Welcome to Better Know a Guest, your weekly guide to the wonderful and diverse array of personalities appearing on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ each week.
Welcome back, Hubsters! After two weeks off, the #ColbertVacation is officially over. “The Late Show” has returned from its hiatus to bring us brand new exhilarating shows. Hopefully, Stephen and the crew are well rested and raring to go! Our summer evenings will once again be filled with laughter, courtesy of Stephen Colbert.
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section. Donʼt forget to take our weekly poll!
In The News: A great deal happened in the past two weeks. All eyes watched as the best athletes in the world competed in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio. The United States took home the most medals – a total of 121. Congratulations to all of the winners from every country.
Donald Trump had a shake up in his campaign when his manager, Paul Manafort, resigned. Trump has now appointed two new leaders who are destined to make America great again: Stephen Bannon, who runs the conservative outlet Breitbart News and Kellyanne Conway, a Republican strategist and pollster. What a pair!
The late night landscape underwent a change as “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” was cancelled after 20 months of being on the air. Wilmore gave a much needed voice to minorities who are underrepresented. His brand of political satire will be greatly missed. Jon Stewart appeared on Wilmore’s final show and highly praised his work. Stephen and “The Late Show” team sent Wilmore a perfect parting gift.
Monday, August 22nd (2016)
Amy Schumer (Author – “The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo”)
Amy Schumer is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actress, and producer. She is the creator, co-producer, co-writer, and star of the sketch comedy series “Inside Amy Schumer,” which received a Peabody Award in 2014 and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series in 2015. This year the series received four Primetime Emmy nominations for the upcoming award ceremony in September, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Schumer. She wrote and starred in the hit film “Trainwreck” alongside Bill Hader. Schumer has received high praise for the subversive feminism of her comedy and for cleverly addressing various social issues. Schumer can now add “author” to her list of many talents. Her new book, “The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo,” is a humorous collection of personal and observational essays. “Readers will laugh and cry, and may put the book down from moments of honesty that result in uncomfortable realistic details from her life. More important, the essays challenge readers to harness their own stories and rest in the fact that they’re good enough,” raves The Washington Post. And Entertainment Weekly reports, “But on the whole, this book is far less a portable joke factory than it is a real, deep dive into Schumer’s life, and what it’s like to be an imperfect woman and content and proud of yourself despite that.”
Omari Hardwick (Actor – “Power“)
Omari Hardwick is an American actor, producer, and poet known for his roles on the TV shows “Saved,” “Dark Blue,” and “Being Mary Jane.” His film credits include Spike Lee’s “Miracle at St. Anna,” “The A-Team,” “Kick-Ass,” and “For Colored Girls.” On Wednesday, Hardwick will introduce a limited edition T-shirt designed and inspired by his passion to end domestic violence. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will directly benefit victims of domestic violence. Hardwick currently stars as James “Ghost” St. Patrick on Starz’s crime drama TV series “Power.” The Wall Street Journal writes, “‘Power’ is a frightening but easy-to-get-sucked-into fable about those last two paths to financial success [drug dealing and nightclubs].” And Newsday reports, “A series that can still be occasionally talky and turgid…. Hardwick’s the better and smoother actor, and certainly the more appealing one.” Currently in its third season, “Power” airs Sundays at 9:00PM EST on Starz.
Michaela Watkins (Actress – “Casual“)
Michaela Watkins is an American actress and comedian best known for starring in the Hulu series “Casual” and on the short-lived ABC sitcom “Trophy Wife.” She had recurring roles on TV shows including “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Enlightened,” and “Transparent,” and also spent a season as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 2008 to 2009. On “Casual” she stars as Valerie, a successful therapist divorcing her husband after finding him with a younger woman. “‘Casual’ may seem like another snarky commentary on modern romance, but its dirty little secret, and the reason it more than sustains itself in a second season (and, Hulu willing, many more to come), is that the main characters quixotically believe they can fix themselves,” raves The San Francisco Chronicle. And The Hollywood Reporter writes, “Season two proves emphatically (having seen six of the 10) that the first was no fluke.” Currently in its second season, “Casual” streams Tuesdays on Hulu.
