city
#SPOTTED: ZAC POSEN AT HOT DOCS FOR “HOUSE OF Z”
Hot off his appearance at the Met Gala Monday night where he dazzled us with a custom dress for Katie Holmes, fashion icon Zac Posen is officially in Toronto! He is in town to present Sandy Chronopoulos’ House of Z at the 2017 Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival, which is a portrait of him as an artist, centering on his rise, fall and rise again in the world of fashion. This marks an ambitious feature debut for Chronopoulous, a producer at CITY (Rogers Media).
The Film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival recently to rousing reception and debuts here in Toronto with a special Q&A by another fashion force, Jeanne Beker.
As he was headed to his Q&A, we were lucky to get a snap with Posen who along with Chronopoulos, was in great spirits!
See our Snap:
You still have opportunities to see HOUSE OF Z, more on this and showtimes at Hot Docs here.
(Photo credit: Hot Docs/Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TORONTO FOR THE 2016 ROGERS UPFRONT
It’s that time of year again! We look forward always to the Upfronts every year and Canada’s big three Television giants: Bell Media, Corus (Shaw) and Rogers gather potential Ad Buyers to unveil a sneak peak of their upcoming television season lineups including series picked up for additional seasons and new acquisitions!
Rogers is first to roll this year and an army of talent came out today for the mega-presentation at Rogers Centre tonight which includes a reception, gala and afterparty!
Some stars were up and at it early today, appearing on City‘s Breakfast Television – which by the way, remains Canada’s top morning show by a wide margin – with Adam Wylde and Dina Pugliese, including Jay Baruchel (Toronto-made Man Seeking Woman Season 3), Adam Pally (Making History), Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth) and Damon Wayans (Lethal Weapon). All Series air this Fall on CITY, with the exception of Man Seeking Woman which is on FXX. The latter network continues to see double-digital growth and will thrive when Pick-and-Pay fully enters the cable market as an option later this year.
Many other new and returning series, specials and staples were revealed including Tom Hardy‘s Taboo, The Mick, animated-live action Son of Zorn, American Crime Story: Katrina, Hairspray (live), Rocky Horror Picture Show (filmed in Toronto) and more, proving Television v. much is alive!
See some of the stars as they quickly make their rounds today!
Baruchel
#DamonWayans at #RogersUpfront with #LethalWeapon. 🔫
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
#AdamPally (#HappyEndings, #TheMindyProject #DirtyGrandpa) at #RogersUpfront for #MakingHistory.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Forte
Funnyman #WillForte in town for #RogersUpfront. He stars in new series, #TheLastManonEarth! 👤🌍
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
#WillForte. #TheLastManonEarth #RogersUpfront 👤🌍
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
See our Snapchat Video of our #RogersUpfront experience!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: “SCORPION” STAR ROBERT PATRICK IN TORONTO FOR CITY UPFRONTS
Although it doesn’t have the starpower it’s had in years past, the Rogers Upfronts are here today, a prelude to three days of Special Presentations to Media Buyers for the upcoming Television Season from Canada’s Broadcasting Giants.
Here to ring-in the festivities, among others is acting Veteran Robert Patrick who stars in SCORPION as Cabe Gallo, set to air a second season on CITY. The Series centers around a Computer Expert who calls on his genius friends to help solve problems and save lives.
Patrick who has appeared in several high-profile TV Series and Films including True Blood, Sons of Anarchy, Walk the Line, The Sopranos and Terminator 2: Judgment Day made a visit to Breakfast Television unannounced and was awesome to stop for some Photos with Fans who were excited to see what surprises Rogers had to unveil.
We hear that an acclaimed Teen Star from an eagerly-awaited new Series will be unveiled tonight too! News was announced earlier that The Mindy Project, despite no longer getting major network distribution in the U.S., will continue to air in Canada on the Network, while new additions like Muppet Show, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, Scream Queens from Glee and American Horror Story Creator Ryan Murphy, will debut this Fall on CITY too.
See a Preview of their Fall/Mid-Season Lineup:
See our Snap:
(Photo/video credit: CITY/Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: TAYLOR DAYNE IN TORONTO FOR LIVING ARTS CENTRE SHOW
Growing up in the late ’80s and early ’90s, it was impossible to avoid the powerful, resonating vocals of New York-born Diva, Taylor Dayne (nee Leslie Wunderman). Singles like Tell it to my Heart, Don’t Rush Me, With Every Beat of my Heart and the ever-moving Love Will Lead You Back have a timelessness to them which still to this day have a home on the Dancefloor and Adult Contemporary Radio.
