Nicholas Brendon in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Preview:
Nicholas Brendon has died at the age of 54.
He was best known for his breakout role as Xander Harris on the cult-favorite series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’
In later years, he became an advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his personal challenges with candor.
Nicholas Brendon, the actor who rose to prominence as the witty and loyal Xander Harris on the beloved supernatural drama ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ has died at the age of 54.
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A statement from his family read:
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.”
(L to R) Nicholas Brendon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan and Anthony Head in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Born April 12, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, Nicholas Brendon Schulz discovered acting after overcoming a childhood stutter. He pursued performance in his early twenties, eventually landing guest roles before his big break.
That breakthrough came in 1997 when he was cast as Xander Harris on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’ The series ran for seven seasons and became a defining show of its era, with Brendon’s humor and heart making him a fan favorite.
Nicholas Brendon: A Life in Film and Television
(L to R) Charisma Carpenter and Nicholas Brendon in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Following ‘Buffy,’ Brendon appeared in films and television, including a recurring role on ‘Criminal Minds.’ He also worked in independent projects and remained a regular presence at fan conventions.
Nicholas Brendon: Offscreen
Brendan looked to maintain his privacy in his offscreen life, though he did face some publicized struggles with substance abuse and mental illness.
He will still be remembered by fans for the joy his characters brought them.
Nicholas Brendon in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Selected Movies and TV Shows Featuring Nicholas Brendon:
Ryan Kiera Armstrong stars in ‘ Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’.
Preview:
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’s Ryan Kiera Armstrong is aboard the new ‘Buffy’ series.
Sarah Michelle Gellar is back as the vampire slayer.
Chloé Zhao will direct the pilot and produce.
It might not feature white smoke coming out of a chimney as with the recent Pope’s election, but we have a chosen one within the expanding world of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’
To be clear, this will be more a next step than a total reinvention of the vampire slayer concept, which has so far proved reliable on screens big and small and in comic book form.
The new series comes via Hulu, which has a pilot order in place with Gellar as co-star and executive producer.
‘Poker Face’ showrunners Nora and Lilla Zuckerman are developing what is being described as “the next chapter in the Buffyverse.” Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, whose movies include ‘Nomadland’ and Marvel’s‘Eternals’ is set to direct the pilot and serve as a producer.
Gellar’s Buffy Summers will be a mentor to the new Chosen One played by Armstrong, who like her predecessor will be charged with battling all manner of vampires and other demonic creatures (and endowed with strength and resilience to do so) while also navigating more mundane teenage life issues.
In keeping with the current trend for announcing casting decisions, Gellar took to Instagram to document her telling Armstrong the news that she’s gotten the role:
“From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side. To have that kind of emotional intelligence, and talent, at such a young age is truly a gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room.”
Lilla and Nora Zuckerman used some Buffy terminology to praise their new lead:
“We are so overjoyed to have found this generation’s slayer in Ryan Kiera Armstrong, she absolutely blew us away –– there is no question in our mind that she is the chosen one.”
(L to R) David Boreanaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
‘Buffy’ is a concept that has already shown an ability to evolve.
It originated as a film starring Kristy Swanson in the title role. Joss Whedon wrote the film with Fran Kuzui directing and was released in 1992.
Five years later, the series version, created by Whedon and now starring Gellar, debuted on The WB.
It aired on The WB for its first five seasons before airing its final two seasons on UPN.
The original series’ executive producers included Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui & Kaz Kuzui via Suite B, who will all get a credit on the new pilot.
The cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
And fun fact: also executive producing the pilot is Dolly Parton, whose company Sandollar was producer on the original.
Whedon, who oversaw the show’s seven-season run, will not return to work on any new version. In 2021, the writer/producer, who also crafted the first two ‘Avengers’ movies and TV series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ for Marvel, was accused of creating a toxic work environment on both ‘Buffy’ and ‘Angel’ by nearly a dozen people associated with the show, particularly Carpenter.
Berman, and the Kuzuis previously teamed up with 20th TV in 2018 for a potential ‘Buffy’ reboot written by ‘Midnight, Texas’ creator Monica Owusu-Breen, on which Whedon was an executive producer. That project, whose lead was envisioned as a Black woman, didn’t move forward.
