Showing posts with label international star. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international star. Show all posts

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Brendan Fraser born December 1968


Brendan Fraser
is a Canadian-American actor who was born on December 3, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. He is the youngest of four children born to Canadian parents, Peter and Carol Fraser. His father was a former journalist and travel executive while his mother worked as a sales counselor. The family moved frequently during Fraser's childhood due to his father's job, living in several cities across the United States and Canada.

Fraser attended several schools growing up, including Upper Canada College, a private school in Toronto, Ontario, where he excelled in sports and drama. He later enrolled at Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts, where he studied acting and graduated with a bachelor's degree in fine arts.

Fraser started his acting career in the early 1990s with small roles in films like "Dogfight" and "Encino Man." However, it was his breakout role as the titular character in "George of the Jungle" in 1997 that catapulted him to stardom. This led to more leading roles in big-budget movies, including "The Mummy" franchise, which was a commercial and critical success. In addition to his film work, Fraser has also appeared in several television shows, including the critically acclaimed series "The Affair" and "Doom Patrol."

Aside from his acting talents, Fraser is also known for his philanthropic work. He has served as a board member for several charitable organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring classic films.

Despite his success, Fraser has faced some personal and professional challenges over the years. In 2003, he underwent a partial knee replacement surgery after sustaining an injury while filming "The Quiet American." He also went through a highly publicized divorce from his first wife, actress Afton Smith, in 2007, which was reportedly a major setback for him.

However, Fraser has bounced back and continued to work steadily in the entertainment industry. He has been recognized for his acting talents with numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in "Gods and Monsters." His fans appreciate his friendly demeanor and down-to-earth personality, and he continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Fraser has been married twice and has three children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, photography, and playing various sports, including tennis and golf. He is also an avid reader and has been known to recommend books to his fans on social media. 

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Aaron Eckhart born in March 1968

 


Aaron Eckhart is an accomplished American actor, known for his versatility and range in the roles he plays on screen. He was born on March 12, 1968 in Cupertino, California, the son of Mary Martha Lawrence, a writer, artist, and poet, and James Conrad Eckhart, a computer executive. He is the youngest of three brothers and has a diverse ancestry, with his father being of German-Russian descent and his mother having English, German, Scots-Irish, and Scottish ancestry.

Eckhart was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two-year mission in France and Switzerland. This experience, where he learned to speak French fluently, would later serve him well in his acting career. In 1981, his family moved to the United Kingdom, where they lived in various towns in Surrey, England. This move allowed Eckhart to experience different cultures and gain a broader perspective on life.

Eckhart attended American Community School, where he was first introduced to acting, starring in a school production as Charlie Brown. However, it wasn't until he moved to Australia and settled in Sydney that he fully developed his acting skills. He attended the American International School of Sydney for his high school senior year and starred in productions like Waiting for Godot, where he admits that he gave a "terrible" performance. Despite this, the experience ignited a passion for acting in Eckhart and he knew that this is what he wanted to do with his life.

In the autumn of his senior year, Eckhart left school to take a job at the Warringah Mall movie theater. He eventually earned his diploma through an adult education course. This also allowed Eckhart time to enjoy a year of surfing in Hawaii and France, as well as skiing in the Alps. He believes that these experiences helped him become more well-rounded and gave him a deeper understanding of the world and people around him.
In 1988, Eckhart returned to the United States and enrolled as a film major at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, but later transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. He graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He also studied acting at the William Esper Studio, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of renowned acting coach, William Esper.

After graduation, Eckhart moved to New York City to pursue his acting career. He worked hard and made a name for himself in the theater scene, before making his way to Hollywood. Since then, he has appeared in a wide range of films, including drama, comedy, and action films, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base along the way. He is known for his ability to disappear into a role and make it his own, and his performances have been praised for their depth and nuance.

Eckhart's talent, dedication, and hard work have resulted in a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. He continues to work on exciting and challenging projects, and is considered one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Daniel Craig born March 1968

Daniel Wroughton Craig is an English actor, best known for his portrayal of James Bond in the eponymous film series. Born on March 2, 1968 in Chester, England, Craig began his acting career on stage after training at the National Youth Theatre and graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1991.

