Exclusive: Good Deed Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to the indie comedy That’s Funny, written, directed by, and starring Alex Grossman. Co-starring Ben Cain (Cruel Summer), Melanie Hutsell (Saturday Night Live), and Nicole Forester (Jack Reacher), the film arrives on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu on November 17 before opening in select theaters December 7.
That’s Funny centers on a middle-aged man (Grossman) so driven to realize his dream of becoming a comedian, he’s missing out on all the beautiful moments already before him. On his journey of transformation, he returns to the competitive world of stand-up comedy that takes him from Los Angeles to his hometown of Flint, Michigan. With humor and vulnerability, ultimately both his act and perspective evolve as he realizes the present moment is the best place to be.
The pic is Grossman’s second on the heels of Hickey, a coming-of-age...
That’s Funny centers on a middle-aged man (Grossman) so driven to realize his dream of becoming a comedian, he’s missing out on all the beautiful moments already before him. On his journey of transformation, he returns to the competitive world of stand-up comedy that takes him from Los Angeles to his hometown of Flint, Michigan. With humor and vulnerability, ultimately both his act and perspective evolve as he realizes the present moment is the best place to be.
The pic is Grossman’s second on the heels of Hickey, a coming-of-age...
- 11/3/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Mayim Bialik has responded to Melanie Hutsell’s apology about the use of a prosthetic nose in a Saturday Night Live sketch parodying Blossom, the sitcom that made Bialik famous. In the 1994 sketch, Hutsell played Bialik’s Blossom Russo and donned a fake nose as part of her costume. Bialik reflected on the sketch in a recent essay for Variety, noting that no other Blossom character was singled out specifically for their facial features in the scene. Then a teenager, Bialik said she “felt ashamed” after seeing the sketch knowing that peers at her high school watched SNL, and she feared how Jewish Blossom fans would feel about her “undeniably Jewish” nose being the butt of a joke. Hutsell responded to Bialik’s Variety essay in a statement to Entertainment Weekly on October 20, saying she “knew it was wrong” to wear the fake nose but was told she would be...
- 10/23/2023
- TV Insider
Mayim Bialik has responded to SNL vet Melanie Hutsell’s recent apology for donning a prosthetic nose to spoof Blossom in a 1994 sketch.
“I did not intend to disparage you or SNL and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness around this!” Bialik posted on Threads after thanking Hutsell for her mea culpa. “It made for an interesting essay (which I was asked to write many months ago on the topic of antisemitism) and with everything going on in the world, I’m virtually hugging you and appreciate you very much!”
More from TVLineSNL Video: Bad Bunny's Tía and Pedro Pascal's...
“I did not intend to disparage you or SNL and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness around this!” Bialik posted on Threads after thanking Hutsell for her mea culpa. “It made for an interesting essay (which I was asked to write many months ago on the topic of antisemitism) and with everything going on in the world, I’m virtually hugging you and appreciate you very much!”
More from TVLineSNL Video: Bad Bunny's Tía and Pedro Pascal's...
- 10/23/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
“Saturday Night Live” alum Melanie Hutsell has expressed remorse over wearing a prosthetic nose for a 1994 sketch about the hit sitcom “Blossom,” starring Mayim Bialik in the title role.
“When we were preparing to do that sketch all those years ago, I was absolutely horrified that they wanted me to wear a prosthetic nose to play Mayim Bialik’s character, Blossom,” Hutsell said in a statement provided to Entertainment Weekly. “I knew it was wrong.”
The comedian then revealed her possible firing from the late-night television series if she didn’t wear the prosthetic nose for the sketch.
“I remember so clearly that when I expressed that I did not want to wear the prosthetic nose for the sketch, I was told if I refused, I would be fired,” Hutsell said. “And keep in mind, many of the people who had a hand in creating the sketch were Jewish. Although...
“When we were preparing to do that sketch all those years ago, I was absolutely horrified that they wanted me to wear a prosthetic nose to play Mayim Bialik’s character, Blossom,” Hutsell said in a statement provided to Entertainment Weekly. “I knew it was wrong.”
The comedian then revealed her possible firing from the late-night television series if she didn’t wear the prosthetic nose for the sketch.
“I remember so clearly that when I expressed that I did not want to wear the prosthetic nose for the sketch, I was told if I refused, I would be fired,” Hutsell said. “And keep in mind, many of the people who had a hand in creating the sketch were Jewish. Although...
- 10/22/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
SNL Vet Was ‘Horrified’ by Fake Nose She Wore in Blossom Spoof That Made Mayim Bialik Feel ‘Ashamed’
Saturday Night Live alum Melanie Hutsell is opening up about her discomfort donning a prosthetic nose to play Blossom’s Mayim Bialik in a 1994 sketch, days after Bialik shared that the spoof made her feel “ashamed.”
