The Wendy Williams Show is an American syndicated talk show hosted by Wendy Williams. The show is produced by Debmar-Mercury, and airs nationally in over 70% of the country^[1], as well as on BET, where it airs at midnight. It premiered on July 14, 2008 as a six week trial in Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City. After a successful test run, the show was picked up for a full season ^[2], and has since been renewed through the 2013-2014 television season^[3]

History[link]

In early 2008, the Fox Broadcasting Company picked up rights to the show which simultaneously airs on TV stations covering more than 95 percent of the United States and BET who picked up the show in early 2009. Representatives of the BET Networks were delighted to add Wendy to the lineup, stating, "After two solid quarters of growth at BET, we're thrilled that The Wendy Williams Show will be joining our line-up in July to strengthen the network's momentum," said Barbara Zaneri, Executive Vice President Programming Strategy, Scheduling and Acquisitions, who negotiated the deal for BET Networks.^[4]

The show was initially taped at the Chelsea Studios in New York City. It is now taped at 433 West 53rd Street.

The show had its debut outside the United States on BET International in July 2010.^[5]

Recurring Elements[link]

Opening routine[link]

In the first season, the show opened with an audience member (occasionally a celebrity in their own right) often referred by Wendy as an 'opening announcer'. They would state their name and what's in store for that day's show. The person would then say Wendy's signature phrase, "How you doin'?". Following this, the show's theme began and after which the 'opening announcer' would introduce Wendy by saying, "Here's Wendy!". This is similar to the intro of The Rosie O'Donnell Show.

Since season two, the show has used a voiceover that begins with the line "It's Time for the The Wendy Williams Show." Like the 'opening announcer' did during the first season the voiceover states what's in store of that day's show before introducing Wendy.

Hot Topics[link]

After her entrance and a few comments, Wendy begins the "Hot Topics" portion of the show. She usually starts by telling the audience, "It's time for Hot Topics!" followed by a Hot Topics graphic that features various celebrities. This graphic is changed with different celebrities from time to time.

Williams shares recent tabloid stories and often discusses things happening in her personal life. Wendy is a very outspoken individual and comments openly on tabloid stories, often offering up advice to celebrities and their situation. Previously the show entertained comments from the audience during hot topics; this has since been discontinued.

Ask Wendy[link]

During the 'Ask Wendy' segment, Wendy goes up into the audience and takes questions from audience members. Wendy has been asked about various topics including relationship problems, family issues, pregnancy complications, and more. This segment is similar to her 'Advice Hour' from her radio show.

Set[link]

The show's season one set was very bright and vibrant. The two main colors included were pink and purple. It featured silver and golden disco balls, quilted pink walls, two large double doors (in which Wendy walks out of at the start of the show) with pink and purple W's, colorful lights and a decorated 'Diva Fan'. Earlier in the season, there were leopard print pillows and a large circular leopard print floor piece which was located center stage. This was later removed and replaced by two large shadow W's.

On September 6th, 2010, The Wendy Williams Show introduced a brand new set to go with the season 2 premiere. The most noticeable changes are the addition of the New York City skyline all around the studio as well as the lighting. While still featuring the colors of pink and purple, new tones and colors have been introduced including shades of blue, green/teal and orange. Other changes include redesigned guest entry areas with steps that light up, new blue audience seating, new double doors (that Wendy walks out of at the start of show) and the disco balls which are now all silver. Some things remained including the large shadow W's center stage.

Wendy spoke to Rosanna Scotto on Good Day New York about her new set and said that she "...wanted it to look like I moved out of an apartment, a fun apartment, and moved into a home where I have real responsibilities." Additionally, she said she wanted the seats to be "show blue" and noted that she has a new Wonder Woman mug to drink her tea out of. ^[6]

Closing routine[link]

Before the show comes to an end, the show features the "Eye Candy of the Day" segment. During this time, Wendy awards an audience member with a 'mini diva fan' who caught her attention due to their style. The person could be awarded because of a clothing item like a dress, blouse or pants. They could also be awarded because of their hair or an accessory like a handbag, shoes or jewelry. Sometimes this may be preempted for a show surprise guest, announcement, etc.

As the show is ending, Wendy states what will be in store for the next day's show. She closes by saying, "Love You For Watching." This phrase is a variation of her phrase, "Love You For Listening" from her radio show.

'Say It Like You Mean It' Tour[link]

Starting August 4th, 2011, Wendy Williams & The Wendy Williams Show went on the road for a 17 city tour across the United States. Locations included Miami, San Francisco, Tampa, Memphis, Chicago, Los Angeles and more. Wendy traveled on a decorated pink bus, designed specifically for her show. The line 'Say It Like You Mean It' comes from her show theme song.

The intent of the tour was for Wendy to greet existing fans and meet new friends - all in an effort to spread awareness about Wendy, the show and gain more viewership. During the tour, Wendy co-hosted mini versions of her show at local malls where she conducted versions of her popular segments Ask Wendy & Hot Topics. Additionally, she appeared and took part at local events such as throwing out the first pitch at MLB baseball games, American Idol auditions, festivals, etc. ^[7]

Drag controversy[link]

The Wendy Williams Show sparked a minor controversy in August 2009 when producers challenged a drag queen who was waiting to enter a taping. Performer Erickatoure Aviance, saying he wanted to "get dressed for Wendy because I thought she'd appreciate it", attended the August 12 taping wearing what Aviance described as a "black baby-doll dress, heels, tights, and standard makeup -- not even anything sparkly. It was very demure, especially for me." Aviance was approached outside the studio by a staff member who advised her that her outfit violated the show's policy against audience members wearing "costumes". Aviance was told he could attend the taping but was not allowed to engage in any of the show's audience participation segments. Aviance contended that the show's staff deliberately sat a tall man in front of her to further obscure her. Aviance's friend, singer and comedian Jonny McGovern, launched a protest via Facebook.^[8] Several days after news of the incident hit the blogosphere, Lonnie Burstein, executive vice president of programming and production for Debmar-Mercury, the company behind the program, issued an apology:

