Irv Wilson, a former programming executive at NBC and producer of several high profile TV movies that starred Jerry Lewis, Martin Sheen, Telly Savalas, Bruce Dern and Morgan Freeman, died December 26 after a short illness. He was 93.
His death was confirmed by his longtime friend, Tom Nunan, who paid tribute to Wilson on Facebook by writing, “Wilson loved life, and anyone who became close to him knew that a good glass of red wine, a little weed, [his wife’s] cooking, and a Giants game came pretty close to heaven for the well-loved, culturally complex maven.”
Born in New York City, Wilson served in the Korean war before returning to the Big Apple to attend NYU via the G.I. Bill. He would go on to spend his career in the entertainment industry, first as a talent agent and producer, then as a TV programming executive for NBC where he oversaw the TV movie department and later,...
His death was confirmed by his longtime friend, Tom Nunan, who paid tribute to Wilson on Facebook by writing, “Wilson loved life, and anyone who became close to him knew that a good glass of red wine, a little weed, [his wife’s] cooking, and a Giants game came pretty close to heaven for the well-loved, culturally complex maven.”
Born in New York City, Wilson served in the Korean war before returning to the Big Apple to attend NYU via the G.I. Bill. He would go on to spend his career in the entertainment industry, first as a talent agent and producer, then as a TV programming executive for NBC where he oversaw the TV movie department and later,...
- 12/27/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Irv Wilson, a former television producer and NBC executive, died on Thursday. He was 93 years old.
Beginning his career in New York City, Wilson was a talent agent before he moved into TV programming. Working largely on TV movies from 1970-1980 — including executive producing “The Missiles of October” — as the VP of the TV movie department, he eventually became NBC’s Senior VP of Day Time and Late Night Programming.
Prior to that, he held the post of VP of the TV Movie department at NBC (’79-’80.) He worked alongside network legends such as Fred Silverman and Brandon Tartikoff. Wilson helped discover future filmmakers such as Ron Howard while supporting gifted playwrights like Stanley Greenberg, ushering in high quality, issue-oriented content to the burgeoning art form.
Wilson eventually returned to producing, with deals at Fries Entertainment and Viacom, where he made films starring Jerry Lewis, Martin Sheen, Telly Savalas, Bruce Dern,...
Beginning his career in New York City, Wilson was a talent agent before he moved into TV programming. Working largely on TV movies from 1970-1980 — including executive producing “The Missiles of October” — as the VP of the TV movie department, he eventually became NBC’s Senior VP of Day Time and Late Night Programming.
Prior to that, he held the post of VP of the TV Movie department at NBC (’79-’80.) He worked alongside network legends such as Fred Silverman and Brandon Tartikoff. Wilson helped discover future filmmakers such as Ron Howard while supporting gifted playwrights like Stanley Greenberg, ushering in high quality, issue-oriented content to the burgeoning art form.
Wilson eventually returned to producing, with deals at Fries Entertainment and Viacom, where he made films starring Jerry Lewis, Martin Sheen, Telly Savalas, Bruce Dern,...
- 12/27/2024
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Uipdated with statement from Rfk Jr gala organizers: The arguably greatest fictional TV Potus ever is not endorsing the White House bid of Robert Kennedy Jr., and Martin Sheen sure as hell isn’t showing up as a warm prop at any Rfk Jr fundraiser anytime soon.
About a week ago, invites went out for a self-described “gala” on January 22 to celebrate the independent candidate’s 70th birthday. Sheen, Mike Tyson and Dionne Warwick were reported to be attending the event as “well-wishers.” On Thursday, some of President Jed Bartlet’s old West Wing staff have gone public to declare their old boss has no intention of attending.
In fact, via Bradley Whitford and Mary McCormack, Sheen says he remains an avowed supporter of incumbent Joe Biden, not Rfk Jr.
There’s a story going around saying that Martin Sheen is supporting @RobertKennedyJr for president. The story is incorrect. Martin...
About a week ago, invites went out for a self-described “gala” on January 22 to celebrate the independent candidate’s 70th birthday. Sheen, Mike Tyson and Dionne Warwick were reported to be attending the event as “well-wishers.” On Thursday, some of President Jed Bartlet’s old West Wing staff have gone public to declare their old boss has no intention of attending.
