Look To The Stars News: Harrison Ford

Paul McCartney Documentary To Chronicle Reactions To 9/11

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000

As the United States prepares to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, SHOWTIME will premiere a highly-anticipated feature documentary.

“The Love We Make”, which chronicles Paul McCartney’s poignant and cathartic journey through the streets of New York in the aftermath of the World Trade Center’s destruction, and during the planning and performance of the monumental benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, “The Concert for New York City,” which took place less than six weeks after the terrorist attacks.

Directed by iconic documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter, Salesman, Grey Gardens) and award-winning filmmaking partner, Bradley Kaplan (Muhammad and Larry, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!, Sand and Sorrow), The Love We Make was shot in the signature cinéma vérité style that Maysles pioneered and made famous when he filmed the Beatles’ first visit to America in the legendary 1964 documentary What’s Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A.

Justin Bieber Joins Celebrity Charity Auction To Save The Earth

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Justin Bieber is one of the stars taking green to a whole new level with the online launch of the second annual celebrity charity Bid to Save the Earth Green Auction, a momentous live event and companion online auction to raise funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of our planet.

The online auction, powered by luxury charity auction company charitybuzz.com, launched on March 17, bringing hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the realms of fashion, entertainment, business, sports, luxury and travel to the fingertips of bidders around the world. Proceeds will benefit four leading environmental nonprofits – Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International and Central Park Conservancy – which collectively work at the local, national, and international scale to conserve nature for the long term well-being of people. Bidding is open through April 7 at www.charitybuzz.com/BidtoSaveTheEarth.

Sting To Join James Taylor At Charity Concert

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

James Taylor will play a special charity concert at Carnegie Hall next month, joined by a host of celebrity friends.

The show on April 12 will celebrate Carnegie Hall’s 120th birthday and will raise money for the venue’s artistic and educational programs. Musical guests will include Sting, Bette Midler and Steve Martin.

The Honorary Artist Committee for the event includes Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Kelly Preston, Tavis Smiley, John Travolta and Jay-Z.

Star Wars Stars Sign Stormtrooper Helmet For Charity

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

eFX Inc. and the 501st TK Project auctioned one of the most unique Star Wars collectibles ever created in a special eBay charity auction last month to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

On its own, eFX’s replica Star Wars stormtrooper helmet is a sought-after collectible, but the version eFX is auctioning includes more than a dozen signatures from the talented cast and crew of the original Star Wars Trilogy, making it one of the most rare Star Wars collectibles ever offered to fans.

The helmet featured signatures from Star Wars creator George Lucas; actors Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Frank Oz, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Billy Dee Williams, Jeremy Bulloch and Warwick Davis; Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope and Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back producer Gary Kurtz, director Irvin Kershner (The Empire Strikes Back); screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Empire and Return of the Jedi); and composer John Williams.

Harrison Ford: We Must Act Decisively To Save Our World

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Harrison Ford has written an opinion piece for CNN saying that we must act decisively to save our world.

“This week, I have had the opportunity to meet with ministers and country delegates from around the world who have gathered in Nagoya, Japan, to set a global conservation action plan for the next ten years,” says the actor and vice president of Conservation International. "This is a critical moment in time for environmental ministers gathered here to work together to set bold, ambitious targets to protect nature and the services it provides. Decisions made here will not only impact our planet’s environmental health, but every person, family, and nation that depend on nature to survive and thrive.

“Biodiversity is the foundation of all life on Earth. Human societies cannot provide for themselves the essential services provided by nature and healthy ecosystems. Among them: A stable climate, clean air, fresh water, insect populations that pollinate our food crops, healthy soils, and sources of pharmaceuticals for human health.

Harrison Ford And John Stamos Honored By Charity

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity, honored Harrison Ford, John Stamos and Susan Casden at its 9th Annual Smile Gala on September 24, 2010, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Access Hollywood host Billy Bush served as Master of Ceremonies and Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale of GLEE performed.

Special guests attending the gala included Operation Smile Ambassadors John Salley, who served as guest auctioneer, Carmit Bachar, Deidre Hall, Donald Trump, Jr. and Vanessa Trump. A highlight of the evening included a performance by Philippine Smile Ambassador Chadleen Lacdo-o. More than $1.5 million was raised to benefit the organization.

