Look To The Stars News: Helen Mirren

Stars Wish Macmillan Cancer Care A Happy 100th Birthday

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Leading cancer care charity Macmillan Cancer Support recently asked its celebrity supporters – including Kylie Minogue, Keira Knightley, Sting, Alesha Dixon, Joanna Lumley, James Corden, Anna Friel and Seth Rogen – to share their 100th birthday wishes in a short film 100 Years Of Macmillan: A Birthday Tribute.

The short film premiered at The Macmillan Centenary Gala, an all-star evening of entertainment hosted by Graham Norton at The London Palladium on Monday 28 November.

Acting royalty Dame Helen Mirren wished for a very high heeled pair of shoes comfortable enough to walk around in all day for her 100th birthday, while TV presenter Amanda Holden would love to look 75 years younger if she reaches 100. Funny man Ricky Gervais wished for a real life hoverboard from the film ‘Back To The Future’ while Myleene Klass’ dream present would be a grand piano which she could shrink and carry around in her handbag.

Helen Mirren Cautions About Afghan Women's Future

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Ten years ago, world leaders promised to protect the rights of women in Afghanistan through international intervention, said Oxfam in a press release last week, which warned that, “the improvements for Afghan women’s rights gained over the last decade are at risk of slipping away and could be lost in a quick fix bargain for peace.”

Oxfam cites its “A Place at the Table: Safeguarding women’s rights in Afghanistan” report as the basis for its concerns.

In response, the Green Scarves for Solidarity campaign is calling for people around the world to wear green scarves as a reminder to the Bonn Conference in December of promises made and to guarantee women’s rights in any settlements with the Taliban and other groups after international troops withdraw at the end of 2014. Actor Helen Mirren and singer Alesha Dixon were quick to don scarves.

Stars Donate Clothes For Children's Hospital Events

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts is fronting a charity Clothes Throw to raise money for Alder Hey Imagine Appeal.

The Girls Aloud star turned solo artist revealed how pleased she is to support Alder Hey when she visited patients on their cancer unit: “I am really excited to be fronting the Clothes Throw 2011 campaign! I’m an avid supporter of Alder Hey Imagine Appeal. I visit Alder Hey and the patients there really touch my heart.”

The Clothes Throw is in its third year but has been able to expand greatly with the help of Liverpool ONE. Alongside Nicola a host of celebrities and retailers have donated clothes and accessories to raise money for the children’s hospital.

Celebrity Shoe Auction Kicks Off For Charity

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The Small Steps Project will be holding the 2011 London Celebrity Shoe Auction and the premier of the new film at a fundraising evening at The Royal Society of Medicine on October 12.

From SJP, Kristin Davis, Chris Noth, Ben Stiller and Bill Murray to Kate Moss, Zandra Rhodes, Russell Brand, Sienna Miller, Sophie Dahl, Michael Palin, Joanna Lumley, Ricky Gervais, Rachel Weisz, Simon Pegg, Sharleen Spiteri, Liam Gallagher, Helen Mirren, Colin Firth, Jamie Lee Curtis, Steven Gerrard, and Jason Donovan; Small Steps Project has collected celebrity support from both sides of the pond culminating in a fundraising Celebrity Shoe Auction at The Royal Society of Medicine, at One Wimpole St, London on October 12th 2011 at 7pm.

Massive Greenpeace Celebrity Charity Auction Raises Money For Rainbow Warrior

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Celebrities from around the world are taking their commitment to save the planet to the next level to raise money for Greenpeace’s new flagship Rainbow Warrior. From backstage passes to private lunches you’ll see celebrities giving it up to the highest bidder in an attempt to raise money to pay for the world’s leading environmental organization’s new environmentally friendly ship.

Along with charitybuzz.com, the charity auction house, Greenpeace announced auctions of celebrity items to be held through September. The auction opens today and will run through to September 21st, at www.charitybuzz.com/greenpeace.

The Rainbow Warrior is Greenpeace’s first purpose-built vessel, and will play a key role in the fight to stop environmental destruction and promote sustainable solutions, allowing the organisation to continue bearing witness and taking action to prevent environmental crimes around the world. The ship will be ready to sail in Autumn 2011, to mark Greenpeace’s 40th anniversary.

Colin Firth Donates Shoes To Celebrity Charity Auction

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The Small Steps Project will be holding the 2011 London Celebrity Shoe Auction and the premier of the new film at a fundraising evening at The Royal Society of Medicine on October 12.

The event aims to raise awareness and funds so that we can continue to assist children in poverty on rubbish dumps around the world.

Dame Shirley Bassey Makes Celebrity Donation To Charity Shop

Mon, 23 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Barnardo’s flagship charity shop in Marylebone, UK, has received top-quality donations from star singer Dame Shirley Bassey.

