Julianne Alexandra Hough was raised in Salt Lake City, the youngest of 5 children. She is the daughter of Mari Anne (Heaton) and Bruce Robert Hough, twice chairman of the Utah Republican Party. Her parents met in college when both were part of a ballroom dancing team. Her parents divorced, and she has 9 stepsiblings from their second marriages.
Her mother was instrumental in her career in entertainment, enrolling her and her siblings in various performance classes from a very young age. She began her training in Latin ballroom dancing at the Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem, Utah. At age 10, along with her brother Derek Hough, she went to London to study with coaches Corky and Shirley Ballas. She and Derek attended the Italia Conti Academy with the Ballas's son, Mark Ballas. The three children performed as a pop music trio '2B1G' (2 Boys, 1 Girl) at dance competitions in the United Kingdom and the United States. At age 15, Julianne became Junior World Latin Champion and International Latin Youth Champion at the Blackpool Dance Festival.
During this time in London, her parents divorced. She returned to the United States to live with her mother in Las Vegas, where she attended the Las Vegas Academy. After a year, she moved back to Utah to live with her father and graduated from Alta High School. She then moved to Los Angeles to begin a career in entertainment. Julianne quickly landed her first job as a dancer on ABC game show Show Me the Money. She then went on tour as a company dancer with "Dancing with the Stars" and joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars in season 4.
Julianne is also known as a country singer. She released her debut album in 2008, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and at #3 on the Billboard 200. Her first acting role was in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at age 13. She has appeared in her first lead role in the remake of Footloose. Julianne is also actively involved in charities and humanitarian efforts--including Susan G. Komen Foundation, Clothes Off Our Back, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital--and serves on the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.
Lea Katherine Thompson was born on May 31, 1961, in Rochester, Minnesota. She is the youngest of five children. Her parents are Barbara Anne (Barry) and Clifford Elwin "Cliff" Thompson. Since all her siblings were much older than she, Lea says it seemed like she had more than two parents. The family lived in the Starlight Motel, all the kids sharing a room. Things began to look up for the family when Lea's father got a job in Minneapolis, where the family moved.
Lea's parents divorced when she was six, and her mother decided to maintain the family. This wasn't the easiest job, considering her mother was alcohol-addicted at the time. When she found the strength to quit drinking, she took a job playing the piano and singing in a bar to support Lea and her siblings. When Lea was seven, her mother remarried. Ever since Lea was little, she loved to dance -- ballet to be exact. She would practice three to four hours every day. Her first role was as a mouse in "The Nutcracker". After Lea turned fourteen, she had performed in more than 45 ballets on stages, such as The Minnesota Dance Theatre, The Pennsylvania Ballet Company, and The Ballet Repertory. She won scholarships to The American Ballet Theatre and The San Francisco Ballet. At age nineteen, she auditioned for Mikhail Baryshnikov, who later told her that she was "a beautiful dancer... but too stocky". Lea knew her dreams had been crushed. At that point, she decided to turn to acting. She began working as a waitress, also making 22 Burger King commercials and a few Twix commercials. She was perfect for these parts simply because she was the average girl-down-the-street, from the Midwest. Everyone who knows her can't believe she was and still is so completely different...trying to be independent and fight against the system. In 1982, Lea made some type of a computer game or interactive movie known as "Murder, Anyone".
Her first role was in the movie, Jaws 3-D, as a water ski bunny, although she couldn't swim or ski, which she still can't! There, she met Dennis Quaid, who became her fiancée and acting coach. Her next role was in All the Right Moves, where she acted opposite Tom Cruise. Director Michael Chapman was so disappointed with her performance, that he almost fired her. Between 1983 and 1984, Lea appeared in other "teen" movies, such as Red Dawn, The Wild Life, and Going Undercover (aka Going Undercover), and believes it was lucky that, in these movies, they were able to use anyone who could walk and talk! Lea's biggest known accomplishment, and her big break, came from the first Back to the Future. It was the biggest hit of 1985, and Lea was suddenly the most wanted actress. She could have her pick of any role she wanted to take on. She chose Howard the Duck. Although it was a George Lucas production, the critics turned the movie, and Lea, down. Afterwards, director Howard Deutch offered Lea a part in his movie, Some Kind of Wonderful, but she refused. After he urged her to do it, she reconsidered. She won the Young Artist Award for best young actress. During filming, Howard and Lea fell in love, and she called it off with Dennis. She then went on to film The Wizard of Loneliness, which was her first movie as a woman, rather than a youngster. Lea went on to film Back to the Future Part II and an episode of Tales from the Crypt. She then married Howard Deutch. She continued filming Back to the Future Part III, Montana, and Article 99. Lea then took a break to stay home with her first born, Madelyn Deutch.
She jumped back into acting in Dennis the Menace, where she says she just played herself. Then it was on to The Beverly Hillbillies, Stolen Babies, The Little Rascals, and The Substitute Wife. In 1994, she had her second child, Zoey Deutch. Lea then went into filming The Unspoken Truth. It was then that she was first given the script of a new NBC sitcom, Caroline in the City. It was probably the best decision Lea ever made. She won a People's Choice Award for best actress in a new sitcom. Unfortunately, with all of NBC's problems, Caroline in the City kept being moved to a worse and worse time slot, giving it horrible ratings. The show ended after only four seasons. Bad ideas from the creators (Julia, etc.) didn't help, either.
Lea quickly went onto The Right to Remain Silent, The Unknown Cyclist, and A Will of Their Own. She also guest-starred in the Friends episode, The One with the Baby on the Bus, as "Caroline Duffy", and on The Larry Sanders Show. Lea also did some stage work, including starring as "Sally Bowles" in "Cabaret". The show toured and also appeared on Broadway. She then did "The Vagina Monologues" in L.A. She had a stint in a dramatic role as a Chief Deputy Assistant District Attorney, "Camille Paris", on For the People.
Thompson has starred in more than 30 films, 25 television movies, 4 television series, more than 20 ballets, and starred on Broadway in "Cabaret". Lea can currently be seen on ABC Family's Peabody Award winning hit show "Switched at Birth," where she acts and directs. Lea's movie credits include: "All the Right Moves," "Red Dawn," "Some Kind of Wonderful," "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Howard The Duck"(star and vocals), Clint Eastwood's "J. Edgar;" the 2014 Sundance favorite "Ping Pong Summer;" and soon to be released "Left Behind" starring Nicolas Cage.
Lea lives in Los Angeles with her husband of twenty-five years, film/television director Howard Deutch, and their two talented daughters, Madelyn and Zoey, along with many dogs, fish, horses, chickens, a cat, tortoise, and parrot. She supports and often performs for breast cancer, mental health, and Alzheimer's charities. Lea is currently in pre-production on "The Year of Spectacular Men", a film written by her daughter Madelyn Deutch, and is writing her first book of essays. Lea Thompson will partner with international Mirrorball Trophy holder Artem Chigvintsev on the 19th season of "Dancing With The Stars."
Cody is perhaps best known for his role as Jake Ryan (Miley's boyfriend) on Disney Channel's hit tv series "Hannah Montana." Cody danced his way to the "Final Four" on the seventh season of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" with partner Julianne Hough, and subsequently appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Cody has guest starred on ABC Family's "Melissa & Joey," Disney Channel's "That's So Raven" and CBS's "Walker, Texas Ranger."
When he was just eight years old, Cody acted in his first feature film, the coming of age drama "My Dog Skip" with Diane Lane and Kevin Bacon. He would go on to star in a variety of roles that evoked an endearing charm which quickly become his trademark. Among his many feature film credits are "Cheaper By The Dozen," "Miss Congeniality," "Where The Heart Is" and "Hoot" opposite Brie Larson.
His latest projects have included "The Playroom" which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; and "My Dog the Champion" in which he starred as Eli, the heartwarming dog trainer, alongside Lance Henriksen. In 2015, Cody starred as the title character in "Hoovey" directed by Sean McNamara. He also will be starring in an upcoming SyFy Channel film in the summer of 2016.
Cody's passions include yoga, making music, playing sports and, of course, always inspiring others.
|Madalina Diana Ghenea
Madalina Ghenea is a Romanian actress and fashion model. She started her acting career in Italy and rose to fame in 2010. She was born on August 8th, 1987 in Slatina, she grew up in a small farm following her mother around the villages where she still works as a vet. From an early age, Madalina was in the limelight, attending a famous children TV show. For 7 years, Madalina took ballet and piano lessons. She graduated from college and started theater studies managing to commit also with the career that would begin. At the age of 14, she was discovered by Italian designer Gattinoni. After that she participated in many fashion shows worldwide. Therefore, Madalina describes herself as a citizen of the world, caring her life in a suitcase, always open to embrace any culture or tradition that makes her today a fluent speaker of 5 languages. Commercials around the world, a video with Eros Ramazzotti, brand Ambassador for different important companies, like H3G, phone company together with famous Italian actor Raoul Bova, Famous TV shows like "Dancing with the Stars".
Stunning, not necessarily by her looks, but rather by her political career, Madalina Ghenea is a international activist. She joined the organization "Artists for Peace and Justice" for Haiti. She is noted in Romania for renovating the Maternity of the main hospital in her hometown. The lead role in her latest movie, "Razza Bastarda", with Alessandro Gassman, was the biggest challenge in her career.
Born on October 1, 1921, in White Plains, New York, gruff veteran character actor James Whitmore earned early and widespread respect with his award-winning dramatic capabilities on Broadway and in films. He would later conquer TV with the same trophy-winning results.
The son of James Allen Whitmore and Florence Crane, he was educated at Connecticut's Choate School after receiving a football scholarship. He later earned his BA from Yale University in 1944 before serving with the Marines in World War II. Following his honorable discharge he prepared for the stage under the G.I. bill at the American Theatre Wing, where he met first wife Nancy Mygatt. They married in 1947 and went on to have three sons together -- Steve, Dan and actor/director James Whitmore Jr..
Applause and kudos came swiftly for Whitmore while under both the Broadway and film banners. After appearing with the Peterborough, New Hampshire, Players in the summer of 1947 in "The Milky Way," Whitmore made a celebrated Broadway debut as Tech Sergeant Evans in "Command Decision" later that year. His gritty performance swept the stage acting trifecta -- Tony, Donaldson and Theatre World awards. In later years Whitmore would often comment that most of his satisfaction came from performing on the live stage.
Hollywood soon took notice of Whitmore. Clark Gable happened to be starring in the film version of Command Decision, and it was hoped that Whitmore would get to recreate his award-winning role. But it was not to be. Song-and-dance star Van Johnson, who was looking for straight, serious roles after a vastly successful musical career, was given the coveted part. The disappointment didn't last long, however, and Whitmore made an auspicious film bow the following year with a prime role in the documentary-styled crime thriller The Undercover Man starring Glenn Ford and Nina Foch. Whitmore scored brilliantly with his second film as well. Battleground, another war picture, was highly praised and the actor became the talk of the town upon its initial release, grabbing both the Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for "supporting actor" for his efforts.
Hardly the handsome, matinée lead type, Whitmore nevertheless primed himself up for leading roles in a character vein and found a fine range of material come his way. He showed off his soft inner core as a religious, moral-minded family man opposite Nancy Reagan [Reagan] in the inspirational drama The Next Voice You Hear...; featured his usual saltier side alongside Marjorie Main in Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone; ably portrayed a pathetic crook in The Asphalt Jungle and displayed customary authority as a security chief in the stoic military drama Above and Beyond starring Robert Taylor. Elsewhere, he played it strictly for laughs as a Runyonesque gangster partnered with Keenan Wynn in the classic MGM musical Kiss Me Kate; portrayed a valiant cop fighting off gigantic mutant ants in the intelligent sci-fi thriller Them!; a hard-hitting social worker in Crime in the Streets and even made the most of his small role as Tyrone Power's manager in The Eddy Duchin Story.
By 1959, the craggy-faced actor known for his trademark caterpillar eyebrows, turned more and more toward the small screen, with memorable roles in The Twilight Zone, The Detectives (working again with Robert Taylor), Ben Casey and a host of live theater dramas. He also starred in his own series as attorney Abraham Lincoln Jones in The Law and Mr. Jones, which lasted two seasons.
Every so often a marvelous character would rear its pretty head and interest him back to the big screen. Notable of these were his white man passing for black in the controversial social drama Black Like Me; his weary veteran cop in Madigan; and his brash, authoritative simian in the classic sci-fi Planet of the Apes.
Divorced from wife Nancy after more than two decades, Whitmore married actress Audra Lindley, best known on TV as Mrs. Roper of Three's Company fame, in 1972. The couple forged a strong acting partnership as well, particularly on stage, and maintained a professional relationship long after their 1979 divorce. Whitmore and Lindley were lauded for their appearances together in such plays as "The Magnificent Yankee," "On Golden Pond," "The Visit," "Foxfire" and "Love Letters," among others.
In the 1970s the actor transformed into a magnificent one-man-show machine playing such celebrated and inspiring historical/entertainment icons as Will Rogers, Harry Truman and Theodore Roosevelt. He disappeared into these historical legends so efficiently that even the powers-that-be had the good sense to preserve them on film and TV in the form of Will Rogers' USA; Give 'em Hell, Harry!, which earned him his second Oscar nomination; and Bully: An Adventure with Teddy Roosevelt.
In his twilight years, Whitmore showed he still had what it took to touch movie audiences, most notably as the fragile prisoner-turned-parolee who cannot adapt to his late-life freedom in the classic film The Shawshank Redemption. On TV he continued to win awards, copping a TV Emmy for a recurring part on The Practice in the late 1990s. A household face in commercials as well, one of his passions was gardening and he eventually became the spokesman for Miracle-Gro plant food.
Whitmore remarried (and re-divorced, 1979-1981) his first wife Nancy briefly before finding a lasting union with his fourth wife, actress-turned-author Noreen Nash, whom he married broaching age 80 in 2001. Whitmore died of lung cancer on February 6, 2009, after having been diagnosed in mid-November 2008.
Sean Kanan stars on The Bold and the Beautiful, the number one syndicated show in daytime in 120 countries. He plays the deviously sexy Deacon Sharpe, a role that he made famous on both B and B and Y and R. Kanan is starring in a feature film, Limelight, directed by James Cullen Bressacks. Recently he starred in My Trip to the Darkside and subsequent sequel, My Trip Back to the Darkside, directed by Shane Stanley and Abracadabra, directed by Julie Pacino, executive produced by Al Pacino and starring Ty Simpkins. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival. Early in his career, Kanan was chosen at an open call by Oscar-winning Director, John Avildsen from over 2000 hopefuls for the role of Mike Barnes in the Karate Kid III. Kanan's popularity in Italy and ability to speak fluent Italian garnered him the lead role in the film Sons of Italy and landed him on the in Italian version of the popular show Dancing with the Stars where he lasted 9 weeks. In conjunction with his acting career, Kanan has had great success as a producer and writer. . On the comedy stage, Kanan has performed at some of the countries leading clubs including the Laugh Factory, the Comedy Store, Dangerfield's, the Brokerage, Uncle Vinny's and other venues. In addition, he has performed in Sam Shepard's True West twice, once at the Zephyr theater and once at the Palm Canyon Theater. Sean's book, The Modern Gentleman; Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan was published by Dunham Books and is currently available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Kanan co-hosted a celebrity parenting radio talk show called Kanan's Rules, available for download on iTunes podcast. Kanan's television guest stars include Desperate Housewives, Happily Divorced, True Jackson VIP, Freddie, Who's the Boss, the Nanny, Walker: Texas Ranger and Lois & Clark. He also had a regular role on the series Camera Cafe, executive produced by Antonio Banderas. He worked under executive producer, Francis Ford Coppola on the prime-time series, The Outsiders and he appeared in the miniseries Wild Palms, executive produced by Oliver Stone. Sean Kanan spends his free time studying martial arts, writing scripts, cooking, performing his stand-up routine and further pursuing the study of the Italian and Japanese language. Sean also dedicates much of his time to numerous charitable and nonprofit endeavors including ASPCA and the Anti-Defamation League's anti-bullying campaign.