The biggest dangling question any sequel series would need to answer is the clever notion introduced by the series’ final season, in that Buffy’s death (she got better) in a previous season triggered a raft of new potential Slayers.
And now we have an answer to whether we’ll see one in the new show: a big yes, since Armstrong will take on that role.
What has Sarah Michelle Gellar previously said about returning for a new ‘Buffy’ series?
Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Gellar has been in two minds about the idea of reprising Buffy Summers.
In 2023, she poured cold water on taking on a new ‘Buffy’ series, telling UK magazine SFX:
“I am very proud of the show that we created and it doesn’t need to be done. We wrapped that up. I am all for them continuing the story because there’s the story of female empowerment. I love the way the show was left: ‘Every girl who has the power can have the power.’ It’s set up perfectly for someone else to have the power. But like I said, the metaphors of ‘Buffy’ were the horrors of adolescence. I think I look young, but I am not an adolescent.”
“I always used to say no because it’s in its bubble and it’s so perfect. But watching ‘And Just Like That…’ (the ‘Sex and the City’ sequel series) and seeing ‘Dexter: Original Sin,’ and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’”
Less maybe, these days, more fully aboard.
When will the new ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ series hit screens?
Hulu has yet to say when this might premiere and, indeed, with that pilot order, it’s still more of a case of if the show passes muster.
Still, given that attractive, grabby recognizable title and the original star attached, we’d guess this one has a good chance.
The cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Franchise:
(Left) Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television. (Right) Elijah Wood in ‘Bookworm’. Photo: Rialto Distribution.
Preview:
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Elijah Wood have boarded the ‘Ready or Not’ sequel.
Samara Weaving is returning to star.
The movie is about to start shooting.
The cameras are about to roll on the follow-up to 2019 horror hit ‘Ready or Not,’ which means that directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett –– part of the filmmaking collective known as Radio Silence alongside producers Justin Martinez and Chad Villella –– are getting ready to unleash the chaos of games-turned-deadly once again.
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Following the success of the original –– $6 million budget with more than $57 million at the box office worldwide, the sequel, which we now know is rather wonderfully titled ‘Ready or Not: Here I Come,’ is adding some cast members to join the established Samara Weaving (who will reprise the role of Grace from the original) and more recent addition Kathryn Newton.
They’re not the only fresh faces signing up to work on the new movie: Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand (who, like Newton, worked with the directors on vampire romp ‘Abigail’) and directing legend/occasional actor David Cronenberg are rounding out the cast.
The cast of ‘Ready or Not’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.
The original movie followed a young bride (Weaving’s Grace) as she joined her new husband’s (Mark O’Brien) rich, eccentric family (which included Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell) in a time-honored tradition that turned into a lethal game with everyone fighting for their survival.
Spoiler alert in case you didn’t see the film: Weaving’s character was just about the only person to make it out of the game alive.
Which means it’s hard to predict what will happen in the follow-up. Could there be previously unseen family members who come out of the woodwork to threaten Grace? Will she find herself in a different but equally dangerous weird life-threatening situation?
We can only guess at this point, but with writers Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy returning to craft the chaos, it’ll surely be just as lethal.
‘Ready or Not: Here I Come’: The filmmakers speak
Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’
Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett are clearly happy to be back at it:
“We’re thrilled to be returning to the world of ‘Ready or Not’ with Samara, Brett, Avery and Andrew and so excited to work with this immensely talented cast and the incredible artists across every department joining the ‘Ready or Not’ family.”
And here’s what Searchlight Pictures president Matthew Greenfield had to say:
“We’re beyond excited to make another film with the phenomenal Radio Silence. With ‘Ready or Not: Here I Come,’ we get to go on another ride with the amazing Samara Weaving, mix in awesome new voices and bring audiences a fresh take that’s every bit as twisted and fun as the first one. This is for those who’ve been waiting, and those who didn’t see it coming.”
Where else have we seen Sarah Michelle Gellar and Elijah wood?
