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.
An entertaining new week of shows is upon us! We have a variety of impressive actors and actresses, a retired NBA star, producer J.J. Abrams, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the lovely Audra McDonald, and a wonderful assortment of musical guests. Letʼs get this party started!
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!
Monday, March 7th (2016)
Will Arnett (Actor – “Flaked”)
Will Arnett is a Canadian actor best known for his many comedic roles, including George Oscar Bluth II on the Fox series “Arrested Development” and Devon Banks on the NBC series “30 Rock.” Arnett has also had great success as a voice actor, most recently lending his voice to the titular character on the Netflix original animated series “BoJack Horseman.” Arnettʼs latest project is another Netflix original, the comedy series “Flaked.”, which Arnett co-created, produced, and stars as Chip, a self-help guru who needs a decent amount of help himself. In reviewing the series, Variety asks, “Netflix made all eight episodes available of its new series “Flaked,” which answers the nagging question that arises while watching the first chapter of this Will Arnett vehicle, “Is this going to get any better?” The answer is: only marginally, including a few late-in-the-game twists that don’t really do much to enrich the experience. The premium TV world is a magnet for vanity projects, but few are as pointless – or unnecessary – as this one.” “Flaked” will be available for streaming on Netflix on March 11th.
Charles Barkley (Co-Host – “Inside the NBA”)
Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player and current analyst on the television program “Inside the NBA.” During his NBA career he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Houston Rockets. Barkley was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and won two gold medals in the Olympics games – one in 1992 and one in 1996 – as part of the United States “Dream Team.” Since 2000, Barkley has served as a studio analyst for TNT. He appears on the network’s NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows, in addition to special NBA events. “Inside the NBA” is the post-game show for the NBA on TNT, hosted by Ernie Johnson with analysts Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Grant Hill. The show has won nine Emmy Awards, with two for Barkley as a studio analyst.
Max Greenfield (Actor – “Hello, My Name is Doris”)
Max Greenfield is an American actor and film producer. He appeared in recurring roles on “Veronica Mars”, “Ugly Betty”, “Greek”, and co-starred on the WB series “Modern Men.” His film credits include “They Came Together”, “About Alex”, and “The Big Short.” Greenfield currently stars as Schmidt on the Fox series “New Girl” alongside Zooey Deschanel, which is in its 5th season. His newest film is “Hello, My Name is Doris,” in which Greenfield plays John Fremont who has a romantic relationship with his 60-something co-worked played by Sally Field. Vanity Fair said, “It’s ultimately so upbeat, so hopeful, that to nitpick its story implausibilities or wish it had more weight would seem to be missing the point.” “Hello, My Name is Doris” opens in theaters on March 11th.
Tuesday, March 8th (2016)
Helen Mirren (Actress – “Eye in the Sky”)
Dame Helen Mirren, DBE, is an English actress who began her acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1967. Her film roles include “The Madness of King George”, “Gosford Park”, “Calendar Girls”, “Hitchcock”, “The Last Station”, and “Trumbo.” Mirren won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2007 for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen.” In 2015, she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in the play “The Audience” in which she again portrayed Queen Elizabeth II. Her latest film is the British thriller “Eye in the Sky” in which she plays Colonel Katherine Powell who leads a secret drone mission to capture a terrorist group living in a safehouse in Nairobi, Kenya. When Powell learns that the group plans to carry out a suicide attack, her objective is changed to kill the terrorists. “Eye in the Sky” will be one of two national posthumous releases starring Alan Rickman, who passed away in January 2016. Variety said that “Eye in the Sky” is “A rivetingly suspenseful drama that deftly intertwines elements of ticking-clock thriller and tragic farce.” “Eye in the Sky” opens in theaters the U.S. on March 11th and in the U.K. on April 8th.
J.J. Abrams (Producer – “10 Cloverfield Lane” and “Moon Shot”)
J.J. Abrams is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and composer, known for his work in the genres of action, drama, and science fiction. Abrams recently directed and co-wrote “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, which has become the third highest- grossing movie of all time. Abrams is the producer of the film “10 Cloverfield Lane” which stars John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Abrams made it abundantly clear that “10 Cloverfield Lane” is not a sequel to the 2008 movie “Cloverfield.” “This movie is very purposefully not called Cloverfield 2, because itʼs not Cloverfield 2,” Abrams says, adding that “the association is clear and there are multiple connections – and there is a bigger idea at play for us with these movies and this connection.” “10 Cloverfield Lane” opens in theaters on March 11th. Abrams also produced “Moon Shot”, a nine-episode documentary web series that aims to tell the stories of 16 teams competing for the Google Lunar X Prize. The Google-sponsored initiative called on privately-funded spaceflight teams to aim to be the first to land a robotic spacecraft on the moon. The first team to complete a lunar landing, have their rover travel 500 meters, and beam back high-def images to Earth gets $30 million in prizes. The nine short films of “Moon Shot” will debut for free March 15th on Google Play and on YouTube on March 17th.