Much of the success of The Wendy Williams Show is due to our incredibly diverse and colorful audience and we all agree that fashion is a true form of self expression. But in an attempt to explain and enforce our show’s dress code, I was not as sensitive as I could have been to Ericka, the LGBT community, or drag’s long history of being a target of discrimination. And for that, I sincerely apologize as it was never my intention to offend in any way.^[9]

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Website for 'The Wendy Williams Show'
• Wendy Williams Show - BET Page
• Wendy Williams Show on IMDB

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (February 2011)

Amber Rose (born Amber Levonchuck; October 21, 1983) is an American model, artist, actress, and socialite. She is engaged to rapper Wiz Khalifa.^[1] Rose posed for a Louis Vuitton print advertisement featuring Lamon Coleman's new line of sneakers.^[2]

Biography[link]

In September 2009, Rose announced plans to launch her own line of eye wear. She walked the runway at New York Fashion Week for "Celestino".

Levonchuck has also made cameos in music videos such as Ludacris' "What Them Girls Like", Young Jeezy's "Vacation", Mary Mary's "God in Me", Nicki Minaj's "Massive Attack", Fabolous' "You Be Killin' Em" and Wiz Khalifa's "No Sleep".^[3]

In 2010 she appeared in Russell Simmons' reality show about his two assistants, "Running Russell Simmons". She also starred in a PSA by NOH8 Campaign.^[4] In 2011, Amber Rose was a guest judge on Season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race. She was also a judge on Season 2 of Master of the Mix.

In November 2011 she became the spokesperson for Smirnoff and appeared in a TV ad and billboards for the company's new flavors Whipped Cream and Fluffed Marshmallow.^[5]

Levonchuck released her debut single, “Fame”, which features Wiz Khalifa, in January 10, 2012,^[6] followed by a second single, titled "Loaded", was released on February 6, 2012.^[7]

In March 2012, Levonchuck's fiancé Wiz Khalifa purchased a 2.8 private wooded acres with a 3,891-square-foot residence in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, where they currently reside. The residence includes 5-bedroom, 4-bath eco-friendly, Brazilian Koa floors, stainless steel appliances, a separate guest house, and a lavish master suite with high ceilings.^[8]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Amber Rose on Myspace
• Amber Rose on Twitter
• Amber Rose at the Internet Movie Database

Michael Brown (born August 3, 1973),^[1] professionally known as Michael Ealy, is an American actor.

Career[link]

Ealy started his acting career in the late-1990s, appearing in a number of off-Broadway stage productions. Among his first film roles were Bad Company and Kissing Jessica Stein. His breakout role came in 2002's Barbershop, in which he plays reformed street thug Ricky Nash, a role that he reprised in the 2004 sequel, Barbershop 2: Back in Business. In 2003, he played the role of Slap Jack in the second installment of the Fast and the Furious film series, 2 Fast 2 Furious. Later in 2004, Ealy appeared in Never Die Alone with DMX. He also appeared in Mariah Carey's music video for her hit single "Get Your Number" from her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi.

In 2005, Ealy co-starred in the telefilm version of Their Eyes Were Watching God, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones, and starring Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry. The same year, he starred in the independent film Jellysmoke, directed by Mark Banning. He starred in the Showtime television series Sleeper Cell, the first season of which aired from December 4–18, 2005, and the second season, Sleeper Cell: American Terror, which aired December 10–17, 2006.

On December 14, 2006, Ealy was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his role in Sleeper Cell: American Terror in the category Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

In December 2008 he was featured in the movie Seven Pounds alongside Will Smith as Ben Thomas. He also starred as the male lead in Beyoncé's "Halo" music video, and as CIA Field Officer Marshall Vogel in the ABC television series FlashForward.

Ealy also appears in the limited-edition coffee table book (About Face) by celebrity photographer John Russo, published by Pixie Press Worldwide.^[2][3] He is currently working on independent writing projects.

In 2009, Ealy performed in The People Speak, a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of everyday Americans, based on historian Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.^[4]

In 2010, Ealy signed on to play attorney Derrick Bond in The Good Wife for at least ten episodes of the second season.^[5] He co-stars in the action movie Takers as Jake Attica.

In 2011, Ealy signed on to play Travis Marks in USA Network's new original series Common Law about two cops who have to go to counseling because they argue too much. It is set to premiere following Fairly Legal on Friday, May 11, 2012.^[6]

Filmography[link]

Film[link]

Television[link]

Music videos[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

Golden Globe Awards

• 2007: Nominated—Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for Sleeper Cell'

Black Reel Awards

• 2005: Won—Best Actor for Their Eyes Were Watching God

African-American Film Critics Association

• 2010: Won—Best Supporting Actor for For Colored Girls

NAACP Image Awards

• 2011: Nominated—Image Award Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for For Colored Girls

References[link]

External links[link]

• Michael Ealy at the Internet Movie Database
• 'The People Speak' – article from the Los Angeles Times
• The People Speak at the Internet Movie Database

Chaka Khan
Khan performing at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California
Background information
Birth name	Yvette Marie Stevens
Also known as	Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi Khan, Queen of Funk
Born	(1953-03-23) March 23, 1953 (age 59) Chicago, Illinois, United States
Genres	R&B, jazz, funk, soul, disco, adult contemporary
Occupations	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1964–present
Labels	ABC (1972–1978) Warner Bros. (1978–1998) MCA (1979–1982) NPG (1998–2001) Burgundy (2005–2010)
Associated acts	Rufus, Prince
Website	www.chakakhan.com

Chaka Khan (born Yvette Marie Stevens; March 23, 1953), frequently known as the "Queen of Funk", is a 10-time Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus.

