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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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:
Check back next week for our lovely Chat with Moretz!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The Internet Celebrity known as Grumpy Cat graced Toronto today with her miserable presence as Indigo Eaton Centre played host to an exclusive Meet & Greet for Fans who purchased the famous Feline’s latest business endeavour, The Grumpy Guide to Life, from Chronicle Books. The Cat is known for a litany of Memes featuring her grouchy face, paired with hilarious captions which apply to our daily lives.
Guidelines were simple for Fans – some who queued as early as 5:00 am this morning, coming as far as Australia to meet the mixed-breed two-year-old originally named Tardar Sauce. Reminders were given not to use flashes when photographing and Fans were asked not to touch Grumpy Cat. Most were on their best behaviour as Owner Tabatha Bundesen sat by her side, thanking Fans for coming out. The precious Pet napped peacefully as Fans – in the several hundreds – parked their faces beside her briskly one by one for a rare Photo Op.
It is estimated that Grumpy Cat currently pulls-in upwards of a six-figure salary and down the pipes is a Holiday Movie on Lifetime. Look out, Sharknado!
Despite being known for her displeased predisposition (she was born with Dwarfism) gaining her notoriety among millions of Fans around the World, Bundesen maintains that Grumpy Cat actually is rather sweet. Never judge a Cat by its ap-paw-rance!
See our Snap:
We were so unimpressed.
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The Grumpy Guide to Life is now in stores. Click here for more.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Chloë Moretz today, following her appearance at the 2014 MuchMusic Video Awards. Although the talented 17-year-old Actress known best for her work in KICK-ASS, Hugo and Carrie has been in Toronto many a time before to film, she actually got to go out and enjoy the City this time in addition to her Press Day.
Moretz made sure to stop-by at Hillary Clinton‘s Book Signing today at Indigo Manulife Centre. One of the perks of being a Celebrity is bypassing queues and the Actress and her Brother Trevor were lucky enough to be able to meet the former First Lady, Secretary of State and Senator as she signed copies of her Book, Hard Choices.
See her Autograph below:
Although that piece won’t be up till August, we will tell you to watch the Trailer below for the Vancouver-filmed Romantic Drama:
A National Hero, an Internet Phenomenon and now an Author. Commander Chris Hadfield has been in Toronto this past week promoting his first Book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, which details his experiences as an Astronaut and Commander of the International Space Station. Hadfield captivated the World with mind-blowing Photos shared via Social Media from his Expeditions, including his final one in which he aided scientific experiments dealing with the low impact of gravity on Human Biology. A slick, self-made Music Video for his Cover of David Bowie’s Space Oddity recorded in Space to date has garnered over 18-million views worldwide on YouTube.
As an Homage to Bowie, who has been front-and-center of late in Toronto with his popular Art Gallery of Ontario Exhibit taking place right now, Maclean’s features Hadfield on the Cover of their October issue made-up as Bowie in his Aladdin Sane Era. Earlier in the week, he also did Interviews out of the Venue to be fully thematic.
See the Cover below:
Fans got a chance to connect with Hadfield last night as he met in-excess of 600 Fans at Indigo- Manulife Centre, signing Copies of his Book, while earlier in the day he head to the West-End for an appearance at Kobo‘s Headquarters. Generous in allotting the Media face time, he went on a blitz which included appearances on Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), 104.5 CHUM-FM’s Roger, Darren and Marilyn, KISS 92.5’s Roz & Mocha Show, City’s Breakfast Television, eTalk, CBC‘s Q Radio and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight. Although he’s scheduled to visit New York for a quick minute Thursday, he’ll be back in Toronto again this weekend to face Fans again at an Event hosted by Maclean’s at the MaRS Discovery District this Sunday at 1:00 PM. Details here.
As he jogged across Bloor Street following a TV appearance yesterday into a silver Mercedes Benz, he apologized profusely as he didn’t have a moment for a Photo. This morning though, I spotted Hadfield and his Assistant grabbing a Coffee at Starbucks as they head-off for another day of Press. Recognizing me right away, he came out of his car and shook my hand, taking a minute kindly for a Snap. “Are we gonna be able to manage a Selfie?” and after a failed attempt, he was more than patient to Review the Photo with me. “That one will do!”, he gestured at the winning Pic on my LED Screen.
See our Snap:
Order a Copy of on Hadfield‘s Book here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Chris Hadfield)
Toronto received a huge treat today as Funnyman Jim Carrey received a Hero’s welcome home with a late-announced Book Signing at Indigo Yorkdale earlier this afternoon after flying-in on his private jet from New York City.
Meeting over 200 lucky Fans who queued as early as midnight last night, enduring a sprinkling of rain even, Carrey arrived around 12:30 PM to do a bit of Press before taking his time, greeting each and every one of his Fans who were speedy enough to score a Wristband. Not only did he sign the requisite copies of his debut Children’s Book How Roland Rolls, he posed for goofy Photos and genuinely made an effort to get to know his Toronto Supporters. Carrey even read the entire book in animated spirit, drawing big laughs from Attendees, big and small.
“I know on appearances I’m a perfect specimen of manhood, and I’m absorbing millions on millions frigabytes of info on a daily basis growing all the time – but on the inside I’m a Child filled with wonder”, says Carrey on why he decided to write a Children’s Book. For those unaware, How Roland Rolls tells the Tale of a Wave named Roland who must face the eventual end of his life as soon as he hits the sand. Little does he realize though that he has a greater purpose in life. Read more about it here.
See my Snaps with Carrey below:
See a quick Clip of Carrey interacting with the Audience today:
It was an incredible experience I will never forget! For someone of Carrey‘s stature humbly to make the effort to connect with us says a lot about him as a Person and anyone in attendance today was rewarded handsomely for their loyalty.
Indigo Bookstore must also be commended for making the Event a smooth success as few walked away disappointed with the intimate access they had to Carrey!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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