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Showing posts with label comedians. Show all posts

Kudos to Wanda Sykes

Kudos to Wanda Sykes for just being her. Much is written about the struggles of being a woman. Much is wrote of the struggles of being black. Much is written of the struggles of being gay. Wanda Sykes rises above all of the 'talked about struggles' and makes us laugh. I loved Wanda's line on Oprah this week about how being gay was her most difficult struggle. Her line about not having to sit her parents down to reveal she was black was hilarious.

Wanda is a comedian and actress who shines in every project she is in. Even in projects whose material is not up to her talent (think 'Monster-In-Law', think 'Evan Almighty') Sykes still manages to come off looking great due to her ability to deliver even a weak line well.

How great Fox is giving us a weekly dose of Wanda (in addition to her role on 'The New Adventures Of Old Christine) Saturday nights starting in November. I can think of no one better to host a talk show. Wanda has a way of wading through the bull shit and getting to the truth quickly. Kudos Wanda Sykes! What a year you have had.

Favorites Of Favorites: Mario Cantone

I am beyond thrilled the next ‘favorite’ to take part in ‘Favorites of Favorites’ is actor and comedian Mario Cantone.

Why He is A favorite:
I am a tough nut to crack when it comes to comedy. Very few comedians get me beyond a chuckle or smirk. Mario Cantone however is someone who can consistently bring me to fits of hysterical laughter. Truly in this world we live in, is there anything sexier than that!

Although I like David Letterman, I still scratch my head at anyone who would want to snooze there way through Leno each night. Maybe Leno is good at bedtime, for some I guess he is the perfect transition from being awake to being unconscious. If I were a network programmer though, I would get Mario on the air for a late night talk show Wednesday through Friday stat.

A Bit About Mario:
Mario Cantone was born and raised in Massachusetts. After graduating from Emerson College, Mario set out for New York to enter the world of show business. Cantone’s first professional role was a 5 year stint as host of a New York based Children’s show called ‘Steampipe Alley’ which he worked on from 1988 to 1993. I have heard Cantone talk many times on talk shows about his feelings towards children, (all of which I agree with), and find it ironic his first job was in a children’s programming.

Below: Mario starting out in 'Steampipe Alley'.

After ‘Steampipe’ Cantone made the guest appearance rounds appearing on shows like ‘ER’ and ‘NYPD Blue’ as well as some small parts in movies. It was during this time though that Mario focused on the stage. Cantone made his Broadway debut in 1995 in the Tony Award winning ‘Love! Valour! Compassion!’ Roles in ‘The Tempest’, ‘The Violet Hour’ and many other productions both on and off Broadway. In 2004 Cantone took on the role of Samuel in Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Assassins’.

Below: Mario and the cast of 'Assassins'.

While appearing on Broadway, Cantone continued to work in television and it was during this time he took on the role that opened him to his biggest audience, that of Anthony in ‘Sex and the City’. In 2002, Cantone’s career really took off with his critically acclaimed ‘An Evening with Mario Cantone’ on HBO. It is funny, 2002 is the year I was first introduced to Cantone when I saw him on one of his frequent appearance on ‘Pyramid’. ‘An Evening with Mario Cantone’ was followed up by more stage shows including the highly successful ‘Laugh Whore’ in 2005 which was recorded for Showtime.

These day’s Cantone is in high demand. Between stage, movies, tv appearance and his talk show appearances, Cantone has a huge following. Because Cantone is also an actor, his talk show appearances are always memorable as he can work in ‘the moment’ creating memorable appearances whenever he is a guest. ‘The View’ certainly see’s this, as Cantone is a frequent guest. (Although I would say Cantone should be a regular once a week fill in for Walter’s instead of just pulled in from time to time).

Below: Mario and the cast of 'Sex In The City'.

Not sure if you can put a label Cantone’s brand of comedy. Certainly he talks about his life, his experiences. Certainly he makes fun of celebrities, not to mention his hilarious impersonations. I find unlike some other comedians, that even when making fun of them, Cantone is also honoring many of his subjects. I don’t get the feeling he would put the time and energy into someone he did not have some respect for.

