring in my birthday.
But at the moment I'm feeling very under the weather. I landed here in the cold in Ladakh from the heat of Delhi and my throat has gone really sore. But work will go on."
As for the birthday on 21 September she'll have to celebrate it without family. "Mum can't brave it to Ladakh in this weather.
This was the day the ghastly bomb blasts in Delhi.
"In fact," shudders Kareena. "I was in Greater Kailash (the area where one of the bombs went off) in the morning of the blasts. It is so disturbing when such a thing happens right where you are. Why should anyone want to harm normal law-abiding peace-loving people?"
Looking forward to being together on her birthday, Kareena could possibly be getting a new Saif Ali Khan film for her birthday.
"He does want me to be in his next production Agent Vinod. But for me to agree to be in it both he and his partner (Dinesh Vijeyan) will have to plead on bended knees after not having me signed for their first film."
Drona is my biggest, my best: Abhishek Bachchan
The countdown has begun for the two biggies that are slated for release this Idd: DRONA and KIDNAP. A lot is riding on these two films.
In terms of economics, both are expensive films. Plus, the careers of Abhishek Bachchan (DRONA) and Imran Khan (post JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA) are at stake. Will DRONA live up to the humungous expectations?
"It's my biggest and best film so far," Abhishek Bachchan tells me. He's supremely confident this time. "I don't speak like this, do I? But DRONA is different. It's the most expensive film I am associated with. Besides, Goldie (Behl; the director) has executed the subject remarkably," he states.
Abhishek and Goldie have got together after more than seven years (BAS ITNA SA KHWAB HAI was released in July 2001).
In between, in 2006, Goldie had plans of making a thriller with Abhishek, but decided on making an adventure fare instead. "Goldie was disheartened after his debut film failed. Later, he diversified into television; he wanted to make his company secure before he announced his next film," Abhishek reminisces.
Abhishek credits his directors for the (sterling) performances he has delivered in films like YUVA and GURU (Mani Ratnam) as also SARKAR and SARKAR RAJ (RGV).
"If at all DRONA works -- and I hope it does -- Goldie should get the credit for it. He has worked very, very hard. I am sure, the Indian audiences haven't seen an adventure film like DRONA before," he says confidently.
Abhishek has worked in the DHOOM series as also SARKAR and its sequel. There's talk that a sequel to DRONA is in the offing.
"Oh yes! Goldie has written so much in the intervening period that he's ready to take the DRONA series forward. In fact, the possibility of a sequel can easily be explored," he adds.
In terms of economics, both are expensive films. Plus, the careers of Abhishek Bachchan (DRONA) and Imran Khan (post JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA) are at stake. Will DRONA live up to the humungous expectations?
"It's my biggest and best film so far," Abhishek Bachchan tells me. He's supremely confident this time. "I don't speak like this, do I? But DRONA is different. It's the most expensive film I am associated with. Besides, Goldie (Behl; the director) has executed the subject remarkably," he states.
Abhishek and Goldie have got together after more than seven years (BAS ITNA SA KHWAB HAI was released in July 2001).
In between, in 2006, Goldie had plans of making a thriller with Abhishek, but decided on making an adventure fare instead. "Goldie was disheartened after his debut film failed. Later, he diversified into television; he wanted to make his company secure before he announced his next film," Abhishek reminisces.
Abhishek credits his directors for the (sterling) performances he has delivered in films like YUVA and GURU (Mani Ratnam) as also SARKAR and SARKAR RAJ (RGV).
"If at all DRONA works -- and I hope it does -- Goldie should get the credit for it. He has worked very, very hard. I am sure, the Indian audiences haven't seen an adventure film like DRONA before," he says confidently.
Abhishek has worked in the DHOOM series as also SARKAR and its sequel. There's talk that a sequel to DRONA is in the offing.
"Oh yes! Goldie has written so much in the intervening period that he's ready to take the DRONA series forward. In fact, the possibility of a sequel can easily be explored," he adds.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Romance Never Dies
An older couple were lying in bed one night. The husband was falling asleep but the wife felt romantic and wanted to talk.
She said, "You use to hold my hand when we were courting."
Wearily he reached across, held her hand for a second and tried to get back to ep.
sle
A few moments later she said, "Then you used to kiss me."