The still-gorgeous Actress/Songstress is in town for a Show tonight at the Living Arts Centre and on a super-rare occasion, she did a round of Interviews early today promoting it with visits to CITY‘s Breakfast Television and Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition). Looking a vision of perfection in red, it is somehow as if time had stood still as somehow she looks even more stunning than in the ’80s!
Dayne performed on Breakfast Television (watch here) after sitting down for a Chat with Dina Pugliese, before heading-off to her appearance on The Morning Show. Despite it being beyond freezing, she gestured to her many ardent fans outside the window, assuring them she’d be out momentarily to greet them. And she did!
You can always tell by the gleam in my eyes when I’m that extra-bit excited about meeting someone and I’ve waited my whole life to meet Taylor Dayne!
See our Snap:
Follow Dayne on Twitter here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: SANDRA BERNHARD IN TORONTO FOR “SANDYLAND”
Iconic Entertainer Sandra Bernhard is back in-town, bringing her Sandyland Show to the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts tonight and tomorrow. Known for her gritty brand of Humour, the Michigan-born Funnywoman rose to fame with her biting critique of Pop Culture and Politics.
Speaking of Politics, will she be poking-fun at Toronto Mayor Rob Ford at her Show? “The poor Guy’s been beaten up… He’s a bit of a mess”, she says to Dina Pugliese on CITY‘s Breakfast Television earlier this morning. Bernhard comments also on Social Media, when she realized she wanted to be a Comedienne and her Daughter also in the Interview. Watch here.
Shortly after, she made her way north to Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), where she co-hosted today. Although she was in a rush going live-to-air, she fulfilled her promise coming out afterwards, graciously signing some Autographs and posing for Photos before heading to her next Taping. She looks amazing, can we agree? Watch her on The Morning Show here.
Tickets are still available to Bernhard‘s Sandyland Show. Click here for more.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: HILARY DUFF IN TORONTO FOR DURACELL’S “POWERING HOLIDAY SMILES” INITIATIVE FOR SICKKIDS
26-year-old Multimedia Mogul Hilary Duff is back in Toronto doing good for our City! Although traditionally she has visited in December in recent years to spend some quality time with BFF, E! Television Personality Leah Miller, Duff will be at SickKids Hospital later today handing-out toys to Children as part of Duracell‘s Powering Holiday Smiles Initiative. The Campaign donates funds generated from battery purchases, towards the Children’s Miracle Network. Learn more about it here.
The hopelessly-chic Duff arrived at CITY‘s Breakfast Television today to chat with Dina Pugliese, donning festive gold polka dots on her black blouse. “I’m lucky I have a name will people pay attention to and get to raise awareness for important causes like this for people going through a hard time, spending their holidays in the Hospital”, says Duff. “Anything for a smile!”.
2014 finally will see new Music from Duff, her first Disc in five years. “I’m finally at a good place where I know the direction. I’m writing a lot and purging everything that’s been inside these five years.”. The Album is slated for a Spring 2014 release, of which six Indie-Dance oriented Songs already have been recorded. She also vows to return to Toronto to promote when the time comes!
Despite calling Toronto her second home, the Mother of 20-month-old Luca plans to spend the Holidays at home in Los Angeles with her Canadian Husband, retired Hockey Star Mike Comrie.
Although at least 50 Fans queued outside hoping to meet Duff outside the Studio, queueing in the cold as early as 6:00 AM, only a few were lucky enough to get a Snap with the style-conscious Star, wearing brightly her trademark smile for Fans.
Watch Duff‘s Interview on Breakfast Television here.
Digging-back a couple years, I had the pleasure of meeting a radiant Duff while Holiday Shopping this day two years ago, while she was still pregnant with Luca!
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: CHRIS TUCKER IN TORONTO AT SONY CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Once Hollywood’s highest-paid Actor, Chris Tucker has been selective with his work in recent years, but Toronto is in for a real treat this weekend as the Funnyman brings his World Tour to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts tomorrow night! Fresh off his flight into the City this morning, Tucker arrived at City‘s Breakfast Television in a bit of a hurry with his Entourage and luggage in-tow.
The Star known best for his turns in the Rush Hour Franchise and more recently Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook, was full-on animated earlier today on Breakfast Television, touching upon everything from his influences to Friendships with Jackie Chan to Michael Jackson. “I will be talking about the Mayor, so come to the Show if you want to hear about your Mayor… I’ll tell you tomorrow night so I can’t say it on TV!”, he teases.
And for the question on all of our minds – whether or not there will be another Rush Hour Movie – he says, “We want to do another one and it look like it may happen, so we’ll see!”.
Watch his Interview with Jennifer Valentyne on Breakfast Television here.
