Hollywood Mom Blog | Archive

Jackie Evancho of America’s Got Talent – A Child Star is Born!

Posted on11. Aug, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Last night yet another Child Star was born. Jackie Evancho, a 10-year-old opera singer competing on the television show, “America’s Got Talent,” wowed television viewers with her seriously mature voice. Some people even think she could be the the next Susan Boyle. The public voted overwhelmingly for her out of a whopping 20,000 YouTube video performances submitted. I’ve watched the show all summer and while I’m not an opera fan by nature and I don’t necessarily believe that “America” as a whole has talent, anyone who watched last night’s show knows that Evancho does.

Jackie Evancho, a Pittsburgh, PA native, is so talented that if one listens without looking at hear, you’d think she was a seasoned opera star, three times her age. Following her amazing performance judge PiersMorgan gushed, “That is one of the most extraordinary performances I’ve seen on ‘America’s Got Talent.’” Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne wholeheartedly agreed. Mandel related that they were looking for that pinnacle moment in the show when they would discover a gem. To Evancho Mandel proclaimed, “This is that moment and you are that star!”

Evancho should advance to the next round of eliminations without problem. On tonight’s show, the public will learn which YouTube acts will move on to the semi-finals.

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Former Child Star Mary Kate Olsen Recalls Childhood as that of “Little Monkey Performer”

Posted on04. Aug, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Mary-Kate Olsen, 24, rose to unexpected fame with her twin sister Ashley, playing the youngest Tanner sister on the hit television series Full House, and somehow graduated from the dreaded title “former child star” to the enviable moniker of “fashion icon” with relative ease in her late teens. Today, she and her sister have an astounding estimated net worth of $100 million.

After years of silence, MK is now speaking about her experiences for the first time in Marie Claire magazine. She told the publication that she and her sister were nothing shy of ‘little monkey performers’ as children. “I look at old photos of me, and I don’t feel connected to them at all,’ she said. ‘I would never wish my upbringing on anyone… but I wouldn’t take it back for the world.” The former child star said rather than envy the twins lives, her friends “feel sorry for us… because it’s kind of bittersweet.”

While twin sister Ashley has been relatively trouble-free, Mary-Kate’s problems: party-girl reputation, numerous romantic liaisons, public battle and hospitalization with anorexia and questionable involvement in the scandalous aftermath of Heath Ledger’s untimely death.

Mary Kate explained how her experiences taught her that avoiding issues can only make the problem worse. “I think it’s really important to be able to talk when something’s wrong,” she says. “I learned at a really young age that if you don’t talk about it, it can drive you insane.”

Ashley is Mary Kate’s biggest supporter. “Sometimes Ash and I have to bring each other back, or push each other more. It’s really helpful to have another half; we’re constantly checking in with each other.”

Today Mary-Kate has moved on from the past and devotes her time to the various fashion lines she and Ashley run. Together they’ve founded and designed clothing ranges at every price point – from the critically acclaimed The Row, named after London’s Savile Row, and mid-priced Elizabeth and James, to the cut-price Olsenboye collection for JC Penney. And she’s not rushing in to the design process. “It took us a year-and-a-half to make the first T-shirt,” she shares.

Though she hasn’t abandoned her first profession entirely (she has a role opposite Vanessa Hudgens in upcoming horror film, Beastly), fashion is now her primary focus. “I still read scripts, and if something great comes along, that’s great… but this is my day job. The Row is where I go every day. It’s kind of like a mask to hide behind,” she admits.

Source: Marie Claire

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Lance Kerwin, “James at 16″ Child Star, Guilty of Theft

Posted on28. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Ugh. Lance Kerwin, former child star of popular 1970’s television series “James at 15,” and then “James at 16″ has been found guilty of second-degree theft and placed on five years probation in Kauai, Hawaii. Collective sigh.

The actor has been ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service and was given credit for time already served during sentencing last week.

Kerwin, who quit acting to become a pastor (ironic yes), was found guilty of faking documents to get state medical assistance and free food stamps – despite the face that he owns 3 homes. To date he has repaid $21,822.

When sentenced to community service and placed on probation, Kerwin stated, “I’m sorry. The last thing I want to do is to make a statement to minimize what I have done.”