Mildly irritated, he reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek and settled down to sleep.
Thirty seconds later she said, "Then you use to bite my neck."
Angrily, he threw back the bed clothes and got out of bed.
"Where are you going ?" she asked.
"To get my teeth!"
http://jeerekhorsani.blogspot.com/search/label/JOKES
http://jeerekhorsani.blogspot.com/search/label/CELEB
http://jeerekhorsani.blogspot.com/search/label/ENTERTAINMENT
She said, "You use to hold my hand when we were courting."
Wearily he reached across, held her hand for a second and tried to get back to ep.
sle
A few moments later she said, "Then you used to kiss me."
Mildly irritated, he reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek and settled down to sleep.
Thirty seconds later she said, "Then you use to bite my neck."
Angrily, he threw back the bed clothes and got out of bed.
"Where are you going ?" she asked.
"To get my teeth!"
http://jeerekhorsani.blogspot.com/search/label/JOKES
http://jeerekhorsani.blogspot.com/search/label/CELEB
http://jeerekhorsani.blogspot.com/search/label/ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Mary McCormack
Full Biography
Already an accomplished stage actress with credits in regional theater in her native New Jersey as well as in numerous Off-Broadway productions, attractive, blonde player Mary McCormack made her film debut with a small role in John Hughes' 1994 remake of "Miracle on 34th Street". A part opposite Robert Mitchum in 1995's little seen spoof "Back Fire!" followed, but her real breakthrough came on the ABC drama series "Murder One". A veteran of TV legal dramas, with guest appearances on the similarly themed "Law & Order" (NBC, 1994) and "The Wright Verdicts" (CBS, 1995), McCormack played the regular role of the high-minded and devoted junior attorney Justine Appleton. Her work attracted the attention of audiences and the casting agents for the much hyped film of radio personality Howard Stern's memoir "Private Parts" (1997). Given Stern's reputation, McCormack initially opted to pass on the part of his long-suffering wife Alison, but she was talked into reading the script by her agent. Excited by the dimensionality of the character, and the overriding love story theme of the script, she accepted the role. The film exposed her to a wider audience, and her heartfelt and humorous portrayal of Mrs. Stern not only changed minds about the self-proclaimed King of All Media, but opened eyes to the actress' abilities.
Featured roles in 1998's "The Alarmist", as Stanley Tucci's scheming assistant, and "Deep Impact", as a pilot, followed, and a busy filming schedule led to her near ubiquity on movie screens in 1999. She was an infertile woman married to a religious fanatic in "Getting to Know You" (which debuted at Sundance) before playing a DEA agent in "Harvest", a drama about farmers growing marijuana to financially preserve their land. McCormack was also featured as a romantic partner for director-star Clint Eastwood in the thriller "True Crime" and portrayed the wife of a small-time hockey player (Russell Crowe) who ends up in a game versus the New York Rangers in "Mystery, Alaska" (1999), a film produced and penned by David E Kelley. Additional projects featuring the actress included "The Big Tease", a comedy co-starring Frances Fisher and Craig Ferguson (who also scripted) about a small town Scottish hairdresser who enters the hairdressing world championships in Los Angeles; a supporting turn in "The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy"; and "Gun Shy" (all 2000), a Eric Blakeney action comedy film starring Liam Neeson and Sandra Bullock which bombed out of the gate. She also starred with Minnie Driver in the woefull crime comedy "High Heels and Low Lifes" (2001) as one of a pair of downtrodden regular gals caught up in a blackmail scheme, but the actress fared better in the ensemble of writer-director Bart Freundlich's film "World Traveler" (2001). She also had a fine but underutilized turn as Jeff Bridges' wife in the dramedy "K-PAX" (2001). McCormack was particularly excellent as the depressed, lovelorn masseuse in "Full Frontal" (2002), director Steven Soderbergh's arty,low-tech and chilly meditation on Los Angelenos. She next appeared as the adoptive mother of David Spade's full-grown ex-kiddie actor in "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star" (2003).
