Look To The Stars News: Jack Black

Jack Black And Stephen Stills To Sing About Autism

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Everyone’s favorite ‘Rock Professor’ Jack Black and the legendary rocker Stephen Stills are to perform a new and original song, “Sensitive,” on TV’s Everyday Health this week. The song, written by Wyatt Isaacs, is about his experience living with Autism.

The syndicated television series, Everyday Health, profiles The Miracle Project in an episode on January 28 which unites families living with Autism alongside legendary musician Stephen Stills and actor/comedian Jack Black—with a common goal of raising funds and awareness for Autism.

The subject of the HBO double Emmy Award-winning documentary Autism: The Musical, The Miracle Project is an organization which brings Autistic children together to help them uncover their potential through music, dance, acting, storytelling and writing.

Jack Black To Attend Renal Teen Prom

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Jack Black, Ann Lopez and Brad Ellis will be guests of honor at the annual Renal Teen Prom at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, on Sunday, January 15.

The Renal Support Network (RSN) will host the 13th Annual Renal Teen Prom for hundreds of patients with kidney disease. The Renal Teen Prom is the inspiration of Lori Hartwell, RSN’s President and Founder, who missed her own prom due to kidney disease.

More than 300 teens and their guests, ages ranging from 14 to 24-years-old, who are on dialysis, pre-dialysis or with a transplant, will receive an evening of glamour, fun and excitement. The prom attracts not only Southern California teens, but teens from across the United States: Washington, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Colorado and New Jersey.

Peter Jackson Helps West Memphis Three Receive Pardon

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson has brought one of the West Memphis Three inmates freed from prison after 18 years to New Zealand, to help him work on receiving a full pardon.

Damien Echols was one of three men convicted of killing three 8-year-old boys in Arkansas in 1993. He and the other two men – Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr. – were released in August after pleading guilty to lesser charges. Echols was the only one of the three to face the death sentence.

“There are all sorts of emotive headlines about Damien Echols, killer, coming to New Zealand, but the reality is that Damien Echols is an innocent man who has spent 18 years incarcerated in a tiny cell,” Jackson said at a press conference. “He’s come here to work with us on a couple of things. We’re doing investigative work, we’re doing forensic work with the purpose of getting a complete pardon.”

Jack Black To Perform At Autism Concert

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Holly Robinson-Peete will receive a handmade award honoring her dedication to the autism community and Jack Black and Stephen Stills will perform with stars of HBO’s “AUTISM: The Musical,” at the Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, on October 4 at 7pm.

The Autism is Awesomism concert will be filmed as part of a new series called ‘EVERYDAY HEALTH’ from the producers of the “The Biggest Loser”. The show profiles teens and young adults with health challenges that are making a real difference in their communities and will air on ABC this fall.

Joining Holly, Jack and Stephen at the concert will be Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca of “Survivor Africa” as series hosts, and Matthew Asner, son of Ed Asner from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and host of Autism America Radio, and other “surprise guests.”

Jack Black To Take Part In Celebrity Charity Poker Event

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Actor/comedian Jack Black and a host of celebrities will ‘ante-up’ at the “All-In to Win for Hope” No Limit Texas Hold’em Celebrity Poker Tournament on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Commerce Casino in Commerce, California benefiting Renal Support Network and Love Across the Ocean charities. The celebrity poker tournament will award cash prizes.

“We are excited to have Jack Black participate in our second annual celebrity poker tournament,” said Dale Wade Davis, event chairman and actor (“Shameless”). “On behalf of our tournament partner, Love Across The Ocean, we look forward to an afternoon full of entertainment and are honored to have Jack help us raise awareness about chronic kidney disease and the importance of organ donation, as well as the plight of refugee families.” Davis is a kidney transplant recipient from good friend, Phillip Palmer (ABC7 Anchor).

Welcoming many stars from the Los Angeles area, the celebrity poker tournament is a fun-filled day that offers great prizes, a silent auction, raffles, a dinner buffet and a chance to mingle and compete against stars from various genres of the entertainment industry.

Stars Rejoice Over West Memphis Three Release

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder were in Arkansas in the weekend to support family and friends of the West Memphis Three, who were freed from prison after 18 years.

