Ferrer to Star on CBS’ Summer Drama “Extant”

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Tessa Ferrer will be defying gravity in her next project…

The 28-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress, the granddaughter of the late José Ferrer, the first Hispanic actor, to win an Academy Award, has landed a recurring role on CBS’ upcoming summer drama series Extant.

From Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television and CBS Television Studios, the serialized mystery thriller centers on Molly (portrayed by Halle Berry), an astronaut trying to reconnect with her family when she returns after a year in outer space. Her experiences lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history.

Ferrer will portray Katie Sparks, the athletic, intelligent astronaut who is the daughter of ISEA Director Alvin Sparks (Michael O’Neill). Known for being a problem-solver and over-achiever, she is forced to make a terrifying decision when faced with unimaginable terror.

The series also stars Goran Visnjic and Grace Gummer.

Ferrer’s previous credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Abducted and Go for Sisters.

AMC to Release Melendez’s “Journey of a Female Comic” Doc in Southern California

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Kiki Melendez’ Hollywood journey will take her to theaters in Southern California…

The award-winning actress, comedienne, writer and producer’s documentary comedy Journey of a Female Comic will be released through AMC Theatres’ AMC Independent Program in Los Angeles and San Diego just in time for CInco de Mayo.

“I am so grateful to AMC Independent for the opportunity to share my story. My hope in making this film, is to encourage and inspire women to take their dreams into their own hands,” says Melendez.

Journey of a Female Comic, which will hit theaters on Friday, May 2, 2014 with other major markets to follow, is an inspirational film for audiences of all races, genders, and backgrounds.

It centers on Melendez’ life growing up in a developing country, being raised by a single immigrant mother, and her career in Hollywood pursuing the American Dream. Never forgetting her humble beginnings, Melendez’ journey is thought-provoking, inspiring audiences to discover the difference between fame and fulfillment.

AMC’s independent program added the 88-minute film to its slate after it received an enthusiastic reception at test screenings.

The feature began as an experimental short film, premiering at the DR Global Film Festival. It also opened at Miami’s Hispanicize Film Showcase and The Broadway International Film Festival in 2012, where it represented the U.S. and won Best Documentary.

“Journey of A Female Comic fits perfectly within our AMC Independent programming initiative, which opens our screens to movies that resonate with our diverse audiences,” said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, Vice President of Alternative Content at AMC. “Melendez’ story is honest and entertaining, and will connect with many of our guests.”

Journey of A Female Comic also features appearances by other Latino trailblazers in Hollywood, including Edward James Olmos, Jacob Vargas, Esai Morales, Nadine Velazquez, the late Lupe Ontiveros, Maria Conchita Alonso and Guy Ecker.

Melendez also has lively conversations with international stars including Aaron Spelling, Usher, Sofia Vergara, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, John Travolta, Shakira and Marc Anthony.

Melendez is best known for creating Galavision’s No. 1 entertainment show in 2000, Kiki Desde Hollywood, and Showtime’s hit show Hot Tamales Live! in 2008, the longest running all-female comedy show, available on HULU.

Martinez Lands Recurring Role on ABC’s “Revenge”

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Olivier Martinez has revenge on his mind…

The 47-year-old half-Spanish actor, who wed Halle Berry last summer, has joined the cast of ABC’s soapy drama Revenge.

Martinez will portray Pascal LeMarchal, Margaux LeMarchal’s (Karine Vanasse) media magnate father.

He’s a cutthroat businessman and has a competitive history with Conrad (Henry Czerny), and an even more complicated one with Victoria (Madeleine Stowe).

Martinez will appear on a recurring basis, marking his biggest U.S. television commitment to date.

Martinez’s film credits include Before Night Falls, Unfaithful and S.W.A.T.

Martinez Reportedly Ties the Knot with Halle Berry

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Olivier Martinez is officially a married man…

The 47-year-old half-Spanish actor wed actress Halle Berry this weekend, according to a French news source cited by People magazine.

The couple reportedly said their I Do’s on Saturday in the Paris suburb of Vallery with approximately 60 guests in attendance.

Berry and Martinez met on the set of Dark Tide and announced last April that they’re expecting their first child together, a boy, in early fall.

Martinez, who had a long courtship with singer Kylie Minogue, has never been married before.

This is the third wedding for Berry, who was previously married to baseball player David Justice and musician Eric Benét. She has a five-year-old daughter, Nahla, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubrey.