In addition to her numerous film appearances, in 1999 theatergoers saw McCormack return to the stage in a high-profile role utilizing her capable singing voice. She succeeded luminaries Natasha Richardson and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Sally Bowles in the popular Broadway revival of "Cabaret". A versatile performer, McCormack is convincing playing anything from a fresh-faced siren to a hard-nosed law enforcer. She returned to the stage, this time in London, as one of the stars of Neil LaBute's "bash, latter day plays", a collection of one-act plays.
Profession(s):
Actor, singer, intern at talent agency, cocktail waitress
Sometimes Credited As:
Mary C McCormack
Mary Catherine McCormack
Family
brother:Will McCormack (Born c. 1974; co-starred with sister in the independent comedy "Colin Fitz" (1997) and later appeared in "American Outlaws" (2001))
daughter:Margaret Morris (Born Sep. 3, 2004; father, Michael Morris)
daughter:Rose Morris (Father, Michael Morris)
father:William McCormack (Owned a car dealership and ice cream parlor; divorced from McCormack's mother in 1990)
husband:Michael Morris (Married in July 2003)
mother:Norah McCormack (Born c. 1942; divorced from McCormack's father in 1990)
sister:Bridget McCormack (Born c. 1967; taught at Yale Law School)
Companion(s)
Barnaby Harris , Companion , ```..Dated c. 1994
Education
William Esper Studios New York, NY acting
Wardlaw-Hartridge School Edison, NJ 1987
Trinity College Hartford, CT BA English, painting 1991
Already an accomplished stage actress with credits in regional theater in her native New Jersey as well as in numerous Off-Broadway productions, attractive, blonde player Mary McCormack made her film debut with a small role in John Hughes' 1994 remake of "Miracle on 34th Street". A part opposite Robert Mitchum in 1995's little seen spoof "Back Fire!" followed, but her real breakthrough came on the ABC drama series "Murder One". A veteran of TV legal dramas, with guest appearances on the similarly themed "Law & Order" (NBC, 1994) and "The Wright Verdicts" (CBS, 1995), McCormack played the regular role of the high-minded and devoted junior attorney Justine Appleton. Her work attracted the attention of audiences and the casting agents for the much hyped film of radio personality Howard Stern's memoir "Private Parts" (1997). Given Stern's reputation, McCormack initially opted to pass on the part of his long-suffering wife Alison, but she was talked into reading the script by her agent. Excited by the dimensionality of the character, and the overriding love story theme of the script, she accepted the role. The film exposed her to a wider audience, and her heartfelt and humorous portrayal of Mrs. Stern not only changed minds about the self-proclaimed King of All Media, but opened eyes to the actress' abilities.
Featured roles in 1998's "The Alarmist", as Stanley Tucci's scheming assistant, and "Deep Impact", as a pilot, followed, and a busy filming schedule led to her near ubiquity on movie screens in 1999. She was an infertile woman married to a religious fanatic in "Getting to Know You" (which debuted at Sundance) before playing a DEA agent in "Harvest", a drama about farmers growing marijuana to financially preserve their land. McCormack was also featured as a romantic partner for director-star Clint Eastwood in the thriller "True Crime" and portrayed the wife of a small-time hockey player (Russell Crowe) who ends up in a game versus the New York Rangers in "Mystery, Alaska" (1999), a film produced and penned by David E Kelley. Additional projects featuring the actress included "The Big Tease", a comedy co-starring Frances Fisher and Craig Ferguson (who also scripted) about a small town Scottish hairdresser who enters the hairdressing world championships in Los Angeles; a supporting turn in "The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy"; and "Gun Shy" (all 2000), a Eric Blakeney action comedy film starring Liam Neeson and Sandra Bullock which bombed out of the gate. She also starred with Minnie Driver in the woefull crime comedy "High Heels and Low Lifes" (2001) as one of a pair of downtrodden regular gals caught up in a blackmail scheme, but the actress fared better in the ensemble of writer-director Bart Freundlich's film "World Traveler" (2001). She also had a fine but underutilized turn as Jeff Bridges' wife in the dramedy "K-PAX" (2001). McCormack was particularly excellent as the depressed, lovelorn masseuse in "Full Frontal" (2002), director Steven Soderbergh's arty,low-tech and chilly meditation on Los Angelenos. She next appeared as the adoptive mother of David Spade's full-grown ex-kiddie actor in "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star" (2003).
