Seidler’s film took home both Best Original Screenplay and several other Academy Awards at the 2011 ceremony, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. The movie told the story of King George VI (Colin Firth), who battled a stutter, and his relationship with speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).

Telling the story of George VI was a longtime dream of Seidler’s because he also grew up with a stutter. As relayed by the Stuttering Foundation, Seidler contended with the condition from his third birthday until the age of 16. He explained, “I had huge trouble with the ‘H’ sound, so when the telephone rang, I would break into a cold sweat, because I couldn’t say ‘hello.'”

“I don’t know if school still works this way, but in those days you had set places, and the teacher worked up and down the rows. If I could see her working toward me and she was just going to miss me that day, I would fake sick the next day so I didn’t have to go to school, because it was so terrifying to be called upon.”

Seidler, whose uncle also had a childhood stutter, attributed his condition to the stress of growing up Jewish in World War II-era Europe. His family moved to the United States in 1940 to escape the atrocities plaguing the continent.

In the same interview, he said his stutter contributed to his decision to become a writer. Seidler explained, “If you’re born with two conflicting traits — in my case, I was a born ham, but I was a stutterer — and if you want to be the center of attention but you can’t talk, you find another channel, and that’s writing.”

In a separate interview with Film Critic, Seidler said that King George VI became a beacon of hope for him. “By the time I arrived in New York City, I was stuttering, and it stayed with me right through my childhood and much of my adolescence. But the one ray of hope that I was given was the speeches of King George VI. In the latter stages of the war, when I was old enough to listen to the radio, my parents would encourage me to listen to the king’s speeches.”

“They would say to me, ‘David, he was a much worse stutterer than you, and listen to him now. He’s not perfect. But he can give these magnificent, stirring addresses that rallied the free world.’ And he could do that as a king, with everyone listening intently to every syllable this man uttered. That’s tough.”

After working as a writer, Seidler moved to Hollywood at the age of 40. He subsequently cowrote Francis Ford Coppola’s “Tucker: The Man and His Dream,” and the 1985 Elizabeth Taylor TV movie “Malice in Wonderland.”

Telling King George VI’s story had been in the back of Seidler’s mind since the 1980s. He wrote to the king’s widow, Elizabeth the Queen Mother, to ask permission. She requested that he wait until after her death. Seidler returned to the project after he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2005; the king himself died from lung cancer. The Queen Mother had died in 2002.

“The King’s Speech” director Tom Hooper connected with Seidler after his mother attended a reading of the stage version of the story. Hooper told the Stuttering Foundation, “It’s clearly the best script of his life. He’s really writing about his own childhood experiences through the guise of these two characters.”

Seidler took home the Oscar for Writing (Original Screenplay) in 2011. His speech following his win for “The King’s Speech” was both moving and funny. He began, “The writer’s speech, this is terrifying. My father always said to me I would be a late bloomer. I believe I am the oldest person to win this particular award. I hope that record is broken quickly and often.”

“I would like to thank Her Majesty the Queen for not putting me in the Tower of London for using the Melissa Leo F-word,” Seidler added. “And I accept this on behalf of all the stutterers throughout the world. We have a voice, we have been heard thanks to you, the Academy.”

Seidler was born in London in July 1937. He is survived by his two children, Maya and Marc.

The post David Seidler, Oscar-Winning Writer of ‘The King’s Speech,’ Dies at 86 appeared first on TheWrap.

His law firm partner Ron Beck told TMZ on Friday that the company’s founder and lead partner had passed away, but did not provide further details. Parker’s daughter-in-law also confirmed the news to the outlet.

In his ubiquitous TV spots and numerous billboards around town, the ever-serious Parker vowed to fight for his clients in cases involving car accidents, dog bites, serious injury or wrongful death, along with a plethora of other circumstances.

He also recruited local celebrities, including former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, to appear in his commercials.

“They’ll fight for you,” said the sports legend in a 2016 ad in which he compared his career longevity — and success rate — with Parker.

The attorney started his Long Beach-based law practice in 1974 and ads as far back as the ’80s can be still be found on YouTube.

His advertisements were such a staple of L.A. TV that in the 1990s, Phil Hartman played a Parker-esque personal injury lawyer on “Saturday Night Live” who urged even people who weren’t involved in accidents to sue for “bystander trauma.”

And when Bob Odenkirk made his debut as ethically dubious attorney Saul Goodman on “Breaking Bad” in 2012, his character was dubbed “the Larry H. Parker of Albuquerque” by IGN.

According to the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker’s official site, they are the No. 1 automobile accident law firm in Southern California and have recovered $2 billion in compensation over 50 years of practice, with a 95% success rate.