The pair have been vocal supporters of the West Memphis Three – Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley Jr., three men charged with the murder of three 8-year-old boys in 1993 – for a number of years. A host of celebrities have been behind the release of the men, including Peter Jackson, Johnny Depp, Jack Black, Ben Harper and Patti Smith.

“Beautiful things went down in Arkansas today,” tweeted Maines. “Beautiful beautiful things… I’m sitting in a holding room at the courthouse about to see three men walk free!”

Hollywood Supports Organ And Tissue Donations

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Celebrating Hollywood’s support for organ and tissue donation, Donate Life Hollywood will host the third annual Donate Life Hollywood Inspire Awards on June 22.

Television episodes, films and celebrities will be honored at the event, held at Hollywood’s historic Avalon Theatre.

Stars Karaoke For UNICEF At Celebrity Charity Event

Thu, 19 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

On Tuesday, May 17, UNICEF hosted the first-ever Playlist with the A-List celebrity charity karaoke benefit at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. The evening raised $275,000 for UNICEF’s ‘Schools for Africa’ campaign.

Jack Black performs War Pigs

Will Ferrell Hosts Celebrity Charity Event

Wed, 11 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

When he’s not shaving Conan’s beard, appearing on The Office and playing George W. Bush and talking about gophers, Will Ferrell takes time to use his funny powers to do some good.

Will Ferrell and Jack Black

Celebrity Charity Karaoke To Benefit US Fund For UNICEF

Fri, 06 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

On May 17, 2011, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF will give celebrity supporters a reason to sing their hearts out with the first-ever Playlist with the A-List celebrity karaoke benefit event.

Special guests, including Rita Wilson, Jack Black, Kristen Bell, Christian Slater, Angela Kinsey, Kyle Maclachlan, Lori Loughlin, James Denton, Roselyn Sanchez and Ryan Bingham, will perform live with the electrifying Rickey Minor Band to raise funds and awareness for UNICEF’s ‘Schools for Africa’ campaign.

In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, one out of every three children doesn’t get the chance to go to school due to poor quality teaching, poor water and sanitation facilities, cultural attitudes and poverty. UNICEF and the Nelson Mandela Foundation started ‘Schools for Africa,’ a campaign to promote education for all, with a special emphasis on girls, orphans, children living in extreme poverty and other vulnerable children.

Jack Black To Attend Celebrity Charity Story Time Celebration

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The Second Annual Milk+Bookies Story Time Celebration will take place on Sunday, March 20.

Attending will be celebrity guests such as Chris Pine, Jack Black, Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”), Jennie Garth, Jonah Hill, Jeff Probst, Josh Holloway (“Lost”), Maya Rudolph, Sarah Chalke (“Mad Love”), Jason Biggs (“Mad Love”), Nathan Fillion (“Castle”), Stefan Lassard (Dave Matthews Band), Allison Brie (“Community”) and many more.

Families will be able to enjoy their favorite childhood stories in the celebrity reading room, create story-inspired arts & crafts, photo flipbooks and of course, eat milk and cookies. There will be a giant “bookstore” where families can select books, inscribe them and donate them using Milk + Bookies to distribute these books to children that do not have access to books of their own. This year’s book donation recipients will be Los Angeles foster kids who are serviced through the Westside children’s Center and The Children’s Bureau.

Jack Black Attends Panda Naming Ceremony

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Officials at Zoo Atlanta and DreamWorks Animation have issued a joint announcement that the only giant panda cub born in the U.S. in 2010 has a name: Po. The name is a tribute to the lead character, Po the panda, in the upcoming DreamWorks Animation film, Kung Fu Panda 2, which will be distributed by Paramount Pictures starting on May 26, 2011.

Jack Black, who voiced the iconic character of Po the panda in Kung Fu Panda – which grossed over $630 million at the worldwide box office – and who will reprise his role in the upcoming sequel, was present for the naming of the newborn panda cub.

Jack Black's Christmas Song For Charity

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Jack Black and his Gulliver’s Travels co-star Jason Segal are giving back this Christmas by donating the proceeds of their take on a classic song to charity.

The pair have released a version of Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy on iTunes, with proceeds going to Blue Star Families, a charity for military families.

“BSF is extremely grateful for this gift,” says Blue Star Families director, Mark D. Smith. "This gesture serves as wonderful example of the strong support our military families enjoy for all their sacrifices from the civilian community across the country.