The Welsh diva has dropped off bags of top designer clothes and shoes at the George Street Barnardo’s charity shop in Marylebone. Donations include a Ralph Lauren cardigan, Sonia Rykiel skirt and Davos Gomma and Paul Mayer Shoes.

Shop Manager, Russell Lewendon, said: ‘We are over the moon with this generous donation. There has already been a lot of interest in the items so people need to get down here fast if they want to snap up a celebrity bargain! It’s great that Dame Shirley thought of us, as although we welcome all donations, it’s a special treat to be able to sell the clothes of such a star".

Annie Lennox Performs At Celebrity Charity Shop Launch

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox helped launch the Oxfam Celebrity Charity Curiosity Shop at Selfridges in London on Thursday, performing 4 songs and raising over £31,000 by allowing the audience to bid for each performance.

The launch event raised a grand total of £208,985 for Oxfam circle projects around the world that empower women and really make a difference.

For ten days only, The Oxfam Curiosity Shop will sell celebrity fashion donations, sought-after samples and vintage clothing hand-picked from Oxfam’s 700 shops. There will also be celebrity styling sessions, plus special VIP appearances.

Annie Lennox's Celebrity Charity Shop Returns

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

Following last year’s incredible success, Britain’s biggest celebrity charity pop-up shop is back – and it’s better than ever.

The shop has once again been created and stocked by a team of high profile personalities led by Annie Lennox and Whistles CEO Jane Shepherdson – and all the money raised will fund Oxfam projects around the world that support and empower vulnerable women.

Stars Have A Bit Of A Do For Oxfam

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Oxfam is asking women to get together and Have a bit of a Do this March to raise money for the charity’s women’s projects.

Zoe Ball, Annie Lennox, Helen Mirren, Laura Bailey and thousands of women across the UK are already on board, with this week of events joining the global celebrations for the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Oxfam ambassador Annie Lennox OBE inspired the idea of the Oxfam Do when she brought together a group of friends to celebrate women’s achievements and to fundraise and campaign on behalf of women around the world in 2008. Oxfam wants thousands more women to Have a bit of a Do and provide a united voice for many women who would otherwise go unheard.

Elizabeth Taylor, Selena Gomez Honored at WIN Awards

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Tuesday night saw Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Suzanne Roberts among the honorees at the Women’s Image Network’s WIN Awards, along with thirteen other outstanding film and television nominees.

The nominee list included films and shows such as Temple Grandin, Glee, Made In Dagenham, Capturing Mary, Secretariat, You Don’t Know Jack, and actresses Diane Lane, Sally Hawkins, Hope Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Dame Maggie Smith, Jane Lynch, Susan Sarandon, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sasha Alexander and Selena Gomez.

The annual award ceremony, which took place this year in Santa Monica, strives to foster positive public opinion on the value of women who are committed to promoting gender equality, creativity and leadership. Men are also included in the nomination category.

Win Helen Mirren's 2010 Space Jacket In Charity Competition

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Global Oxfam Ambassador and award-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren has donated the silver jacket she wore in her 1984 film 2010 to Oxfam, to raise money towards the charity’s West Africa Food Crisis Response.

Helen Mirren wore the jacket in the film 2010: The Year We Make Contact, in which she played a Russian Astronaut. The donation is a silver astronaut-style jacket. With badges of the NCA and USA flag on the front, and a large embroidered 2010 on the back. The film itself was nominated for 5 Academy awards in 1985 including Best Costume Design.

Celebrities Light Up Virtual Brain For Kids Charity

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

On Monday September 27, 2010, Camila Batmanghelidjh – also known as ’Britain’s most colourful charity leader’ – will be challenging the nation to light up a virtual brain for the children’s charity Kids Company.

The groundbreaking socially networkable campaign, which is supported by celebrities like Dame Helen Mirren, Stephen Fry, Ruby Wax, Rowan Atkinson, Sam Taylor-Wood, Richard Branson and Jon Snow. The aim is to raise £5 million in one million seconds to provide support that will help disturbed and vulnerable children across the world. Children whose drug addicted parents like to use a loaded gun to wake them up. Kids Company provides vital refuge for these children and develops pioneering therapeutic treatments.

Kids Company has created an astonishing online virtual brain comprising one million neurons and the competition is on to see who can light up the largest cluster of neurons in the fastest possible time. The virtual brain harnesses the power of social media and social networks in a unique way. Supporters go online and light up a neuron for £5 and are then encouraged to ask everyone within their own social networks to do the same. The neurons connect together to form clusters that grow and grow.

Children Of Peace To Benefit From Charity Comedy Night

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

After the sell-out success of last year’s Stand-up for Peace, Children of Peace’s renowned comedy night is back with a fantastic line-up, in aid of an inspirational cause. The money raised will go towards projects that specifically bring Israeli and Palestinian children together in the hope that they will develop long lasting friendships.