On Oct. 18, Bialik revisited the sketch in an essay on Variety. She remembered being the only Blossom cast member singled out for her physical features, particularly her “undeniably Jewish nose.”
More from TVLineMayim Bialik Responds to SNL Vet's Apology for Prosthetic Nose She Wore in Blossom ParodySNL Video: Bad Bunny's Tía and Pedro Pascal's Mamá Are the Ultimate Tag TeamSNL Video: Bad Bunny...
On Oct. 18, Bialik revisited the sketch in an essay on Variety. She remembered being the only Blossom cast member singled out for her physical features, particularly her “undeniably Jewish nose.”
More from TVLineMayim Bialik Responds to SNL Vet's Apology for Prosthetic Nose She Wore in Blossom ParodySNL Video: Bad Bunny's Tía and Pedro Pascal's Mamá Are the Ultimate Tag TeamSNL Video: Bad Bunny...
- 10/21/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
After Mayim Bialik recalled seeing herself parodied with a prosthetic nose on Saturday Night Live, former SNL star Melanie Hutsell offered her recollection of that moment. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Hutsell expressed remorse over the 1994 sketch, in which she donned the prosthetic to spoof the sitcom Blossom, another NBC series. “When we were preparing to do that sketch all those years ago, I was absolutely horrified that they wanted me to wear a prosthetic nose to play Mayim Bialik’s character, Blossom,” said Hutsell. “I knew it was wrong.” But the comedian’s job on SNL was at stake, she said. “I remember so clearly that when I expressed that I did not want to wear the prosthetic nose for the sketch, I was told if I refused, I would be fired,” she told EW. “And keep in mind, many of the people who had a hand in creating the sketch were Jewish.
- 10/21/2023
- TV Insider
Exclusive: Dana Carvey and David Spade have teamed up to launch their own weekly talk show podcast about Saturday Night Live.
The comedians, who both previously featured on the NBC late-night comedy, are launching Fly on the Wall with podcast company Cadence13.
The series will see them sit down with past and present cast, hosts, writers, and musical guests to reminisce about their favorite moments, memories, and sketches.
Carvey, best known for starring as Garth in SNL spinoff film Wayne’s World, was a cast member between 1986 and 1993, while Spade started as a writer in 1990 before becoming a cast member and stayed on the show through 1996.
Each week, the pair will take listeners behind the scenes and share never-before told stories about their careers and time on the long-running sketch comedy and variety show. They’ll discuss the stories behind their favorite characters and impressions, the jokes behind the jokes, life on and off the set,...
The comedians, who both previously featured on the NBC late-night comedy, are launching Fly on the Wall with podcast company Cadence13.
The series will see them sit down with past and present cast, hosts, writers, and musical guests to reminisce about their favorite moments, memories, and sketches.
Carvey, best known for starring as Garth in SNL spinoff film Wayne’s World, was a cast member between 1986 and 1993, while Spade started as a writer in 1990 before becoming a cast member and stayed on the show through 1996.
Each week, the pair will take listeners behind the scenes and share never-before told stories about their careers and time on the long-running sketch comedy and variety show. They’ll discuss the stories behind their favorite characters and impressions, the jokes behind the jokes, life on and off the set,...
- 1/11/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When Melanie Hutsell hit the comedy scene in the early 90s, many people thought she was there to stay. Not only was she funny, but she was incredibly creative and she brought fun and exciting energy to the popular sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. Surprisingly, however, Melanie only stayed on the show for three seasons. After departing from SNL, Melanie seemed to disappear from the spotlight altogether. Although some of the younger SNL fans may not be familiar with Melanie and her contributions to the show, many longtime viewers have wondered what became of Melanie. If you’re one of
Whatever Happened to Melanie Hutsell?...
Whatever Happened to Melanie Hutsell?...
- 4/14/2021
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
Exclusive: Following the SXSW World Premiere of Mother’s Little Helpers, writer/director/star Kestrin Pantera has inked with ICM Partners.
The agency is also repping the sale of the dysfunctional-family dramedy feature, which is also the follow up to Pantera’s feature directorial debut, Let’s Ruin It With Babies.
Based on true events and inspired by true lies, Mother’s Little Helpers is about how family ties can twist and tear a person and send them to jail. When Joy Pride, a groovy 70s burn-out on the caboose of the flower power movement, learns she has weeks to live, her estranged children reluctantly come together to do right by a mother who always did them wrong.