In fact, via Bradley Whitford and Mary McCormack, Sheen says he remains an avowed supporter of incumbent Joe Biden, not Rfk Jr.
There’s a story going around saying that Martin Sheen is supporting @RobertKennedyJr for president. The story is incorrect. Martin...
- 1/4/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Lerner, the character actor known from films like “Godzilla,” “Elf,” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Barton Fink,” has died, as per a report in Variety. He was 81 years old.
The news was broken by his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, a series regular on “The Goldbergs.” He wrote on his Instagram page that “it’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.” He added, “Rip Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.”
A carousel of images included pictures of Lerner on set in various costumes over the years,...
The news was broken by his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, a series regular on “The Goldbergs.” He wrote on his Instagram page that “it’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.” He added, “Rip Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.”
A carousel of images included pictures of Lerner on set in various costumes over the years,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
An Academy Awards nominee for his performance in 1991’s Coen Brothers-directed film Barton Fink, veteran actor Michael Lerner has passed away at the age of 81 years old.
Michael Lerner made several appearances in the horror genre throughout his decades-spanning career, including the films Anguish (1987), Maniac Cop 2 (1990), and Omen IV: The Awakening (1991). You’ll also remember Lerner from the 1993 episode of “Tales from the Crypt” titled ‘People Who Live in Brass Hearses,’ one of the show’s most memorable tales.
Later in the 1990s, Michael Lerner played Mayor Ebert in the big screen movie Godzilla (1998), a role he soon thereafter reprised in the animated “Godzilla: The Series.”
Lerner’s nearly 200 credits in film and television also include The Candidate, Reflections of Murder, The Missiles of October, Ruby and Oswald, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Strange Invaders, Eight Men Out, Harlem Nights, Newsies, Blank Check, Tale of the Mummy, My Favorite Martian,...
Michael Lerner made several appearances in the horror genre throughout his decades-spanning career, including the films Anguish (1987), Maniac Cop 2 (1990), and Omen IV: The Awakening (1991). You’ll also remember Lerner from the 1993 episode of “Tales from the Crypt” titled ‘People Who Live in Brass Hearses,’ one of the show’s most memorable tales.
Later in the 1990s, Michael Lerner played Mayor Ebert in the big screen movie Godzilla (1998), a role he soon thereafter reprised in the animated “Godzilla: The Series.”
Lerner’s nearly 200 credits in film and television also include The Candidate, Reflections of Murder, The Missiles of October, Ruby and Oswald, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Strange Invaders, Eight Men Out, Harlem Nights, Newsies, Blank Check, Tale of the Mummy, My Favorite Martian,...
- 4/10/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Michael Lerner, the busy Oscar-nominated character actor who had memorable turns as bombastic types in Barton Fink, Harlem Nights, Eight Men Out and so much more, has died. He was 81.
Lerner died Saturday night, according to an Instagram post from his nephew, Sam Lerner, who is also an actor (ABC’s The Goldbergs). The cause of death was not immediately known.
“It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Sam wrote. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special. Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was — in the best way.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sam Lerner (@samlerner)
Raised in a Brooklyn housing project as...
Lerner died Saturday night, according to an Instagram post from his nephew, Sam Lerner, who is also an actor (ABC’s The Goldbergs). The cause of death was not immediately known.
“It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me,” Sam wrote. “His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special. Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was — in the best way.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sam Lerner (@samlerner)
Raised in a Brooklyn housing project as...
- 4/9/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nehemiah Persoff, who appeared as Barbra Streisand’s rabbi father in “Yentl” and had roles in hundreds of films and TV series including “Some Like It Hot” and “Twins,” died Tuesday in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He was 102.
His death was confirmed by his daughter, Dahlia Reano. Beyond prolific, Persoff racked up almost 200 credits in film and TV in a career that began in the very earliest days of television.