Tuesday, August 23rd (2016)
Rami Malek (Actor – “Mr. Robot“)
Rami Malek is an American actor best known for the lead role in the critically acclaimed USA Network television series “Mr. Robot,” for which he won a Critics’ Choice Award. His film credits include the “Night at the Museum” trilogy, “The Master,” and “Short Term 12.” On “Mr. Robot,” Malek stars as Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who suffers from social anxiety disorder and clinical depression. “Mr. Robot” won the 2016 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Drama Series and was recognized with a Peabody Award. This year the series received six Primetime Emmy nominations for the upcoming award ceremony in September, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Malek. “The show’s centerpiece remains Malek’s mesmerizing turn as Elliot, as well as his chemistry with Slater‘s Mr. Robot. Excavating that much emotion from deadpan narration is a tough gig, but Malek continues to find new shades of neutral both in voiceover and in his scenes,” raves The Wrap. And The Los Angeles Times proclaims, “It is striking more for its form than its contents, which are familiar. … But it looks and feels like nothing else on TV.” “Mr. Robot” airs Wednesdays at 10:00PM EST on USA Network.
Tika Sumpter & Parker Sawyer (Actors – “Southside With You”)
Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyer play Michelle Obama and Barack Obama, respectively, in the upcoming American romantic comedy-drama film, “Southside With You.” Young associate Barack Obama tries to win the heart of a young lawyer, Michelle Robinson, in Chicago in 1989. On their first date, they visit the Art Institute of Chicago, view a screening of Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” and have their first kiss outside an ice cream parlor. The film had its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. It is written and directed by Richard Tanne, in his feature film directorial debut. The New York Daily News proclaims, “What makes ‘Southside With You’ work so beautifully is that it could be a romantic comedy about two strangers, but because the characters are based on two people we feel we know pretty well, it adds another layer to the unfolding relationship drama.” And Variety raves, “Richard Tanne’s writing-directing debut deepens into a pointed, flowing conversation about the many challenges (and varieties) of African-American identity, the need for both idealism and compromise, and the importance of making peace with past disappointments in order to effect meaningful change in the future.” “Southside With You” opens in US theaters on August 26th.
Diana Gordon (Single – “The Legend Of”)
Diana Gordon, better known by her former stage name Wynter Gordon, is an American singer-songwriter. In April, Beyoncé released her sixth album, “Lemonade,” featuring several tracks which Wynter Gordon received a writing and producing credit. In July, Gordon announced that she would no longer use the stage name Wynter Gordon. Instead, she will use her birth name, Diana. On July 25th, Gordon released “The Legend Of,” her first single under her own name. A Bit of Pop Music writes, “Her new single ‘The Legend Of’ pretty much sums up where she stands in life right now, coming to terms with the successes and lessons she had along the way.” And Entertainment Weekly states, “’The Legend Of’ synthesizes soulful vocal harmonies and skittering drum beats in ways similar to Beyoncé’s recent work.” “The Legend Of” MP3 is available now.
Wednesday, August 24th (2016)
Anderson Cooper (Host – “Anderson Cooper 360°”)
Anderson Cooper is an American journalist, author, and television personality. He is the primary anchor of the CNN news show “Anderson Cooper 360°.” The program broadcasts live from its New York City studio; however, Cooper often broadcasts live on location for breaking news stories. He is also a major correspondent for “60 Minutes” on CBS. In April, Anderson released his book “The Rainbow Comes and Goes,” a touching and intimate correspondence between Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, which has become a #1 New York Times Bestseller. In July, Cooper covered the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. During the week of the DNC, “Anderson Cooper 360°” averaged 3.68 million viewers a night, making Cooper’s weekly ratings average higher than those of Bill O’Reilly and Megyn Kelly for the first time in his career. “Anderson Cooper 360°” airs weekdays at 8:00PM EST on CNN.
Édgar Ramirez (Actor – “Hands of Stone”)
Édgar Ramírez is a Venezuelan actor whose film credits include “Zero Dark Thirty,” “The Counselor,” “The Libertador,” and “Joy.” Ramírez now stars as legendary boxer Roberto Durán in the upcoming biographical sports film “Hands of Stone.” Robert DeNiro plays Durán’s equally legendary trainer Ray Arcel. The film premiered at The Cannes Film Festival in May. “‘Hands of Stone’ is far from perfect, but it punches above its weight enough to prevent it from being easily dismissed,” writes The Hollywood Reporter. And Screen International states, “‘Hands Of Stone’ tests how far a film can go solely on heart, and in this case, it turns out to be just enough to overcome biopic conventionality.” “Hands of Stone” opens in US theaters on August 26th.