Operation Smile Co-founder and CEO Dr. William P. Magee presented the John Connor Humanitarian Service Award to Calista Flockhart on behalf of legendary actor and humanitarian Harrison Ford who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. The John Connor Humanitarian Service Award is presented to those individuals who have demonstrated their concern and love for their fellow man through their actions and deeds.

Harrison Ford And John Stamos To Be Honored At Charity Gala

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity, will honor Harrison Ford, John Stamos and Susan Casden at its 9th Annual Smile Gala on September 24, 2010, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Access Hollywood host Billy Bush will serve as Master of Ceremonies and a special performance will be given by members of the cast of GLEE.

Harrison Ford To Attend Charity Screening Of The Empire Strikes Back

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Harrison Ford will return to a galaxy far, far away next month at a special charity screening of The Empire Strikes Back.

The event will kick off a year-long initiative by Lucasfilm Ltd to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars sequel by giving back to charity.

The benefit screening will take place on May 19 at the Arclight Hollywood Cinema on West Sunset Blvd, and will benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Harrison Ford, who starred as Han Solo in the original Star Wars trilogy.

Stars Support RFK's Human Rights Dream With Charity Auction

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Whether you dream of dancing up a storm with Elton John or grabbing a cup of joe with Robert De Niro, learning to run a fashion empire from Diane Von Furstenberg or belting out a ballad with Alicia Keys, you can help support the RFK Center’s dream of worldwide human rights.

The 2010 Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights’ spring auction is launching on April 8th at Charitybuzz with a star-studded line-up of once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for auction.

Pop culture icons including Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, Reggie Bush, Diane Von Furstenberg, Elton John, Robert DeNiro, Shepard Fairey and many more have donated jaw dropping experiences to raise funds for the 42-year-old organization dedicated to providing an ongoing base of support to human rights defenders around the world. Additional notable participants include: George Lucas, Michael Buble, Tim Gunn, Bill Maher, Whitney Houston, Oprah Winfrey, Venus Williams, Evan Lysacek, Ken Burns, Anderson Cooper, Bobbi Brown, George Lopez, Paula Zahn, Martin Sheen, Jimmy Smits, Ray Romano, John Cusack, James Taylor, Meryl Streep, Tom Ridge, Viggo Mortensen, and Laird Hamilton, with more A-listers joining the cause each day.

Charitybuzz Launches A Bid To Save The Earth

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth will be laying out the green carpet for celebrities who are lending their star power for a bid to save the earth.

Celebrities are turning out to be among the biggest players in philanthropy in 2010. The Green Auction exemplifies what can be achieved when a fantastic mix of people from various industries, unite for one purpose: to advocate for the environment.

Humane Society To Hold Star-Studded Genesis Awards This Weekend

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Animal welfare warriors shouldn’t forget The Humane Society’s 24th annual Genesis Awards this Saturday, March 20.

This year will see Melanie Griffith present a lifetime achievement award to her mother, 80-year-old Tippi Hedren, for dedicating the last 40 years to the protection of animals and raising awareness of the exotic pet trade.

“Tippi is an extraordinary woman – both a hands-on caregiver to 63 discarded big cats at the Shambala Preserve, as well as a tireless activist who continues to work in support of federal legislation that would ban the breeding of and the trade in exotic animals in the U.S.,” said Beverly Kaskey, senior director of the Hollywood office of The Humane Society of the United States and executive producer of the annual Genesis Awards.

Harrison Ford Flies To Haiti For Charity

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Harrison Ford is the latest star to put his pilot skills to work for Haiti.

Following John Travolta and Ludacris’ mercy missions to fly supplies to the country following the earthquake on January 12, Ford has now used his own Cessna to fly in volunteers and and medical supplies for Operation Smile.

“This is not about me, it is just about doing what I can to help Operation Smile and the people of Haiti,” said the Indiana Jones star.

Help Celebrities Make A Bid To Save The World

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Christie’s International has announced it will hold a new green auction it has dubbed “A Bid to Save the Earth.”

This first-of-its-kind charity auction will take place on April 22, 2010, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The Evening Sale event will be held at Christie’s, Rockefeller Center, New York and be carried live globally via Christie’s LIVE on www.christies.com. Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four leading not-for-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy.

