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Joyce Jonathan music review

2012-01-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

Joyce Jonathan ‘Sur mes gardes’ album review
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Joyce Jonathan

With the beauty of a Cover Girl model and a voice that is as soothing as a lullaby, 22-year-old French singer-songwriter Joyce Jonathan is delightfully enchanting.

Born in the suburbs of Paris, France, she began her career at age 16, when she started posting songs on MySpace. She eventually attracted the attention of the record label My Major Company, which produced her platinum selling album "Sur mes gardes."

Although it was not widely released in the United States, her popularity on social networking sites like YouTube and MySpace led to her song “L’heure avait sonné” being featured on an episode of The CW television series “Gossip Girl.”

Whether you speak French or not, the record possesses a variety of pop and folk-style songs that are unforgettable and richly lyrical. The blend of poetic verse with deeply emotional melodies makes the album a perfect addition to any music collection.

Watch the official music video for "L'heure avait sonné"

StayFamous.Net Album Review: 5 (out of 5 stars)

"Delightfully enchanting and richly poetic, Joyce Jonathan's music is mesmerizing."

- StayFamous.Net

Tracks on the album include:
1. l'heure avait sonné - (click here to watch the music video)
2. pas besoin de toi - (click here to watch the music video)
3. je ne sais pas - (click here to watch the music video)
4. ma musique
5. au bar
6. prends ton temps
7. un peu d’espoir - *(Top pick for STAYFAMOUS.NET “Favorite Song” on the album) - (click here to listen)
8. bien trop simple
9. sur mes gardes (avec Tété)
10. tant pis - (click here to watch the music video)
11. les souvenirs

For more information on Joyce Jonathan visit www.mymajorcompany.com/#!/artistes/joycejonathan. You can also “like” her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/joycejonathan.music and follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/joycejonathan.

Joyce Jonathan ‘Sur mes gardes’ album review
Copyright 2012 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

To request permission to use excerpts from StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact:
Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

iCarly returns with all new episode

2012-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Miranda Cosgrove stars as Carly in Nickelodeon's comedy series iCarly.

The sixth season of the popular Nickelodeon television series iCarly is almost underway! And in the brand-new episode, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday, Jan. 21, Miranda Cosgrove's character, Carly finds herself in quite the predicament.

Her big toe gets stuck in the faucet, while she is getting ready for her big date!

Meanwhile, her friends decide to surprise Sam (played by Jennette McCurdy) by taking her to the Fat Cakes factory in Canada. But the gang runs into trouble when they try to sneak their snacks back over the border.

Will everyone make it out in one piece?

Watch a sneak preview of the premiere

In other iCarly news, the iCarly – iSoundtrack II – Music From And Inspired By The Hit TV Show CD will be released on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and is currently available for presale on iTunes now.

For more information about iCarly visit www.icarly.com.

"iCarly returns with an all new episode"

Submitted article

Photos courtesy of Nickelodeon

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Michael Aaron Gallagher takes on new role as movie producer

2011-12-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Michael Aaron Gallagher

There is no question 2011 was a big year for entertainment journalist Michael Aaron Gallagher. Interviewing some of Hollywood’s biggest stars was just the beginning of the excitement surrounding his career.

“I wanted to branch out this year and really explore other aspects of the movie industry,” Gallagher said recently. “So I started looking for films that were intriguing and that I thought represented the kind of projects I wanted to see brought to the big screen.”

As a financial backer of seven original, independent short films, Gallagher is stepping into a new role, as an up-and-coming film producer. The projects he helped support this year include, “Kids on the Run,” "First Kiss," "Step One," “Terminus,” “No Hay Nada Mas (There is Nothing More) and "Other Days.”

“When I evaluate a movie, I look at several different criteria for building a successful project,” Gallagher said. “I wanted to see a strong marketing theme from the filmmakers, a solid soundtrack, and a story that I thought was visually compelling. All seven of these movies have the potential to go on to win awards at film festivals, and that’s exciting.”

In 2011, Gallagher was named as an executive producer of two New York City short films, "Terminus" and "Other Days."

Set against the backdrop of the NYC subway, "Terminus" tells the story of the end of a relationship between two lovers, Owen and Izzy. Created by the award-winning team of writer/director Barnett Brettler and producer Nicole Capone, it starts filming in New York this December.

"Other Days" was written and directed by Adam Gundersheimer of the Tisch School for the Arts at New York University. Similar to "Terminus" in its themes, the main characters struggle to stay connected after one of them witnesses a tragedy and finds it emotionally difficult to cope.

Character sketch for "Terminus" by Kartika Mediani,
inspired by the characters in the screenplay.

Michael Aaron Gallagher is also an associate producer of three short films, including "Step One" and "First Kiss."

Set in a coffee shop in Los Angeles, "Step One" is a dark comedy about two people recovering from addiction. It was written by Allison Burnett, whose screenwriting credits include "Autumn in New York" (starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder), "Untraceable" (starring Diane Lane), "Underworld Awakening" (starring Kate Beckinsale) and "Gone" (starring Amanda Seyfried). The film was directed by Max Gold and edited by Monika Santucci (who worked on "Arbitrage" starring Richard Gere and Susan Saradon).

"I had a chance to interview Allison about 'Step One' before they started shooting the film," Gallagher said. "And what struck me the most was his willingness to help up-and-coming filmmakers in an industry that isn't usually known for its generosity. He really cares about telling an authentic story and it just so happens that many of his novels end up in theaters too."

As an associate producer of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based film "First Kiss" by screenwriter Yulin Huang, Gallagher says he could identify with the main character in the story, who writes poems for his romantic interests, although he cannot seem to find love.

"I liked the idea behind Yulin's story, especially the fact that it shows that it's okay to have a male lead who is sensitive and displays a certain level of vulnerability," he said. "There's something very universal about it. I'm looking forward to seeing how it does on the film festival circuit."

In 2011, Gallagher was also a financial backer of two other short films, “Kids on the Run” and “No Hay Nada Mas (There is Nothing More),” both of which wrapped filming in November. Inspired by the MTV generation, “Kids on the Run” is a story about Banks, a guy from a small town looking for direction in his life. The film was written and directed by Biola University student Nolan Goff.

Filmed on 35mm film to enhance the gritty realism of Los Angeles, “No Hay Nada Mas (There is Nothing More)” is a story about a family forced to live in a hotel in Los Angeles after their house is foreclosed. It was written and directed by Giovanni Solis of California State University Northridge.

Although Michael Aaron Gallagher hasn't made an appearance as an actor since his role in the 2009 indie horror film "Ms. Cannibal Holocaust" by director Ron Bonk and executive producer Jonathan Straiton (which went on to screen at several film festivals and will be released on DVD next year), with all the recent behind-the-scenes activity, the question is, will he make another big screen cameo in 2012?

“I would love to be a part of another movie as an actor or as an extra,” Gallagher said. “And when I'm given the right invitation, I’m sure I'll say yes.”

You can become a fan of Michael Aaron Gallagher on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @MichaelCNYnews. For more information about how to contact him, visit his official website www.michaelaarongallagher.com. To keep up with his latest work in movies during 2012, visit his IMDB page at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614756/.

Kristen Renton and Winter Ave Zoli talk bikes and tattoos

2011-10-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

"Kristen Renton and Winter Ave Zoli talk bikes and tattoos"
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Actress Kristen Renton ("Sons of Anarchy")

As the fourth season of the critically acclaimed television series "Sons of Anarchy" heats up, stars Kristen Renton (who plays Ima) and Winter Ave Zoli (who plays Lyla) recently talked to StayFamous.Net about their roles on the hit biker drama airing Tuesday nights on FX.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How do you feel you’ve grown as actresses since you started the show? And has being on the show influenced you personally at all, have you adopted any of the wardrobe or become more in tune with the biker culture or gotten any tattoos?

Kristen Renton: "I feel like any time you as an actor can be surrounded by other amazing actors you can’t do anything but grow. There’s a phenomenal cast that we get to work with every time we go to work, and just to be in the presence of these people and watching them do their work, Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman, Kim Coates, all of them are just phenomenal actors. I just sit and I’ll watch them and you just absorb, at least I do, just the wealth of knowledge that they share with you. So I definitely feel as an actor I’ve grown since being on the show and different situations that my character, 'Ima,' has found herself in, sometimes it really makes you think and you walk away going, holy crap, what did I just do? But it’s given me a strength and a lot of determination to continue in the business that I’m in. And as I said earlier, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and shooting this show and dealing with these situations and different people has definitely made me a stronger person."

"With regards to the bike culture, I’ve grown up around bikes, so if anything it’s just reaffirmed how much I love them. I actually got my motorcycle license in February, it was something I’d always wanted to do and now I have an excuse. I’m still learning. I don’t have a bike yet. But that’s a goal of mine. Tattoos, yes, I’ve got 14, so I had several of those before I started, and I think my newest one I got knowing that Kurt wouldn’t be upset with me, so there you go."

Winter Ave Zoli: "Yes, it’s true, it’s probably the only show where you can get a tattoo and it's no problem."

Kristen Renton: "Yes, I was like let’s do it."

Winter Ave Zoli: "I have to agree with what Kristen said, just being on the set and watching Charlie work and watching Katie work and Ron and everybody is very inspiring and you do learn a lot when you see their process and how they work with the directors and how they go about making the scene as realistic and real for them as possible. I definitely feel like obviously I’ve grown and just being able to play this kind of character, it makes you learn a lot about the world that they’re from, and that influences you for sure."

Actress Winter Ave Zoli ("Sons of Anarchy")

"As far as the bike culture, I’ve never paid attention to it much and I have to say I’m definitely more fond and intrigued by it. Every time I hear a bike my heart beats a little faster and I’m definitely more in tune with what kind of bikes are out there. I have no tattoos and, as Kristen knows, I’ve been planning on possibly getting one for about three years and I can’t make the decision to go ahead and do it."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you like most about this season both in the storyline and in your characters in particular?”

Winter Ave Zoli: “What I like a lot about this season is that it’s dealing more on a personal level with all of the characters and delving into relationships and the history of the relationships and the past of the club, and a lot of things come to a head. So it reveals a lot of information this season about the characters and the club. About my character in particular, I like that things are coming to a head for her and 'Opie' and it’s showing more of 'Lyla’s' character in this season and situations come up that force her and 'Opie' to deal with the things in their life."

Kristen Renton: “This season is a very relationship driven season and being able to look back into the past of how the club started and where everybody came from and the different relationships and dynamics that come into play with the history of the club, where everybody is now, even seeing the relationship between 'Gemma' and 'Clay' start to, I don’t want to say deteriorate, but start to be really tested and all the lying and deceit, I think is a very interesting, juicy creative path that they’re going down. For my character in particular, I just like that she just doesn’t give up. She’s coming back and she won’t take no for an answer and she’s - I think - gone a little over to the dark side. She’s now carrying a gun and she’s gone a little batty. But she’s determined and you’ve got to appreciate a girl with determination for sure."

"Sons of Anarchy" airs at 10 p.m. Tuesdays on FX.

"Kristen Renton and Winter Ave Zoli talk bikes and tattoos"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of FX Television Networks

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

'Wilfred' stars discuss DVD extras

2011-10-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

'Wilfred' stars discuss DVD extras

Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Elijah Wood and Jason Gann star in "Wilfred."
Photo by Ray Mickshaw.

There aren't many critically acclaimed shows in the world starring a man in a talking dog suit - except of course the Australian and American versions of "Wilfred."

Now that the first season of the FX comedy starring Elijah Wood (as Ryan) and Jason Gann (as Wilfred) has drawn to a close, I asked the stars about what they would like to see on the DVD when it is released in the coming months.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "When people go out and buy the DVD of season one, what do you want to be on the bonus features?"

Elijah Wood: "Well, there are actually some deleted scenes, some of which I was a real fan of. There is actually a great deleted scene that I won’t reveal because it will likely be on the DVD from the mother episode that is quite hilarious."

Jason Gann: "Yes, there are a lot of scenes."

Elijah Wood: "I’ve got to say there has to be a fair amount of bloopers, right?"

Jason Gann: "I’m sort of more aware of what I really don’t want to be on there... I watch behind the scenes – the making of movies, but at the same time I kind of wish they weren’t there, because if it’s a really fantastic movie that’s kind of got a magical element to it... on the rare occasion that I am drawn into that world, I often don’t like seeing how different things are made."

"I like interviews. I think we should do interviews. And I like bloopers and we certainly have – because our show is so precious of time we do have a lot of extra stuff that unfortunately had to be cut. Hopefully, that will be in there and people can get to see some alternatives, maybe just see a few scenes that are a bit more stretched out that we didn’t have the benefit of the time with."

Find out what makes the cut, when "Wilfred" comes out on DVD. In the mean time, for more information on downloads and other merchandise from the show, visit www.fxnetworks.com. You can also follow Elijah Wood on Twitter @woodelijah and Jason Gann @JasonGann.

'Wilfred' stars discuss DVD extras
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of FX

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Barnett Brettler begins work on new short film

2011-10-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Barnett Brettler begins work on new short film
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Barnett Brettler

Award-winning director, Barnett Brettler is once again teaming up with producer Nicole Capone as they begin production on a new short film called "Terminus."

The award-winning filmmaker who graduated from Syracuse University and was named a top emerging artist by Student Filmmakers Magazine in 2008, won "Best Student Film" for "20 Mississippi" in the college category at the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival.

He is scheduled to shoot "Terminus" starting in December.

Partially inspired by the Hemingway classic "The End of Something" and current events, "Terminus" tells the story of two couples, whose romance comes to an end in a New York City subway. It is scheduled to be a 15-minute short film, starring Christopher Lanceley (Owen), Alia Guidry (Izzy), Ashley Marie Ortiz (Grace) and Ben Reno (Adam).

Watch a Clip from the Director:
For more information on how you can become involved with the project by donating to help meet their $4,500 production goal by Nov. 28, visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/terminusthemovie/terminus-0. You can also "like" the film on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TerminusTheMovie.

Barnett Brettler begins work on new short film
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Danny DeVito reveals his family's reaction and more

2011-10-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

"Danny DeVito reveals his family's reaction and more"
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito isn't afraid to reveal things. Whether it's jumping out from behind a couch naked on his popular FX comedy series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" or talking about some of the comedic risks he takes in his role, there is something profoundly genuine about the 66 year-old actor from New Jersey who began his career in a beauty parlor and went on to become one of the most distinguished actors in his field.

His absolute mastery of the art of television comedy shows in his ability to define his character as a unique, three-dimensional extension of himself. Where other actors might put on a mask and perform for the camera, DeVito is convincingly real - there is no masquerade or artificial showmanship. He effortlessly embodies his role with a true passion and discipline that few in his profession can match. What appears as raw spontaneity and unpredictability is a legend at work - it is the essence of DeVito.

In a recent interview, DeVito talked about his role as Frank Reynolds on the popular FX series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "When do you feel like you’re at your funniest and what, as an actor, helps get you to that place?"

Danny DeVito: "I think it’s the freedom to allow yourself to go... We have a script that is really well-written. They all put it all together. And then we’re allowed to venture off a little bit. It’s kind of like an improv, but it’s not. You don’t call it that. We just get into the situation and then everybody parries with each other."

"One day, it was the last show that was on, we were fighting over lines and Rob looked at me, and he was so mad. He said, 'I ought to put my finger through your eye, you little …,' something like that. It was out of the blue... but it’s out of those come the funniest situations, where they’re spontaneous. But they do write some really great stuff, so it leads you in the path of hilarity."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What does your family think of the show?"

Danny DeVito: "My family loves the show. In fact, I found the show because John Landgraf (the President of the FX network) sent the first few episodes, when they did them seven years ago, to Rhea (Perlman). He wanted to get the take on it from our family. They were all sitting watching the show religiously, and I came in and I sat down and I got hooked on it the first season with the dead guy in the hospital—there were so many things. There were racial things in the bar. They were just done in a way that was fresh and I thought each one of the characters was funnier than the next. And then later on, Landgraf sent me the note, or the email, that they were interested in talking to me about being on the show. My kids love the show now; although once in a while I do embarrass everybody by coming out of the couch naked. But it’s all in fun and they put the little Christmas wreath by my tushy."

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays on FX. For more information visit www.fxnetworks.com. You can also follow Danny DeVito on Twitter @DannyDeVito.

"Danny DeVito reveals his family's reaction and more"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of FX Television Networks

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Julianne Hough chats with Glamour readers about 'Footloose'

2011-10-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Julianne Hough chats with Glamour readers about 'Footloose'

By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Julianne Hough

As one of the most technically proficient dancers on television, Julianne Hough is best known for her award-winning choreography on ABC's hit reality show "Dancing with the Stars." On Oct. 14, she is taking her ballroom talents to the big screen, in the re-make of the beloved motion picture "Footloose."

