Regina King is striking a POSE for Essence - December 2019!
This is Regina King’s season. The Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning star’s string of wins—including as an actress, producer and director—exemplifies what is possible when you master your craft and stay the course.
Her body of work not only spans decades but also defies genres, including her latest turn as Angela Abar (aka “Sister Night”) in the HBO series, Watchmen.
In ESSENCE’s December issue cover story, The King of QueensThe King of Queens, King talks to ESSENCE’s West Coast editor Regina R. Robertson about why this year belongs to her, her longevity and how she plays her “queen” position in Hollywood flawlessly. She shares with ESSENCE:
ON HER FACE DURING HER OSCAR WIN: “I was thinking, Okay, it’s happening; it’s happening, so what’s your face going to be? Then I looked over at my mom, who is the epitome of grace, and I just knew I’d have the right face, regardless of the outcome…”
ON HER ROLE AS “SISTER NIGHT” IN WATCHMEN: “It was a gift to have something else that I was passionate about, because at the end of the day, it comes down to the work and the art…”
WATCHMEN’S DAMON LINDELOF ON WORKING WITH REGINA: “I have this rule about not working with the same actors project to project, but even in the writers’ room, we were accidentally referring to the character as Regina instead of Angela…She’s so much more than number one on the call sheet. She’s a natural leader and an inspiration…”
ON CHOOSING HER ROLES OVER THE YEARS: “About five or six years ago, I kept hearing people ask, ‘Are you Rhonda?’ and I was like, ‘Who’s Rhonda?’ Then I realized they were talking about Rhonda from A Cinderella Story… I would say that I’ve tried to listen to the voice inside…Luckily, from a very early age, I was able to understand that when things don’t feel quite right, that was probably not the role for me…”
Regina is regal in a photo spread shot by J.D. Barnes, featuring her in designers including Alexis Mabille, Y/Project, Iris Van Herpen, Stephane Rolland and more.
#RHOA: Congrats! Kandi Burruss Welcomes Baby Girl!
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star and her husband, Todd Tucker, welcomed a daughter via surrogate on Friday. The baby girl, which the couple named Blaze Tucker, was born at 6:54 p.m., and weighed 8 lbs, 1 oz.
Burruss and Tucker are also parents to a 3-year-old son, Ace, and she is the mother of a 17-year-old daughter, Riley, with ex Russell Spencer.
Earlier this year, the singer-songwriter opened up about using a surrogate to have another child.
"I had to go through the IVF process to get my son, and I have been having some issues or whatever,” she explained on an episode of Busy Tonight. "And this is something we were discussing, so I felt like, you know what, why hold back? I might as well talk about it. I think it’s important to share."
She also shared that she spoke with Bravo boss Andy Cohen when he was expecting his first son, Benjamin, via surrogate.
"I had made a comment. I said something like, 'I guess I’m gonna have a baby mama,' and he said to me, 'Don’t you ever say that because you are the mother. And to say she's your baby's mom is taking away from you,'" Burruss said through tears. "It made me feel better."
Last week, Burruss opened up about the new season of RHOA, which premiered at the beginning of the month. While each Housewife seems to be dealing with their own dramas in the show's 12th season -- relationships, businesses, and kids, among other things -- she said there was still plenty to come for the group. Things even get heated enough, she promised, for the ladies to get physical "a couple times."
"I always say, they have too many drinks," Burruss quipped. "Some of them start talking too much when they drink. Some of them get kind of mean when they drink and, so, I always say I'm glad I don't drink, 'cause if this is what's going down when you're drinking, oh…"
"But the girls and their drama is so funny," she added. "It's, like, new drama, new drama! It's not the old stuff being rehashed. It's new stuff. And then, you're gonna get to see, people are gonna be put on blast this year. You know, I love when people tell lies, or little fibs, and then they go back and play the footage on them. Oh, that's gonna happen multiple times this year!"
#Empire: Gabourey Sidibe Reveals Why She Burst Into Tears Directing Empire!
All good things must come to an end, even—and especially—television shows. And in the 2019-2020 TV season, quite a few favorites are signing off.
