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#SPOTTED: SALLY FIELD IN TORONTO FOR MEMOIR “IN PIECES”
Two-time Academy Award winner and Film/Television icon Sally Field made a rare visit to Toronto tonight. While she undisputedly is a star of the screen having starred in classics like Steel Magnolias, Mrs. Doubtfire, Matters of the Heart and Norma Jean, she visits to promote her Memoir, IN PIECES. The Book is a culmination of seven years’ worth of writing without the intention of her words ever been seen. Field appeared before an intimate audience at Indigo Manulife Centre in a conversation moderated by Indigo Chapters Chair & CEO Heather Reisman.
She reveals that following the passing of her mother Margaret Field back in 2011, something had been bothering her and the writings that would become this Book, were an opportunity for her finally to understand her mother. “I had do find out what was gnawing on me, so I pulled out all the pieces and put them on the table to see if I could put together something I couldn’t see before. I didn’t even know the question I was asking.”. Fields adds, “It was something terribly unsettling. Where am I going and the whole time never thinking it was a book that would be accomplished or anyone else looking at it but me. In those seven years, I focused and it became an obsession to learn a new craft. To learn through some of the tools and techniques I had learned to be an actor that I applied in trying to learn this extraordinary world of words that I’ve always been in profound awe of.”. She compiled letters and unread reviews as long as 40 years ago and putting her story together. “Don’t throw it away”, she told herself, “Some day you’ll want to piece yourself together and you’ll need this piece to do it.”.
The Book touches upon candidly, her talent and drive always to be better as an Actress. At 72 years of age, she still is mastering her craft, set to take the stage at London’s Old Vic in the new year. Courageously she talks about having endured abusive relationships with partners and her stepfather. Field says, “I wrote this seven years ago, long before #METOO. I think it’s spectacular and I hope that we keep going on to see what happens on the other side of rage and outage. My attempt was to look how at these childhood patterns that get so ingrained in you that they lead you for the rest of your life.”. “All of us as adults, our task is to understand what those childhood patterns were, whether we came from an abusive, traumatic childhood or what we thought was a nice childhood. We have to try to to detanglize, get it out of the way and leave it there so that we can move on as adults.”.
On her stepfather, she recalls “I was terrified to be swept off the ground by a man I didn’t know. He was loud and boisterous. And laughed at my face in a jovial way. As a tiny child even then I could hear the unspoken dialogue. Mom would be, ‘Don’t you cry. I need you to like him. I need this to work out well’. And he needed me to be in his arms. Everyone was looking at me and paying attention to me, especially when my own dad treated me like I didn’t exist.”. “Even as a tiny child, I was taught conflicting emotions at the same time. Danger and love – they get wired together so that the only way I could identify being loved was feeling threatened.”.
See some Snaps below. Tap left and right arrows to navigate slideshow:
Only about 200 fans were lucky enough to meet Field who in addition to signing copies of her Book, took her time graciously chatting with every single one of her fans and taking photos with them.
More on the Memoir here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: ALEC BALDWIN IN TORONTO FOR MEMOIR “NEVERTHELESS”
His acclaimed work has won him accolades over the past three decades, winning him Emmys, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards. With a #1 Film at the Box Office two consecutive weeks in The Boss Baby, dethroning Beauty and the Beast, Alec Baldwin has been at the forefront of collective consciousness of late with his running impression on Saturday Night Live of President Donald Trump.
Baldwin reflects upon his success in brand new HarperCollins memoir NEVERTHELESS and the book brought him to Toronto tonight – albeit a bit late – bringing him face to face with fans and Indigo‘s Manulife Centre location. Rushing-in from the airport tonight after some flight delays which saw him landing just at his book signing was to start at 6 PM, Baldwin had to by-pass an originally scheduled pre-signing Q&A, going straight into a rapid-fire signing with fans.
NEVERTHELESS goes into detail about his parents’ troubled relationship to his struggles with addiction and several other of personal battles. As Baldwin‘s book tour takes him to additional cities including Chicago next, he took the time to post online some clarifications regarding his book, explaining that there were some issues with “typos and errors” in a statement made on its Facebook page here.