Few entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have been woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy. His first love and passion is and always will be the stage. "The theater was my first training ground. It taught me discipline, dedication and appreciation of hard work and values that will stay with me a lifetime. The stage sharpens the creative instrument and encourages you to go deeper inside and try new things," states Ben.
On Broadway, Ben Vereen has appeared in Wicked, Fosse, I'm Not Rappaport, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin,Grind, Jelly's Last Jam and A Christmas Carol. His role in Pippin garnered him both the prestigious Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for "Best Actor in a Musical."
For over 40 years, Ben has showcased his versatility and creativity, performing countless one-man shows not only in the United States, but also Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. He was the first simultaneous winner of the "Entertainer of the Year," "Rising Star," and "Song and Dance Star" awards from the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). He also earned a coveted spot in the Casino Legends Hall of Fame. Ben and his band are currently touring his one man shows, "Ben Sings a Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. featuring the music of Sammy Davis Jr." and "Brooklyn to Broadway" at top performing arts centres. He also performs with symphonies around the country.
While performing worldwide, Ben's acting credits continue to give us memorable roles that stand the test of time such as the unforgettable Chicken George in Roots and Louis Armstrong in Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style.Ben's television guest appearances include How I Met Your Mother, Grey's Anatomy, for which he won the Prism Award, House of Payne, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, OZ, Touched By An Angel, Second Noah, New York Undercover, The Nanny, Star Trek - The Next Generation, The Jamie Fox Show, The Promised Land, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as well as recurring roles on Silk Stalkings, Webster, J.J. Starbuck and Booker. For Nickelodeon, Ben provided voice-overs on the show Wonder Pets! Additional credits include: Anne Rice's Feast of All Saints(Showtime), Intruders They Are Among Us (Emmy nomination), Zoobilee Zoo, Faerie Tale Theatre's Puss N' Bootswith Gregory Hines, The Jesse Owens Story, Ellis Island (Golden Globe Nomination), Lost in London, and Salute to Liberty Special. His own network television shows are Ben Vereen: His Roots (Seven Emmy Awards), Tenspeed and Brownshoe and You Write the Songs. In the early 90's, he released a number of well-received children's Sing-Along musical videos.
Ben was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for his performance in the Hallmark movie An Accidental Friendship. He appears in two soon to be released features, 21 and a Wake-Up starring Faye Dunaway andMama, I Want to Sing! in which Ben co-starred opposite Ciara and Patti LaBelle. While filming Idlewild with the award winning group Outkast, Ben also served as the acting coach for both Andre 3000 and Big Boy. In addition, Ben has been coaching the singing sensation Usher both as an entertainer and an actor. Ben was featured in the movie, On The One - Preaching to the Choir directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. Other film credits include Sweet Charity, All That Jazz, Funny Lady (Golden Globe nomination), Why Do Fools Fall in Love,And Then Came Love starring Vanessa Williams, the animated movie Once Upon a Forest, Christmas in Washingtonand The Painting which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2004, Ben was nominated for a "Career Achievement Award" by the Le Prix International Film Star Awards Organization.
The lecture circuit has become an integral part of Ben's career, as he has become one of the Nations' most requested speakers among audiences of all ages. His strong sense of social consciousness has enabled him to reach out to his audiences and convey to them a deep feeling of understanding. His topics range from overcoming adversity, arts in education, Black history, motivational topics, recovery through physical and occupational therapy and the importance of continuing education - to name a few.
Ben's gift of time has benefited many organizations. He has served on Ballet Florida's Board of Directors, the American Red Cross and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. In addition, he has served as chairman of several renowned organizations including the American Heart Association and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. In 1989, he spearheaded his own organization, "Celebrities for a Drug Free America," which raised more than $300,000 for drug rehabilitation centres, educational programs and inner city community-based projects. The Community Mental Health Council awarded Ben with their 2004 Lifeline Celebration Achievement Award. For his humanitarian contributions, he has received a number of awards including Israel's Cultural and Humanitarian Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, an Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award and a Victory Award. He has received honorary doctorates from the University of Arizona, Emerson College, St. Francis College, and Columbia College in Chicago. In 2001, Medgar Evers College created the Ben Vereen Scholarship for the Performing Arts, and in 2004, he received an Achievement in Excellence Award from his alma mater, the High School of the Performing Arts.
Ben celebrated Eartha Kitt's 80th birthday in concert at Carnegie Hall to multiple standing ovations and in front of the Armed Forces for those men and women who have served in Iraq, truly a major highlight of his career. In 2009, he performed at the Inaugural Ball and entertained at the reopening of the Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C., which was attended by President Obama. Last year Ben entertained at the Friar's Club gala honouring CBS president Leslie Moonves. Ben is leading an ongoing diabetes awareness campaign called "S.T.A.N.D." in partnership with sanofi-aventis pharmaceuticals. Ben recently starred in the world premier of Fetch Clay, Make Man directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) at the McCarter Theatre. Below are some of Ben's reviews from the show:
"A seething resentment can be sensed underneath the wary cool with which Fetchit negotiates with Fox. In brief snippets from the routines that made Fetchit famous (and infamous), Mr. Vereen also reveals the glowing pride of an entertainer whose gifts sometimes managed to transcend the offensive uses to which they were put." -New York Times
"The dramatic center is Ben Vereen's role as Lincoln Perry,the vaudeville performer who made his fortune in silent films and Depression-era talkies playing screen persona Stepin Fetchit, the quintessential negative stereotype of the shuffling, smiling, work-shirking Negro...Tapping all the undiminished charisma and limber body language of a veteran song-and-dance man, Vereen effortlessly sells the now-reviled representation of the black flunky while slyly asserting the cultured, savvy negotiator beneath; it's a performance of enormous charm and intelligence." -Variety
"As Fetchit, Ben Vereen creates a man who comports himself with dignity in hopes of negating all that he did before. In one scene, after Fetchit has been forced to acknowledge what he'd been, Vereen blinks three times, and actually manages to make a statement with each blink: The first acknowledges the charge, the second shows his pain at being reminded, and the third hopes to push away the memory." -The Star-Ledger
Additionally, Ben has a recurring role on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother, playing Wayne Brady's father. In February of 2011, he released his CD Steppin' Out Live with Ben Vereen and staged a triumphant return to Broadway with his concert "BEN VEREEN ON BROADWAY AT TOWN HALL" . One review from Ben's show is featured below:
"Ben Vereen's performance at The Town Hall on February 18th was a lesson in performance energy.....a tour de force ....Without a single synthesizer, with no voice tuner, with only an acoustic band, Vereen displayed shocking innovation."....." He flirted with off notes and inventive runs during classics such as "My Funny Valentine." This is always a dangerous idea, because it risks alientating the audience who wants to hear the melody of a familiar tune, but Vereen not only pulled it off, he left the audience wanting him to do more...The lasting impression was of a man who loves life, wants you to love life, and has mastered both his medium and his message. At age 65, he is the youngest man performing today. - The Newark Examiner
Ben remains the consummate actor, singer, and all around entertainer with a storied and legendary career.
Brooke Burke-Charvet is a host, actress, television personality, fashion designer and entrepreneur. Brooke is recognized for first winning, and then going on to Co- Host 8 seasons of the iconic, "Dancing With The Stars." Recently, Brooke dove back into world of sitcom's playing a recurring role as Joey Lawrence's ex-girlfriend in the ABC Family Network's hit sitcom, "Melissa & Joey." The mother of four is Co-CEO of the website ModernMom.com, President of BabooshBaby.com. With over two million Twitter followers, Brooke has made a name for herself as a trusted resource in the world of motherhood and social media networking, motivating her to co-create the website with her partner, Lisa Rosenblatt.
Brooke created the online store, BabooshBaby.com in 2007, featuring her popular post-pregnancy belly wraps, Tauts. Through her own pregnancies, Brooke became inspired to develop the wrap. Her online vision quickly grew to a multi-million dollar business, and eventually became the e-commerce division of ModernMom.com.
Since 2012, Brooke has starred in her own series of fitness DVD's for Sony Home Entertainment titled, "Transform Your Body With Brooke Burke: Strengthen & Condition and Tone & Tighten". Most recently, Brooke Burke Body: Sexy Abs & Brooke Burke Body: 30-Day Slimdown. Brooke tackled the fitness game by creating the ultimate fresh, fun and dynamic designed for a total body workout to help sculpt and define muscles.
Recently, Brooke's passion for design and fashion led her to embark on a new apparel venture with her fashion guru brother-in-law Danny Guez. Together they have created her first line of activewear.
In 2011, Brooke authored her first book, "The Naked Mom: A Modern Mom's Fearless Revelations, Savvy Advice and Soulful Reflections".
Brooke's television credits also include hosting "Miss America", TV Land's reality competition series, "She's Got the Look," "Mommy Expert" on the nationally syndicated daytime program, "The Doctors," acting as liaison between mothers and the show's panel of doctors. She hosted Mark Burnett's "RockStar INXS" and "RockStar Supernova" competitions for CBS. Brooke first gained worldwide attention as tour guide for the series, "Wild On," which has been seen in 120 countries and in more than 400 million homes. Brooke is regularly ranked one of the sexiest women in the world, and appearing in many top-selling magazines. She has graced the cover of Fitness, Ladies Home Journal, and Shape's #1 best-selling cover of 2011.
Brooke was raised in Tucson, Arizona and currently lives in California with her four children and husband, David Charvet.
Margaret Cho was born Dec. 5, 1968 and raised in San Francisco. Her grandfather was a Methodist minister who ran an orphanage in Seoul during the Korean War. Ignoring the traditions of her patriarchal culture, her mother bravely resisted an arranged marriage in Korea and married Margaret's father who writes joke books - in Korean.
What Margaret did know is that she didn't love being a kid. Racing toward adulthood to escape bullying, she began writing jokes for stand up at 14 and professionally performing at age 16. Getting picked on, and feeling disenfranchised, is a subject that's very near to Margaret's heart. She has become a sort of "Patron Saint" for Outsiders, speaking for them when they are not able to speak for themselves.
Soon after starting her Stand Up career, Margaret won a comedy contest where first prize was opening for Jerry Seinfeld. She moved to Los Angeles in the early '90s and, still in her early twenties, hit the college circuit, where she immediately became the most booked act in the market and garnered a nomination for "Campus Comedian of The Year." She performed over 300 concerts within two years. Arsenio Hall introduced her to late night audiences, Bob Hope put her on a prime time special and, seemingly overnight, Margaret Cho became a national celebrity.
Her groundbreaking, controversial, and short-lived ABC sitcom, All-American Girl (1994) soon followed. Oddly, while chosen because of who she was-a non-conformist Korean American woman with liberal views-the powers-that-be then decided they wanted her to "tone it down" for the show. Challenging Margaret's feelings for both who she was and how she looked, she soon realized that though she was an Executive Producer, it was a battle she would not win.
The experience was a traumatic one, bringing up unresolved feelings left over from childhood, and Margaret developed an eating disorder as a response to criticism about her body. She was so obsessive in her goal to try to be what she thought others wanted, she landed in the hospital with kidney failure. Through out a period of self-abuse, Margaret continued performing to sold-out audiences across the country in comedy clubs, theaters, and on college campuses, working to channel her anger in to something more positive.
In 1999, her groundbreaking, off Broadway one-woman show, I'm The One That I Want, toured the country to national acclaim and was made into a best-selling book and feature film of the same name. After her experience with All-American Girl, Margaret wanted to make sure she would only have to answer to herself, making sure she was responsible for the distribution and sales of her film, taking a page from what music artist Ani DiFranco did with her Righteous Babe Records. The concert film, which garnered incredible reviews, broke records for most money grossed per print in movie history. In 2001, after the success of her first tour, Cho launched Notorious C.H.O., a smash-hit 37-city national tour that culminated in a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall. Notorious C.H.O. was recorded and released as a feature film, hailed by the New York Times as "Brilliant!" Both films were acquired by Showtime Cable Networks, and produced by Margaret's production company, a testament to the success of Margaret's bold business model.
In March of 2003, Margaret embarked on her third sold-out national tour, Revolution. It was heralded by the Chicago Sun Times as "Her strongest show yet!" and the CD recording was nominated for a Grammy for Comedy Album of the Year. In 2005, Cho released Assassin, which The Chicago Tribune crowed "Packs passion in to each punch." The concert film premiered in select theaters and on the gay and lesbian premium channel Here! TV in late 2005.
In 2007, Margaret hit the road with Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry and Erasure, along with indie faves The Dresden Dolls and The Cliks, to host the True Colors Tour, benefiting the Human Rights Campaign. A true entertainment pioneer, Margaret also created and starred in The Sensuous Woman, a live variety show featuring vaudevillian burlesque and comedy, which she took for an extended off-Broadway run in the fall.
Margaret returned to TV in 2008 on the VH1 series, The Cho Show. The Cho Show followed Margaret, her real parents, and her eccentric entourage through a series of irreverent and outrageous experiences, shaped by Margaret's 'anything goes' brand of stand-up. It was beloved for the audience it was intended for, the ones who maybe don't quite fit in, who knew Margaret is one of them.
The aptly titled Beautiful came next, exploring the good, bad and ugly in beauty, and the unattractive politicians and marketers who shape our world. The concert premiered in Australia at The Sydney Theater, marking the first time Margaret debuted a tour abroad. While touring through the US, the concert was filmed at the Long Beach theatre, aired as a special on Showtime in 2009, and then released as both a DVD and a book.
In 2009 Margaret nabbed a starring role in the comedy/drama series Drop Dead Diva, airing on Lifetime. Margaret enjoys being part of a team, and not necessarily having the sole responsibility for keeping things afloat.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Margaret stepped right up to the proverbial plate when asked to do Season 11 of the #1 rated Dancing with the Stars. Paired with pro Louie Van Amstel, Margaret was on one of the show's most controversial seasons, dancing alongside Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, David Hasselhoff, Jennifer Grey and Bristol Palin among others.
Margaret got a very strong reaction to her Rainbow Dancing Dress during a time when the issue of bullying, especially among gay teens, was all over the media.
2010 culminated with another high honor, a second Grammy Award nomination for Comedy Album of the Year for Cho Dependent, her incredibly funny collection of music featuring collaborations with Fiona Apple, Andrew Bird, Grant Lee Phillips, Tegan & Sara, Ben Lee and more. The album received critical acclaim.
Margaret self released Cho Dependent on her own Clownery Records, and was encouraged by the acclaim, as there are only a handful of people putting out albums of comedy music - "Weird" Al Yankovic, Flight of the Conchords, The Lonely Island, to name a few - but no women. While thrilled that her hard work was rewarded with the nomination, Margaret isn't finished with musical comedy yet, claiming to have more music in her.