In a recent Q&A for Glamour magazine readers, the 23 year-old country singer and actress from Utah graciously took a moment to answer some questions about her upcoming movie role. It's easy to see why her charm and charisma both on and off the dance floor is winning over audiences everywhere and bringing the art to a whole new generation of fans.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What was the most physically challenging scene for you in 'Footloose?'"

Julianne Hough: "The most physically challenging scene was the dance numbers that we had to shoot at night. The last take we did was at 6 in the morning as the sun was rising and we were all exhausted."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What's the most glamorous outfit you've ever worn to an event? Was there a dress that stands out in your mind?"

Julianne Hough: "I really loved my red outfit that I wore to the LA 'Footloose' premiere. It was really classy, but yet still chic and fun!"

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What message would you send to a wallflower, afraid to get out on the dance floor?"

Julianne Hough: "Dear Wallflower, there is no such thing as bad dancing... it all just depends how much fun you are having!"

For more information on Julianne Hough, visit www.juliannehough.com and follow her on Twitter @juliannehough. "Footloose," also starring Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell and Kenny Wormald, opens Oct. 14 in theaters nationwide.

Julianne Hough chats with Glamour readers about 'Footloose'

Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of Ondrea Barbe

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Nicole Gale Anderson takes on exciting new roles

2011-10-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

Nicole Gale Anderson takes on exciting new roles
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Nicole Gale Anderson

As one of Hollywood’s most talented, rising stars under 25, actress Nicole Gale Anderson is keeping busy with a handful of projects, including ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It,” guest-starring roles on the ABC comedy “Happy Endings” and The CW’s “Ringer,” and two independent movies currently in post-production.

While she prepared for her recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee, where she was scheduled to film the independent movie “Lukewarm,” she took some time to talk about her whirlwind summer and the exciting new projects she is working on.

“I’m in a position in my career where I worked consistently with children’s programming and now I’m trying to gradually make my way into an older audience,” Anderson said. “So I’m definitely enjoying these different guest-starring roles.”

Born in Rochester, Indiana, Nicole began her career as a print model, working for several fashion brands including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s clothing line. She later went on to land parts on the children’s shows “Unfabulous,” “Zoey 101,” “iCarly” and “Hannah Montana.”

Her breakout role finally came in 2009, as Macy Misa on the Disney Channel’s popular series “Jonas L.A.,” which eventually opened the door for her to join the cast of ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It,” soon to begin its third season.

“Luckily, with the Disney Channel, I feel like my major fan base from that has grown with me, and as I’m getting older, they’re getting older too,” Anderson said. “So the things that I’m working on now, they are excited to see and they’re tuning in to watch and it’s something that I feel they relate to more now that they’re older and I’m older. So it’s great that they followed me along and they’re still supporting me throughout my career and they’re excited for the change as well.”

On Oct. 5, Nicole will appear in an episode of the ABC comedy series “Happy Endings.”

“It was really great to do comedy again and it was also amazing to work with Elisha (Cuthbert),” Anderson said. “It was a lot of fun working with Megan Park as well. She guest stars in the episode with me and she’s from ABC Family’s ‘Secret Life’.”

During pilot season, earlier this year, Nicole also auditioned for The CW series “Ringer” and landed the role as Zoey Deutch’s friend, Monica. Her character debuts in the Nov. 1 episode.

“I originally auditioned for the part of Juliet and then again for a high school bully,” Anderson said. “It was really nice that they kept bringing me back and tried to find a role that sort of fit.”

In addition to her numerous television roles, Nicole is also a rising movie star who tested her ability as a dramatic actress as Bianca Miller in Lifetime’s “Accused at 17” (by screenwriter Christine Conradt) and showcased her knack for comedy as the lighthearted character Hope Plotnick in the movie sequel “Mean Girls 2.”

Despite competition among other Hollywood actresses with a similar ethnicity and hair color in her age group, Nicole explains that at the end of the day, she is focused less on popularity and more on working hard to be the best actress possible for the part.

“I know that we all have our own things going on and if you’re right for the role, you’re right for the role,” she said. “The most I can do is prepare myself for the character and do my best, and hope for the best.”

Nicole Gale Anderson stars as Tori in "Red Line" (www.redlinethefilm.com).

This year, she is challenging herself even more as an actress, starring in the independent subway thriller “Red Line” by Director Robert Kirbyson and the faith-based film “Lukwarm” by Director Thomas Makowski.

“I love independent films,” Anderson said. “I feel like creatively I’m so satisfied and so fulfilled working on independents because the story is so much worth telling… It’s a lot more character-driven or story-driven as opposed to having major explosions or robots and CGI. So for me as an actress, sometimes even though the money isn’t necessarily there, I learn so much from the projects and it’s such a different experience when people are there solely because they are so passionate about having the story be told and you can just feel the energy – it’s contagious. People are putting their hearts and souls into the project. And it’s a great, almost ‘family feel’ to the projects. I fall in love with my characters and I learn so much from them, and I feel like I always come out of independents growing much more as an actress.”

In “Lukewarm” Anderson plays Jessie, the fiancée of Luke (played by Jeremy Jones), a man who has strayed from his faith and is struggling to find himself.

“It’s faith-based,” Anderson said. “But I feel like, even for non-Christians or Christians alike it’s so easily relatable, because it is about a man who loses his job due to the tough economic times that we’re in right now. He ends up working in a bar and sort of strays away from his beliefs. And the people that care and love for him get sucked into this other world. It’s just about his struggle of finding his way back to who he is and staying true to who he is instead of selling out to make a quick dime.”

Family is something that is important to Nicole in real life. She is close with her siblings and enjoys sharing her Hollywood journey with them.

“My siblings and I are all very artistically inclined. My brother goes to FIT in New York. He’s going there for haute couture design and he’s fabulously talented. And my sister is a singer-songwriter, but I think she does it more as a hobby,” Anderson said. “They’re all very, very supportive of my career – very excited when things come my way. They’re the first ones to sort of tune in or Tweet about it or tell their friends. It’s really nice to have them by my side.”

With her charming personality and versatility as an actress, it’s no wonder Nicole Anderson’s online popularity has skyrocketed over the past couple of years. To date, she has more than 435,000 followers on Twitter.

“It’s sort of mind blowing,” she said. “To know that 430,000 souls with heartbeats… care enough to see what I have to say on a daily basis. It’s a very strange concept. I don’t know what I did to get that many people to follow my Twitter page. But it’s really cool and it also puts into perspective how great my fans are – the fact that after watching what I do they take the time to go on Twitter and search for my page and see what I’m up to next and it’s also really exciting to hear from them. I read all of my @replies and I love hearing what they have to say. It’s just a very strange concept. But I’m definitely very, very flattered and appreciative of all the love. So hopefully I’m entertaining enough!”

“Happy Endings” featuring guest star Nicole Gale Anderson airs Oct. 5 on ABC. She will also be appearing on The CW’s "Ringer" on Nov. 1.

For more information visit www.nicoleandersononline.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @heyitsnicolea and find out more about her upcoming projects at IMDb.com.

Nicole also teamed up with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as a youth spokesperson and ambassador for their global UL Safety Smart® Program, promoting child health and safety worldwide. To learn what you can do to stay safe, visit www.ulsafetysmart.com.

"Nicole Gale Anderson takes on exciting new roles"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of DeFurio Photography/Red Line

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Kat Graham chats with Glamour magazine readers

2011-09-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

"Kat Graham chats with Glamour magazine readers"
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Kat Graham stars as Bonnie Bennett in "The Vampire Diaries."
The CW ©2010 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

On Sept. 28, Glamour magazine gave readers a chance to chat on Facebook with "The Vampire Diaries" star Kat Graham, who plays Bonnie Bennett on the hit CW television series.

Graham, who is a mulit-talented singer, actress, dancer and model answered questions on a variety of topics including her own fashion style.

Despite her confident, progressive looks on the red carpet, Graham says that she doesn't wear any of her real-life clothes or accessories on the show.

"The clothes for the show are picked by wardrobe," Graham explained.

In many ways, her character Bonnie's style is more earthy and subdued than some of the more modern trends Graham sports to Hollywood parties and events.

She told Glamour readers that her favorite fashion designer is Jeremy Scott, who is known for his bolder, thought-provoking designs. But her favorite item in her wardrobe right now happens to be a pair of brown loafers from American Eagle Outfitters.

"They're sooo comfortable," she said.

"The Vampire Diaries" airs at 8/7c Thursdays on the CW. To learn more about Kat Graham, visit her official website at www.katgraham.com and follow her on Twitter @KatGraham.

"Kat Graham chats with Glamour magazine readers"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of The CW Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

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Jamie-Lynn Sigler is enjoying the journey

2011-09-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Jamie-Lynn Sigler is enjoying the journey"

Interview by Michael AaronGallagher of StayFamous.Net

Jamie-Lynn Sigler guest stars on "Drop Dead Diva."
Photo by Bob Mahoney.

You may recognize award-winning actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler from her days as Meadow Soprano on the iconic HBO drama “The Sopranos” (starring James Gandolfini, Edie Falco and Lorraine Bracco) or as Turtle’s girlfriend on “Entourage” (starring Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven), but her upcoming role on the season finale of Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva” is sure to surprise audiences.

“I think they’re going to see a new side and a new depth of her character in the season finale on Sunday,” show creator Josh Berman said recently. “And I’m really looking forward to seeing fan reactions.”

In the season three finale of “Drop Dead Diva,” Sigler plays Tina Howard, a character who is suffering from cardiac disease. In order to survive, she needs a heart transplant from her brother, who is a death-row inmate.

Born in Jericho, New York, Sigler began acting in theatrical plays at a young age and has since become one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses. Ranked as one of the most beautiful women in the world by men’s magazines like FHM, Stuff, and Maxim (in 2002, 2005 and 2007), her current Top 5,000 STARmeter™ ranking on IMDb.com is 1,351. She is also an accomplished singer and author of the memoir “Wise Girl.”

Brooke Elliott with guest star Jamie-Lynn Sigler on the season
three finale of "Drop Dead Diva." Photo by Bob Mahoney.

Now at age 30, Sigler is branching out in her career and taking on new roles that not only challenge her as an actress, but also allow audiences to view her in a different light.

“With acting and with what I do you can always get better and you can always learn and grow as a person and as an actor from every project,” Sigler told me recently. “And people you meet can lead to other projects, like working with Josh (Berman) last year and our pilot led to this… I think a lot of people try and sort of look at their careers as this chess game and what’s going to get you further… Ultimately, I’ve always led with my gut of what is just going to help me grow as an actor. And I’ve been happy with my journey thus far.”

Sigler, who filmed the season finale in July, after returning from vacation in Spain, is scheduled to appear in several upcoming projects including, “Divorce Invitation” (2011), “Jewtopia” (2012) and “Anatomy of the Tide” (2012).

Watch a clip from the Season Finale of "Drop Dead Diva:"

With each new project Sigler says she asks herself, “What can I learn from this?”

“I work hard. I do my homework,” Sigler said. “I do most of my work before I get to set because I think for me acting is a collaborative experience… I try and do as much work as I can before I get to set so that I can have a good time and converse with other people. I’m not somebody that goes back to my trailer. I like to hang around and talk a lot.”

The Season 3 Finale of "Drop Dead Diva," with guest star Jamie-Lynn Sigler airs at 9 p.m. Sept. 25 on Lifetime.

To watch new clips from "Drop Dead Diva" visit http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/drop-dead-diva or to purchase the show on DVD click here (Season 1) or (Season 2). The series was recently renewed for a fourth season, to premiere in 2012.

Related Stories:

"Jamie-Lynn Sigler is enjoying the journey"

Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of Lifetime Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Josh Berman discusses 'Drop Dead Diva'

2011-09-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Josh Berman discusses ‘Drop Dead Diva’

Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

From left, April Bowlby, Josh Berman and Margaret Cho
celebrate the first season of "Drop Dead Diva" in 2009.
Photo by Kevin Parry/Lifetime Networks.

With the growing ratings of cable networks and the influence of on-demand programming and global internet audiences, the landscape of television is rapidly changing.

For “Drop Dead Diva” creator Josh Berman, who was an executive producer on the CBS drama “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (where he worked for six years) and a consulting producer on the FOX series “Bones” (for four years), having a show on the Lifetime Television Network provides him with greater flexibility as a writer and producer.

“‘Drop Dead Diva,’ creatively, is a lot more satisfying as cable networks tend to give creators a lot more freedom and latitude in what they want to write and the themes they want to explore,” Berman said. “The interesting thing about ‘Drop Dead Diva’ too, is that we’re not a cable show internationally, and we do have very broad appeal in other countries.”

Now in its third season, the popular series has attracted top talent in the industry, including guest stars Kathy Griffin, Wanda Sykes, Clay Aiken, Lance Bass, Brandy Norwood, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who appears in the season finale).

As the No. 1 program on basic cable networks in the 9 p.m. Sunday timeslot among women age 25-54, the show continues to be recognized for its unique, “feel-good” approach to complex social issues. It was recently named as a finalist for the 37th Annual HUMANITAS Prize, honoring great writing in television and film.

Produced by SONY Pictures Television, the one-hour comedic drama tells the story of Jane, a model who dies and returns to life in the body of a plus-sized attorney.

Watch a clip from the Season Finale of "Drop Dead Diva:"

“I think the show itself, which really explores themes of humanity and what it feels like to be different on the outside is attracting such talent as Jamie-Lynn (Sigler)… we never got that kind of talent as easily on a network show,” Berman said. “I love the fact that our audience is so passionate about the show. When you have a lead character who looks different than lead characters on other shows, and people have embraced her and love her and appreciate her differences, it makes me feel really good about what I’m doing."

"A friend of mine is a second grade teacher up North in Sonoma Valley and he just told me a story about the end of last summer. His class came back and he asked all the little kids to say what they most enjoyed about their summer. And some kids talked about their trips or their gifts, like one girl got a dog. And then he came to one little overweight girl and she said the best thing about her summer was watching ‘Drop Dead Diva.’ And I think it’s awesome for anyone in America to see a more realistic woman as the lead of a show, and that’s really satisfying for me.”

The Season 3 Finale of "Drop Dead Diva," with guest star Jamie-Lynn Sigler airs at 9 p.m. Sept. 25 on Lifetime. To watch new clips from "Drop Dead Diva" visit http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/drop-dead-diva or to purchase the show on DVD click here (Season 1) or (Season 2). The series was recently renewed for a fourth season, to premiere in 2012.

Related Stories:

Josh Berman discusses 'Drop Dead Diva'

Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of Lifetime Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Brandy Norwood guest stars on 'Drop Dead Diva'

2011-09-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Brandy Norwood guest stars on Lifetime's 'Drop Dead Diva'

Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Brooke Elliot (left) and guest star Brandy Norwood.
Photo by Bob Mahoney

Multi-talented R&B singer, actress and producer Brandy Norwood (known around the world as Brandy) may be one of the best-selling recording artists in American music history, but the Grammy award winner is also an accomplished actress. As Moesha Mitchell on the long-running television series "Moesha" (1996-2001) and Karla Wilson on the popular movie "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" (1998), Brandy has shown her ability to entertain audiences on stage and screen. This year, she took on a guest starring role on the popular Lifetime series "Drop Dead Diva."

Brandy plays Elisa Shayne, a former girlfriend of Jay Parker (played by Josh Stamberg), whom she goes to for legal help. Inspired by a real case, Brandy's character struggles with her father's life insurance company to pay out his policy after he suffers congestive heart failure.

Producer Craig Zadan, who also worked with Brandy on "Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella" (TV, 1997) and "Double Platinum" (TV, 1999), recognized her versatility and skill both as a singer and actress.

"She's so disciplined and so hardworking and so dedicated," Zadan said. "And I don't think I've ever worked with anybody that was so loved on the set. I mean everybody that works with her adores her and they respect her values and the work ethic that she has...she's such a unique and original and extraordinary talent."

In a recent interview with StayFamous.Net, Brandy talked about her guest starring role on "Drop Dead Diva."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “As an entertainer do you feel more vulnerable in front of an audience when you're live in concert or when you're performing as an actress in front of the camera? And are there any techniques you use to try to get the best performance out of yourself?”

Brandy Norwood: “Well absolutely. I think vulnerability comes with both. It's just in a different way.

With singing it's definitely an intimate connection with the audience because it's you. You're not playing a character. But you are relating in a lot of different ways with your audience as yourself and you're open to singing about different subject matters that you experience and that other people experience. So of course there's vulnerability there.

Watch a clip from the Season Finale of "Drop Dead Diva:"

And I think with acting... you're playing someone completely different than yourself. But then that character also has a past and different things that that character has experienced. And you have to figure out a way to get in touch with that and make that real, you know, within yourself.