(L to R) Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Sarah Michelle Gellar is no stranger to the world of sci-fi and fantasy, particularly on the small screen. She’s still best known for playing Buffy Summers, the main character of much-loved series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ and is an executive producer on the rebooted version of the show that is now in development.
But far and away on his resume in terms of impact is his work on Peter Jackson’s three giant ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies, in which he played Frodo Baggins.
Since then, he’s also become something of a producer, helping filmmakers get their work on screens.
When will ‘Ready or Not: Here I Come’ be in theaters?
Backers Searchlight Pictures haven’t yet announced when the sequel will be causing chaos on screens, but with production gearing up, a 2026 release surely isn’t out of the question.
Elijah Wood in ‘Bookworm’. Photo: Rialto Distribution.
Michelle Trachtenberg and Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Ice Princess’. Photo: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
Preview:
Michelle Trachtenberg has died at the age of 39.
An actor from a young age, she was probably best known for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’
She’d reportedly recently had a liver transplant.
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg , known for many TV series and films such as ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl’, passed away at age 39. She was discovered unresponsive on Wednesday morning by her mother at her apartment complex at One Columbus Place.
Sources report that the actress recently underwent a liver transplant and has been experiencing complications. Her death is believed to be of natural causes. NYPD has not deemed her death suspicious, though an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Michelle Trachtenberg in ‘Harriet the Spy’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Michelle Trachtenberg was born in New York City on October 11, 1985. She made her first TV appearance in a commercial for Wisk detergent at the age of three and went on to appear in many more commercials. Now, her credits include ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, ‘Gossip Girl’, ‘EuroTrip’, ‘Harriet the Spy’, ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete’, and many more.
The New York City native made her feature film debut in Nicklodeon’s ‘Harriet the Spy’ in 1996 as the titular character Harriet M. Welsch. She was also a series regular in the TV series ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete’ from 1994 to 1996.
While Trachtenberg’s long list of credits includes titles such as ‘Meego’ and ‘Inspector Gadget,’ her big break came in 2000 when she was cast in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ as Buffy’s younger sister Dawn, where she earned a nomination at the Teen Choice Award for choice TV Sidekick in 2001.
(L to R) Michelle Trachtenberg and Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
After ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, Trachtenberg went on to appear in TV series such as ‘Six Feet Under’, ‘House’, ‘Weeds’ and ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent,’ before starring as Georgina Sparks on ‘Gossip Girl’ from 2008 to 2012, where she was nominated for choice TV Villain at the 2012 Teen Choice Award. The late actress speaks of playing a villain on the show during an interview with Seventeen:
“It’s kind of easy to be evil when you’re saying evil things. It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.”
“So very sad ..horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
‘Harriet the Spy’ co-star Rosie O’Donnell said the news is “heartbreaking” in a statement to US Weekly:
“Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
‘Sex and the City’ star Kim Cattrall posted a photo of her and the late actress on her Instagram, saying, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle” with broken heart emojis. Cattrall shared the screen with Trachtenberg in ‘Ice Princess’.
“Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! 🙏🏾 Check on your people!!! “ and shares a video clip from the Nickelodeon show.
Trachtenberg’s previous posts on her Instagram where she appeared gaunt raised concerns amongst her fans. The star assured her followers that she was “happy and healthy” in a response last January. Just a month ago, the actress posted a photo of her and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ star Sarah Michelle Gellar reminiscing the past: “Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Preview:
Sarah Michelle Gellar is attached to a ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ sequel pilot.
Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman are aboard to write, showrun, and executive produce.
Chloé Zhao will direct the pilot and produce.
As the opening narration of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ used to intone, “In every generation there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.”
If Hulu’s plans work out, we might just get to meet this generation’s Slayer –– with a little help from the previous one.
Yes, in a world where every old show and movie is now potential fodder for a sequel, reboot or remake, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ is one that has been talked about a few times before.
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Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, it might actually come to fruition, as word arrives that streaming service Hulu is exploring the concept of a ‘Buffy’ streaming series.