Tucker, whose beginnings trace back to the Comedy Club Circuit, is coming full circle with a Stand-Up Comedy Movie on its way early 2014.
Although he wasn’t stopping for Photos today, a couple kind-hearted Fellows ensured Billy and I got my moment with Tucker and it was well, amazing!
See our Snap below:
There still are Tickets available for tomorrow’s Sony Centre Show. More details here!
Follow Tucker on Twitter here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: JAMES BADGE DALE IN TORONTO FOR “THE LONE RANGER”
His Career couldn’t be any hotter right now! Yes, that’s James Badge Dale, known also as Badgett Dale, whom those of us who grew-up in the early ’90s will remember him from Boys-turned-Savages Thriller, Lord of the Flies. After a bit of a hiatus which saw him focus on Hockey, fate could not be avoided as his Star would rise once again with successive Blockbusters lined one right after the other.
Although he’s in town to promote Gore Verbinski‘s The Lone Ranger which has him starring as Ranger Dan Reid alongside Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, he also has a little Zombie/Apocalypse Movie called World War Z coming out this weekend. That Film is expected to debut huge with Brad Pitt front-and-center, going head-to-head with Disney Heavyweight in Monsters University. And did I mention the record-breaking success of Iron Man 3, in which Dale stars as the villainous Savin?
The Actor arrived at KISS 92.5 Studios super-early this morning, casual in a Button-Down, Jeans and Toque, bringing some of that effortless New York City Style to our City. Although strapped for time, he still made time to stop for a Photo, heading right over after greeting Roz & Mocha Show Producer, Maurie Sherman. Shortly after, he head over to City‘s Breakfast Television to chat with Jennifer Valentyne, singing the praises of Co-Star Johnny Depp stating that The Lone Ranger will be a complete surprise for Moviegoers.
A busy day of Press is scheduled ahead for Dale in advance of the Wednesday, July 5, 2013 release of The Lone Ranger from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Dale can next be seen in Parkland, produced by Tom Hanks, about the Events of Parkland Hospital the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Colin Hanks who also stars in that Film, also currently is in town filming RomCom, No Stranger Than Love.
See our Snap:
#SPOTTED: BILLY CRYSTAL IN TORONTO FOR “MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY
Reprising once again the beloved role of Mike Wazowski, Funnyman Billy Crystal landed in Toronto to promote eagerly-anticipated Monsters University for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictues. The Film set ten years prior to the events of Monsters, Inc., centers around the friendship between Mike and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) and how they went on to become elite Scarers.
The nine-time Academy Awards Host was up and at it early today with a visit to City‘s Breakfast Television, before speaking to a room full of Journalists at the Rooftop Lobby Peess Conference in his Hotel, moderated by Film Critic/Author Richard Crouse. Appearances on eTalk, Entertainment Tonight Canada and CBC also were slated. Watch Crystal‘s Breakfast Television appearance right here.
Crystal, who looks a young 65, was amazingly nice to stop for a couple round of Autographs, signing generously despite initially stating “One only each”, to a large group of Fans. Bringing my own little “Monster” along for the occasion, he was beyond nice to stop of a quick Snap with another popular Billy (of the Doggy variety). “Now, I know you didn’t name your Dog after me!”, he tells me upon being introduced.
Our Snap:
Video Excerpts and Recap from Crystal‘s Press Conference right here.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada releases Monsters University on Friday, June 21, 2013.
To enter to win a photo signed by the gracious Crystal himself, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share on Facebook and double your chances!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: GUILLERMO DEL TORO IN TORONTO FOR “PACIFIC RIM”
Acclaimed Director Guillermo Del Toro is back in Toronto once again, now promoting his latest $300-million Robots vs. Monsters Sci-Fi/Action Epic, Pacific Rim which he filmed in Toronto at Pinewood Studios.
In addition to a series of interviews scheduled today, a noticeably slimmer del Toro did some TV appearances including City‘s Breakfast Television, where he not only charmed Host Jennifer Valentyne, but also wowed Fans stopping generously to pose for Photos and sign Autographs. While on a quick break, del Toro did the impossible, coming out to greet Fans and some workers inside the building too. Often the Talent are content resting in their Green Rooms, but del Toro certainly is something special.
The Director/Producer/Writer known best for Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labrynth and Hellboy will pretty much be making Toronto his home for at least a year as he feels TV Series The Strain in the City this Fall, followed by Crimson Peak next Spring. The latter reunites him with his new Muse, Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy). It is said that del Toro held a private screening of Pacific Rim for the Toronto Cast of the Film.
I had the pleasure of filming a week’s worth of scenes as a Background Performer and cannot wait to see it!
See my Snap of del Toro:
Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on Friday, July 12, 2013.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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