Craig made his film debut in the drama The Power of One (1992) and attracted attention with appearances in the historical television war drama Sharpe's Eagle (1993) and the family film A Kid in King Arthur's Court (1995). He received widespread recognition for his breakthrough role in the drama serial Our Friends in the North (1996), which followed the lives of four friends in Newcastle, England over several decades.

Craig's career continued to gain momentum with roles in the biographical film Elizabeth (1998), the action film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), and the crime thrillers Road to Perdition (2002) and Layer Cake (2004). But it was his portrayal of James Bond in Casino Royale (2006) that brought him international fame and critical acclaim. The film was well-received by critics and earned Craig a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Craig went on to star in three more James Bond films, Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), which is the series' highest-grossing film, and Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021) which is the last of his tenure as Bond. His portrayal of the iconic character has brought him further international attention and cemented his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

In addition to his work as James Bond, Craig has also starred in other notable films such as the fantasy film The Golden Compass (2007), the historical drama Defiance (2008), the science fiction Western Cowboys & Aliens (2011), the heist film Logan Lucky (2017), and the mystery-comedy Knives Out (2019), which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Craig continues to be one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, known for his dedication, talent and versatility.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Hugh Jackman born October 1968

Hugh Jackman was born 12 October 1968 in Sydney, New South Wales, the son of Grace McNeil (née Greenwood) and Christopher John Jackman, a Cambridge-trained accountant. His parents were English-born, and had come to Australia, in 1967, as part of the "Ten Pound Poms" immigration. One of Jackman's paternal great-grandfathers was Greek. His parents were devout Christians, having been converted by Evangelist Billy Graham after their marriage. Jackman has four older siblings, and was the second of his parents' children to be born in Australia. He also has a younger half-sister, from his mother's re-marriage. His parents divorced when he was eight, and Jackman remained in Australia with his father and Jackman's two brothers, while his mother moved back to England with Jackman's two sisters. 

 As a child, Jackman liked the outdoors, spending a lot of time at the beach and on camping trips and vacations all over Australia. He wanted to see the world: "I used to spend nights looking at atlases. I decided I wanted to be a chef on a plane. Because I'd been on a plane and there was food on board, I presumed there was a chef. I thought that would be an ideal job."

Jackman went to primary school at Pymble Public School and later attended the all-boys Knox Grammar School on Sydney's Upper North Shore, where he starred in its production of My Fair Lady in 1985, and became the captain of the school in 1986. Following graduation, he spent a gap year working at Uppingham School in England. On his return, he studied at the University of Technology, Sydney, graduating in 1991 with a BA in Communications. In his final year of university, he took a drama course to make up additional credits. The class did Václav Havel's The Memorandum with Jackman as the lead. He later commented, "In that week I felt more at home with those people than I did in the entire three years [at university]".

After obtaining his BA, Jackman completed the one-year course "The Journey" at the Actors' Centre in Sydney. About studying acting full-time, he stated, "It wasn't until I was 22 that I ever thought about my hobby being something I could make a living out of. As a boy, I'd always had an interest in theater. But the idea at my school was that drama and music were to round out the man. It wasn't what one did for a living. I got over that. I found the courage to stand up and say, 'I want to do it'." After completing "The Journey", he was offered a role on the popular soap opera Neighbours but turned it down to attend the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts of Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia, from which he graduated in 1994.

Jackman has said he "always loved acting but when I started at drama school I was like the dunce of the class. It just wasn’t coming right to me. Everyone was cooler, everyone seemed more likely to succeed, everyone seemed more natural at it and in retrospect I think that is good. I think it is good to come from behind as an actor. I think it is good to go into an audition thinking 'Man I’ve got to be at my best to get this gig.'"

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Lisa Marie Presley born February 1968

Lisa Marie Presley - born February 1, 1968 is an American singer–songwriter, also known as the Princess of Rock 'n' Roll. She is the daughter and only child of Elvis Presley and daughter of Priscilla Presley.