Persoff broke through in the 1959 movie “Some Like It Hot,” in which he played mobster boss Little Bonaparte. (The actor had been the last surviving member of the cast.) Early in his career, he was known for playing villainous tough guys, such as in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Wrong Man,” starring Henry Fonda, and “Al Capone,” starring Rod Steiger, in which he had a substantial role as Johnny Torrio, the mobster who mentored Capone only to be replaced by him.
His death was confirmed by his daughter, Dahlia Reano. Beyond prolific, Persoff racked up almost 200 credits in film and TV in a career that began in the very earliest days of television.
Persoff broke through in the 1959 movie “Some Like It Hot,” in which he played mobster boss Little Bonaparte. (The actor had been the last surviving member of the cast.) Early in his career, he was known for playing villainous tough guys, such as in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Wrong Man,” starring Henry Fonda, and “Al Capone,” starring Rod Steiger, in which he had a substantial role as Johnny Torrio, the mobster who mentored Capone only to be replaced by him.
- 4/6/2022
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Donat, best known as agent Fox Mulder’s father on “The X Files,” died on Monday due to complications of diabetes, his wife, Maria, told the New York Times. He was 90.
“Peter had an easy gravitas as a performer and seemed to come from that generation that took the art seriously but not too seriously,” his TV son David Duchovny tweeted Saturday. “It was an honor to know him and work with him.”
Peter had an easy gravitas as a performer and seemed to come from that generation that took the art seriously but not too seriously. It was an honor to know him and work with him. pic.twitter.com/ZsmXeqZm6e
— David Duchovny (@davidduchovny) September 15, 2018
The Canadian-born actor was a familiar face on television on the 1970s and ’80s, having appeared on shows like “Hawaii Five-o,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “The Waltons,...
“Peter had an easy gravitas as a performer and seemed to come from that generation that took the art seriously but not too seriously,” his TV son David Duchovny tweeted Saturday. “It was an honor to know him and work with him.”
Peter had an easy gravitas as a performer and seemed to come from that generation that took the art seriously but not too seriously. It was an honor to know him and work with him. pic.twitter.com/ZsmXeqZm6e
— David Duchovny (@davidduchovny) September 15, 2018
The Canadian-born actor was a familiar face on television on the 1970s and ’80s, having appeared on shows like “Hawaii Five-o,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “The Waltons,...
- 9/15/2018
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Cliff Robertson, “Pt 109” (1963)
Oscar winner Cliff Robertson (“Charly” and “Spider-Man” 1 and 2) portrayed JFK during his military years as a U.S. Navy officer in command of Motor Torpedo Boat Pt-109 touring the waters of the Pacific amidst World War II.
William Devane, “The Missiles of October” (1974)
Devane portrayed JFK in this made-for-tv offering, which depicted the drama in the 1962 White House while the President’s administration decided the best course of action during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Martin Sheen, “Kennedy” (1983)
Jed Bartlet on “The West Wing” wasn’t the only Democratic president Sheen has portrayed on screen. In 1983, he played JFK in the miniseries “Kennedy.” Nine years earlier he played “Jack’s” younger brother Robert opposite William Devane in “The Missiles of October.”
Steven Weber, “The Kennedys of Massachusetts” (1990)
The “13 Reasons Why” star played a young JFK in the ABC miniseries, which focused on the 54-year marriage on the family patriarch and matriarch,...
Oscar winner Cliff Robertson (“Charly” and “Spider-Man” 1 and 2) portrayed JFK during his military years as a U.S. Navy officer in command of Motor Torpedo Boat Pt-109 touring the waters of the Pacific amidst World War II.
William Devane, “The Missiles of October” (1974)
Devane portrayed JFK in this made-for-tv offering, which depicted the drama in the 1962 White House while the President’s administration decided the best course of action during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Martin Sheen, “Kennedy” (1983)
Jed Bartlet on “The West Wing” wasn’t the only Democratic president Sheen has portrayed on screen. In 1983, he played JFK in the miniseries “Kennedy.” Nine years earlier he played “Jack’s” younger brother Robert opposite William Devane in “The Missiles of October.”
Steven Weber, “The Kennedys of Massachusetts” (1990)
The “13 Reasons Why” star played a young JFK in the ABC miniseries, which focused on the 54-year marriage on the family patriarch and matriarch,...