I love Mario Cantone. I love that I know when Cantone is on a show, or is making an appearance I am not only going to be entertained, but I am going to laugh and laugh hard. For that I give my deepest thanks to Mario!

NAME: MARIO CANTONE

Occupation: Actor, Comedian
Recently Seen in: 'Killer Hair', 'Men In Tree's'.
Soon to Be Seen in: 'Sex And The City 2'(currently filming) and 'Dirty Movie'.
On Stage Next: Carolines on Broadway for the NY Comedy Festival Nov. 5-8
Official Site: Mario Cantone Official Site

1.Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?

Mario Cantone: NY Times.com

2. Favorite Meal?

Mario Cantone: Chef's tasting menu at Per Se

3. Favorite TV Show?

Mario Cantone: South Park

4. Favorite TV show guilty pleasure?

Mario Cantone: American Idol

Above: Cracking them up on 'The View'.
Below: Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Whoopi Goldberg and Mario last summer at Broadway's 'Xanadu'. (During Whoopi's time in the show).

5. First celebrity Crush?

Mario Cantone: David Cassidy.( I'm so old.)

6. Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?

Mario Cantone: Meryl Streep

Below: Mario with 'Sex and the City' co-star Kristin Davis.

7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?

Mario Cantone: Bake

8. Favorite Part of your job?

Mario Cantone: The actual performance

Below: Mario with some of Broadways biggest and brightest!

9. Favorite Project you have been a part of?

Mario Cantone: My one man Broadway show and Showtime special "Laugh Whore"

10. Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):

Mario Cantone: Abs

Below: Mario during his time on 'Men In Tree's'.

11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?

Mario Cantone: Rag and Bone jeans

12. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star.

Mario Cantone: Chaka Khan

Below: Mario, Barrett Foa and a dancer from 2005's 'Broadway Bares'.

Thanks again Mario Cantone!

Favorite Unconvential Hunk of the Day: Peter Oldring

Peter Oldring is a Canadian actor and comedian. This classically trained actor from the National Theatre School of Canada has been on fixture on Canadian television for the last decade. Peter also is skilled at stand up and improv and has been a member of Second City group in Toronto. You may have seen him on 'Blue Collar TV' or in 'Hollywood Wives, the New Generation' as Farrah Fawcett's assistant. Peter also has many motion pictures on his resume including 2002's 'K-19: The Widowmaker'. Certainly I took notice with his role in Y.P.F (see below).

Peter with Pat Kelly in 'The Pete and Pat Show' at the 2006 Toronto International Improv Festival.

Peter in Y.P.F (Young People Fucking, 2007).

Special thanks to ljrealnude for the above caps from Y.P.F.

Saturday Night Live: Will Forte

Saturday Night Live is once again event television for me. Not only did Tina Fey help bring attention back to the show, but the writing this season has been spot on. The show has had some amazing moments (highlighted to me by the Paul Rudd show). SNL also has it share of great looking and talented guys. Will Forte is one of my favorites, and what a treat to see the adorable backside of this cutie on last nights show. I was all set to cap when I saw the post from DaveID on Dreamcaps (thanks Dave!) so here are some of his caps. My one complaint about this season is the sad departure of Amy Poehler who is off to do a sit-com. I for one am not taking to the female cast member they are now pushing front and center, Kristen Wig, who although talented seems to play the same character over and over again. Kristen is actually very talented, but being overworked on the show and is at risk of becoming annoying soon unless they bring the other females on the show out to do a bit more than back her up.

Favorite Birthday Boy for December 9th Mario Cantone

Sure Mario Cantone is cute as hell, but what could be more attractive than a guy who makes you laugh your ass off. Seeing Mario in interviews, it is clear he is more reserved when off stage, but none the less, when on stage and tv, there is no current comedian who makes me laugh as loudly and as often as Mario Cantone. Give the man a talk show!!! Mario turns 49 today.