Lisa Marie Presley was born in Memphis, Tennessee, exactly nine months after her parents' wedding. She lived at Graceland, Elvis' Memphis estate, until her parents' separated in 1972. Following their separation, and subsequent divorce, she divided her time between living at Graceland with her father and in Beverly Hills with her mother. This arrangement continued until her father died on August 16, 1977, after which she lived exclusively in Beverly Hills.

When her father died, Lisa became joint-heir to his estate with her grandfather, Vernon Presley, and her great grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley. Following the death of both Vernon and Minnie Mae, Lisa became the sole heir and inherited Graceland.

As a teenager, Lisa became a member of the Church of Scientology, where she met her first husband, Danny Keough. Her mother sent her to several boarding schools. She attended the 10th grade at an alternative boarding school in Ojai, California, called Happy Valley School. The last secondary school she attended was the Scientology-affiliated Apple School (later known as Los Feliz Hills School) in Los Angeles.

After the death of her father, Lisa and her mother had serious problems in their relationship. The key reason of this disharmony was her mother’s live-in boyfriend Michael Edwards. Her mother often left her with Michael due to her commitments as a TV actress. After Priscilla broke up with Edwards, he admitted his lust for Lisa in his book titled Priscilla, Elvis & Me

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Resilience and Impact: The Inspiring Journey of Ashley Judd Born 1968

Ashley Judd, born on April 19, 1968, in Granada Hills, California, is an American actress and political activist. She has carved a niche for herself in Hollywood with her powerful performances and her dedication to humanitarian and political causes. The daughter of country music singer Naomi Judd and half-sister to Wynonna Judd, Ashley grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry but faced her own set of challenges before finding her path to success.

Early Life and Education

Ashley Judd's childhood was marked by frequent relocations, as her mother Naomi pursued a career in music. This itinerant lifestyle contributed to a sense of instability, but it also exposed Ashley to a variety of cultures and environments. Despite the challenges, Ashley was an excellent student and showed a passion for learning from a young age. She attended 13 schools before completing her high school education at Franklin High School in Tennessee.

After high school, Judd enrolled at the University of Kentucky, where she majored in French and minored in anthropology, art history, theater, and women’s studies. During her time at the university, she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and spent a semester studying in France. Her academic achievements and exposure to different cultures during her college years helped shape her worldview and laid the foundation for her future humanitarian work.

Struggles and Challenges

Despite being part of a famous family, Ashley Judd faced her share of personal struggles. She has been open about the difficulties she encountered in her relationships and the impact of her mother's fame on her own life. In her memoir, "All That Is Bitter and Sweet," Judd revealed her experiences with depression and the healing journey she undertook to overcome these challenges.

Judd's journey to self-discovery and healing led her to seek therapy and counseling, which she credits with helping her understand and address the root causes of her struggles. Her openness about her mental health journey has made her a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has inspired many others to seek help and support.

Rise to Fame


Ashley Judd's acting career began in the early 1990s, with her first significant role coming in the 1993 film "Ruby in Paradise." Her portrayal of Ruby Lee Gissing, a young woman seeking independence and a fresh start, earned her critical acclaim and the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. This breakthrough role opened the doors to more prominent opportunities in Hollywood.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Judd starred in a series of successful films, including "Heat" (1995), "A Time to Kill" (1996), "Kiss the Girls" (1997), and "Double Jeopardy" (1999). Her performances in these films showcased her versatility as an actress and solidified her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Judd's ability to portray strong, complex female characters resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Success and Impact

In addition to her acting career, Ashley Judd has been a dedicated humanitarian and political activist. She has used her platform to advocate for a variety of causes, including women's rights, education, and global health. Judd has traveled to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, and Thailand, working with organizations like Population Services International and the United Nations Population Fund to address issues such as poverty, gender-based violence, and reproductive health.

Judd's commitment to social justice and equality has also led her to become involved in political activism. She has been a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party and has considered running for political office. In 2017, Judd was one of the first women to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment, a move that helped ignite the #MeToo movement and brought attention to the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Legacy and Influence

Ashley Judd's influence extends beyond her filmography and activism. She has been a role model for many, demonstrating resilience, courage, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. Her willingness to speak out on difficult issues and her dedication to improving the lives of others have made her a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and the global community.