Kip Moore (Album – “Wild Ones”)
Kip Moore is an American country music singer-songwriter signed to MCA Nashville. His latest album, released last year, is “Wild Ones.” PopMatters reports, “If you’re looking for something to break totally out of the rock-ready bro country mold, ‘Wild Ones’ most certainly isn’t your bag. If you’re looking for something catchy, and somewhat more relatable than other offerings within the same expanse, than you’ve found just what you’ve needed.” And Entertainment Weekly writes, “Moore hasn’t ditched his country roots entirely, but it’s the burn-the-barn-down stompers like ‘Come and Get It’ that stick.” Moore is currently touring the US headlining the “Me and My Kind” tour.
Thursday, August 25th (2016)
Senator Tim Kaine (Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee)
Tim Kaine is an American attorney and politician serving as a United States Senator from Virginia. On July 22, 2016, Hillary Clinton announced that she had selected Kaine to be her vice presidential running mate in the 2016 presidential election, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention nominated him on July 27th. Kaine has helped people throughout his life as a missionary, civil rights lawyer, teacher, and elected official. He is one of 30 people in American history to have served as a Mayor, Governor, and United States Senator. Kaine supports a comprehensive approach to curb gun violence which includes expanding mental health services, background record checks prior to gun purchases, and responsible limits on combat-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. On the environment, land conservation has long been one of Kaine’s top priorities. When it comes to health care, Kaine supports the Affordable Care Act and is pro-choice. Kaine has been a strong advocate for reproductive health and rights, equal pay for equal work, paid family leave, and access to family planning services. He encouraged the House of Representatives to take action on immigration reform to fix the broken system and give millions of families an earned pathway to citizenship. As Governor, Kaine promoted equal protection by banning discrimination against state employees on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, veteran status, or disability. Kaine plays the harmonica with bluegrass bands throughout Virginia. Tim Kaine is currently on the campaign trail, visiting numerous cities and towns throughout the United States.
Tony Hale (Actor – “Yoga Hosers”)
Tony Hale is an American actor best known for his role in the comedy series “Arrested Development” as the neurotic Buster Bluth. He currently plays Gary Walsh, the sycophantic personal aide to the Vice President of the United States on the HBO comedy “Veep,” for which he won the 2013 and 2015 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He is once again nominated in the same category for “Veep” in the upcoming 2016 Emmy Awards. Hale’s latest film is “Yoga Hosers,” a horror comedy film written and directed by Kevin Smith. Two 15-year-old yoga enthusiasts join forces with a legendary man-hunter (played by Johnny Depp) to battle Canadian Nazis who take the form of deadly sausages. Hale plays the father of one of the yoga enthusiasts. “‘Yoga Hosers’ is a movie that feels like it was more fun to make than to watch,” writes Screen International. And New York Magazine states, “‘Yoga Hosers’ is the best film Kevin Smith has made in a long time, which admittedly isn’t saying much. But this new cult comedy-thriller may well represent a turning point for the writer-director.” “Yoga Hosers” opens in US theaters on September 2nd.
Car Seat Headrest (Album – “Teens of Denial“)
Car Seat Headrest is an American indie rock band that began as a solo recording project in 2010 by Will Toledo. They are currently on tour presenting material from their latest album “Tears of Denial” as a full band. “That exercise in tension and release, repeated throughout the record, is essential to ʻTeens Of Denialʼsʼ blistering greatness. The distortion-laden songs on ʻTeens Of Denialʼ build and soar, often repeatedly within a few minutes,” rave The AV Club. And Pitchfork proclaims, “More important than this deft lyrical touch, though, is his ability to display it within a musically engaging song. Unlike some indie-rock songwriters, Toledo’s lyrics don’t just sit on the page. The choruses don’t arrive at the expected moments or follow traditional shapes, but they hit hard nonetheless.”
Friday, August 26th (2016)
Rachel Weisz (Actress – “Complete Unknown”)
Rachel Weisz is an English film and theater actress, as well as a former fashion model. Her film credits include “The Mummy,” “About A Boy,” “Youth,” “The Lobster,” and “The Constant Gardner,” for which she received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors’ Guild Award. Weisz’s latest film, “Complete Unknown,” is directed and co-written by Joshua Marston. While hosting a birthday party with his wife, a man is startled to recognize a woman (played by Weisz) from his past. Going by a new name, she initially denies knowing him, but she later complicates the couple’s life. “Refreshingly, there is no clichéd love story or illicit thriller that emerges; Marston is pursuing ideas that are far more personal and philosophical, about the masquerade of identity and what it means to that identity when you make a significant change in your life,” writes Screen International. And Variety proclaims, “Luxuriously conversational in structure, it would make an outstanding stage play, and the two stars play it with chamber-piece rigor.” “Complete Unknown” opens in US theaters on August 26th.