Rihanna Wants More Birthdays For Charity

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Award-winning singer Rihanna is doing more this week than launching her new album, LOUD, and kicking off the American Music Awards. She’s also lending her time and talent to help the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of birthdays, create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

As the latest musician to join the more birthdays movement, Rihanna is helping draw attention to the fight against cancer and save lives. Her “happy birthday” video – inspired by the 11 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year – will make its television debut during the AMA broadcast, and can be seen on morebirthdays.com. Rihanna joins Usher, Justin Bieber, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, and nearly two dozen other entertainers in supporting the cause.

Rage Against The Machine Leads Celebrity Protest In Arizona

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A long list of artists have joined a group actively protesting new immigration laws in Arizona, refusing to play gigs in the state until the laws are changed.

The new law – called SB 1070 – allows police to question any individuals they suspect are illegal immigrants, and all legal immigrants are required to carry registration documents at all times.

Rage Against The Machine singer Zack de la Rocha is spearheading the group, which includes Cypress Hill, Juanes, Conor Oberst, Michael Moore, Kanye West, Joe Satriani, Rise Against, Massive Attack, Sonic Youth, Jack Black’s Tenacious D and many others.

Stand Up To Cancer To Return With Second Celebrity Charity Telecast

Thu, 20 May 2010 20:45:00 +0000

Two years after an historic fundraising telecast and the start of a groundbreaking grassroots movement, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) will return to primetime television on September 10, 2010, at 8PM EST & PST / 7PM CT, with a star-studded appeal to build continuing public support and donations for cutting-edge cancer research that translates at a rapid pace from the laboratory to treatments and technologies that benefit patients.

Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer and Brian Williams announced the upcoming show during individual live appearances on CBS’s “The Early Show,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and NBC’s “TODAY” show, respectively. The three network evening news anchors — who will host the September 10th telecast, executive produced by Laura Ziskin — participated in an interview together last week, discussing the upcoming fundraising event as well as the encouraging progress of “Dream Teams” of researchers SU2C has funded to date. Portions of that interview, the first joint appearance by this group of anchors, also aired on the morning shows.

Will Ferrell And Tenacious D Make A Better LA

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, February 20, Will Ferrell and a handful of others hit the stage for a comedy filled night for the charity A Better LA.

Comedians such as Tenacious D, Nick Swardson, Flight Of The Conchords’ Demetri Martin, Rob Riggle, John C. Reilly, Tim and Eric from Adult Swim and Aubrey Plaza joined Ferrell to raise money to protect youth from violence in the LA area. Most of the comedians tickled everyone’s funny bone with their stand-up comedy, but Tenacious D and Will Ferrell went a different route. Jack Black and Kyle Glass serenaded the crowd and Ferrell ended the show by letting his backside hang out while he sported a snuggie.

Stars Added To MusiCares Person Of The Year Charity Event

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Ben Harper and Lucinda Williams have been added to the all-star lineup for the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Neil Young on Jan. 29 in Los Angeles.

They join other performers Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Sheryl Crow, Everest, Patty Griffin, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, KD Lang, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Russell, James Taylor and Wilco. The dinner co-chairs are Warner Bros. Records Chairman Emeritus Mo Ostin, Lookout Management President and Founder Elliot Roberts, and Warner Bros. Records Chairman/CEO Tom Whalley. Two-time GRAMMY-winning producer Don Was will be the evening’s musical director.

Neil Young’s philanthropic work is as renowned as his musical legacy. He was one of the original founders of Farm Aid in 1985, and continues to be an active member on the organization’s board of directors. Each October, he and his wife Pegi organize and host the Bridge School Concerts, a benefit for the Bridge School that he and Pegi helped found. The school ensures that children with severe speech and physical impairments achieve full participation in their communities through the use of assistive technology and the development, implementation and dissemination of innovative educational strategies. These weekend concerts have drawn an international array of musical artists and have raised significant resources for the school.

Meet Jack Black At Conservation International Dinner

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Fans of comedy actor Jack Black – currently appearing in Year One – will be able to meet the man himself at a special dinner being organized by Conservation International.

The dinner will take place in Seattle on October 20, and will also feature the preeminent conservation biologist of our generation and former Board member of Conservation International, Edward O. Wilson.

Conservation International is dedicated to conserving the Earth’s living heritage and our global biodiversity, and demonstrating that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. Harrison Ford was once vice president of the organization.

