Kimdog's Fat Celebrity News

Fat Celebrities are a Fluke...

2005-08-16T22:12:00.000-04:00

Or so says this charming little Op Ed piece by Scottish author William Leith. Using the Magic Numbers incident (see last entry) as a spring board, he goes on about how that pop stars are thin, and the fat ones... well, they're just quirks.

On the TV show Pop Idol, when Pete Waterman told Michelle McManus, who was very, very fat, that her weight might hurt her career, a lot of people thought he was being insensitive, even rude. But it looks like he was right.

Now she's losing weight at a fantastic rate. Can you blame her? Mama Cass, Meatloaf - these, surely, are exceptions. And part of you wonders how much more successful they might have been if they'd been skinny.

See, Leith was a fat person (with a book to sell, no less) so he understands the plight of the fat. But is none too sypmathetic. Because the formerly fat are the most vitriolic in their anti-fat sentiment (after all, if they lost weight, then surely their experience must apply to everyone). Cough,cough,Oprah, cough.

Leith wraps up his deep thoughts with this gem:

When you're fat, it's obvious. But it's the last thing you want to talk about. The fat society and the fat individual both know, at the back of their minds, that they want to change their way of life. But they are looking for a change that is superficial, rather than fundamental. They are looking for a quick fix.

Just think of that, the next time you see a fat person and feel a jolt of fat-phobia. The fat person is reminding you that we live in a society that is out of control. No wonder film-makers and magazine editors want to keep fat people hidden away. They make us feel uncomfortable. They are bad for business.

So tell that to the nine fat Emmy nominated actors. And everyone else I feature in this blog. I don't doubt that Mr. Leith believes he speaks the "truth". It's just sad that his truth so easily dismisses not only the talent, but the very humanity of a huge portion of the population.

Meet The Magic Numbers

2005-08-14T10:04:00.000-04:00

Do you know The Magic Numbers? You should. Here’s why. The Magic Numbers are an English pop/rock/folk band comprised of two brother and sister pairs from different families. They have a great sound that is simultaneously unique and familiar. On their website they describe their influences thusly:

Drawing inspiration from many sources, singer songwriters (Cohen, Dylan), 60's harmony groups (Mamas & Papas, Lovin Spoonful), epic rock or such mavericks as David Axelrod. The band craft a sound which like Flaming Lips or Beck, is coming from everywhere but is uniquely theirs.

The thing about this band that has been getting them a lot of attention in that they look like normal people. You know, they aren’t anorecticly skinny. They have lots of hair. Some of the members might be described as fat. But talent isn’t contingent on appearances right?

Well, evidently The Magic Numbers have thrown some people for a loop. In fact, they just made news because they took a stand against being defined by their looks. They were recently scheduled to play the English TV show, Top of the Pops , which is a coup for any band seeking exposure. But when the host, Richard Bacon made a jab at the group's size, by describing them as a “big fat melting pot”, the band decided not to perform and walked off the set.

Some people have said that the band was being oversensitive, and Bacon himself says his comments were intended to describe their talent. But I say good for them for calling him out!

Guitarist Romeo Stodart explains the bands decision:

“Basically, we thought it was uncalled for, we were introduced in a bad manner, and it was just not funny. We were really excited about appearing on ’Top Of The Pops’, it was a dream for us, and we got up there, and there was no way we could have played the song after that…

“It's fine, the way I see it is it's done and dusted, we walked out, we just wanted to stand up for ourselves. With any reviews and in interviews, people always mention it, but we're like everyone else, we're able to take a joke. We're not over sensitive about it, we feel confident and cool about ourselves and think we look great as a band.

“We just thought within an introduction from a presenter, it's like, you're not going to say, 'Here's a young guy with blinding talent, here's Stevie Wonder', you wouldn't say that.”

(via NME)

Snap!

I like these folks and want to see them go far (or at the very least come back to NYC to perform.)

Check them out and then buy their music!