The film also stars Milana Vayntrub, Breeda Wool, Melanie Hutsell, David Giuntoli, Sam Littlefield and Cool Benson (Jonny’s Sweet Revenge).
Pantera has created several TV series for AwesomenessTV, also a showrunner for digital shows on Facebook and has directed commercials for clients ranging from Wired to J&J.
Before directing, Pantera was a classically trained musician-turned-rocker, playing cello in rock bands in Los Angeles and on tour around the world. Prior to moving to La, she lived in Taipei, Taiwan for almost two years, where she became fluent in Mandarin and performed voice-overs for 100+ American and Southeast Asian companies.
Pantera continues to be managed by Bold MP’s Anna Liza Recto and Michael Kaleda, who also served as co-executive producers on the dramedy.
The agency is also repping the sale of the dysfunctional-family dramedy feature, which is also the follow up to Pantera’s feature directorial debut, Let’s Ruin It With Babies.
Based on true events and inspired by true lies, Mother’s Little Helpers is about how family ties can twist and tear a person and send them to jail. When Joy Pride, a groovy 70s burn-out on the caboose of the flower power movement, learns she has weeks to live, her estranged children reluctantly come together to do right by a mother who always did them wrong.
The film also stars Milana Vayntrub, Breeda Wool, Melanie Hutsell, David Giuntoli, Sam Littlefield and Cool Benson (Jonny’s Sweet Revenge).
Pantera has created several TV series for AwesomenessTV, also a showrunner for digital shows on Facebook and has directed commercials for clients ranging from Wired to J&J.
Before directing, Pantera was a classically trained musician-turned-rocker, playing cello in rock bands in Los Angeles and on tour around the world. Prior to moving to La, she lived in Taipei, Taiwan for almost two years, where she became fluent in Mandarin and performed voice-overs for 100+ American and Southeast Asian companies.
Pantera continues to be managed by Bold MP’s Anna Liza Recto and Michael Kaleda, who also served as co-executive producers on the dramedy.
- 4/10/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: In Kestrin Pantera’s family dramedy Mother’s Little Helpers, four siblings are brought together when their former ’70s flower power mother learns she has weeks to live — but it’s not exactly a lovefest.
Based on true events, Mother’s Little Helpers is written and directed by Pantera and follows the estranged children of the dying mother as they try to do the right thing by a mother who always did them wrong. The dysfunction runs rampant as the comedic family drama unravels while the siblings say goodbye to their mom…who was never that much of a parent to begin with.
Pantera also stars alongside Breeda Wool, Milana Vayntrub, Melanie Hutsell, Sam Littlefield, David Giuntoli, and Cool Benson. Wool also serves as an executive producer with AnnaLiza Recto, Michael Kaleda, and Jonathan Grubb. Producers are Eva Kim and Tammy Sanchez.
Mother’s Little Helpers makes its world...
Based on true events, Mother’s Little Helpers is written and directed by Pantera and follows the estranged children of the dying mother as they try to do the right thing by a mother who always did them wrong. The dysfunction runs rampant as the comedic family drama unravels while the siblings say goodbye to their mom…who was never that much of a parent to begin with.
Pantera also stars alongside Breeda Wool, Milana Vayntrub, Melanie Hutsell, Sam Littlefield, David Giuntoli, and Cool Benson. Wool also serves as an executive producer with AnnaLiza Recto, Michael Kaleda, and Jonathan Grubb. Producers are Eva Kim and Tammy Sanchez.
Mother’s Little Helpers makes its world...
- 3/7/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Maria Bamford, the star of perhaps Netflix’s most truly original comedy, went fully nude in the first episode of “Lady Dynamite,” just for funsies. “There are so many male nude scenes that I think are funny. I just — I’m older, I don’t give a shit,” she said, with a laugh, to IndieWire.
The scene features Bamford dodging attempts to pixelize her naughtiest bits, in an effort to (as one of her pet pugs explains in voice-over) celebrate “body positivity.” That’s an absurd sentence to write, out of context. But it fits perfectly with the mindset that drives “Lady Dynamite,” which features Bamford as a somewhat fictionalized version of herself, dealing with the pitfalls and pratfalls of the entertainment industry in a heightened reality where dogs can talk, the boundaries of space and time don’t matter, and, really, why shouldn’t a 40-something woman strut around naked?...
The scene features Bamford dodging attempts to pixelize her naughtiest bits, in an effort to (as one of her pet pugs explains in voice-over) celebrate “body positivity.” That’s an absurd sentence to write, out of context. But it fits perfectly with the mindset that drives “Lady Dynamite,” which features Bamford as a somewhat fictionalized version of herself, dealing with the pitfalls and pratfalls of the entertainment industry in a heightened reality where dogs can talk, the boundaries of space and time don’t matter, and, really, why shouldn’t a 40-something woman strut around naked?...