Will it be for good? That remains to be seen in today's climate of revival and reboot fever, but it's for now. To celebrate the end of an era, E! News assembled the stars who are saying "see you later!" to their beloved characters and for a candid look at the past, present and future of their hit shows. This week, Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, who has spent six seasons keeping the business running on Empire as Becky, is in The Final Season spotlight. Originally Lucious' executive assistant, Becky rose through the ranks at Empire and became the head of A&R in season four.
Gabourey Sidibe Proud of Her Sex Scene on Empire
In the sixth and final season, in addition to acting, Sidibe stepped behind the scenes to direct one of the show's last episodes.
Rad on for her favorite memories about playing Becky and directing the series that's been her home for the last six years.
My favorite behind-the-scenes memory is…
"Recently, while directing episode [seven of season six], I had to go see the rehearsal for a Tiana [Serayah] performance that I came up with the concept for, African dances, with dancers of all shapes, and sizes and nationalities. And right when I wasn't expecting to, I cried the entire rehearsal. REALLY cried too! Not a cute cry but a "What's wrong with her?" kind of cry. I cried because I'm African. Senegalese to be exact, and after three decades of not seeing enough of myself or my family on TV, not only am I the representation I needed, on camera, but also BEHIND the camera. That's my favorite BTS memory."
The prop/wardrobe item I've always wanted to take home…
"I have always had my eyes on every single Kehinde Wiley print that decorates the Lyon mansion…but if it goes missing, that wasn't me!"
When I think of my character, the first thing that comes to mind is…
"My favorite outfits I've ever worn!! Becky's sense of style is EVERYTHING!"
The thing about this character I'll never be able to shake is…
"I will always be lazier than Becky and I just have to face that fact about myself."
The thing I'll miss the most about my character is…
"Her close proximity to those cute outfits and heels that I'm only interested in wearing for like 15 minutes, tops!"
I think TV revivals are…
"Is this a trap? Who sent you?!"
The person I'll miss the most (and why) is…
"I get to goof off a lot in between scenes with some of my favorite castmates. Nicole [Ari Parker] and I are always singing and taking selfies and she's always bullying me into taking part in whatever new juice she discovered will save the world. Not sure what I'll do without her and I hope to never find out! I also really love Ta'Rhonda [Jones]. She's so fun and spirited and grounded. I know she's grown, but I tend to worry about her like a little cousin. I can't leave her to fend for herself. I mean...I can....I should.....But I won't."
The thing—besides the people—I'll miss most about this show is…
"Certainly not the purses I stole from Cookie's closet...That wasn't even me!"
Empire airs Tuesdays, 9 p.m. on Fox.
#NewMusic from Ciara – Melanin (featuring Lupita Nyong’o, Ester Dean, City Girls, & LA LA)!
Ciara is back with her new single “Melanin”. The party jam features Lupita Nyong’o, City Girls and LA LA. The song actually features hit songwriter Ester Dean who actually released her own version of this song previously.
LISTEN HERE
Ciara recently announced that her single “Level Up” is now platinum which is quite the achievement for an independent artist. She has been in the studio working with Diane Warren for the follow up project to “Beauty Marks” which came out this year.
#HipHopNews: XXXTENTACION’s Final Album ‘Bad Vibes Forever’ Due In December!
A year-and-a-half since his death, the late rapper will release his final full-length album Bad Vibes Forever. The project is due Dec. 6 featuring the newly-released title track with PnB Rock and Trippie Redd.
Billie Eilish, Trippie Redd, Craig Xen, and PnB Rock reflect on X’s impact in a trailer for the project. “He was like a beam of light and just tried to do everything for other people,” says Eilish. “That was like the most selfless kid I’ve ever met in my life.”
In addition to “Bad Vibes Forever,” the album will include the previously-released singles “Hearteater” and the dancehall-infused “Royalty” featuring Ky-Mani Marley, Stefflon Don, and Vybz Kartel.
Bad Vibes Forever arrives one year after X’s first posthumous album Skins, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His 2017 debut 17 opened at No. 2 and was certified platinum, while 2018’s ? topped the charts and spawned the No. 1 hit “SAD!”
The 20-year-old rapper, born Jahseh Onfroy, was shot and killed in June 2018 as he was leaving a motorcycle dealership in Pompano Beach, Fla.