And I just try to practice as much as I can with both and make sure that I'm doing everything that I'm supposed to do in terms of getting comfortable and getting that confidence so I can deliver in each area of my life -- singing and acting."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Now when you're in the recording studio you have the opportunity to sing a line again and again to get it just right. Do you approach acting the same way? Or do you prefer to wait to see the final cut?”

Brandy Norwood: “Well I think with acting as well you get a chance to do it over and over again... when you have a good director, when you have good people that you're working with they're going to make sure that you get the best performance.

And that's one of the things I loved about "Drop Dead Diva" -- is that I worked with great people and I felt very safe that I knew that they were going to help me get to that point where I felt comfortable with my performance. And that's exactly what happened.

And when I watched it back on this past Sunday I felt very pleased with it all. I was like, 'Oh my goodness, I can act again. I can do this.' So it felt great.”

"Drop Dead Diva" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Lifetime. To watch new clips from "Drop Dead Diva" visit http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/drop-dead-diva or to purchase the show on DVD click here (Season 1) or (Season 2).

Brandy Norwood guest stars on Lifetime's 'Drop Dead Diva'
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

Photographs courtesy of Lifetime Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher

Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

MTV's Lenay Dunn releases new music video

2011-08-29T14:44:00.000-07:00

"MTV’s Lenay Dunn releases new music video"
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

MTV host Lenay Dunn ("10 on Top")

As one of MTV’s most charismatic hosts, Lenay Dunn is enjoying the new season of her hit show “10 on Top,” which recently welcomed celebrity co-hosts Joe Jonas and Victoria Justice to the set.

In a busy week that included an invitation to the “5 Days of War” movie premiere, an after-party, shopping at Ari, getting her nails done, filming for MTV and preparations for the new season of “10 on Top,” Dunn also managed to fit an interview into her busy schedule - that is, after she ate her pancake breakfast and watched “Degrassi.”

From skydiving and dirt biking to sailing with Zac Efron and co-hosting shows with Ashley Benson, Selena Gomez, Jake T. Austin and Raven Symone, her career has taken off, leading her on exciting adventures from coast to coast.

In fact, she recently hosted the Red Bull Beach Club at the 2011 U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California, where she hung out with surfer Ian Walsh and the other Red Bull athletes.

“Red Bull and MTV get along. I feel like they’re like BFFs,” Dunn said. “It’s cool that I get to be a part of two of the coolest companies ever.”

Lenay Dunn
Photo by Spencer Combs

As an up-and-coming TV personality, she’s no stranger to the red carpet. Although, every now and then, she is mistaken for another famous celebrity, like the time she says Perez Hilton interviewed her and the website mistakenly identified her as Leann Rimes.

“There’s a couple of times when people are talking to me and they think that they’re talking to Leann Rimes, but they totally are not,” Dunn said. “That is one thing that people ask about my show, they’re like, ‘Oh how was your wedding?’ and I’m like, ‘I’m not Leann Rimes.’”

But what you may not know about Lenay (besides the fact that she doesn’t like scary movies and has a cat named Paisley) is that she is also passionate about making music. In fact, music has played an important role throughout her life.

“I’ve played piano since I was in Kindergarten,” Dunn said. “And then I learned the guitar in college.”

At the University of Minnesota in Duluth, she would spend hours in a practice room, where she played guitar and wrote songs.

On July 21, she released her new music video “Daylight,” featuring Jeremy Lardani of the band The Hey Loves. The video, which was directed by Thaler Films was shot both in Nashville and New York City. Lenay convinced the group to allow her to record some of the scenes in the band’s artsy, two-car garage turned studio space, which was decked out with lights and different colored rugs.

“It’s hard to like make a video match a song so well. So that’s what I struggled with,” Dunn said. “I just wanted the video to reflect the song. Sometimes you can see a music video of a song and it makes you love the song even more or hate it. Because I didn’t really like ‘Last Friday Night’ by Katy Perry until I saw the music video and now I love it… So I was terrified that a music video that didn’t reflect the song well would make people not like the song.”

Since its release a few weeks ago, “Daylight” has already garnered more than 33,000 views on YouTube and has received a positive response from her fans. The song, which she co-wrote with the band The Hey Loves talks about the connection that two people share even though they are separated by distance.

Watch the Music Video for "Daylight" by Lenay Dunn

“I love the synth-pop feel the producers give my songs. It's cool to hear them change from an acoustic demo I make, to something someone could bump in a car with lots of bass. I like cranking up bass in cars! I also like it when voices sound like instruments. I think it gives it a cool effect,” Dunn said.

Although the characters never meet up at the end of the music video, Dunn believes that long distance relationships can work.

“I think it’s something that people can relate to,” Dunn said. “Everybody’s probably dealt with distance in one way or another, most people have. But I think it can work in the long run. So this song’s about staying on the phone talking all night with someone you really like and how it can still work.”

Watch Lenay Dunn's Message to Her Fans on StayFamous.Net

So what can fans look forward to this season on “10 on Top?”

“Expect awesome co-hosts and hopefully fun-themed episodes,” Dunn said. And who knows, if Lenay’s music career takes off, she may someday make the countdown herself.

Want to know more about Lenay Dunn? Visit www.lenay.tv and be sure to read the original StayFamous.Net interview with Lenay to learn about how she got her start in TV (click here). You can also download her song “Daylight” on iTunes and on Amazon.com (click here to purchase), add her on Twitter @Lenay13 and become a fan of her on Facebook.

"MTV's Lenay Dunn releases new music video"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of Creative Management Entertainment Group

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.
Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Mehcad Brooks enjoys shooting 'Necessary Roughness'

2011-07-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

Mehcad Brooks enjoys shooting ‘Necessary Roughness’

Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Mehcad Brooks

When it comes to having fun on set, actor Mehcad Brooks of “Necessary Roughness” (USA Television Network) isn’t afraid to poke fun at his days as a Calvin Klein underwear model.

In a recent interview with StayFamous.Net, Brooks shared a behind-the-scenes practical joke that surprised one of his fellow cast members and he talked about what he enjoys most about the new series.

Inspired by a true story, "Necessary Roughness" stars Callie Thorne (“Rescue Me”), who plays a therapist for a professional football team. Brooks, whose television credits include "True Blood," "The Game" and "Desperate Housewives," plays Terrence "TK" King, a star wide receiver for the New York Hawks.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What aspect of the show is the most entertaining for you? Is there something about it that you think makes it easy for audiences to connect with?”

Mehcad Brooks: “Yes, the aspect that really sticks out in the project for me is that it's the most fun I've ever had shooting anything. And I really kind of feel like if we're having - I'm in the school of thought that people love to watch other people have a good time. And if you're having a great time and you're performing it, I really see how people can watch you and not have a great time. So that's our little secret. We’re just having a blast. We're just a bunch of actors coming to work, being able to do great material and who really respect and have an affinity for each other. And we - in love, actually, really - and we support each other and we just have a blast. And I think it's evident when it comes on screen.”

Mehcad Brooks (left) and Callie Thorne star in "Necessary Roughness."
(Quantrell D. Colbert/USA Network)

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How do you usually spend your time between scenes?”

Mehcad Brooks: “If it's not -- because we shoot in Atlanta -- so if it's not too hot, we'll stick around and hang out and talk and just make jokes... I came back to the makeup trailer one day and the entire makeup trailer was plastered with my Calvin Klein photos that Callie and the makeup department [did] as a joke. And so I went around... drawing little faces on them and cutting off Scott Cohen's head off pictures and pasting them on top of my face... and so we took a picture of him and unbeknownst to him, we blew it up to - I don't know - maybe, God, probably 5 by 3 feet -- 3 by 5 feet. And it looks like this old, trying to be sexy 1936 picture, like Clark Gable at the background of the movies. And we hung in front of the makeup trailer and so when we came in, it hit him in the face.”

“So, we just have a good time. We play jokes on each other. We respect each other. We hang out. It's fun. It's a lot of fun.”

“Necessary Roughness,” starring Callie Thorne (“Rescue Me”), Marc Blucas (“Buffy, The Vampire Slayer”), Mehcad Brooks (“True Blood”) and Scott Cohen (“Law and Order: Trial By Jury”) airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on USA Network.

Mehcad Brooks enjoys shooting 'Necessary Roughness'

Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph courtesy of SONY Pictures Television

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

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Clay Aiken looks to fans for support of 'Drop Dead Diva'

2011-07-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Clay Aiken looks to fans for support of 'Drop Dead Diva'
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Clay Aiken guest stars on "Drop Dead Diva."

Multi-platinum recording artist, New York Times best-selling author and former "American Idol" contestant Clay Aiken guest stars in the one-hour comedic drama "Drop Dead Diva," airing Sunday, July 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

The episode is based on the real-life story of Constance McMillen, who received national attention when she sued her Mississippi high school for not permitting her to attend the prom with her girlfriend. Lance Bass, Wanda Sykes and Amanda Bearse also guest star on the show, which features a cameo by McMillen as well.

In a recent interview with StayFamous.Net, Aiken talked about his guest-starring role on the series and the message he hopes the story conveys to viewers.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What kind of response did you receive from your fans when you told them that you were going to be on 'Drop Dead Diva?'"

Clay Aiken: "My fans are nuts, as in a good way. They are enthusiastic about everything... The premiere of the episode was screened at Outfest in Los Angeles this past weekend, and there was a large contingent of Claymates who were there, who came out to LA just to see the screening and they're very enthusiastic... I'm hoping they'll bump the needle for the show this weekend at least."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "So what’s one lesson that you think people can take away from this episode, and what would you like to see happen as a result of the show?"

Clay Aiken: "I think the very obvious lesson from this particular show, from the script itself, is that there are teenagers... and young people in this county who are being persecuted against, who are being discriminated against for things as silly as who they wanna go to a prom with, who they want to go to a dance with. This isn’t anything salacious, it isn’t anything inappropriate, they just want to go to a dance with their girlfriend or their boyfriend, whoever they are."

"I think that's the lesson on the surface and I think that's hopefully what people will take away from it is - look at the arguments that are being made. That allowing this girl to go with her girlfriend to a prom is in violation of the Defense of Marriage Act, which is the best argument I think they could find, and it's pretty preposterous. So I think that that's the message on the surface."

"I think what the show hopes to do and what the producers wanted to do when they cast myself and Amanda Bierce, Wanda Sykes, Lance Bass in the show - I think their goal was also to have an underlying message for teenagers who are gay and maybe being bullied right now, which was to take a look at the fact that, you know, this is a small subsection of folks in this county who are in high profile position in the limelight."

"And four of them, look at how we've had an opportunity to be successful - myself, Lance, Wanda, Amanda in our different ways. And I think the underlying message that the producers hope to get across to these young people who may be watching or to these people who are gay or may not be comfortable with themselves right yet, was to see that there are people who are gay and lesbian who are living happy productive lives being very comfortable with ourselves."

From left, Kate Levering, Margaret Cho, Clay Aiken and Jackson Hurst in an all-new episode of Drop Dead Diva, airing Sunday, July 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime Television. Photo by Bob Mahoney/Courtesy of Lifetime Television.

"So I think there are two things that can be taken from it. One, for an audience that may be gay and may be struggling with it or who may be gay and may be being bullied. And another for an audience - a larger audience that just needs to see that there are discriminatory actions - there's discrimination being perpetrated, if you will, against kids for some of the silliest reasons that they can dream up."

"Drop Dead Diva" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on Lifetime. To watch new clips from "Drop Dead Diva" visit http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/drop-dead-diva or to purchase the show on DVD click here (Season 1) or (Season 2).

"Clay Aiken looks to fans for support of 'Drop Dead Diva'"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of Lifetime Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Lance Bass guest stars on 'Drop Dead Diva'

2011-07-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Lance Bass guest stars on ‘Drop Dead Diva’
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Lance Bass guest stars on "Drop Dead Diva,"
airing Sunday, July 24 at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.
Photo by Bob Mahoney/Lifetime Television.

“Drop Dead Diva,” the popular Lifetime original series starring Brooke Elliott, Margaret Cho, Kate Levering, and April Bowlby was recently named as a finalist for the 37th Annual HUMANITAS Prize, honoring great writing in television and film. The one-hour, comedic drama welcomes entertainer Lance Bass in a guest-starring role as a commercial director in the “Prom” episode, airing Sunday, July 24 at 9 p.m.

In a recent interview with StayFamous.Net, executive producer/creator/writer for “Drop Dead Diva,” Josh Berman and guest star Lance Bass discussed their collaboration on the episode.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you enjoy most about working with the cast of 'Drop Dead Diva?'”

Josh Berman: “I love my cast. I’ve worked on a bunch of shows before ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and this cast is a group of people that appreciates what they have in life more than anybody else I’ve ever worked with professionally. They love coming to work each day. They’re energetic. We’re in the third season of the show and every day they act like it’s the first day of work. They send me emails just to say hello and to check in and to say how much they appreciate their jobs and working on the show and that just keeps me inspired.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you think is the most entertaining aspect of the show?”

Josh Berman: “For me it’s one of the few real, feel-good shows on television today. You can laugh and cry in the same scene and it’s okay. And I even remember when we first delivered the pilot some people questioned the fact that, wait-a-second, that scene is happy and sad. And my response is, ‘Yeah, it’s just like life.’ Nothing is so clean-cut. There are good and bad in most things and you wake up every day not knowing what’s going to happen and what your high point is going to be and what your low point is going to be and I think our show kind of taps into that.”

Lance Bass: “As for working with this cast I think it was amazing. You know, I’ve worked with many casts before and different projects, you know, things on Broadway that type of stuff but I’ve never worked with such amazing crew and cast like this. It was just like family already just coming in. They totally welcomed me. I love the fact that we were outside Atlanta, Georgia. It felt so great to be back in the South and to be filming down there… I didn’t get to work with the whole entire cast but I did get to work with April and Ben and they were just so phenomenal and we had the best time together. In fact, I’ve run into a lot of these actors before, you know, and different things and they’re just all incredible and I just really personally just loved working with Ben and April. They were amazing.”

“And the thing I love about the show is, you know, I love law shows, I love court shows that type of stuff and this is finally one that I can watch and like. Like Josh said, you can actually laugh at it. It’s really, really funny but on top of that you’ve got amazing court cases that really just challenge you.”

“Drop Dead Diva” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime. To watch new clips from "Drop Dead Diva" visit http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/drop-dead-diva or to purchase the show on DVD click here (Season 1) or (Season 2).

"Lance Bass guest stars on 'Drop Dead Diva'"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of Lifetime Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Margaret Cho shines light on social issues through comedy

2011-07-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

"Margaret Cho shines light on social issues through comedy"
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Margaret Cho

Now in its third season, “Drop Dead Diva,” the one-hour comedic drama on Lifetime, tells the story of Jane, a model who dies and returns to life in the body of a plus-sized attorney.

Comedienne Margaret Cho, who plays Teri Lee (Jane’s assistant) recently talked to me about her character on the series, and the show's role in addressing current social issues.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Now that you’ve had a chance to settle into this role, do you see your character differently than when you began the series and read that first script?”

Margaret Cho: “I think what’s great about it is that I’ve never actually played a character for this long. I’ve done films and I’ve done pilots and I’ve done series but never longer than a year. So to complete the third year of playing this character, I feel like I know a lot more about her and how to play her and it helps me a lot as an actor also working with the incredible Brooke Elliot who is really one of the greatest actors on television out there today. You know, I’ve learned so much from her."

“And so I think what’s great is to be around all these talented people and learning so much. That’s what really informs me, more than my own idea of what the character is - it’s interacting with these other great, fantastic performers that’s helped me grow.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Who’s been the most memorable guest star (for you)?”

Margaret Cho: “My favorite has been Kathy Griffin because she’s my friend. She is in many ways a mentor as I am her mentor. You know, there is a lot of affection and a lot of history. We both come from stand-up comedy and we both have learned a lot from each other. You know, I’ve known Kathy since she was throwing her famous Christmas party at her studio apartment in Santa Monica and now she’s such a famous person. But it’s so funny because she hasn’t changed at all and I don’t think I have really either.”

“So I just adore having her as part of this world. I think she fits in very well. She comes in to play Kim’s older sister, Jenna Kasswell. And she just does such a fantastic job and we have such a good time together and I absolutely love her and I hope that she will come back...."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How do you feel about comedy being a vehicle for social change and what do you see your role as a television actress and comedian in bringing awareness to some of those issues?”

From left, April Bowlby, Ben Feldman, Margaret Cho, Brooke Elliott, Jackson Hurst,
Kate Levering and Josh Stamberg star in season three of Lifetime Television's
hit series "Drop Dead Diva," airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Photo by Kevin Lynch.

Margaret Cho: “Comedy I think is actually one of the most effective agents for social change and you see in television this is very true when you think about people like Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert but also in our show where we deal with a lot of social issues that are very important.”