While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits, both with Rufus and as a solo performer, include "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing" which she wrote for her then husband Richard Holland, "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".

Biography[link]

Early life: 1953–1972[link]

Khan was born Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in Chicago's rough South Side housing projects, Khan was the eldest of five children to Charles Stevens and Sandra Coleman. Her sister Yvonne Stevens later became a successful musician in her own right under the name Taka Boom. Her only brother Mark Stevens, who formed the funk group Aurra, also became a successful musician. She has two other sisters, Kathleen Burrell and Tammy McCrary, who is her current manager.^[1] Unlike many of her musical contemporaries, Khan was raised as Roman Catholic. Khan attributed her love of music to her grandmother, who introduced her to jazz music as a child. Khan became a fan of R&B music as a preteen and at eleven formed her first all-female singing group the Crystalettes, which also included her sister Taka. In the late 1960s, Khan and her sister formed the vocal group Shades of Black and joined the Black Panther Party after befriending fellow member, activist and Chicago native Fred Hampton in 1967.^[2] While a member, she was given a name change to Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi by an African shaman. In 1969, she left the Panthers, dropped out of high school, having attended Calumet High School and Kenwood High School (now Kenwood Academy),^[3] and began to perform in small groups around the Chicago area, first performing with the group Lyfe, which included her then boyfriend Hassan Khan, whom she'd later marry. Khan was asked to replace the late Baby Huey of Baby Huey & the Babysitters after Huey's untimely death, in 1970. The group disbanded a year later. While performing in local bands in 1972, Khan was spotted by two members of a new group simply called Rufus and soon won her position in the group. The group later signed with ABC Records in 1973. Prior to Khan signing with the label, she married her on-again, off-again boyfriend Hassan Khan, changing her stage name to Chaka Khan.

Early career and success: 1973–1978[link]

In 1974, Rufus released their self-titled debut album. Despite their fiery rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Maybe Your Baby" from Wonder's acclaimed Talking Book and the modest success of the Khan-led ballad "Whoever's Thrilling You (Is Killing Me)", the album failed to garner attention. That changed when Wonder himself collaborated with the group on a song he had written for Khan. That song, "Tell Me Something Good", became the group's breakthrough hit, reaching number-three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 later winning the group their first Grammy Award. The single's success and the subsequent follow-up, "You Got the Love", which peaked at number-eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 helped their second parent album, Rags to Rufus, go platinum selling over a million copies. Between 1974 and 1979, Rufus would release six platinum-selling albums including Rufusized, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, Ask Rufus, Street Player and Masterjam. Hits the group would score during this time included "Once You Get Started", "Sweet Thing", "Hollywood", "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" and "Do You Love What You Feel".

The band gained a reputation as a live performing act with Khan becoming the star attraction, thanks to her powerful vocals and stage attire, which sometimes included Native American garb and showing her midriff. Most of the band's material was written and produced by the band itself with few exceptions. Khan has also been noted for being an instrumentalist playing drums and bass, she also provided percussion during her tenure with Rufus. Most of Khan's compositions were often collaborations with guitarist Tony Maiden. Relations between Khan and the group, particularly between Khan and group member Andre Fischer, became stormy. Several group members left with nearly every release. While Khan remained a member of the group, she signed a solo contract with Warner Bros in 1978. While Khan was busy at work on solo material, Rufus released three albums without Khan's participation including 1979's Numbers, 1980's Party 'Til You're Broke and 1983's Seal in Red.

Early solo career and final years with Rufus: 1978–1983[link]

In 1978, Warner Bros. Records released Khan's solo debut album, which featured the crossover disco hit, "I'm Every Woman", written for her by songwriters Ashford & Simpson. The success of the single helped the album go platinum, selling over a million copies. Khan also was a featured performer on Quincy Jones' hit, "Stuff Like That", also released in 1978.

In 1979, Khan reunited with Rufus to collaborate on the Jones-produced Masterjam, which featured their hit, "Do You Love What You Feel", which Khan sang with Tony Maiden. Despite her sometimes-acrimonious relationship with some of the group's band mates, Khan and Maiden have maintained a friendship over the years. In 1979 she also duetted with Ry Cooder on his album Bop Till You Drop. In 1980, while Rufus released their second non-Khan release, Party 'Til You're Broke, Khan released her second solo album, Naughty, which featured Khan on the cover with her six-year-old daughter Milini. The album yielded the minor disco hit "Clouds" and went gold. Khan released two albums in 1981, the Rufus release, Camouflage and the solo album, What Cha' Gonna Do for Me. The same year, Khan appeared on three tracks on Rick Wakeman's concept album 1984. In 1982, Khan issued two more solo albums, the jazz-oriented Echoes of an Era and a more funk/pop-oriented self-titled album. The latter album's track, the jazz-inflected "Bebop Medley", won Khan a Grammy and earned praise from Betty Carter who loved Khan's vocal scatting in the song.^[4]

In 1983, following the release of Rufus' final studio album, Seal in Red, which did not feature Khan, the singer returned with Rufus on a live album, Stompin' at the Savoy - Live, which featured the studio single, "Ain't Nobody", which became the group's final charting success reaching number twenty-two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number-one on the Hot R&B chart, while also reaching the top ten in the United Kingdom. Following this release, Rufus separated for good.