Here are a couple of songs to start with:

Love Me Like You

Forever Lost

The 911 on Kathy Bates in Ambulance Girl

2005-08-14T10:02:00.000-04:00

Kathy Bates is both director and star of a new tv movie called Ambulance Girl set to premier on Lifetime Television on September 12 . The film is based on the autobiographical book by Jane Stern. There’s not much press at this time, but I’ve seen bus ads here in NYC. The best synopsis (if poorly worded) is from City of Halifax where the movie was shot:

This movie is about a real-life husband and wife team who are famous food critics in which Kathy Bates plays the wife who has a phobia of everything. After coming across a notice in a store window looking for people to take an emergency training course to become volunteers -and wanting to overcome her phobia - she decides to join.

Stay tuned for news on another upcoming Bates project- Relative Strangers with Danny Devito.

FX takes a risk with Starved

2005-08-04T18:57:00.000-04:00

The new FX series Starved is already garnering a lot of attention, even before it's debut tonight. That's because it taps into the national pathos around food and weight. The show is based on four people with eating disorders who meet in a support group, and it happens to be a comedy. But are eating disorders funny? I'm reserving judgment until I see it, but it would take some tremendously savvy writers to get the tone right on this.

Of note, fat actor Del Pentecost (of Kingdom Hospital and O Brother Where Art Thou) is playing the role of the "obese guy", Dan.

[Del} was concerned about the show poking fun at obesity. "You want to work and feed your family, but at some point do I really want to just be the fat man?" After reading the scripts he says he realized his character is complex, "as opposed to the being the guy who's funny and fat." Via USA Today

Is Rosie O'Donnell Fiddler-Bound?

2005-08-03T19:10:00.000-04:00

If her passion for Broadway counts for anything, Rosie O'Donnell should be fabulous in the role of Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. Come back to NYC, Rosie!

It looks like former talk-show host and Broadway enthusiast Rosie O'Donnell will become the latest actress to play Golde in the current revival of Fiddler on the Roof.

Although a spokesperson for the production could not confirm O'Donnell's casting at this time, reports in the New York Post and on television's "Insider" reveal that O'Donnell will join the company of Fiddler currently headed by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein as Tevye in September.
Via Playbill

What's Cooking with Mario Batali?

2005-08-03T18:26:00.000-04:00

Superchef Mario Batali is a rock star of the food world. But evidently it wasn't his life's ambition from the getgo. Here's a great little interview with the Iron Chef via The Shreveport Times

Batali is anything but pretentious. This is, after all, a guy who once worked as a dishwasher at a New Jersey eatery called Stuff Yer Face while attending Rutgers University.

Cooking didn't always hold his interests -- banking and theater were his initial pursuits. "Twenty-five years ago, becoming a chef was the last thing you did between coming out of the Army and going to jail," he says.

Big Names tell "The Dirtiest Joke Ever Told"

2005-08-01T17:08:00.000-04:00

Penn Jillette, executive producer of "The Aristocrats," believes his acclaimed documentary about the filthiest joke known to mankind is an achievement far beyond cartoon classics like "Bambi."
(Via CNN)

What else would you expect from Penn? The Aristocrats includes a line-up of stellar talent, including fat comedians like Don Rickles, Jason Alexander, Tim Conway, Drew Carey, Andy Richter and Pat Cooper.

This flick is not for the faint of heart... no sex or violence, but more profanity than you can shake a stick at!

Lynne Cox's Memoir: Swimming in Anarctica

2005-07-31T16:54:00.000-04:00

Lynne Cox does not fit the stereotypical image of a record breaking athlete. She became the best cold water, long distance swimmer the world has ever seen. Her 5 foot 6 inch, 180-pound frame of a body was at one with the water. With a body density precisely that of sea water, her 36% body fat (normal is 18% to 25%) gave her neutral buoyancy. Her energy could be used all for propulsion and not to keep afloat. Propelling though the most treacherous waters of the globe is what Lynne Cox did best. (Source Dover Solo)

Cox's new memoir, Swimming in Anarctica: Tales of a Long Distance Swimmer is getting great reviews. Put it on your summer reading list! Buy it!

In terms of incident, the book certainly delivers. But what intrigued me most was why on earth she does it. If you're looking for concrete psychological answers (a deprived childhood, lack of love, poverty etc) you would be disappointed. Lynne's psyche remains as opaque as the seas she inhabits. Yet it is precisely for this reason that Swimming to Antarctica is refreshing. Lynne is a natural stoic, a champion of understatement. With her entire body stuck fast against an iceberg, 'it hurt' is about all she can muster. And if the landscape descriptions can sometimes sound like a Christmas card from Granny, this may be forgiven. (Via The Observer)

A kinder, gentler Michael Moore?