Kevin Smith (Actor – “Yoga Hosers”)
Kevin Smith is an American filmmaker, actor, comedian, public speaker, comic book writer, author, and podcaster. He has directed and starred (as the character Silent Bob) in “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Smith wrote, directed, and stars in the upcoming horror comedy film “Yoga Hosers,” in which two 15-year-old yoga enthusiasts join forces with a legendary man-hunter (played by Johnny Depp) to battle Canadian Nazis who take the form of deadly sausages. “ʻYoga Hosersʼ is a movie that feels like it was more fun to make than to watch,” writes Screen International. And New York Magazine states, “ʻYoga Hosersʼ is the best film Kevin Smith has made in a long time, which admittedly isnʼt saying much. But this new cult comedy-thriller may well represent a turning point for the writer-director.” “Yoga Hosers” opens in US theaters on September 2nd.
Spike Feresten (Host – “Car Matchmaker with Spike Feresten”)
Spike Feresten is an American television writer, screenwriter, comedian, and television personality, who is best known for hosting the late night “Talkshow with Spike Feresten” from 2006 to 2009 on Fox. Feresten wrote for “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Simpsons,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Dana Carvey Show,” in which Stephen Colbert was a cast member. Feresten currently hosts “Car Matchmaker with Spike Feresten.” In each half-hour episode of the series, Feresten finds someone who needs a car, gets to know the person, and uses his car knowledge and instincts to find three vehicles that he thinks suit the buyer, who – in turn – chooses one of the three options by the end of the episode. “Absolutely for car fantasists, and fanatics, but also for those who may want to learn just a little more about the celebrities behind the wheels. (And the host does know his stuff),” proclaims Newsday. Currently in its third season, “Car Matchmaker with Spike Feresten” airs Wednesdays at 9:00PM EST on Esquire Network.
Better Know a Guest – August 22 – 26, 2016
Welcome back, Hubsters! After two weeks off, the #ColbertVacation is officially over. “The Late Show” has returned from its hiatus to bring us brand new exhilarating shows. Hopefully, Stephen and the crew are well rested and raring to go! Our summer evenings will once again be filled with laughter, courtesy of Stephen Colbert.
Which guest(s) are you looking forward to? Join in the conversation and let us know in the comment section. Donʼt forget to take our weekly poll!
In The News: A great deal happened in the past two weeks. All eyes watched as the best athletes in the world competed in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio. The United States took home the most medals – a total of 121. Congratulations to all of the winners from every country.
Donald Trump had a shake up in his campaign when his manager, Paul Manafort, resigned. Trump has now appointed two new leaders who are destined to make America great again: Stephen Bannon, who runs the conservative outlet Breitbart News and Kellyanne Conway, a Republican strategist and pollster. What a pair!
The late night landscape underwent a change as “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” was cancelled after 20 months of being on the air. Wilmore gave a much needed voice to minorities who are underrepresented. His brand of political satire will be greatly missed. Jon Stewart appeared on Wilmore’s final show and highly praised his work. Stephen and “The Late Show” team sent Wilmore a perfect parting gift.
Monday, August 22nd (2016)
Amy Schumer (Author – “The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo”)
Amy Schumer is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actress, and producer. She is the creator, co-producer, co-writer, and star of the sketch comedy series “Inside Amy Schumer,” which received a Peabody Award in 2014 and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series in 2015. This year the series received four Primetime Emmy nominations for the upcoming award ceremony in September, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Schumer. She wrote and starred in the hit film “Trainwreck” alongside Bill Hader. Schumer has received high praise for the subversive feminism of her comedy and for cleverly addressing various social issues. Schumer can now add “author” to her list of many talents. Her new book, “The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo,” is a humorous collection of personal and observational essays. “Readers will laugh and cry, and may put the book down from moments of honesty that result in uncomfortable realistic details from her life. More important, the essays challenge readers to harness their own stories and rest in the fact that they’re good enough,” raves The Washington Post. And Entertainment Weekly reports, “But on the whole, this book is far less a portable joke factory than it is a real, deep dive into Schumer’s life, and what it’s like to be an imperfect woman and content and proud of yourself despite that.”