DMAʼS (Album – “Hills End”)
DMAʼs are an Australian band from Sydney comprised of singer Tommy OʼDell and songwriters Matt Mason and Johnny Took. Their debut album is “Hills End.” Consequence of Sound said, “Sure, Hills End peaks fairly early, but the album plateaus in a way thatʼs inviting, comfortable, and better yet, quite addicting.” And The Guardian states, “Hills End doesnʼt bludgeon you, proffering instead something more restrained.”
Wednesday, March 9th (2016)
Sally Field (Actress – “Hello, My Name is Doris”)
Sally Field is an American film and television actress and director. Throughout her career that has totaled more than five decades, she has won two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2014, she was presented with a star on the The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fieldʼs film credits include “Norma Rae”, “Steel Magnolias”, “Not Without My Daughter”, “Forrest Gump”, and “Lincoln.” She is an activist for such causes as womenʼs rights and gay rights. Her latest film is “Hello, My Name is Doris” in which she plays Doris Miller, a woman in her sixties who has a romantic relationship with a younger co-worker. indieWIRE said, “ʻHello, My Name is Dorisʼ effectively conveys the cruel ambivalence of an ageist society, and despite its formulaic ingredients, the movie responds to that setback with Field’s exuberant, virtuoso turn providing the ultimate critical response.” And The Nerdist states, “Not only does Ms. Field seem to bring out the best in her co- stars, but she still brightens the screen with every smile.” “Hello, My Name is Doris” opens in theaters on March 11th.
Jerrod Carmichael (Actor – “The Carmichael Show”)
Jerrod Carmichael is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, who is best known for creating and playing the lead role in the NBC television series “The Carmichael Show.” In 2014, he released his HBO comedy special, “Love at the Store.” “The Carmichael Show” follows Carmichael as he navigates through life with his therapist in- training girlfriend and his heavily opinionated family. The show takes on difficult topics, and was the first network sitcom to tackle the subject of police brutality, in a TV era when family comedies are including more and more controversial topics. The season 2 premiere will take on Bill Cosby. Variety asked Carmichael, “Why an episode about Bill Cosby?” Carmichael responded, “It was an important topic and still is something everyone is discussing. I want the show to reflect real life as real as it possibly can. We couldnʼt wait on a topic that the world seemed to be talking about.” Season 2 of “The Carmichael Show” will debut on NBC with a preview on March 9 before moving to its regular Sunday slot on March 13 with double episodes.
Esperanza Spalding (Album – “Emily D+Evolution”)
Esperanza Spalding is an American jazz bassist, cellist and singer, who draws upon many genres in her own compositions. She has won four Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2011, making her the first jazz artist to win the award. Spaldingʼs latest album is “Emily D+Evolution.” Pitchfork said, “The lyrics are elusive at first, darting behind fast-moving songs and delivered in impressionistic, conversational bursts that recall the delivery of Joni Mitchell. But the fearless generosity behind them communicates itself loud and clear, and it’s a spirit that animates the entire album. With it, Spalding has once again redefined an already singular career, dictating a vision entirely on her own terms.”
Thursday, March 10th (2016)
Anna Kendrick (Actress – “The Hollars” and “Get a Job”)
Anna Kendrick is an American actress and singer who rose to prominence for her supporting role in “The Twilight Saga.” Her other films include “Up in the Air”, “50/50”, “Into the Woods”, and “Pitch Perfect 1 & 2.” Kendrick has two upcoming movies, “The Hollars” and “Get a Job.” In “The Hollars”, Kendrick plays Rebecca, the pregnant girlfriend of a struggling New York City graphic novelist (John Krasinski) who is forced to return home when his mother becomes terminally ill. The Hollywood Reporter said, “This one is straight out of the old-school Sundance manual. Still, there’s enough warmth, humor and heart in the very slick package, not to mention a gaggle of accomplished and well-cast actors …” “The Hollars” premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 29th. A theatrical release date has not yet been announced. In “Get a Job”, Kendrick plays Jullian Stewart, a woman struggling to find desirable employment after graduating from college. “Get a Job” hits theaters on March 25th.