Stars Come Out For Charity The Night Before

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The entertainment industry’s biggest stars are set to shine this weekend at the annual Academy Awards, but the night before the big event they will be partying it up to support the Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation.

The 7th annual The Night Before event will take place on Saturday, February 21, at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, and aims to help provide charitable health and community services to entertainment industry people in need.

The first Night Before event was held in 2003 and instantly became one of the most coveted invitations in town kicking off what is now a much-anticipated awards season tradition. Since its inception, the Night Before fundraiser has raised more than $30 million for MPTF.

Children In Need Concert Makes History

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +0000

British broadcasters Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, and Fearne Cotton hosted the annual BBC Children in Need charity concert on Friday, November 14.

The epic seven hour show featured performances from the Sugababes, Boyzone, Leon Jackson, McFly, the Stereophonics, John Barrowman, Il Divo, Jason Donovan Russell Watson, Alesha Dixon, Razorlight, Sharleen Spiteri and many others. Girls Aloud also made a special appearance, and there were surprise contributions from Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Black, Will Young, Richard Hammond, and Stevie Wonder. Take That donated £250,000 from their ticket sales and a recent Marks and Spencer modeling deal.

But perhaps the funniest highlights of the night came from a performance of Abba hits from six BBC newsreaders. The cast of Eastenders also took to the stage for a song and dance.

Stand Up To Cancer A Huge Success

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:30:00 +0000

A multitude of stars came out on Friday night as part of the Stand Up To Cancer television extravaganza to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long program – simulcast live on NBC, ABC, and CBS – featured celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry, Forest Whitaker and Casey Affleck reading accounts of people battling cancer, as well as musical items, comedy sketches, and the opportunity for people to ring up and pledge donations – with stars such as Ellen DeGeneres, America Ferrera and Kirsten Dunst answering the phones.

“This is an absolutely historic night, thanks to the unbelievable generosity of the three networks,” event organiser, producer and cancer survivor Laura Ziskin told the audience at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre.

Lance Armstrong Stands Up To Cancer Tonight

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Don’t miss Stand Up To Cancer on ABC, CBS and NBC today, Friday, September 5, at 8 p.m. (EST).

A spectacular line up of talent including Jennifer Aniston, James Taylor, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Kirsten Dunst, Charles Barkley, America Ferrera, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Forest Whitaker, Jimmy Fallon and Keanu Reeves will appear on the one-hour telecast. The celebrities are set to educate you, move you and entertain you, and will even be on hand to answer your calls in the celebrity phone bank.

The premiere TV performance of Just Stand Up – the star studded charitable single in support of Stand Up To Cancer – will be performed by legendary recording artists Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.

Stars Keep In Time For Charity

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:30:00 +0000

A new series of designer watches featuring memorabilia from rock stars and celebrities is raising money for charity.

California-based Nixon Watches has launched their 2008 LTD collection of watches which incorporates guitar frets, concert ticket stubs, and other items into quality timepieces. The brainchild of No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont, the collection features watches designed by musicians such as Ringo Starr, Nikki Sixx, members of Fall Out Boy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Angels and Airwaves, and screen stars Jack Black and Joy Bryant. Proceeds from the watches will benefit the Tony Hawk Foundation, a children’s aid charity that seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, and the MusiCares MAP Fund to help musicians recovering from addiction.

According to the Nixon website, the collection ranges in price from $350 to $1,500, and is available from Barneys New York in Beverly Hills.

Bid Now For Christmas Gifts

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:21:00 +0000

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and celebrities are doing their best to make holiday shopping easy this year. Several charity auctions have already kicked off to raise money for good causes, including one that may be eBay’s largest sale of celebrity items… ever!

The BID 2 BEAT AIDS online auction will open on December 1, World AIDS Day, and will feature over 1000 specially signed items, ranging from posters to iPods. The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity, and in the past has raised up to $175,000.

The array of memorabilia up for sale this year is simply colossal, with perhaps the most interesting items being a series of “Lend a Hand to LIFEbeat” cards that feature the handprints of over 100 celebrities. Stars such as Britney Spears, Jack Black, and Kathy Griffin traced around the outlines of their hands and decorated their artworks for the auction, and the finished products will make a unique addition to any Christmas stocking.