While much talked about and well-promoted by the amazing Chapters Indigo, some of the 300 wristbands made available for fans surprisingly were still available at the start of the event. Perhaps a strict list of stipulations (or a Bon Jovi concert running in tandem) at the request of the talent had some sway on the turnout? Rules like no posed photography nor photography of Baldwin from the stage were communicated in advance, which later applied too to fans waiting behind barricades far enough away from the stage, at the whim of event security. Despite access not being opened to media on the promise of a more intimate experience with fans, rows of fans were ushered through at a hurried pace without a real chance to connect with the talent. Perhaps this should serve as a reminder to talent that book signings should be about utilizing these opportunities to really connect with fans and supporters? Have fan expectations in this day and age gone beyond just simply the scribble of a non-personalized autograph at these events? While respect and appreciation must go to the talent – and it was a great honour being in Baldwin‘s presence – fans also often put aside an entire day to queue for wristbands and re-queue again for a spot at these signings.
See some snaps of Baldwin (click on right arrow to scroll):
More on NEVERTHELESS here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: LILLY SINGH BACK IN TORONTO FOR “HOW TO BE A BAWSE”
No rise has been quite as stratospheric as that of Lilly Singh, known online for her moniker IISuperwomanII, entertaining millions around the world on YouTube with her humorous short films, garnering several famous fans including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Hailing from Scarborough, but now residing in Los Angeles, Singh at age 28 came out of nowhere and kept rising to be known as the world’s highest-paid female YouTube Filmmaker, also ranking as the world’s third highest-paid YouTube star according to Forbes.
In town to promote her first book, an empowering self-help read HOW TO BE A BAWSE: A GUIDE TO CONQUERING LIFE, published by Doubleday Canada, Singh also took her tour to Toronto’s TIFF Bell Lightbox Wednesday night, before earning well-deserved day of rest. Today she was back at it promoting her book including visits to Bell Media’s Headquarters and Global Television’s The Morning Show.
In case you missed her, you will have a chance to catch her at Chapters Brampton this Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM, where she will meet a limited number of fans. More details here.
We’ve been wanting to meet Singh for a while now and really enjoyed the fast read that was HOW TO BE A BAWSE! It’s literally like reading advice from a friend and we love that many Toronto-related shoutouts she gives from our horrid winter weather to KISS 92.5 and her love for Drake. Despite it being literally freezing out, Singh, armed with a blanket and umbrella, was sweet to stop for a snap! More on it here.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Doubleday Canada)
#SPOTTED: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN IN TORONTO FOR MEMOIR “BORN TO RUN”
Rock icon Bruce Springsteen was in Toronto today for a super-rare appearance, treating 600 fans to chance to meet him at Indigo Manulife Centre in celebration of his new memoir, BORN TO RUN.
Released in September, the book recalls his journey as an aspiring musician after seeing Elvis perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. Springsteen, known best for the book’s titular hit, Born in the U.S.A., I’m on Fire, Dancing in the Dark and Glory Days, began writing the Memoir after his appearance with the E Street Band at then 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show. It is said to be personal, philosophical, funny and enlightening like his Music.
Despite being scheduled to appear at 1 PM, he arrived an hour early for Fans who snatched up tickets to the event, selling out in minutes a few days ago.
See some Snaps:
The Boss, #BruceSpringsteen in Toronto today for memoir, #BornToRun.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
More on BORN TO RUN here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: ALAN CUMMING IN TORONTO FOR “YOU GOTTA GET BIGGER DREAMS”
Here he comes again! Scottish-American star of stage, screen and best-selling Author Alan Cumming returns to Toronto to promote his latest literary endeavour, You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams. After doing some press earlier today for Book, the fan favourite star of The Good Wife met Fans at Indigo Manulife Centre. The Book recalls many of his life adventures in 45 photo essays from bonding with Elizabeth Taylor to his travels in Syria. Cumming says, “They aren’t the scary people, they are escaping from the ‘scary people'”, recounting some of human rights atrocities he saw and heard of from his friends there.