- 11/16/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
Margot Robbie is no ice queen, but she's about to play one. Deadline reported Monday that the actress has signed on to play figure skater Tonya Harding in the upcoming movie I, Tonya. Robbie, who is also producing the biopic through her LuckyChap Entertainment banner, is said to be taking it upon herself to find the film's director. I, Tonya's script hails from Steven Rogers, who wrote Love the Coopers, P.S. I Love You, Kate & Leopold and Hope Floats. Robbie, meanwhile, next appears in The Legend of Tarzan and Suicide Squad. Harding has yet to publicly comment on I, Tonya. Robbie is not the first person to play Harding onscreen, of course. Both Melanie Hutsell and Amy Poehler parodied her on...
- 3/22/2016
- E! Online
Given all the musicals we've seen on TV recently -- NBC's live-performance versions of "Peter Pan" and "The Sound of Music," not to mention ABC's "Galavant" and all six seasons of Fox's "Glee" -- it's a wonder that the pipeline hasn't flowed in the opposite direction, from the small screen to Broadway.
That may change with the announcements that a couple of TV-based musicals are in the works. One is "Bombshell," the Marilyn Monroe biographical musical that was created and staged over the course of two seasons on NBC's "Smash." Bringing it to Broadway would seem easy enough -- the songs and choreography already exist; all that's needed is a book.
The other is a stage version of "Downton Abbey," which may launch after the British drama's sixth and final season wraps this winter. John Lunn, who composes the music for the series, says he envisions an international tour, starring...
That may change with the announcements that a couple of TV-based musicals are in the works. One is "Bombshell," the Marilyn Monroe biographical musical that was created and staged over the course of two seasons on NBC's "Smash." Bringing it to Broadway would seem easy enough -- the songs and choreography already exist; all that's needed is a book.
The other is a stage version of "Downton Abbey," which may launch after the British drama's sixth and final season wraps this winter. John Lunn, who composes the music for the series, says he envisions an international tour, starring...
- 6/26/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Fifteen men. Fifteen layered “rocker” outfits from H&M. Fifteen obligations to make preteen girls clap, whinny, and vote. Who will win? Who will whinny?
I did a couple of times. Not raucously, but overall, the first showcase of American Idol‘s male contestant crop was much better than the distaff half’s debut on Tuesday night. Some areas of improvement over the ladies: less screaming; more looking-like-they-belong-on-a-stage; handsomeness; guitar antics; palpable sensuality; faces for gay men to enjoy. Maybe we didn’t get a tender, tearful moment in the vein of M.K. Nobilette‘s whispery triumph on Tuesday, but I think we clearly saw five dudes fulla feelings emerge as frontrunners. Which is convenient, considering only five are guaranteed to proceed.
I know this isn’t news to readers of TheBacklot, but it must be stated: Adam Lambert, who again appeared as a guest mentor alongside the world...
I did a couple of times. Not raucously, but overall, the first showcase of American Idol‘s male contestant crop was much better than the distaff half’s debut on Tuesday night. Some areas of improvement over the ladies: less screaming; more looking-like-they-belong-on-a-stage; handsomeness; guitar antics; palpable sensuality; faces for gay men to enjoy. Maybe we didn’t get a tender, tearful moment in the vein of M.K. Nobilette‘s whispery triumph on Tuesday, but I think we clearly saw five dudes fulla feelings emerge as frontrunners. Which is convenient, considering only five are guaranteed to proceed.
I know this isn’t news to readers of TheBacklot, but it must be stated: Adam Lambert, who again appeared as a guest mentor alongside the world...
- 2/20/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
NBC and "Saturday Night Live" have officially announced the cast additions for the upcoming 39th season of the long-running late-night sketch comedy show. A tweet from the show's official account reads, "Please join us in welcoming our newest cast members: Beck Bennett, John Milhiser, Kyle Mooney, Mike O'Brien (above, left), Noel Wells & Brooks Wheelan (above, right)!!"
This comes a few weeks after rumors began that four of those members -- Bennett, Milhiser, Mooney and Wells -- would be the new additions after the recent departures of Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen and Jason Sudeikis.
"SNL" has also announced who will be co-anchoring Weekend Update with Seth Meyers. The co-anchor chair, empty since Amy Poehler's departure several years ago, will be filled by Cecily Strong. She may be working toward handling the desk solo as Meyers transitions to hosting "Late Night," but creator Lorne Michaels says he'd like it...