[edit] I Feel For You and Solo success: 1984–1996

In 1984, Khan released her sixth studio album, I Feel for You. The title track was the first single released. Originally written and recorded by Prince for his eponymous follow-up to his debut album in 1979, it had been previously recorded by The Pointer Sisters and Mary Wells. Khan's version featured a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder and an introductory rap by Grandmaster Melle Mel. This version of the song became a million-selling smash in the U.S. and UK, and it helped to relaunch Khan's career. I Feel For You topped not only the U.S. R&B and dance charts, but achieved great success on U.S. pop charts, and reached number one in the United Kingdom as well. The song reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1984, and remained on that chart for 26 weeks, well into 1985. It was listed as Billboard's number 5 song for the year 1985, and netted Prince the 1985 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. In addition to the song's successful radio airplay and sales, a music video of Chaka Khan with break dancers in an inner-city setting enjoyed heavy airplay on television and helped to solidify Chaka Khan's notoriety in popular culture.

Other singles which helped the I Feel For You album to go platinum included "This is my Night" and the ballad "Through the Fire", the latter which was also very successful on the adult contemporary charts. Khan was featured in Steve Winwood's 1986 number one hit, "Higher Love". That same year, a duet was planned with Robert Palmer for his album Riptide, on the song "Addicted To Love". However, her manager declined to allow the duet to be released, citing the desire to not have too much "product" from her in the marketplace at one time; she was still credited for the vocal arrangements in the album's liner notes, and the song became an international hit.^[5] Khan followed up her successful I Feel For You album with 1986's Destiny and 1988's CK. Khan found more success in the late 1980s with a remix album, Life is a Dance - The Remix Project, which reached the top ten on the UK albums chart. As a result Khan performed regularly in the United Kingdom, where she maintained a strong fan base.

In 1990, she was a featured performer on another major hit when she collaborated with Ray Charles and Quincy Jones on a new jack swing cover of The Brothers Johnson's "I'll Be Good to You", which was featured on Jones' Back on the Block. The song reached number-eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and number-one on the Hot R&B chart, later winning Charles and Khan a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group. Khan returned with her first studio album in four years in 1992 with the release of The Woman I Am, which went gold thanks to the R&B success of the songs "Love You All My Lifetime" and "You Can Make the Story Right". Khan also contributed to soundtracks and worked on a follow-up to The Woman I Am which she titled Dare You to Love Me, which was eventually shelved. In 1995, she and rapper Guru had a hit with the duet "Watch What You Say", in the UK. That same year, she provided a contemporary R&B cover of the classic standard, "My Funny Valentine", for the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. In 1996, following the release of her greatest-hits album, Epiphany: The Best of Chaka Khan, Vol. 1, Khan abruptly left Warner Bros. after stating the label had neglected her and failed to release Dare You to Love Me.^[6]

Later career and current work: 1998–present[link]

Khan in December 2010

In 1998, Khan signed a contract with Prince's NPG Records label and issued Come 2 My House, followed by the single "Don't Talk 2 Strangers", a cover of a 1996 Prince song. Khan later went on a tour with Prince as a co-headlining act. In 2000, Khan departed from NPG and in 2004 released her first jazz covers album in twenty-two years with 2004's ClassiKhan. She also covered "Little Wing" with Kenny Olson on the album Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Three years later, after signing with Burgundy Records, Khan released what many critics called a "comeback album" with Funk This, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

The album featured the hit, "Angel", and the Mary J. Blige duet, "Disrespectful". The latter track went to number one on the U.S. dance singles chart, winning the singers a Grammy Award, while Funk This also won a Grammy for Best R&B Album. The album was notable for Khan's covers of Dee Dee Warwick's "Foolish Fool" and Prince's "Sign o' the Times". In 2008, Khan participated in the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple playing Ms. Sofia to Fantasia Barrino's Celie.^[7]

In a 2008 interview Khan said that she, unlike other artists, felt very optimistic about the current changes in the recording industry, including music downloading. "I'm glad things are shifting and artists – not labels – are having more control over their art. My previous big record company (Warner Music) has vaults of my recordings that haven't seen the light of day that people need to hear. This includes Robert Palmer's original recording of "Addicted to Love" – which they took my vocals off of! We are working on getting it (and other tracks) all back now."^[6]

In 2009, Khan hit the road with singers Anastacia and Lulu for Here Come the Girls. In 2010, Khan contributed to vocals for Beverley Knight's "Soul Survivor", collaborated with Clay Aiken on a song for the kids show Phineas and Ferb, and performed two songs with Japanese singer Ai on Ai's latest album The Last Ai. Khan continues to perform to packed audiences both in her native United States and overseas.

On May 19, 2011, Khan was given the 2,440th Hollywood Walk of Fame star plaque on a section of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Her family was present when the singer accepted the honor, as was Stevie Wonder, who had written her breakout hit "Tell Me Something Good".

On September 27, 2011, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame committee announced that Khan and her former band Rufus were jointly nominated for induction to the hall. It was the collective's first nomination 13 years after they were first eligible. The group were nominated partly due to Khan's own storied reputation, including her own solo career in conjunction with her years with Rufus.

Recently, Khan Rerecorded her song, Super Life, under the title "Super Life: Fear Kills, Love Heals" with Eric Benet, Kelly Price, and Luke James in tribute to Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was killed Feb. 26. A number of celebrities also joined in the recording including Loretta Devine, Terry Crews, Eva Pigford, and reporter Kevin Frazier.