In addition to her numerous film appearances, in 1999 theatergoers saw McCormack return to the stage in a high-profile role utilizing her capable singing voice. She succeeded luminaries Natasha Richardson and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Sally Bowles in the popular Broadway revival of "Cabaret". A versatile performer, McCormack is convincing playing anything from a fresh-faced siren to a hard-nosed law enforcer. She returned to the stage, this time in London, as one of the stars of Neil LaBute's "bash, latter day plays", a collection of one-act plays.
Profession(s):
Actor, singer, intern at talent agency, cocktail waitress
Sometimes Credited As:
Mary C McCormack
Mary Catherine McCormack
Family
brother:Will McCormack (Born c. 1974; co-starred with sister in the independent comedy "Colin Fitz" (1997) and later appeared in "American Outlaws" (2001))
daughter:Margaret Morris (Born Sep. 3, 2004; father, Michael Morris)
daughter:Rose Morris (Father, Michael Morris)
father:William McCormack (Owned a car dealership and ice cream parlor; divorced from McCormack's mother in 1990)
husband:Michael Morris (Married in July 2003)
mother:Norah McCormack (Born c. 1942; divorced from McCormack's father in 1990)
sister:Bridget McCormack (Born c. 1967; taught at Yale Law School)
Companion(s)
Barnaby Harris , Companion , ```..Dated c. 1994
Education
William Esper Studios New York, NY acting
Wardlaw-Hartridge School Edison, NJ 1987
Trinity College Hartford, CT BA English, painting 1991
Friday, September 5, 2008
A look at Anil Kapoor starrer international film, Slumdog Millionaire
If you thought that the most easiest way to become a crorepati is by participating in the innumerable game shows on TV, then its about time that put on your (re)thinking caps! If actors like Big B, SRK, Govinda and Anupam Kher made millionaires out of the common man on TV, then, our very own Anil Kapoor has come up with a 'Jhakaas' idea of making millionaires on the silver screen! He will be very soon seen playing the role of a quiz master in the Hollywood flick Slumdog Millionaire which is being directed by the Hollywood ace Danny Boyle. With the kind of reports that the film has been carrying, it has already become the talk of the town even before its release! And the good news is that the most eagerly awaited film of the season is gearing itself for a North American release on November 28th 2008, courtesy Warner Bros. and Fox Searchlight.
Till then, here is a dope on the film for all the curious souls! Slumdog Millionaire has all the ingredients required that goes in the making of a 'masala' film, including comedy, romance, drama interspersed with some emotional moments! It's a tale of an 18 year old orphan, who is a 'resident' of the Mumbai slums. The film shows him participating in the Indian version of the worldwide hit TV show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' which has got Anil Kapoor as its host! But the plot gains momentum when the teenage participant gets arrested on the grounds of malpractice and that too at a time when he is just one question short of hitting the jackpot! It is here when he pleads for his innocence by recalling his life in Mumbai, and also 'revealing' the secret behind his success on the show.
Till then, here is a dope on the film for all the curious souls! Slumdog Millionaire has all the ingredients required that goes in the making of a 'masala' film, including comedy, romance, drama interspersed with some emotional moments! It's a tale of an 18 year old orphan, who is a 'resident' of the Mumbai slums. The film shows him participating in the Indian version of the worldwide hit TV show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' which has got Anil Kapoor as its host! But the plot gains momentum when the teenage participant gets arrested on the grounds of malpractice and that too at a time when he is just one question short of hitting the jackpot! It is here when he pleads for his innocence by recalling his life in Mumbai, and also 'revealing' the secret behind his success on the show.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Shot in one of the ten most haunted castles in the world in'1920'
Mumbai, Sep 4 (IANS) Vikram Bhatt's supernatural period love story "1920" was shot in a castle in England which is one of the 10 most haunted castles in the world, said Anjori Alagh who is playing the second female lead in the film.
"1920" which was shot in Allerton castle situated in Yorkshire in northern England, the largest county of Britain, is seventh among the list of top ten haunted castles in the world, said Anjori.
"The huge castle was located in a lonely place where there was nothing around. Though nothing happened during our whole schedule, we always had an eerie feeling while we walked around," Anjori told IANS.
"We discovered the fact after we reached there and I think no one from the cast knew about it before," Anjori added.