A look back at better years for Kerwin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ABX2-4RTrY

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Leonardo di Caprio’s Career Advice to Zac Efron, “Don’t Do Heroin.”

Posted on21. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Zac Efron, 22, soon to be seen in Charlie St. Cloud, apparently learns from the mistakes of his celebrity peers. Efron may have also learned a few things about the perils of “over-exposure” from girlfriend and High School Musical co-star Vanessa Hudgens (pictured left), who received a wave of bad press for nude photos she took of herself which subsequently leaked to the internet.

Unlike his love interest, Zac takes precautions to be known solely for his acting career. He regularly studies how other young stars are perceived in the media and changes his own behavior as a result. Efron states, “Every time something does happen [in the media] – and I notice when those things happen – people go through those things and experience that kind of stuff. I take note of it, a mental note, ‘Wow, that didn’t work’, so from that point on I sort of look out for that. I kind of adapt.”

The former teen star admits his own film idol is himself a former teen heart throb – film star and activist, Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception, 2010). “He’s super-talented, grounded and focused and that’s everything I want to be in the future,” states Efron, “He’s experienced the good times, the bad times, the scary times and the amazing times and [he's] still escalating. It gives me some hope. It inspires me to keep going.”

Zac Efron, who is regularly seated next to Di Caprio at the Lakers games says that the Titanic star isn’t spilling any great industry secrets and that their conversations are “nothing out of the ordinary.”

Efron tells MTV News that Di Caprio is a “normal guy” and that while they don’t regularly discuss business, there are times when DiCaprio helps Efron out with his career. “He’s a cool guy and he is helpful,” Efron said. “I ask him questions every once in a while, and he gives advice to the best of his abilities, but he’s not like a life coach.”

In the May issue of GQ, Efron shared that DiCaprio told him to avoid heroin at all costs. “I thought I was gonna ask him questions,” Efron said. “He ended up asking me questions, and in that, he told me a lot. He said, ‘There’s one way that you can really f— this all up. Just do heroin. If you steer clear of that — the other obstacles you’ll be able to navigate.’”

Efron also defends that he was never “programmed by Disney” to behave properly in public. “It’s common sense” he says,”If you’re gonna be drunk with your friends, don’t get wasted at the Chateau Marmont and hook up with some famous chick. It’s not rocket science. I don’t want to be famous [as a] personality.”

In regards to his private life Efron wisely states, ” I keep that under wraps.”

Sources: MTV News, GQ Magazine,

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Bill HB 2515 Addresses PA’s Inadequate Child Labor Laws, but Abuse is Nationwide

Posted on20. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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“Children are not to be used as a Commodity, having their childhoods sold to the highest bidder.”

The petition statement below is from Care2 Petition Website sent to us via Janet Palazzotto of non-profit, child actor advocacy group A Minor Consideration:

“Welcome! My name is Irene. I am a mom with 8 children. I am a television consumer/parent who was a viewer of the TLC hit show Jon & Kate plus 8. Like many, I’ve seen the complete corporate takeover and tabloid eclipse of this family in the 100 episodes that have exposed them at their worse. In May 2009, the matriarch of the family vowed on television, “The show must go on!” The patriarch of the family countered in the fall of 2009 by vowing, “No filming of the kids allowed.”

Fast forward to April 2010. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor attended a hearing in Pennsylvania, hosted by Rep Thomas Murt. At that hearing the Department of Labor reported that the proper permits for TLC (Silver Springs, MD) and Figure 8 Productions (North Carolina) had never been filed. In an agreement between TLC & the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, TLC got off without any legal or financial repercussions. They were “warned” to get the proper permits in the future and pay the children. FYI- the kids will split 15% of some amount, 8 ways. Still haven’t figured that one out, since they comprise 80% of the show’s talent.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/childentertain2009.htm

The reason for our petition is simple. As parents and Television viewers/ consumers we need to ban together and show legislators that the laws protecting children in reality television shows is at best poor, outdated and often nonexistent. Further, we need to make it clear that childrens’ childhoods are not for sale. The Gosselin childrens lives are forever documented on television, video, facebook, in the media, books, etc. Their childhoods were sold by their parents and a company (TLC) is profiting with dollars while these children will live with the after effects for the rest of their lives.