Loretta Lynch (U.S. Attorney General)
Loretta Lynch is the 83rd and current Attorney General of the United States. On November 8, 2014, President Barack Obama nominated her to succeed Eric Holder as Attorney General. Lynch is the first African-American woman and the second woman to be confirmed for the position. She was sworn in as Attorney General on April 27, 2015, by Vice President Joe Biden. On March 1st Lynch spoke at the RSA Conference in San Francisco, maintaining the position of the DOJ that Apple should assist in providing a unique version of iOS that would allow police to quickly guess the password of the iPhone 5C owned by San Bernardino killer Syed Farook. The American public were behind the government, Lynch suggested. On March 3rd Lynch visited Portland and praised federal, state, and local law officers for their handling of the 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and applauded Harney County residents for their patience and restraint.
Brian Fallon (Album – “Painkillers”)
Brian Fallon is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the rock band The Gaslight Anthem, with whom he has recorded five studio albums. His latest project is his solo debut album “Painkillers.” Rolling Stone said, “Fallon recruited studio pros like Catherine Popper and Butch Walker to add delicate harmony vocals, spectral synths, and tasteful guitar flourishes.” And The Independent stated, “Brian Fallon is much more than your average Bruce Springsteen wannabe. Like The Boss, The Gaslight Anthemʼs frontman was born and bred in New Jersey, but the depth and authenticity felt on fist-pumping solo debut Painkillers is convincingly his own.” “Painkillers” drops on March 11th.
Friday, March 11th (2016)
Jeff Daniels (Actor – “Allegiant”)
Jeff Daniels is an American actor, musician, and playwright, whose career includes roles in films, stage productions and on television. His films include “Terms of Endearment”, “Gettysburg”, “Dumb and Dumber”, “Pleasantville”, “The Hours”, “Good Night, and Good Luck”, and “The Martian.” Daniels won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role on HBOʼs “The Newsroom.” His latest film is the third installment of the blockbuster “The Divergent Series” franchise, “Allegiant.” Daniels plays David, the leader of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare’s experiment in Chicago. It is his goal to cure the United States from genetic damage caused during the Purity War, a series of battles after an attempt to rid society of its main issues. “Allegiant” opens in theaters and IMAX on March 18th.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Actress – “10 Cloverfield Lane”)
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is an American actress and recording artist. Winstead is known for her scream queen roles in the horror films “The Ring Two”, “Final Destination 3”, “Black Christmas”, and Quentin Tarantinoʼs “Grindhouse” and “Death Proof.” She has also branched out to other genres, including John McClaneʼs daughter Lucy in “Live Free or Die Hard” and “A Good Day to Die Hard”, Ramona Flowers in “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, “Smashed”, “The Hollars”, and “Swiss Army Man.” Winstead recently stared in the leading role on the PBS Civil War six-part drama “Mercy Street.” Her singing career started in 2013, with her formation of the music duo Got a Girl with Dan the Automator. Winsteadʼs newest film is “10 Cloverfield Lane”, in which she plays Michelle, a young woman who wakes up after a terrible accident to find that she’s locked in a cellar with a doomsday prepper (John Goodman), who insists that he saved her life and that the world outside is uninhabitable following an apocalyptic catastrophe. Uncertain what to believe, Michelle soon determines that she must escape at any cost. “10 Cloverfield Lane” opens in theaters on March 11th.
Audra McDonald (Singer and Actress – “Shuffle Along”)
Audra McDonald is an American actress and singer. She has appeared on the stage in both musicals and dramas, such as “Ragtime”, “A Raisin in the Sun”, and “Porgy and Bess.” McDonald has won six Tony Awards, more performance wins than any other actor, and is the only person to win all four acting categories. McDonald has also won two Grammy Awards. The playwright development laboratory New Dramatists will honor McDonald with the 2016 Distinguished Achievement Award. McDonald returns to Broadway in “Shuffle Along.” Previews for “Shuffle Along” begin on March 15th and the play opens on Broadway on April 28th.