She said there were few rooms inside the castle where no one was supposed to go unless accompanied by the owner.
"The owner did not speak much and walked around the castle with a lantern in his hand." She said.
Anjori recalled an incident when she and Adah, the female lead in the film, went into a room where no one was allowed to go.
"Both of us had a certain feeling when we entered the room and immediately came out. The room was a huge one decorated in the old Victorian style and we had an eerie feeling when we entered the room."
However in spite of all these episodes, Anjori said she enjoyed the one month schedule there and had a memorable experience.
"We shot for a month in the castle and came back to Mumbai and shot the rest," Anjori said.
Anjori, who debuted with Vikram Bhatt's "Life Mein Kabhie Kabhie", is the daughter of well known television actor Maya Alagh.
"Vikram has really shaped up my character in the film well," said Anjori.
"1920" marks the debut of two new comers - model turned actor Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma. The film also stars Barkha Bisht, Raj Zutshi and Amit Bishnoi.
"1920" which was shot in Allerton castle situated in Yorkshire in northern England, the largest county of Britain, is seventh among the list of top ten haunted castles in the world, said Anjori.
"The huge castle was located in a lonely place where there was nothing around. Though nothing happened during our whole schedule, we always had an eerie feeling while we walked around," Anjori told IANS.
"We discovered the fact after we reached there and I think no one from the cast knew about it before," Anjori added.
She said there were few rooms inside the castle where no one was supposed to go unless accompanied by the owner.
"The owner did not speak much and walked around the castle with a lantern in his hand." She said.
Anjori recalled an incident when she and Adah, the female lead in the film, went into a room where no one was allowed to go.
"Both of us had a certain feeling when we entered the room and immediately came out. The room was a huge one decorated in the old Victorian style and we had an eerie feeling when we entered the room."
However in spite of all these episodes, Anjori said she enjoyed the one month schedule there and had a memorable experience.
"We shot for a month in the castle and came back to Mumbai and shot the rest," Anjori said.
Anjori, who debuted with Vikram Bhatt's "Life Mein Kabhie Kabhie", is the daughter of well known television actor Maya Alagh.
"Vikram has really shaped up my character in the film well," said Anjori.
"1920" marks the debut of two new comers - model turned actor Rajneesh Duggal and Adah Sharma. The film also stars Barkha Bisht, Raj Zutshi and Amit Bishnoi.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Bangkok Dangerous
The life of Joe, an anonymous assassin, takes an unexpected turn when he travels to Thailand to complete a series of contract killings. Joe, a remorseless hitman, is in Bangkok to execute four enemies of a ruthless crime boss named Surat. He hires Kong, a street punk and pickpocket, to run errands for him with the intention of covering his tracks by killing him at the end of the assignment. Strangely, Joe, the ultimate lone wolf, finds himself mentoring the young man instead whilst simultaneously being drawn into a tentative romance with a local shop girl. As he falls further under the sway of Bangkok’s intoxicating beauty, Joe begins to question his isolated existence and let down his guard--just as Surat decides it’s time to clean house.