This comes a few weeks after rumors began that four of those members -- Bennett, Milhiser, Mooney and Wells -- would be the new additions after the recent departures of Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen and Jason Sudeikis.
"SNL" has also announced who will be co-anchoring Weekend Update with Seth Meyers. The co-anchor chair, empty since Amy Poehler's departure several years ago, will be filled by Cecily Strong. She may be working toward handling the desk solo as Meyers transitions to hosting "Late Night," but creator Lorne Michaels says he'd like it...
- 9/16/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The world may be getting introduced to a brand new sitcom with a focus on food. The Waffle Hut is a comedy surrounding the many characters that work and visit a small-town waffle house diner. The show stars an array of comedic talent, including Wendi McLendon-Covey, Colleen Camp, Melanie Hutsell, Beth Crosby, Jack Plotnick, Sam Pancake and Drew Droege.
The Waffle Hut pilot was written and directed by William Butler. It was shot last year but the trailer seems to have gained some popularity in the last few days. It doesn't look like Waffle Hut has been picked up by a network yet, but it seems like it is still being shopped around.
Check out the trailer for Waffle Hut below! ...
The Waffle Hut pilot was written and directed by William Butler. It was shot last year but the trailer seems to have gained some popularity in the last few days. It doesn't look like Waffle Hut has been picked up by a network yet, but it seems like it is still being shopped around.
Check out the trailer for Waffle Hut below! ...
- 2/6/2013
- by rnazarali
- Foodista
Emmy-winning actress Genie Francis will be featured as a Special Guest Star during the upcoming third season of the hit comedy web series Pretty. Pretty The Series creator Steve Silverman is not saying what role Francis will be playing, but will say she will be featured in several episodes and is playing a major new character.
Francis, best known as Laura from General Hospital, is currently playing Genevieve on The Young And The Restless. Her other soap roles include Ceara on All My Children and Diana on Days Of Our Lives. She has also appeared in a number of primetime series and films including the hugely successful Taking a Chance on Love on Hallmark in 2009.
Silverman hints there will be a scene, or two or three, between Francis' Pretty character and Denise Alexander, which would be a huge treat for fans who loved them as mother and daughter on General Hospital.
Francis, best known as Laura from General Hospital, is currently playing Genevieve on The Young And The Restless. Her other soap roles include Ceara on All My Children and Diana on Days Of Our Lives. She has also appeared in a number of primetime series and films including the hugely successful Taking a Chance on Love on Hallmark in 2009.
Silverman hints there will be a scene, or two or three, between Francis' Pretty character and Denise Alexander, which would be a huge treat for fans who loved them as mother and daughter on General Hospital.
- 7/14/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
Charles Rocket: 1980 - 1981. Weekend update anchor. The most prolific male cast member during the 1980-81 season besides Joe Piscopo, He was fired, in part, for cursing on air. (The scene below is the one that got him fired).
Danitra Vance: 1985 - 1986. Recurring characters: "That black girl," and Cabrini Green Jackson, a professional teenage mother who gives advice on pregnancy. (She also died in 1994 from breast cancer). Check out this sketch -- not something they could pull off today.
Tim Kazurinsky: 1981 - 1984. Recurring characters: The landlord from Eddie Murphy's "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood," Father Timothy Owens, and network censor Worthington Clotman.
Mary Gross: 1981 - 1985. Co-anchor of Weekend Update (briefly). Recurring characters: Alfalfa in the "Little Rascals" sketches, Chi Chi, Celeste, and Siobhan Cahill.
Robin Duke: 1981 - 1984. Recurring character: Wendy Whiner. Also played Mr. T.
Jim Breur: 1995 - 1998. Recurring character: Goat boy. He was in those Goth Talk sketches.
Danitra Vance: 1985 - 1986. Recurring characters: "That black girl," and Cabrini Green Jackson, a professional teenage mother who gives advice on pregnancy. (She also died in 1994 from breast cancer). Check out this sketch -- not something they could pull off today.
Tim Kazurinsky: 1981 - 1984. Recurring characters: The landlord from Eddie Murphy's "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood," Father Timothy Owens, and network censor Worthington Clotman.
Mary Gross: 1981 - 1985. Co-anchor of Weekend Update (briefly). Recurring characters: Alfalfa in the "Little Rascals" sketches, Chi Chi, Celeste, and Siobhan Cahill.
Robin Duke: 1981 - 1984. Recurring character: Wendy Whiner. Also played Mr. T.
Jim Breur: 1995 - 1998. Recurring character: Goat boy. He was in those Goth Talk sketches.
- 4/12/2011
- by Dustin Rowles
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