In 2011, Margaret released the live concert film of Cho Dependent, which also had its cable network debut on Showtime. Audiences who caught these performances live can attest that Cho hasn't lost any of her edge on Cho Dependent, her sixth live concert DVD. Shot at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA, Cho remains uncensored, but never unhinged, taking aim at the Palin family, her stint on Dancing With the Stars, smoking pot and living in a world with 'sexting.' The DVD is characteristically no-holds-barred Margaret and instantly a classic.
Margaret is currently filming the sixth and final season on Drop Dead Diva. Cho returns as "Teri" Girl Friday to Brooke Elliott's "Jane Bingham," whose body is inhabited by the soul of a vapid model sent back to earth after Heaven judges her as a "zero-zero" for having committed no good and no bad deeds. Drop Dead Diva is not only beloved on Lifetime, but by the many stars who have queued up to guest on the show, including Paula Abdul, Wanda Sykes, Rosie O'Donnell, Vivica Fox and Kim Kardashian.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Margaret spent whatever free time she had crafting her all new stand-up show, the uproariously and aptly named Mother, which kicked off in September, 2012, including both a US and European tour.
Paradox not lost, Margaret had to re-schedule some of the shows she had booked mid-September so she could attend the Emmy Awards with her mother. Nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her hilarious stint on 30 Rock as gender-bending North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
In 2014, Margaret filmed a pilot for FOX and was thrilled to be working with Tina Fey and the producing team from 30 Rock. The multi-camera comedy takes place at a women's college that has just opened its doors to men for the first time.
While thrilled with her two Grammy and recent Emmy nod, Margaret has never turned away from the causes that are important to her. She is incredibly active in anti-racism, anti-bullying and gay rights campaigns, and has been recognized for her unwavering dedication. She was the recipient of the Victory Fund's 2008 Leadership Award and the first ever Best Comedy Performance Award at the 2007 Asian Excellence Awards. She also received the First Amendment Award from the ACLU of Southern California, and the Intrepid Award from the National Organization for Women (NOW). Throughout her career, she has been honored by GLAAD, American Women in Radio and Television, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), and PFLAG for making a significant difference in promoting equal rights for all, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity. In June of 2011, Margaret was honored by LA Pride, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing an individual whose lifetime body of work has left a lasting major imprint on the LGBT community.
Through her hard work, Margaret has had the opportunity to be heard, to extend her point of view and become regarded as a true pioneer in her field. She takes none of it for granted.
Valentin (Val) Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy was born in Odessa (Ukraine). At the age of 26, Val is a professional dancer and is known for his appearances on ABC's Dancing With The Stars. Val is the son of Aleksandr and Lariss Chmerkovskiy, and the younger brother to Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Val found his passion for dancing at the age of seven, and by twelve years old he attended his first overseas competition- The German Open. At the German Open, Val and his brother Maks were the only two United States couples there. At the age of 15, Val won his first IDSF World Championship and became the first American to do it. Val has had the honor to have been a US Champion 14 times over his fifteen year dance career. He has many accomplishments, which include the winning of the German Open,Asian-Pacific Championships, US Open, Blackpool and the World Championships 2-times. Val has done a handful of things outside of his dancing passion as well.Val, his brother Maksim, and Tony Dovolani opened "Dance with me" studio in Stamford, Connecticut on April 16th of 2012. Valentin Chmerkovskiy is also a rapper under his stage name "Val C." His single called "White Boy Boogie" can be seen on Youtube.
She is best known for her role as Bani Walia in the Hindi television drama Kasamh Se which aired on Zee TV. Prachi is the endorser, spokesperson, brand ambassador and the face of Neutrogena products in India.
Prachi was born in Surat, Gujarat. She studied in St Joseph Convent, Panchgani and completed her schooling till ninth grade in Surat. After that, she went to Pune for higher studies. She studied at Sinhagad college, Kondhwa, Pune.
She started her career with a short modeling workshop. She was in Pune for higher studies and had almost finished her junior college when her pictures were sent to Balaji Telefilms who called her for audition. She was 17 when she left her studies and started her career with Kasamh Se.
Prachi starred in the serial Kasamh Se on Zee TV that got her fame. She left Kasamh Se on 15 April 2008 and was replaced by Gurdeep Kohli, after being burnt and drowned in episode 562. Kasamh Se ended 12 March 2009. In the last episode, Prachi Desai made a special appearance as the former Bani. She also did a two day cameo in Kasautii Zindagii Kay, which was aired on Star Plus. She played a school student in Prerna's school.
On 7 September 2007, Prachi entered Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the Indian version of America's dancing show, Dancing With The Stars, with choreographer Deepak Singh. She was eliminated on 10 November 2007. However, she entered the contest again via the wild-card entry on 23 November 2007. Prachi then landed a spot in the grand finale of the dance show on 15 December 2007 and won the first place amongst the contestants. She was awarded the dancing star of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 2. It was alleged that she was made to return as a wild card entry in spite of her elimination due to a direct intervention from her close personal friend, Ekta Kapoor, though the channel denied the allegations.
Prachi also competed in a tribute show to Jhalak competition called Dard-e-Disco, alongside other former contestants, which aired on Sony Entertainment Television Asia on 31 December 2007.
Lance Bass is the quintessential illustration of a highly successful and driven jack-of-all-trades: singer, host, actor, producer, writer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and cosmonaut.
Beyond his fame as a member of the phenomenally successful group *NSYNC, where the group sold an impressive 60 million plus records worldwide, Bass has made himself a household name throughout the globe. With countless career highlights in music spanning the past 20 years, including multiple Grammy® nominations, two diamond RIAA awards, MTV Video Music Awards®, American Music Awards® and People's Choice Awards® to name a just a few, he has expanded his accomplishments into multiple entertainment mediums.
Bass can currently be seen as a daily contributing panelist on The Meredith Vieira Show, which he joined in September of 2015. In 2007, Bass lit up Broadway starring as Corny Collins in the smash hit Hairspray, published his revealing memoir Out of Sync and danced his way to the finals on season seven of ABC's hit competition show, Dancing With The Stars. In 2003, he was inducted into the Mississippi Musician's Hall of Fame, making him the youngest person to ever receive this honor. In 2012, he joined SIRIUS XM and launched a pop culture daily radio show called Dirty Pop with Lance Bass and during the weekends hosts their Pop2k Countdown where he can still be heard today.
Building on his passion for film and documentaries, Bass has established himself as an acclaimed producer with titles like Kidnapped for Christ, where he was awarded the Audience Award for Documentary Feature during it's Slamdance premiere this past January and Mississippi I Am, which recently won Best Documentary at the Manhattan International Film Festival. This November, he is being recognized for his outstanding achievements at the Mississippi Film Festival with an encore screening of Mississippi I Am. Other producing credits include the Miramax film On the Line where he not only served as Executive Producer, but was also the film's star and earned him the coveted Movieguide® Award for excellence in family-oriented programming. In 2005, he executive produced Randal Kleiser's romantic comedy, Lovewrecked, starring Amanda Bynes, Chris Carmack and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. He is also the recipient of the Golden Apple Award® as Male Film Discovery of 2001.
While known for his success in music, including a #1 European dance single in 2014 called Walking On Air and featuring newcomer Bella Blue, Bass has made numerous memorable guest appearances in film, television and as the animated voice in several popular children's cartoons. With his sights focused on hosting, Bass is preparing for his fifth consecutive year as co-host of the American Music Awards' Coca-Cola Red Carpet, has guest-anchored the KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles, filled in for Harvey Levin on TMZ and has become a frequent correspondent with the landmark entertainment show, Entertainment Tonight.
As an entrepreneur, he founded Famous Yard Sale, which was inspired by his memories of weekend yard sales in his hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, where he reinvented the yard sale as a virtual auction marketplace for celebrities to donate their excess belongings and raise money for their favorite charities. This led him to create and executive produce the Lifetime series Celebrity Home Raiders. Currently, he has partnered up with Slavco and Daniel Tuskaloski, and TeliApp to create Sparxx, a social relationship and dating app specifically designed for the LGBT community with the goal of breaking the mold of conventional LGBT dating apps. Sparxx was designed to help men and women and their personally defined sexuality, find meaningful and long lasting relationships.
Philanthropically, Lance remains active in various charitable organizations including serving on the Young Hollywood Board of the Environmental Media Association. He is also the National Youth Spokesperson for World Space Week, consistent with his interest in space travel. A fact that many are unaware of, Bass is a certified cosmonaut after several months of training in the Russian space program where Bass received cosmonaut certification and continued on to Houston's Johnson Space Center to take part in astronaut training. Additionally, Lance is a strong advocate for animals and has been a spokesperson for animal rescues all over the country, including directly working with Lucky Puppy, a dog rescue based in Los Angeles, CA.
Bass currently resides in Los Angeles with his husband Michael Turchin, whom he married in 2014 and was featured as a wedding special on E! in early 2015.
Music man and entertainer Ro Shon Fegan began his claim to fame here in Los Angeles at the age of 18 months. His first creative moments of his career was actually a national soda commercial where he collaborated with the musical classic group Boyz II Men. And his momentum for the creative industry took off from there.
Ro Shon is heavily inspired by old school music like Jazz, Soul and R&B. He feels that helped sculpt his own creative expression through the arts. He highlights that feel good music as overall being of who he is as a upbeat person and expresses that positive vibe to everyone that he encounters.
At 8 years old Ro Shon discovered many of his early gifts as an artist including drawing and drumming just to name a few. Years later Ro Shon would say that his first "Big Break" was his claim to fame role in Spider Man 2, the highest grossing movie in 2004. His triple threat paint brushes if you will are his skills, acting, dancing, and music. "Im an artist and the entertainment business is my canvas.-- i just love it when people enjoy my art that is created for them to share the love".
The career history of his art comes in all shades but a few highlights entail, Shake it Up, Dancing with the Stars, and a budding music career which includes songwriting, singing and producing his own songs. He is humbled with his gift and is a great all around entertainer that creates what he feels. Music is definitely an extreme passion of his, something that he makes time for no matter what. He is presently in the works of making music that will connect him to his many friends and fans to define the essence of his current power-housed mindset.
Ro Shon's music is energetic and passionate."It's like a cross of electronic, pop, soulful jazz and urban contemporary. " His upcoming release is entitled, "So Bad", a track that spoke to his true personality. "I wanted to write a song that had passion, substance and was also simple. Something that would give you that feeling of a love connection and just feel good music. I wanted to create a dope song that was easy for everyone to sing along to as well as share my passionate loving persona."
Ro Shon's discography has created music for his generation he has also licensed music for commercials, television shows, movies, and video games. His sound is a push for the evolution of music; so that wherever music goes the rest of entertainment can follow along and hopefully elevate the game. His music is different because it doesn't fall into a genre. It's genre-less. It expresses several emotions of an individual. Ro Shon swag is out of the box!
The Ro-volution domination has begun! "I also want to thank all my fans out there for rollin' with me all these years and showing me love and support! I definitely need you to keep rockin' with me on this elevating music journey; I can't wait to meet you all around the world some day! Let's all Elevate
Actor / Music Producer / Recording Artist / Songwriter.
Chaz Bono is an LGBT rights advocate, three time author, speaker and the only child of famed entertainers Sonny and Cher. Chaz's decision to come out as a Lesbian in 1995 prompted his public work in support of LGBT rights and social justice.
Chaz has contributed as a writer-at-large to The Advocate and in 1996 became the Human Rights Campaign's National Coming Out Day spokesperson. Chaz also served as Entertainment Media Director for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and continues to speak at dozens of universities and LGBT events every year.
An acclaimed author, Chaz has written three books including Transition, which was released by Dutton in May of 2011. Transition is his groundbreaking and candid account of a forty-year struggle to match his gender identity with his physical body and his transformation from female to male.
Adding to his multiple hyphenated talents, he has shared his life and experiences in the three-time Emmy nominated documentary, "Becoming Chaz."
"Intimate and nakedly honest, the documentary reveals the humanity and courage it takes for Chaz to ultimately embrace his true self." The film received a standing ovation at its Sundance debut and was predicted to be a breakthrough in molding the American conversation about transgender issues by Rosie O'Donnell. The world television premiere of the documentary aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network and garnered excellent ratings.
In 2011, Chaz signed on to compete with 11 other celebrities in the 13th season of ABC's hit show, Dancing With The Stars. He was very excited to compete athletically and continue to create awareness and impact change for the LGBT community.
Most recently, Bono has appeared on the small screen with cameo appearances on ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and Teen Nick's long running series "Degrassi." Chaz recently starred in a 30 Minute Musical adaptation of Patrick Swayze's Roadhouse featuring Bono singing original songs as he played the role of Tinker. Continuing his passion for acting, Chaz forges ahead with future acting endeavors.
Daniel was born in Sydney, Australia, and attended the prestigious Sydney Boys High School. A talented student and athlete, his professional acting debut came in 1998 in Australian drama 'Neighbours'. The role of Joel Samuels was written specifically for him. In almost four years on the show, Daniel won a Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent, and in 2001 was nominated for Most Popular Actor.
In 2002 Daniel moved to London to star in the stage musical 'Godspell' in which he alternated the roles of Jesus and Judas nightly. He revisited this Biblical theme in 2004, again playing the role of Jesus in 'The Mysteries' onstage opposite revered UK actor Edward Woodward.
While in London, Daniel also starred in UK Television favorite 'The Bill' as PC Cameron Tait (2003-2005) and in 2004 was Nominated for a British Television Award for Best Newcomer.
Upon returning to Australia in 2005, Daniel starred in UK-Australian Co Production 'Tripping Over' and has since proving his enduring popularity, playing Detective Simon Joyner in 'City Homicide', the number 1 show in Australia in 2007. In 2009 he completed his final scenes on the popular police drama
In 2010 Daniel played the role of Jason Oliver in film The Cup, before taking the lead role in Channel 7 Western 'Wild Boys' in 2011.
Daniel recieved a silver logie Nomination for his work on Wild Boys.
2012 saw Daniel relocate to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.
In 2013/14 Daniel filmed the lead role in Shane Abbess' sci fi film Infini, where he was highly praised for the intensity of performance.
Almost immediately after Daniel was cast in the role of Arion Ellessedil in MTV's big budget fantasy series The Shannara Chronicles, due for release in January 2016.
Daniel has recently been cast in the lead role of Kane in ambitious futuristic flick SFv1 alongside Kellan Lutz, Rachel Griffiths and Temuera Morrisson.
Proving he is one of the most versatile performers in Australia, Daniel hosted 7 series of Global TV juggernaut Dancing With The Stars, receiving much praise from the Australian public for his energy and cheek. Daniel stepped away from this role in 2014 to focus on his acting career.
Never one to sit still, Daniel has raced triathlons and marathons for over 20 years. He has represented Australia at amateur level, and raced the famous Hawaiian Ironman triathlon. Dan raced the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon World Championships in Las Vegas in September 2013, and is currently in training for his 8th Ironman triathlon in early 2016. He has run the London, Gold Coast and LA marathons, just to name a few....