- 6/6/2018
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
Cliff Robertson, “Pt 109” (1963) Oscar winner Cliff Robertson (“Charly” and “Spider-Man” 1 and 2) portrayed JFK during his military years as a U.S. Navy officer in command of Motor Torpedo Boat Pt-109 touring the waters of the Pacific amidst World War II. William Devane, “The Missiles of October” (1974) Devane (“Knots Landing,” “24”) portrayed JFK in this made-for-tv offering, which depicted the drama in the 1962 White House while the President’s administration decided the best course of action during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Martin Sheen, “Kennedy” (1983) Jed Bartlet on “The West Wing” wasn’t the only Democratic president Sheen has portrayed on screen.
- 5/28/2017
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
William Devane Respects The Text
By
Alex Simon
Few actors ruled the big and small screen with such vigor during the 1970s as William Devane. Using his classically handsome Irish features to embody parts best described as “Ivy League menace,” Devane hasn’t stopped working since making his film debut in 1967. McCabe & Mrs. Miller, The Missiles of October, Marathon Man, Family Plot, Rolling Thunder, Yanks and Testament are just a few of the classic titles to which Devane brought his unique brand of charisma. The ‘80s saw him dominating the airwaves on the primetime soap Knots Landing as the nefarious Gregory Sumner, with dozens more memorable turns to follow.
Devane lends his gravitas to the new indie thriller We Gotta Get Out of This Place, a nifty neo-noir about a group of Texas teens (Mackenzie Davis, Logan Huffman, Jeremy Allen White) from a dead-end town who find themselves over their...
By
Alex Simon
Few actors ruled the big and small screen with such vigor during the 1970s as William Devane. Using his classically handsome Irish features to embody parts best described as “Ivy League menace,” Devane hasn’t stopped working since making his film debut in 1967. McCabe & Mrs. Miller, The Missiles of October, Marathon Man, Family Plot, Rolling Thunder, Yanks and Testament are just a few of the classic titles to which Devane brought his unique brand of charisma. The ‘80s saw him dominating the airwaves on the primetime soap Knots Landing as the nefarious Gregory Sumner, with dozens more memorable turns to follow.
Devane lends his gravitas to the new indie thriller We Gotta Get Out of This Place, a nifty neo-noir about a group of Texas teens (Mackenzie Davis, Logan Huffman, Jeremy Allen White) from a dead-end town who find themselves over their...
- 11/10/2013
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Election Day is just around the corner, and depending on your view of the current state of The Republic, you can look at that day in one of two ways:
It’s a national celebration of history’s greatest, most successful democracy, demonstrating our ability to freely choose our leadership and peacefully see the baton of power passed to the next man;
Or –
It’s a national embarrassment, history’s greatest, most successful democracy squandering it’s hard-won freedoms in a campaign for leadership poisoned by oversimplification, appeals to gut-level fears rather than the intellect, claims and charges plagued by inflation, distortion, and outright falsehood, and warped and distorted by the infusion of tens of millions of dollars from vested interests.
Either way, we still have to get through the day.
So, for those of you who just want to pull the shades and wait for the noise to die down,...
It’s a national celebration of history’s greatest, most successful democracy, demonstrating our ability to freely choose our leadership and peacefully see the baton of power passed to the next man;
Or –
It’s a national embarrassment, history’s greatest, most successful democracy squandering it’s hard-won freedoms in a campaign for leadership poisoned by oversimplification, appeals to gut-level fears rather than the intellect, claims and charges plagued by inflation, distortion, and outright falsehood, and warped and distorted by the infusion of tens of millions of dollars from vested interests.
Either way, we still have to get through the day.
So, for those of you who just want to pull the shades and wait for the noise to die down,...
- 11/2/2012
- by Bill Mesce
- SoundOnSight
Martin Sheen is a treasure. Now 71 years of age, it's impossible to look at him and not think of Kit, the polite murderer he played in Terrence Malick's Badlands, or Willard, the military assassin in Francis Coppola's Apocalypse Now, or the creep who menaced Jodie Foster in The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane, or his performances in memorable movies made directly for television (The Execution of Private Slovik, The California Kid, The Missiles of October). He was charm and evil incarnate in David Cronenberg's The Dead Zone. When he returned to television as President Jed Bartlet in The West Wing, he left another mark as the kind of political leader who everyone dreams existed in real life. And he was a vital...