Personal life[link]

Khan has been married twice and is the mother of two children, daughter Indira Milini and son Damien Holland. Khan's first marriage was to Hassan Khan, in 1970, when she was 17. They divorced a short time later. Milini's birth was the result of a relationship between Khan and Rahsaan Morris.^[1] Khan married her second husband, Richard Holland, in 1976. The marriage reportedly caused a rift between Khan and several members of Rufus, in particular, Andre Fischer. Khan dated a Chicago-area schoolteacher in the mid-1980s in the middle of her solo stardom. Following their separation, Khan moved to Europe, first settling in London, later buying a residence in Germany.

In the past, Khan struggled with drug abuse and alcoholism. Her drug use, which at times included cocaine and heroin, ended sometime in the early 1990s. Khan would have an on-again, off-again struggle with alcoholism until 2005 declaring herself sober. In 2006, her son Damien Holland was accused of murder after 17-year-old Christopher Bailey was shot to death. Khan testified on her son's behalf defending her son's innocence. Holland claimed the shooting was an accident and was found not guilty.^[8] Though she sang at both the 2000 Democratic and Republican conventions, Khan says that she is more of a "Democratic-minded person".^[9]

In December 2011, Khan won permanent custody of her granddaughter, Daija Jade Holland, after reporting that her granddaughter's mother, girlfriend of Khan's son Damien Holland, was unable to raise her due to her drug addiction. It was reported that Khan's son was also addicted to drugs.^[10]

Awards[link]

Grammy Awards[link]

To date, Chaka Khan has won 10 Grammy Awards, including two as a member of Rufus. She has received 22 Grammy Award nominations, including three as a member of Rufus.

Soul Train Awards[link]

• 1998 Lena Horne Award (Career Achievement) (Recipient)
• 2009 Legends Award (Career Achievement) (Recipient)

United Negro College Fund Award[link]

• 2011 UNCF: Award of Excellence (Recipient)

American Music Award nominations[link]

To date, she has had four American Music Award nominations.

• 1985 Favorite Female Artist - Soul/Rhythm & Blues (Nominee only. Award recipient was Tina Turner)
• 1985 Favorite Female Video Artist - Soul/Rhythm & Blues (Nominee only. Award recipient was Tina Turner)
• 1982 Favorite Female Artist - Soul/Rhythm & Blues (Nominee only. Award recipient was Stephanie Mills)
• 1981 Favorite Female Artist - Soul/Rhythm & Blues (Nominee only. Award recipient was Diana Ross)

References:^[8][11]

Discography[link]

• Chaka (1978)
• Naughty (1980)
• What Cha' Gonna Do for Me (1981)
• Chaka Khan (1982)
• I Feel for You (1984)
• Destiny (1986)
• CK (1988)
• The Woman I Am (1992)
• Come 2 My House (1998)
• ClassiKhan (2004)
• Funk This (2007)

See also[link]

• Rufus discography

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chaka Khan

• Chaka Khan official website
• Chaka Khan Foundation
• Chaka Khan at Wenig-Lamonica Associates

Daniel Radcliffe
Radcliffe at Make Believe On Broadway, 23 November 2011
Born	Daniel Jacob Radcliffe (1989-07-23) 23 July 1989 (age 22) London, England
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1999–present

Daniel Jacob Radcliffe (born 23 July 1989) is an English film and stage actor who rose to prominence playing the title character in the Harry Potter film series.

Radcliffe made his acting debut at age ten in BBC One's 1999 television movie David Copperfield, followed by his film debut in 2001's The Tailor of Panama. At age eleven he was cast as the title character in the first Harry Potter film, and he starred in the series for ten years until the release of the eighth and final film in July 2011. He also began to branch out to stage acting in 2007, starring in the London and New York productions of the play Equus and in the 2011 Broadway revival of the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. In addition, he starred in 2007's December Boys and the 2012 hit horror film The Woman in Black. He will play beat poet Allen Ginsberg in 2013 indie film Kill Your Darlings.

Radcliffe has contributed to many charities, including Demelza House Children's Hospice and The Trevor Project. He has also made public service announcements for the latter. In 2011, he was awarded the Trevor Project's "Hero Award".

Early life and education[link]

Radcliffe was born on 23 July 1989 in West London, England,^[1] the only child of Alan George Radcliffe, a literary agent, and Marcia Jeannine Gresham (née Marcia Gresham Jacobson), a casting agent who was involved in several films for the BBC, including The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Walk Away And I Stumble.^[2][3] Radcliffe's mother is Jewish and a native of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex;^[3][4] his father, originally from Northern Ireland, is Protestant.^[5] He was raised without religion.^[6] Radcliffe first expressed a desire to act at the age of five,^[7] and in December 1999, aged ten, he made his acting debut in the BBC One's televised two-part adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield, portraying the title character as a young boy.^[8]

Radcliffe was educated at two independent schools for boys:^[9] at Sussex House School, a day school in Cadogan Square in Chelsea in London,^[10] followed by the City of London School,^[11] a day school on the North Bank of the River Thames in London's financial district, known as the City of London.