“Coming up is an episode about the gay prom which was a real thing that happened really not far from where we shoot ‘Drop Dead Diva’ in the South, where these two young women wanted to go to the prom together and the prom was canceled because the school didn’t want to support a same-sex couple going to prom. And this was such a heartbreaking story in the news and so we did a show about it and it was really powerful.”

“And on that show Wanda Sykes who was heavily involved in that case and publicizing it played a judge on the show and also one of the girls who was actually the girl just trying to go to the prom with her girlfriend, Constance, came and played a bailiff.”

“So we had a lot of really great moments in that episode and I thought it was a really great show of support for gay pride which is an issue that I am constantly, constantly, constantly promoting. And it just makes me feel good that we got to do that and so I feel like comedy - television comedy and comedy in general is a really important avenue... a venue, to change society and to grow. And I’m so proud that we got to do that.”

To watch new clips from "Drop Dead Diva" visit http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/drop-dead-diva or to purchase the show on DVD click here (Season 1) or (Season 2).

"Margaret Cho shines light on social issues through comedy"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs courtesy of Lifetime Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Comedian Louis C.K. talks costume design

2011-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

"Louis C.K. talks costume design"
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Louis C.K. - Photo by Eric Leibowitz

On a recent plane flight from Las Vegas to New York, I began flipping through the June/July issue of Esquire magazine. There was an interview with comedian Louis C.K. When I finished reading it, I leaned forward to retrieve the June issue of "Hemispheres Inflight Magazine" from the United Airlines seat pocket in front of me. There was another interview with comedian Louis C.K.

So why is everyone talking about him? The common denominator between the two magazine articles is that Louis C.K. is not just a comedian. He is the brains and muscle behind his hit FX comedy series "Louie," now in its second season. As a writer, director, producer and actor there isn't much he isn't in charge of. But I couldn't help but wonder if maybe the television star would like to control something more. So I asked him... and here is what he had to say.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "You're involved in so many different aspects of your show. Is there an area that you aren't involved in that you'd like to learn or have more control over?"

Louis C.K.: "That's a good question. Not really... I have a great crew. Our production designer is phenomenal, and so I don't learn a whole lot about that, because I just lean on her. She's great. And there's some things I can't take part in because I'm spread too thin. There's a lot of directors who would look at photographs of props and stuff. I look at the locations and the set dressings when I can, but a lot of times I just let Amy do it. And I'm happy for that."

Louis C.K. stars in the FX comedy "Louie." Photo by Eric Leibowitz

"Yeah I know, kinda weirdly, costume design. I bought a sewing machine for my daughter. And we started making shirts and stuff together. I went crazy. I loved it. I used to watch 'Project Runway.' So yeah, I would probably make all the clothes if I could... I like costume design. It's really, really great."

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. Louis C.K. is not just a comedian. He may someday be a fashion label.

"Louie" airs at 10:30 p.m. Thursdays on FX. (Click here to buy Season 1 of "Louie," starring Louis C.K. on Blu-Ray and DVD.) For more information, and to watch clips from the show visit www.fxnetworks.com.

"Louis C.K. talks costume design"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs Courtesy of FX Television Networks

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Elijah Wood shares his family and friends' response to 'Wilfred'

2011-06-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Elijah Wood shares the response to 'Wilfred'
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Photo of Elijah Wood by Frank Ockenfels/FX

Elijah Wood is one of those elite Hollywood actors who almost seems blissfully unaware of his own stature. His illustrious movie career, which includes "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is also peppered with projects designed to keep him from being type-cast in the industry. And yet an actor like Wood, who has captured the attention of audiences for hours on end in one of the most powerful ensemble casts in recent motion picture history, needs to be worried about anything but being type-cast. Still it seems, he's continuing to take on roles that are original and unexpectedly entertaining.

His latest project is the critically acclaimed FX television series "Wilfred." Based on a short film that appeared at the Sundance Film Festival, and was later developed into an Australian show by the same name, "Wilfred" is a half-hour comedy that stars Elijah Wood as "Ryan" and Jason Dunn as "Wilfred" (a talking - and smoking - dog who appears as a human in a dog costume to Ryan).

I recently had the opportunity to talk to Elijah Wood about the project. Of course, actor and co-executive producer Jason Dunn (who plays "Wilfred") also provided a little comic relief as well.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "How did your family and friends respond to the news when you told them you’d be starring in 'Wilfred?' Are they looking forward to watching the show?"

Elijah Wood: "Yes, my family and friends were, I think, very intrigued at the notion of the premise of the show. I think since we started shooting and we actually did a number—we shot a number of promos before we actually went into production. They started to air sort of while we were shooting, which gave people a real sense of what it is that we were trying to do and kind of gave tonally an idea of the show we were trying to make. Since those have come out a lot of family and friends have seen those shorts and everyone’s looking forward to it. I’m very excited and intrigued, as they should be."

Elijah Wood (left) as Ryan and Jason Gann as "Wilfred."
Photo by Michael Becker/FX

Jason Gann: "They said, 'Elijah, we will always love you regardless of what—'"

Elijah Wood: “Listen, no matter what decision you make as an actor we’re proud of you. We’re proud of you either way.”

Jason Gann: “Up to this point, it’s been great.”

Elijah Wood: “It’s been great, and I’m sure you’ll make other great decisions later as well, should you get a second chance.”

Jason Gann: "I wasn’t there for that conversation. It was imagined. That question wasn’t even directed to me. I hijacked it."

Elijah Wood: "You did. You hijacked it..."

"Wilfred" premieres at 10 p.m. Thursday, June 23 on FX. To watch clips from the show, visit www.fxnetworks.com.

"Elijah Wood shares his family and friends' response to 'Wilfred'"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photographs Courtesy of FX Television Networks

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

'General Hospital' star to visit Wise Guys

2011-06-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

'General Hospital' star to visit Wise Guys

By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Maurice Benard

"General Hospital" star Maurice Benard is scheduled to make an appearance next week at Wise Guys Comedy Club in Syracuse, NY. In a recent interview, he said it has been nearly 10 years since he's visited the Central New York area, but he is excited to meet the fans and talk about his work on the show.

"I so much appreciate the love, it's almost overwhelming," Benard said. "I'm excited. I can't wait."

Benard has played "Sonny" Corinthos since 1993, a role that garnered him an Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2003.

"Sonny changed my life," Benard said. "Before I got on 'GH' I was pretty much out of work and needed money. I got this character, who I thought was going to be for six months, and it’s turned out to be almost 20 years. So it means a lot to me."

Although many daytime soap operas have struggled to remain on the air in recent years, "General Hospital" is the longest running American soap opera currently in production.

"As long as we keep the audience that we have, and they keep supporting us, we're going to be fine," Benard said. "And I truly believe that."

In addition to his outstanding work on television, Benard also passionately supports several charitable causes, including raising awareness and erasing the stigma associated with bipolar disorder, a condition he himself faces in real life.

During his visit to Syracuse, Maurice will be posing for some pictures with fans and answering questions from the audience. Tickets for the event are $120 and include dinner and show (www.wiseguyssyracuse.com).

To learn more about Maurice Benard and other upcoming appearances across the country, visit www.mauricebenard.tv. You can also follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MauriceBenardMB or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MauriceBenardOfficial.

"'General Hospital' star to visit Wise Guys"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph Courtesy of Coastal Entertainment

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
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Mark Cuban knows how to navigate the 'Shark Tank'

2011-05-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

"Mark Cuban knows how to navigate the ‘Shark Tank’"
Interviews by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

You may not see it right away, but celebrity billionaire Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks) is more than just an energetic, hands-on business leader. He’s also a perceptive negotiator, who can navigate the rough waters of market uncertainty and find ways to edge out the competition, while identifying business deals with true market potential.

Mark Cuban guest stars on the ABC reality series "Shark Tank."

On his last episode of the ABC reality series “Shark Tank,” Cuban met entrepreneur Jeff Stroope, captain of the fire brigade and creator of a new type of hose connector that reduces the amount of time it takes to connect a fire hose to a hydrant. His company HyConn, LLC set out to reinvent the way fires have been fought for the past one hundred years.

“I’ve got a quick connector for a fire hydrant,” Stroope said in a recent interview. “Basically, what it does is it connects a fire hose to a hydrant in three seconds. Your standard time is about 30 seconds…. You can disconnect in one second. So it’s a tremendous savings of time. It started out as trying to figure out a way to be able to connect to a hydrant faster and that’s kind of where it grew from.”

In 2009, Stroope set out to find investors for his product. After watching the first season of “Shark Tank,” he logged onto ABC’s website (abc.go.com) and was eventually asked to present his idea to the sharks.

When Stroope entered the room with Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, and Robert Herjavec, he was asking for a $500K investment for 40% equity in the business. After revealing his home version of the product for the standard garden hose, the sharks began to see the mass market potential of his product.

Although he was a guest shark, Cuban didn’t waste any time getting down to business. He offered Stroope $1.25 million to buy the company, with a three-year employment deal worth $100K each year and a 7.5% royalty on the profits thereafter. Despite another offer on the table, Stroope eventually accepted Cuban’s deal.

“My plan is they’re going to be in every fire department across the United States,” Stroope said afterwords.

By securing the deal with Stroope, Cuban outbid the other sharks and picked up a product with long-term earnings potential. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Cuban about his experience on the second season of ABC’s “Shark Tank” and what advice he has for other entrepreneurs looking to cash in on their ideas.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Have you personally learned any lessons about business as a result of ‘Shark Tank’?”

Mark Cuban: “You know, it's interesting, I have learned quite a bit because each of the sharks has a different orientation towards business and we all kind of play to our own strengths… Robert has different strengths than Kevin. Well maybe Kevin doesn’t have any strengths but he likes to pretend he does… Daymond has certain strengths. Barbara has certain strengths. And so, you know, I've learned to really pay attention to them, which I always try to do. But I really try to pay attention to their styles... Barbara is very empathetic and that works very well for her. And you can see why, people who work with her or companies she's invested in really want to do well for her… Daymond's got a whole process already in place. He's like an assembly line of fashion. Where he's got the manufacturer, he's got the distribution. He's got the financing already in place. And so all he's got to do is find the right deal and put it right through his pipeline. And I didn't have one of those and I want one. So, you know, I've learned from these guys really how to streamline all the elements in doing these types of deals. Whereas before, because I dealt typically with tech (almost exclusively with technology and entertainment) each deal kind of took on its own life form and so I think I've learned to kind of streamline things, and run it through more of a specific process. Because I've seen it work so well for those guys.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What advice do you have for people who enter the shark tank?”

Mark Cuban: “Be prepared. You know, and I say this not just for coming into shark tank but anybody who's an entrepreneur. When you walk into the room, you have to know your business better than anybody in the world. Because there's somebody out there competing with you and wanting to kick your ass. And those are the words I use literally. And if you're not prepared and you're not ready for people to compete with you then you're going to lose. And I think that's a mistake that entrepreneurs make. They think just the idea and just the effort, and whatever else is going to put them over the top. When in reality, anybody who shows any level of success, it's like a magnet to other people who want to try to take that business away. And for me that element of fear of knowing that I'm competing with huge companies always motivates me. And I think people coming into the shark tank need to recognize that if it's a good idea and you can't do well, one of us may even compete with you. So you have to be prepared and you have to be ready to compete.”

“Shark Tank” airs at 8 p.m., Fridays on ABC. For more information about the show, visit abc.go.com and to find out more about HyConn LLC, go to http://www.hy-conn.com/.

"Mark Cuban knows how to navigate the 'Shark Tank'"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Photograph Courtesy of ABC

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Judy Greer shares her feelings about Matt Damon and 'Archer'

2011-05-09T03:19:00.000-07:00

"Judy Greer shares her feelings about Matt Damon"
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

It seems that even Hollywood celebrities daydream about working with their favorite stars from time to time. For actress Judy Greer, there’s one actor in particular she’d like to meet… and work closely with in the studio. But before we get into that, there are a few other things you should know about one of Hollywood’s most talented comedic actresses.

As a co-star on the CBS comedy “Mad Love” (starring Jason Biggs and Sarah Chalke) and the FX animated spy series “Archer” (starring H. Jon Bejamin, Aisha Tyler and Chris Parnell), Greer is described as a “hard-working actress” and a “shape shifter.”

“I would describe myself as a fun actress,” Greer said. “I’ve been able to, in my career, to play a lot of different types of roles.”

Although people often ask her, “Don’t you wish you were the star?” She is quick to point out that even though she is known for her supporting roles, her hard work is paying off and she is more than happy with her career.

“I’m really thrilled with how everything is turning out for me,” Greer said.

In my second interview with the sitcom star, I asked her about her role on the FX animated series “Archer,” and who she would like to see guest star on the show.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How did you first get started in animation and what was it about ‘Archer’ that made you decide to do the show?”

Judy Greer: “My first experience in animation, I think I did like one word on ‘Family Guy’ … I think I said one word on an episode and I was excited about that. Then, I did this little tiny role in a movie, a Japanese animated zone called ‘The Cat Returns’ … Then I auditioned for this Nickelodeon show called ‘Glenn Martin DDS’ and got booked on that.”

“Then while that was happening, I just was on location working on a movie and I got sent the script for Archer… I read the script before I went in and it was so dirty. I was like this is never going to make it on the air, but… I’ll make a couple of bucks for the day, my day off, anyways. Then, who knew? It was snowballing and… I loved it.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Did you do any special training for voice acting or does it just come naturally?”

Judy Greer: “No, I didn’t actually. I mean when I was in acting school, I trained my voice, but I wouldn’t say that I’ve done special training since. I mean there’s certain like tricks of the trade that you learn to do like don’t eat a lot of cheese the day before you’re recording. For some reason, it makes you really mucousy. It’s gross, I know, sorry, but no, I don’t have to do anything specific. It’s fun when I get to play a small part on ‘Archer’ where I’ll be another character for a few lines…and that’s kind of fun, because I get to change my voice, but no, I don’t really do anything specific. I find that I’m better if I can perceive myself and thankfully, they let me do that.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Is there anyone that you would like to see star on ‘Archer,’ like do a guest starring appearance?”

Judy Greer: “Matt Damon, because then I could meet him, maybe if he was in L.A. when he did it and if they’d schedule us back to back, I would totally send a mean letter to someone in charge. I guess, I would like to see people star on ‘Archer’ who I want to meet, but only if they’re in L.A. like Matt Damon or I think it’d be really fun to have Sarah Silverman on it. I don’t know if she’s been on it. It feels like she should have but maybe, she hasn’t. She’d be … awesome. Michael Hall would be so fun to have on ‘Archer.’ He’s such a great voice! I feel like I could go on and on—”

Scott Seomin (of FX Networks): “Judy, if we get Matt Damon, we’ll just schedule you in the booth at the same time, not back to back.”

Judy Greer: “Yes, because he might need to have some pointers even though he did … ‘Happy Feet.’”

Scott Seomin (of FX Networks): “Well, I just thought you could just spend time in the booth alone with him.”

Judy Greer: “Yes, no I should probably—maybe, when Jody goes to get lunch.”

So will Judy Greer ever meet Matt Damon? Will he make a guest appearance on “Archer?” You’ll just have to keep watching to find out. “Archer” airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays on FX. To watch clips from the show visit www.fxnetworks.com.

"Judy Greer shares her feelings about Matt Damon"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher

Photographs Courtesy of FX Television Network

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact StayFamous.Net.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Syracuse University 2011 Block Party Celebration

2011-05-09T03:02:00.000-07:00

Syracuse University 2011 Block Party Celebration
Story by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Tinie Tempah (who is best known for his song “Written in the Stars”) performed at the 2011 Syracuse University Block Party event at the Carrier Dome. The concert, which was organized by University Union, drew nearly 15,000 fans and also featured performances by Bob Marley’s youngest son, Damian Marley (“Welcome to Jamrock”), Nas (“Hate Me Now”), and Kid Cudi who stars in Mark Wahlberg’s new HBO comedy series, “How to Make it in America.”

Tinie Tempah performs at the 2011 Syracuse University Block Party.
Photo by Michael Aaron Gallagher. All rights reserved.

“It was an amazing turn out,” said University Union president Andrew Beyda. “It’s not all about the numbers but when you get such a high turnout it speaks to the fact that we are addressing what students want to see. Block Party is a tradition that students have come to enjoy. Hopefully it’s one of the memories that students will have when they leave here.”

Related Story:
Kanye West no longer holds Syracuse record

Syracuse University 2011 Block Party Celebration
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.
Photographs Courtesy of Film District and TriStar

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Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

AnnaSophia Robb inspires audiences

2011-04-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

"AnnaSophia Robb inspires audiences"
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

“‘Soul Surfer’ is a touching and inspirational film that reminds audiences of the power of family, faith and hope. Bethany Hamilton’s story is a true triumph of the human spirit.”