Omari Hardwick (Actor – “Power“)
Omari Hardwick is an American actor, producer, and poet known for his roles on the TV shows “Saved,” “Dark Blue,” and “Being Mary Jane.” His film credits include Spike Lee’s “Miracle at St. Anna,” “The A-Team,” “Kick-Ass,” and “For Colored Girls.” On Wednesday, Hardwick will introduce a limited edition T-shirt designed and inspired by his passion to end domestic violence. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will directly benefit victims of domestic violence. Hardwick currently stars as James “Ghost” St. Patrick on Starz’s crime drama TV series “Power.” The Wall Street Journal writes, “‘Power’ is a frightening but easy-to-get-sucked-into fable about those last two paths to financial success [drug dealing and nightclubs].” And Newsday reports, “A series that can still be occasionally talky and turgid…. Hardwick’s the better and smoother actor, and certainly the more appealing one.” Currently in its third season, “Power” airs Sundays at 9:00PM EST on Starz.
Michaela Watkins (Actress – “Casual“)
Michaela Watkins is an American actress and comedian best known for starring in the Hulu series “Casual” and on the short-lived ABC sitcom “Trophy Wife.” She had recurring roles on TV shows including “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Enlightened,” and “Transparent,” and also spent a season as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 2008 to 2009. On “Casual” she stars as Valerie, a successful therapist divorcing her husband after finding him with a younger woman. “‘Casual’ may seem like another snarky commentary on modern romance, but its dirty little secret, and the reason it more than sustains itself in a second season (and, Hulu willing, many more to come), is that the main characters quixotically believe they can fix themselves,” raves The San Francisco Chronicle. And The Hollywood Reporter writes, “Season two proves emphatically (having seen six of the 10) that the first was no fluke.” Currently in its second season, “Casual” streams Tuesdays on Hulu.
Tuesday, August 23rd (2016)
Rami Malek (Actor – “Mr. Robot“)
Rami Malek is an American actor best known for the lead role in the critically acclaimed USA Network television series “Mr. Robot,” for which he won a Critics’ Choice Award. His film credits include the “Night at the Museum” trilogy, “The Master,” and “Short Term 12.” On “Mr. Robot,” Malek stars as Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who suffers from social anxiety disorder and clinical depression. “Mr. Robot” won the 2016 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Drama Series and was recognized with a Peabody Award. This year the series received six Primetime Emmy nominations for the upcoming award ceremony in September, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Malek. “The show’s centerpiece remains Malek’s mesmerizing turn as Elliot, as well as his chemistry with Slater‘s Mr. Robot. Excavating that much emotion from deadpan narration is a tough gig, but Malek continues to find new shades of neutral both in voiceover and in his scenes,” raves The Wrap. And The Los Angeles Times proclaims, “It is striking more for its form than its contents, which are familiar. … But it looks and feels like nothing else on TV.” “Mr. Robot” airs Wednesdays at 10:00PM EST on USA Network.
Tika Sumpter & Parker Sawyer (Actors – “Southside With You”)
Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyer play Michelle Obama and Barack Obama, respectively, in the upcoming American romantic comedy-drama film, “Southside With You.” Young associate Barack Obama tries to win the heart of a young lawyer, Michelle Robinson, in Chicago in 1989. On their first date, they visit the Art Institute of Chicago, view a screening of Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” and have their first kiss outside an ice cream parlor. The film had its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. It is written and directed by Richard Tanne, in his feature film directorial debut. The New York Daily News proclaims, “What makes ‘Southside With You’ work so beautifully is that it could be a romantic comedy about two strangers, but because the characters are based on two people we feel we know pretty well, it adds another layer to the unfolding relationship drama.” And Variety raves, “Richard Tanne’s writing-directing debut deepens into a pointed, flowing conversation about the many challenges (and varieties) of African-American identity, the need for both idealism and compromise, and the importance of making peace with past disappointments in order to effect meaningful change in the future.” “Southside With You” opens in US theaters on August 26th.
