February 16, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

ABC/Rick Rowell(LOS ANGELES) — Salma Hayek opened up about her first big movie role when appearing Monday on the Armchair Expert podcast. 

The 54-year-old actress opened up about her big break, 1995′s Desperado — where she played Carolina — and how she was consumed by terror when filming the movie’s love scene opposite of Antonio Banderas.

“When we were going to start shooting, I started to sob,” she recalled, adding that she confessed to her coworkers, “I don’t know that I can do it. I’m afraid.”

The Oscar-nominated actress said that Banderas, whom she called “an absolute gentleman,” alongside director Robert Rodriguez, tried to help her through the scene — but she was terrified about filming nude.

“I was not letting go of the towel,” she continued. “They would try to make me laugh. I would take it off for two seconds and start crying again.”

As for why she locked up, Hayek admitted that she was afraid of how others would view her — especially her family.

Said Hayek, “When you’re not you, then you can do it. But I kept thinking of my father and my brother… Are they going to see it?  And are they going to get teased?”

She was also intimidated of Banderas, who had no problem with filming in the buff.

“He was an absolute gentleman and so nice,” the actress attested, “but he was very free. It scared me that, for him, it was like nothing.”

“I was so embarrassed that I was crying,” she furthered, adding that Banderas and Rodriguez went out of their way to make her feel comfortable and arranged the scene to be filmed in spurts.

Hayek later added that when her father and brother watched Desperado, they walked out during that part and came back once it was finished.

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 16, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Photo credit: Nathan Johnson (LOS ANGELES) — Rachel Lindsay is speaking out against the interview she held with Bachelor host Chris Harrison, where the two bumped heads over controversial contestant Rachael Kirkconnell.

Kirkconnell has been the subject of intense media scrutiny after old photos and comments from the reality star resurfaced, depicting her in unflattering instances, such as attending an antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018.

Harrison expressed sympathy for the current season’s frontrunner when speaking with Lindsay last week on Extra, where he alluded to Kirkconnell potentially being a victim of so-called “cancel culture.”

The former Bachelorette pushed back, saying the contestant’s past actions are “not a good look” because she was “celebrating the Old South.”

Harrison has since announced he is “stepping aside for a period of time” from Bachelor Nation following intense backlash from fans and admitted his comments were “so wrong.”

When speaking with Hollywood Life on Monday, Lindsay said she doesn’t have any ill will toward Harrison and believes he has learned a valuable lesson.

“I’m glad he’s taking the steps to move forward,” said the reality star, who revealed Harrison reached out to her personally to apologize. “I’m happy to see that he’s getting education to be more productive and more profound in his level of understanding in regards to this issue. I’m happy to hear that.”

“I’ll be one of the many that’s going to sit back and wait and see what happens with all of this,” she furthered, noting that the longtime host has already vowed to “make steps” in the right direction.

Harrison, who is in the midst of Matt James’ season of The Bachelor, will not be joining the show’s After the Final Rose special — revealing he doesn’t want to further detract from the current season.

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 16, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Festival(LOS ANGELES) — Olivia Wilde is one step closer to bringing her directorial debut Don’t Worry Darling to the big screen.  The actress opened up about how had she fought in order to get the industry to believe in her project, which stars Florence Pugh and Harry Styles.

Wilde, 36, who is rumored to be dating Styles, honored the “Watermelon Sugar” singer on Monday by praising his professionalism and talent.

“Little known fact: most male actors don’t want to play supporting roles in female-led films,” explained Wilde while sharing a black and white photo of Styles sitting on the back of a classic convertible.  “The industry has raised them to believe it lessens their power (i.e financial value) to accept these roles, which is one of the reasons it’s so hard to get financing for movies focusing on female stories.”

Continued the House alum, “No joke, it is harrrrrd to find actors who recognize why it might be worth it to allow for a woman to hold the spotlight.”

That all changed, said Wilde, when the former One Direction singer signed on to play “our Jack.”

“Not only did he relish the opportunity to allow for the brilliant @florencepugh to hold center stage as our “Alice”, but he infused every scene with a nuanced sense of humanity,” she praised. “He didn’t have to join our circus, but he jumped on board with humility and grace, and blew us away every day with his talent, warmth, and ability to drive backwards.”

Styles, 27, joined Don’t Worry Darling in September after disgraced actor Shia LaBeouf exited the film.

The movie does not yet have a release date but it is expected to premiere in theaters or on streaming services this year.

Wilde nor Styles have spoken out about their alleged romantic relationship.

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 16, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Anthony Harvey – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Two major Buffy the Vampire Slayer stars have broken their silence about disgraced director Joss Whedon, who stands accused of toxic behavior.

David Boreanaz, who played Angel on Buffy and the Angel spinoff series, rallied behind former co-star Charisma Carpenter, who detailed in a lengthy Twitter post the “abuse” she allegedly suffered while working for Whedon.

Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase in both Buffy and Angel, issued a statement in support of Justice League actor Ray Fisher who first accused the director of fostering a hostile work environment.  

Boreanaz replied to the actress’ post over the weekend — where she accused Whedon of verbal abuse and retaliatory actions — and praised her for coming forward.

“I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength,” he publicly tweeted out to her, of which Carpenter expressed her gratitude.

“I know you’re there for me, David. I appreciate all you’ve done to demonstrate that support privately as well. Especially since Wednesday,” she replied. 

Boreanaz wasn’t the only fan-favorite vampire to publicly side against Whedon — James Marsters, who played Spike, expressed that he is “heartbroken” by the allegations.

“While I will always be honored to have played the character of Spike, the Buffy set was not without challenges,” he tweeted. “I do not support abuse of any kind, and am heartbroken to learn of the experiences of some of the cast. I send my love and support to all involved.”

Marsters and Boreanaz join a growing list of Buffy alums –including Buffy lead Sarah Michelle Gellar — who have voiced support for Carpenter.

Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Buffy’s little sister, Dawn, further alleged that Whedon wasn’t allowed to be left alone with her on set.

Anthony Stewart Head, who played Giles, and Eliza Dushku, who played Faith, have also spoken out.

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 16, 2021 • No Comments • Entertainment News

Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Ryan Reynolds marked Deadpool‘s fifth anniversary by sharing an old fan letter and, as a joke, the response he forgot to mail in return.

“Five years later, I’m still in awe of Deadpool fans. Hunter wrote me this letter after #Deadpool came out and somehow my response never got mailed. Holds up. Mostly,” the Golden Globe-nominee tweeted over the weekend.

A fan named Hunter reached out to Reynolds in 2016, calling the first Deadpool film a “picture perfect ‘R’ rated movie” and expressed hope for a sequel.

The fan also admitted the letter was, in actuality, an English assignment, and invited Reynolds out for beers to “talk about all the Francis’s in life.”

Reynolds shared his “response,” which is rife with outdated references, such as poking fun at the prospect of Deadpool joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe owned by Disney.

The 44-year-old actor also shared some fake advice, saying “Commit to one thing.  For me, it’s acting.  No messing around with random business ventures like other celebs.”

Reynolds now owns stake in Mint Mobile and Aviation Gin and is an investor in the Welsh soccer team, Wrexham Football Club.

On the topic of becoming a connoisseur of gin, Reynolds jokingly wrote in the letter, “Beer is my favorite, and the only alcohol for me.”

Other statements include the actor expressing excitement about investing in the disastrous Fyre music festival, that Tom Brady and New England will always be together, and that he cannot wait to hug fans when Deadpool 3 hits theaters in 2020.

Deadpool went onto become a box office success and released an equally successful sequel in 2018.  Fans are anxiously awaiting the third installment, which was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marvel is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.