New Michael Jackson Film In Its Beginning Stages By “Bohemian Rhapsody” Producer!
A new film depicting Michael Jackson’s life, from childhood superstardom to his untimely death in June 2009, is now in the beginning stages from “Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham and his GK Films production company.
Jackson’s estate is also on board with the project and has given King the rights to his music to use in the film.
While at this moment, no studio has signed on to the film, it has also been announced that John Logan has been tapped to write the screenplay. Logan is an Oscar-nominated writer known for films such as “The Aviator” and “Hugo,” just to name a few.
The film is set to cover the late-singer’s entire life from humble beginnings with the Jackson 5 to the glitz and glamour on the rise to fame. The film is also set to cover deeper issues, including Jackson’s sexual abuse allegations.
Jackson’s estate also has other projects on the horizon, including a Broadway show, “MJ The Musical” that will shed light on Jackson’s biggest career milestones during his 20s and 30s.
Details regarding who will star in the film or a release date have yet to be revealed.
What the Hell is Going on With Meagan Good’s Skin Tone? She went from Dark to Light?
A light-skinned woman impersonating Meagan Good made an appearance on The Real Friday (Nov. 22).
Either that or Meagan Good herself has undergone some serious skin-bleaching … or SOMETHING.
“Meagan Good” stopped by The Real to talk about her role on the Fox drama Prodigal Son, among other topics, including why she decided to freeze her eggs, and how she experienced depression during the process.
Which is all fine and dandy … however, we couldn’t help but notice that something is going on with Meagan’s skin.
Is it elective skin-bleaching? Does she have a skin disease we’re not aware of, like vitiligo (like Michael Jackson) and she’s bleaching to hide light-spots?
Or is this just a combination of bad makeup and poor lighting conditions?
What the hell is going on with Meagan Good’s skin?
Without any confirmation or explanation from Good herself, we’re left in a position of pure speculation, however, SOMETHING is obviously going on with this woman’s skin.
Whatever is going on with Meagan Good’s skin has been happening since at least 2017 when she started showing up at events looking several shades lighter … but it seems to have become a lot more noticeable more recently.
Gabrielle Union No Longer On NBC’s ‘America’s Got Talent’ After 1 Season!
Bad news for those who loved seeing Gabrielle Union on their TV every week.
The actress and now former host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” is leaving the show.
She just joined the panel of judges this year, but a representative for NBC said she won’t be back for the 2020 season.
Current judges Simon Cowell, who doubles as executive producer, and Howie Mandel along with host Terry Crews will be making their return for the season.
Interestingly enough, her co-judge Julianne Hough also won’t be returning.
It’s not clear what caused Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union’s exit, or whose decision it was, but Gabrielle Union’s friend Jemele Hill said she’s side-eyeing the move.
“My spidey senses are immediately raised because there is no comment from Gab in this story, which means some bulls*** went down. My 1A thought is… so all the women get the boot? Make it make sense y’all.”
Of course this isn’t the end for Union. She’s currently prepping for season two of Spectrum original “L.A.’s Finest”, which marks the spinoff of the Bad Boys movie franchise, with Duane Martin, Jessica Alba, and Zach Gilford.
What are your thoughts on the “America’s Got Talent” shakeup?
Lizzo Posts Nude Selfie, Tells Haters ‘Kiss My Ass’!
Lizzo has a message for her haters. The “Truth Hurts” rapper took to social media on Friday afternoon to share a nude selfie. “kiss my ass, doh!” she captioned the pic of her bare booty in the mirror. She also shared a second image of her ass placed over Homer Simpson’s mouth
The post received over 1 million likes from fans and friends including Lil Nas X, who responded, “more please.”
It’s been a big week for Lizzo. On Wednesday, she received eight Grammy nominations, the most of any artist, and celebrated with a trip to Disneyland.
“THANK YOU,” tweeted a grateful Lizzo. “THIS HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE YEAR FOR MUSIC AND IM JUST SO THANKFUL TO EVEN BE PART OF IT.
Earlier in the week, she took home two awards at the 2019 BET Soul Train Awards including Video of the Year for “Juice” and Album/Mixtape of the Year for Cuz I Love You.