Van Johnson was the well-mannered nice guy on screen you wanted your daughter to marry. This fair, freckled and invariably friendly-looking MGM song-and-dance star of the 40s emerged a box office favorite (1944-1946) and second only to heartthrob Frank Sinatra during what gossipmonger Hedda Hopper dubbed the "Bobby-Soxer Blitz" era. Johnson's musical timing proved just as adroit as his career timing for he was able to court WWII stardom as a regimented MGM symbol of the war effort with an impressive parade of earnest soldiers. He may have been a second tier musical star behind the likes of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, but his easy smile, wholesome, boy-next-door appeal and strawberry-blond good looks earned him a solid shot at box-office stardom while the big boys (i.e., MGM stars) were off to war. When they returned, Johnson amiably relinquished his "golden boy" pedestal, but his popularity did not wane. In retrospect, his dramatic talent seemed overly scrutinized...for he was very capable. Besides, he worked another three decades on stage, screen and TV...and always as a star.
Johnson was born Charles Van Dell Johnson in Newport, Rhode Island, the only child of Loretta (Snyder) and Charles E. Johnson. His paternal grandparents were Swedish, and his mother was of German, and a small amount of Irish, ancestry. Johnson endured a lonely and unhappy childhood as the sole offspring of an extremely aloof father (who was both a plumber and real estate agent by trade) and an absentee mother (she abandoned the family when he was three, the victim of alcoholism). A paternal grandmother helped in raising the young lad. Happier times were spent drifting into the fantasy world of movies, and he developed an ardent passion to entertain. Taking singing, dancing and violin lessons during his high school years, he disregarded his father's wish to become a lawyer and instead left home following graduation to try his luck in New York.
Early experiences included chorus lines in revues, at hotels and in various small shows around town. A couple of minor breaks occurred with his 40-week stint in the "New Faces of 1936" revue (making his Broadway debut) and in a vaudeville club act (based around star Mary Martin) called "Eight Young Men of Manhattan" that played the Rainbow Room. He served as understudy to the three male leads of Rodgers and Hart's popular musical "Too Many Girls" in October of 1939 and eventually replaced one of them (actor Richard Kollmar left the show to marry reporter Dorothy Kilgallen.) He also formed a lifelong and career-igniting friendship with one of the other leads, Desi Arnaz. Johnson made an inauspicious film debut with Arnaz in Too Many Girls when the musical was eventually lensed in Hollywood, but he was cast in a scant chorus boy part. Following a stint on Broadway in "Pal Joey" in 1940, Warner Bros. signed Van to a six-month contract. He went on to co-star with Faye Emerson in Murder in the Big House, but they dropped him quickly feeling that his acting chops were lacking. It was Arnaz's wife Lucille Ball, who had recently signed with MGM, who introduced Van to Billy Grady, MGM's casting head, and instigated a successful screen test.
With the studio's top male talent off to war, Van served as an earnest substitute donning fatigues in such stalwart movies as Somewhere I'll Find You The War Against Mrs. Hadley and The Human Comedy. Van also replaced actor/war pacifist Lew Ayres in the "Dr. Kildare/Dr. Gillespie" film series after Ayres was unceremoniously dumped by the studio for his unpopular beliefs. Stardom came, and at quite a price, for Van when he was cast yet again as a wholesome serviceman in A Guy Named Joe. During the early part of filming, he was severely injured in a near-fatal car crash (he had a metal plate inserted in his skull, which instantly gave him a 4-F disqualification status for war service). Endangered of being replaced on the film, the two stars of the picture, Spencer Tracy (who became another lifelong friend) and Irene Dunne, insisted that the studio work around his convalescence or they would quit the film. The unusually kind gesture made Van a star following the film's popular release and resulting publicity. Van's career soared during the war years. His boyish charm and fair, attractive features made him the resident heartthrob and he rode on a crest of popularity not only in musicals (Two Girls and a Sailor, Easy to Wed), but in airy comedies (Week-End at the Waldorf) and, of course, more war stories (Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo).
When the big stars such as Clark Gable, James Stewart and Robert Taylor returned to reclaim post-war stardom, Van willingly resigned himself to second dramatic leads, but he remained a high profile musical star opposite the likes of June Allyson, Esther Williams and Judy Garland. He continued to demonstrate his dramatic skills in such well-regarded films as Command Decision, State of the Union, Battleground, Brigadoon and The Caine Mutiny. MGM's "golden age" phased out by the mid-1950s and, with it, Van's strong film career took a sharp decline. The studio released him after he co-starred with Elizabeth Taylor in The Last Time I Saw Paris.
While he continued to freelance and show strength in other pictures such as the English-made The End of the Affair with Deborah Kerr; Miracle in the Rain opposite Jane Wyman, The Bottom of the Bottle with Joseph Cotten, 23 Paces to Baker Street co-starring Vera Miles, Kelly and Me partnered with a dog, and Web of Evidence, the bloom was falling off the rose. In the late 50s and early 1960s Van again capitalized on his musical talents by reinventing himself as a nightclub performer and musical stage star. He made a wonderful Harold Hill in several productions of "The Music Man" and graced a number of musical and light comedy vehicles on the regional and dinner theater circuits, including "Damn Yankees," "Guys and Dolls," "Bells Are Ringing," "On a Clear Day...," "Forty Carats," "Bye Bye Birdie," "There's a Girl in My Soup" and "I Do! I Do!" He never delved heavily into TV until the 1970s and then appeared on a number of shows, earning an Emmy nomination for his participation in the mini-series Rich Man, Poor Man.
In later years, he grew larger in girth but still continued to work. He earned respectable reviews after replacing Gene Barry as Georges in the smash gay musical "La Cage Aux Folles" in 1985. His last musical role was as Cap' Andy in "Show Boat" in 1991, and his last several movies were primarily filmed overseas in Italy and Australia. Van was married only once but it was constantly dissected under a microscope by the tabloids as well as the public. The marriage ended quite bitterly. Typically in the closet as a high-ranking actor of the 1940s, he was extremely close friends to MGM actor Keenan Wynn and his wife. However, Van wound up marrying Wynn's ex-wife, one-time stage actress Eve Abbott, right after the Wynns divorced (within four hours) in 1947. To an unsuspecting public, this seemed quite heartless of Van and Van's popularity suffered in its aftermath. In the meantime the tabloids continued to throw out innuendos that it was a studio-arranged "marriage". Whatever the intention, Van and Eve did have daughter Schuyler in 1948, and were a popular Hollywood couple before separating in 1962, after fifteen years of marriage. The marriage lingered on for another six acrimonious years before the final divorce decree. Van never married again and in later years Eve "spilled the beans" in a very bitter account of their marriage, which she admitted she went along with but maintained that it was an MGM-staged sham set up by Louis B. Mayer. Sadly, Van was estranged from his daughter Schuyler at the time of his death at age 92 at a senior living facility in Nyack, New York. In declining health, the popular actor had been residing there for several years.
Susan Anton has been recognized as a multi talented international star for more than 35 years in television, film, theater, and concert venues. She was nominated for a Golden Globe in her first film outing, Golden Girl, and was soon thereafter signed by NBC to star in her own variety show, Presenting Susan Anton. ABC later signed her to a development deal where she starred in the hourly drama, Cliffhangers. She has appeared in hundreds of film and television projects over the years. Her Broadway credits include co-starring with the original Broadway cast of Tommy Tune's Tony Award-winning musical The Will Rogers Follies; she also worked with director Mike Nichols in David Rabe's Pulitzer Prize winning play Hurlyburly. She co-starred as Velma Von Tussle in the Las Vegas production of the Broadway musical, Hairspray, opposite Harvey Fierstein, which was directed by Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. She went on to reprise the role for three spectacular evenings at the Hollywood Bowl with an all-star cast, which was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. She co-starred in the national tour of the Broadway musical All Shook Up, directed by Christopher Ashley and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo. Susan starred for seven years in the The Great Radio City Music Hall Spectacular with the legendary Rockettes, directed by the late Joe Layton. She also toured in the Neil Simon/Marvin Hamlish production of They're Playing Our Song and then went on to co-star with Elizabeth Ashley in the national tour of A Couple of White Chicks Sitting Around Talking. She has shared the stage with legendary entertainers Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies Jr., Tom Jones, and many more. She toured with country super star Kenny Rogers and had a top 10 country hit with the song "Killing Time". Internationally, she had recording success and received a Gold record for her hit, "Foxy". Susan and her husband, director, Jeff Lester have called Las Vegas home for more than 20 years. In 1997 they opened their production company, Big Picture Studios. Under their banner, Susan executive produced the award winning The Last Real Cowboys, starring Oscar winner, Billy Bob Thornton, and also executive produced the documentary Speed of Life with Amy Purdy, the inspirational Sochi bronze medalist who was also runner up in last season's Dancing With The Stars. Susan is a minority partner and celebrity brand ambassador in a new beverage company, Spa Girl Cocktails, slated to launch in late 2015.
Maksim "Maks" Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian Latin Ballroom dance champion, choreographer, Broadway performer, and actor . He is widely known as one of the professional dancers on the American television series Dancing with the Stars, on which he first appeared in season two. In 14 appearances on the show, Chmerkovskiy made it to the final round four times, with two runner-up and two third place finishes.On May 20, 2014, Chmerkovskiy, paired with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis, won his first Dancing with the Stars title.
Following his win with Davis, Maksim announced his retirement from the show.
Maksim owns four dance studios in greater New York City. The three studios - Dance With Me USA- are social dance studios located in Ridgefield, New Jersey, and Long Island, New York, as well as the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan. He recently opened another studio in Stamford, Connecticut. He is also the founder of the Rising Stars Dance Academy in NYC.
Maksim appeared on the TV Land sitcom "The Exes" in July 2012. He also appeared on the ABC soap General Hospital in March 2013 playing the role of handyman Anton Ivanov, who danced with Kelly Monaco's character Sam Morgan during the Nurses' Ball.
In July 2013 Maksim made his second stint on the Broadway production of "Forever Tango . He first appeared on Broadway in the ballroom fusion production "Burn The Floor" in 2009-2010.
Comedic actress Rachel Sterling began her training at the Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory in Santa Monica California. Her years at the conservatory laid the foundation that would lead to a love and respect of the fundamentals of theater.
Originally known for being a pin up model and music video vixen, appearing first in Playboy's College girl issue, then appearing in videos for Kid Rock, Dr. Dre, Shaggy, Sugar Ray, Ja Rule, Velvet Revolver, No Doubt, Wyclef Jean, Enrique Iglesias, Nas, Third Eye Blind, Lil Kim, Blink 182, Chief Wakil, Limp Biszket, Saliva, and George Michael. The transition to film and television came with her debut as Cherry in the comedy film TomCats, followed by her series regular role on the Comedy Central series The Man Show staring Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla.
Shortly after a 5 episode run as the On The Red Carpet correspondent for ShowTime, an offer came to join Robin Antin's original Pussycat Dolls live at the Viper Room. This opportunity would change her life forever. After years of working the showgirl circuit before coming to Hollywood, burlesque became second nature to Rachel. It was a dream come true becoming the Dolls burlesque solo artist. Her performance in the bath tube and Champagne glass have been often imitated but never duplicated. Under Jimmy Iovine at Interscope Records, The Pussycat Dolls transformed from a burlesque revue to pop girl band group originally having 12 members including Carmen Electra. The opportunity to appear in a small role in The Wedding Crashers along side Vince Vaughn would guide Rachel back to her original path toward acting. Rachel would leave the Dolls to pursue acting. Returning years later for 6 months as the Headliner at The Pussycat Doll Lounge at Caesars Palace.
The success of The Wedding Crashers coupled with the notoriety of being an original Pussycat Doll landed Magazine features and covers globally for Maxim, FHM, Stuff, Esquire, Front, Frank 151, and in various photography art books. Most notable is her work with Ellen Von Unwerth, Nick & Adam Hayes as well as close friends Estevon Oriol, Patrick Hoelck, and Scott Cann. During this time Rachel toured America and Canada as the burlesque headliner coupled with famous DJs at numerous nightclubs, theaters, events and even Hugh Hefner's famous Playboy Mansion.
After honing her improv chops at Upright Citizens Brigade, Rachel quickly found a place on The Carpet Brothers along side Will Ferrell as Bianca Jaguar, and as Madam Caramel for 2 seasons on Reno 911. It was this role that got Hugh Hefner's attention and the celebrity pictorial for Playboy Magazine. Proving once and for all that personality counts.
Her time studying at the John Rosenfeld Studios was time well spent and, soon after, landed her television roles on Wilfred, How I Met Your Mother, Entourage, Workaholics, House MD, True Blood & 90210. Rachel also makes a cameo along side Chelsea Handler in Fun Size and makes her debut into the horror world in indie film The No Vacancy. This past year Rachel not only posed images with photographer Tibor Glob for clothing companies Want My Look and Stephanie Costello couture, but made a cameo on Australia's Dancing With The Stars with her partner Damian Whitewood ,as well and landing an invitation to appear on NBC's Truth Be Told staring Vanessa Lachey, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Bresha Webb, and comedian Tone Bell.
Edyta Sliwinska is known for being the only professional dancer on all 6 seasons of "Dancing with the Stars", partnered with Evander Holyfield, George Hamilton, Joey Lawrence, John Ratzenberger, and most recently Cameron Mathison and Jason Taylor. Edyta has been on the "Dancing with the Stars" tour and was featured in the fitness section of the new book. Edyta is a 5 time US National Finalist. In addition to many Polish commercials Edyta was featured in the "Jared Galleria of Jewelry" commercial in the US. Edyta and Alec recently produced an instructional DVD "Dancing like the Pros" and a fitness DVD "Fitness with the Pros".
Born in Poland, Edyta comes from a working class family. She has two sisters and one brother who live in Warsaw. Edyta moved to the United States in 2000 to form a professional dance partnership with Alec. She was a director/choreographer at "Genesis DanceSport" in San Francisco for seven years. Now Edyta and Alec run the San Francisco and Los Angeles locations of the school.
The talented and gorgeous Sharna Burgess was born to dance and entertain.
From a very young age, the precocious Sharna demonstrated her star quality when she would regularly treat her family and friends to impromptu song and dance productions growing up in Australia. At five years old, Sharna began training in ballet, jazz and gymnastics and at eight years old, her love affair with ballroom began. After winning numerous local and national titles, by the age of fifteen, Sharna was chosen to represent Australia at the World Championships in both the Standard and Latin styles. Her accolades and national prominence went on to earn her the distinguished honor of performing in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games closing ceremony, a privilege and a memory she will always cherish.
In 2006 choreographer Jason Gilkison chose Sharna to go on tour with the hit dance sensation Burn The Floor, after living in London for two years following her competitive career which included collecting numerous titles around the globe and appearing in a UK tour with the theatre show Simply Ballroom. Burn The Floor was wildly successful selling in excess of four million tickets in over 30 countries and 160 cities worldwide. Sharna had the incredible privilege to tour the world with them for six years. During that time she also had guest appearances on Dancing with the Stars Australia, Dancing With The Stars USA and So You Think You Can Dance Holland. Moreover, she was the assistant choreographer to Jason Gilkison on So You Think You Can Dance USA and So You Think You Can Dance Australia for many years. In 2009 Burn The Floor landed on Broadway with Sharna as one of the lead female dancers.