Please leave your signature verifying that you believe kids on reality shows deserve protections, safeguards, fair pay, and a 3rd party to ensure their safety and well-being on any sets they perform on. Remember with these kids “the set is the home and the home is the set.” Thank you for joining us in helping these kids be safe.”

*** Update ***
06/03/2010 Rep Thomas Murt(PA) introduced HB 2515 addresses the inadequate child labor laws in Pennsylvania and Rep Thomas Murt has 75 co- sponsors. Please check his website for updates. http://repmurt.com/ite

Also, follow A Minor Consideration as they work tirelessly on behalf of the children of the entertainment industry

*According to the Los Angeles Times, below is the status of permits on a variety of Reality television programs:

TLC
19 Kids and Counting:
Permit, NO
Arkansas

Toddlers & Tiaras:
Permit, NO
Arkansas

Kate Plus 8:
Permits obtained April, 2010
Pennsylvania

Table for 12:
Permit, NO
New Jersey

Carpio Family Project:
Permit obtained May 21st, 2010
New York

Little People, Big World:
Permit, NO
Oregon

Quintuplet Surprise:
Permit, ???
Texas cannot confirm

BRAVO
9 By Design:
Permit, YES
New York

Real Housewives of Orange County
Permit, NO
California

Real Housewives of Atlanta:
Permit, NO
Georgia

Real Housewives of New Jersey:
Permit, NO
New Jersey

Real Housewives of New York:
Permit, NO
New York

Real Housewives of D.C.
Permit, NO
Virginia

WE TV
Raising Septuplets:
Permit, NO
Florida

Little Miss Perfect:
Permit, NO
Florida

OXYGEN
Tori & Dean:
Permit, YES
California

“This is the truth, folks. It’s deliberate and nationwide. Have we no shame?” – Paul Petersen, A Minor Consideration

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Lesley Bryce, Go-To Photographer for Hollywood’s Up & Comers, Gives 5 Headshot Tips for Child Actors

Posted on20. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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I had the pleasure of meeting photographer Lesley Bryce in June of this year when my daughter Jordan did a photo shoot for L.A.’s favorite kids clothing store, Hipster Kid (below). Lesley is an accomplished photographer and member of the Professional Photographers of America whose work you’ve likely seen in Popstar Magazine, PopCon and on the website JustJaredJr.com, among others. While I knew instantly that I liked her photography, I became better acquainted with Lesley Bryce the person during her interview this week.

Actress Larsen Thompson, photographed by Lesley Bryce

Actress Jordan Bobbitt, photographed by Lesley Bryce

As a child, Leslie felt the pull of art and the creative process. “I believe I knew at about 7 years old I would [eventually] become an artist of some sort. I was always a ham in front of the camera, and I can remember incessantly bugging my Dad to let me play with his 35mm Pentex,” she states. During her senior year of high school, Bryce enrolled in a college course in photography and immediately fell head over heels. Her love affair with photography led her to California State University at Northridge, CSUN, where she received a degree in Studio Arts/Fine Art Photography. Bryce names her influences as Richard Avedon, Annie Leibowitz, Lewis Hine, Edward Weston, Man Ray and Walker Evans. “I find I am still continually inspired by color, geometric shapes, architecture and personality,” Bryce adds.

What’s your philosophy of photography? In other words, what makes a Lesley Bryce photo a Lesley Bryce photo?

I would have to say it is telling a story through an image, revealing the emotion of the subject…this is what photography is all about. Capturing that moment in time, seeing something no one else can, and then sharing it with the world in a photograph. A ” Lesley Bryce Photograph” is colorful, out-side-of-the-box Art.

You do all types of photography: Baby, Kids, Portraits, Commercial, Weddings, Publicity shots, Fashion. Which do you consider your forte?

Location is key to a good photograph.

Capturing human emotion is my forte…capturing people for who they really are, whether it be a wedding, a portrait or fashion. The ability to shoot a variety of styles in photography keeps me alive and creative and helps me crossover elements from one type of photography to the other. It keeps the process lucid, alive and original. I much prefer natural lighting as it gives more room to let the subject be free and fluid. Location is also an important factor when story-boarding my sessions with my clients.

How much, if any, retouching do you do to your photos?

