'Downton Abbey' Series 3: Hugh Bonneville And Elizabeth McGovern On Hyperventilating Fans And Shirley MacLaine (HUFF POST) Sarah Dean

"There was one lady who was hyperventilating a bit when she realised it was Mr Bates," says Downton Abbey's leading man Hugh Bonneville, talking about his latest trip to LA with co-star Brendan Coyle.

"We calmed her down, gave her a cold drink and she was fine," he assures us.

"I'm always so chuffed to have people stop us. People have invested so much emotionally into this show from all round the world, America being no exception.

"They care so much about these characters and these stories," explains the head of the family in Lord Julian Fellowes' hit period drama.


Does he find English fans are any different in voicing their adoration towards him as the aristocratic Earl of Grantham?

"Over here people are much more circumspect about saying 'I really enjoyed the show' and we're a bit more cautious and don't want to intrude in someone's space. Yet if you're in a supermarket you know damn well that it's happening and you think 'let's get it over with because I want to get the peas.' And they always say, 'I'm really sorry,' but why apologise? It's a lovely thing."


READ MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/07/30/downton-abbey-series-3-hugh-bonneville_n_1718853.html?just_reloaded=1

Downton Abbey: THE REAL ITV PROMO FOR SEASON 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvDtszcZAV0

‘Copper’ Takes Aim at a Fresh Kind of Police Drama (WALL STREET JOURNAL) By Erica E. Phillips

“I think in the real world you can’t really believe in heroes,” says Tom Weston-Jones in a soft British accent. “It’s nice when people have contradictions.” That theme is clearly central in BBC America’s first original scripted series “Copper.” Weston-Jones plays the lead role of Kevin Corcoran, a detective—or “copper” in the vernacular of the day—who’s recently returned to New York City after fighting in the Civil War.

Corcoran’s true passion is caught up in the mystery of his wife’s disappearance and his daughter’s murder, which took place while he was away. But he spends his days fighting crime and solving murder cases with the help of two scruffy partners, the intelligent proprietor of Eva’s Paradise brothel (Franka Potente) and a few old buddies from the war.

One of those buddies is African-American doctor Matthew Freeman (Ato Essandoh), who conducts a forensic examination of a murder victim on the sly as a favor to Corcoran in the pilot episode. That scene played something like a 19th Century “CSI,” but Weston-Jones was quick to distinguish “Copper” from the typical network-TV crime drama. “It’s not a procedural … the overall story will draw you in,” he said. “The writers want the audience to be interested in the people rather than titillation of a new murder every week.”

Relatively unknown on this side of the Atlantic, the 25-year-old actor grew up in Dubai and moved to the U.K. for school. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which legendary actor Laurence Olivier established in the 1940s. We chatted with Weston-Jones about the help he had developing his near-flawless American accent, what it was like to work with Potente (“Run Lola Run,” “The Bourne Supremacy”) and an oddly-named band he frequently mentions on Twitter. The following is an edited transcript.

 

Hugh Laurie and crew are no mere 'House’ band Article by: NEAL JUSTIN , Star Tribune Updated: August 19, 2012 - 4:51 PM

Hugh Laurie opened his set at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis Saturday night with a warning.

"Until recently, I was an actor," said Laurie, best known for playing the title role of "House" for eight seasons. "I suppose if a pilot got on the intercom and said that, until two weeks ago, he had been a dental hygienist, how many of us would stay on the plane?"

The audience soon discovered there was no reason to panic. In fact, Laurie and his backup group, the Copper Bottom Band, soared for two hours, taking listeners on a tour of New Orleans music graced with humor, enthusiasm and genuine chops.

The stage, populated with battered lamps, a coat rack and a stuffed bird, was as cozy and intimate as the tunes.

Laurie, dressed in a long black coat and frilly shirt, could have placated fans with a few contemporary numbers and references to his Fox drama. Instead, he led a pure love affair to early 20th-century jazz through classic numbers like "St. James Infirmary Blues," "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Swanee River."

Laurie's vocals changed to reflect each piece, channeling Ray Charles one moment and Jimmie Rodgers the next. He may not be a great singer, but he's a masterful impressionist.

Every persona was supported by a crackerjack team of musicians, most notably the very versatile guitarist Kevin Breit and horn player Vincent Henry, who each handled three or four instruments throughout the evening. Vocalist Jean McClain was underutilized, but she made the most of her spotlight moment, plowing through a soul-stirring version of "John Henry."


READ MORE: http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/166697586.html

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