Finally achieving her life long dream of doing Broadway, Sharna bid the world-renowned Great White Way a sweet adieu in 2011. After that amazing and exhilarating run with Burn The Floor, she leapt from the theatre world to the film business when she choreographed Street Dance 2 3D released in the UK, Europe, India, Australia, and Asia in 2012. She not only created some of the most electrifying Latin and Salsa scenes on film to date, but she also worked with renowned choreographers Rich + Tone Talauega to fuse those Hip Hop and Latin worlds together. This innovative unification created a whole new style and catapulted Sharna into Tinsel Town's stratosphere landing her on one of the biggest prime-time network television shows - Dancing With The Stars - after years of devotion, passion, and perseverance to her artistry and craft.
Sharna has had the privilege of dancing with celebrity partners funny man Andy Dick, football-great-turned-ESPN personality, Keyshawn Johnson, Olympian Charlie White and television host Tavis Smiley on Dancing With The Stars. Sharna was honored to be paired with wounded warrior and motivational speaker Noah Galloway on Season 20 of the show. Sharna and Noah danced their way into the hearts of America and finished in third place while inspiring millions each week.
Sharna is embarking on an exciting new adventure as she also pursues a career in hosting and acting in television and film projects. Sharna is blessed to be making her childhood dreams a reality as she lights up the stage and screen with her incredible talent.
Joan Taylor's mother, Amelia Berky, was a vaudeville singing-dancing star in the 1920s. Her father was a prop man in Hollywood during that same period, but, after Joan's birth, the family moved to Lake Forest, Illinois, where her father managed a movie theater. She developed a love of movies from watching so many at her father's theater, and she graduated from the Chicago National Association of Dancing Masters. Heading to Hollywood in 1946, she enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse. Victor Jory arranged an interview for her with producer Nat Holt, and she made her film debut in the Randolph Scott western Fighting Man of the Plains. She appeared in quite a few films over the next several years, many of them westerns. She also made many appearances on TV series, and had a recurring role in The Rifleman, but it's for two sci-fi films that she is fondly remembered by 1950s movie audiences: Earth vs. the Flying Saucers and 20 Million Miles to Earth. After her two-year stint on "The Rifleman", however, she decided to retire from films, and did so in 1963.
At the age of 11, George played the part of the boy in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot at the Theatre Royal, where he worked with Sir Patrick Stewart who taught him how to play backgammon!
Prior to this, George's other acting credits include The Bill, his first professional role.
George stars as Seb in the Disney Channel mystery adventure series Evermoor, which premiered on the Disney Channel in more than 160 countries worldwide from autumn 2014.
He also presents on the BAFTA award-winning British children's entertainment television series, Friday Download, and appears in a feature length version, Friday Download The Movie, due out in 2015.
An avid fan of music, in 2013, George guest presented on Radio 1's Chart Show.
When George isn't acting and presenting, he's into sport in a big way and enjoys going to the gym and street dance. George is an expert break-dancer and knows his hip hop from his whacking. His passion for dance led him to appear on poplar children's entertainment show, Alisha's Street Dance Stars.
George's other hobbies include magic and playing the acoustic guitar, which is his most treasured possession.
Holly Brisley is an Australian and entertainer with a career that includes; acting, presenting and voice over roles. A career highlight was the coveted role as Amanda Vale on the hit series Home and Away. Holly became one of Australia's best known actors on our TV screens five nights a week. Having started her career at Warners Bros Movie world in films; The Flood, who will save our children & Official Denial with Parker Stevenson, Holly was quickly snapped up by channel 7, who awarded her the much sought after role of roving reporter on Agro's Cartoon Connection, the nations number one kids program where she stayed for 3 years. From 1999 to 2001, Holly presented on various shows for the music country network on cable television and secured roles in Scooby Doo: The Movie; and Garage Days which was directed by Alex Proyas (I:Robot) Holly's other work includes; Escape with ET, Cheez TV, White Collar Blue, Beastmaster and Pizza (Series 3) and the iconic channel 7 hit All Saints. In early 2002 Holly was offered the role to host the Nine Network's Looney Tunes cartoon show. In 2003 Holly landed the lead role in the Australian feature-film, The Crop, for which she won 'Best Actress' at the New York Independent Film Festival in May 2005. She also played Heather Locklear's role of Sammy Jo in the Hallmark Channel's Behind the Scenes of Dynasty that same year. In 2004, Holly was once again given her own TV show called, Worlds Craziest Videos. Holly swept the floor on the second series of the acclaimed Seven Network series Dancing with the Stars in 2005. Holly made it through to the final three, impressing the judges with her talent and dancing ability. After DWTS finished Holly then went on to land the role of Amanda Vale, the resident vixen on the international smash hit TV series, Home and Away, This role allowed Holly to explore her darker and more confrontational side, she really enjoyed the journey that Amanda took her on in the two years she played the role. Holly forged great friendships with the cast and crew on the show and was happy when she reunited with them for a small return visit in 2009. Since then Holly has had roles in various other film projects and presenting roles and is extremely passionate and focused on the craft of acting.
Dmitry is recognized as one of the most distinguished Ballroom Dancers and Choreographers in The United States and around the World. A Star Professional on "Dancing With The Stars," an EMMY Nominated Choreographer for his work on "So You Think You Can Dance," and is one of America's favorite dancers.
Dmitry's Ballroom dancing career began at the age of 12 in his hometown of Rostov-on-Don in Russia. He moved to the United States in 1999 and after studying both in America and the United Kingdom, he began representing the United States at many world famous ballroom competitions. Dmitry won many of titles, becoming a National Finalist in 2006, and ultimately a semi-finalist and finalist in prestigious International global competitions.
In 2006, Dmitry's dance career took a different course - he won a place on the FOX hit TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" and became one of America's Top 10 dancers. He soon established himself as a favorite America and all around the World. This led to offers and invitations to choreograph and perform not only in the USA but many in Countries generating even more critical acclaim.
After a series of guest performances on "American Idol," Dmitry was invited as a 'special guest' to dance with Gloria Estefan on the phenomenal and EMMY winning episode "Idol Gives Back." Numerous TV offers followed, leading to special guest appearances on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kelly, Larry King Live, KTLA news, The View and many more. 2009 was a milestone year for Dmitry when he choreographed an Argentinean Tango on "So You Think You Can Dance". This earned him an EMMY Nomination for best choreography. That same year, Dmitry also became Runner Up Champion in "Dancing With The Stars" with his partner Mya, receiving a record breaking number of votes making him one of the most popular dancers on the show.
Dmitry headlined the Vegas spectacular show "Dancing with The Stars - Live!" and during this time made frequent guest appearances on TV and choreographing on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars. He was invited to perform and guest teach at many prestigious conventions and industrials, which he still does today when he has time.
He was invited to headline the new live tour of "Ballroom With A Twist" and makes frequent appearances with them all over the United States. Last year, 2013, proved to be the next exciting stage in Dmitry's career. He was not only invited to choreograph an entire episode of the FOX hit show "BONES" but seeing him work the Producers offered him the Guest Star roll of Kendrick Mann, the suspect, in the premier episode of the Season. It was the highest rating show of "Bones" that year.
Dmitry has been invited back to choreograph for the forthcoming seasons of "Dancing With The Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance". At the start of 2014 Dmitry Guest Starred on the hit ABC Family show "Baby Daddy" where he played the role of Vladimir the Ballroom expert and once again choreographed the entire episode. Recently in 2015 he Guest Starred on another ABC show "Manhattan Love Story" and later on the new Sharon Stone's series "Agent X", to be aired later this year.
Balancing a career that combines acting, dancing, choreographing, teaching, personal appearances on TV, at events and conventions across America, Dmitry is in constant demand all around the world. His high profile TV appearances have made him a highly sought after personality and has become an inspiration and motivator to many young people and future stars who, through his example, are given hope that their dreams can become real.
Carson Lee Kressley was born on 11 November 1969 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. Growing up, he was very interested in horses and owned his first pony (named Sparky) when he was five years old. Carson still loves horses and is now a world champion equestrian. In 1987, he graduated high school and went on to study at Gettysburg College from which he graduated in 1991 (magna cum laude and phi beta kappa) with degrees in Finance and Fine Arts. Following his college graduation, Carson worked as a stylist for Ralph Lauren for many years before auditioning for Queer Eye.
In 2004, after Carson's first year with "Queer Eye", the show won an Emmy for "outstanding reality program". Post "Queer Eye" Carson appeared as the critically acclaimed host of "How to Look Good Naked" and a fan favorite contestant on Dancing with the Stars 13th season. In April 2012 Shop NBC launched Carson's collection of affordable glamour wear, "Love, Carson".
Lillian Müller was born on August 19, 1951 in a small town by the sea in the South of Norway. Spending her early childhood in the financial turmoil of the post-WWII era, her determination to make something of herself was embedded deep within. Lillian spent her formative years burying her head in books, igniting an optimistic sense of reality that differentiated from the world around her. In the meantime, she blossomed into a strikingly beautiful woman who would go on to become a successful model in London, where she strutted the catwalk, graced the pages of French Vogue, and hit the stands as the "Page Three Girl" in the London Sun. After being discovered by Playboy, she moved to America and was featured as the 1976 "Playboy's Playmate of the Year". Lillian went on to become the most featured "Playmate Of The Year" in the history of the publication and has nine covers from 1975 through 1999 to her name. To date, Lillian has more than 1,000 cover stories and features in international media publications as a celebrity and supermodel.
Utilizing her beauty and charm, Lillian found herself as a desired commodity in the acting world, where she has been featured in more than 30 movies and television shows, such as Remington Steele, Starsky and Hutch, Once Upon a Spy, Eischied and Fantasy Island. Intent on perfecting the art, Lillian immersed herself in studying under talented acting teachers. Since 2009, she has been studying under Oscar Winners, Martin Landau and Mark Rydell at The Actors Studio in Hollywood, which is home to legendary actors, such as Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise. Throughout the years, Lillian has starred opposite established leading men, such as Tom Selleck on Magnum, P.I.; Tony Curtis in Some Like It Cool; Rock Hudson in Superstunt II; and Bill Cosby in The Devil and Max Devlin. She has also co-starred with Pierce Brosnan, Elliott Gould, Vincent Price, Dudley Moore, Kirstie Alley, Harry Hamlin, Dennis Hopper and Ted Danson. Most recently, Lillian has been circulating amongst Norway's mainstream media, starring in hit television shows, such as "Ja, Vi Elsker Hollywood" (Yes, We Love Hollywood - 2011), "4-Stjerners Middag" (4-Star Dining - 2011), "71 Grader Nord - Celbrity Edition" (71 Degrees North - 2010), "Skal Vi Danse" (Dancing with the Stars - 2012) and most recently, "MasterChef" (TV3, 2015)
The portrayal of Lillian as the leading female vixen in Rod Stewart's "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" music video could not stray farther from reality, as she is a walking advertisement of health and fitness. In December 2010, Lillian won PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50 title, which was well-justified, thanks to her 35 years as a vegetarian. She promotes her vegan lifestyle through her book, "Feel Great, Be Beautiful Over 40", as well as her lectures as a motivational speaker. This past half-decade, Lillian has been well received by audiences listening to her speak about health, fitness, beauty, and anti-aging. She acclaims that her youthful looks and demeanor are the product of her healthy lifestyle, as well as the fact that she has never tried tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Lillian's charismatic and informative lectures have proved to be a sensation for those she has inspired throughout the years, all over the US and Norway. Her fascinating life story, as well as her transformations from the runner-up of Miss Norway; successful fashion model; most celebrated Playmate of the Year of all time; actress; and, finally, today as a health guru and inspirational speaking leader, have all elicited immense interest culminating in the creation of her 1998 biography, "Usminket", and two documentaries, "Tillbake Hos Hef (The Lillian Müller Story - 2003)" and, more recently, "Lillian Müller- Mitt I Livet" (Lilian Müller - In the Midst of Life - 2012).
Jose Rene "J.R." Martinez is an actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker and U.S. Army veteran.
Jose Rene Martinez was born June 14, 1983 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Maria Zavala. His two sisters, Consuelo and Anabel, were raised in El Salvador with his mother's family. He never met Anabel, who died as a young child. At nine years old, J.R. moved with his mother to Hope, Arkansas, where he lived until he was 17. He then moved to Dalton, Georgia, a place he proudly calls his hometown. J.R. always loved playing football and had aspirations of becoming a pro football player, even though he was injured his junior year playing with the Bobcats in Hope. During his senior year he played strong safety for the Dalton High School Catamounts and they went on to Georgia's State Championship.
After high school, he joined the army. J.R. was proud to serve, as a way to give something back to a country that had already given so much to him and to his family. In September of 2002, J.R. underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he gained skills as an 11-B Infantryman. After reporting to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in January of 2003, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
In March of 2003, J.R. was deployed to Iraq. On April 5, less than a month into his deployment, he was driving a Humvee in Karbala when his left front tire hit a roadside bomb. The three other soldiers were ejected from the burning vehicle, but he was trapped inside and suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns to 34 percent of his body. J.R. claims that while he was fighting for his life and awaiting medical help, his sister, Anabel, appeared to him giving him the strength to live.
J.R. was evacuated to a local medic station in Iraq and then to Landstuhl, Germany, for immediate care. He spent 34 months in recovery surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Texas. He has undergone 33 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery. During recovery, a nurse asked him to speak to a burn patient, who had just seen his body for the first time and had become withdrawn. After a brief visit, the patient opened the curtain, letting light in his room and his heart. J.R. then understood the impact he had on this patient and decided to use his experience to help others. He continued to visit patients sharing his story and listening to theirs.
While J.R.'s experience was certainly life-changing, amazingly he claims this is actually a change for the better. When he does have leisure time, J.R. likes to spend it with his family, friends and his black lab, Romeo.
J.R. can be seen starring as Alfonso Rivera, a Los Angeles paramedic/firefighter and a member of the U.S. Air Force Pararescue team, in the nationally syndicated drama series "SAF3" (pronounced SAFE), which premiered September 2013 in national syndication in over 90 markets across the country. The series is being shot on location in Cape Town, South Africa, and Martinez commutes back and forth to the United States where he continues the successful motivational speaking aspect of his career.
Martinez is the author of the New York Times best-selling book "Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit," a memoir about how he took his own personal tragedy and turned it into inspiration for others. Published by Hyperion, the book came out in October 2012. J.R. was also host of the highly successful "The J.R. Martinez Show" on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles, one of the highest-rated talk radio stations in the country.
The past two years have been quite something; he and his dance partner, Karina Smirnoff, won ABC's season 13 of "Dancing With The Stars." J. R. was the cover of People Magazine, featured in their Sexiest Man Alive issue and one of the magazine's 25 Most Intriguing People of 2011. Many awards and honors have been bestowed upon him including an Ivy Award, for his work with burn survivors and disabled veterans in the entertainment community, and the 2012 National Red Cross Spirit Award. He was the recipient of the 2012 National Disabled American Veteran of the Year Award and he also received the 2012 California DAV of the Year Award.
J.R was featured on Katie Couric's 2011 ABC Special "The Year" and narrated the CNN documentary series "In America: Vets Wanted?" Talk show guest appearances include: "Access Live," "Entertainment Tonight," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "60 Minutes," "Ellen," "The View," "Good Morning America," "Dr. Oz," CNN, FOX News and Univision. He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Guidepost, Success, Salute, U.S. Veterans and DAV Magazines.