– StayFamous.Net

AnnaSophia Robb
Photo by Jonathan Ressler.

At the age of 17, AnnaSophia Robb has already worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood – like Johnny Depp, Charlize Theron, and Hillary Swank – and she’s still only finishing up her junior year in high school. But for the Colorado native, there’s more to life than simply being a Hollywood movie star.

The award-winning actress who has built her career on solid performances in films like, “The Reaping” (2007), “Sleepwalking” (2008), “Because of Winn-Dixie” (2005), and “Bridge to Terabithia” (2007), is gradually taking on more mature dramatic roles and proving she has the power to make a difference both on-screen and off.

At a young age, Robb began to discover that as an actress, she had a special platform to promote charitable causes and make a difference in the world. While working with Mia Farrow (who is the UNICEF goodwill ambassador for Darfur) on “Samantha: An American Girl Holiday,” she discovered her own desire to bring about positive change.

“Everyone can make a difference,” Robb said. “But I realized that I have a little bit more of an advantage.”

Through her work as a global humanitarian, she is bringing much needed awareness to the issues of human rights, animal rights and the environment. Some of the causes she supports include The White House Project, whose mission is to advance women in business, politics and the media, and Peace Jam, which fosters youth leadership initiatives.

“Acting is something that I feel passionate about, but it doesn’t really satisfy, because there’s always another role,” Robb said. “So I want to focus on helping - something that is solid and something that isn’t about me. I feel like I’ve been blessed so much, that why shouldn’t I help?”

On the Big Screen

In her new movie, “Soul Surfer,” which is based on a true story, Robb plays Bethany Hamilton, an up-and-coming surfer who loses her arm in a shark attack. Despite the challenges she faces, Hamilton overcomes the odds and inspires others through her faith and courage.

AnnaSophia Robb stars in "Soul Surfer." Photo by Noah Hamilton. Courtesy of FilmDistrict & TriStar.

Like Robb, Hamilton uses her talent to support causes that are making a positive difference in the lives of people around the world. At the age of 21, Hamilton continues to motivate and encourage others by telling her story and through her involvement with organizations like World Vision and The Foundation for a Better Life.

"If you realize how much she has done as one person," Robb said, "if every individual tries to make that sort of impact, and live day by day with a positive attitude, like they can overcome anything and go after their dreams, I think we would have a much happier world."

Watch the Trailer

Directed by Sean McNamara, “Soul Surfer,” which also stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Kevin Sorbo, Lorraine Nicholson and Carrie Underwood is now in theaters nationwide.

For more information about AnnaSophia Robb, visit her official website at www.annasophiarobb.com. To learn more about The White House Project and Peace Jam visit www.thewhitehouseproject.org and www.peacejam.org. You can also find out more about Bethany Hamilton's story at www.bethanyhamilton.com.

Related Story:
- AnnaSophia Robb participates in fundraiser screening for Make-A-Wish Foundation

"AnnaSophia Robb inspires audiences"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

Photographs Courtesy of Film District and TriStar

Elisha Cuthbert stars in 'Happy Endings'

2011-04-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

Elisha Cuthbert stars in ‘Happy Endings’
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Elisha Cuthbert
Photo courtesy of ABC/Craig Sjodin

Actress Elisha Cuthbert, who is best known for her role as Kim Bauer on the FOX drama “24” (starring Keifer Sutherland), and such films as “The Girl Next Door” (2004), “House of Wax” (2005), and the heart-pounding thriller “Captivity” (2007), returns to television in the new ABC comedy series “Happy Endings.” Although she is known for her dramatic on-screen performances, Cuthbert is taking on a new challenge – the television sitcom.

In the modern romantic comedy, “Happy Endings,” which recently premiered on ABC, she plays Alex, a runaway bride who leaves her fiancé at the altar. But her tightly knit group of friends is still bound together by their determination to negotiate the breakup, while still remaining friends with both Alex and her fiancé Dave.

In a recent interview with the series creator David Caspe (who also wrote the pilot episode) and series star Elisha Cuthbert, they talked about her decision to take on the role of Alex.

“I mean first off, she is hilarious,” said Caspe, who describes Cuthbert as “super cute and super fun.”

“She’s been in some comedies, but I think her role in those comedies was, in a lot of cases, the Object of Desire,” he said. “But she’s so funny that I think people are going to see her in a completely different light in this show.”

With a diverse group of friends based on Caspe’s own real-life friendships, and its playful mix of sarcasm and quick-witted responses, “Happy Endings” provides Cuthbert with an opportunity to explore physical comedy as well.

“Basically we expected a lot,” Caspe said, “but we got way more than we expected when we cast her.”

Elisha Cuthbert stars in "Happy Endings."
Photo courtesy of ABC/Peter "Hopper" Stone

Born in Calgary, Alberta, 28 year-old Cuthbert first began her work in children’s television in Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and as a co-host on “Popular Mechanics for Kids.” In 2001, she received the Gemini Award for “Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series” for “My Daughter’s Secret Life.” She eventually made the jump to the big screen with small roles in “Old School” (2003) and “Love Actually” (2003).

Because of the strong performances on her resume and her on-screen likeability, she was ranked #1 on StayFamous.Net’s list of “Five Canadian Actresses You Should Know” in 2009. But after a multi-year stint on FOX’s “24” was over, she took some time off to evaluate the direction of her acting career.

“I think I felt like I did everything I needed to do in television with the one hour drama,” Cuthbert said. “I spent a lot of years working very hard and trying to bring this dramatic character to life. And I guess once that journey was over… I sat for like a year and a half going, you know, all of these one hour dramas are sort of coming at me and I just didn’t sit well with it. And I just felt like what is this? Have I decided that I’m not interested in doing TV anymore? I was really questioning what it was that I was sort of going through.”

Cuthbert explained that her decision to venture into the realm of the TV sitcom was partly based on her desire to show audiences the lighter side of her personality.

“With '24' you didn’t really get to smile all that much,” Cuthbert said. “So to be able to be a part of a show that I can show that part of me was exciting and also a challenge. And I think that’s what we need in our lives, you know, sort of like this challenge to keep things interesting. And after 17 years of acting I guess it was just - it was the next thing to conquer really.”

The "Happy Endings" cast in the pilot episode, which aired April 13 on ABC.
Photo courtesy of ABC/Adam Taylor.

“Happy Endings,” stars Elisha Cuthbert (“24”), “Zachary Knighton (“Flash Forward”), Eliza Coupe (“Scrubs”), Damon Wayans, Jr. (“The Underground”), and Casey Wilson (“Saturday Night Live”). It airs at 10 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC. For more information visit abc.go.com/shows/happy-endings.

Elisha Cuthbert stars in 'Happy Endings'
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

Photographs Courtesy of SONY Pictures Television

Kevin Sorbo branches out in new movie role

2011-04-13T03:47:00.000-07:00

Kevin Sorbo branches out in new movie role
By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Kevin Sorbo (right) stars in the film "What If..." - Photo courtesy of Dallas Jenkins

“‘What If…” is a touching and inspirational film filled with comedic moments and an uplifting message that reminds audiences that it’s never too late to live the life you were meant to live.” – StayFamous.Net

When he isn’t wielding swords and fighting off armies of attackers in space, actor Kevin Sorbo is a down-to-earth family man, who is proving to audiences around the country that he is much more than a Hollywood action star.

“I love playing the good guy in the hero roles,” Sorbo said recently. “But I’ve been spending the last three years mixing it up and playing different roles to stretch myself as an actor.”

In one of his most powerful, moving performances, Sorbo demonstrates his versatility as an actor, playing Ben Walker in the new film, “What If…” Although the movie was a runner up to “The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” which received Best Family Film at the 19th Annual MOVIEGUIDE® Awards, Sorbo won the award for Most Inspirational Performance of the Year.

“What If…” tells the story of Ben Walker, a high-power investment banker who made a choice 15 years ago to leave his true calling and is now given the chance to see what his life could have become if he had taken that path. The cast also includes Kristy Swanson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), John Ratzenberger (“Toy Story”), Debby Ryan (“16 Wishes”) and a cameo by director Dallas Jenkins.

“I think everybody has a ‘what if’ in their life,” Sorbo said. “Everyone has something they regret… I should have stayed with that person, I should have taken that job, I should have moved to that city.”

When his character, discovers how his life would have been if he had made different decisions along the way, the audience has an opportunity to take away several important lessons from the film, including the possibility of redemption.

“I think the lesson in the movie is: It’s never too late to change. So many people are unhappy with where they are in their life,” Sorbo said. “And they don’t have to be. It is a decision and you just have to be strong enough to make it. On the flip side is the old, ‘the grass is greener’ syndrome. When, in fact, the life you have, really isn’t that bad. You just need to learn to accept it, relax, and open your eyes to the good things that you already have.”

As a producer, director and actor, Sorbo is branching out this year, taking on more than nine movie projects in the past 12 months alone, including dramatic on-screen roles. Some of his recent films include the movie “Soul Surfer” starring AnnSophia Robb (now in theaters), and projects for the Hallmark Channel, Sci-Fi Channel, SONY Entertainment and many more. This year he will also begin shooting a western with Ann-Margaret called “Tranquility,” and another faith-based film entitled, “Abel's Field” (a modern version of the classic story of Cain and Abel set in the world of Friday night football).

Like his character in the film, “What If…,” Sorbo is proving that there is more to life than money, power and success. Although he is surrounded by the pressures of a busy Hollywood schedule (he reads hundreds of movie scripts each year), he still makes time to go camping with his own children and give back to his community in his work with the charity “A World Fit For Kids.” As a spokesperson and chair for the organization, he promotes healthy behaviors and personal empowerment among today’s youth through mentoring. To find out how you can get involved visit www.worldfitforkids.org.

“What If…” is currently available on DVD from Pure Flix Entertainment in Walmart, bookstores and Amazon.com. For more information about “What If…” visit www.thewhatifmovie.com. To start following Kevin Sorbo on Twitter go to www.twitter.com/ksorbs or visit his official Web site at www.kevinsorbo.net.

"Kevin Sorbo branches out in new movie role"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

Photograph Courtesy of Jenkins Entertainment

Lotte Flack makes her American debut

2011-04-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

"Lotte Flack makes her American debut"
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher

Actress Lotte Flack arrives on the red carpet.

Syracuse, NY - As she stepped out of the limousine and onto the red carpet at the Palace Theater, her delightful smile and carefree twirl, showing off her stylish heals, were sure signs that German actress Lotte Flack (who is from Hamburg) was glad to be in America. It may not have been the warm, tropical beauty of the Florida coast, but for her coming to United States was something she had always wanted to do.

On April 2, her film “Pope Joan,” which was directed by Sonke Wortmann and also stars Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman ("Roseanne"), David Wenham (“Lord of the Rings”), and Iain Glen (“Resident Evil”) premiered in front of a sell-out crowd. The author, Donna Woolfolk Cross, a Central New York native was also in attendance, as well as Barbara Rosenblat, the voice artist on the “Pope Joan” audio book. The two-day event was part of a fundraiser for the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation.

I caught up with Lotte, who plays young Joan in the film, at the movie’s local premiere. From her genuine charisma to her charming British accent, there’s no doubt American audiences will appreciate not only her exceptional talent on screen, but also her enchanting personality off screen as well.

Barbara Rosenblat, left, the voice artist for the "Pope Joan" audio book and actress
Lotte Flack sign movie posters at the premiere of the film in Syracuse, New York.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Is this your first time coming to Syracuse?"

Lotte Flack: “It’s my first time coming to America. I’m so excited. It’s so great. I’ve wanted to come all my life. It’s one of my dreams in life to go to America, and Donna invited me and I’m so thankful… I definitely have to go to New York City and see the other coast too. I’ll be coming back plenty of times.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How did you get the role?”

Lotte Flack: “Just regular casting. But I have a funny story to tell about that. They do recalls - so when they have a larger group of people that they are considering for a certain role, then they narrow it down to a smaller group and cast those again to see… who fits the part the best. And actually my recall was on the side of the Audubon in a forest because we were meeting up because I was very late because I was shooting that day for another thing and we were meeting somewhere in the middle, in the forest and they just took some pictures and then the next day they called me and told me I had the role.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Why did you decide to do this movie.”

Lotte Flack: “I had never done cinema before. That was very interesting for me. Also, I thought it was a really, really powerful story. And I just felt really honored that they thought I was good enough to do that. That they trusted me in that way is amazing and I feel really, really grateful for that.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Did you do anything special to prepare for the film?"

Lotte Flack: “Well, first of all, they had to put some extensions in my hair to make my hair darker. And I had to wear contact lenses all the time. Other than that, I prepared the Latin. Because there is a lot of Latin in the lines and I had I think about ten lines of Latin or something, and I don’t know any Latin, because I had French in school instead of Latin so I had a friend help me who had Latin in school… I still know the Latin by heart.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you like most about this film?”

Lotte Flack: “For me, being there, having worked on the film, it’s not so much about the end product as it is the experience shooting it and the set experience. And I’m not lying about this and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the best work experience I’ve ever had. The team was amazing. The director was great. Everyone worked together so well. We got finished before schedule, and if anyone knows anything about film, that’s amazing because usually you have a schedule and you usually finish two hours after that. So we got finished before that sometimes and it was just amazing…. It was a great, great experience.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Do you have a favorite scene?"

Lotte Flack: “Probably, although it was horrible to shoot and I didn’t enjoy the shooting, the one where I get ink poured over my head. Because it just ended up in the film. It’s so good, and we did, I think, four takes of it. They didn’t have real ink, because it wouldn’t wash out of my clothes and my hair. But they had this fake ink stuff and it was – the feeling can be described as having cold slime poured over your head by twenty people. It’s not fun and it was work, it was a lot of work. But the scene ended up in the film so well. It’s a really great scene.”

Lotte Flack is currently in casting for a few projects and will likely be shooting for German TV in September. For more information about her work visit IMDb and her Wikipedia page. You can also follow Michael Aaron Gallagher on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stayfamous and become a fan of StayFamous on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stayfamous to keep up with the latest entertainment news.

"Lotte Flack makes her American debut"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

Judy Greer shares her favorite things about fellow 'Mad Love' cast members

2011-03-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Judy Greer shares her favorite things about fellow ‘Mad Love’ cast members
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Judy Greer, Tyler Labine, Jason Biggs, and
Sarah Chalke star in the CBS comedy "Mad Love."

It doesn’t take long to see why actress Judy Greer has become a fan favorite in Hollywood. As if her roles in the popular romantic comedies “The Wedding Planner” (2001), “13 Going on 30” (2004), and “27 Dresses” (2008) weren’t enough to sway audiences, Greer also enjoyed a critically acclaimed run on the Fox series “Arrested Development.”

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Greer once trained in ballet, before turning her attention to theater. Now at age 35, she has a successful career in both television and film. In 2005, she was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for her role in “13 Going on 30” (starring Jennifer Garner).

Her on-screen versatility and ability to be both snarky and likeable as Connie Grabowski (Kate’s roommate who works as a nanny) is the source of many comedic moments on her new CBS sitcom “Mad Love,” which premiered in February 2011. The show, which also stars Jason Biggs (“American Pie”) as Ben, Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) as Kate, and Tyler Labine (“Reaper”) as Larry, centers around their lives as New Yorkers – two of whom are involved in a relationship, while the other two seem destined to bicker their way into falling in love.

Fans can also catch Greer as the voice behind Cheryl in the animated series “Archer,” currently in its second season on FX.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Judy about her fellow castmates and her new character.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "Describe your favorite thing about each of your fellow castmates, Jason, Tyler and both Sarahs. And that could be a favorite moment you had on set together or something about them that you really like."

Judy Greer: "Oh, that’s a nice question... Tyler is very sensitive and that’s my favorite thing about him right now because I think he plays characters that aren’t, so I like that his personality is really emotional and sensitive and I love that about him.

I think my favorite thing about Jason is his sense of humor. He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and he has a really dark sense of humor which I appreciate.

Both Sarahs are super generous. Sarah Chalke is like boundless energy and she’s so compassionate and Sarah Wright is super, she’s probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and she’s so generous with her time... she brought over this huge box of stuff for me when I was home sick one day which was so sweet and unexpected..."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "Tell me a little bit about your involvement in shaping your character. What are some of the moments behind the scenes when you were able to contribute to your lines or something taking place in a scene and is your level of participation different between 'Archer' and 'Mad Love?'"

Judy Greer: "Definitely, it’s really different to do a voice on an animated show because they really just work around my schedule and when I can get in there if I get finished with work at 'Mad Love' early, I can get over to the recording studio and record my role. It’s like, a half-hour of time to do it with the guys on the phone in Atlanta and it’s just me in a recording studio all by myself acting crazy and saying dirty things.