Following the release of the first Harry Potter movie, attending school became hard for Radcliffe, with some fellow pupils becoming hostile. Radcliffe said it was people just trying to "have a crack at the kid that plays Harry Potter" rather than jealousy.^[12] As his acting career began to consume his schedule, Radcliffe continued his education through on-set tutors. He admitted he was not very good at school, considered it useless, and found the work to be "really, really difficult";^[9] however, he did achieve A grades in the three A-levels that he sat in 2006, but then decided to take a break from education and did not go to college or university.^[13] Part of the reason was that he already knew he wanted to act and write, and that it would be difficult to have a normal college experience. "The paparazzi, they’d love it," he told Details magazine in 2007. "If there were any parties going on, they’d be tipped off as to where they were".^[12]

Career[link]

[edit] Harry Potter

Radcliffe at the July 2009 premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

In 2000 producer David Heyman asked Radcliffe to audition for the role of Harry Potter for the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the best-selling book by British author J. K. Rowling.^[14][15] Rowling had been searching for an unknown British actor to personify the character; however, Radcliffe's parents did not want him to audition for the role, as the contract required shooting all seven films in Los Angeles, California, and so they did not tell him.^[16] The movie's director Chris Columbus recalled thinking, "This is what I want. This is Harry Potter", after he saw a video of the young actor in David Copperfield.^[16] Eight months later, and after several auditions, Radcliffe was selected to play the part.^[17] Rowling also endorsed the selection saying, "I don't think Chris Columbus could have found a better Harry."^[18] Radcliffe's parents originally turned down the offer, as they had been told that it would involve six films shot in Los Angeles.^[19] Warner Bros. instead offered Radcliffe a two-movie contract with shooting in the UK though,^[16] when signing up, Radcliffe was unsure if he would do any more pictures.^[20]

The release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States) took place in 2001. The story follows Harry, a young boy who learns he is a wizard and is sent to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his education; gaining the help of friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) along the way. Radcliffe received a seven figure salary for the lead role, but asserted that the fee was "not that important" to him;^[21] his parents chose to invest the money for him.^[16] The film broke records for opening-day sales and opening-weekend takings, becoming the highest–grossing film of 2001. With a total of US$974 million in ticket sales, Philosopher's Stone stands as the second most commercially successful in the series behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, the final instalment.^[22] The adaptation was met with positive reviews and critics took notice of Radcliffe:^[23] "Radcliffe is the embodiment of every reader's imagination. It is wonderful to see a young hero who is so scholarly looking and filled with curiosity and who connects with very real emotions, from solemn intelligence and the delight of discovery to deep family longing," wrote Bob Graham of the San Francisco Chronicle.^[24]

Handprints, footprints and wand prints of (from left to right) Watson, Radcliffe, Grint.

A year later Radcliffe starred in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second instalment of the series. Reviewers were positive about the lead actors' performances but had polarised opinions on the movie as a whole. Stephen Hunter of the Washington Post labelled it "big, dull and empty".^[25] Observing that Radcliffe and his peers had matured, Los Angeles Times's staff writer Kenneth Turan believed the novel's magic could not be successfully duplicated in the film.^[26] Nonetheless, it still managed to earn US$878 million, taking the second spot of the highest-grossing 2002 films worldwide behind The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.^[27]

The 2004 release Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was the third film in the series. While garnering the highest critical acclaim of the series at that point^[23] and grossing US$795.6 million worldwide, the film's performance at the box office ranks the lowest in the series.^[22] Radcliffe's performance was panned by New York Times journalist A. O. Scott, who wrote that Watson had to carry him with her performance.^[28] Next was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005. The film set records for a Harry Potter opening weekend, as well as for a non-May opening weekend in the US and in the UK.^[29] The film eventually grossed US$896 million worldwide, and the film was the second-highest grossing Harry Potter film at that point.^[30] In a 2005 interview, Radcliffe singled out the humour as being a reason for the movie's creative success.^[31]

Despite the success of the previous three movies, the future of the franchise was put into question when all three lead actors were unsure about signing on to continue their roles for the final two episodes; however, by 2 March 2007 Radcliffe had signed for the final films, which put an end to weeks of press "speculation that he would be denied the role due to his involvement in Equus".^[32] Radcliffe reprised his role for the fifth time in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), which details Harry's return to Hogwarts after his encounter with Lord Voldemort in the previous film. It opened to positive responses from the press;^[23] IGN movie critic Steven Horn found Order of the Phoenix to be one of "those rare films that exceeds the source material"^[33] and Colin Bertram of New York's Daily News dubbed it the best movie in the series.^[34] Radcliffe stated that director David Yates and actress Imelda Staunton made Order of the Phoenix the "most fun" film in the series to work on.^[35] His performance earned several award nominations, and he received the 2008 National Movie Award for "Best Male Performance".^[36] As his fame and the series continued, Radcliffe, Grint and Watson left imprints of their hands, feet, and wands in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.^[37]

In July 2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released, the series' sixth instalment. The film did considerably better than the previous movie, breaking the then-record for biggest midnight US showings with US$22.2 million at 3,000 theatres,^[38] and was the biggest ever Wednesday-opening in the UK, with US$7.6 million at 1,305 screens.^[39] Half-Blood Prince achieved a total of US$933 million ticket sales^[22] and was one of the most positively reviewed of the series among film critics, who praised the film's "emotionally satisfying" story, direction, cinematography, visuals and music.^[40][41][42] Radcliffe received nominations for "Best Male Performance" and "Global Superstar" at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.^[43]

Radcliffe, Watson and Grint at the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 premiere in London.