J.R. guest starred on Lifetime's "Army Wives" as a physical therapist in the season finale. He played Brot Monroe, a combat veteran who was injured in Iraq and returned home to face new challenges of civilian life, on the Emmy Award winning daytime drama "All My Children." In true Hollywood fashion, he was encouraged by a friend to go on the open casting call that AMC put out for a veteran to join the cast. After several meetings with producers he was cast and an actor was born. Due to his popularity, what started as a three month story arc, developed into a three year role.
Martinez has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker and he travels the country spreading his message of resilience and optimism. He devotes himself to showing others the true value of making the most of every situation. He is called on by a wide-range of groups including corporations, veterans groups, non-profits and schools. He is a spokesperson for Operation Finally Home, an organization that builds mortgage-free homes for disabled veterans, and he is involved with Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Rebuilding America's Warriors (R.A.W.) and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
|Jennifer D. Johnson
The multi-talented Jennifer Johnson "JJ" is a certified group fitness trainer, personal trainer, dance instructor, choreographer, and currently the underground "it girl" of dance cardio workouts. JJ has been dancing since the age of four and began her professional career at age eight performing with The Chicago City Ballet and Ruth Paige Ballet. As a professional dancer and choreographer, JJ has performed nationally and internationally with artists such as Beyoncé, Kanye West, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull, Lil Wayne, Tyrese, Amerie, Outkast, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brian McKnight, and Carlos Santana. Recently, JJ trained and choreographed for Jessica Alba in the upcoming films Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For and Dear Eleanor. JJ has also been featured in many music videos, national commercials, films and television shows, including Dancing with the Stars, MTV Video Music Awards, The American Music Awards, Fashion Rocks, and others.
JJ's passion for fitness arose after becoming captain of the NBA Washington Wizards Dance Team, where she was required to lose weight and get in the best physical shape possible. She researched and practiced health and fitness for eight years, ultimately using her experiences with dance and fitness to design the JJ Dancer Technique, a one of a kind, cutting-edge fitness program that combines dance cardio, body conditioning, calisthenics and barre technique with JJ's celebrity training secrets. JJ's love for her work is infectious and she believes in fully challenging each individual client to their absolute limits, while still keeping training extremely fun for all fitness levels. JJ is dedicated to promoting empowerment and confidence through fitness.
With over 15 years of experience, Datari Turner has worked along side some of the biggest names in entertainment including Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z, Bruce Webber, and the late Herb Ritts to name a few.
In 2011 and 2012, as a feature film producer, Datari produced a total of eleven films. Turner produced films "Another Happy Day" and "Salvation Boulevard" both premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 with "Another Happy Day" winning the prestigious Waldo Salt Award for Best Screenplay. "Another Happy Day" starred Hollywood heavy weights Demi Moore, Ellen Barkin and Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn. "Salvation Boulevard" starred Oscar Winners Marisa Tomei and Jennifer Connolly in addition to A- List veterans Pierce Brosnan and Ed Harris. Turner produced, co-starred, and wrote the film "Video Girl" starring Meagan Good and Academy Award nominee Ruby Dee. The film has developed cult following and catapulted star Meagan Good to leading lady status.
In 2012 "LUV," also produced by Turner, starring Rapper/Actor Common, Danny Glover, and Dennis Haysbert, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and opened in theaters across the country in January 2013. While working on "LUV" Turner also produced "About Cherry" starring Academy Award nominee James Franco, and Dev Petal, who starred in the Oscar winning film "Slumdog Millionaire." "About Cherry" premiered at the 62nd Annual Berlin Festival to critical acclaim. Turner then produced and starred in the popular indie comedy "Dysfunctional Friends "which premiered at both the SXSW and ABFF Film Festivals respectively. "Dysfunctional Friends" stars Turner, Meagan Good, Stacey Dash, Stacy Keibler, and NFL Icon Terrell "T.O." Owens in his acting debut. Other notable Turner produced films include the Julia Stiles, America Ferrera dark comedy "It's a Disaster" which opened in theaters in April, 2013 and was rated one of the 5 Best Independent films of 2013 by the Huffington Post.
"Kilimanjaro" starring Brian Geraghty and Abigail Spencer, and The Neil Labute film "Some Velvet Morning" starring Alice Eve and Stanley Tucci, both premiered at SXSW and the Tribeca Film Festival in 2013 respectively. Turner produced Kilimanjaro and was an Executive Producer on the Neil Labute film.
Other Turner produced films in post production are "Lap Dance" starring Briana Evigan, James Remar, Mariel Hemingway, and Omari Hardwick. And the John Stockwell thriller "Kid Cannabis."
In television Datari has produced over 50 hours of original programming for networks WE TV, BET, TvOne, Starz, and the Oxygen network. Most recent television credits include "The Ruckers: Southern Royalty" premiering on the WE Channel in 2014. Datari serves as the shows Creator and Executive Producer.
Datari resides in Beverly Hills, California and is an alum of the ABC/ Disney program. Turner is repped at CAA.
|María Elisa Camargo
Ecuadorian actress Maria Elisa Camargo knew she wanted to be an artist since childhood when she got asked from SíTV to be part of the kids show Dr. Expertus'. At 17 she moved to Bogotá where she began her studies in economics at the University of Andes. In 2005 she auditioned for El Factor X (Colombia's X Factor). After several months of auditions, she reached the main show, under the guidance of Jose Gaviria, playing tracks from artists Lara Fabian, David Bisbal and Shakira. Maria Elisa then appeared on various RCN shows, eventually landing a role on the telenovela Floricienta. After this she was hired to play Mary Joy in La Marca del Deseo (Mark of Desire) with Stephanie Cayo and Alfonso Baptista. This was her first exposure on American television, as La Marca was made by RCN for Univision, and also her first leading role and singing opportunity. In 2009 she moved to Mexico City and started auditioning in Televisa until she got her first shot in Verano de Amor (Summer of Love) in which she played Isabella, the villain of the story. She also played Monica in Hasta Que el Dinero Nos Separe (For Love or Money) with latino stars Pedro Fernandez and Itatí Cantoral. In 2010 she portrayed Kristel in Llena de Amor (Fill Me With Love) as one of the villains alongside Altair Jarabo and Azela Robinson, and this got her recognized by Telemundo, who later contracted her for a star role in "Flor Salvaje". Her real shot in Mexico and what got her in the map was Televisa's Porque el Amor Manda, prime time Telenovela starred by latino legends Fernando Colunga and Carmen Salinas. She played the hilarious villain "Patricia Zorrilla" and stole the show! It was an absolute success and this immediately got her the star status. This lead to Univision inviting her to compete as one of the stars of Mira Quien Baila (Latino version of Dancing With the Stars) showing her surprising skills as a dancer and after a month of competition, Telemundo Studios signed her as their prime time star for their next two projects: "En Otra Piel"/Part of Me (global success) and "Bajo el Mismo Cielo"(Under the Same Sky) which created a new record for Telemundo being the first show at 9pm gaining more ratings than its direct competitor, Univision. That year, Maria got invited to be a part of People en Español Magazine "50 most beautiful". She's now enjoying the popularity of her last telenovela airing now in USA and internationally, and living in L.A. to pursue English roles in TV and movies.
Malene Ostergaard began her Latin/Ballroom career at the age of 3. After having competed in and dominated Danish tournaments in her youth years, the four times Danish champion moved to Italy for new challenges. Together with her partner Stefano Moriondo, she won the world championship in latin show dance, US open two times and claimed the dancing throne in Italy as two times Italian champion. With these results, it was time for Malene to move. After Studying in Hong Kong together with dance all-stars Donnie Burns MBE and Gaynor Fairweather MBE she was able to fully exploit her potential and finished in the finals in three major international competitions of which she won two. After having achieved everything a ballroom dancer could ask for, Malene moved to USA with a goal of becoming a world known entertainer. She started studying at Margie Harber acting school and quickly got parts in several productions including major music videos and national commercials. Because of her experience and her ability to take directions, she got to work with major artists as Pitbull, JLO, Fallout Boy, Frankie J and many more. Breathtaking beauty and extreme talent are the features that made her a highly attractive character among producers and directors. This attractive combination is one of the main reasons why producers have hired Malene to dance on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars US and twice in Dancing with the Stars in Denmark.
Melissa Pastrana as a child model/performer was in 12 "Star Style Magazines" alongside Jessica Sutta from the "PussyCat Dolls". She was picked for the Univision Network "Sabado Gigante" at an early age, and never missed an opportunity to appear in local TV commercials. Her main focus for 23 years has been professional dancing and choreography and as a"Thespian" in High School and as a full scholarship student in the BFA Performing Arts program at New World School of the Arts. She has trained with legendary artists in history books such as Twyla Tharp, Daniel Lewis who worked under the renown Jose Limon, Edward Villella who worked along side George Balanchine, 5 time Emmy winning Director Jerry Zacks, among other nominated directors who have continued to push her skills to a whole new level. She was first discovered as an adult in show biz by Liberman Broadcasting, after they searched 6 states They made Melissa Pastrana a Series regular. Melissa Pastrana was Season 1 Winner of a Reality Television show similar to "Dancing with the Stars' In Spanish channel and she won by 4 Million Fan Votes. Featuring her in People Magazine 7 times, Yahoo News, Google TV among other publications nationwide and international. She has performed in Music Videos with Nicky Minaj, Chris Brown, Principal Dancer/Actor for One Direction, Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, Drake, Elvis Crespo, Fatman Scoop... just to name a few. Although Melissa Pastrana has been acting since a child, she merged her extensive stage experience with TV/Film after working with international Latin celebrities with. In a short amount of time Melissa Pastrana co-starred with Oscar Nominated actor Said Faraj opposite Matt Damon in "Green Zone" as well as with John Newton from the popular television show "Melrose Place". Melissa finds the time to give back to society through charities, foundations and various causes such as One Billion Rising against women being abused in other countries, "Hear the Runway" Foundation to promote self-esteem to deaf individuals, Breast Cancer events, "Love Can" Campaign awareness to stop children in hunger etc. Melissa Pastrana received a full scholarship in the MFA Filmmaking/Directing program at New York Film Academy, which is one of the top film schools in the world where Guest Speakers such as Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman have not only taken their children to learn but also recommend aspiring filmmakers all over the world to get training.
Russian actor, singer, musician and winner of Russian "X-factor" and "Dancing with the stars" is Russia's rising star. His skills have brought him to the point of signing a contract with world famous music producer - RedOne - with major hits for Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Usher, JLo and many others on his repertoire. RedOne's new star will be presented to the European audience at the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, representing Russia.
Born into a large family in the city of Tula - Alexey was a child prodigy; winning every singing and dancing competition he ever entered. Though from a very poor family and required to work hard from a very young age; his parents believed in his talent and made every effort to enable Alexey's music studies. Little Alex loved music as much as soccer, but his music career got the upper hand after winning numerous Russian and international music contests as accordionist.
At the age of 16 Alexey graduates in music at the College of the Arts, specializing on the accordion. He follows by graduating in vocals at Gnesins Jazz College. He is also awarded the Gold Medal for singing by winning Russian Delphic Games of Art.
17 year old Alexey heads for Moscow where he adds another trophy to his collection by winning the Russian version of the X-factor. His road to fame continues when he becomes the star of MTV comedy "Dreams of Alice" and in 2007 he gets the Russian MTV Music Award "Discovery of the Year".
After his graduation in 2008 from Moscow Jazz College, he decides to continue his studies at the famous acting school - Moscow Art Theater (MHAT), founded by the legendary Stanislavsky.
Alexey is currently the only young Russian star that has successfully combined a singing and acting career. At the age of 23, Alexey has already starred in 14 movies and written 11 soundtracks for Russian films.
Also providing great athletic skills, Alexey went through special stunt training and now makes his own stunts in all his movies. This includes such stunts as; jumps from the17th floor, car stunts and burning.
His great; competitive spirit, athletic abilities and passion for the extreme - were on display as he made great performances in two extreme TV shows on Russian television: "The Amazing Race" and "Wipe Out". His innate courage and strong willpower makes him fight for victory under all and any circumstances. This year, with a broken arm and heavily injured knee, he made a spectacular victory in the Russian version of "Dancing with the Stars" - the TV show "Ice and Fire", skating and dancing together with Tatyana Navka - Olympic Champion figure skater.
Throughout his life Alexey has showed the young generation that a; healthy lifestyle and positive mental attitude is a recipe for success. In December 2007 Alexey was appointed Good Will Ambassador to the United Nations and currently is responsible for all Anti-AIDS Programs in Russia under jurisdiction of U.N.F.P.A.. He also represents and supports Anti-AIDS Programs for school children "Dance For Life".
Alexey has released ten radio singles and music videos, he also released an album written and produced entirely by himself. In 2011 Alexey starts working on his new album in cooperation with RedOne and clarifies his name to the international market - Alex Sparrow.
Chiquinquira Delgado better known as "Chiqui" is a renowned and experienced international Venezuelan actress and TV host/presenter. Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, it was in Caracas where she developed her artistic career. Her beauty, elegance, and intelligence led her to participate in the Miss Venezuela pageant in 1990 where she was first runner up, allowing her to becomes part of her country's runways and later to become a television personality where her first important job was as a host on "TV Time". By 1993 she became the face/image of the number one network in her country, Venevisión, and continued to be so for many years, becoming one of the most charismatic personalities in show business.
She started her career in major soap operas in 1999 with the melodrama "Calypso". By the year 2000 she was designated the image of Sony Entertainment Television. She played leading roles in soap operas "Cosita Rica" and "Mambo y Canela", to mention a few. She has also been a leading personality in music videos for major International Latin singers Luis Miguel and Alejandro Fernández.
Important brands in the beauty industry have selected Chiqui to represent their brand image, such as Pantene, L'Oreal, Wen and Nivea. Other brands she has worked with are Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Zulia Lottery, and Occidental Bank.
In her role as an entrepreneur in Venezuela she launched her line of beauty products "Chiqui" which sold nationwide and was very successful. Her experience on television, her connection with women, and her incredible charisma made the "Chiqui" brand a household name.
Grateful for all the goals she achieved in her country, five years ago (2010) she embarked on a new course to the United States in order to continue to grow professionally when the number one Hispanic TV Network Univision hired her to host of the show "Mira Quien Baila" (Dancing with the Stars equivalent). Since then she has also become the main host of the #1 rated show on the network "Nuestra Belleza Latina" (2014, 2015) and has conducted other top-rated shows on Univision such as Sábado Gigante (Variety Show on Saturday evenings prime time), El Gordo y la Flaca (Entertainment Show, daily show in the afternoon) Despierta América (Good Morning America equivalent, daily morning show) which has aired daily in the United States for over 15 years. Also, live from Las Vegas she hosted the green carpet at the "Night of Stars". She has been a red carpet host for the past four years for the Latin Grammys.
Her career in the US has skyrocketed and in 2012 achieved her crossover when she was invited to work on one of the top-rated prime time shows on CBS "Entertainment Tonight" where she interviewed top celebrities, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry and Sophia Vergara to name a few. This past year she worked on a new sitcom series called "Hitstreak" which can be viewed online.
Chiqui enters the field of fashion in 2015 when she is asked to collaborate with the David Lerner brand to develop and launch "Chiqui Delgado" by David Lerner.
Chiqui has been on the cover of and featured in numerous magazines in the US, including: Cosmopolitan, People in Español, Buenhogar, Vanidades, and many others. The editors, aside from following her career, have also featured her as a leading role model for the woman of today, because her influence and knowledge of the beauty world have a positive impact on readers.