The famous Vegan also recalls a time where he filmed in Italy Julie Taymor‘s TITUS with Jessica Lange, both relieved for the flight to take-off after an ordeal where his flight out of Rome wasn’t being paid for by the production. After throwing apologetically what he calls a “diva fit”, threatening not to show up to set, he finally got his way. We won’t name who but one castmate even got away with smuggling a bird in to America!
Despite there being a bit of worry making his 7:30 PM deadline to leave (maybe to catch Adele??), he made his way in good time through the queue of Fans!
Learn more about YOU GOTTA GET BIGGER DREAMS here.
More Snaps:
#AlanCumming came to Indigo Manulife Centre for new book, #YouNeedBiggerDreams.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: MARA WILSON IN TORONTO FOR “WHERE AM I NOW?”
Having starred in classics like Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda, former Child Actor Mara Wilson‘s effervescent smile defined the youth of several Millennials. While having “broken-up” with Hollywood living a low-key existence, the Actress-turned-Writer has gone on to do several great things including graduating from New York’s Tisch School of the Arts, her advocacy of mental health, being an accomplished Playwright, a few turns on Series like BoJack Horseman and Broad City and now her latest a Memoir told through short stories and essays, Where Am I Now?.
Wilson, now 29, returned today to Toronto – a city she spent much of her childhood filming – to promote her new literary endeavour supported by a day of Press, which included Television stops like Breakfast Television and The Social. She met Fans at Indigo Yonge & Eglinton, where she did an in-conversation with Duana Taha but not without a simplistic rider which included Saltines and Perrier for her nausea. Well over 200 fans queued for a rare chance to meet Wilson, who was gracious and personable with every single one of them.
The Fan of Harry Potter, Stevie Diamond and Judy Blume, told the audience about her early days of writing, mostly while waiting in Trailers during filming, crafting stories and screenplays. Recalling her experience with Robin Williams on the set of Mrs. Doubtfire, he broke the ice with her by asking her to tell him a story which she relished, giving him perhaps a bit more than he had hoped for!
On Where Am I Now?, she sometimes is told by others that they wish the book had “juicier” stories about her Hollywood upbringing. She explains much to their disappointment, “Most of the scandalous things happened outside the set. I’m not good at being a celebrity. I don’t like to party. I like sitting at home having tea with my cats”.
Wilson recalls an incident as a seven-year-old where she walked the Red Carpet for Hugh Grant‘s Film, Nine Months and was asked by a reporter what she thought about his prostitution-related arrest. In a state of confusion, she searched for her then late Mother who intervened angrily. Her father would call the station the next day to complain, only for it to be dismissed completely.
She comments about the unique dynamic of working with adults as a Child Actor. “I thought I was one of the adults. I was put to the side but felt I was kinda on the same level as adults”, she says. “I felt like I had power and I feel that’s the problem of Child Actors. They have the power but not the responsibilities and those little things that you learn like practical skills.”. “They have everyone doing things for them and that’s essential to becoming an adult.”.
Wilson exudes now the contentment in life that she so much longed for after having dealt arduously with Anxiety, OCD and Depression for many years and the stigma attached to getting help.
It was a great pleasure seeing the smile a young Matilda Fan brought to her face as she presented her a drawing on-stage during tonight’s Q&A. Although her Hollywood past may be something she feels was in another life, that other life carries with it a timeless legacy that will speak to generations to come.
To learn more about Where Am I Now, click here.
Some Snaps of the Night:
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Author/Actress/Mental Health Advocate @MaraWilson exuding pure “contentment” at signing for #WhereAmINow, a collection of stories/essays. 😄 pic.twitter.com/LTgeAMrYZF
— MR. WILL WONG (@mrwillw) September 28, 2016
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: RINGO STARR AT INDIGO IN TORONTO FOR “PHOTOGRAPH”
The Beatles legend Ringo Starr is in Toronto today to play Massey Hall but not first without a rare opportunity to connect with fans. His book is called Photograph, a collection of Starr‘s photographic work taken from his archives and replicated from family albums. In addition to having these photos on exhibit today at Indigo Bay Bloor, Starr engaged in a Q&A with franchise founder and cheif executive, Heather Reisman.