With Disney’s 20th Television backing the idea, ‘Poker Face’ showrunners Nora and Lilla Zuckerman are developing what is being described as “the next chapter in the Buffyverse.”
Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, whose movies include ‘Nomadland’ and Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ is set to direct the pilot and serve as a producer.
But perhaps more exciting for ‘Buffy’ fans is news that the original Buffy Summers herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar, is attached to recur on the show, albeit more as a mentor figure to the new focus, a fresh-faced Slayer who will be tasked with tackling vampires and other supernatural creatures.
The cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
‘Buffy’ is a concept that has already shown an ability to evolve.
It originated as a film starring Kristy Swanson in the title role. Joss Whedon wrote the film with Fran Kuzui directing and was released in 1992.
Five years later, the series version, created by Whedon and now starring Gellar, debuted on The WB.
It aired on The WB for its first five seasons before airing its final two seasons on UPN.
The original series’ executive producers included Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui & Kaz Kuzui via Suite B, who will all get a credit on the new pilot.
The cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
And fun fact: also executive producing the pilot is Dolly Parton, whose company Sandollar was producer on the original.
Whedon, who oversaw the show’s seven-season run, will not return to work on any new version. In 2021, the writer/producer, who also crafted the first two ‘Avengers’ movies and TV series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ for Marvel, was accused of creating a toxic work environment on both ‘Buffy’ and ‘Angel’ by nearly a dozen people associated with the show, particularly Carpenter.
Berman, and the Kuzuis previously teamed up with 20th TV in 2018 for a potential ‘Buffy’ reboot written by ‘Midnight, Texas’ creator Monica Owusu-Breen, on which Whedon was an executive producer. That project, whose lead was envisioned as a Black woman, didn’t move forward.
The biggest dangling question any sequel series would need to answer is the clever notion introduced by the series’ final season, in that Buffy’s death (she got better) in a previous season triggered a raft of new potential Slayers. Is there just going to be one in the new series? We’ll have to wait and see.
What has Sarah Michelle Gellar previously said about returning for a new ‘Buffy’ series?
Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Gellar has been in two minds about the idea of reprising Buffy Summers.
In 2023, she poured cold water on taking on a new ‘Buffy’ series, telling UK magazine SFX:
“I am very proud of the show that we created and it doesn’t need to be done. We wrapped that up. I am all for them continuing the story because there’s the story of female empowerment. I love the way the show was left: ‘Every girl who has the power can have the power.’ It’s set up perfectly for someone else to have the power. But like I said, the metaphors of ‘Buffy’ were the horrors of adolescence. I think I look young, but I am not an adolescent.”
“I always used to say no because it’s in its bubble and it’s so perfect. But watching ‘And Just Like That…’ (the ‘Sex and the City’ sequel series) and seeing ‘Dexter: Original Sin,’ and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’”
It seems the new concept has shifted her from “maybe” to all in…
When will the new ‘Buffy’ series be on screens?
Hulu has yet to make any official announcement –– and indeed, hasn’t confirmed any of the details, so we’ll have to wait and see whether this even makes it into production, let alone learn a launch date for the eventual show on the streaming service.
(L to R) David Boreanaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Franchise:
Donald Sutherland for Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’.
Preview:
Donald Sutherland has died.
He was 88.
The actor will be remembered as a redoubtable performer and for roles both comedic and dramatic.
Donald Sutherland, a man who established himself in the firmament of stalwart, accomplished actors, has died. He was 88.
Sutherland was known for his distinctive voice and commanding screen presence. He worked with some of the most respected directors in the industry and left a lasting impact on the world of cinema and television.
Donald Sutherland in ‘M*A*S*H.’ Photo: 20th Century-Fox.
Sutherland was born in St. John, Canada in 1935.
As a child, he battled various illnesses, including polio, hepatitis, and rheumatic fever. Despite his health challenges, Sutherland pursued his education at the University of Toronto, where he earned dual degrees in engineering and drama. But once the acting bug bit, he studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before landing roles in British TV shows and movies such as ‘The Avengers’ and ‘The Saint.’
‘Saint’ star Roger Moore recommended him to the producers of ‘The Dirty Dozen’, taking his movie career to the next level.