- 10/6/2011
- Screen Anarchy
Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra have hit the headlines from beyond the grave - newly released FBI records allege the trio enjoyed "wild sex parties" with assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy and his two brothers.
A declassified memo from July 12,1965 was released on Monday, June 14 and the note claims New York resident Jacqueline Hammond was in possession of "considerable information concerning sex parties" at Manhattan's fabled Carlyle Hotel. Hammond claimed the alleged romps involved late icon Monroe, the former The Rat Pack singers, Kennedy and his two brothers, former U.S. Senators Edward and Robert Kennedy, and the leader's brother-in-law, late actor Peter Lawford.
It is unclear how Hammond knew about the alleged events. The files detail the extraordinary life of Edward Kennedy, who lost his battle with brain cancer last August, aged 77. It also includes a report of several death threats made against the...
A declassified memo from July 12,1965 was released on Monday, June 14 and the note claims New York resident Jacqueline Hammond was in possession of "considerable information concerning sex parties" at Manhattan's fabled Carlyle Hotel. Hammond claimed the alleged romps involved late icon Monroe, the former The Rat Pack singers, Kennedy and his two brothers, former U.S. Senators Edward and Robert Kennedy, and the leader's brother-in-law, late actor Peter Lawford.
It is unclear how Hammond knew about the alleged events. The files detail the extraordinary life of Edward Kennedy, who lost his battle with brain cancer last August, aged 77. It also includes a report of several death threats made against the...
- 6/16/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
FBI Opens Kennedy File, Alleges 'Wild Sex Parties' With Monroe
Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra have hit the headlines from beyond the grave - newly released FBI records allege the trio enjoyed "wild sex parties" with assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy and his two brothers.
A declassified memo from 12 July,1965 was released on Monday and the note claims New York resident Jacqueline Hammond was in possession of "considerable information concerning sex parties" at Manhattan's fabled Carlyle Hotel.
Hammond claimed the alleged romps involved late icon Monroe, the former Rat Pack singers, Kennedy and his two brothers, former U.S. Senators Edward and Robert Kennedy, and the leader's brother-in-law, late actor Peter Lawford.
It is unclear how Hammond knew about the alleged events.
The files detail the extraordinary life of Edward Kennedy, who lost his battle with brain cancer last August, aged 77.
It also includes a report of several death threats made against the politician five years after his failed run for the presidency in 1980, following the assassinations of his older brothers, John and Robert.
Monroe's alleged affair with JFK has long been a topic of interest, amid speculation the pair enjoyed a fling before his death in 1963.
The infamous Kennedy dynasty has been immortalised on screen for decades, including Martin Sheen's portrayal of Robert Kennedy in 1974 TV movie The Missiles of October, 1990 TV miniseries The Kennedys of Massachusetts, and the star-studded 2006 movie, Bobby.
A declassified memo from 12 July,1965 was released on Monday and the note claims New York resident Jacqueline Hammond was in possession of "considerable information concerning sex parties" at Manhattan's fabled Carlyle Hotel.
Hammond claimed the alleged romps involved late icon Monroe, the former Rat Pack singers, Kennedy and his two brothers, former U.S. Senators Edward and Robert Kennedy, and the leader's brother-in-law, late actor Peter Lawford.
It is unclear how Hammond knew about the alleged events.
The files detail the extraordinary life of Edward Kennedy, who lost his battle with brain cancer last August, aged 77.
It also includes a report of several death threats made against the politician five years after his failed run for the presidency in 1980, following the assassinations of his older brothers, John and Robert.
Monroe's alleged affair with JFK has long been a topic of interest, amid speculation the pair enjoyed a fling before his death in 1963.