Children of Peace – the UK based multi-faith and non partisan charity– aims to build friendship, reconciliation and trust between Israeli and Palestinian children and youth, aged 4-17, through shared arts, education, health and sports programs, regardless of faith, gender or heritage.

Celebrities Help The Environment At The Tony Awards

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Home appliance leader LG Electronics USA, with assistance from stars from the stage and screen, including Tony Award winners Scarlett Johansson and Viola Davis, as well as Helen Mirren, Sean Hayes, Nathan Lane, Raquel Welch, Kristin Chenoweth and the band Green Day helped make the Great White Way “green” at the 64th Annual Tony Awards.

As the premier sponsor of The Official Talent Gift Lounge backstage at The Tony Awards, LG pledged to donate an ultra energy efficient washer and dryer to a Broadway theater in the name of each visitor to the Lounge. In cooperation with Broadway Green Alliance (BGA), LG will outfit all 45 Broadway theaters with new laundry pairs, among the most energy efficient washers on the market, to drastically reduce energy and water usage for years to come.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Online Auction Celebrates Celebrity Oxfam Charity Shop

Fri, 14 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

The Celebrity Oxfam Curiosity Shop opens today, May 14, in London – and a special online auction has been launched to celebrate.

From Friday 14 May to Thursday 20 May Selfridges’ Ultralounge, the London store’s permanent arts and exhibition space, will be transformed into The Oxfam Curiosity Shop – staffed by celebrities from Annie Lennox to Beverley Knight with all proceeds going to Oxfam.

Shoppers will be able to browse fantastic one-offs; from a special collection of Livia Firth’s red carpet dresses, to items from icons including Alexa Chung, Annie Lennox, Helen Mirren, Natalie Imbruglia and Corinne Bailey Rae and designer donations from Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Roger Vivier and more. 

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Up For Award

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) has announced three Audie finalists for the prestigious Audiobook of the Year Award and five finalists for the Distinguished Achievement in Production Award – including Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, a charity release to raise money for Artists for a New South Africa.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Annie Lennox To Launch Star-Studded Charity Shop

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

A selection of A-list stars have joined Oxfam and Selfridges to create, set-up, stock and staff Britain’s biggest charity pop-up shop.

Jennifer Aniston To Go To The Movies For Charity

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Jennifer Aniston is to host a special movie screening to raise funds for Haiti.

The star will host the screening of The Last Station – starring Helen Mirren – to benefit AmeriCares, a disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion.

The star will follow the screening with a cocktail party with director Michael Hoffman. LookToTheStars.org will bring you more info as it is released.

LTTS Gift Idea - Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for a Christmas gift that gives back? Last year, Look to the Stars brought you a story about Nelson Mandela’s audiobook of African folktales read by your favorite stars. We have now learned that the Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) audiobook has been nominated for a Grammy!

This selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

Celebrities Sign Petition To Stamp Out Domestic Violence

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

On 2 December 2009 Avon UK and Refuge – a UK-based charity whose safe houses provide emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need – will host a press conference at the House of Commons to discuss the Four Ways to Speak Out campaign.

The event will mark the mid-point in the ‘16 Days of Activism’ which begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and which ends on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. At the event, Avon will announce the results of new research it has commissioned into public perceptions of domestic violence, seeking to break down the wall of silence that surrounds the issue.

The event will be hosted by Reese Witherspoon. The Four Ways campaign calls on people to speak out against domestic violence and encourages people to sign a petition, which asks the government to provide more domestic violence services. A host of celebrities – such as Fiona Bruce, Dame Helen Mirren, Janet Ellis, Maxine Peake, Ruby Wax, Helena Bonham Carter, Jo Brand, Patrick Stewart, Madeline Peyroux and Lorraine Kelly – have already signed the petition.

LTTS Exclusive - The Variety Club 57th Annual Showbiz Awards

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent Richard Barker was lucky enough to attend the Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards and filed this exclusive report and photos.

I was delighted to spend some time with A-list celebrities from music, film, theatre and television on the Red Carpet. The event was in aid of one of UK’s longest running children’s charities, The Variety Club, as it celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

Stars Pushing the Envelope for Literacy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:25:00 +0000

Today is the final day to bid on celebrity-designed, one-of-a-kind envelopes while helping to transform lives through literacy.

Over 100 celebrities, including Zoë Wanamaker, Sir Ian McKellen, Sadie Frost, Amir Khan and Dame Shirley Bassey have decorated envelopes for the Pushing the Envelope campaign in association with Pitney Bowes and the National Literacy Trust.

LTTS Exclusive - An Interview With Jack Petchey: Philanthropist

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ UK correspondent Richard Barker – nominated as Britain’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser – recently met with one of Britain’s top philanthropists and filed this report.

Jack Petchey is a British businessman and leading philanthropist, born and brought up in the East End of London. During the second world war, he served in the Royal Navy and used his Navy discharge pay to start a car hire and car sales business. This grew into a business empire worth close to half a billion pounds.