Judd's journey from a tumultuous childhood to a successful acting career and impactful activism is a testament to her strength and determination. She continues to inspire others with her work, both on and off the screen, and remains a powerful voice for change in the world.

As Ashley Judd continues to navigate her career and advocacy, her legacy as an actress and activist will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world. Her journey serves as a reminder that personal struggles can be transformed into a force for good, and that the pursuit of justice and equality is a noble and necessary endeavor.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Cuba M. Gooding, Jr born January 1968

Cuba M. Gooding, Jr. (born January 2, 1968) is an American actor. He is best known for his Academy Award-winning portrayal as Rod Tidwell in Cameron Crowe's Jerry Maguire (1996) and his critically acclaimed performance as Tré Styles in John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood (1991).

Cuba Gooding, Jr. was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, the son of Shirley, a singer with the Sweethearts, and Cuba Gooding, Sr., a lead vocalist of soul group The Main Ingredient. He has two brothers, musician Tommy Gooding and fellow actor Omar Gooding, and sister, April Gooding. His family moved to Los Angeles after Gooding, Sr.'s music group had a hit single with "Everybody Plays the Fool" in 1972; the elder Gooding abandoned his family two years later. During his appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Gooding revealed that after his father had left, his family lived in hotels throughout Los Angeles. Gooding was raised by his mother and attended four different high schools: North Hollywood High School, Tustin High School, Apple Valley High School, and John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills in Los Angeles. He served as class president in three of them. He became a born-again Christian at age 13.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Lucy Liu born December 1968


Lucy Alexis Liu (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress. She became known for her role in the television series Ally McBeal (1998–2002) as the vicious and ill-mannered Ling Woo, and has also appeared in several notable film roles, including Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill and Kung Fu Panda.

Lucy Liu was born and was raised with her brother John in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, by Taiwanese immigrant parents. Liu has said that she grew up in a "diverse" neighborhood. Her family spoke Mandarin at home and she did not learn English until she was five years old. Her father, Tom, was a civil engineer and her mother, Cecilia, a biochemist, but they sacrificed those careers in Taiwan to come to the United States. Liu, at her parents' insistence, devoted her spare time to studying. She attended the Joseph Pulitzer Middle School (I.S.145) and she graduated from New York City's prestigious Stuyvesant High School in 1986. She attended New York University for one year, before transferring to the University of Michigan, where she joined the Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Asian Languages and Cultures. At one point, Liu worked as a waitress in Michigan.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Celine Dion born March 1968


Céline Marie Claudette Dion, CC, OQ who born on March 30, 1968 is a Canadian singer, occasional songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. Born to a large, impoverished family in Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record. In 1990, she released the anglophone album Unison, establishing herself as a viable pop artist in North America and other English-speaking areas of the world.

Dion had first gained international recognition in the 1980s by winning both the 1982 Yamaha World Popular Song Festival and the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest. Following a series of French albums in the early 1980s, she signed on to CBS Records Canada in 1986. During the 1990s, with the help of Angélil, she achieved worldwide fame after signing with Epic Records and releasing several English albums along with additional French albums, becoming one of the most successful artists in pop music history. However, in 1999 at the height of her success, Dion announced a temporary retirement from entertainment in order to start a family and spend time with her husband, who had been diagnosed with cancer. She returned to the top of pop music in 2002 and signed a three-year (later extended to almost five years) contract to perform nightly in a five-star theatrical show at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

Dion's music has been influenced by genres ranging from rock and R&B to gospel and classical. While her releases have often received mixed critical reception, she is renowned for her technically skilled and powerful vocals. Dion is the best selling Canadian artist of all time; and her album, D'eux is the best selling French-language album of all time. In 2004, after surpassing 175 million in album sales worldwide, she was presented with the Chopard Diamond Award at the World Music Awards for becoming the best selling female artist of all time. In April 2007 Sony BMG announced that Celine Dion had sold over 200 million albums worldwide.