Look To The Stars News: Rob Reiner

Stars Take On 8 For Charity

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:15:00 +0000

The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact are proud to announce an all-star cast for the West Coast premiere of “8,” a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black and directed by acclaimed actor and director and AFER Founding Board Member Rob Reiner.

“8” is an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry.

Black, who penned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the new critically-acclaimed film J. Edgar, based “8” on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families.

Celebrity Cast For New Proposition 8 Play

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), in partnership with Broadway Impact, has announced additional casting and roles for the highly anticipated one-night only staged reading of “8,” a new play chronicling the historic trial in the federal legal challenge to California’s Proposition 8.

The play is written by AFER Founding Board Member and Academy Award-winning writer Dustin Lance Black and will be directed by two-time Tony Award-winning actor and director Joe Mantello.

Academy, Tony and four-time Emmy Award nominee Bob Balaban; acclaimed “White Collar” television star Matt Bomer; Emmy Award-winning journalist Campbell Brown; celebrated playwright and gay rights activist Larry Kramer; two-time Academy Award-nominated, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning, two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow; Tony Award nominee and Broadway Impact Co-Founder Rory O’Malley; and Emmy Award winner and three-time Golden Globe Award nominee Bradley Whitford will appear in the world premiere of “8” on Broadway, joining the previously announced Anthony Edwards, Morgan Freeman, Cheyenne Jackson, Christine Lahti, Rob Reiner, Yeardley Smith and Marisa Tomei. The production is an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which eliminated the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples in California.

Elton John To Perform Private Charity Concert Tonight

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Legendary singer Elton John will perform at an intimate concert in Beverly Hills tonight, January 19, in support of the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

A host of celebrities will be there to enjoy the show, including co-chairs David Geffen, Yeardly Smith and Michele & Rob Reiner.

Also set to attend are evening are Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams and Barbra Streisand.

Leeza Gibbons Named As Ambassador For Care

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:30:00 +0000

One of the most recognizable faces on television, Leeza Gibbons, is teaming up with AARP to once again connect with millions of people across the country.

As the organization’s new Ambassador for Care, she will bring information and resources to the more than 44 million Americans who are caregivers, along with her own personal experiences. Additionally, Gibbons will return to TV as the new host of AARP’s 30-minute lifestyle TV show, My Generation, which airs nationally on PBS.

“Leeza’s personal experience as a caregiver and the work she has done to aid others in this role make her a great fit as our new Ambassador for Care,” said Emilio Pardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, AARP. “Add to this her new role as the host of My Generation, a role that obviously goes hand in hand with her expertise and success on TV, and we’ve got a powerful new arsenal of information available to AARP’s members and 50+ America.”

Penelope Ann Miller Supports Inspirational Films

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Actress Penelope Ann Miller has blogged in the Huffington Post about why people need to support films with an inspirational message.

“I feel we need to support films that send powerful messages to kids about courage, values, and being true to yourself,” she writes. “If we don’t get behind them and support them Hollywood won’t make them.”

“Last summer I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of Rob Reiner’s new film, Flipped. It’s a story about two 13-year-olds in the early 1960s — Bryce and Juli — who live across the street from each other and how they find themselves and each other through the trials of love and friendship.

Live Earth Offers An Evening With Spinal Tap

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 07:44:28 +0000

A dinner with a difference is for sale on Ebay. The organisers of Live Earth are auctioning a special meal with members of rock group Spinal Tap, as part of their lead-up to the Live Earth concerts on July 7.

The spoof heavy metal band has reformed to perform their new single, “Warmer Than Hell”, at the Live Earth event in London, and one lucky bidder and their guest will have the chance to accompany band members Nigel Tufnel, David St Hubbins, and Derek Smalls (the alter egos of comedians Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer) to an evening of culinary delights, fine wine… and interesting conversation.

Also attending the dinner will be film director Rob Reiner, creator of the 1984 “mockumentary” This Is Spinal Tap.

Spinal Tap Reunite for Live Earth

Fri, 04 May 2007 21:33:04 +0000

Spinal Tap will reunite onstage this July at the Live Earth event in Wembley Stadium, London.

The legendary spoof heavy metal band, led by comedians Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest and Michael McKean, gained a following through their ‘mockumentary’ This is Spinal Tap, and have teamed up once again with director Rob Reiner to support the music extravaganza by creating a Live Earth-related short film.

The short film features characters Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls talking about their “charity” work, such as raising funds to help underprivileged ferrets, as well as updating fans on the career paths the musicians have taken.