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Donald Sutherland: Film Work
(L to R) Kevin Costner and Donald Sutherland in ‘JFK.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
The success of ‘The Dirty Dozen’ led to his iconic role as Hawkeye Pierce in the critically acclaimed ‘M*A*S*H’ in 1970, which cemented his status as a leading man. Throughout his career, Sutherland has showcased his versatility by taking on diverse roles in films such as 1971’s ‘Klute’, where his work and relationship with Jane Fonda sparked his activism, horror ‘Don’t Look Now’ (famous –– or perhaps infamous –– for the speculation of the reality of his sex scene with co-star Julie Christie), ‘Ordinary People’, ‘JFK’ ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘The Italian Job‘ (2003) and the 1978 version of ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’.
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More recently, he garnered attention and a new generation of fans for his portrayal of the villainous President Snow in the ‘Hunger Games’ movies.
Sutherland scored Golden Globes and Emmys for his TV work, and while he was never nominated for an Oscar, he did receive an Honorary Oscar in 2017.
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Donald Sutherland Dies: Son Kiefer Sutherland’s Statement
Kiefer Sutherland in season 1 of ’24’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Sutherland had five children: sons Kiefer, Roeg, Rossif and Angus, a daughter, Rachel.
Kiefer is the best known among them, since he followed in his father’s performing footsteps. The duo starred together in projects several times throughout the years, including the movies ‘Max Dugan Returns’, ‘Forsaken’ and ‘A Time to Kill’.
Here’s what the younger Sutherland had to say about his father’s passing:
“With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film. Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”
Sutherland was married three times, firstly to Lois Hardwick, from 1959 to 1966. His second, to actress Shirley Douglas, spanned 1966 to 1971 and produced Kiefer and Rachel. He’s survived by his third wife, Canadian actress Francine Racette, with whom he had Roeg, Rossif and Angus.
Donald Sutherland as Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.’ Photo: Lionsgate.
Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman in Netflix’s ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.’ Photo: Glen Wilson/Netflix.
Paul Reubens, who cemented himself as one of the most memorable entertainers for more than one generation who grew up on his work, died Sunday night. He was 70 and had been dealing with a cancer diagnosis privately for several years.
Early Career and Pee-wee Origins
Paul Reubens at the SXSW premiere of Netflix’s ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.’ Photo: Alli Harvey/Netflix.
Reubens was born in New York in 1952 and raised in Florida. He created Pee-wee (named for a brand of harmonica he had when he was a child) while with the Los Angeles comedy troupe The Groundlings in 1978, then took the character to the stage after failing to land a spot on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1980. His performance was captured for an HBO special in 1981.
Reubens showed up in the Cheech & Chong films ‘Next Movie’ (1980) and ‘Nice Dreams’ (1981) and made the first of his many bizarre appearances on ‘Late Night With David Letterman‘ — always in character and keeping his real identity a secret — in 1982.
He starred as the bow tie-wearing Pee-wee during a tour of the States, including a stop at Carnegie Hall in 1984, and then in Warner Bros’ ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ (1985), directed by Tim Burton, followed by the sequel, Randal Kleiser’s ‘Big Top Pee-wee’ in 1988.
Reubens really came into his own on CBS Saturday morning children’s program ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse,’ with 45 episodes running for five seasons from 1986-91. The eye-popping, candy-colored series won 22 Emmy Awards.
Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman in Netflix’s ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.’ Photo: Glen Wilson/Netflix.
Reubens’ image as a beloved childhood hero was tarnished when, in 1991, he was arrested for indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in Sarasota, Florida. At the center of a national sex scandal, Reubens backed away from Pee-wee and began doing press as himself.
He wouldn’t again reprise the iconic role until 2010, when he revived ‘The Pee-wee Herman Show’ on Broadway and made several other appearances, on ‘WWE Raw’ and in a couple of digital sketches for Funny or Die. In 2016, Reubens co-wrote and starred in Netflix’s ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,’ a sequel to ‘Big Top,’ which would serve as Reubens’ final film role before his death.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
The post also included this from his estate:
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness. Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman in Netflix’s ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.’ Photo: Glen Wilson/Netflix.