Christie’s is partnering with Charitybuzz, the leading destination for online charity benefit auctions, to present a companion silent auction which will be hosted at www.ABidtoSavetheEarth.org. Christie’s will waive all fees and commissions for the auction. Native Energy, www.nativeenergy.com, a leader in carbon offsetting, will provide carbon offsets for the entire Green Auction. NBC Universal, as part of its ongoing environmental initiative, “Green is Universal,” will serve as the official media partner for the event.

Harrison Ford To Host Environmental Charity Awards

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart will host a special event for Oceana this Friday, November 20, to honor Deepak Chopra and Arianna Huffington.

The 2009 Oceana Partners Award Gala honors those individuals who have made outstanding contributions through their personal commitment to the cause of protecting and conserving the environment. Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of 12 books. Dr. Deepak Chopra is the Founder of Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California and Manhattan, New York. He is also the author of many best-selling books.

Joining Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart in hosting the event will be Morgan Freeman, Jeff Goldblum, Trudie Styler, Sting, Robert Redford and Ron Howard. Working behind the scenes are Ted Danson and Sam Waterston.

Kirk Douglas Will Feed The Hungry On Thanksgiving

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Veteran actor Kirk Douglas – along with his wife Anne – will once again host his annual Thanksgiving meal for the homeless on Los Angeles’ Skid Row on November 25.

For the past five years Kirk Douglas and his wife have hosted the street dinner at the Los Angeles Mission. Volunteers from TV, radio and movies, political leaders and others will bring Thanksgiving a day early to thousands of homeless men, women and children. The day will feature the traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, served hot and fresh in a friendly family atmosphere. Los Angeles Christian Health Centers will provide foot care and exams at the event.

Already scheduled to help out this year are Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Booboo Stewart (The Twilight Saga – Eclipse), Carolyn Hennessy (Cougartown), Naya Rivera (Glee), Aldis Hodge (Leverage), Congress Members Maxine Waters and David Dreier, Sheriff Lee Baca, and others.

The Stars On Climate Change - What Do They Think?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

October 15 marks the third annual Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world focus on one prominent issue through individual ideas, actions, and thoughts.

This year’s topic is climate change, and Look To The Stars has delved into our archives to find 13 quotes relating to the thoughts of some of the most noteworthy celebrities who are devoted to finding solutions to global poverty.

Hugh Jackman: "You can’t separate the issues of climate change and poverty. They are inextricably linked. Having been to Ethiopia and seen these farmers, seen the battle they face from what is a problem that the developed countries have brought on many of these developing countries, there is a justice, there is a gap we need to fill.

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.

Animated Frog Helps Raise Awareness Of Rainforests

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0000

London’s Picadilly Circus came alive last week when its iconic Coca Cola and McDonalds signs burst into life with the appearance of a new animated rainforest frog. St Trinian’s star Talulah Riley was on hand to launch the new initiative, which is part of an ongoing campaign for the Prince’s Rainforests Project.

The McDonald’s sign gives members of the public the chance to interact with the breathing frog, allowing them to be photographed in front of the screens with the frog seemingly on their hand, head or shoulder, in keeping with the PRP campaign video.

Prince Charles Joins Kermit And Friends For The Rainforests

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Prince Charles has launched a new online video to promote the protection of rainforests, and he has called on some of his celebrity friends to help.

The 90-second video features appearances by Harrison Ford, Prince William and Prince Harry, Robin Williams, Daniel Craig, Kermit The Frog, Joss Stone, footballer Pelé and the Dalai Lama. Each star in the film talks of their support for the halting of tropical rainforest deforestation, and is joined on-camera by an animated Argentinean Horned Frog, a symbol of the rainforest.

“One of the Internet’s strengths is that it can enable diverse communities to come together to ensure that everybody’s views and actions can really be made to count,” Prince Charles said in a webcast to launch the video. “Our aim, with your help, is to build an online community to call, from the bottom up, for urgent action to protect the rainforests, without which we will most certainly lose the battle against catastrophic climate change.”

Anderson Cooper To Be Honored By Conservation International

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Conservation International is to honor Emmy-winning journalist Anderson Cooper and CNN’s Planet in Peril Team with the Global Conservation Hero Award for commitment and action toward a healthy, secure planet for all people at its 12th Annual New York Dinner.