Better Know a Guest – March 7 – 11, 2016
An entertaining new week of shows is upon us! We have a variety of impressive actors and actresses, a retired NBA star, producer J.J. Abrams, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the lovely Audra McDonald, and a wonderful assortment of musical guests. Letʼs get this party started!
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!
Monday, March 7th (2016)
Will Arnett (Actor – “Flaked”)
Will Arnett is a Canadian actor best known for his many comedic roles, including George Oscar Bluth II on the Fox series “Arrested Development” and Devon Banks on the NBC series “30 Rock.” Arnett has also had great success as a voice actor, most recently lending his voice to the titular character on the Netflix original animated series “BoJack Horseman.” Arnettʼs latest project is another Netflix original, the comedy series “Flaked.”, which Arnett co-created, produced, and stars as Chip, a self-help guru who needs a decent amount of help himself. In reviewing the series, Variety asks, “Netflix made all eight episodes available of its new series “Flaked,” which answers the nagging question that arises while watching the first chapter of this Will Arnett vehicle, “Is this going to get any better?” The answer is: only marginally, including a few late-in-the-game twists that don’t really do much to enrich the experience. The premium TV world is a magnet for vanity projects, but few are as pointless – or unnecessary – as this one.” “Flaked” will be available for streaming on Netflix on March 11th.
Charles Barkley (Co-Host – “Inside the NBA”)
Charles Barkley is a retired American professional basketball player and current analyst on the television program “Inside the NBA.” During his NBA career he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Houston Rockets. Barkley was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and won two gold medals in the Olympics games – one in 1992 and one in 1996 – as part of the United States “Dream Team.” Since 2000, Barkley has served as a studio analyst for TNT. He appears on the network’s NBA coverage during pre-game and halftime shows, in addition to special NBA events. “Inside the NBA” is the post-game show for the NBA on TNT, hosted by Ernie Johnson with analysts Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Grant Hill. The show has won nine Emmy Awards, with two for Barkley as a studio analyst.
Max Greenfield (Actor – “Hello, My Name is Doris”)
Max Greenfield is an American actor and film producer. He appeared in recurring roles on “Veronica Mars”, “Ugly Betty”, “Greek”, and co-starred on the WB series “Modern Men.” His film credits include “They Came Together”, “About Alex”, and “The Big Short.” Greenfield currently stars as Schmidt on the Fox series “New Girl” alongside Zooey Deschanel, which is in its 5th season. His newest film is “Hello, My Name is Doris,” in which Greenfield plays John Fremont who has a romantic relationship with his 60-something co-worked played by Sally Field. Vanity Fair said, “It’s ultimately so upbeat, so hopeful, that to nitpick its story implausibilities or wish it had more weight would seem to be missing the point.” “Hello, My Name is Doris” opens in theaters on March 11th.
Tuesday, March 8th (2016)
Helen Mirren (Actress – “Eye in the Sky”)
Dame Helen Mirren, DBE, is an English actress who began her acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1967. Her film roles include “The Madness of King George”, “Gosford Park”, “Calendar Girls”, “Hitchcock”, “The Last Station”, and “Trumbo.” Mirren won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2007 for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen.” In 2015, she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in the play “The Audience” in which she again portrayed Queen Elizabeth II. Her latest film is the British thriller “Eye in the Sky” in which she plays Colonel Katherine Powell who leads a secret drone mission to capture a terrorist group living in a safehouse in Nairobi, Kenya. When Powell learns that the group plans to carry out a suicide attack, her objective is changed to kill the terrorists. “Eye in the Sky” will be one of two national posthumous releases starring Alan Rickman, who passed away in January 2016. Variety said that “Eye in the Sky” is “A rivetingly suspenseful drama that deftly intertwines elements of ticking-clock thriller and tragic farce.” “Eye in the Sky” opens in theaters the U.S. on March 11th and in the U.K. on April 8th.
