Exclusive: Benedict Cumberbatch Set for NBC's 'Red Nose Day'

ESQUIRE
BY MATT PATCHES



Clowns, rejoice: The plush schnozz is about to become Hollywood's fashion accessory of choice.

May 21 marks America's first "Red Nose Day," a live-entertainment event that recruits famous faces for a night of foolery and fundraising. Originating in the U.K., the annual escapade has raised more than $1 billion for charity over the last 30 years. NBC will air the first stateside "Red Nose Day," a three-hour circus of musical performances, sketch comedy, and new videos produced by Funny or Die. The shorts are often high-caliber wish fulfillment; March's U.K. show saw a James Bond-themed short film that paired Daniel Craig with Roger Moore.

Who should you expect at the show? Esquire can exclusively announce that Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Ian McKellen, and Orlando Bloom will be on hand, lending acting services to whatever hair-brained schemes Funny or Die has cooking. Just because "Red Nose Day" is jumping the Atlantic doesn't mean the British aren't coming with.

Joining the trio on "Red Nose Day" are the previously announced Will Ferrell, Jack Black, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Michelle Rodriguez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Smith, John Legend, Matt Lauer, Carson Daly, Bill and Melinda Gates, Nick Offerman, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Pine, Jeff Goldblum, Billy Eichner, Martin Short, Laura Linney, Anna Kendrick, and Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.

FROM GREAT BRITAIN'S RED NOSE DAY, March 13...

read more here; http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/news/a33647/daniel-craig-roger-moore-james-bond-short-comic-relief/

Scottish hunk Gerard Butler turns to gothic rocker Marilyn Manson as he plans musical makeover (DAILY RECORD) By Alan Carson

HOLLYWOOD hardman Gerard Butler is being advised by Marilyn Manson as he plans to turn himself into a rock star, US reports have claimed.

The Paisley pin-up is said to be writing songs and making an album.

And according to the National Enquirer, pal Johnny Depp has introduced him to music industry veterans including Goth idol Manson and Tenacious D star Jack Black.

The magazine quoted a Hollywood insider as saying: “Gerry is rocking out big time and is already writing songs and cutting an album.

“He’s been a closet singer for years and has decided the time is right to try doing it professionally.

“In fact, he’s in the process of making what he hopes will be a best-selling CD.”

Gerry sang in a movie version of Phantom of the Opera and jammed with US rocker John Mayer in 2010 as he celebrated his 41st birthday at New York’s Darby Club.


READ THE REST: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity/gerard-butler-advised-by-marilyn-manson-1268737

Shirley MacLaine on ‘Bernie,’ ‘Downton Abbey,’ and Her Lifetime Achievments Apr 25, 2012 4:45 AM EDT At 78, MacLaine costars in the new movie 'Bernie' and will have an upcoming turn on 'Downton Abbey.' Lorenza Muñoz talked to her about her work ethic and why America is a disaster. (THE DAILY BEAST)

Shirley MacLaine and Jack Black in a scene from Bernie., Deana Newcomb / Millennium Entertainment


One question she has been asking herself lately is why she and so many millions are fanatically gripped by the Masterpiece drama, Downton Abbey, in which she was recently cast.

The publicity generated by her hiring prompted the producers of Downton to call her agent, ICM’s Jack Gilardi, to thank him. “She is so professional and very creative,” said Gilardi, who has represented her for 20 years. “She has a great gift understanding people. She knows how to make you tingle.”

 She had never seen the series—but after watching the first two seasons, she was hooked. Now, she is muzzled by creator Julian Fellowes’s edict that no one from the cast can talk about Season 3: MacLaine, who will play Martha Levinson, Lady Cora Crawley’s mother, could not offer much insight.

 “Why is this a hit? I haven’t come up with the answer,” she said. “I think Maggie Smith is one answer. I liked Upstairs Downstairs, but not like this. It is really worth an examination.”


READ MORE:  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/25/shirley-maclaine-on-bernie-downton-abbey-and-her-lifetime-achievments.html