Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'actor'

Mrs. Leary Offers 'Outtakes From A Marriage'

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:13:00 EST

Ann Leary's new book is about a woman whose husband (a TV star) may be cheating on her. In real life, Leary is the wife of comedian and actor Denis Leary — but she says that while the main character bears a resemblance to her, the book is not entirely based on fact.

Taking The Funny Part Of 'Basic Training' To Broadway

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Most people don't think of comedy when thinking about serving in the military or the grueling aspects of basic training. But for actor Kahlil Ashanti, a screaming drill sergeant is ripe for laughs. His humorous portrayals of those he encountered while in the Air Force, round out his Broadway one-man show, Basic Training. Ashanti speaks with Farai Chideya.

'Nights & Weekends'

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:56:00 EST

Host Liane Hansen talks with filmmakers and actors Joe Swanberg and Greta Gerwig about their new film, Nights And Weekends.

'How About You': A Fantastic Foursome, At Odds

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:59:00 EST

A familiar story — about cranky senior citizens running roughshod over an inexperienced rest-home manager at the holidays— is redeemed by a crop of thoroughbred actors who burnish the material to a warm glow.

Nilaja Sun Plays With 'No Child' Policy

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

Nilaja Sun's play No Child received critical acclaim in the theater world. The show went from a one-woman show to a full cast of actors who portray teachers and children struggling to meet the standards of No Child Left Behind.

Roger Moore: On Being Bond (And More)

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:13:00 EST

Actor Roger Moore, who played a wry, tongue-in-cheek James Bond in seven films between 1973 to 1985, discusses his new memoir My Word Is My Bond. Moore played Bond longer than any other actor, and offers a peek behind the 007 sets: from funny outtakes, to bedroom scenes, to old-school "special effects."

Lipton Gives A Rare Look 'Inside The Actors Studio'

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST

James Lipton, the creator and host of the popular television program "Inside the Actors Studio," is celebrating the show's 200th episode this week on the Bravo cable network. Lipton is known for his casual, reflective talks with celebrities, A-listers from the late Paul Newman to comedian Chris Rock. In commemoration of the anniversary, the television host talks about his show, and his book Inside Inside the Actors Studio.

Artie Lange Tells All In 'Too Fat To Fish'

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:34:00 EST

Since joining the Howard Stern Show in 2001, comic and actor Artie Lange has revealed his personal demons to millions of radio listeners.

'Celebrity Autobiography,' Playing With The Truth

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST

Every Monday, a motley crew of actors and comics takes the stage in a Manhattan cabaret to read, in a less-than-reverent way, from the memoirs of other stars. (Including, yes, Motley Crue.)

Christopher Plummer, A Legend In Spite of Himself

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:18:00 EDT

The renowned actor has graced the screen since TV's earliest days, though he's best known for playing Baron von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Plummer's memoir, In Spite of Myself, will be released next week.

Chicano Art Receives Overdue Recognition In L.A.

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:00:00 EDT

A celebration of work by Mexican-American artists at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art marks a turnaround for a city where Chicano art had been virtually ignored by major institutions. "It's been hard-fought recognition," says actor and art collector Cheech Marin.

The Stage Is A World In 'Synecdoche, New York'

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Philip Seymour Hoffman stars as a troubled theater director who decides his next production will be a recreation of his own life. Hoffman talks with Melissa Block about how an actor must become an "advocate" for the imperfect characters he plays.

The Many Facets Of 'Changeling' Eastwood

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:41:00 EDT

Once best known as a star of action and Western films, actor (and former mayor of Carmel, California) Clint Eastwood is also acclaimed for his work behind the camera. His latest directorial effort is Changeling, starring Angelina Jolie.

Comic 'Dolemite' Leaves Mark On Hip-Hop

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:51:00 EDT

Comedian and actor Rudy Ray Moore, best known for his 70s big screen character Dolemite, has died at 81. His raunchy material kept him from going mainstream, but he changed hip-hop music forever.

Actor's British Road Trip Goes Off The Beaten Path

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:01:00 EDT

Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, takes time away from potions and spells to talk about his new DVD. In Robbie Coltrane: Incredible Britain, he drives on country roads from London to Glasgow, Scotland, to reveal a different side of Britain.

Paul Giamatti Spars With Lincoln In 'Rivalry'

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EDT

David Strathairn and the Sideways star are reenacting the Lincoln-Douglas debates in the play The Rivalry. Though the seven-part face-off occurred 150 years ago, when appearances were less important than eloquence, the actors say some things haven't changed.

Ed Snodderly On Mountain Stage

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:40:00 EDT

Multi-talented musician, songwriter, playwright and actor Ed Snodderly is heard here in live performance from Bristol, Tenn./Va. Here, Snodderly showcases songs from his latest collection of original music, Brier Visions.

David Alan Grier Spoofs, Satirizes In 'Chocolate News'

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:53:00 EDT

Actor and comedian David Alan Grier returns to TV tonight in Comedy Central's fake news show, Chocolate News. He offers a black perspective on the headlines and spoofs everything and everyone. Speaking with Farai Chideya, Grier explains his motivation for the show and offers a hilarious impression of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Comedians Chews Up Midlife Foibles

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:53:00 EDT

Comic and actor Louis C.K. sends up middle-aged American life — including his own difficulties raising his four-year-old daughter — in the new Showtime special, Chewed Up. C.K. previously played a part-time auto mechanic struggling to be a family man in the HBO sitcom Lucky Louie.

Simpson Faces Life In Jail After Conviction

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Former football star and movie actor O.J. Simpson could spend the rest of his life in jail after being convicted in Las Vegas on Friday of 12 charges, including kidnapping and armed robbery. The verdict came 13 years to the day after Simpson was found not guilty of killing his ex-wife and a friend of hers.

Paul Newman: A Sportsman And A Hero

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:55:00 EDT

There's an old French expression: "An actress is more than a woman, and an actor is less than a man." No one ever thought that of Paul Newman. In a way, men and women alike saw him more as a hero than an actor. Certainly, it's hard to think of anyone else in show business who had as many sports connections as Newman did.

Newman, On The Forefront Of An Acting Generation

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:26:00 EDT

Oscar Award-winning actor Paul Newman died on Sept. 26 of complications from lung cancer. Over the course of his decades-long career, Newman starred in dozens of hit films including Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid and Cool Hand Luke.

Paul Newman's Gritty Loners, Moral Outlaws

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:42:00 EDT

Actor, businessman and philanthropist Paul Newman died Friday at the age of 83. Steve Inskeep has a remembrance.

Paul Newman's Potty Humor

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EDT

People remembering Paul Newman include a reporter who once worked for a Connecticut newspaper. The managing editor got a call from a man claiming to be Paul Newman. She hung up at first, thinking it was a prank. But Newman really had a story idea. To cover that story, a reporter went to Newman's home. And he happened by a bathroom. Every sheet of toilet paper had a famous actor's face and the words, "Greetings from Robert Redford."

Actor, Philanthropist Paul Newman Dies At 83

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:07:00 EDT

Screen legend, philanthropist and race car enthusiast Paul Newman has died. A spokeswoman for the 83-year-old actor said Saturday that Newman died Friday after a battle with cancer. He leaves behind five decades of film work and a legacy of charitable giving.