Full Cast & Crew
Theatrical Release
9/5/2008
Director Credit
Oxide Pang Director
Danny Pang Director
Cast Credit
Nicolas Cage Joe
Steve Baldocchi Michigan
Chris Heebink USC
James With Chicago
Charlie Young Fon
Shahkrit Yamnarm Kong
Panward Hemmanee Aom
Nirattisai Kaljareuk Surat
Dom Hetrakul Aran
Namngen Jaruvijit Fon's Grandmother
Napasaranh Mittiaroch Kong's Brother
Peter Shadrin Anton
Tuck Napaskorn Kong's Brother
Arthajid Puengvicha Official
Duangjai Srisawang Man in Arena
Veerasak Boonchard Winai
Sakol Palvanichkul Tuk Tuk Driver
Savaros Sripratum News Anchor #1
Thanrada Kao-Im Waitress
Aratchaporn Satead Vendor Lady
Winai Thawattana White Target
Pornpat Tipthongkum News Anchor #2
Gonthron Bossarakam Man in Slum
Thanapon Parnjaroen Bell Man
Jeremy Thana Gangster 2
Allwarin Apirakyothin Aom's Sister
Andrew Pfeffer Caucasian Prisoner
Oliver Steele European Crying Boy
Kitchanpon Apirakyothin Fat Man
Chalita Chaisaeng Fat Man’s Girl #1
Chatchaya Watcharakitikorn Fat Man’s Girl #2
Arnunthaya Suksalak Fat Man’s Girl #3
Thanitar Jirapanid Girl w/target #1
Nareerat Jeanmahan Girl w/target #2
Suwatjanee Suriyapas Last Target’s Kid #1 (Girl)
Pariwut Pratchayanun Last Target’s Kid #2 (Boy)
Tuengtanapon Thongnawakun Last Target’s Wife
Keang Kunsri Last Target Man
Chris Lowenstein Past Target 1
Oliver Ackerman Past Target 2
Russell Wald Past Target 3
Laura Herold Past Target 4
David L Michaels Past Target 5
Ronald Anderson Past Target 6
Chollamark Chiengthong Surat’s Wife
Armondthap Limdusit Target Man 1
Jirakit Suwannapab Target 1’s Driver
Chatchai Phuengparyun Target Boat Driver 1
Arkarapong Pimpajak Target 1’s Bodyguard #1
Songsak Sampanpim Target 1’s Bodyguard #2
Duangrutai Suwannarat Thai Garland Girl
Songpohl Dittasom Waiter
Full Cast & Crew
Theatrical Release
9/5/2008
Director Credit
Oxide Pang Director
Danny Pang Director
Cast Credit
Nicolas Cage Joe
Steve Baldocchi Michigan
Chris Heebink USC
James With Chicago
Charlie Young Fon
Shahkrit Yamnarm Kong
Panward Hemmanee Aom
Nirattisai Kaljareuk Surat
Dom Hetrakul Aran
Namngen Jaruvijit Fon's Grandmother
Napasaranh Mittiaroch Kong's Brother
Peter Shadrin Anton
Tuck Napaskorn Kong's Brother
Arthajid Puengvicha Official
Duangjai Srisawang Man in Arena
Veerasak Boonchard Winai
Sakol Palvanichkul Tuk Tuk Driver
Savaros Sripratum News Anchor #1
Thanrada Kao-Im Waitress
Aratchaporn Satead Vendor Lady
Winai Thawattana White Target
Pornpat Tipthongkum News Anchor #2
Gonthron Bossarakam Man in Slum
Thanapon Parnjaroen Bell Man
Jeremy Thana Gangster 2
Allwarin Apirakyothin Aom's Sister
Andrew Pfeffer Caucasian Prisoner
Oliver Steele European Crying Boy
Kitchanpon Apirakyothin Fat Man
Chalita Chaisaeng Fat Man’s Girl #1
Chatchaya Watcharakitikorn Fat Man’s Girl #2
Arnunthaya Suksalak Fat Man’s Girl #3
Thanitar Jirapanid Girl w/target #1
Nareerat Jeanmahan Girl w/target #2
Suwatjanee Suriyapas Last Target’s Kid #1 (Girl)
Pariwut Pratchayanun Last Target’s Kid #2 (Boy)
Tuengtanapon Thongnawakun Last Target’s Wife
Keang Kunsri Last Target Man
Chris Lowenstein Past Target 1
Oliver Ackerman Past Target 2
Russell Wald Past Target 3
Laura Herold Past Target 4
David L Michaels Past Target 5
Ronald Anderson Past Target 6
Chollamark Chiengthong Surat’s Wife
Armondthap Limdusit Target Man 1
Jirakit Suwannapab Target 1’s Driver
Chatchai Phuengparyun Target Boat Driver 1
Arkarapong Pimpajak Target 1’s Bodyguard #1
Songsak Sampanpim Target 1’s Bodyguard #2
Duangrutai Suwannarat Thai Garland Girl
Songpohl Dittasom Waiter
More about MOVIES
src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/boomsaka/mydzo.png" height="50"/>
src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/boomsaka/Acellurar-1.gif" height="50"/>
src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/boomsaka/HOT.png" height="50"/>
alt="FUN,BLOGS,HANDICRAFTS When you blog online, it is really important to be not shy about
promoting products on your blog."
src="http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/boomsaka/raj.png" height="50"/>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)