Diana Gordon (Single – “The Legend Of”)
Diana Gordon, better known by her former stage name Wynter Gordon, is an American singer-songwriter. In April, Beyoncé released her sixth album, “Lemonade,” featuring several tracks which Wynter Gordon received a writing and producing credit. In July, Gordon announced that she would no longer use the stage name Wynter Gordon. Instead, she will use her birth name, Diana. On July 25th, Gordon released “The Legend Of,” her first single under her own name. A Bit of Pop Music writes, “Her new single ‘The Legend Of’ pretty much sums up where she stands in life right now, coming to terms with the successes and lessons she had along the way.” And Entertainment Weekly states, “’The Legend Of’ synthesizes soulful vocal harmonies and skittering drum beats in ways similar to Beyoncé’s recent work.” “The Legend Of” MP3 is available now.
Wednesday, August 24th (2016)
Anderson Cooper (Host – “Anderson Cooper 360°”)
Anderson Cooper is an American journalist, author, and television personality. He is the primary anchor of the CNN news show “Anderson Cooper 360°.” The program broadcasts live from its New York City studio; however, Cooper often broadcasts live on location for breaking news stories. He is also a major correspondent for “60 Minutes” on CBS. In April, Anderson released his book “The Rainbow Comes and Goes,” a touching and intimate correspondence between Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, which has become a #1 New York Times Bestseller. In July, Cooper covered the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. During the week of the DNC, “Anderson Cooper 360°” averaged 3.68 million viewers a night, making Cooper’s weekly ratings average higher than those of Bill O’Reilly and Megyn Kelly for the first time in his career. “Anderson Cooper 360°” airs weekdays at 8:00PM EST on CNN.
Édgar Ramirez (Actor – “Hands of Stone”)
Édgar Ramírez is a Venezuelan actor whose film credits include “Zero Dark Thirty,” “The Counselor,” “The Libertador,” and “Joy.” Ramírez now stars as legendary boxer Roberto Durán in the upcoming biographical sports film “Hands of Stone.” Robert DeNiro plays Durán’s equally legendary trainer Ray Arcel. The film premiered at The Cannes Film Festival in May. “‘Hands of Stone’ is far from perfect, but it punches above its weight enough to prevent it from being easily dismissed,” writes The Hollywood Reporter. And Screen International states, “‘Hands Of Stone’ tests how far a film can go solely on heart, and in this case, it turns out to be just enough to overcome biopic conventionality.” “Hands of Stone” opens in US theaters on August 26th.
Kip Moore (Album – “Wild Ones”)
Kip Moore is an American country music singer-songwriter signed to MCA Nashville. His latest album, released last year, is “Wild Ones.” PopMatters reports, “If you’re looking for something to break totally out of the rock-ready bro country mold, ‘Wild Ones’ most certainly isn’t your bag. If you’re looking for something catchy, and somewhat more relatable than other offerings within the same expanse, than you’ve found just what you’ve needed.” And Entertainment Weekly writes, “Moore hasn’t ditched his country roots entirely, but it’s the burn-the-barn-down stompers like ‘Come and Get It’ that stick.” Moore is currently touring the US headlining the “Me and My Kind” tour.
Thursday, August 25th (2016)
Senator Tim Kaine (Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee)
Tim Kaine is an American attorney and politician serving as a United States Senator from Virginia. On July 22, 2016, Hillary Clinton announced that she had selected Kaine to be her vice presidential running mate in the 2016 presidential election, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention nominated him on July 27th. Kaine has helped people throughout his life as a missionary, civil rights lawyer, teacher, and elected official. He is one of 30 people in American history to have served as a Mayor, Governor, and United States Senator. Kaine supports a comprehensive approach to curb gun violence which includes expanding mental health services, background record checks prior to gun purchases, and responsible limits on combat-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. On the environment, land conservation has long been one of Kaine’s top priorities. When it comes to health care, Kaine supports the Affordable Care Act and is pro-choice. Kaine has been a strong advocate for reproductive health and rights, equal pay for equal work, paid family leave, and access to family planning services. He encouraged the House of Representatives to take action on immigration reform to fix the broken system and give millions of families an earned pathway to citizenship. As Governor, Kaine promoted equal protection by banning discrimination against state employees on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, veteran status, or disability. Kaine plays the harmonica with bluegrass bands throughout Virginia. Tim Kaine is currently on the campaign trail, visiting numerous cities and towns throughout the United States.