For financial and scripting reasons the last book was divided into two films, shot back to back,^[44][45] which drew criticism from the series' fanbase. Radcliffe defended the split, pointing out that it would have been impossible to properly adapt the final novel into a single film.^[46] He added that the last movie was going to be extremely fast-paced with a lot of action, while the first part would be far more sedate, focusing on character development; he added that, had they combined them, those things would not have made it to the final cut.^[47] Filming lasted for a year, concluding in June 2010 and on the last day of shooting, like most of the cast and crew, Radcliffe openly wept.^[48] Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) was about Harry, Ron and Hermione leaving Hogwarts to track down Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes, objects Voldemort has left part of his soul inside. The film was released in November and grossed over US$950 million.^[22] Its most lucrative territory was the UK, where it reportedly had the highest-grossing three-day opening in history; while its earnings of US$205 million, in 91 markets, made it the highest ever top-grossing non-US opening for a non-summer picture, and "the fourth-biggest-grossing international opening ever".^[49] The movie received mostly favourable reviews in the media.^[23]

The final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, was released worldwide starting on 13 July 2011 in Australia. The film concerns the battle against Voldemort's followers in Hogwarts, along with Harry's final climactic duel with Voldemort. Radcliffe, along with the film,^[23] was critically acclaimed: Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post asked, "Who could have predicted that Radcliffe, Grint and Watson would turn out to be good actors?";^[50] similarly, Rex Reed said: "Frankly, I’m sorry to see [Radcliffe] go";^[51] while Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers commented on Radcliffe: "Well played, sir."^[52] Among those who were less favourable, Roger Ebert said that Radcliffe, Grint and Watson were "upstaged by the supporting [actors]".^[53] The film broke several box office records, including biggest midnight release,^[54] biggest first-day opening,^[54] and biggest opening-weekend.^[55] Deathly Hallows – Part 2 is currently the third-highest grossing film in the world, and the highest-grossing non-James Cameron film, with more than US$1.3 billion worldwide.^[56] Radcliffe admitted that some people would never be able to separate him from the character, but also said he is "proud to be associated with this film series forever."^[57] Despite positive feelings about the movies, he has no interest in doing more Harry Potter films. After Rowling hinted about writing an eighth book, Radcliffe was asked if he would do another film to which he replied: "[It is] very doubtful. I think 10 years is a long time to spend with one character."^[58] Despite devoting so much time to the series, Radcliffe has asserted that he did not miss out on a childhood like other child actors: "I’ve been given a much better perspective on life by doing Potter."^[59]

2001–2009[link]

Radcliffe at December Boys premiere in 2007

Radcliffe made his film debut in The Tailor of Panama, an American 2001 film based on John le Carré's 1996 spy novel, and a moderate commercial success.^[22] In 2002 he made his stage debut as a celebrity guest in a West End theatre production of The Play What I Wrote, directed by Kenneth Branagh—who also appeared with him in the second Harry Potter film.^[8][60] In 2007 he appeared in the film December Boys, an Australian family drama about four orphans that was shot in 2005 and released to theatres in mid-September 2007.^[61] Also in 2007, Radcliffe co-starred with Carey Mulligan in My Boy Jack, a television drama film shown on ITV on Remembrance Day. The film received mostly positive reviews,^[62] with several critics praising Radcliffe's performance as an 18-year-old who goes missing in action during a battle.^[63][64][65] Radcliffe stated, "For many people my age, the First World War is just a topic in a history book. But I've always been fascinated by the subject and think it's as relevant today as it ever was."^[66]

Radcliffe in Theatre District, New York, 13 December 2008

At age 17, in a bid to show people he was not a kid any more,^[1] he performed onstage in Peter Shaffer's play Equus, which had not been revived since its first run in 1973, at the Gielgud Theatre.^[16] Radcliffe took on the lead role^[60] as Alan Strang, a stable boy who has an obsession with horses. Advance sales topped £1.7 million, and the role generated significant pre-opening media interest, as Radcliffe appeared in a nude scene.^[16][67] Equus opened on 27 February 2007 and ran until 9 June 2007.^[60] Radcliffe's performance received positive reviews^[68] as critics were impressed by the nuance and depth of his against-type role.^[69] Charles Spencer of The Daily Telegraph wrote that he "displays a dramatic power and an electrifying stage presence that marks a tremendous leap forward." He added: "I never thought I would find the diminutive (but perfectly formed) Radcliffe a sinister figure, but as Alan Strang ... there are moments when he seems genuinely scary in his rage and confusion."^[70] The production then transferred to Broadway in September 2008, with Radcliffe still in the lead role.^[71][72] Radcliffe stated he was nervous about repeating the role on Broadway because he considered American audiences more discerning than those in London.^[73] Radcliffe's performance was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.^[74]

2010–present[link]

After voicing a character in an episode of the animated television series The Simpsons in late 2010,^[75] Radcliffe debuted as J. Pierrepont Finch in the 2011 Broadway revival How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, a role previously held by Broadway veterans Robert Morse and Matthew Broderick.^[76] Other cast members included John Larroquette, Rose Hemingway and Mary Faber.^[77] Both the actor and production received favourable reviews,^[78] with USA Today commenting: "Radcliffe ultimately succeeds not by overshadowing his fellow cast members, but by working in conscientious harmony with them – and having a blast in the process."^[79] Radcliffe's performance in the show earned him Drama Desk Award, Drama League Award and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations.^[80][81][82] The production itself later received nine Tony Award nominations.^[83] Radcliffe left the show on 1 January 2012.^[84]

