The parade of Stars in Toronto just won’t quit! In one of the most hectic stretches of Starpower we’ve seen in quite some time in our City, Entrepreneur and Megastar Jessica Alba, is in-town promoting HONEST – a Line of toxin-free Household Goods, Diapers, and Bodycare Products which she co-founded with Christopher Gavigan, launched last year.
Alba began her day early, arriving for a morning full of Press at CityTV for appearances on Breakfast Television and Cityline – the latter which celebrates its 1,000th episode today – before heading-off to CBC for another appearance. Zipping through an array of different outfits, the Los Angeles-based Star wowed as an Entourage of Beauty Experts were on-hand eagerly ensuring she looked her absolute best. Watch her Interview on Breakfast Television – Toronto earlier here.
On why she stands behind HONEST, Alba told Host Dina Pugliese, “It’s just not a priority for Government to update the legislation on chemicals. So we as Parents and Entrepreneurs, we get to think ‘What is the ultimate Family Brand? What do I want for my Family and think everyone deserves?'”. She adds, “That’s really where this idea came out of.”.
Family Products aren’t the only thing on Alba‘s Agenda though – she has a full slate of Films due out over the course of the next year including Machete Kills in which she is seen briefly; Cuban Missile Crisis-Drama Dear Eleanor; Stretch, a Thriller, in which she stars alongside Chris Pine and Patrick Wilson; and Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, in which she reprises the role of Nancy Callahan.
Alba is scheduled this jam-packed Visit for appearances also on CTV‘s The Marilyn Denis Show and The Social; Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), CBC‘s Steven and Chris and KISS 92.5‘s The Roz & Mocha Show. Now that’s what I call work!
Despite being in a rush, Alba stopped to sign a few Autographs for Fans who waited at least three hours for her. “I don’t have time for Photos, sorry!”, she told me, staring directly at me and Billy. I suppose this rejection shouldn’t be a surprise though, as such was the case when I spotted Alba in New York City this past May on her way to the Met Gala 🙁 One day!
To learn more about HONEST, click here.
UPDATE (October 9, 2013 – 10:00 AM EST): OMG. She did it! “Okay, let’s do this quick!”, said Alba earlier this morning. I even posed for a Pic for her Publicist who was smitten by Billy, wanting to remember us!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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:
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)
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)
She’s certainly no Stranger to Toronto, that’s for sure! Actress/Author Tori Spelling gained widespread popularity starring as Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210 in the ’90s, but has transitioned into a new chapter of her Career with grace, balancing life as a Mother and Wife to Toronto-born Actor Dean McDermott.
In addition to promoting CelebraTORI, her Party Planning Book, she also is here to relaunch a Childhood Favourite of mine, McCain Deep ‘n Delicious Cakes which now feature real ingredients we can find in our kitchens. Two new flavours are available now too: Carrot and Apple Caramel. Yum. New Pies also are being launched including: Cookies & Cream, Double Chocolate and Coconut Cream. Yes to all the above!
Spelling appeared on KISS 92.5‘s Roz & Mocha Show earlier today, followed by a visit to City‘s Breakfast Television (watch her appearance) and Cityline for most of the morning. Promising to stop for Fans on her way out, some were baffled at her v. irritated Driver’s (he was ticketed during the wait for Spelling) decision to pick her up at a hidden Studio exit. Thankfully, she was sweet enough to stop for Fans before heading along Queen Street for he next appearance.
Our Snap below:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Gallery Books)
Teen Pop Sensation Austin Mahone is back in Toronto once again and while opening for multiple GRAMMY Winner Taylor Swift on her Red Tour along with Ed Sheeran, he managed to take some time out to do a little Promo!
The Singer flew-in to the City last night, getting spotted right away upon landing! Starting earlier today at City‘s Breakfast Television, excited Fans were rewarded with a big Group Photo. Following his City appearance, the 17-year-old from San Antonio, hopped over to Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition) where he was greeted outside by hoards of female Fans, many who got Selfies with the burgeoning Star. Surrounded by a large entourage of Security Guards to protect the Star, Autograph Seekers unfortunately were denied, despite Mahone trying his best to reach over to accommodate them! Sorry Wongsters, I tried for you but it wasn’t happening!
Mahone performs tonight at Rogers Centre and Fans can see more of him Sunday on the MuchMusic Video Awards, which air this Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM on MuchMusic and Fuse.