2005-07-29T21:04:00.000-04:00

Bathed in spotlight on a darkened stage, Michael Moore sounded downright conciliatory toward his detractors while welcoming a capacity crowd to a film festival in his adopted hometown. "This is the America we want to believe in, where we can all have our various beliefs but come together for the greater good of the community," the left-wing documentary filmmaker said to a thunderous ovation.

The Oscar winner, known for humorous but bitingly satirical productions such as "Roger & Me" and "Fahrenheit 9/11," described good movies as a bridge across the political divide for people "tired of the hate, tired of the yelling, tired of ... the screamfests, the talk radio." (Via Yahoo)

Backtalk: Aretha Franklin

2005-07-27T19:22:00.000-04:00

Here's a great little interview with the Queen herself, Aretha Franklin. Via Offbeat.

One of the highest points of my career was at the White House. It was wonderful singing in the Rose Garden for President Clinton and Mrs. Clinton. I have truly been blessed with high points in my career. Certainly the Grammy Legends award would be a highlight and the Kennedy Center honor and particularly being the youngest Kennedy Center honoree. It was a magnificent evening. Also my doctorates.

America Ferrera film to open New York Latino Film Festival

2005-07-25T10:03:00.000-04:00

Still riding high on the success of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, America Ferrera has a new film that is making the film festival rounds.

"How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer" stars Elizabeth Peña, America Ferrera, Lucy Gallardo, Jorge Cevera, Jr., Steven Bauer and Rick Najera about three women in a Mexican-American family who undergo a sexual awakening. According to a festival release, "Grandmother Doña Genoveva decides to buy a car, and has her gardener help with 'driving lessons.' Her divorced daughter disapproves of the situation, but has her own desires aroused with a man at the butcher shop. In the middle of all this, the granddaughter, Blanca, engineers an awakening of her own".

(Via IndieWire)

Courtney Love: Being drug addicted is worse than being fat

2005-07-25T09:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, lets get this straight. Courtney Love is not fat. She has gained a good bit of weight since going through rehab. But I love the fact that Love shoots back at her detractors by explaining thin doesn't equal healthy, and fat doesn't equal unhealthy.

Reformed rocker COURTNEY LOVE has lashed out at critics of her recent weight gain, insisting her drug addiction was the reason behind her previously skinny frame.

The former HOLE frontwoman is finally sober after years of drug problems and is happy with her fuller figure, because it means she is now healthy, reports the New York Daily News.

Love says, "I was really, really thin because of what I was doing."

Love alluded to teen Hollywood stars who are currently under scrutiny by the media over their increasingly gaunt appearance.

She explains, "When all these little teenyboppers finally go into rehab, they're going to get fat, too."

Via Contact Music

"Roseanne" to be released on DVD

2005-07-22T19:20:00.000-04:00

Roseanne was a groundbreaking show, showcasing the talents of incredible fat actors, Roseanne (Barr? Arnold?) and John Goodman. It also dealt openly and honestly with issues of the working class. Coming to DVD in August!

Hollywood bowling alley was home for the first reunion of the "Roseanne" cast since the show left prime time TV in 1997. The entire original cast gathered Monday to promote the DVD debut of the series, due out next month, the New York Post reported Thursday.

"It's taken a long time to get it out," Roseanne said. "I'm happy that (the DVD) is going on sale 'cause maybe I can pay my bills. That would be cool."

Roseanne was joined by co-stars John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, and the three original Conner kids: Alicia Goranson, Sara Gilbert and Michael Fishman. Although they still keep in touch, Roseanne said it was great to see everyone in the same place again.

(Via Washington Times)

Mia Tyler and Dave Buckner Divorcing

2005-07-21T21:33:00.000-04:00

Model Mia Tyler, 26, and her husband Dave Buckner, 29, a drummer for the band Papa Roach, have split, PEOPLE confirms.

"After taking steps toward trying to improve their marriage, Mia and Dave have mutually decided that their lives are heading in different directions and they each want different things for their futures," says Tyler's rep Emily Olsen.

The couple, who have been married nearly two years, wed during an Aerosmith concert in Las Vegas in 2003.