His first post-Harry Potter project was the 2012 horror film The Woman in Black, adapted from the 1983 novel by Susan Hill. The film was released on 3 February 2012 in the United States and Canada, and was released on 10 February in the UK. Radcliffe portrays a man sent to deal with the legal matters of a mysterious woman who has just died, and soon after he begins to experience strange events and hauntings from the ghost of a woman dressed in black.^[85] He has said he was "incredibly excited" to be part of the film and described the script as "beautifully written".^[86] Radcliffe's godson Mischa, the son of Thea Sharrock, who co-directed the revival of Equus with Radcliffe, portrayed Arthur's son in the film.^[87] Variety has confirmed Radcliffe will star in the indie comedy The Amateur Photographer, a film adaptation of the book of the same name, directed by Christopher Monger. Set in 1970, it follows a man (Radcliffe) who discovers his calling after being drafted by the residents of a small English mill town to serve as a photographer for their most personal moments.^[88]

He is set to portray Allen Ginsberg in the upcoming thriller drama Kill Your Darlings, directed by John Krokidas.^[89][90]

Personal life[link]

In 2008, Radcliffe revealed that he suffers from a mild form of the neurological disorder dyspraxia. The motor skill disorder sometimes gets so bad that he has trouble doing simple activities, such as writing or tying his own shoelaces. "I was having a hard time at school, in terms of being crap at everything, with no discernible talent," Radcliffe commented.^[91] In August 2010, he stopped drinking alcohol after finding himself becoming too reliant on it.^[92]

In 2012, Radcliffe stated, "I think of myself as being Jewish and Irish, despite the fact that I’m English."^[6] He has also said, "I'm an atheist, and a militant atheist when religion starts impacting on legislation",^[93] and that he is "very proud of being Jewish".^[94][95][96]

Radcliffe is a supporter of the Labour Party.^[97] Until 2012 Radcliffe had publicly supported the Liberal Democrats,^[98] and before the 2010 UK General Election Radcliffe endorsed Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem leader. In 2012, however, Radcliffe switched his allegiance to Labour, citing disappointment with the performance of Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems in government, and approving of the Labour leader, Ed Miliband.^[99] At the age of sixteen, Radcliffe became the youngest non-royal ever to have an individual portrait in Britain's National Portrait Gallery (NPG). On 13 April 2006 his portrait, drawn by Stuart Pearson Wright, was unveiled as part of a new exhibition opening at the Royal National Theatre; it was then moved to the NPG where it resides.^[100]

He is a fan of underground^[101] and punk rock music,^[102][103] and is a keen follower of cricket, including cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.^[104][105] Writing short stories and poetry is also a passion.^[106] In November 2007 Radcliffe published several poems under the pen name Jacob Gershon — a combination of his middle name and the Jewish version of his mother's maiden name Gresham — in Rubbish, an underground fashion magazine.^[96][106] He enjoys a close friendship with his fellow Harry Potter co-stars Tom Felton^[101] and Emma Watson,^[107] and is tight-knit with his family, whom he credits for keeping him grounded.^[108]

Radcliffe at the film premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in Alice Tully Center, New York City in November 2010.

Speaking out against homophobia, Radcliffe began filming public service announcements in 2009 for The Trevor Project, promoting awareness of gay teen suicide prevention.^[109][110] He first learned of the organisation while working on Equus on Broadway in 2008^[110] and has contributed financially to it.^[111] "I have always hated anybody who is not tolerant of gay men or lesbians or bisexuals. Now I am in the very fortunate position where I can actually help or do something about it," he said in a 2010 interview. In the same interview, he spoke of the importance of public figures advocating for equal rights.^[110] Radcliffe considers his involvement to be one of the most important things in his career and,^[109] for his work for the organisation, he was given the "Hero Award" in 2011.^[109]

Radcliffe has supported various charities. He designed the Cu-Bed for Habitat's VIP Kids range (a cube made of eight smaller ones which can be made into a bed, chaise-longue or chair)^[112] with all the royalties from the sale of the bed going directly to his favourite charity, Demelza House Children's Hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent.^[113] Radcliffe has urged his fans to make donations, in lieu of Christmas presents to him, to the charity's Candle for Care program. In 2008 he was among several celebrities who donated their old glasses to an exhibit honouring victims of the Holocaust.^[114] During the Broadway run of Equus he auctioned off a pair of jeans he wore in the show for "thousands of dollars", as well as other items worn in the show, for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS "a New York-based nonprofit HIV/AIDS grant-making organisation".^[115] He has also donated money to Get Connected UK, a London-based free confidential national helpline for troubled youth.^[116]

Sources disagree about Radcliffe's personal wealth; he was reported to have earned £1 million for the first Harry Potter film^[21] and around £15 million for the sixth.^[9] Radcliffe appeared on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2006, which estimated his personal fortune to be £14 million, making him one of the richest young people in the UK.^[117] In March 2009 he was ranked number one on the Forbes "Most Valuable Young Stars" list,^[118] and by April The Daily Telegraph measured his net worth at £30m, making him the 12th richest young person in the UK.^[119] Radcliffe was considered to be the richest teenager in England later that year.^[9] In February 2010 he was named the sixth highest paid Hollywood male star^[120] and placed at number five on Forbes's December list of Hollywood's highest-grossing actors^{[note 1]} with a revenue of US$780 million, mainly due to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows being released that year.^[121] Despite previous predictions that Radcliffe would have amassed £70m by the time the Harry Potter series concluded,^[119] the actor was reported to only have a wealth of £28.5 million in 2010. This still makes him richer than Princes William and Harry.^[122] Despite his wealth, Radcliffe has said he does not have expensive tastes and that his main expense is buying books: "I read a lot."^[123] He also stated that money would never be the focus of his life.^[9]

In January 2012, Radcliffe said he was in a relationship with production assistant Rosie Coker.^[124]

Filmography[link]

Film[link]

Television[link]

Theatre[link]

Awards[link]

See also[link]

• List of Harry Potter cast members

Notes[link]

References[link]