She has shared her achievements throughout her career by helping many charities including: St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Telecorazón (Venezuela), Amigos for Kids and Socievent (Organization for Deaf Children). She also hosts major top charity benefits, Telethon USA and Telethon Mexico.
Chiqui's commitment to her artistic profession in Latin America and the United States has consolidated her as one of the most promising Hispanic stars in Television and Publicity within the US market.
Lisa Nunziella Alumbra Films Producer/Choreographer
A complete dancer and choreographer by the time she became a teenager, Lisa was the constant companion of her mother as they frequented the many Salsa nightclubs in New York City. Her extraordinary physical skills opened doors for her as a dancer not easily attainable for most. By the 1980's it wasn't a surprise to those who knew her that she had competed and won the biggest television cash prize on the forbearer to shows like "American Idol" and "Dancing With The Stars", a show entitled "Star Search", hosted by Tonight Show with Johnny Carson co-host Ed McMahon. Soon after she works with director/choreographer Kenny Ortega on the television version of the classic motion picture "Dirty Dancing". After stints on "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" "Beverly Hills 90210," and many others, the doors burst open and Lisa found herself starring in mega shows in Las Vegas and Europe.
Soon Hollywood beckoned and when director Chuck Russell needed someone to stunt double for Cameron Diaz in the now iconic jitterbug dance sequence with superstar comic actor Jim Carrey in "The Mask", it was Lisa Nunziella he called. The same applied when David Zucker needed her special acrobatic skills in "Naked Gun 21/2".
Her skills as a dancer lent perfectly to the artistic wishes of such music superstars as Earth, Wind & Fire, Cher, Babyface and Steve Winwood. Her visual genius did not go unnoticed by another visual savant, Prince. Where she danced beautifully in the music video of his classic song "Diamonds and Pearls".
Now a businesswoman of considerable artistic vision and drive, she partners with filmmaker Franc. Reyes, (Empire, Illegal Tender), himself a former dancer/choreographer who toured Europe with Lisa, and Alumbra Films is born. Now fully prepared to bring her strengths to the production side of the camera, it will be no surprise to those who have experienced Lisa Nunziella that success will surely follow.
Carolina Pampillo is a successful TV/film/theatre Latin actress with European looks and singer/songwriter, recently relocated to the US. Venezuelan born with European ancestry, she was raised in Buenos Aires Argentina where she developed her artistic career since a young age. She studied in an English school (speaks English with an European accent). Trained in martial arts, she's a black belt in Kung-Fu and was previously trained as a dancer, figure ice-skater, gymnastics and aerialist. She has parlayed her passion for performance into a commercially successful and critically acclaimed career with award nominations for musical theatre. Additionally, she's a stunt person and she has experience in motion capture and shooting on green screen. Carolina has worked on action feature film, numerous hit TV series, prime time series and soap operas like "Farsantes"(prime time soap opera), "Chiquititas" (7 Seasons children TV series), "Los Simuladores" (2 Seasons, Golden Martin Fierro Award), "Boyando" (Sit com), "Floricienta" (2 Season soap opera-comedy), "Pasaporte a la Fama" (TNT Latin America) and many others, having a big success in South America and Israel. Her work on films includes the leading role of Geminis in the action feature film "La Gran Sangre". She was invited to TV shows like "Showmatch" (Dancing with the stars) or Muchmusic (Latin America). She also modeled for major brands all over the world. Her work on stage, for which she has been nominated for ACE and Hugo Awards, includes leading roles as Inga in the Argentinean productions of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein", "Dracula", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "My Fair Lady". Also she was cast by Broadway directors for the Spanish version of "Mamma Mia". As a songwriter she produced her album "Sindhu Mantras" (availble on iTunes) and she's producing her new musical project under the name "Sindhu" produced by Canadian Tim Thorney. She currently lives in Los Angeles and she's been training at Ivana Chubbuck's acting studio in WeHo.
A former Radio City Rockette and dancer for Kanye West and Beyoncé Knowles, Keltie Colleen has brought her talents in front of the camera as a correspondent for CBS's Omg! Insider. Keltie began her broadcasting career hosting an episode of CMT's CMT Hot 20 Countdown, as a publicity stunt to promote "The Radio City Christmas Spectacular". Soon after, Colleen became the music host for "LiveNation". She has served as a host and expert on a variety of TV and top events, including US Weekly's 2012 Emmy Awards livestream, Bravo's The Millionaire Matchmaker, "Dancing with the Stars Afterparty", and ABC's "Duets Afterparty". Keltie has interviewed countless icons of the music world, including Pink, Miley Cyrus, Psy, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.
Keltie's blog has an impressive global following and extremely loyal fan base, with a readership of over 4 million views, monthly. Known as a tastemaker for emerging trends, Keltie's extensive online reach has afforded her with unique opportunities in the entertainment industry, where she has been able to work with major brands across a variety of platforms.
Additionally, Keltie is also the author of a book entitled "Rockettes, Rockstars and Rockbottom", in which she discusses her life, dance and rock 'n roll. Keltie was recently named one of Vans 2013 Culture Ambassadors and is one of Stila Cosmetics "Stila Girls". Keltie is a tireless and passionate supporter of "To Write Love On Her Arms", a non-profit organization that aims to help young people dealing with self-harm, suicide and depression. Her collection for dance clothing line, "Sugar and Bruno", has been worn on Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, The Bachelor and has been featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, Dance Retailers News and Dance Magazine.
Keltie Colleen currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Jamaican born Sharon Ferguson is an accomplished Actress, Singer, and Dancer. She has appeared in films, T.V. shows, commercials, music videos, live stage performances, and magazine ads and articles.
Sharon's film credits include supporting acting roles in "Blue Lagoon", "Quarantine", "Just Go With It" and Shakespeare's "H4" as well as lead roles in "The Bloody Indulgent" and "The Algerian". You can also see her in "Austin Powers III" with Mike Meyers and Beyonce, "Shall We Dance" with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere, "Along Came Polly" with Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston, and "My Life In Idlewild" with Outkast, to name a few. She also won the "Best Actress in a Short Film" Award at The Action on Film Festival for her starring role as Eve in the film "Theogony".
Her television credits include roles on Grays Anatomy, Glee, Hart of Dixie, Suburgatory, Alias, and The District, as well as her recurring role as the Primitive, the First Slayer on Buffy The Vampire Slayer series directed and produced by Joss Whedon.
She has been featured in music videos as a dancer with some of the world's greatest artists including Prince, No Doubt, Will Smith, George Michael, P-Diddy and Rod Stewart.
There is rarely a time when you can turn on your television and not see Sharon in a commerical. Some of these are: Super Bowl 2010 Bridgestone Tires, Chevy Auto, Tropicana, Sprite, 7-Up, Desani Water, Viactiv, McDonalds, Coors Lite, Opel, Toyota, Kahlua, Miller Lite, Imodium, Mercedes Benz, Minute Maid, GMC Auto, Burger King, and Warehouse Music.
She has performed live on stage for Dancing With The Stars, the Grammy Awards, Motown Live, MTV Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards, VHI Music and Fashion Awards, and the American Music Awards with the likes of Prince, Macy Gray, Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, and Ricky Martin.
She has worked in the dynamic world of Los Angeles Live Shows, from Prince's Erotic City and the Pussy Cat Dolls to Strutter Cabaret, Cherry Boom-Boom and The Zodiac Party.
She has also done modeling work for national magazines in print ads for Oil of Olay and Crystal Lite, as well as featured editorials for Code and Drink Magazine. Sharon has modeled for Reebok, Adidas and was a guest model for Roberto Cavalli in a televised live fashion show in San Remo, Italy.
As a voiceover artist, her distinct sultry vocals have represented Reebok, Sketchers, Sebastian, and Obermeyer.
At the age of 18, Becca Sweitzer traveled from Michigan to Los Angeles to find success as a dancer & choreographer. She found that success very quickly and has been a sought after talent ever since her arrival. She is is incredibly versatile and can move from styles such as jazz to ballet to tap to hip hop with much ease but is probably best known for her sexy, edgy style.
As a dancer, Becca has worked in every medium of entertainment. She has appeared with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Katharine McPhee and Christina Aguilera-including the iconic music videos "What A Girl Wants" and "Come On Over". Her film credits include Hairspray, Austin Powers 3, Tropic Thunder and Behind the Candelabra. She has appeared on The Academy Awards, The Primetime Emmys, Dancing With The Stars, Glee, Smash, Cold Case and AGT. Her extensive stage experience includes industrial work for Apple, HP, Asics and Nike and she was also a member of the original Los Angeles cast of Rock of Ages. Oh, and rumor has it she was also a Laker Girl....
Becca also always had a goal of being behind the camera and has been able to parlay her performing experience into a successful choreography career. She is known for the infectious Sensa Weight Loss dance commercials and has done other commercial work for products such as Chrysler, Uggs and Just Fab featuring Avril Lavigne. A big highlight of her career was working with the Academy Award nominated & Golden Globe winning actress, Chloe Sevigny on the feature film, Barry Munday. Her choreography has been seen on television shows such as Disney's hit show "Jessie", Hart of Dixie, 90210, America's Got Talent, and CMT's Your Chance to Dance. She has also been an associate choreographer on multiple Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
Becca's music video credits include: Hinder ("All American Nightmare"), Raphael Saadiq ("Staying in Love" & "Stone Rollin") and Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros ("40 Day Dream"). Most recently, she choreographed a video for Scissor Sisters called "Shady Love" which was an official selection of the 2012 LA Film Festival. Becca is also the creator and choreographer of the hot new club show "Frisky Honey" which is a night of sexy, thrilling dance set to a soundtrack of 70's classic rock.
Aarti Chabria began modeling at 3 years of age. She was the Farex Baby, and appeared in over 300 commercials including Maggi Noodles, Pepsodent tooth paste, Clean and Clear face wash, Amul Frostick ice cream, LML Trendy Scooter, Krack Cream.
After completing her education, Chabria shot to fame when she was crowned "Miss India Worldwide 2000" in November 1999 being the youngest amongst 22 Indian contestants from all over the world.
She then appeared in the music videos - "Harry Anands" Teri Chaahat Mein, "Sukhwinder Singh's" Nasha Hi Nasha Hai, "Adnan Sami's" Roothe Hue Hai Kyo (from album Tera Chehra) and another by "Avdhoot Gupte" Madhubala
Her debut Bollywood film was Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai (2002) which did fairly well at the box office,and the music of which was a super hit, but before that she appeared in a cameo role in a telefilm called Akansha in 1989 as a child artist and Lajja in 2001 as Danny Denzongpa's daughter opposite Sharman Joshi.
She then worked with some of the best names in the industry in films like Awara Paagal Deewana (2002) opposite Akshay Kumar,directed by Vikram Bhutt which was a super hit at the box office and for which Aarti received a lot of acclaim and rave reviews for her role as Chiman Chappus daughter, a NRI tapori in love with an underworld don "Guru Gulab Khatri". Following that there was Raja Bhaiya (2003) opposite Govinda where she essayed the role of a girl who looses her memory and has a mental level of a 5 year old. Shaadi No 1 (2005) as a hot diva opposite Fardeen Khan directed by David Dhawan. Ssukh (2006) opposite Govinda where she played a multi layered character. Teesri Aankh (2006) Directed by Harry Baweja. She even did a special appearance in a film called Partner (2007) which was a box office hit directed by David Dhawan. Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) Directed By Apoorva Lakhia and Produced by Sanjay Gupta was a super hit in which Aarti played a muslim girl "Tannu" who's a bar dancer in love with an underworld gangster played by Tushar Kapoor.Both her item songs from the film "Unke Nashein mein" and "Mere Yaar" were super hits. Daddy Cool (2009) A film by Inder Kumar, opposite Suniel Shetty as a christian housewife. Dus Tola (2013) opposite Manoj Bajpayee where Aarti played a village belle Suvarnalata Shastri in love with a Gold and a Goldsmith which got her a lot of critical acclaim for her performance in this author-backed role. Aarti left a mark with her performance in Telugu and Kannada movies as well which got her popularity in the South Indian Film Industry with films like.Okariki Okaru , Gopi Godameda pilli , Intlo Shreemati Veedhilo Kumari (remake of Priyadarshans hindi film Hungama) , Aham Premasmi Directed by Ravichandra , Santha opposite Shiv Raj Kumar, Rajni opposite Upendra.
Aarti was hugely appreciated as "Preeto" in a Punjabi Movie Viyah 70 kms which released in Sept 2013
She was the winner of the fourth season of Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2011.
Aarti has also studied Film Making at the New York Film Academy in New York in 2012.
Aarti participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (season 6) 2013 (which is the Indian version of Dancing with the Stars) and was praised for her performances by all three judges for her sincerity, perfection in dance style, grace, and beauty. She was injured on the show, but still continued with true competitive spirit without giving up.
Aarti is known to be a dancer and mimic who performs live as well as comperes shows with élan.
She was also seen in the latest Kalyan jewels advertisement with Mr Amitabh Bachchan.
Jordi Caballero's passion for acting, the performing arts and the American way led him to the U.S. to pursue a career in acting and the performing arts where he earned a BFA in acting at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, Stella Adler Conservatory.
Among Jordi's notable film credits is his acclaimed role as Captain Madrid in "I Witness", opposite Jeff Daniels and James Spader, which landed him a Best Supporting Actor Nomination at the 2003 Method Fest Film Festival in Los Angeles. Jordi's captivating style and ability to truly embrace his characters have earned him key guest-starring roles spanning a range of hit TV shows such as Grimm, CSI Miami, Justified, Sex and the City, Rules of Engagement, Brothers and Sisters, The Unit and The Shield, among many others.
Influenced by the TV show "Fame" during his childhood, Jordi was inspired to hone his "triple threat" skills between the performing arts, dance and choreography which led him to work with top musical celebrities such as Cher, The Spice Girls and Tony Bennett, as well as through stage performances on widely broadcast television productions including The Annual Academy Awards and Dancing with the Stars. His talents have been enlisted by film director veterans such as Rob Reiner and Chris Columbus among many other film and television directors and producers. He has received two Nominations as Best Choreographer from the prestigious American Choreography Awards.
Jordi's deep understanding of entertainment media and the performing arts combined with his international savvy and embrace of varying cultures and languages, serves as his foundation to connect with ever-growing diverse audiences through a universal language.
|Ruby Rose Turner
Ruby Rose Turner was born October 16, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. Ruby is an actress, dancer, singer and model who began her professional career at the age of 7 as a dancer on an episode of Univision Miami's longest running hit TV show, Sabado Gigante. Ruby was a competitive dancer for four years winning several small group National Champion award titles prior to working in the entertainment industry. She has also appeared on ABC's Dancing With The Stars in a special live performance promoting the modern day "Annie" movie alongside child actress Quvenazhane Wallis. Ruby has appeared in numerous National and International Television Commercials. Ruby has a true passion for theatre and performed at The Pasadena Playhouse for two holiday seasons with Lythgoe Family Productions and their American Panto Productions of Aladdin and Sleeping Beauty. Ruby has modeled for Wells Fargo, Under Armour, Isobella and Chloe, and numerous tween clothing brands under fashion retailer Mod Angel. Ruby has danced and modeled on the runway at Otis Parsons annual Fashion benefit show at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Ruby is the second oldest of four children.