Much of my work is done in camera…I have a few secret ingredients that I use in post production!

Disney Actress, Allyson Arm, of "Sonny With A Chance"

Reviewing your portfolio, it appears you’ve done a lot of work with young, up & coming talent in Los Angeles. Who are some of the child and teen actors and actresses you’ve shot? How did that begin and do you see yourself moving in that direction?

Yes, I have[worked] with upcoming talent in LA…It really came about when I started working with my good friend Antoinette Bartsch-Newhouse, owner/designer of Three Peas Co. who had hired me to take lifestyle photographs of her clothing line. From there I was introduced to T2PR, a public relations firm and [together] these two companies have been of great help and assistance to me. I am truly grateful for their tremendous belief in me and my work.

: Hipster Kids Jordan Bobbitt, Hannah Zeile and Larsen Thompson for ShopHipsterKid.com in Westlake Village, CA.

Young talent I have photographed would include Allyson Ashley Arm (Sonny with a Chance), Chelsea Makela (Dance Flick, 2009), Amy Paffrath (I Kissed a Vampire, 2010), young musicians Destinee and Paris Monroe ( Despicable Me, 2010) and Keana Texiera (of the teen duo G-Girlz). I’ve had terrific feedback and agents are really loving the images I’ve [captured]. I enjoy the limitless creative capacity of this type of photography and look forward to continuing on this road with a number of new projects lined up.

What 5 tips would you give to parents of child actors who are about to have professional photos taken?

1. If the child has an agent, discuss with the agent before consulting with the photographer so you can give a clear description of what you are looking to have captured on film to suit your needs.

2. Parents should not put too much pressure on their child before and during the shoot. You have hired a professional to capture your child’s image, and have selected them to accomplish this for you based on their expertise, so please, let the photographer have the room to do so…I sometimes ask the parent(s) to go grab a cup of coffee so the child and I can relate to one another without the pressure of trying to please their parents…and which almost always results in their natural personality shining through in the image.

3. If you have no idea about what to wear, or the image you hope to portray, please consult with the photographer for tips on clothing, hair, and make-up.

4. Your child’s head shots are their calling cards, and can make or break whether they receive a call back, so even though you may have a friend who is a photography enthusiast, and may take photos for little money (which is so awesome of your friend), this does not mean they have the professional know how to obtain that perfect shot, the one which could ensure that prized callback .

5. Parents should also be aware that your child should have new head shots done every 6-8 months. Agencies want to know what your child looks like now….not six months ago, so keep current.

For a limited time, Lesley Bryce is generously offering our readers a $99 “Headshots Special” to acquaint you with her amazing work. Mention Hollywood Mom Blog when you call to book 805-443-2188. At this ridiculous rate, you should book with her regardless of whether or not your child has acting aspirations! You can review Bryce’s impressive portfolio at www.lesleybryce.com and follow her on twitter at twitter.com/LesleyBryceFoto

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Dakota Fanning on Growing Up in Marie Claire’s August Issue

Posted on13. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Soon-to-be “Former” Child Star, Dakota Fanning, 16, graces the cover of Marie Claire’s August issue. The “Eclipse” and “The Runaways” starlet continues to evolve into a mature actress, trading in yesteryear’s’ Kaiya Eve Pettiskirts for a a leather-trimmed blue graphic-print Proenza Schouler dress among other sophisticated but age appropriate looks. My fave is Fanning with teased-out hair donning a gun-metal metallic sheath with blue short shorts, topped with a 3.1 Phillip Lim tuxedo jacket and Nina Ricci sweater.

Dakota Fanning Marie Claire magazine August 2010 metallic blouse blue shorts 3.1 Phillip Lim tuxedo jacket Nina Ricci sweater black Dolce & Gabbana top and skirt retro Azzaro headpiece

Photos courtesy of Marie Claire

The Campbell Hall high school student dishes to the magazine on her “transition” from child actor to screen star. “When you start out young, people get really attached to who you are at 6 years old,” Fanning tells Marie Claire. “I hope that ‘The Runaways‘ was kind of a moment to be like, ‘You know, I’m not that young little girl anymore, but I’m still not all grown up, either.’” The critics have taken notice of Fanning’s blossoming talent as well. The New York Times, A.O. Scott states: “Ms. Fanning, who has shown herself a remarkably disciplined and self-aware actress almost since toddlerhood, displays heartbreaking vulnerability as well as frightening poise,” of her performance in the “Runaways.” And like a fine wine aged to perfection, The Denver Post simply called her performance, “uncorked.”