NFL Player Ryan Russell Flaunts PDA with Boyfriend Corey O'Brien in London!
Ryan Russell wraps his arm around boyfriend Corey O’Brien while walking around town together on Saturday (November 23) in London, England.
The couple were spotted sharing kisses on the sidewalk and doing some shopping at the Cartier store.
Ryan and Corey are in town for the Gay Times Honours 500 event, which took place earlier in the week. Ryan, who is openly bisexual, was honored with the Sporting Hero award for his courage to come out
Justin Timberlake & Alisha Wainwright's Hand Holding is 'Completely Innocent,' Says Source!
A source is weighing in on the photos of Justin Timberlake and Alisha Wainwright holding hands.
Photos of the 38-year-old “Sexyback” singer and his 31-year-old Palmer co-star getting cozy in New Orleans were recently released – and a source is now saying that the situation was “completely innocent.”
“It’s a balcony with a group of people and it was definitely nothing happening,” says the source via People. “He’s down there shooting [his film] Palmer, they’re starring in the movie together and they’re cool and everybody was just hanging out.”
The source continues, “The video may look a way, but literally it was nothing. It was some friends, members of the team, crew and people like that. They all know each other and were hanging. Like come on, they’re on an open balcony in New Orleans and he’s famous. It was nothing.”
A rep for Alisha also released a statement, saying, “There is no validity to this speculation. They are currently working on a project together. Members of the cast and crew were all together.”
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings says double mastectomy a success, will be back on campaign trail soon!
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is recovering after a successful double mastectomy at Johns Hopkins Hospital on Friday and will be back on the campaign trail soon, her campaign said.
The widow of the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, who is running for her husband’s 7th Congressional District seat following his death last month, shared during her campaign announcement this week that she would be undergoing the preventive procedure given family history of breast cancer.
Tucker Cavanagh, her campaign manager, said in a statement that the candidate was recovering with friends and family. He also praised her medical team at Hopkins.
“We are lucky to have a world-class institution like Johns Hopkins here in Baltimore and we are grateful to Dr. Mehrad Habibi, Dr. Gedge Rosson, and the rest of the wonderful Hopkins team that expertly performed Maya’s surgery,” he said. "Most importantly, we are so glad that Maya is healthy and recovering, and she’s looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail in a few weeks.”
Rockeymoore Cummings said she had scheduled her surgery prior to her husband’s death. Her campaign said she will “return to the campaign trail after a short recovery, and is looking forward to continuing her work to end health disparities, especially for Black women, in Congress.”
Rockeymoore Cummings, a public policy consultant, recently stepped down as chair of the Maryland Democratic Party to pursue election. She also is a former candidate for governor of Maryland.
A special primary election to fill the seat her husband had held since the 1990s is scheduled for Feb. 4. Rockeymoore Cummings is one in a crowded field of announced candidates, including Kweisi Mfume, who held the seat before Elijah Cummings.
The 7th District includes parts of Baltimore and Baltimore and Howard counties
Tyler Perry Rescues GA Couple Held Hostage in Mexico!
Movie mogul Tyler Perry rescues an American couple from Sandy Springs, GA being held hostage in Mexico after they couldn't pay their medical bill...
The ordeal began after Stephen Johnson went into diabetic shock aboard a Carnival Cruise and was taken to the infirmary where he stayed until they reached the port of Mexico where he was rushed to the hospital and stayed in ICU for the next 3 days. At the end of his stay Stephen and his fiancée were physically prevented from leaving the hospital until they paid $14,000.00 in cash. The hospital also stopped treating Stephen and took his call button.
That's when Tyler Perry stepped in. After hearing the story on the news, Tyler Perry called the couple and told them he is bringing them home.
Since Tyler Perry's call, the doctors have said Johnson is not well enough to fly and will be released after the weekend is over.
The hospital bill has since crept up to $16,000.00.
Iggy Azalea And Playboi Carti’s House Burglarized!
Iggy Azalea and Playboi Carti were the victims of a house robbery.
According to TMZ, thieves stole $366,000 worth of jewelry from the couple’s 6,500-square-foot rental home in the Atlanta suburb of Buckhead on Nov. 14.
