Month: December 2023

Lee Sun-kyun, star of the Academy-Award winning film ‘Parasite,’ has died at the age of 48. South Korean police confirmed the news on Wednesday, December 27, revealing that Lee was found dead in a parked car located in Seoul, after a search was underway when he was reported missing. Per law enforcement, Lee was found with a charcoal briquette in his passenger seat. Several South Korean media outlets have reported that Lee’s death is being treated as a suicide. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency also reported on Wednesday that authorities have launched an investigation regarding his death.

Lee was under investigation by police for allegations that he had used illegal drugs while at the home of a hostess working at a South Korean bar, according to a Wednesday report from Yonhap. Lee was first questioned by police in October regarding the drugs, and apologized at the time for “causing immense disappointment … I am sorry for my family, who are enduring extreme pain at this moment.” While Lee has since maintained his innocence, and he tested negative in two drug tests following the initial incident. According to Yonhap, he was most recently questioned on Saturday, December 23.

Lee starred as Park Dong-ik (Nathan) in the 2019 movie Parasite. The film took home four Academy Awards at the 2020 Oscars, becoming the first non-English-language film to win best picture.

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ABC announced additional performers for the upcoming Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2024, taking place on Dec. 31st. Among the latest additions to the lineup are Cardi B, who is set to take the stage for a special performance from Miami; and LL Cool J, who will rock the stage from Times Square.

Longtime host Ryan Seacrest is returning to New York City’s Times Square with co-host, singer Rita Ora. The show will also be broadcast from Hollywood, California, with TV personality Jeannie Mai hosting, as well as presenter Dayanara Torres returning to co-host from Puerto Rico.

The New York festivities include previously announced performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter and Tyla.  Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Loud Luxury x Two Friends with Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones and Thirty Seconds to Mars will all be performing. Additionally, K-pop group NewJeans will be performing live from South Korea, and singer Post Malone will take the stage in Las Vegas at the Fontainebleau Hotel. Meanwhile, while Ivy Queen will be performing from Puerto Rico.

‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024’ airs Sunday, December 31st live on ABC beginning at 8 pm EST.

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Tom Smothers, the older half of the legendary comedy duo The Smothers Brothers, died on Tuesday at the age of 86. According to a statement from the National Comedy Center, Smothers died “following a recent battle with cancer.”

A statement from Tom Smothers’ younger brother and professional partner, Dick Smothers, read that Tom passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa, Calif., with his family at his side. Dick, 84, said in a statement: “Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years. Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”  The folk-singing brothers became household names on their CBS variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” which ran from 1967 to 1969. Tom played guitar and Dick played stand-up bass as part of the act.

Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, said in a statement: “Tom was not only an extraordinary comedic talent, who, together with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for over six decades — but was a true champion for freedom of speech, harnessing the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness. Tom was a true pioneer who changed the face of television and transformed our culture with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which satirized politics, combated racism, protested the Vietnam War, and led the way for ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘The Daily Show,’ today’s network late night shows, and so much more.  We were proud to bring Tom and Dick out of retirement and reunite them on stage in 2019 to celebrate their legendary careers, and we are honored to preserve Tom’s remarkable work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for generations to come.”

Tom is survived by his children, Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, Marcy Carriker Smothers, sister-in-law Marie Smothers, and several nephews and a niece. He is predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers. Dick and his wife, Marie, have requested memorial donations honoring Tom to be made to the National Comedy Center.  A private memorial service for family and friends is set to take place sometime in 2024.

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Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka have ended their relationship after seven years together.

Tanaka, 40, confirmed his split from Carey, 54, in a statement on social media: “With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together. Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we’ve shared. The memories we’ve created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever. Mariah’s dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft have inspired us during our shared journey. I want to express my love and appreciation for Mariah and her incredible children, whose warmth and kindness have enriched my life in ways words cannot express. I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters.” Carey shares twins Monroe and Moroccan, 12, with ex-husband Nick Cannon.

Carey and Tanaka were first linked in 2016; rumors they had split began this month after Tanaka did not join Carey on her Merry Christmas One and All! tour, as he had done in the past.

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Actor/comedian Anthony Anderson will host the delayed 75th Emmy Awards. The awards ceremony was delayed from its usual September ceremony date due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes,

In a statement, Anderson said: “With our industry’s recent challenges behind us, we can get back to what we love — dressing up and honoring ourselves. And there’s no better celebratory moment to bring the creative community together than the milestone 75th Emmy Awards. When Fox asked me to host this historic telecast, I was over the moon that Taylor Swift was unavailable, and now I can’t wait to be part of the biggest night in television.”

Allison Wallach, President of Unscripted Programming at Fox Entertainment, said: “After Anthony hosted our upcoming show, We Are Family, we knew he’d be a natural fit for a star-studded, anticipatory night like the Emmys. Anthony’s known for his humor, heart and spontaneity, so he’s sure to give audiences in the theater and at home a night they’ll never forget.”

Academy chairman Frank Scherma expressed: “Anthony is a multi-talented performer and a great friend to the Television Academy. We are thrilled that he is hosting what promises to be a rich celebration of the year’s outstanding television, as well as 75 years of Emmys excellence!”

The three-hour ceremony, taking place from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, will be broadcast live on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 15h, 2023 (8-11 PM EST on Fox and will be available the next day on Hulu).

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