The seasoned actress is practical about the future of her career. “As you get older, there’s so much more that you can do in films,” Fanning says. “I’ve never wanted to rush that; I’ve always wanted to do what’s right for my age, but as you approach 18, a whole new world opens up to you as an actor, and I really look forward to that.”

Visit the magazine’s Web site and pick up the August issue of Marie Claire, on sale July 13, 2010 for the full interview and more fab pics.

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CASTING NEWS: Desperate Housewives’ Child Actor Being Recast

Posted on24. Jun, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Actress Kendall Applegate

One of “Desperate Housewives” child actors is being recast before the start of the show’s seventh season. Adorable Kendall Applegate, represented by Greene & Associates Talent Agency, has played Tom and Lynette Scavo’s (Doug Savant and Felicity Huffman) daughter Penny since the show jumped five years into the future two seasons ago. Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello reports that ABC is now searching for a new actress to take over her role. It is not yet known if the casting change is linked to the program’s storyline which will see one of the families find out that their child was switched at birth.

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Former NICK Child Star Amanda Bynes, 24, Announces Retirement from Acting…

Posted on21. Jun, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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In a case of bad timing, Amanda Bynes, 24-year-old former Nickelodeon star on “All That” and “The Amanda Show,” announced Saturday via her twitter account that she is retiring from acting. Following Nickelodeon, Bynes was in the WB sitcom “What I like About You,” with costar Jennie Garth. She starred in the films, “She’s the Man” and “Hairspray.” Bad timing because Bynes’ next film, “Easy A,” starring Emma Stone which is due to be released on September 17, 2010, actually looks like it will be hilarious and could have placed her back in a position of making good career choices for herself in Hollywood as opposed to the not so good ones she’s made recently.

“Being an actress isn’t as fun as it may seem,” she tweeted from her verified account. “If I don’t love something anymore I stop doing it. I don’t love acting anymore so I’ve stopped doing it.” She went on to say, “I wanna thank my dad for his words of wisdom!!!! ‘the truth will set you free’ one of his phrases I will never forget!!!!” Then she tweeted: “I know 24 is a young age to retire but you heard it here first I’ve retired.”

I’m hoping this is either a true choice she’s thoughtfully considered or a bad day she’ll recover from by saying someone hacked her twitter account. Let’s not forget, it’s always a girl’s prerogative to change her mind.

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Jodie Foster’s Believes Actress Kristen Stewart is “On the Right Track”

Posted on04. Jun, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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According to People Magazine, Former Child Star and accomplished Academy Award winning actress, Jodie Foster shared some advice with “Panic Room” co-star, Kristen Stewart.
Foster’s advice: “Just about how to not go crazy and be a young actor who wants to have a long career.”

Jodie Foster with Kristen Stewart in 2002

And if anyone would know about the graceful transitioning from child to adult on-screen, it’s undoubtedly Jodie Foster. As a child, Foster helmed several Disney productions, “Freaky Friday” and “One Little Indian,” and small television guest star roles before her career took a more serious turn with the acclaimed role of a child prostitute in “Taxi Driver.” Jodie Foster, who incidentally never took an acting class, received two Oscars before the age of 30. She received her first Oscar for her role as Sarah Tobias in The Accused (1988) and her second for the role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Foster is widely considered one the best actresses of her generation, having appeared in block buster hits Contact (1997), Panic Room (2002), Flightplan (2005), Inside Man (2006) and The Brave One (2007). (Little Man Tate is a personal favorite in our household)

Foster believes Kristen Stewart is doing a good job managing her newly found stardom. “She doesn’t need any help. She’s on the right track. She’s a good girl,” Foster told People Mag. “And I love that kid. I spent so much time with her.”

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12 Yr. Old Child Actor, Bella Thorne starring in Disney’s Dance Comedy “Shake it Up!”