Tyler is the daughter of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and the half sister of Lord of the Rings actress Liv Tyler.

It was the first marriage for both Tyler and Buckner.

(Via People News)

"If we keep this speed, we'll blow up any minute now."

2005-07-20T19:07:00.000-04:00

James Doohan, the burly chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise in the original "Star Trek" TV series and motion pictures who responded to the apocryphal command "Beam me up, Scotty," died early Wednesday. He was 85. Via CNN

Some of the best work advice I ever got came from Scotty:

Kirk: "How much refit time til we can take her out again?"

Scott: "Eight weeks, sir. But you don't have eight weeks so I'll do it for you in two."

Kirk: "Mr. Scott, have you always multiplied your repair estimates by a factor of four?"

Scott: "Certainly, sir. How else can I keep my reputation as a miracle worker?"

Kirk: "Your reputation is secure, Scotty."

--Star Trek III

Cool Flick on the Horizon: Fat Girls

2005-07-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

Fat Girls looks to be a promising new picture dealing with issues of size acceptance and homophobia.

FAT GIRLS is an off-beat coming of age dark comedy that focuses on the relationship between a high school senior, theater-loving RODNEY MILLER and his best friend SABRINA who are both considered ‘outcasts’ at their small-town Texas high school, he for his sexuality and she for her weight. Both eventually find outlets for their insecurities. Sabrina makes a love connection with RUDY JACKSON, a Cuban refugee who was adopted by an African-American family. Rodney’s dreams are realized with the encouragement of his theater teacher MR. COX. The story explores the difficulties of growing up in smalltown America, with humor and humility.

The cast includes Ash Christian, Ashley Fink, and Robin De Jesus. This film is in post production, and I haven't seen a release date, but keep your eyes peeled!

Here's an article from Dallasnews.com about the film.

Kimberly Locke Flaunts Seven7 Jeans for Lane Bryant

2005-07-18T19:29:00.000-04:00

Kimberly Locke of American Idol fame is the latest celeb to model for Lane Bryant, following in the steps of Camryn Manheim, Mia Tyler, and Anna Nicole Smith. Locke is the national spokesperson for the Seven7 line of denim. She will be touring LB stores in the coming weeks, see the schedule here. Locke has had considerable success post AI, despite the fact she didn't win. (You know, because she was robbed!)

Locke scored a #1 Billboard hit single when her "8th World Wonder," topped the charts last year. Her current single, "I Could," is a top 20 smash at Adult Contemporary radio, according to Radio & Records. Both were lifted from her debut album, "One Love." Currently recording her second album for Curb (due early 2006), Locke has new recordings on two current Disney albums: "Wishes" and "DisneyMania 3," as well as Curb's "The Perfect Man," Soundtrack album to the Universal film.

Mo'Nique Tries Pageant on for Size

2005-07-18T14:43:00.000-04:00

Move over, Miss America.

Mo'Nique Imes, plus-size actress, author and comedian, soon will be hosting what she says is "the first full-figured reality beauty pageant." Mo'Nique's Fat Chance, part reality show, part beauty contest, will air on Oxygen at 8 p.m. on Aug. 6.

(Via Asbury Park Press)

Well, I'm not quite sure what to make of this, but Mo'Nique hasn't let me down yet! You can also visit Oxygen to learn more about the show and enter the Living Large Sweepstakes.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman as "Capote"

2005-07-16T13:13:00.000-04:00

Bennett Miller's film Capote will be released in the fall with Hoffman starring as Truman Capote. And shut my mouth, it's the lead role! Hoffman has also just signed on the play the villian in the third installment of Mission: Impossible.

"Capote" pivots around Philip Seymour Hoffman's inhabitation of the Capote persona: the author was, as Mr. Hoffman demonstrates, his own darn thing, but came to embody larger issues. A novelist turned journalist, Capote knew that some eggs needed to be dropped to make his soufflé. "In Cold Blood," published in 1965, was reported and told with its own remorselessness: he won over two killers, convincing them to tell their story, and then sold them out, a motif that the writer Joan Didion has since suggested is the fundamental transaction of journalism.

(Via The New York Times)

Big Fat Fat Emmy Nominations

2005-07-15T10:06:00.000-04:00

Clearly, I didn't review the Emmy Nomination list very thoroughly. I guess I saw my girl Conchatta and got all worked up. But let me just say, the fat folk are well represented!

