Thursday, August 29, 2024

Carl Weathers Honored Posthumously with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Photo Credit: Luigi Novi, via Wikimedia Commons
Carl Weathers, the actor, former NFL linebacker and singer best known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films and Dillon in “Predator,” was honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today.

Weathers, who passed away on Feb. 2 at the age of 76 from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, became the second recipient of the Sports Entertainment Walk of Fame star, following Michael Strahan’s recognition in 2023.
The ceremony, sponsored by the Las Vegas Raiders, took place on Hollywood Boulevard with entertainment correspondent Sibley Scoles serving as emcee. The event drew an audience that included Raiders alumni Grant Irons, Jim Plunkett, and Phil Villapiano, reflecting Weathers’ connections to both Hollywood and professional sports.

Speakers included Raiders owner Mark Davis, actor LeVar Burton, and Bryce Dallas Howard. Howard, who directed several episodes of “The Mandalorian,” in which Weathers both starred and directed, praised Weathers for his leadership on set.
"He was a feat of expertise and human excellence," Howard said. "Everybody learned from him because he was a natural leader. Wherever he went, people would light up and stand tall."

Weathers’ career spanned four decades, beginning on the football field as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and later in the Canadian Football League. After earning a drama degree, he transitioned to acting and made his mark as Apollo Creed in 1976’s “Rocky,” a role that would define his career. He continued to land action roles throughout the 1980s, starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and leading the action-packed “Action Jackson.”

Though known for his tough-guy roles, Weathers also displayed a gift for comedy. He appeared as Chubbs Peterson in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” (1996) and played a self-parodying version of himself in the cult series “Arrested Development.” More recently, he brought gravitas to his role as Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian,” earning an Emmy nomination for his work.

Beyond his on-screen achievements, Weathers explored his passion for music, releasing the single “That’s Love Calling” in 1981. The song, showcasing his vocal talents, added another layer to his diverse artistic pursuits.

Burton, a longtime friend, remembered Weathers as a man of authenticity and compassion. “Carl was a humanitarian, and I think the best tribute I can pay to him is that he was, in fact, the embodiment of a good man,” Burton said. “In Carl’s presence, you knew he was focused 100 percent on you.”

Reflecting on their time spent at a Los Angeles spa, Burton shared how Weathers embraced every moment with honesty. “Carl had no problem being his authentic self in every single moment,” Burton said. “I think his ability to be authentic was probably his greatest gift, and greatest talent.”

Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, highlighted the significance of Weathers’ contributions to both entertainment and sports. “Carl left an indelible mark on the worlds of sports and entertainment, and it is our honor to immortalize his legacy on our iconic sidewalk,” she said, adding that Weathers had been actively involved in preparing to receive the star before his passing.
Weathers is survived by his two sons. His journey from the football field to the silver screen, marked by iconic roles and a commitment to his craft, has solidified his place as a beloved figure in American culture. With his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Carl Weathers' legacy continues to shine brightly, inspiring new generations through his enduring work in sports, film and music.

Watch the entire ceremony below. 

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Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Liotta's Last Ride: Snoop Dogg's '1992' Hits Theaters Labor Day Weekend

Snoop Dogg is making his mark on the film world as the executive producer of "1992," a gritty crime thriller hitting theaters this Labor Day weekend.

Set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the film features a star-studded cast, including the late Ray Liotta in one of his final performances.

"1992" tells the story of Mercer (Tyrese Gibson), a man freshly released from prison who is desperately trying to rebuild his life and reconnect with his son. Their path crosses with a ruthless crime ring led by Lowell (Liotta), setting the stage for a tense conflict amid the chaos and social unrest of the LA riots.

Reflecting on the film's significance, Snoop Dogg said, "'1992' was a life-changing time for me, from 'Deep Cover' to 'The Chronic.' But as things in my life were coming together, everything in L.A. was falling apart. '1992' is a heist movie that really captures all of that."

The rapper was drawn to the project not only for its powerful story but also for the opportunity to work with director Ariel Vromen and star Tyrese Gibson. "Ariel made an outstanding film that depicts this moment in time. From my first encounter with Tyrese in 'Baby Boy' to the performance in '1992,' I had to be a part of this," Snoop explained. "And it's only fitting that the film come out under Death Row Pictures, as Death Row is synonymous with LA culture in the '90s, ya dig?"

The cast and crew also paid tribute to the legendary Ray Liotta, who passed away in 2022. Gibson, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, described Liotta’s intense dedication to his craft.

"He was mean as hell," Gibson said. "But he was, in my mind, very Method, very focused."

Dylan Arnold, who plays one of Liotta’s sons, spoke about the actor's quiet power on set. "I wouldn’t approach him. I wouldn’t approach the king. I just let him do his thing."

Scott Eastwood, portraying Liotta’s other son, added, "He brought an intensity that really makes you uneasy."

With its exploration of crime, personal struggle, and social upheaval, "1992" aims to offer a compelling portrayal of a pivotal era in LA's history. The film's release on Aug. 30 provides an opportunity to experience the complex narrative crafted by Ariel Vromen and the impactful performances of its cast.

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Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Lil Baby's Legal Troubles Continue with Vegas Gun Arrest

Icebox, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby was arrested Monday night in Las Vegas for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, a felony charge, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Armani Jones, 29, was taken into custody and booked at the Clark County Detention Center. His bail was set at $5,000.

The arrest took place after Lil Baby was reportedly seen at the Encore nightclub, where he was allegedly observed on video being handed a firearm. Nevada law does not recognize concealed carry permits issued in other states, including Georgia, where Lil Baby has a valid permit, according to his attorneys, Drew Findling and David Chesnoff.

“To be clear, Dominique Jones has a valid Georgia Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit. On his behalf, we are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding his arrest in Las Vegas,” the attorneys said in a statement to TMZ.

The arrest comes just one day after Lil Baby was seen in high spirits at Los Angeles Clippers point guard James Harden’s 35th birthday celebration in Hollywood.

Lil Baby, who has 36.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, has a history of legal issues. In 2021, he was arrested in Paris for a marijuana-related charge, and in 2019, he was arrested in Atlanta for failure to signal, eluding police, and reckless driving. His criminal record dates back to 2012, with prior arrests for drug-related charges.

Despite his legal troubles, Lil Baby remains a prominent figure in the music industry. In June, he was named Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. His last full-length album, "It’s Only Me," was released in 2022, featuring collaborations with artists such as Young Thug and Future.
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