Posted on31. May, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Disney Channel has ordered “Shake It Up!,” a buddy comedy centered around a teen dance show, created by Chris Thompson (“Laverne and Shirley,” “Bosom Buddies,” “The Naked Truth,” “Action”) and executive-produced by Thompson and Rob Lotterstein (“The War at Home,” “Ellen”). It stars 12-year-old child actress Bella Thorne (pictured above center modeling my favorite pettiskirts by Kaiya Eve) and 13-year-old Zendaya (pictured below). The multi-camera series will begin production in Hollywood, California, in July for a scheduled Fall 2010 premiere on Disney Channel. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.

Marsh said, “Newcomers Bella Thorne and Zendaya make for one of the most likable and engaging BFF duos we’ve ever seen. And while buddy comedies have been around since the start of television, what makes ‘Shake It Up’ unique is that this is the first time anyone has incorporated dancing into the underlying premise of a sitcom.”

The comedy series introduces two high-spirited characters, best friends CeCe Jones and Raquel “Rocky” Blue, whose dreams of becoming professional dancers are realized when they become background dancers on the most popular teen dance show, “Shake it Up, Chicago,” a gig they land thanks to their longtime and well-connected friend, Deuce. Between learning a wide range of new dance styles, navigating the backstage antics at the show (especially with their rivals, Tinka and Gunther) and their newfound social status at school, the girls are on their way to new and fun adventures, some that will test their friendship.

Shake it Up Co-star, Zendaya plays Raquel “Rocky” Blue

Starring are Bella Thorne as CeCe Jones; Zendaya as Raquel “Rocky” Blue; Kenton Duty (“Lost”) as Gunther; Adam Irigoyen (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) as Deuce; and Davis Cleveland (“Good Luck Charlie,” “Desperate Housewives”) as Flynn Jones, CeCe’s precocious younger brother. The series was created by Chris Thompson and will be executive-produced by Rob Lotterstein and Thompson. Rosero McCoy (“Camp Rock 2 The Final Jam”) choreographed the pilot episode. “Shake It Up!” is a production of “It’s a Laugh Productions, Inc.”

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.

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Former Child Star Gary Coleman Has Died

Posted on28. May, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Update: Gary Coleman, who was the child star of TV show “Diff’rent Strokes,” has died
at age 42, a publicist says.
ABC News reported this morning that Coleman “has slipped into a coma” and is currently on life support. Coleman suffered an intracranial hemorrhage according to the ABC report, and remains unconscious from the injury.
Gary Coleman, the 42-year-old former child star, suffered a head injury during a fall and has undergone emergency surgery. According to CNN, he is currently in critical condition in a Utah hospital. Coleman’s brother-in-law told TMZ that Coleman is listed in critical condition, saying he was taken from his home in Utah to the hospital around 12:50 p.m. Wednesday. Per the Associated Press, Coleman has lived in Utah since 2005, when he moved there to star in a comic film called “Church Ball,” which is based on the basketball leagues formed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Coleman and his wife, Shannon Price, met on the set of the film and married in 2007. The couple has most frequently been in the press not for their accomplishments in film but due to multiple reports of domestic violence.

In addition to marital difficulties, TMZ reports that in February 2010 while shooting a TV interview for “The Insider,” Coleman suffered from a seizure. At the time, Dr. Drew was with the actor as part of a panel and assisted him until emergency personnel arrived. The site also reported that Coleman was hospitalized in January for what might also have been a seizure.

In regards to this most recent hospitalization, Gary Coleman’s manager states that there currently is nothing significant to report but that information will be forth coming.

A Nov. 19, 1979, file photo of comedian-actress Lucille Ball, left, posing with actor Gary Coleman during a break in filming “The Lucille Ball Special."

Coleman, who became famous for playing diminutive Arnold Drummond on the TV series “Diff’rent Strokes” in the 1980’s, has a congenital kidney disease and receives frequent dialysis. As a child he suffered from a congenital kidney disease caused by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (an autoimmune destruction and alteration of the kidney), which halted his growth at an early age, leading to his small stature. He underwent two kidney transplants, one in 1973 and one in 1984. Just last year, Coleman had heart surgery which was complicated by pneumonia, according to his attorney Randy Kester.

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REMINDER: Meet A Top Casting Director for DISNEY this Saturday May 22 in Woodland Hills!