The infamous Kennedy dynasty has been immortalised on screen for decades, including Martin Sheen's portrayal of Robert Kennedy in 1974 TV movie The Missiles of October, 1990 TV miniseries The Kennedys of Massachusetts, and the star-studded 2006 movie, Bobby.
- 6/15/2010
- WENN
Matt Damon is feeling the pressure of playing tragic U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy in a forthcoming biopic, because the role comes with "a lot of responsibility". Damon is in talks to play the politician who was assassinated in 1968, just five years after his brother President John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas, Texas.
The movie will be directed by Seabiscuit helmer Gary Ross, and based on Evan Thomas' biography of Kennedy, titled "His Life". Damon has confirmed he'll take the starring role if he likes the script, but admits he's intimidated by the prospect of playing Kennedy.
He says, "Well I don't know that I can (play him well). It's part of the challenge, but I'm pretty confident I could do it. It would be a lot of research and time put in. Where I come from, he's a pretty important person and it's a lot...
The movie will be directed by Seabiscuit helmer Gary Ross, and based on Evan Thomas' biography of Kennedy, titled "His Life". Damon has confirmed he'll take the starring role if he likes the script, but admits he's intimidated by the prospect of playing Kennedy.
He says, "Well I don't know that I can (play him well). It's part of the challenge, but I'm pretty confident I could do it. It would be a lot of research and time put in. Where I come from, he's a pretty important person and it's a lot...
- 3/11/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Damon: "Rfk Role Is A Big Responsibility'
Matt Damon is feeling the pressure of playing tragic U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy in a forthcoming biopic, because the role comes with "a lot of responsibility".
Damon is in talks to play the politician who was assassinated in 1968, just five years after his brother President John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas, Texas.
The movie will be directed by Seabiscuit helmer Gary Ross, and based on Evan Thomas' biography of Kennedy, titled His Life.
Damon has confirmed he'll take the starring role if he likes the script, but admits he's intimidated by the prospect of playing Kennedy.
He says, "Well I dont know that I can (play him well). It's part of the challenge, but I'm pretty confident I could do it. It would be a lot of research and time put in. Where I come from, he's a pretty important person and it's a lot of responsibility... the script comes in in a few weeks and hopefully (it's) a good script."
Kennedy has previously been portrayed on screen by Martin Sheen in 1974 TV movie The Missiles of October, by Casey Affleck in The Kennedys of Massachusetts, and more recently by Dave Fraunces in 2006's Bobby.
Damon is in talks to play the politician who was assassinated in 1968, just five years after his brother President John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas, Texas.
The movie will be directed by Seabiscuit helmer Gary Ross, and based on Evan Thomas' biography of Kennedy, titled His Life.
Damon has confirmed he'll take the starring role if he likes the script, but admits he's intimidated by the prospect of playing Kennedy.
He says, "Well I dont know that I can (play him well). It's part of the challenge, but I'm pretty confident I could do it. It would be a lot of research and time put in. Where I come from, he's a pretty important person and it's a lot of responsibility... the script comes in in a few weeks and hopefully (it's) a good script."
Kennedy has previously been portrayed on screen by Martin Sheen in 1974 TV movie The Missiles of October, by Casey Affleck in The Kennedys of Massachusetts, and more recently by Dave Fraunces in 2006's Bobby.
- 3/10/2010
- WENN
The La Times recently reported James Cameron approached both Jake Gyllenhaal and Matt Damon for the lead role in his now-historic Avatar.
“I don’t think they ever had a problem with the CG… I had my heart set on Sam [Worthington, who ultimately got the role of Jake Sully]. Maybe they sensed my lack of 100% commitment from me. Maybe it was the subject matter…They’re both serious actors.”
Serious, huh? So lets ignore the anomaly that is Gyllenhaal in the Prince of Persia and turn our attention to Damon. Just what did Jason Bourne turn down the action-packed Avatar for?
An opportunity to play John F Kennedy’s younger brother Robert in Gary Ross’s new biopic.
Ross’s deal with New Regency has Damon positioned to sign on as the lead provided he likes the script. Since Eastern Promises’ Steven Knight has agreed to write, adapting Evan Thomas’ Kennedy Biography His Life, this qualification seems like a non-issue.