The firm employs more than 150 attorneys, paralegals and support staff, according to the site, and has offices in California cities from Alhambra to Woodland Hills.

The post Larry H. Parker, Los Angeles Lawyer Known for ‘We’ll Fight For You’ Ads, Dies at 75 appeared first on TheWrap.

According to media reports, Mercer died on Feb. 12 from younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

“Sam and I started working together when I was in my mid-20s. He taught me that culture of a set comes from top down. He led with kindness and showed me how to navigate pressure with grace. He was the best big brother I could have hoped for,” Shyamalan said in a statement.

A Massachusetts native, Mercer got his start in the film industry as a location manager on 1980s classics such as “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” He then joined Walt Disney Pictures as a production executive at the studio’s mature film labels Touchstone Pictures and Hollywood Pictures, overseeing the production of films such as “Dead Poets Society,” “Quiz Show” and “The Joy Luck Club.”

After leaving Disney, Mercer went into work as a full-time film producer, with his breakthrough hit being his first film with Shyamalan: “The Sixth Sense,” which grossed $672 million worldwide at the box office in 1999. Shyamalan and Mercer then went on to produce six more films together, including “Unbreakable,” “Signs” and “The Village.”

“He made every movie a family and I’ve tried to emulate that in every film since,” Shyamalan said. “He made me laugh and took care of me at the same time. He did this with everyone. I’ll never forget his perfectly neat desk, his gentle eyes and his magical ability to convey that everything was going to be OK. When he was around, that was always true.”

In the final years of his career, Mercer was selected by Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy to head the studio’s legendary visual effects division Industrial Light & Magic in 2015. Among the films that ILM worked on under Mercer’s leadership were “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Captain America: Civil War” and Martin Scorsese’s “Silence.”

Deadline was first to report the news.

The post Sam Mercer, Longtime Producer for M. Night Shyamalan, Dies at 69 appeared first on TheWrap.

One of his grandchildren confirmed the news to the New York Times and said that Levin had been fighting Parkinson’s disease and died in a hospital in Long Beach, California.

The merger that created AOL Time Warner, one of the most enduring symbols of the excesses and recklessness of the Dot Com era, could not have been more poorly timed. Announced on January 10, 2000 at the height of the dot com bubble, the deal was supposed to combine the then-leader in the still emerging internet service provider industry with the at-the-time largest media company in the world — whose assets included Time Magazine, Warner Bros. HBO and more — to create a powerhouse for the internet age.

But it took a full year before regulators granted final approval, a year during which there were nearly daily warnings of how bad an idea it was.

The dot com bubble burst in March of 200o. Near the end of the year a wave of recessions swept the global economy that caught up with the United States in March, 2001. Meanwhile, AOL was caught flat-footed by the rise of high speed broadband internet, which gutted the landline-focused AOL’s share of ISP market and cratered its value.

By the end of 2001 the company’s stock price dropped more than 50% and in the first quarter of 2002, AOL Time Warner set an unfortunate new record when it took a $54 billion write-down. The debacle permanently crippled the company, which changed its name back to Time Warner in 2003. Today, what used to be Time Warner is now part of Warner Bros. Discovery.

But the company’s increasing calamities were no longer Levin’s problem. In mid-2001 he was nearly ousted by a revolt within the company sparked by Vice Chairman Ted Turner and spearheaded by AOL co-founder Steve Case. In December he announced his retirement, effective May, 2022.

It was an ignoble end to an otherwise successful 30-year tenure that, prior to AOL Time Warner, was considered brilliant.

Levin joined then-Time, Inc in 1972 as a programming executive. Just 32 years old, he changed television viewing habits forever by pushing to make HBO a nationally available channel. The success proved there was a market for national cable channels and established the format as the future of TV. As a result, within the company Levin was regarded as a genius. He was named Time Warner CEO in 1992.

Born in 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Levin attended UPenn law school, graduating in 1963. He was married and divorced three times; he had 5 children.

The post Gerald M. Levin, Time Warner CEO Who Oversaw AOL Merger Disaster, Dies at 84 appeared first on TheWrap.

In the famed 1980 “Star Wars” sequel, Culver played Captain Needa, an Imperial officer who pursues Han Solo in the Millennium Falcon as the Rebel Alliance escapes from their secret base on Hoth.

When the Falcon escapes his clutches, Needa accepts full responsibility and goes to apologize to Darth Vader, only to be choked to death with Vader’s Sith powers. “Apology accepted, Captain Needa,” Vader says as the officer’s body is dragged away.

A London native who honed his acting skills with the Dundee Repertory Theatre troupe, Culver had dozens of roles in film, television and stage from 1961 to 2016. Along with “Empire Strikes Back,” Culver appeared as a racist police major in David Lean’s final film “A Passage to India” and in uncredited roles in the James Bond films “From Russia With Love” and “Thunderball.”