Posted on19. May, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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New date for this event is Saturday May 22, 2010 from 1 pm to 3 pm

Meeting top Casting Directors is one of the single most important steps your skilled child actor can take on their journey to becoming a “working” child actor.

Talented Child Actors who met with Debbie Entin at her last Casting Workshop with a Nickelodeon Casting Director - 3 kids from the session were later called in to read with her!

On Saturday May 22 at 1pm. to 3:00 pm, Valley West Actors Space (one of our favorite acting studios in Los Angeles) will host a casting workshop with Niner Parikkh of Joey Paul Casting who is currently casting the feature films “Honey 2″ and “Bring it On: Fight to the Finish.” They just completed casting the true story “Soul Surfer” with Anna Sophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt. Joey Paul also cast Disney shows, “Phil of The Future,” “That’s So Raven,” “Cory In The House,” and “Imagination Movers.” This is a great opportunity for child actors interested in television and film because Joey Paul Casting does a lot of both. Please bring 2 head shots with resumes attached to the class.

The talented Debbie Entin of Rising Talent Management will also be heading up this workshop. Her clients have recently appeared on the TV Shows “Suite Life on Deck”, “iCarly,” “Las Vegas” and “Cold Case.” After her last workshop at VWAS (which my daughter attended) two of the child actors were called in by the Casting Director from Nickelodeon and three were asked to meet with Debbie for possible representation. This class is for children ages 6-18.

Valley West Actors Space is located at 22743 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills. Each participant will receive written feedback and the cost of the workshop is a very reasonable $75 and only$50 for registered members of VWAS. Please enroll quickly as the class is limited to only 25 lucky students!

For more information email actingshowcase1@gmail.com or 818-222-7484

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Thanks to Baby2Baby, Hollywood Moms Can Make Spring Cleaning Charitable

Posted on18. May, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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If you’re in the midst of spring cleaning, wondering what to do with the clothes, blankets and baby gear your young kids have outgrown, you may want to do what Modern Family’s Julie Bowen did last week – give to Baby2Baby, a charity that supplies Los Angeles families in need with essential baby gear and clothing. It’s an easy way to clean house, recycle and help your local community. Baby2Baby.org accepts both new and gently used clothing and baby gear for children 0-4 years old as well as monetary donations.

Moms Marnie Owens (pictured far left) and Karis Jagger (yes, she’s related to Mick) started Baby2Baby in 2006 when they wanted to pass on items their kids had outgrown, but couldn’t find an organization that accepted baby goods specifically. Now their organization gives to more than 30 local community-based organizations.

Baby2Baby just kicked off their Spring Fundraising Drive with the help of inspiring Hollywood Mom and Baby2Baby board member, Julie Bowen, (Claire on Modern Family) who just celebrated her twin sons’ first birthday last week by hosting a Baby2Baby fundraiser at The Coop.

Fundraisers and open houses are an important component of what Baby2Baby does. Once a month, their 12 partner organizations send in donation request forms for clothing and gear that their clients need. Baby2Baby pulls together the requested items from inventory and often purchases essentials that are in great demand such as strollers, cribs and car seats. On the third Wednesday of the month, the organizations come to Baby2Baby to pick up their items.

It is important that donations do not remain on their shelves, but find their way to the Los Angeles families that need them. For this reason, Baby2Baby hosts “open houses.” Additional organizations are invited to our space to collect excess inventory items for their clients. These items generally include clothing, toys and books. Pretty awesome isn’t it? We hope this inspires you clean out your closets and give back!

Donation Drop-off Locations:

Baby2Baby

5522 West Pico Blvd. (east of Fairfax @ Sierra Bonita. Parking and entrance in rear lot via Sierra Bonita)

Los Angeles, CA 90019
Tel: 323-933-BABY (2229)
10:30 to 1 Mondays and Wednesdays

Pumpkinheads
11640 San Vicente Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Tel: 310.207.6760
10 to 6 Monday-Saturday
10 to 5 Sunday

The Treehouse Social Club
426 South Robertson
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel: 310-288-3024
9 to 5 Monday – Friday (open until 8 PM on Wednesdays)
9 to Noon – Saturday

Your contributions to Baby2Baby will help the following organizations in the Los Ang

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