Among the jewelry stolen from the mansion’s living room was a $57,000 Audemars Piguet watch, $39,000 Cuban link chain, and a $35,000 diamond ring, the same one that sparked engagement rumors earlier this year.
Iggy was in the basement when the burglary occurred and heard footsteps, but thought it was Carti. She told the Atlanta Police Department it was raining, and she left a back door unlocked so Carti could enter the house. She also told cops she thought the thief had a gun.
Cops have security cam footage from the night of the burglary, which shows the suspect leaving the house with a bag in hand.
AMC Theater Fires Employees For Alleged Racial Profiling Incident During “Harriet” Screening!
Three employees were fired from a Louisiana AMC movie theater after being accused of racially profiling African American moviegoers during a screening of “Harriet.
The incident took place at the AMC Clearview Palace 12 in Metairie, Louisiana, on Nov. 3, during the opening weekend screening of the movie. Around halfway through the film, the projector reportedly stopped, and the lights were turned up as an employee entered to address a possible ticket mix-up with members of African American women’s nonprofit, 504 Queens, who were in attendance.
According to the Washington Post, the group had reportedly been seated in seats they purchased when another group walked in around 8:15 p.m. The second group allegedly saw the seats were occupied and left. A theater employee entered the theater shortly after and asked to check one of the women’s tickets.
65-year-old patron Sandra Gordon said the employee told her she was in the wrong seat, but she showed her e-ticket and the employee left. A few minutes later, a manager stopped the movie and confronted Gordon. The manager allegedly yelled at Gordon and accused her of cursing at the employee who had first checked her ticket.
“It was half and half,” Gordon said on the manager’s tone. “Part racial, part didn’t-know-what-to-do ignorance. But it didn’t even have to go to that level.”
However, the incident wasn’t over at that point. Shortly after the humiliating scene, a third employee came in the theater to check Gordon’s ticket again.
After the movie ended, Gordon and 14 other women from the 504 Queens organization reportedly demanded to speak with a manager to complain about their treatment. The manager then issued refunds to anyone else who complained about the incident.
AMC Theaters completed an internal investigation, which ended in the three employees involved being terminated.
“Based on our initial investigation, operational mistakes by the theater team led to this unacceptable and unnecessary disruption, and we are working with the theater to address what occurred,” AMC spokesman Ryan Noonan wrote in a statement. “We sincerely apologize to our guests in the theater for this disruption and for the frustration they experienced as a result of it.”
R. Kelly’s Alleged Sex Slave Joycelyn Savage Resurfaces on Instagram, Says She’s Ready to Tell Her!
Joycelyn Savage, one of R. Kelly’s alleged sex slaves, seems to be back on social media and is ready to tell her story … about something.
Savage took to her personal Instagram page Friday morning, writing in a message to her 25K followers: “There’s something I need to reveal, something [I] should’ve talked about a long time ago. This is my story!”
She captioned the post: “I’m sorry.”
Savage didn’t specify the “story” she wanted to reveal, however, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out.
Joycelyn and another one of R. Kelly’s alleged sex slaves, Azriel Clary, appeared on CBS This Morning earlier this year and defended their relationship with Kelly, saying that they were free to come and go as they please and weren’t being held by the singer against their will, contrary to claims from family members.
“We’re with him, that’s our relationship, a very strong relationship,” the women said, adding: “We both have our individual relationships with him and we’re all a family.”
Gayle King, who conducted the interview, later revealed that during her sit-down with the women, Kelly hid around a corner and would even “cough very loudly” to make sure the girls knew he was listening to them.
King also said that Kelly even walked in on them and tried to stop the interview multiple times, all of this despite his team promising that the singer would not be in the room and wouldn’t interfere.
Following the premiere of the Surviving R. Kelly Lifetime documentary, Savage’s father publicly spoke out in a statement via Twitter reacting to his daughter’s daytime TV appearance and asking for prayers.
“We need to stay in prayer for R. Kelly and we need to stay in prayer for Joycelyn Savage and Azriel [Clary],” Timothy Savage wrote.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘THE MUPPET’
I’m half expecting someone’s hand to be up her ass so the mouth will start moving.
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Jason Cub
Meet Jason! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
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Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