Before and after “Empire,” Culver also had roles on episodes of several British TV shows, including “The Sweeney” and “The Adventures of Black Beauty” in the 1970s and “Miss Marple” in the 1980s.

After his retirement in 2016, Culver appeared at various “Star Wars” fan events, signing autographs and discussing his small but famous role in “Empire Strikes Back.”

“We are very sad to confirm the passing of our friend and client Michael Culver,” said his agency, Alliance Agents, in a statement sent to Entertainment Weekly.

“It’s been an honour to have represented Michael for for the last decade and to have taken him to some of the best ‘Star Wars’ events in the U.K. and Europe,” the statement continued. “A real highlight was taking Michael to Celebration in Chicago in 2019. He was lost for words when he saw his queue line with nearly 200 people waiting to see him.”

The post Michael Culver, ‘Star Wars’ Actor Known for Crucial Death by Darth Vader, Dies at 85 appeared first on TheWrap.

The actress’ body was found in a vacant field in the 1800 block of S. San Jacinto in San Jacinto, California. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation into her death, but did not release more details at this time. According to TMZ, who first reported her death, the local coroner will perform an autopsy this coming Wednesday.

Bernard, the elder sister of “Wings” star Crystal Bernard, was born on May 26, 1959, in Gladewater, Texas. Their father was the televangelist Jerry Wayne Bernard, and the two began their careers as gospel singers.

She made her big-screen debut in Jean-Jacques Beineix’s 1981 French thriller “Diva” and also appeared in his 1986 film “Betty Blue” and 1989’s “Roselyne and the Lions.”

She began her “General Hospital” run in September 1984 as the daughter of David Groh’s D.L. Brock, an aspiring singer with a drinking problem. The character was written off the show in March 1990 on a high note, having landed a recording contract. She was in 140 episodes of the ABC soap.

Fan Eric Ackerman shared a shot of himself with Bernard from 2014 to X with the caption, “She was the life of the #GH party. Rest in Peace, Robyn Bernard.”

He also shared a photo of Bernard with fellow “General Hospital” actors David Groh and Jacklyn Zeman with the note, “Hard to believe they’re all gone. And all way too soon.” Groh died in 2008 at the age of 68. Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer, died on May 9, 2023 at 70.

Bernard also appeared in the French mystery series “Maigret” in 1992 and the 1997 film “Kings for a Day.”

The post Robyn Bernard, 1980s ‘General Hospital’ Star and Actress of French Cinema, Dies at 64 appeared first on TheWrap.

Prior to his solo career, Carmen also had success as the lead singer of the early 70s power pop outfit The Raspberries.

“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Eric Carmen,” Amy Carmen wrote in a message posted to the singer’s official site and on Facebook. “Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy. Please respect the family’s privacy as we mourn our enormous loss.”

The note ended with a quote from one of Carmen’s 1977 ballad “Love is All That Matters.”

Born in 1949 to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, Carmen was a classically trained pianist and self-taught guitarist who started performing rock and roll music in high school. While at John Carroll University, he cofounded The Raspberries alongside Wally Bryson, Jim Bonfanti and Dave Smalley.

The band was signed to Capitol in 1972, kicking off a 3 year run of hits all written or cowritten by Carman that began with “Go All the Way,” which reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, sold more than a million copies — and was banned by the BBC for sexually suggestive lyrics. It would gain new life nearly 40 years later when it was included on the hit soundtrack to “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

The band’s other hits include “Let’s Pretend,” “Tonight,” “I wanna be with you” and “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record),” all of which Carmen wrote or cowrote. The group, influenced by the British invasion — particularly The Hollies and The Beatles — helped create the sound and direction of power pop, a rock music genre that largely stood in direct contrast to the arena rock and metal that dominated charts at the time.

The Raspberries paved the way for the success of groups like Cheap Trick and The Romantics later in the decade but broke up after just 5 years. Carmen then embarked on a solo career, finding success as part of the emerging soft rock movement.

On his 1975 debut, Carmen wrote two hits that were based on part on compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoff — “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again” and “All by Myself.” The latter was a huge hit, selling more than a million copies and become a adult contemporary radio staple. It was later covered by Celine Dion in 1996, achieving similar success, and the original was later featured in a very memorable early scene in “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”

Carmen would enjoy some minor hits for the rest of the decade but after the soft landing of his 1980 release “Tonight You’re Mine,” he took a break from music. Carmen returned in a big way in 1984 with “Almost Paradise,” a song he cowrote with Dean Pitchford for the “Footloose” soundtrack, performed by Mike Reno and Amy Wilson.