Azra Akin (December 8, 1981, Almelo/Holland) She has won Elite Model Look Turkey in 1998 and entitled to attend in Elite Model Look International which she qualified for the first 15 and became a finalist. In 2002 she has won Miss Turkey title and same year entitled to attend Miss World Contest and she has won Miss World title. She brought that title to Turkey second times after Keriman Halis in 1932. In 2003 she has attended "The Games" reality show with her Miss World title which was broadcasted in England Channel 4 and she won the show. In 2004 she was the face of Turkey International Tourism Campaign. Same year, she has started her acting career with the TV Series "Yagmur Zamani" and continued with 'Oyun Bitti', 'Ruzgar' 'Ayrilik', 'Genis Aile', 'M.U.C.K.' She has started her Cinema Career in 2005 with the movie "Anlat Istanbul" and continues with guess star in "Ilk Ask" 2006, "Pespese" 2010, and "Cilek" which will be on theaters in 2014. She also take place in the theatre play called "72. Kogus". In 2011 she has won the competition called Dancing With The Stars, held for the first time in Turkey. Next year she was awarded being a jury member in the new episodes of the same competition. She has been the face of many Turkish and International brands such as Avon, Pepsi, Pantene, Avea, Arcelik and the TVC's have shown along Turkey and in many other countries which she is well known.
Besides her charity works which she did for one year all around the world when she has won the Miss World title, in 2012 she was elected fort he face and voice of UNFPA Turkey Office Violence Against Women.
She can speak Turkish, English, Dutch and German fluently.
Emmanuel was born in South Africa, where he grew up in the city of Johannesburg. As the son of Greek parents, Mike Castis and Maro Castis,he discovered a love for acting and performance at a very young age in kindergarten when he performed in nativity plays in the Greek language.
However, it wasn't till later after he overcame his distraction of trying to save the natural universe from extinction, that a teacher of his suggested he study Drama. That lead him to study Drama at The University of The Witwatersrand,where he graduated with a postgraduate degree.
His Debut professional performance was as 'Lennox' in 'Macbeth', but his breakthrough came in 1999, where he was cast to play a groundbreaking role in the daily series 'Isidingo'. Where he won a 2004 People Magazine Crystal Award for Best Actor in a soap series.
As the lead male protagonist in popular Drama series 'Erfsondes' he gained two Best Actor in a Drama series nominations,two years in a row, for The SAFTA awards (The South African Film and Television Awards)
Emmanuel is a household name in South Africa, and many parts of Africa,playing various roles on various series and also winning a celebrity reality competition, 'Strictly Come Dancing' (2008) the South African version of 'Dancing with The Stars'
He has appeared in international series, "Wild at Heart' BBC and 'Black Sails' Starz.
He has appeared in a few films, 'Cryptid', 'Eternity' and 'Tremors 5: Bloodlines', and he toured the world, in a touring cast of the Broadway hit musical 'Jersey Boys', as one of the leads 'Nick Massi'. Here he received great critical acclaim and a nomination for best actor in a musical for The Naledi Theatre Awards in South Africa.
Emmanuel is also an accomplished singer and released an Album in 2008 "South of Nowhere', he soft released the single 'Stop Running' in 2011 and is releasing the latest single 'Alive' end of 2015.
|Brent Ryan Green
Director and Producer Brent Ryan Green founded Toy Gun Films and has since produced the short film En Tus Manos in Colombia, and produced and directed the short films Paper Flower in Japan, Half Good Killer in South Africa, and Running Deer in Oklahoma, which stars Boo Boo Stewart (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Twilight Saga film series) and Q'orianka Kilcher (The New World.) The short films have won over 40 awards.
Green is the producer of the three-year production of The Lumo Project, a four-part film series portraying the retelling of 100AD. The series is narrated by Brian Cox (The Bourne Identity, Troy) and David Harewood (Homeland, Blood Diamond.) Green is also an Executive Producer on Dylan Baker's directorial debut, 23 Blast. The Audience Award-winning film at the 2013 Heartland Film Festival stars Alexa Vega (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Spy Kids.) He also is an Associate Producer on Martin Scorsese's next film Silence starring Liam Neeson, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver.
Additionally, Green produced his feature film directorial debut, The Veil, which tells the story of a warrior who turns on his own empire and rises to the defense of an oppressed civilization in a final war for a dying world. The Veil stars William Levy (Dancing with the Stars), William Moseley (The Chronicles of Narnia film series) and Serinda Swan (Tron: Legacy, USA's Graceland).
Journalist Adela Rogers St. Johns once dubbed Lina Basquette "The Screen Tragedy Girl." In retrospect, Lina's private life bore a similar description. While six of her eight marriages ended up "I Don'ts" (she was widowed twice), she would also have to contend with a flurry of legal confrontations, stormy affairs and suicide attempts. Once she gave a fond farewell to her entertainment career in the late 1930s, her life literally went to the dogs.
The full-faced, raven-haired California-born actress was christened Lena Baskette, the daughter of Frank Baskette, a drug store owner. Lina trained in dance while very young and at the San Francisco World's Fair of 1915, the eight-year-old was featured as a baby ballerina for the Victor Talking Machine Company's exhibition. Movie maker Carl Laemmle saw her perform and signed her to a long-term contract with his Universal Pictures company at $50 a week. Lina headlined her very own short programs, the "Lena Baskette Featurettes," between 1916-1917, and also garnered young leads in a number of full-length features including What Love Can Do, Shoes, A Prince for a Day, The Weaker Vessel and, more notably, Penrod.
In 1916, Lena's father died and mother Gladys remarried. Gladys and her new husband, dance director Ernest Belcher, had a daughter together who became Lena's half-sister and future dancing star Marge Champion. Lena's mother was an avid stage mother and eventually, with Belcher's help, managed to prod Lena into the Ziegfeld Follies of 1923. She stayed with the Follies for a couple of years. Billed third as "America's Prima Ballerina," Lena's marquee name was changed to the more exotic spelling of "Lina Basquette." Her act was caught by the legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who offered to take on Lina as her protégée. Lina's mother nixed the offer, wishing to make bigger bucks for her daughter with the Follies and other shows, Texas Guinan's notorious speakeasies notwithstanding.
At age 18, Lina married 38-year-old Warner Bros. mogul Sam Warner. Lina greatly influenced Warner to pursue sound pictures and even encouraged him to star Al Jolson in The Jazz Singer. Sam died unexpectedly at age 40 of a brain hemorrhage the night before the film's premiere. This heartbreak jump-started an avalanche of problems for Lina. She not only became embroiled in a series of legal battles with her in-laws over her husband's estate, she lost custody of her daughter Lita in the process. She would not see her daughter for another 30 years. This crisis led to Lina's first attempt at suicide.
Lina valiantly returned to films and made such silents as Ranger of the North, The Noose and Wheel of Chance, while scoring two noteworthy roles in Frank Capra's The Younger Generation and Cecil B. DeMille's The Godless Girl. In the latter she played an avowed atheist. This powerful film should have made Lina a sultry star had it not been released as a silent film right at the advent of talkies.
Within a very short time Lina married twice more -- a quickie union to cameraman J. Peverell Marley, and in 1931 the widow (once again) of third husband, actor Ray Hallam, who suddenly died at the age of 26 after only a few months of wedded bliss. Lina subsequently started up a highly publicized affair with famed boxer Jack Dempsey. Their stormy breakup led to her second suicide try and a rebound marriage to his personal trainer Theodore Hayes in December of 1931. This fourth marriage was not valid as it was discovered that Hayes was already married. The couple remarried in 1933 and had a son, Edward Alvin, in 1934 before divorcing the following year.
At this juncture Lina's private life received more interest from the public than her films. Her career had down-sized to "B" westerns opposite such stars as Buck Jones and Hoot Gibson and a few mellers here and there. After touring the stages of Australia, New Zealand and various South African cities in the plays "Private Lives," "Black Limelight" and "Idiot's Delight" in 1938 and 1939, and after appearing in the films Rose of the Rio Grande, Four Men and a Prayer and A Night for Crime, she called it quits.
Misfortune, however, continued to follow her. In August of 1943 she brought up assault and rape charges against a 22-year-old Army GI. The soldier was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in the brig. Completely retired, she found emotional solace with her new post-war profession -- the breeding and handling of Great Danes. In 1949, she became the owner of Honey Hollow Kennels, a 25 acre estate in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There she bred and raised champion dogs for best-in-shows and also became a respected judge. More marriages came and fell by the wasteside and at least one of her later unions lost out to an either/or ultimatum with her Great Danes. Lina also wrote the non-fiction book "Your Great Dane" in 1972. She moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1975 and lived there until her death of lymphoma at age 87 on September 30, 1994.
Out of nowhere, the octogenarian grandmother had one last chance to bask in the limelight when she was touchingly cast as Nada in Daniel Boyd's independent feature Paradise Park playing an Appalachian trailer park granny who dreams that God is coming and granting a wish on all its residents. The film also featured country music stars Porter Wagoner and Johnny PayCheck. Boyd had met the actress at a West Virginia film festival.
Alec Mazo is best known for being the winner of the first season of "Dancing with the Stars" with Kelly Monaco. He has toured with "Dancing with the Stars" and was featured in the fitness section of the new book. He is a 5 time US National Finalist. Alec has been in movies "Dance With Me" and "Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons". He performed in commercials "Kay Jewelers" and "Ipod". Recently he was featured in the new "Seal" video and the hit NBC series "Heroes". Alec, together with Edyta, produced instructional fitness DVDs "Dancing like the Pros" and "Fitness with the Pros". Alec and Edyta run their dance school Genesis Ballroom in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Born in Russia, Alec moved to the United States when he was 12 years old. His parents opened a dance school (Genesis DanceSport) in 1994 and Alec started managing it when he was 16. Alec studied at Berkeley University and received a bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with emphasis on Psychology.
Mark Sinacori was born on August 16th, 1982 in Lawrence, Mass. He attended the Rollins School, Holy Trinity School, and Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Merrimack College in North Andover where he majored in English, and moved to Los Angeles in 2005 when he was accepted into UCLA's Professional Screenwriting Program.
In 2007, Mark became a Page at CBS and worked on many shows that filmed in Hollywood such as Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, and The Price Is Right. At The Price Is Right, he always entertained the audience members outside in line, got them to sing to pass the time, and pepped them up both outside and inside the studio. Working at The Price Is Right was Mark's most memorable moment out of everything he has worked in Los Angeles in Television and Film. Working there, he was asked to be at the show for many behind the scenes events and special occasions during Bob Barker's final season, including practice run throughs with the potential hosts who auditioned to replace Bob Barker such as Mario Lopez and George Hamilton. Mark had a lot of fun as a mock contestant several different times, working alongside these celebrities as they learned the games. Mark even got to work Bob Barker's final taped show, and while outside getting the audience ready and pepped up, the former producer at the time, Roger Dobkowitz, who was outside visiting the audience in line, commended Mark for always getting the audience energetic and to always cheer for Bob each time he worked the show.
Since 2007, Mark's focused on acting, and was not only featured on shows such as Glee, Grey's Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives, but also had starring and supporting parts in several independent films and decided to start making films of his own. Since 2010, Mark has taken an extensive amount of classes for acting, including on camera classes, cold reading classes, and commercial classes.
In 2014, Mark got back into working with audiences when he became an audience page again, and has worked in many studios all over Los Angeles including Warner Bros., Sony, Manhattan Beach Studios, and Los Angeles Center Studios, greeting and processing audiences for many different sitcoms and television shows including Mike & Molly, Mom, Two Broke Girls, American's Funniest Home Videos, Girl Meets World, and Fuller House. In 2015 at Fuller House, Mark would create a Full House inspired quiz for the audience before the taping, getting them familiar with the original series and ready for the taping of the revival series.
Ever since Mark did his Full House trivia at Fuller House with the shows audience waiting in line in 2015, he also did classic TV trivia and other trivia for other shows he's worked on with the audiences in line who attended them. Shows Mark has done TV trivia out in line with their audiences as they waited to enter the studio have included not only Fuller House, but also Undateable, The Ranch, 2 Broke Girls, and Girl Meets World. Mark, as a page, always goes the extra mile outside in line, remembering that from his days at The Price Is Right, whenever he or any pages would interact with the audience in any way, it made their experience more fun by them being unique and hospitable. Mark's style has changed since his days of paging at The Price Is Right as it's more relaxed, but his greeting the audience still contains equal amounts of energy as it did back in 2007, and at times, TV trivia!
Shirley Olivia Mills was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1926 and moved to southern California while still a child.
She became the star of an independent movie which achieved great fame titled Child Bride (1938)when she was 12 years old which she describes in detail on her "official" website on a separate page devoted to memories of that movie along with still photos of it. Other pages on the site are devoted to The Grapes Of Wrath (1940) and also Nine Girls (1944), additional movies where she was a movie actress in featured roles.
Mills had extensive training in performing arts prior to her first movie star appearance in 1938, and those skills figured importantly in her success, which included great discipline and professionalism from a very young age in areas of dancing, declamation, recitation, and public speaking.
She became an accomplished dancer, and appeared in World War II era movies with the "Jivin' Jacks And Jills" dance group in seven movies as a "Jivin Jill" dancer. She worked with then very young Donald O'Connor who emerged as a teen dance star in the early 1940s in "B" dance movies.
Mills appeared in major Hollywood studio movies through the 1940s and into the 1950s, during which decade she also appeared on major network television programs.
She appeared and acted with major Hollywood actors including Henry Fonda, Errol Flynn, Shirley Temple, Donald O'Connor, and the Andrews Sisters.
She appeared in movies directed by major Hollywood studio directors including John Ford (who won the Best Director Academy Award for The Grapes Of Wrath in which Shirley Mills appeared as "Ruthie Joad"), Michael Curtiz, Alfred Hitchcock, George Cuckor, Alan Dwan, Charles Burton, Andre De Toth, George Marshall, William Castle, and Joseph Kane.
In addition to her career as a movie child and teen star, Mills also worked as a professional dancer, photo and advertising model for Coca-Cola, Russell Stover Candies, and many other companies. She appeared on magazine covers often during the 1940s, and went on to work as a night club performer, stage personality, and as a marketing and public relations sales specialist for computer data processing services in the early 1960s. She was one of the earliest women who became prominent in the computer data processing field.
Later, she became an independent business woman and started a Bel Air, California based company specializing in party and social event planning called "A Party For All Seasons." She achieved prominence as a specialist in Jewish weddings (even though she was not born Jewish).
She cared for her aged parents into their old age. Her father died in 1976 after suffering several strokes, and her mother died in 1979 after suffering from kidney failure problems.
In 1977, she married retired clergyman Mel Hanson, and lived with him on a cattle ranch in Southern California. She also owned an alfalfa ranch in Northern California which she later sold. Her husband died in a tragic automobile accident 18 years after they were married.
During her retirement years, she often appeared at movie nostalgia and memorabilia conventions. A photo on her website shows her in 2005 (she was 79 that year) with Darryl Hickman, the child actor who appeared as her screen brother in The Grapes Of Wrath (1940).
In 2005, a 13 minute documentary was made featuring Mills interviewed and her recollections of her actor work in 1940 on The Grapes Of Wrath.
In 2009, her website reported that she had become bedridden, and due to bad health, no longer made public appearances. She was 83 years old in 2009.