“I don’t think they ever had a problem with the CG… I had my heart set on Sam [Worthington, who ultimately got the role of Jake Sully]. Maybe they sensed my lack of 100% commitment from me. Maybe it was the subject matter…They’re both serious actors.”
Serious, huh? So lets ignore the anomaly that is Gyllenhaal in the Prince of Persia and turn our attention to Damon. Just what did Jason Bourne turn down the action-packed Avatar for?
An opportunity to play John F Kennedy’s younger brother Robert in Gary Ross’s new biopic.
Ross’s deal with New Regency has Damon positioned to sign on as the lead provided he likes the script. Since Eastern Promises’ Steven Knight has agreed to write, adapting Evan Thomas’ Kennedy Biography His Life, this qualification seems like a non-issue.
- 2/26/2010
- by jyates
- Atomic Popcorn
Stepping out for a promotional appearance, Matt Damon was spotted at the premiere of his new flick “Green Zone” in New York City last night (February 25).
The “Bourne Identity” actor looked dapper as he arrived at Loews Lincoln Square, sporting a dark suit with a blue shirt, polka-dotted tie, and a mustache that he’s growing for an upcoming role.
According to a report, Mr. Damon has signed on to play Senator Robert Kennedy in a new film about the slain politician.
Matt will follow in the footsteps of actors Martin Sheen (The Missiles of October) and Casey Affleck (The Kennedys of Massachusetts), who have both portrayed Kennedy.
The “Bourne Identity” actor looked dapper as he arrived at Loews Lincoln Square, sporting a dark suit with a blue shirt, polka-dotted tie, and a mustache that he’s growing for an upcoming role.
According to a report, Mr. Damon has signed on to play Senator Robert Kennedy in a new film about the slain politician.
Matt will follow in the footsteps of actors Martin Sheen (The Missiles of October) and Casey Affleck (The Kennedys of Massachusetts), who have both portrayed Kennedy.
- 2/26/2010
- GossipCenter
Matt Damon is in talks to star in a new biopic of Robert F. Kennedy with Gary Ross of “Seabiscuit” directing and Steven Knight of “Eastern Promises” writing the script. Deadline Hollywood is reporting that the movie, based on the Evan Thomas biography ‘His Life,’ will delve deep into Rfk's life during his younger days right up until the day he was assassinated in 1968. Although it is not clear, it is assumed that Damon will play Rfk. This movie would follow Emilio Estevez’ biography” Bobby,” which was released in 2006, and did very well in the box office. The whole movie took place on the day the younger Kennedy was shot and it mainly focused on the people around him. Fleming also reports that Chris Columbus and his 1492 Pictures team are working on a movie focused on Kennedy's presidential campaign, called “The Last Campaign.” Other movie stars that have played Rfk...
- 2/25/2010
- IrishCentral
Damon Lands Kennedy Role
Matt Damon is preparing to follow in the footsteps of stars including Casey Affleck and Martin Sheen by playing tragic U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
The actor is in talks to star in a new biopic about the politician, who was assassinated in 1968, just five years after his brother President John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas, Texas.
Kennedy has previously been portrayed on screen by Sheen in 1974 TV movie The Missiles of October, by Affleck in The Kennedys of Massachusetts, and more recently by Dave Fraunces in 2006's Bobby.
Now Damon is considering tackling the role in the untitled project with Seabiscuit director Gary Ross, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily.
The website reports the movie will be based on Evan Thomas' biography of Kennedy, titled His Life, and Damon will only sign the contract after he has approved the script.
The actor is in talks to star in a new biopic about the politician, who was assassinated in 1968, just five years after his brother President John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas, Texas.
Kennedy has previously been portrayed on screen by Sheen in 1974 TV movie The Missiles of October, by Affleck in The Kennedys of Massachusetts, and more recently by Dave Fraunces in 2006's Bobby.
Now Damon is considering tackling the role in the untitled project with Seabiscuit director Gary Ross, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily.
The website reports the movie will be based on Evan Thomas' biography of Kennedy, titled His Life, and Damon will only sign the contract after he has approved the script.
- 2/24/2010
- WENN
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