First off, it's gonna be an Emmy showdown between two of my favorite actresses, Kathy Bates and Camryn Manheim in the Supporting Actress, Mini-series or a Movie category. Bates is nominated for her role as FDR's devoted therapist, Helena Mahoney, in the HBO film Warm Springs. Manheim is nominated for her role as Elvis' momma, Gladys in the CSB miniseries, Elvis. This is Bates' first Emmy nomination (she's a little more familiar with Oscar), and Manheim's third. Manheim won the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama category in 1998 for her role as Ellenor Frutt on The Practice.

My girl Conchatta Ferrell has some competition in the Supporting Actress, Comedy Series. Doris Roberts has won four of her previous ten nominations. Number eleven is for her role as Raymond's overbearing mother on Everybody Loves Raymond.

Tyne Daly is no stranger to Emmy, in fact, they are on rather intimate terms. This is Daly's 16th Emmy nomination (Supporting Actress, Drama for Judging Amy), and she has won six times. Let's keep em coming, kid!

And let's not forget the guys! The Supporting Actor, Mini-series or a Movie is saturated with big men: Philip Seymour Hoffman for Empire Falls, Brian Dennehy for Our Fathers, and Randy Quaid for Elvis.

Oliver Platt is representing in the Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series for his role as Russell in HBO's Huff.

So what does this plethora of Emmy Nominations mean? Well, for one, I think it signifies that fat folk are some of the hardest working people in showbiz. And for two, when in the hell are these actors going to get LEAD ROLES? With the exception of Oliver Platt, every single person on this list was nominated for a supporting role. This just highlights the bias that is pervasive not only in Hollywood, but across the nation. Fat people don't deserve the spotlight.

Kudos to everyone, famous or not, who is striving to change that!

Kevin Smith on Return of the Clerks

2005-07-14T19:42:00.000-04:00

Kevin Smith is preparing to bring his "Clerks" characters back to the big screen with the sequel, "The Passion of the Clerks." Production on the follow-up film began in January 2005.

Smith wrote the screenplay, which will reunite "Clerks" stars Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson. The film will also feature a reappearance of Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith).

Smith told Variety that working on the "Clerks" DVD provided the inspiration for "The Passion of the Clerks." "It reminded me why I got into the film biz in the first place: to make talky, low-budget comedies. So I wrote this script about the older and not-so wiser Dante and Randal, as they try to deal with a decade of further disillusionment, even less sex and eroding pop culture," said Smith.

(from Variety via Oh No They Didn't).

Conchata Ferrell gets Emmy Nod

2005-07-14T16:56:00.000-04:00

Prolific (and I do mean prolific, check out her her profile on IMDB!) television and film actress Conchata Ferrell has received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Berta, the domineering housekeeper on CBS's Two and a Half Men. This is Ferrell's second Emmy nomination; the first was Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work on L.A. Law in 1992. We're rootin' for yah sister!

Rosie O'Donnell lauds Canada's treatment of gays and lesbians

2005-07-13T11:09:00.000-04:00

Rosie O'Donnell sailed into Halifax's historic port aboard a gay-friendly cruise ship Tuesday, and used the stop to bitterly condemn U.S. President George W. Bush and praise the Canadian government for its treatment of gays and lesbians.

The entertainer arrived with her wife, Kelli O'Donnell, and their four children on the Norwegian Dawn, saying she chose Halifax because of its beauty and acceptance of same-sex partners. The couple launched the unique cruise last year to give homosexuals the chance to vacation with their families without fear of harassment or reprisal. (via The Globe and Mail)

Go Rosie! The article doesn't mention it, but this happens to be a Broadway themed cruise. A friend of a friend who is an off-Broadway pianistis performing, along with a slew of Broadway stars including cast members of Avenue Q, All Shook Up and Saturday Night Fever.

How Sweet It Is

2005-07-13T10:37:00.000-04:00

Queen Latifah, Jill Scott and Erica Badyu are on tour this summer with their own The Sugar Water Festival.

It's just a pinch or two, maybe even a spoonful, of sugar in a glass of water. Yet it's a homemade treat for the tongue, a little sweet succor to stave off the bitterness of a hard day.