And then for 'Mad Love,' the participation level is like a thousand times more... shooting three days a week and being in rehearsals the other two days but it’s awesome... The sort of participation that we all have now and forming our characters and our lines and our jokes and everything - it’s a lot more - I mean, I would say that I add a lot of stuff, not a lot, but I add enough stuff to my character on 'Archer' because they’re really cool about me just like ad-libbing stuff and everything. And with 'Mad Love' I feel like in the beginning we were really like characters on a page, but after going through 13 episodes, (we) really started after the first few episodes, to become closer to our characters. And as the writers hung out with us more on set and got to know us better and watched us in our stupid little habits and idiosyncrasies they started to write more for our own personalities, and less for these like made-up character people... that’s been really fun to watch the sort of evolution of these people like as they turn more into us and less into characters. I feel like we’ve added a lot to that just in our rapport as a cast and as friends and our ideas that we’ve brought to the writers and Matt Tarses the creator."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "When you meet someone new, how do you describe the show to them?"

Judy Greer: "Well, I usually don’t. I just tell people to watch my show, watch my show, watch my show. It’s funny, it’s awesome.... I usually say it’s about two couples finding love in New York City but in two very different ways."

“Mad Love” airs at 8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS and “Archer” can be seen at 10 p.m. Thursdays on FX.

Judy Greer shares her favorite things about fellow 'Mad Love' cast members
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

Photograph courtesy of Sony Pictures Television

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Keegan Allen goes in-depth about 'Pretty Little Liars'

2011-03-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

"Keegan Allen goes in-depth about 'Pretty Little Liars'"
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

As one of television’s most addictive teen dramas, it seems fans simply can’t get enough of ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars.” The series, which was created by Marlene King and based on the popular novels by Sara Shepard, stars Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, and Shay Mitchell. In a world where the truth is not always easy to find, the girls try to unravel the mystery behind the death of their friend Alison (played by Sasha Pieterse).

Rising star, Keegan Allen, who recently guest-starred in an episode of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” plays the mysterious bad boy Toby Cavanaugh.

Keegan, whose parents are both involved in the arts, studied video production and editing in high school. But by the end of high school he had found his true calling, to be in front of the camera. For nearly seven years, he pursued his dream, going to acting classes atvarious acting schools, before eventually auditioning for the role of Toby on “Pretty Little Liars.”

“I skateboarded over to the audition, wearing a beanie,” Allen said. “And I just really connected with the character… and the rest is history.”

I recently had the chance to talk to Keegan about his character. From his supportive fans, to some of his favorite moments on set with the other cast members, he shares more about why “Pretty Little Liars” is such a popular show.

Watch Keegan's Message to Fans:

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “For people who aren’t familiar with the show, how would you describe your character and why is he such a mystery?”

Keegan Allen: “He’s just a brooding character. He’s wrongfully accused, and he’s not vindictive. He has not one really bad bone in his body. He’s always been accused of these really terrible things. He’s been abused by his step-sister for years… It’s funny because he’s the only character in the entire series that has never lied up until this point. He’s the only one that’s been the most truthful. You know you can count on him. But he takes the blame for a lot of things, and because of that, because of how he’s such a nice kid, and everybody puts him down, he’s just become very quiet and bottled up.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “This is the kind of role than can really help launch your career as an actor. How has being on the show changed your life?”

Keegan Allen: “It’s changed my life in ways that I’m actually really happy with and content with. It hasn’t been too crazy. Obviously, now people will recognize Toby walking around. It’s really good because these kids that watch this show… they’re good kids. They’re not like weird or crazy, or out of control. They’re really good souls, and they’re really fun.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How do the fans of the show respond to you when they meet you for the first time?”

Keegan Allen: “They’re all really nice, and they’re all really surprised that I’m nothing like my character and I’m like this chill, California dude that skateboards…. Every so often I get to meet fans of the show and they voice their opinions and their approval on certain things and it’s cool to talk with them and get their ideas and then go and share them with the writers. The writers take every piece of advice from the fans, because the show is really driven by the fanbase, and by the book series by Sara Shepard. So it’s cool to collaborate with fans.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you like most about ‘Pretty Little Liars?’”

Keegan Allen: ‘I started reading the books when I got the part…. I read eight books in not even two weeks. I was completely hooked on the book series. So seeing where they took it using the books, kind of as a guide, but then taking it and making it their own - they’ve made it like this roller coaster every week, where you think you know who A is, you think you know who Alison’s killer is and then you’re wrong. And it’s like the best and worst feeling. So you’re immediately hooked and you need to know, because nobody likes to be wrong… I know what’s going to happen, and I still watch the show every week with friends and family… I even get sucked into it too. It’s definitely very addicting.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “On your Twitter bio it says, ‘Character is destiny.’ What does that mean to you?”

Keegan Allen: “Your character really defines who you are. Going through my life, realizing that if you have a good character and you value who you are and you believe in yourself, it really defines who you become over time. So it’s about believing in yourself and not letting yourself become something that’s bad or evil or misrepresented. Because your character is who you are and who you will become.”

“Pretty Little Liars” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family. You can also follow Keegan Allen on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KeeganAllen.

More from Keegan Allen

Produced by Alloy Entertainment in Association with Warner Horizon Television, “Pretty Little Liars” is renewed for a second season on ABC Family. According to Keegan Allen, the series is filmed on the RED, a state-of-the-art camera that provides the show with a cinematic look and feel, something that helps enhance the drama and mystery in each episode.

“We have a great director of photography, Dana Gonzales,” Allen said. “The developers, Marlene King and Oliver Goldstick, they’re always very much present during the creative process.”

Want to know some of Keegan’s favorite behind-the-scenes moments so far? Here’s what he had to say about working with a few of his fellow cast and crew on “Pretty Little Liars.”

Making Music with Troian Bellisario:
“We found a room on set that had all these musical instruments in it, so many musical instruments, and we went in there and me and her started playing. She was on the banjo and I was on the guitar. And because of us playing, one of our sound guys (Jeff) is a really good drummer, so he came in and all of the crew – a lot of us are musicians – we all went in and we had this huge jam fest in the middle of lunch. So that was really fun with me and her, we started this huge jam.”

Catching a Show with Ian Harding:
“Another cool castmate is Ian Harding. I’m really close with him. We’ll go out and we’ll hang with our girlfriends. We’ll go to the museum. We try and culture ourselves with fashion. My girlfriend does fashion shows, she’s a print and runway model. So we’ll go to her shows together. And that’s always fun.”

Discovering the positive with Shay Mitchell:
“Every time I hang out with Shay, I always feel so much more positive about everything. She’s just like this bright light. And she really helps me discover positive things… and she has this really Zen attitude. It’s just so fulfilling to even hang out with her for even five minutes.”

Laughing with Lucy Hale and Ashley Benson:
“I really, really enjoy hanging out with Ashley. Every time I’ve hung out with her, she can make me laugh harder than anybody. Her and Lucy are like the two comedians in my opinion on set. They make me laugh so hard…I don’t really hang out with Lucy and Ashley as much, because we don’t have as many scenes together but hopefully in the future, they’ll intertwine us, you know, hanging out more on screen, so that’ll prompt us hanging out off screen.”

‘Family Time’ with Tammin Sursok:
“I’m like, ‘Hey, what’s up sis?’ And she calls me bro. She’s an amazing singer-songwriter. And she’ll come in sometimes and we’ll like hang out in our dressing rooms and play music. She’s so cool and fun. She likes to poke fun at me and she’s like my big sister on set, for sure.”

“Everybody on set is so cool,” Allen said. “It is a really great cast.”

“Pretty Little Liars” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC Family. To watch recent episodes, visit www.abcfamily.com.

"Keegan Allen goes in-depth about 'Pretty Little Liars'"

Photographs courtesy of ABC Family

Timothy Olyphant has a blast on 'Justified'

2011-02-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Timothy Olyphant has a blast on ‘Justified’
Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

The first season of “Justified” drew praise from television critics and audiences alike. Based on a character created by New York Times Best-Selling author Elmore Leonard, the FX original series explores a web of crime in rural Harlan County, Kentucky.

As the second season continues, actor Timothy Olyphant, who plays Deputy US Marshall Raylan Givens, recently talked about the scenes that stand out in his mind.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “There are moments in the show that are unlike anything else you see on TV, whether it’s a grenade launcher blowing up a building, or the question of whether or not there was a bullet in Raylan’s gun when he points it at Boyd [Crowder]. What are some of the moments when you said this is great television?”

Timothy Olyphant: “I’m not a huge fan of every episode, but there’s not an episode that goes by without me finding - there’s something - there’s always something and I’m like, ‘That’s just - that’s good drama, you know, it’s good storytelling.’”

“It’s Art telling me I should get an Uzi and it’s walking into Mags’ store and asking her, ‘How’s business.’ You know for me, from an acting standpoint, it’s fun to be in a scene where me asking Mags, ‘How’s business,’ is both so conversational, small talk, and yet feels so loaded.”

“And I think that’s part of the brilliance of Elmore Leonard, and it’s very difficult to kind of replicate week after week. And I think our writers just do a fantastic job… it seems like small talk. It seems like he’s just kind of meandering, but really everything is kind of like a bullet, you know, headed towards… something very specific. And those moments are a blast, you know?”

Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens. Photo by Robert Zukerman / FX

Timothy Olyphant: “I’ve never left that set and didn’t think to myself, ‘That was great. That was just a great scene. It was a great moment. It was a great performance.’”

"Justified" is produced by SONY Pictures Television and FX Productions and airs at 10 p.m. Wednesdays on FX. Click here to buy season one of "Justified" on DVD.

Timothy Olyphant has a blast on 'Justified'
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

Additional photograph by Mark Seliger/FX

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Jason Biggs and Sarah Chalke mimic Julia Louis-Dreyfus?

2011-02-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

"Jason Biggs and Sarah Chalke mimic Julia Louis-Dreyfus?"

Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

In case you haven’t heard, television’s funniest new comedy “Mad Love,” starring Jason Biggs (“American Pie”) and Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) is more than just a story about four friends in the big city. It’s also a must-see, Valentine’s Day treat.

I recently asked Jason Biggs and Sarah Chalke about playing their new characters. Could it be they both share the same inspirational role model? Well, maybe not, but if their chemistry on-screen is as good as their witty banter behind the scenes, there’s no doubt audiences will enjoy the first season of “Mad Love.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “The show is a modern romantic comedy. Are there any characters that you modeled yours after or actors you find yourself wanting your character to be like? How do you see your character?”

Sarah Chalke: “That’s such a good question. I don’t know if there’s any one specific person. I definitely feel influenced by people in my life and in my career and in my work. I mean I have such huge respect for many different actors that I find, when you watch them, it just kind of makes you want to go to work and do a great job. And Lisa Kudrow is definitely one of those people for me…. Judy [Greer] and I quote Valerie Cherish on pretty much a daily basis here.”

Jason Biggs: “Kudrow is a good one for you. That’s actually a good one. I was saying yesterday, Chalke had this moment where she was literally Lucille Ball. It was insane because her physical comedy is off the charts.”

Jason Biggs: “Yes, I don’t know that I’m trying to model…. I mean I think part of the thing that’s so great about this cast is we all kind of bring something unique to the table individually, and yet collectively, there as a group, we gel and have such a great sort of chemistry and connection that - and like our rhythm becomes - it just kind of meld so perfectly.”

Sarah Chalke: “I don’t mean like I’m modeling the character after Lisa Kudrow because I think the character is very different. I just mean that somebody who, like her sensibilities and her timing really inspire me. And I feel the same way about Julia Louis-Dreyfus because I feel like she is so funny and so real at the same time. And so I think… there’s certain people you watch and go, wow, they’re incredible.”

Jason Biggs: “I actually, now that I think about it, I try to model my character after Julia Louis Dreyfus a little bit.”

Sarah Chalke: “I can see it. I mean that’s kind of transparent.”

“Mad Love” airs at 8:30 p.m. Mondays on CBS.

Photograph courtesy of Sony Pictures Television

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Lenay Dunn makes MTV magic

2011-02-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Lenay Dunn makes MTV magic

Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher

For three days a week, television personality Lenay Dunn leaves her home in Nashville, to fly to New York, where she hosts the MTV show “10 on Top.” Born in Africa, where she lived until she was three years-old, Dunn grew up in Minnesota and eventually moved to Tennessee.

After making YouTube videos with her friends in high school, and passing out Red Bulls in college during the summer, she caught the eye of executives at the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles, who decided to have her host shows, attend events and interview athletes to promote the energy drink.

Eventually, Dunn submitted an audition tape to MTV, where she landed the job as the host of “10 on Top.”

“I think I’m a little bit quirky,” Dunn said in a recent telephone interview, “it kind of works in my favor sometimes.”

While she described her upbringing, she joked that she was currently living in the Tennessee jungle (and played rainforest sounds in the background as proof).

It’s hard not to fall in love with her charming, quirky personality. Lenay said she enjoys drinking tea (although she admits she can’t do a good British accent), likes wearing shorts and tights (although her Twitter bio still says dresses), and she hopes to someday live in a house of windows (yes, a glass house).

As a TV host, some of her favorite moments include the time she went sailing with Zac Efron (“High School Musical”) and when Ken Jeong of “The Hangover” co-hosted one of the shows with her.

“Hanging out with him before and after the show was so funny,” Dunn said. “I get to meet some really cool people, and that’s definitely my favorite part.”

According to Dunn, the celebrity countdown show “10 on Top” recently changed its set and began using a green screen to project its virtual stage.

“I wish it was really my room in real life,” Dunn said. “Because there’s a bed in it and a TV and it looks like I’m just chillin’ in a really sweet space.”

Whether she’s on set bringing in cupcakes for the crew to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or staying with the editing team, producers and script writers until the early hours of the morning to finish a show, her carefree sense of humor both on-camera and off is winning over fans and helping her live her dreams.

“My wish for this job is that it lasts like 20 million years, just forever,” she said. “And then at the same time I would love to… create other shows too, even if I’m not on them… to have my hands in all aspects, all sides of producing, that would be my ultimate goal.”

Wherever she may live, a glass house or the Tennessee jungle, there is no doubt her drive to achieve her dreams will propel her there (and the Red Bull will certainly give her wings).

For more information about Lenay Dunn visit www.Lenay.tv and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Lenay13. Also read the new StayFamous.Net interview with Lenay: "Lenay Dunn releases new music video."

"Lenay Dunn makes MTV magic"

Photograph courtesy of CMEG

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Mekenna Melvin dishes about 'Chuck'

2011-01-31T05:01:00.000-08:00

Mekenna Melvin dishes about 'Chuck'

Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher

It's no secret that "Chuck" is adored by television fans and critics alike. Now in its third season, the quirky spy dramedy recently welcomed actress Mekenna Melvin to its diverse cast. Originally from Saratoga, California, her training in martial arts, comedy and drama, make her a triple threat on screen.

As Alex McHugh, Melvin plays the daughter of John Casey (played by Adam Baldwin) and the love interest of Morgan Grimes (played by Joshua Gomez).

I recently had the chance to talk to Mekenna about her work on the NBC series and what she enjoys most about her character.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "Tell me a little bit about how you landed your role on 'Chuck?'"

Mekenna Melvin: "I got the role in kind of an exciting way. I was originally auditioning for a one-word co-star (which was "Mom") and she didn't have a name. She was a twenty year-old girl. I didn't know she was going to be Alex McHugh or the daughter of John Casey or any of that. And once I got the role and I shot the first episode, it was all revealed. I think they were just keeping really tight-lipped about that story reveal, since it was a big one for fans of the show, and then it just kept progressing and growing since."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "You came into the show during its third season. Were you nervous about how your character would be received by die-hard fans who have watched the series from the beginning?"

Mekenna Melvin: "You know I was a little bit because the show is such a fan show, in the sense that the fans are the ones who fought to get it back on. Fans love the show so much. I continue to feel like I have a little bit of an obligation to them to make sure you're honoring the story that they love so much, while still having fun and doing what I love to do on the show. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing community and show."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "How were you received by the cast and is there anyone in particular that you bonded with?"

Mekenna Melvin: "The cast is fantastic. I know everybody says it and it's completely true. They are all so warm and inviting and friendly. Obviously, I work a lot with Adam [Baldwin] and with Josh [Gomez], because most of my scenes tend to be with them so I would say that my initial bonding was probably with the two of them... They are just wonderful people who have just really embraced me. I feel so lucky."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "'Chuck" is such a great show because it isn't just about Chuck. It doesn't take itself too seriously as a comedy or a drama. What have you enjoyed most about your role on the series?"

Mekenna Melvin: "I think one of my favorite scenes that I had the most fun doing was in my first season, season three, when I got to kick my dad's butt a little bit. That was so much fun to shoot. And then also just because it's John Casey - he's invincible - and his little daughter is giving him a butt-kicking. It was a lot of fun."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "I read about your 'Amber Lake' project. Do you have a passion for independent filmmaking and is that something you'd like to continue to pursue on the side?"

