Denzel to direct, star in film version of ‘Fences’
Denzel Washington will star in and direct a film version of August Wilson’s “Fences” for Paramount Pictures, with Viola Davis on board to star, according to Variety. Both actors won Tonys for their performances in the 2010 Broadway revival of “Fences.” Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, said, “This important and beloved play has been a passion of Denzel’s for many years, and it is with great excitement that we embark together to bring his dream project to the big screen.” “Fences” is Denzel’s third directing project, after “The Great Debaters” and “Antwone Fisher.”
The entertainment world lost two bright lights over the past week. Daisy Lewellyn, star of Bravo’s “Blood, Sweat & Heels,” died of cancer at the age of 36. A few days later, veteran radio personality Doug Banks died from kidney failure at the age of 57. A Bravo spokesperson released the following statement about Lewellyn. “We are devastated to learn that Daisy Lewellyn from Bravo’s ‘Blood, Sweat & Heels’ has passed away this morning after a battle with a rare form of cancer. Daisy passed on in peace and filled with joy, surrounded by her family and friends. We are all saddened to lose this wonderful woman. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy is expressed.” Doug Banks was extremely supportive of yours truly’s radio career throughout the years. May they both rest in peace.
Oprah Winfrey Network’s popular docu-series “Livin’ Lozada,” featuring reality star Evelyn Lozada, returns with all-new episodes Saturday, May 7 at 10 p.m. after the season finale of Holly Robinson Peete’s new docu-series, “For Peete’s Sake.” In this all-new season Lozada, her fiancé, L.A. Dodgers star Carl Crawford, and their toddler son, Leo, head back to their home in Arizona for the off-season.
The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated celebrated the organization’s 66th anniversary with the 2016 Women of Distinction Spirit Awards. Hosted by Rhonda Joy McLean, president of The Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the event was held March 26, a sparkling Saturday afternoon at the scenic Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers. With an appropriate theme, Celebrating 66 Years of Friendship and Signature Service, the 2016 Spirit Awards continued the tradition of The Links as the signature fundraising event of the Greater New York Chapter. Luncheon vice-chairs included Helen C. Shelton, Icema D. Gibbs and Gerri Warren-Merrick.
This Thursday during National Action Network’s 25th Annual National Convention, Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Barack Obama, will be honored with the NAN President’s Award at the Keepers of the Dream Dinner and Awards Ceremony. This special distinction recognizes Jarrett’s exemplary service, commitment and leadership in the fight for civil and human rights in the United States. The Rev. Al Sharpton, NAN founder and president, will present the award Thursday, April 14 at the Keepers of the Dream Dinner and Awards Ceremony along with Martin Luther King III. In addition to Jarrett, this year’s honorees include Judith Jamison, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Raymond J. McGuire, Gloria Steinem and Andrew Young. The event will be held at Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.