Francis Ford Coppola‘s Oscar-winning classic ‘The Godfather‘ celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. That made us think, what other films are celebrating anniversaries this year?
In this 4-part series we will take a look at the best movies celebrating their 40th, 30th, 20th, and 10th anniversaries this year.
Now that we’ve gone through the 40th anniversaries, its time to countdown the best movies that were released in 1992 and are celebrating their 30th anniversaries.
Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) is at it again. But instead of shrinking things, he tries to make a machine that can make things grow. As in the first one, his machine isn’t quite accurate. But when he brings Nick (Robert Oliveri) & his toddler son Adam to see his invention, the machine unexpectedly starts working. And when Adam comes right up to the machine, he gets zapped along with his stuffed bunny.
Blonde, bouncy Buffy (Kristy Swanson) is your typical high school cheerleader. But all that changes when a strange man informs her she’s been chosen by fate to kill vampires.
When shadowy U.S. intelligence agents blackmail a reformed computer hacker (Robert Redford) and his eccentric team of security experts into stealing a code-breaking ‘black box’ from a Soviet-funded genius (Ben Kingsley), they uncover a bigger conspiracy. Now, he and his ‘sneakers’ must save themselves and the world economy by retrieving the box from their blackmailers.
Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin) grows tired of being forced to remain in the palace, so she sneaks out into the marketplace, in disguise, where she meets street-urchin Aladdin (Scott Weinger). The couple falls in love, although Jasmine may only marry a prince. After being thrown in jail, Aladdin becomes embroiled in a plot to find a mysterious lamp with a secret Genie (Robin Williams), which the evil Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) hopes to use to rule the land.
Directed by Penny Marshall, as America’s stock of athletic young men is depleted during World War II, a professional all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest, funded by publicity-hungry candy maker Walter Harvey (Garry Marshall). Competitive sisters Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (Lori Petty) spar with each other, scout Ernie Capadino (Jon Lovitz) and grumpy has-been coach Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) on their way to fame.
Directed by Penelope Spheeris, the movie follows the adventures of two amiably aimless metal-head friends, Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey). From Wayne’s basement, the pair broadcast a talk-show called “Wayne’s World” on local public access television.
The show comes to the attention of a sleazy network executive (Rob Lowe) who wants to produce a big-budget version of “Wayne’s World”—and he also wants Wayne’s girlfriend, a rock singer named Cassandra (Tia Carrere). Wayne and Garth have to battle the executive not only to save their show, but also Cassandra.
A “Muppet” retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Directed by Tim Burton, while Batman (Michael Keaton) deals with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin (Danny DeVito), an employee of a corrupt businessman transforms into the Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer).
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, a botched robbery indicates a police informant, and the pressure mounts in the aftermath at a warehouse. Crime begets violence as the survivors — veteran Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), newcomer Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), psychopathic parolee Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), bickering weasel Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi) and Nice Guy Eddie (Chris Penn ) — unravel.
Directed by Rob Reiner, when cocky military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) and his co-counsel, Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore), are assigned to a murder case, they uncover a hazing ritual that could implicate high-ranking officials such as shady Col. Nathan Jessep (Jack Nicolson).
The cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” had a mini reunion on Sunday, though two key figures were missing.
Most of the “Scooby gang” was present for a panel at the Wizard World Portland convention, including Alyson Hannigan (Willow), Nicholas Brendon (Xander), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia), Amber Benson (Tara), and James Marsters (Spike).
Feeling major FOMO, though, was “Buffy” series creator Joss Whedon. And Buffy herself, the Chosen One, Sarah Michelle Gellar was also not present.
Also taking part in the reunion were Julie Benz (Darla), Iyari Limon (Kennedy), James Leary (Clem), Clare Kramer (Glory), Alexis Denisof (Wesley), and Amy Acker (Fred from “Angel”).
“Buffy” ran from 1997 to 2003 on first The WB and then UPN. It yielded the spinoff “Angel” and inspired a passionate fandom.