J.J. Abrams (Producer – “10 Cloverfield Lane” and “Moon Shot”)
J.J. Abrams is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and composer, known for his work in the genres of action, drama, and science fiction. Abrams recently directed and co-wrote “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, which has become the third highest- grossing movie of all time. Abrams is the producer of the film “10 Cloverfield Lane” which stars John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Abrams made it abundantly clear that “10 Cloverfield Lane” is not a sequel to the 2008 movie “Cloverfield.” “This movie is very purposefully not called Cloverfield 2, because itʼs not Cloverfield 2,” Abrams says, adding that “the association is clear and there are multiple connections – and there is a bigger idea at play for us with these movies and this connection.” “10 Cloverfield Lane” opens in theaters on March 11th. Abrams also produced “Moon Shot”, a nine-episode documentary web series that aims to tell the stories of 16 teams competing for the Google Lunar X Prize. The Google-sponsored initiative called on privately-funded spaceflight teams to aim to be the first to land a robotic spacecraft on the moon. The first team to complete a lunar landing, have their rover travel 500 meters, and beam back high-def images to Earth gets $30 million in prizes. The nine short films of “Moon Shot” will debut for free March 15th on Google Play and on YouTube on March 17th.
DMAʼS (Album – “Hills End”)
DMAʼs are an Australian band from Sydney comprised of singer Tommy OʼDell and songwriters Matt Mason and Johnny Took. Their debut album is “Hills End.” Consequence of Sound said, “Sure, Hills End peaks fairly early, but the album plateaus in a way thatʼs inviting, comfortable, and better yet, quite addicting.” And The Guardian states, “Hills End doesnʼt bludgeon you, proffering instead something more restrained.”
Wednesday, March 9th (2016)
Sally Field (Actress – “Hello, My Name is Doris”)
Sally Field is an American film and television actress and director. Throughout her career that has totaled more than five decades, she has won two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2014, she was presented with a star on the The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fieldʼs film credits include “Norma Rae”, “Steel Magnolias”, “Not Without My Daughter”, “Forrest Gump”, and “Lincoln.” She is an activist for such causes as womenʼs rights and gay rights. Her latest film is “Hello, My Name is Doris” in which she plays Doris Miller, a woman in her sixties who has a romantic relationship with a younger co-worker. indieWIRE said, “ʻHello, My Name is Dorisʼ effectively conveys the cruel ambivalence of an ageist society, and despite its formulaic ingredients, the movie responds to that setback with Field’s exuberant, virtuoso turn providing the ultimate critical response.” And The Nerdist states, “Not only does Ms. Field seem to bring out the best in her co- stars, but she still brightens the screen with every smile.” “Hello, My Name is Doris” opens in theaters on March 11th.
Jerrod Carmichael (Actor – “The Carmichael Show”)
Jerrod Carmichael is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, who is best known for creating and playing the lead role in the NBC television series “The Carmichael Show.” In 2014, he released his HBO comedy special, “Love at the Store.” “The Carmichael Show” follows Carmichael as he navigates through life with his therapist in- training girlfriend and his heavily opinionated family. The show takes on difficult topics, and was the first network sitcom to tackle the subject of police brutality, in a TV era when family comedies are including more and more controversial topics. The season 2 premiere will take on Bill Cosby. Variety asked Carmichael, “Why an episode about Bill Cosby?” Carmichael responded, “It was an important topic and still is something everyone is discussing. I want the show to reflect real life as real as it possibly can. We couldnʼt wait on a topic that the world seemed to be talking about.” Season 2 of “The Carmichael Show” will debut on NBC with a preview on March 9 before moving to its regular Sunday slot on March 13 with double episodes.
Esperanza Spalding (Album – “Emily D+Evolution”)
Esperanza Spalding is an American jazz bassist, cellist and singer, who draws upon many genres in her own compositions. She has won four Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2011, making her the first jazz artist to win the award. Spaldingʼs latest album is “Emily D+Evolution.” Pitchfork said, “The lyrics are elusive at first, darting behind fast-moving songs and delivered in impressionistic, conversational bursts that recall the delivery of Joni Mitchell. But the fearless generosity behind them communicates itself loud and clear, and it’s a spirit that animates the entire album. With it, Spalding has once again redefined an already singular career, dictating a vision entirely on her own terms.”
Thursday, March 10th (2016)
Anna Kendrick (Actress – “The Hollars” and “Get a Job”)
Anna Kendrick is an American actress and singer who rose to prominence for her supporting role in “The Twilight Saga.” Her other films include “Up in the Air”, “50/50”, “Into the Woods”, and “Pitch Perfect 1 & 2.” Kendrick has two upcoming movies, “The Hollars” and “Get a Job.” In “The Hollars”, Kendrick plays Rebecca, the pregnant girlfriend of a struggling New York City graphic novelist (John Krasinski) who is forced to return home when his mother becomes terminally ill. The Hollywood Reporter said, “This one is straight out of the old-school Sundance manual. Still, there’s enough warmth, humor and heart in the very slick package, not to mention a gaggle of accomplished and well-cast actors …” “The Hollars” premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 29th. A theatrical release date has not yet been announced. In “Get a Job”, Kendrick plays Jullian Stewart, a woman struggling to find desirable employment after graduating from college. “Get a Job” hits theaters on March 25th.