This was followed by a new self-titled solo record the same year, which included the hit “I Wanna Hear It From Your Lips.” 3 years later, Carmen contributed the platinum selling song “Hungry Eyes” to the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, followed by his 1988 hit “Make Me Lose Control.”

Carmen reunited with The Raspberries for an acclaimed tour in 2004, continuing to perform from time to time. He moved back to Ohio around that time, and in 2016 married Amy Murphy.

He’s survived by Amy and by his children.

The post Eric Carmen, Soft Rock Hitmaker Known for ‘Hungry Eyes’ and ‘All by Myself,’ Dies at 74 appeared first on TheWrap.

No cause of death was given for Kenyon’s Feb. 15 death. The news was shared on GoFundMe, which is raising money for the education of Kenyon’s two young children, as well as for the Alpha-1 Foundation, which which develops research for a rare genetic disease.

“He has become a brother, son, and mentor to all of us at Innovative,” agency VP Maury DiMauro told Deadline, which first reported Kenyon’s death.

Kenyon was hired as the assistant to Maury DiMauro, VP and head of the agency’s strategic marketing and endorsements department, in 2008. He moved to the Los Angeles office 14 years later.

The Alpha-1 Foundation supports education and research about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition that can cause damage to the liver and the lungs. There is no cure. The foundation notes that “1 in every 1,500 to 3,500 people of European ancestry” have the Alpha-1, and that “People of any racial or ethnic group can get Alpha-1, but it is more common in people of northern European backgrounds.”

Kenyon was survived by his wife, Lauren, and their children Tyler and Crosby.

The post Scott Kenyon, Agent at Innovative Artists, Dies at 39 appeared first on TheWrap.

Lawrence was best known for his role in the duo “Steve and Eydie” with his wife of 55 years, the late Eydie Gormé. They were known for being regulars on television for decades, including appearing on the first episode of what would become “The Tonight Show” with Steve Allen.

The singer won a talent competition on Arthur Godfrey’s CBS show, signing with King Records as a teenager to break into the music business. Instead of leaning into the rock-and-roll genre, the crooner decided to sing in an older style.

He released an eponymous LP in 1953. In 1963, he shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singing “Go Away Little Girl,” written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Later recorded in 1971 by Donny Osmond, the single became the first song sung by two different artists to top the chart with both versions.

Other hits that reached the chart’s top 10 included 1957’s “Party Doll” at No. 5, 1959’s “Pretty Blue Eyes” at No. 9, 1960’s “Footsteps” at No. 7 and 1961’s “Portrait of My Love” at No. 9.

Lawrenced starred as Sammy Click in the Broadway musical “What Makes Sammy Run?” adapted from Budd Schulberg’s novel. He was nominated for a best actor Tony in 1964 for the role.

In 1965, he hosted a CBS variety program, which was short-lived. But in the 197os he appeared as a semi-regular on “The Carol Burnett Show” for more than 24 episodes.

“The Blues Brothers” (1980) contains another well-known film credit of Lawrence’s, the role of Maury Sline. He also reprised the character in the 1998 sequel “Blues Brothers 2000.”

Lawrence’s roles also included appearing alongside Steve Martin in “The Lonely Guy” (1984) and as Fran Drescher’s character’s father Morty Fine on CBS’ “The Nanny.”

The post Steve Lawrence, Grammy and Emmy-Winning Singer and Actor, Dies at 88 appeared first on TheWrap.

“Janelle and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,” Brown wrote in an Instagram post that was also shared by Janelle. It featured two photos of their son, one in his National Guard uniform and one of him smiling.

“He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. Our loss will leave such a big hole in our lives, that it takes our breath away. We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory,” the caption concluded.

Garrison, who was one of 18 kids featured on the reality show, was found dead in his home in Flagstaff, Arizona on Tuesday, according to the Flagstaff Police Department. Authorities confirmed that Garrison’s brother Gabriel, 22, “discovered Mr. Brown deceased” in an apparent suicide.

Lieutenant Charles M. Hernandez II sad in a statement shared with the media, “At this time there is not any indication of foul play, and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division are investigating.”

“We are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Garrison Brown. We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family at this difficult time,” TLC said in a statement shared with People.

Garrison has been part of the reality show since its debut in 2010. Season 18 premiered in August 2023 and wrapped up in January with Kody’s ex-wife Christine marrying new love David. He moved out of the family home in 2021 after arguing with his father about COVID rules, but still appeared in the series.

TMZ first reported the news of Garrison’s death.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 is a free, 24/7 confidential service that can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, or those around them, with support, information and local resources.

The post ‘Sister Wives’ Stars Janelle and Kody Brown Mourn Son Garrison: ‘Will Leave Such a Big Hole in Our Lives’ appeared first on TheWrap.