Despite being 15 minutes only, Starr reflected upon his career and where he is today. He reveals that he grew up impoverished in Liverpool and after a bout of tuberculosis, he became obsessed with drumming after a nurse gave him a tambourine to play with. Despite not being able to afford drums, he made it a mission to go through music shops locally, playing every chance he got. After much persistence and not saying “no” to any opportunity, he would go on to become the star he is today.
Starr‘s book aims to do some good. Proceeds from sales go to the Lotus Children Foundation.
On artists of today, he wouldn’t single-out or nominate any he is most crazy about despite Reisman‘s persistence. He did say he had a great time collaborating with Green Day. He does still listen to his old vinyl and loves blues and country, occasionally downloading off iTunes new things he hears.
“Vinyl is better for the soul and ears”, he says on his preference how to listen to music. “It’s definitely gotten more popular again as kids have nothing to rebel against.”
Learn more about Photograph by Ringo Starr here.
It was amazing being literally a foot from Starr!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: CURTIS STONE IN TORONTO FOR “GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE”
Hunky Australian Chef, Author and TV Personality Curtis Stone is in Toronto today promoting his latest Book, GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE.
We caught up with the Actor at one of several Stopoffs today in support of the new Book which boasts 130 simple Recipes and he was amazingly-gracious to stop for a Selfie!
See our Snap:
You can meet Stone tonight 7 PM at Indigo Eaton Centre, where he signs copies of GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE. More here.
(Photo credit: Random House/Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: ALAN DOYLE IN TORONTO FOR MEMOIR “WHERE I BELONG”
You’re not Canadian if you don’t at least feel some sense of familiarity when seeing his face! Folk-Rock Outfit Great Big Sea’s Frontman, Alan Doyle, is doing the rounds today in Toronto in support of his new Memoir, Where I Belong.
We caught-up with Newfoundland Actor/Singer/Songwriter this morning taping an interview with Erin Davis of CHFI. With Starbucks in hand, we noticed the friendly Doyle opt against being driven in his Mercedes Benz, instead taking to walking on his own before an appearance later this morning on Global‘s The Morning Show. He heads to London, Ontario tonight to meet Fans.
For more on WHERE I BELONG, click here.
Indigo Bookstore hosts a Series of Signing with Doyle across Canada this month. Click here for more on that.
See our Snap:
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Doubleday Canada)
#SPOTTED: JAMIE BLACKLEY + GAYLE FORMAN IN TORONTO FOR “IF I STAY”
In support of upcoming Young Adult Novel Adaptation If I Stay, the Film’s Male Lead Jamie Blackley and Author Gayle Forman have made their way to Toronto as part of a whirlwind Press Tour which have seen them and Star Chloë Moretz make numerous promotional stops across North America everywhere from Shopping Malls to Cupcake Shops.
The touching Vancouver-filmed Drama centers on a young girl named Mia (Moretz) whose world crumbles one day after tragedy strikes. She is an aspiring Cellist on the verge of admission to prestigious Juilliard and her beloved Soulmate Adam (Blackley) also is the Frontman in an up-and-coming Rock Band. Stuck between life and death, ultimately she must make the most difficult decision of choosing her own destiny.
Blackley and Forman surprised Fans at a special Promo Screening of If I Stay last night. Although tearful, Fan reactions still were joyous that the Adaptation is just as resonant emotionally as the Bestseller it is based upon.
Then Duo are slated for multiple interviewstoday and one of their scheduled Stopoffs was at Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition) where they were greeted outside the Studio by Fans. Although rushed, the British Star still made time for everybody, signing Autographs generously and snapping Selfies. Multi-talented (he has quite the musical ability) Blackley’s star certainly is on the rise appearing more recently in Box Office Smash Snow White and The Huntsman and he has caught the meticulous eye of Woody Allen, starring in the Visionary’s next as-yet-untitled release.
In cased you missed them, Forman and Blackley both appear tonight at Indigo Yonge & Eglinton, 7 PM.
More Snaps:
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release If I Stay on Friday, August 22, 2014.
Check back next week for our lovely Chat with Moretz!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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