That's why "Sugar Water" seemed a perfect name for a new summer music festival founded by Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Queen Latifah. More than just a concert, the three Grammy-winning singers envision the tour as an opportunity to speak directly to women about issues vital to their health and lives. Like the sweet delight for which it's named, the festival -- which also features the hip-hop soul duo Floetry -- seeks to be a salve for the soul.

Via The Boston Globe

Jack Black's "Nacho" Details

2005-07-12T09:33:00.000-04:00

Be still my beating heart! Jack Black will be starring in a new movie collaboration written by Mike White (School of Rock) and directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite). The subject? Mexican Wrestling. Black is the unlikely hero who becomes a luchadore and joins a tournament to save the orphanage where he works as a cook. "Nacho Libre" is just too many good things roled into one. (via Dark Horizons)

Jorge Garcia: Big Man on the Beach

2005-07-11T11:12:00.000-04:00

Ok, so this great Tim Ryan interview with Jorge Garcia is from January, but since Lost is in summer reruns, I figured I could recycle some news about it. Besides, Garcia is one of the break out talents on the show, as the affable but cursed Hurley.

From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin article:

Exactly what Garcia hopes for his career is "still undeclared, a little foggy," though hetakes inspiration from greats such as Jackie Gleason and John Belushi. "It's really simple," Garcia says. "I want to make some memorable moments like the stuff that touched me.

Lost was one of the only new shows from the fall season that caught my attention, but I have to admit that I panned it after the first episode (I think I referred to it as The Langoliers meets Jurassic Park). But after catching another episode, I was really impressed with the complexity of the character development. It's good stuff.

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

2005-07-10T11:32:00.000-04:00

Hi there, and welcome to Kimdog’s Fat Celebrity News! I am your host, Kimdog.

So maybe you are asking yourself, “What the hell is this all about?" Fair enough.

I’ve started this site to sing the praises and support the projects of the talented fat men and women who are braving the status of celebrity. Being fat in our society isn’t easy for anyone. And the fickle glare of fame judges everyone within its gaze harshly. For fat celebrities the pressure and scrutiny is certainly even more intense. In a world where fat is seen as a moral failing, and people over a “certain weight” must fight for respect and basic human rights, the very notion of fat celebrity is a big fuck you to the status quo. And I applaud that.

This site will primarily be a news aggregator for size-positive fat celebrities. I WILL NOT be following the dieting travails of anyone. I do, however, reserve the right to call out people who are proving to be particularly toxic with regards to the fat acceptance movement. I’m looking at you, Kirstie Alley.

For those of you who are new to the concept of fat acceptance, here’s a little explanation. People come in all shapes and sizes. Some of those sizes are larger than others, and may be referred to as “fat”. Fat is a descriptor, not a dirty word. And being fat is neither better nor worse than being any other size. However, a number unfair and inaccurate connotations have been associated with the word “fat” and people who are fat. And our nation (and the majority of western civilization) has been whipped into an evangelical “anti-fat” fervor. Fat acceptance is striving to combat those biased and hateful attitudes.

This site is still evolving. If you like what I am doing, I would appreciate your help! I am working to build the links to fat celebrity websites, so if you have some, please pass them along. And if you spot a great story about or interview with a fat celebrity, send that too! You can use the link in the side bar, or send directly them directly to fatcelebritynews at gmail.com.

Jennifer Weiner talks "Chick Lit"

2005-07-10T08:59:00.000-04:00

A fabulous article in the New York Observer about author Jennifer Weiner and the ghettoization of books by young women as "chick lit". Weiner also discusses the how her characters are translated to film and the difference between "Hollywood Fat" and real fat. Weiner has a lot happening this fall, including the release of her fourth novel Goodnight Nobody in September, and the film version of In Her Shoes (starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, and Shirley MacLaine) in October. Editors note: I just finished Little Earthquakes over the weekend. Two thumbs up!

Congratulations, Mo'Nique!

2005-07-08T15:45:00.000-04:00

Comedian and entertainer extraordinaire Mo'Nique doesn't do anything halfway. She is pregnant with twins, and is streamlining her schedule. (via Black Voices). Mo'Nique earned my undying respect last year with her spot on performance of the dance routine from Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" at the BET Awards.