Category: TV

‘Sesame Street’ and ‘227’ star Alaina Reed Hall dies

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Actress Alaina Reed Hall,63, died of breast cancer last Thursday in Santa Monica.  She played Olivia, a photographer and sister of the character Gordon on “Sesame Street” from 1976-1988.  Reed- Hall also starred on the 1985-1990, NBC series “227” as the landlady and best friend of the main character played by actress Marla Gibbs. In the show’s final season, Reed Hall’s character married a character played by her real-life husband, Kevin Peter Hall, who died in 1991.

Born Bernice Reed in Springfield, Ohio, on Nov. 10, 1946, she appeared in stage productions of “Hair” and “Chicago.”  She also made guest appearances on TV series such as “ER,” “NYPD Blue” and “Friends. Reed Hall appeared in a number of films, including “Death Becomes Her” and “Cruel Intentions.”

Reed-Hall is survived by her third husband, Tamim Amini and two children from a previous marriage.

Jackson reality show to premiere on A&E

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Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon will be on the small screen Sunday night with the premiere of the new A&E reality show, “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.”  The six-episode series will follow the brothers as they prepare for a reunion concert tour.  It will also reveal how they are dealing with the death of their brother, Michael.

Shaq’s wife to produce VH1 reality show ‘Basketball Wives’

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Shaunie O’Neal, estranged wife of Shaquille O’Neal, will be a star and executive producer of the VH1 reality series, “Basketball Wives.”  Premiering March 5, the show will showcase the lives of wives and girlfriends of professional basketball players.  The cast includes Jennifer Williams (wife of Eric Williams), Evelyn Lozada (ex-fiance of Antoine Walker), Mesha O’Neal (wife of Jermaine O’Neal), Royce Reed and Faith Rain (Udonis Haslem’s girlfriend).

“I have always recognized that behind every NBA star is a strong, exceptional woman, one who must deal with the unique challenges of being married to the game as well as the player,” O’Neal said about the eight episode series.

This is going to be interesting!

BET’s ‘Sunday Best’ holds auditions in Africa

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Gospel greats Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell and Kirk Franklin will audition singers Dec. 6 in Lagos, Nigeria for the third season of the BET’s series “Sunday Best.”  The overseas tryouts commemorate the one-year anniversary of the network’s launch in 30 countries in Africa.  The best performers will then compete in the United States auditions, which have not been announced.

“I’m pleased to mark BET’s one-year celebration … with this unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s remarkable gospel singing talent for the millions of SUNDAY BEST viewers around the world,” said Michael D. Armstrong, BET Senior Vice President and General Manager.



Shaq’s Comedy Jam is Back

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After the success of the “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” which was taped the night before this year’s NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Shaq is back with a second installment.  Set to air Dec. 5 on Showtime, this time the comedy event will feature host D.L. Hughley, Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, Melanie Comarcho, and Arnez J.  It was taped in South Beach during the American Black Film Festival.

“We have been thrilled with the success of the first All Star Comedy Jam and are pleased to announce the next installment of the special,” said event producer Jeff Clanagan. “This franchise is committed to showcasing the legends of the comedy business while giving an opportunity for up-and-coming comedians to shine.”

A third comedy jam will be filmed at the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas.


Wendy Williams inducted into Radio Hall of Fame

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How you doing?!  Talk show host Wendy Williams was in Chicago this past weekend to be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. Before debuting her daytime talk show this year, Williams was a New York radio personality for more than 20 years.

“Women, I scored one for us!” said Williams on her talk show Tuesday after noting that there are few women or African Americans in the Radio Hall of Fame.

Wanda Sykes joins late night TV

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Move over Mo’Nique.  Comedian Wanda Sykes is the next African American female to get her own late night talk show.  “The Wanda Sykes Show” airs Saturday nights beginning Nov. 7 at 10 p.m. central time on FOX.  In a news release, the network said the show will feature comedy segments and panel discussions where “everything from news, politics, sports and pop culture will get examined from a point of view not currently offered on television.”

VH1 Hip Honors 25th anniversary Def Jam tribute

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Public Enemy, Ja Rule, Ashanti are just some of the performers at last night’s VH1 Hip Honors.  This year, there was a tribute celebrating the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records.  The show will air on VH1 Oct. 13.

Mary J. Blige and Method Man performed their hit, “You’re All I Need.”

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DMX performed his hit, “Party Up (Up in Here).”

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Eve served as a presenter during the show.

Taye Diggs welcomes baby boy

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On Sept. 2, Taye Diggs and his wife Idina Menzel welcomed their son, Walker Diggs.  This is the first child for the couple, who are both age 38.  The two wed in 2003 after meeting in the 1996 Broadway production of Rent.

“It’s been amazing just to come home to that little dude,” the Private Practice star, 38, told People magazine about the birth. “Every time I leave the house, it just makes me want to come back even more. It’s just a great prize waiting for me.”