Mekenna Melvin: "Yes, that was my, and a couple of my friends' first dabble into trying to make our own film. Independent films have always been a passion of mine. What I learned from making 'Amber Lake' is that I really enjoy the whole process of filmmaking. And while I love acting and that's my number one thing, there's so much more about the overall concept of telling a story and process of doing that, that I really love. You know, we're working on our second film and we're going to see what happens with 'Amber Lake.' It's like my little love project on the side. It's something that excites me for sure."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "You've done theatre, television, film, martial arts. What type of acting role are you looking for long-term? Do you have an idea of the perfect film or TV role for you?"

Mekenna Melvin: "Everything. What excites me and what would be really exciting for me in my career, if I were to be able to paint it, would be to have the opportunity to play all these different roles that are very different and be able to utilize some of the things like my martial arts, which is definitely fun. It would be really fun to play a villain, it would be really fun to play a romantic comedy. Sure, why not? I'm just really excited to see what opportunities lie out there."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What's something that you want people to know about you as an actress?"

Mekenna Melvin: "I really love what I do, and I try really hard. I hope that I can bring everything that I possibly have that's unique to each character and continue to try and grow. And I hope that whoever decides to come along this journey with me enjoys what I'm doing."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What's next for you?"

Mekenna Melvin: "I am still auditioning. Pilot season is here and approaching even more. So we'll see what happens."

Mekenna Melvin appears in "Chuck," which airs at 8 p.m. Mondays on NBC. For more information about Mekenna, visit her official website at www.MekennaMelvin.com and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MekennaMelvin. Click here to buy season three of "Chuck" on DVD.

Photograph by Josh Williams Photography

Hair by - Casey Geren, Make Up By - Angela Peralta, Stylist Bill Moore

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Barry Floyd enjoys a whole new 'Game'

2011-01-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

Barry Floyd enjoys a whole new ‘Game’
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher

When “The Game” ended its run on The CW television network many thought the show had played its final season. But for the cast, everything was about to change, as BET picked up the series and gave it a make-over with new locations, storylines and drama.

Barry Floyd, who plays Tee Tee, recently talked about how he went from being a production assistant to a series regular and in the process found he could do more than just help behind the scenes - he could make audiences laugh too.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “First of all, tell me a little bit about your character on ‘The Game.’ Who is he and where did he come from?”

Barry Floyd: “I play Tee Tee. His real name is Terrence, but everyone calls him Tee Tee. He is the best friend of the quarterback, Malik Wright, quarterback of the San Diego Sabers, and they basically grew up together. And Malik brought him with him when he blew up and made him his assistant.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How has your character evolved from the beginning up until now?”

Barry Floyd: “He’s kind of grown up a little bit and he’s started his own business and he finally has a girlfriend… Whereas before, he was always connected to Malik, whenever you saw Malik on screen you saw Tee Tee, like a Batman and Robin type of thing, now he’s kind of branching off on his own. And I have a lot of scenes by myself, without Malik at all.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “A lot of people who haven’t seen the show may not know this, but “The Game” actually has a great script and a great cast. What do you like most about the show?”

Barry Floyd: “I just like the relationship between all the characters - there’s a lot of drama. It’s a very drama-heavy show. They’re always butting heads... but at the end of the day, they’re all friends. They all love each other. It always comes back together.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What can fans of 'The Game' expect from the new season on BET?”

Barry Floyd: “First of all, it looks great. It already looked good on The CW but we shot down in Atlanta and we did a lot of location shoots as opposed to shooting on set. So the world opens up a lot more. It looks a lot more cinematic. Secondly, they have a few less restrictions than they did at The CW. They’re finally able to make the show that I think they’ve always wanted to make in the first place. You know going from network to cable, you get a lot more options as far as censorship. Whatever it is that made them fall in love in the first place… it’s 10 times better than it was before.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “You started out as a PA and then caught an unexpected break. Take me through those first few scenes that you filmed in front of the camera. What was going through your mind at the time?”

Barry Floyd: “The first scene I did, I think it was a party scene and I just had one or two lines and they were just basically for comic relief. So there would be a serious conversation going on and I’d jump in and say something stupid. And the audience would laugh, kind of like a Kramer [from 'Seinfeld'] or a J.J. from Good Times, one of those type of characters, just like a comic foil basically.”

“So I remember being really nervous that I was going to say my line and nobody was going to laugh. And once I said that line and I got that first laugh and I saw that audience reaction, I knew that I could do this. But it was very nerve-wrecking - I just didn’t know how anybody was going to respond to me. And second we were shooting in front of a live audience.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Were you surprised that the writers kept adding scenes for you, given that you didn’t have the experience that many of your fellow actors did?”

Barry Floyd: “Yes, because when I first did it I thought it was going to be maybe a one-time thing and I would have a nice story to tell my grandkids and stuff, but they just kept giving me more. And the more I showed that I could handle it, the more they gave me.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Was there ever a point when you had second thoughts about being an actor?”

Barry Floyd: “Well, once I started I was very interested in continuing on. But it was very scary because, since I was in high school, I’ve always worked a nine to five job. In high school, I went to school, got out of school and went to work. When I graduated from high school and college I just worked every day. As an actor you don’t work every day. You don’t know when your next job is coming. You don’t know when they’re going to call you again. So just not having that security of a regular job that you get up and go to every day was kind of scary at first. But I’ve just learned to roll with the punches and save whatever money I make until the next job comes along and I’ve been able to transition into it pretty well.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Have your career plans changed since you started acting? What are some of your long-term aspirations?”

Barry Floyd: “Well I still consider myself a writer, even though I’m not yet a professional writer. The only thing that’s changed is that in addition to being a writer, I’m now an actor, so I’m just trying to do both and hopefully be successful at both.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Are you interested in doing movies down the road?”

Barry Floyd: “Yes, definitely. As soon as possible, actually. I’m hoping with the show coming back I’m going to be able to generate a little bit more buzz behind my name and hopefully that can help propel me to the next level.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Are there any particular writers, directors or actors you would like to collaborate with?”

Barry Floyd: “I’m a big Samuel L. Jackson fan, because I just love how he’s worked forever. He’s been in everything. I feel like he never turns anything down. And he’s just such a part of popular culture – from Pulp Fiction or Star Wars or Snakes on a Plane or Die Hard – he’s been involved in every franchise in Hollywood. So I would definitely love to work with him and I would love for my career to kind of mirror his.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “A lot of young people head out to Hollywood after graduation like you did, with a dream, whether it’s to be an actor or director or writer. Do you have any advice for someone who might be about to take the plunge?”

Barry Floyd: “Just make sure that you’re all in. You can’t be halfway about it. Because once you get here it’s kind of tough. I got lucky relatively early, but still even before that break I was a PA for years I was a tour guide on the Paramount lot for a year before that. Just know that when you come out here you’re going to have to work and hustle. And success might not be immediate, but as long as you don’t give up, then eventually you’ll catch your break. Everybody does. But the problem is that a lot of people down here give up and go back home before their break ever comes.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you think the producers saw in you, to give you that break?”

Barry Floyd: “Well, when it first happened I was going through what’s called a network run-through, and on a lot of sitcoms they’ll rehearse a couple of days before they shoot. Before they shoot they will kind of do a dry run of the show in front of the producers so they can see what they are working with and if they want to make any changes. And that particular day one of the stand-ins, (who was one of the stand-ins for one of the actors) wasn’t around so they asked me to do it. And I was just getting a good reaction from one of the producers… they were laughing and they just thought it was funny. And then on top of that they knew me to be a hard worker in my PA job. Because I’m not a hundred percent sure that if I hadn’t been a good PA if they would have been interested in giving me a chance. So that’s actually another piece of advice… when you come out here you might come out here to be an actor. If you’re not an actor right away be the best at whatever job it is you’re doing in the mean time. Because you never know who’s watching and you never know who might be in the position to give you that break.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “If I catch up with you in a couple of years, what do you want to be doing?”

Barry Floyd: “I want to be in movies and I want to be writing my own movies and hopefully in a position where I can produce a few projects as well.”

Barry Floyd can be seen on “The Game,” which airs at 10 p.m. Tuesdays on BET. For more information visit: www.bet.com/ontv/betshows/thegame or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Barry_Floyd. Click here to buy the third season of "The Game" on DVD.

Barry Floyd enjoys a whole new 'Game'
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.
Photograph by J-Squared Photography
Grooming by Yolande for www.Karleeartist.com
Hair by Carlitos Dosouto

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Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
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Tom Jordan wants to make a splash in the U.S.

2011-01-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

Tom Jordan wants to make a splash in the U.S.
Exclusive Interview by Michael Aaron Gallagher

The United States may just be the perfect place for Australian singer-songwriter Tom Jordan to make a splash. After all, he’s already made an appearance on the Australian version of the Disney Channel’s “As the Bell Rings,” enjoyed touring gigs across the continent and now it seems he’s ready to expand his fan following here in the U.S.

I recently asked Tom about his upcoming album and what he’s been up to lately. From the Australian music scene to talk of the Jonas Brothers, he shares some of his biggest aspirations for the coming year.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “For people who haven’t heard of you before, how would you describe your style and who are some of your musical influences?”

Tom Jordan: “My music style comes from a bunch of different influences, because I listen to so much music, but I've always been a big fan of John Mayer and people often recognize his influence in my music, the same with Jason Mraz and Australian band Thirsty Merc, but I also like to think there's a lot of originality there too.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Tell me a little bit about your latest album. Did you write all of the songs?”

Tom Jordan: “My debut album was released in March 2010, my record label was so supportive and let me choose my own direction for the album which can be rare for a debut artist. I co-wrote a bunch of the songs on the album. There are also a few covers of some of my favorite songs which was a really awesome thing to be able to do!”

"For my upcoming album, I am writing every song on it, including collaborating with other songwriters. I have been lucky enough to collaborate with people like Charlie Midnight (James Brown, Hilary Duff, Billy Joel), Luke Ebbin (Bon Jovi, Plain White T's), Jim Marr and Wendy Page (Hilary Duff, Jason Reeves), Matt Hales (Aqualung), Andy Stochansky (Shannon Noll, Cassette Kids, Damien Leith) and many others.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Describe the local music scene for me in Australia. Who are some of the Australian artists that you've performed with and what kind of music is popular right now?”

Tom Jordan: "The local music scene in Australia is great, there are a lot of really good Aussie artists coming through at the moment! I've been lucky enough to work with Australian artist Guy Sebastian a fair bit, I’ve been his support act three times around Australia. The first time when I was 13 and the most recent tour I went on with him was in February 2010 when I was 16. I've also done support shows for Australian artists like INXS, Renee Cassar, Ian Moss, Natalie Bassingthwaite, Diesel and a bunch of others.”

"The popular music in Australia is very similar to America, but sometimes the songs take a little bit longer to reach Australia. I remember that when I went to America in October 2010 for a songwriting trip for my upcoming album, the song "Like a G6" was everywhere on the radio in the USA, I was so over hearing it 15 times a day by the time I left, but then when I got home everyone was just discovering that song and then radio picked it up so I had to go through it all again!”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “I had a chance to watch the music video for the song ‘Someone Somewhere.’ Can you explain the idea behind the video and what it means to you?”

Tom Jordan: “Yeah the music video for ‘Someone Somewhere’ was the first music video I've done. The idea behind the video is a blind love story which relates to the lyrics of the song. The story of the song is pretty much that there is always someone who will be there for you, even if you don’t realize it, whether it's someone you love, a friend or even someone you haven't met yet. I think everyone can relate to this message because everyone feels this way at some point in their lives. As for the water balloons in the video, there is a line in the chorus that says ‘sometimes bombs fall quietly,’ and the director of the video came up with the idea of the water balloons.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “It looks like it was a windy day and there were dark clouds on the horizon. Did the weather impact the filming?”

Tom Jordan: “Yes, the wind was crazy on the day we filmed it, I may look relaxed while playing the song in the video but in between filming I'd have someone run up and cover me with a jumper because it was that cold! However, the weather luckily didn't impact filming conditions, if anything it added to the atmosphere of the clip which is always good. We shot the video on top of a surf club at Mentone, in Melbourne, Australia.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How did you get the role as Dylan on Australia’s ‘As the Bell Rings?’ Was the acting difficult, or is that something you want to do more of?”

Tom Jordan: “The whole ‘As the Bell Rings’ thing came quite suddenly, my manager organized a meeting with the director and a few other people involved in the show and I pretty much just had to play them a few songs and then read a few lines from a draft script for the new series. The acting was difficult because everything and everyone on the set was so animated and energetic so I had to match that level of energy. It was also overwhelming being on a TV set like that with such experienced people around while it was the first real acting job I've ever had! But I learned a lot from the experience and acting is definitely something I'd love to do more of.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Are you interested in being on an American Disney Channel show and if so, which one would you like to guest star on if you could?”

Tom Jordan: “Sure! I think anyone would be crazy to turn down an opportunity like that. I don't watch Disney all that much anymore, but I think it would be cool to work with the Jonas Brothers, those guys seem like really decent and talented guys.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What have you been up to lately?”

Tom Jordan: “I'm on school holidays at the moment, so I've been chilling with friends, constantly songwriting for my next album and gigging as much as I can. I recently went to America to do songwriting with a bunch of such inspirational songwriters/producers. I learned so much from them and got some great songs too, so what more could you ask for! I've also been pitched for certain tours as a support act for some international artists on their Australian tours which I'll hopefully get something out of!”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s been your most memorable moment as a musician so far?”

Tom Jordan: “I've been so lucky so far, I’ve been able to work with some of the most amazing people and I'm surrounded by a great team of people who are there for me every step of the way. It's so hard to narrow it down to one specific moment but I'd say probably my most recent songwriting trip to the USA is right up there, I know that's technically a whole bunch of moments but it's so hard to pick just one!”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s next for you?”

Tom Jordan: “Hopefully spend more time in the USA, songwriting constantly, gigging as much as I can and hopefully play some big shows! Then eventually record my next album when we get the 'perfect' bunch of songs. I also have to juggle all of this with school so as long as I stay organized I should be sweet.”

To learn more about Tom Jordan's music visit http://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/tom-jordan/id262495195 or his YouTube channel where he posts songs and live performances http://www.youtube.com/user/tomjordanmusic.

"Tom Jordan wants to make a splash in the U.S."
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.
Photographs courtesy of MLC PR

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Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
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Nicole Anderson chats about 'Mean Girls 2'

2011-01-17T05:01:00.000-08:00

Nicole Anderson chats about ‘Mean Girls 2’
Exclusive Interview with Michael Aaron Gallagher

As one of Hollywood’s most-talented rising young stars, 20 year-old Nicole Anderson, continues to light up the screen with her style and charm. Whether she is playing a girl-next-door character like Macy Misa on the Disney Channel show “Jonas L.A.,” a dramatic role like Bianca Miller in “Accused at 17,” or the devious Kelly Parker on ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It,” Anderson is showing she has a knack for both comedy and drama.

On Jan. 23, her new movie “Mean Girls 2” premieres on ABC Family. With a cast that includes Jennifer Stone (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Tim Meadows (“Saturday Night Live”), the sequel to the unforgettable 2004 classic “Mean Girls” (written by Tina Fey and starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried), was filmed during the summer of 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.

I recently had the chance to talk with Nicole about her role in the “Mean Girls” sequel. From what she enjoys doing when she’s not on set, to her advice for girls, Anderson proves that in real life, she’s anything but one of “the Plastics.”

Listen to a message from Nicole:

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “First of all, tell me a little bit about your character in ‘Mean Girls 2.’ Who do you play?”

Nicole Anderson: “I play one of ‘the Plastics’ named Hope Plotkin, and she is kind of different than the other mean girls because she’s a hypochondriac. So she has a very A-type personality. It’s very, very prissy. And she does a lot of the dirty work for the mean, main girl Mandy.”

“I play a mean girl on this other ABC Family show called ‘Make it or Break It,’ so it was fun to kind of change it up a bit. Instead of being more devious and just plain outright mean, just have her be more of an airhead.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Did you enjoy sort of playing a villain? (a nice villain, of course)”

Nicole Anderson: “Yeah, it was a lot of fun… Kelly Parker on ‘Make it or Break It,’ she just says whatever she’s thinking, and there’s no boundaries for her. She’s just completely ruthless. But for Hope, she kind of lives in the shadow of Mandy. But also being a hypochondriac, she’s also very, very girly, always wearing frilly ruffles and lace and ribbons and things like that. She’s very dainty. So she’s kind of a weaker villain, if you will. Not as strong as the characters that I usually play, when I play a mean girl. It was interesting.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How did you end up landing the role?”