Tony Hale (Actor – “Yoga Hosers”)
Tony Hale is an American actor best known for his role in the comedy series “Arrested Development” as the neurotic Buster Bluth. He currently plays Gary Walsh, the sycophantic personal aide to the Vice President of the United States on the HBO comedy “Veep,” for which he won the 2013 and 2015 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He is once again nominated in the same category for “Veep” in the upcoming 2016 Emmy Awards. Hale’s latest film is “Yoga Hosers,” a horror comedy film written and directed by Kevin Smith. Two 15-year-old yoga enthusiasts join forces with a legendary man-hunter (played by Johnny Depp) to battle Canadian Nazis who take the form of deadly sausages. Hale plays the father of one of the yoga enthusiasts. “‘Yoga Hosers’ is a movie that feels like it was more fun to make than to watch,” writes Screen International. And New York Magazine states, “‘Yoga Hosers’ is the best film Kevin Smith has made in a long time, which admittedly isn’t saying much. But this new cult comedy-thriller may well represent a turning point for the writer-director.” “Yoga Hosers” opens in US theaters on September 2nd.
Car Seat Headrest (Album – “Teens of Denial“)
Car Seat Headrest is an American indie rock band that began as a solo recording project in 2010 by Will Toledo. They are currently on tour presenting material from their latest album “Tears of Denial” as a full band. “That exercise in tension and release, repeated throughout the record, is essential to ʻTeens Of Denialʼsʼ blistering greatness. The distortion-laden songs on ʻTeens Of Denialʼ build and soar, often repeatedly within a few minutes,” rave The AV Club. And Pitchfork proclaims, “More important than this deft lyrical touch, though, is his ability to display it within a musically engaging song. Unlike some indie-rock songwriters, Toledo’s lyrics don’t just sit on the page. The choruses don’t arrive at the expected moments or follow traditional shapes, but they hit hard nonetheless.”
Friday, August 26th (2016)
Rachel Weisz (Actress – “Complete Unknown”)
Rachel Weisz is an English film and theater actress, as well as a former fashion model. Her film credits include “The Mummy,” “About A Boy,” “Youth,” “The Lobster,” and “The Constant Gardner,” for which she received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors’ Guild Award. Weisz’s latest film, “Complete Unknown,” is directed and co-written by Joshua Marston. While hosting a birthday party with his wife, a man is startled to recognize a woman (played by Weisz) from his past. Going by a new name, she initially denies knowing him, but she later complicates the couple’s life. “Refreshingly, there is no clichéd love story or illicit thriller that emerges; Marston is pursuing ideas that are far more personal and philosophical, about the masquerade of identity and what it means to that identity when you make a significant change in your life,” writes Screen International. And Variety proclaims, “Luxuriously conversational in structure, it would make an outstanding stage play, and the two stars play it with chamber-piece rigor.” “Complete Unknown” opens in US theaters on August 26th.
Kevin Smith (Actor – “Yoga Hosers”)
Kevin Smith is an American filmmaker, actor, comedian, public speaker, comic book writer, author, and podcaster. He has directed and starred (as the character Silent Bob) in “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Smith wrote, directed, and stars in the upcoming horror comedy film “Yoga Hosers,” in which two 15-year-old yoga enthusiasts join forces with a legendary man-hunter (played by Johnny Depp) to battle Canadian Nazis who take the form of deadly sausages. “ʻYoga Hosersʼ is a movie that feels like it was more fun to make than to watch,” writes Screen International. And New York Magazine states, “ʻYoga Hosersʼ is the best film Kevin Smith has made in a long time, which admittedly isnʼt saying much. But this new cult comedy-thriller may well represent a turning point for the writer-director.” “Yoga Hosers” opens in US theaters on September 2nd.
Spike Feresten (Host – “Car Matchmaker with Spike Feresten”)
Spike Feresten is an American television writer, screenwriter, comedian, and television personality, who is best known for hosting the late night “Talkshow with Spike Feresten” from 2006 to 2009 on Fox. Feresten wrote for “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Simpsons,” “Seinfeld,” and “The Dana Carvey Show,” in which Stephen Colbert was a cast member. Feresten currently hosts “Car Matchmaker with Spike Feresten.” In each half-hour episode of the series, Feresten finds someone who needs a car, gets to know the person, and uses his car knowledge and instincts to find three vehicles that he thinks suit the buyer, who – in turn – chooses one of the three options by the end of the episode. “Absolutely for car fantasists, and fanatics, but also for those who may want to learn just a little more about the celebrities behind the wheels. (And the host does know his stuff),” proclaims Newsday. Currently in its third season, “Car Matchmaker with Spike Feresten” airs Wednesdays at 9:00PM EST on Esquire Network.