The Singer just released the Video to latest Single What About Love earlier this week. Check it out below:
See Mahone‘s Fans (Mahomies) freaking-out below:
Mahone was last in Toronto in December for The Jingle Bell, when I had the pleasure of meeting him! Read about it here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)
City announced its eagerly-awaited new 2013 Fall and Mid-Season Lineup earlier today this morning on Breakfast Television and although the Starpower may not have been as stellar as previous Upfronts, the Station did introduce some promising welcome additions and the welcome return of some Favourites!
Unveiled earlier today were:
Package Deal – a Vancouver-filmed Sitcom about three dysfunctionally-close Brothers and the Woman who comes between them. The Series stars Randal Edwards, Julia Voth, Jay Malone and Harland Williams. The Series airs Mondays this Fall at 8:30 PM EST. Learn more here. The Principal Cast of the Series came to introduce the Series earlier today and pictured below are Voth (L), Malone (Top R), Williams (Bottom R).
City once again will be airing Music’s most famous night, The Grammys, once again and Musical-Drama Series Nashville, which formerly aired on CTV in Canada, will be making the switch the City next season.
One of Canada’s favourite Rock Bands, the Barenaked Ladies, are in promotional high gear right now in support of upcoming eleventh Studio Disc, Grinning Streak. All week long the now Quartet, have been doing various appearances around the City including performances at City‘s Breakfast Television, CTV‘s Marilyn Denis Show and today they made their way to Global Television‘s Bloor Street Studios to perform a Live Concert free for Fans, interspersed with interviews for both the Toronto and National Editions of The Morning Show. Drawing a huge Crowd, the Band performed a mix of material – new and old – met with ecstatic reaction from Fans. Watch the Set here!
After recording a series of lengthy interviews to air later, the Barenaked Ladies came out to greet Fans on the street, including one who was celebrating her Birthday today.
Check-out BNL‘s new Single, Boomerang below:
Raisin’ Records releases Grinning Streak on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. Click here to pre-order.
See our Snap with Billy below! As you can see, Kevin Hearn (Keyboardist) just loves him!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Audio content: Raisin’ Records)
They’re going for gold! Grammy-winning Country Sensations Lady Antebellum are in Toronto promoting their third Studio Disc, Golden and yesterday Fans at Yonge & Dundas Square were gifted with a free hour-long Show sponsored by 98.1 CHFI and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, performing a mix of their Hits and brand new Material.
Maximizing their time here, the Trio also appeared earlier today on City‘s Breakfast Television, followed by a taping of Cityline, but in an unusual move, they exited through a seldom-used hidden exit at the Venue. Some are saying the move was done to shield Co-Vocalist Hillary Scott, who currently is seven-months pregnant. Charles Kelley, however stepped-up to the plate signing Autographs and taking Photos for Fans, who waited patiently for at least four hours. Dave Haywood (Pianos, Backing Vocals, Guitar) also snuck into his Suburban, shared with Kelley. See Lady Antebellum on Breakfast Television here.
See some short Clips I captured of them exiting earlier:
In the meantime, check-out their newest Single, Goodbye Town:
See my Snap with Kelley below:
Download Lady Antebellum‘s Golden on iTunes here!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)
Hilarious Nia Vardalos has returned to Toronto, this time to promote her new Book, Instant Mom. Many of us know her from her unforgettable performance in self-written, Oscar-nominated My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Vardalos‘ Book details the Writer/Director/Actress’ experience as a Mother after adopting her Daughter Ilaria together with Husband Ian Gomez. It includes innovative tips to take-on the challenges of becoming a Mom and also a How-to-Adopt section.
In addition to a busy morning of appearances including a visit to CTV‘s Marilyn Denis Show, City‘s Breakfast Television, she also will be co-hosting for two days straight on Global Television‘s The Morning Show. She even learned how to make Sake Cocktails today, joking with the Mixologist, “You’re just making this up as you go, aren’t you?”.
I caught-up with the beautiful Vardalos as she was waiting on her ride away from the rain, next outfit in-hand. In addition to snapping an awesome Photo together, we chat about my Blog quickly and she was excited for me to spread the word for her. It’s always amazing seeing one of our v. own go on to do well abroad and returning home just as humble and genuine!
Those of you hoping to meet Vardalos have your chance tonight as she signs copies of Instant Mom at Indigo – Yonge & Eglinton tonight at 7:00 PM. Have fun!
Our Snap below:
Order Instant Mom right here.
UPDATE: Look who Re-Tweeted this Post!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/HarperOne)
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