Canto Cast in “X-Men: Days of Future Past”

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Adan Canto has the X (Men) Factor…

The 31-year-old Mexican actor has been cast as part of the ensemble of the next installment of the X-Men film franchise.

No word yet on which character Canto will portray in the Bryan Singer-directed film X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Singer posted a photo on Twitter to confirm the news as Canto is photographed watching a hockey game and standing next to the film’s other cast members Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Shawn Ashmore.

Canto responded to Singer’s tweet, saying: “Thrilled to be X-Men,” confirming that he’s indeed part of the project.

Canto, who most recently starred in Fox’s serial killer-drama The Following, once hinted that his new project would have him “turn into a ball of fire if someone pisses [him] off.” Thus, he is predicted to play either Brazilian mutant Roberto da Costa a.k.a. Sunspot or Japanese mutant Shiro Yoshida a.k.a. Sunfire.

Days of Future Past will be based on Uncanny X-Men #141 and 142 back in 1981 during Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run. The story introduced the idea of an alternate future for the Marvel Comics mutants that grew out of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants killing an important senator, leading to a future where all mutants are hunted by Sentinels.

In addition to Stewart, McKellen, and Ashmore, Canto will team up with other cast members, including James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Ellen Page and Halle Berry.

The Marvel film is slated to open in U.S. theaters on July 18, 2014.

Martinez & Halle Berry Expecting Their First Child Together

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Olivier Martinez is preparing for the biggest role of his life… Dad.

The 47-year-old half-Spanish actor and his actress fiancé Halle Berry are expecting their first child together.

Berry, 46, has a 5-year-old daughter, Nahla, from her previous relationship with Gabriel Aubry.

Berry and Martinez started dating after filming the thriller Dark Tide together in 2010. He proposed the following year over the holidays and confirmed their engagement last March.

Martinez previously had a longtime relationship with Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

His credits include Cybergeddon, Blood and Chocolate, Unfaithful and S.W.A.T.

Cannavale Starring in “Movie 43”

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

He may be reportedly dating actress Rose Byrne, but Bobby Cannavale still has plans for a little speed dating later this month…

The 42-year-old half Cuban actor, nominated for two SAG Awards this year for his recurring roles on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie, will appear in Movie 43, a series of interconnected short films that follow three kids as they search the depths of the Internet to find the most banned movie in the world.

Cannavale appears as Fake Superman in the segment called “Super Hero Speed Dating,” opposite of Uma Thurman as Fake Lois Lane.

The cast of Movie 43 includes Kristen Bell, Halle Berry, Gerard Butler, Josh Duhamel, Richard Gere, Terrence Howard, Hugh Jackman, Emma Stone, Jason Sudeikis, Naomi Watts and Kate Winslet.

The film’s segment directors include Steven Brill, Peter Farrelly, Griffin Dunne and Brett Ratner.

Movie 43 opens January 25.

Martinez to Open French/Italian Restaurant in Miami

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

French invasion! Olivier Martinez is planning to bring a taste of France to South Florida.

The 46-year-old half-Spanish actor is opening a restaurant on South Beach early next month.

“I love the interesting and international people I have met in Miami,” the Unfaithful and S.W.A.T. actor tells People magazine. “So when my friend Michael Martin said he found a space for a restaurant and lounge where we could bring in the best aspects from the South of France, I was excited and wanted to get involved.”

Martinez, currently dating Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, and Martin are partnering with restaurateur Jean-Phillippe Bernard to open Villa Azur, featuring the seasonal ingredients and international flavors of Saint-Tropez, where Martinez and Martin have spent many a night enjoying fine food and wine.

“Olivier and I love Miami and want to bring the glamour and allure of the South of France to this melting pot of a town,” Martin says.

The French and Italian-inspired menu will include entrees like penne pasta with vodka and caviar cream sauce and a veal filet mignon stuffed with artichokes, tomatoes and cheese.

Villa Azur’s lounge and bar area features a library with numerous art and design books, as well as couches for guests to sip champagne and enjoy plates of oysters with caviar and Martinez’s special olive bread, which he enjoys in France.

The restaurant, designed by Francois Frossard, will be outfitted in antique woods and chandeliers with a mix of contemporary and old pine furniture.

“Olivier knows that we are doing something special together where people can get a touch of Saint-Tropez glamour in South Beach,” says Martin.

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