Nicole Anderson: “My agent called me up one day and was like, ‘Hey, you know they’re making the sequel to ‘Mean Girls,’ are you interested in going out for it?’ And I was like, ‘I am such a huge fan of the first one that I don’t care what role I get, I just want to work on it. So I would love to audition and see how it goes.’”

“I ended up with the role of Hope… she’s kind of like the new Gretchen Weiners from the first movie and Gretchen [played by Lacey Chabert] was my favorite character. I thought she was so funny.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “So you were you a fan of the original ‘Mean Girls’ movie?”

Nicole Anderson: “Oh my gosh, yeah. I mean, my siblings and I, my friends and I, we’re constantly quoting that film. It’s become such a cult classic for our generation… Even when we were filming the movie, we were on set quoting the first one. It’s just your typical girl, chick flick.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “It was shot in Atlanta. Was it different for you filming outside of LA?”

Nicole Anderson: “It was, especially because it was during the summertime. So a lot of our exterior shots - we had portable fans hidden in our purses and our backpacks, just trying to stay cool in the southern heat. But I’m from Georgia, so it was really, really cool to go back and kind of have it come full circle. I started out going to modeling school and acting classes in Atlanta, Georgia… I love the food, I love the southern hospitality. We had a lot of fun filming on location.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Were you able to bond with any of your fellow cast members?”

Nicole Anderson: “Yeah, you know, going on to a set with four other girls, I was a little terrified at first. I was like, oh my gosh, I hope we all get along. This could end up being a really catty set. But as soon as I met the other girls, we instantly clicked. And it was a huge relief. I still hang out with them to this day. Claire Holt, she plays one of the other ‘Plastics,’ has become one of my best friends.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How do you usually spend your time between scenes, when you’re not filming?”

Nicole Anderson: “I try to come home to San Diego now that my parents are living here, I try to go down as much as possible and spend time with my family, and also, just with my friends. I have my close best friends who are just college students not in the industry and we like to do very normal things. We like to have dinner nights, and learn how to cook. We love watching our favorite television shows together, and go hiking and go to the beach, things like that. ”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What was your favorite moment on the set?”

Nicole Anderson: “One of my favorite moments on set… probably the very last day we were filming all of the outside Powder Puff Game footage and it started raining. And we were like, oh my gosh, this is the last day. If it doesn’t stop raining, we’re going to have to stay in Atlanta for an extra day and have to finish this movie.”

“But it was just so much fun because we… started goofing around and making up dances... I’m pretty sure the director, Melanie [Mayron] got some footage on her Flipcam of us just like goofing around. So it was fun.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Do you have a favorite scene in the movie?”

Nicole Anderson: “It was actually the first scene I shot along with Claire. It’s of us three ‘Plastics’ trying to sneak into Jo’s garage to play a prank on her. It was kind of the first bonding moment for me and Maiara Walsh and Claire Holt and we had never met before. And we are in these high heals, in camouflage-wear trying to sneak through dirt. It was so funny and it was a great way to start off the film.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you think the biggest lesson of 'Mean Girls 2' is and do you have any advice for girls who may find themselves in a situation like the characters in the movie?”

Nicole Anderson: “I think in high school things are so exaggerated in your mind. Everything is like the end of the world. But I think at the end of it all you can learn to not play fire with fire. You don’t prove anything - like who can be the meaner girl. And also to just make sure to stay true to yourself and know who your true friends are. It doesn’t matter if you guys are in the popular crowd or if you sit at the geek table, if that’s what you’re into, then so be it. If that’s really what makes you happy, being in a band or painting or being on the soccer team, as long as you have your true friends and you’re staying true to yourself that’s all that matters.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “As an actress, you’ve had the chance to play a few different types of characters both comedy and drama. Is there one that you feel most comfortable playing that you feel is the most natural for you?”

Nicole Anderson: “I think comedy is kind of my comfort zone just because working on a series every single day for months on end you become very, very comfortable with that type of acting and the character that you’re playing. But I definitely have a great love for drama as well. But there’s just something about comedy. It’s always so much fun to make other people laugh and see them really enjoy your work, and kind of brighten up someone else’s day just by making them laugh. ”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s next for you? Are there any projects you’re currently working on?”

Nicole Anderson: “I do have more episodes of ‘Make it or Break It’ coming out this Spring on ABC Family. It’s the second half of their second season, so their last 10 episodes, and I’m in six of them this season. With ‘Jonas’ ending, I was able to kind of expand my character on that show more, which was a really, really great experience.”

“This season you really get to see why Kelly Parker is the way she is and why she does have such a huge defense mechanism with immediately being mean to other girls, and she also definitely becomes more a part of the team and you see a softer side of her as well. So I hope people tune in and get to see this new side of Kelly Parker, because I had a lot of fun creating it.”

Nicole Anderson stars in “Mean Girls 2,” premiering at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 on ABC Family. She can also be seen in “Make it or Break it” at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC Family. For more information, visit www.NicoleAndersonOnline.com or follow Nicole on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HeyItsNicoleA. Click here to buy "Mean Girls 2" and the original "Mean Girls"on DVD.

"Nicole Anderson chats about 'Mean Girls 2'"
Copyright © 2011 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved. Photograph courtesy of Paramount

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
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Ally Walker's favorite 'Sons of Anarchy' scenes

2010-12-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Ally Walker’s favorite ‘Sons of Anarchy’ scenes

Story by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Ally Walker is best known for her role as Dr. Samantha Waters on the NBC drama “Profiler,” but this season, she’s keeping fans on the edge of their seat with her portrayal of Agent June Stahl in the FX original series “Sons of Anarchy.”

Born in Tullahoma, Tennessee, Walker studied biochemistry before eventually getting her big break in Hollywood. Her acting career in television and film has included roles on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “While You Were Sleeping,” and most recently the biker drama “Sons of Anarchy.”

In its third season, “Sons of Anarchy” boasts a diverse cast of relative newcomers and Hollywood veterans that includes Katey Segal and Hal Holbrook. From the streets of California to the war torn alleys of Ireland, leaders of a notorious small town biker gang “Jax” (played by Charlie Hunnam) and “Clay” (played by Ron Perlman) are on a quest to reclaim their legacy in a world of “money, power and blood.”

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Walker about her role and some of her favorite moments on the show so far.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What do you think makes ‘Sons of Anarchy’ such a unique show?”

Ally Walker: “There's the obvious sort of bad-guy element, bad-boy element that everybody wants to be a rebel and sort of a renegade and bikers sort of epitomize that, but I also think that the soulfulness and the sort of family bonds that these people have—the way they watch each other's back—is a very old-fashioned notion, if you will. Maybe not old fashioned but it's a romantic notion. You don’t really see a lot of that anymore. It's become much more of a narcissistic society where it's the loners are there for themselves and people don’t hang together. This is really a wonderful family. They all take good care of each other. There are codes that they live by that are very honorable. I think that really appeals to people, especially in tough times having, knowing that people have your back and they definitely do.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Is there a scene that you're particularly proud of?”

Ally Walker: “Yes, there's a few scenes. I think the writing on the show's been pretty good. I think it was season one right before “Donna” died, where I'm interrogating “Opie,” and I'm just kind of screwing him over. I'm just doing it with sort of this relishing. Then there's the interrogation scene when ‘Jax’ was in prison, which I really like because he kind of came right back at me. Of course, I love the scene with Katey in the 7-Eleven, where I'm stepping over the agents and confronting her.”

“I think what I like about the character, what Kurt writes, is that there's just a lot of—he does this is sort of black comedy with my character, which is just so great because it just spices everything up and it makes it really fun to try to hit those. But I've liked quite a few of the scenes.”

One thing is for sure, fans can expect a few more surprise, jaw-dropping moments to come.

“Sons of Anarchy” airs at 10 p.m. Tuesdays on FX. Click here to buy season three of "Sons of Anarchy" and to buy a t-shirt.

"Ally Walker's favorite 'Sons of Anarchy' scenes"

Photograph courtesy of FX (Ally Walker in "Sons of Anarchy" by Prashant Gupta)

Terrible Things are happening now

2010-12-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

"Terrible Things are happening now"

Story by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Syracuse, NY - After dinner, Fred Mascherino made his way back to the Lost Horizon, the club where his band Terrible Things was scheduled to play later that night. While the opening act was getting ready to perform, he headed backstage in search of the green room to do an interview.
Fred Mascherino of the band Terrible Things poses backstage.
Mascherino, former co-lead singer and guitarist of Taking Back Sunday, along with band mates Josh Eppard, formerly of Coheed and Cambria, and Andy Jackson of Hot Rod Circuit, joined forces as Terrible Things. The band recently released their first album on the Universal Motown record label.

“We all pretty much left our bands at the peak of their success,” Mascherino said. “My last tour with Taking Back Sunday was with Lincoln Park. Our third album had just gone gold… I had all the reason to stay but I just wasn’t happy.”

After leaving Taking Back Sunday, Mascherino set out on his own, playing acoustic guitar in smaller venues. Despite the freedom of being a solo artist, he missed the collaborative chemistry of working with a group.

When the opportunity arose for him to play with his “favorite drummer in the world” (Josh Eppard) and form Terrible Things along with Andy Jackson, they recorded some demos in Birmingham, Alabama with Jason Elgin and began to explore their options with three record companies. According to Mascherino, they chose Universal Motown because they seemed the most excited about their music and its potential to reach a radio audience.

“We just came out with our video for ‘Revolution,’” Mascherino said. “And it’s been climbing the charts. It seems like people at radio are liking the song.”

The band’s self-titled debut is a concept album inspired by a series of fires that devastated his hometown. Alternative Press recently gave the album a 4.5 Star review.

“It’s been great,” Mascherino said. “We’ve all made records before in other bands, so when we did this one we wanted to take our time and get it right… and I’ve found that people can hear that when they put it on. This music comes from a real place.”

With a degree in jazz, which Macherino says gave him an excuse to play guitar eight hours a day, his background allows him to quickly arrange music and to understand scales, rhythm and what will and won’t work when he’s adding a second guitar part to a song.

“I still feel like I’m writing the same songs I wrote when I was in high school,” Mascherino said. “They’re still coming from the same place, the same point of view - the way that I like to tell a story.”

Terrible Things is scheduled to play holiday shows in the northeast, and will go on tour with Bayside in the new year.

“Our goal as a band is to bring the rock back.” Mascherino said. “We have guitar solos in every song. I hope we can keep doing that and keep being a live band that people want to see.”

To find out more about Terrible Things, including upcoming concert dates visit www.myspace.com/terriblethings.

"Terrible Things are happening now"

Photograph by Michael Aaron Gallagher
Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

Greg Kurka releases new music for fans

2010-11-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

Greg Kurka releases new music for fans

By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

“Greg Kurka’s new independent album ‘Southern Migration’ is original and imaginative. He once again demonstrates his talent for composing dance tracks that blend style with substance.”

- StayFamous.Net

Milwaukee native Greg Kurka, who is best known for recording the pop song “Selena Gomez,” recently released a new album on iTunes called “Southern Migration.”

Since debuting his music on YouTube (he's been a member since 2006), his songs have garnered millions of plays and were even recently mentioned by Gomez herself. With his mix of piano, guitar, drums and digital effects, Kurka has managed to assemble a group of songs that not only captures his unique style and personality, but like his previous work they are also catchy and fun to listen to.

Kurka’s new EP, which is currently available on iTunes features seven new tracks including: Reflections, Uno Uno, Lions, Lights, Milwaukee Nostalgia and Champions.

To download the entire EP visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/greg-kurka/id402797096?ign-mpt=uo%3D4. Individual songs can also be purchased for 99 cents.

Michael Aaron Gallagher’s exclusive interview with Greg Kurka

"Greg Kurka releases new music for fans"
Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
Email: StayFamous@gmail.com

'Gossip Girl' continues to show style

2010-10-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of the CW Television Network

Vincent Pastore to screen new film

2010-10-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

"Vincent Pastore to screen new film"

By Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Article originally published by Scotsman Media Group, reprinted with permission.

(Syracuse, NY) - Perhaps best known for his role on the HBO original series “The Sopranos,” Vincent Pastore is a guest judge at the 7th Annual Syracuse International Film Festival. He will also be a host at Wise Guys Comedy Club, 201 S. Salina St., Syracuse. His film “Pizza With Bullets” is 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Palace Theater, Syracuse.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "As a guest judge for the 2010 Syracuse International Film Festival, what criteria do you look for when you watch a movie?"

Vincent Pastore: "Three acts: beginning, middle, end ... like 'The Searchers,' like 'Shane.'"

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "You will be appearing at Wise Guys Comedy Club as well?"

Vincent Pastore: "Yes. I will be there to tell a few jokes and do some audience participation with skits and trivia."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "Of course, one of the biggest things you’re known for is your role in 'The Sopranos.' Was the process of working on an HBO drama like working on a movie set, or are there differences from the way a film is made?"

Vincent Pastore: "TV is much quicker - no time for second takes, no sitting around in a trailer."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "Your new comedy 'Pizza with Bullets' is a new take on the traditional cinema portrayal of the mob. Did you enjoy poking fun at something 'The Sopranos' took a little more seriously?"

Vincent Pastore: "I was able to take the character I created and run with it and Talia Shire was great to work with."

Michael Aaron Gallagher: "What are you looking forward to the most during your visit to Syracuse?"

Vincent Pastore: "It’s great to get out of NYC once in a while and although Syracuse is in NY state, I don’t feel like I’m in NY state. So it’s the fresh air and relaxed attitude and of course ... the fans who love to see us come up there. This will be my third visit in two years."

For more information on the Syracuse International Film Festival visit www.syrfilmfest.com.

"Vincent Pastore to screen new film"

Photo by Michael Aaron Gallagher

Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.

To request permission to use excerpts from “Stay Famous by Michael Aaron Gallagher” or to quote StayFamous.Net on television or in print please contact Manhattan Public Relations.

Media Contact: Michael Aaron Gallagher
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Austin Butler returns to ‘Life Unexpected’

2010-10-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Austin Butler returns to ‘Life Unexpected’
Story by Michael Aaron Gallagher of StayFamous.Net

Fans of Austin Butler may recognize him from his guest appearances on shows like “Hannah Montana,” “Zoey 101,” “iCarly” and “Wizards of Waverly Place,” but now the 19 year-old actor is taking on a more mature, dramatic role on the CW’s critically-acclaimed drama “Life Unexpected.”

As Jones, Butler plays a guy who struggles to win the affection of Lux (played by Brittany Robertson).

“He just has a really easy life on the outside,” Butler said, “And then he meets Lux and she’s not like any girl that he’s ever met. She isn’t perfect. She’s got a lot of baggage… but she’s captivating and so he falls for her.”

I recently had the chance to ask Butler about the second season of “Life Unexpected.” Here’s what he had to say.

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s your favorite part about being on the show?”

Austin Butler: “I’d say it’s the group of people that are on the show. I mean it starts from Liz (Tigelaar) and it goes all the way down. Just because everybody is like a big family and it’s really cool. We film up in Vancouver, so we’re all away from home and so it’s really fun because we’ll all go out to eat after work… It’s like a big family group, which I love.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “You mentioned that you’ve been able to bond with the cast. Is there anyone in particular that you’ve enjoyed hanging out with?”

Austin Butler: “I look up to Kris Polaha so much. He’s such a good guy and such a nice person… I would like to mold myself after him, as far as when I grow up, to be like him… He’s just awesome.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “Do you feel like this character is helping you grow and mature as an actor?”

Austin Butler: “Yeah, definitely. I mean, I think every acting experience helps me just be more comfortable in front of a camera, be more comfortable saying words that aren’t mine… And this character in particular is really cool because it’s such a great show and it’s such great writing.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What’s it like working with Britt and how did you two meet?”

Austin Butler: “We met before the show ever started. We had mutual friends. We’d actually been in an acting class together one time and like spoken two words together. But it was cool to get to work with her… She’s such a brilliant actress, and I learn so much from her all the time. She’s one of the best actresses that I’ve ever met.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “How have your fans responded to you being on the show?”

Austin Butler: “They love it. It’s more of an adult show than some of the other TV stuff that I’ve done, which is cool for me and I think cool for them, because now they’re growing up and I’m growing up. So it’s cool to be able to switch gears a little bit.”

Michael Aaron Gallagher: “What would you like to see happen with your character? Without giving anything away are there any surprises in store?”

Austin Butler: “There are, and not many that I can speak of. Basically, what I can say is he’s still pining for Lux but she has just been kind of dragging him along and kind of pulling him in and pushing him away and pulling him in and pushing him away. Now he doesn’t want to just wait around forever and at the same time he still is crazy about her.”

“Life Unexpected” airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on the CW Television Network. Click here to buy the first and second seasons of "Life Unexpected" on DVD.

Austin Butler returns to 'Life Unexpected'
Copyright © 2010 by Michael Aaron Gallagher - All rights reserved.
Photograph courtesy of The CW Television Network

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