Loretta Lynch (U.S. Attorney General)
Loretta Lynch is the 83rd and current Attorney General of the United States. On November 8, 2014, President Barack Obama nominated her to succeed Eric Holder as Attorney General. Lynch is the first African-American woman and the second woman to be confirmed for the position. She was sworn in as Attorney General on April 27, 2015, by Vice President Joe Biden. On March 1st Lynch spoke at the RSA Conference in San Francisco, maintaining the position of the DOJ that Apple should assist in providing a unique version of iOS that would allow police to quickly guess the password of the iPhone 5C owned by San Bernardino killer Syed Farook. The American public were behind the government, Lynch suggested. On March 3rd Lynch visited Portland and praised federal, state, and local law officers for their handling of the 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and applauded Harney County residents for their patience and restraint.
Brian Fallon (Album – “Painkillers”)
Brian Fallon is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the rock band The Gaslight Anthem, with whom he has recorded five studio albums. His latest project is his solo debut album “Painkillers.” Rolling Stone said, “Fallon recruited studio pros like Catherine Popper and Butch Walker to add delicate harmony vocals, spectral synths, and tasteful guitar flourishes.” And The Independent stated, “Brian Fallon is much more than your average Bruce Springsteen wannabe. Like The Boss, The Gaslight Anthemʼs frontman was born and bred in New Jersey, but the depth and authenticity felt on fist-pumping solo debut Painkillers is convincingly his own.” “Painkillers” drops on March 11th.
Friday, March 11th (2016)
Jeff Daniels (Actor – “Allegiant”)
Jeff Daniels is an American actor, musician, and playwright, whose career includes roles in films, stage productions and on television. His films include “Terms of Endearment”, “Gettysburg”, “Dumb and Dumber”, “Pleasantville”, “The Hours”, “Good Night, and Good Luck”, and “The Martian.” Daniels won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role on HBOʼs “The Newsroom.” His latest film is the third installment of the blockbuster “The Divergent Series” franchise, “Allegiant.” Daniels plays David, the leader of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare’s experiment in Chicago. It is his goal to cure the United States from genetic damage caused during the Purity War, a series of battles after an attempt to rid society of its main issues. “Allegiant” opens in theaters and IMAX on March 18th.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Actress – “10 Cloverfield Lane”)
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is an American actress and recording artist. Winstead is known for her scream queen roles in the horror films “The Ring Two”, “Final Destination 3”, “Black Christmas”, and Quentin Tarantinoʼs “Grindhouse” and “Death Proof.” She has also branched out to other genres, including John McClaneʼs daughter Lucy in “Live Free or Die Hard” and “A Good Day to Die Hard”, Ramona Flowers in “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”, “Smashed”, “The Hollars”, and “Swiss Army Man.” Winstead recently stared in the leading role on the PBS Civil War six-part drama “Mercy Street.” Her singing career started in 2013, with her formation of the music duo Got a Girl with Dan the Automator. Winsteadʼs newest film is “10 Cloverfield Lane”, in which she plays Michelle, a young woman who wakes up after a terrible accident to find that she’s locked in a cellar with a doomsday prepper (John Goodman), who insists that he saved her life and that the world outside is uninhabitable following an apocalyptic catastrophe. Uncertain what to believe, Michelle soon determines that she must escape at any cost. “10 Cloverfield Lane” opens in theaters on March 11th.
Audra McDonald (Singer and Actress – “Shuffle Along”)
Audra McDonald is an American actress and singer. She has appeared on the stage in both musicals and dramas, such as “Ragtime”, “A Raisin in the Sun”, and “Porgy and Bess.” McDonald has won six Tony Awards, more performance wins than any other actor, and is the only person to win all four acting categories. McDonald has also won two Grammy Awards. The playwright development laboratory New Dramatists will honor McDonald with the 2016 Distinguished Achievement Award. McDonald returns to Broadway in “Shuffle Along.” Previews for “Shuffle Along” begin on March 15th and the play opens on Broadway on April 28th.