The environmental organization says “Cooper and the Planet in Peril Team have been at the forefront of CNN’s provocative and inspiring reporting on the global environmental situation, and their penetrating coverage of climate change, deforestation, species loss, and conflict over natural resources has reached widespread audiences with a critical message that nature is essential to humanity’s wellbeing.”

With honorary co-chairs such as Harrison Ford and Meredith Brokaw, the event is likely to be a sell-out. With its aim to conserve the Earth’s living heritage, global biodiversity and demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature, Conservation International is at the cutting edge of environmental work.

LTTS Exclusive: An Interview With Raul Julia-Levy

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Starring alongside Damon Whitaker and Danny Venegas, Raul Julia-Levy has played the leads of a positive role model in film.

In real life, Julia-Levy plays the role of a philanthropist, actor, producer and activist with a heart. He grew up in a prominent family in Mexico City and met his famous father for the first time in Hollywood when he was 17. Despite any life challenges he has faced, he has remained dedicated to his passions and his cause.

I had the opportunity of meeting of Raul and asking him a few questions on why philanthropy is so important to him.

Archaeological Institute To Honor Harrison Ford

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The Archaeological Institute of America will celebrate its 130th anniversary by holding a gala on April 28 to honor Harrison Ford and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.

The theme and décor of the AIA Gala will offer guests a unforgettable experience, providing a glimpse into ancient cultures and civilizations. In organizing the evening’s program, the AIA is pleased to partner with the Consulates, Trade Offices, and Tourism Boards of the following countries: Chile, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, and Peru. As a result, the auction, which includes archaeologically themed items, will feature exclusive tours to destinations across the globe, all of which are rich in art, culture, and archaeological sites. Also featured in the auction is a prize-winning piece of Guatemalan jade sculpture courtesy of the Guatemala Tourism Commission and the Guatemala Trade Commission.

The cocktail reception takes place in an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Greece, with Corinthian columns and marble floors. Flowers native to Greece, and often represented in Greek art, will adorn the room. A living statue will evoke the goddess Athena, holding in her hand the Owl of Wisdom, symbolic of the knowledge that we hope to gain from archaeology and the inspiration for the AIA’s logo 130 years ago. Performing during the reception will be Kristi Shade, an alumna of The Manhattan School of Music and one of its most talented harpists.

Philanthropy Spotlight: Harrison Ford

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ Features Editor Tim Saunders takes an in-depth look at the career and philanthropy of Harrison Ford.

Unlike Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford actually likes snakes. In fact he likes a lot of the creatures that most people fear. He even has a Californian spider, Calponia harrisonfordi, named after him, its eight hairy legs enough to give almost anyone nightmares, and a South American ant also bears his name. Snakes of all sorts make their home around the white-painted ranch house he built himself in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and they slither and slide their way in and out of the shrubs and pockets of grass that dot the barren landscape.

The mountains that surround Ford’s house are among the most rugged in the state. Their jagged peaks create a feeling that the whole world exists within their confines, and the arid plains that run between them consistently record some of the most extreme temperatures in the United States. It is an area that conjures up images of America’s pioneers, of Lois and Clarke, of place names such as Owl Creek, Dead Indian Pass, and the Big Horn Mountains, romantic visions of a past long gone.

Kirk Douglas To Feed The Homeless For Thanksgiving

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Kirk Douglas will host his annual Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless on Wednesday, November 26.

Along with his wife, Anne Douglas, and a host of celebrities that will be announced just before the event, the 91-year-old actor will be dishing out meals at the Los Angeles Mission on the corner of Wall Street at 11am.

For over 50 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Hope Central (known as Skid Row), providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling.

Flockhart, Ford to Attend Peace Over Violence Benefit

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Calista Flockhart is set to host the 37th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner benefitting Peace Over Violence this Friday night, November 7th.

Flockhart, who is the National Spokesperson for the charity, will be joined by special guests Harrison Ford, Bo Derek, Jane Seymour, James Keach and many others. Honorary Co-Chairs for the event include Cheryl Burke and Eve Ensler.

The event, to be held at The Beverly Hills Hotel, begins at 6 P.M. with a Festive Cocktail Reception and a Silent Auction, followed at 7 by Dinner and the Awards Ceremony. Guests are asked to bring old wireless phones for the Verizon Wireless Hopeline program, which works to help curb domestic violence.