News for
Chris Rock (I)

photos

board

add

contact

details

1-20 of 21 articles from 2008   « Prev | Next »

17 July 2008 9:05 PM, PDT | From avclub.com | See recent The AV Club news

The history of Saturday Night Live is filled with African-American performers who failed to make much of an impact on the venerable comedy institution, but subsequently went on to much greater success, from future superstars Damon Wayans and Chris Rock to rock-solid comic character actor Tim Meadows. But few black SNL alumni blossomed as spectacularly or unexpectedly as Tracy Morgan, who morphed into a lunatic comic genius on 30 Rock, playing a hard-living movie-star-turned-sketch-actor who's part Martin Lawrence, part fearless self-parody. In a cast filled with brilliant comic performers, Morgan tends to get the biggest, most consistent laughs, and his eminently quotable bits have become catchphrases, like "Live every week like it's Shark Week," "mind grapes," and "I love cornbread so much, I want to take it behind a middle school and get it pregnant." Morgan's 30 Rock buzz has helped secure him some high-profile film work as well....

Nathan Rabin

17 June 2008 12:05 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Disgraced Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pellicano is launching an appeal against his convictions of federal racketeering in a wiretapping case involving stars such as Sylvester Stallone.

The detective, who once boasted a list of celebrity clients, was found guilty last month of illegally digging up information to be used in high-profile lawsuits, divorces and legal battles.

But on Monday, attorneys representing the 64-year-old filed a motion seeking a new trial, according to Fox News.

The motion cites several instances of juror misconduct in Pellicano's federal trial, including an incident in which at least four jurors discussed the case amongst themselves without other jurors present.

Pellicano was found guilty of 76 of the 77 counts against him.

Comedian Chris Rock and top Hollywood agent Michael Ovitz were among those who testified at the Pellicano trial, which began in February.

Both admitted to hiring the private detective, but insisted they had no idea about his illegal practices.

Permalink | Report a problem

8 June 2008 3:58 PM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Funnyman Chris Rock was accused of having underage sex with a girl - as a practical joke.

The comedian - who is currently touring in South Africa - was duped by rumours he was about to be arrested for sexually assaulting a minor in Britain.

But the arrest was a hoax and was being filmed by a U.S reality TV programme.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Tlali Tlali says, "They pulled one on him, information got to him that the South African Police Service was going to arrest him.

"Acting on that information he quickly approached lawyers who brought an urgent application at the Johannesburg High Court where judgement was in his favour.

"This one went far, it must have been organised quite carefully."

A spokesman for Rock was unavailable for comment.

Permalink | Report a problem

6 June 2008 3:59 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Dustin Hoffman turned a joke into an awkward moment on late night TV in America on Thursday night when he repeated an ill-advised Chris Rock joke.

The Tootsie star was telling a gag about a travelling flea on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno when he made an aside about presidential wannabe John McCain's age.

But the line was met with groans and boos from members of the studio audience - because it related to slavery.

Hoffman said, "What did Chris Rock say? He said that McCain is so old he once owned Sidney Poitier."

Leno attempted to hide a smile and he awkwardly urged Hoffman to get back to his joke, quipping, "Let's see if we can win back the crowd."

But Hoffman wasn't finished - his travelling flea ended up spending a week in Nice, France in "Brigitte Bardot's muff" and the actor suggested the French star was having sex with movie legend Omar Sharif.

As the audience groaned at the punchline, comedian Leno said,"As you know I was going to leave (the show) next year; I'm leaving right now. Good night everybody. This is the last show."

Permalink | Report a problem

4 June 2008 8:58 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Comedian Chris Rock has condemned reports blaming a wave of killings in South Africa on racist violence - insisting they are motivated by poverty.

More than 60 people have been killed and 100,000 foreigners forced from their homes in a series of unprovoked attacks by South Africans who accuse them of taking jobs and being responsible for the rise in crime.

But the funnyman is adamant the murders are ultimately the result of a lack of wealth.

He says, "It's broke-on-broke violence. It's broke people robbing each other. That's the sad thing."

Permalink | Report a problem

29 May 2008 10:40 AM, PDT | From ifc.com | See recent IFC news

By Matt Singer

It wasn't just the weather that was gloomy at the 61st Cannes Film Festival. By the time the skies above southern France briefly cleared for a few days during the second week of the festival, the international press corps had been infected by a mass plague, not unlike the one portrayed in this opening night selection "Blindness," done in reverse . instead of losing their sight, hundreds of journalists stumbled around in a fog, obliged to do nothing but look, and after 12-plus days of looking at a selection of tasteful, well-made and entirely bleak movies, society's rules were breaking down into sweaty anarchy. Those waiting in line for press screenings, always ready to devolve into contentious, multilingual shoving matches, were especially cranky. The traditional applause during a film's closing credits was muted at best, nonexistent or drowned out by boos at the worst. Walking out of a

Matt Singer

23 May 2008 9:10 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Comedian Chris Rock is set to make history when he performs in front of the largest U.K. comedy audience ever gathered.

Rock, 43, will break the current record of 10,108 - previously set by British comic Lee Evans in 2005 - when he appears before a crowd of 15,000 fans at London's O2 arena on Friday.

Authorities from Guinness World Records will be present to ensure its official rules are met, and will announce after the show if Rock's attempt has been successful.

David Campbell, Ceo of Aeg Europe, which owns the O2, says, "We have absolute faith that Chris will be breaking the world record for largest audience for a comedian.

"He is the first stand-up comedy act to perform in the arena and it is doubly thrilling for us that he will be breaking a world record at the same time."

In January, Rock kicked off his world tour in Britain, making it his first ever performance outside his native U.S.

Permalink | Report a problem

16 May 2008 12:05 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Disgraced Hollywood private investigator Anthony Pelicano has been convicted of federal racketeering and other charges.

The detective, who once boasted a list of celebrity clients, was found guilty of illegally digging up information to be used in high-profile lawsuits, divorces and legal battles.

In court on Thursday, the 64 year old was accused of wiretapping stars such as Sylvester Stallone, and using illicit contacts to get information that could be used against other stars in legal disputes.

Pellicano was found guilty of 76 of the 77 counts against him.

He maintained throughout his trial that he acted alone, but his co-defendants Mark Arneson, a former cop, and an ex-telephone company worker, Rayford Earl Turner, were also convicted of racketeering.

Comedian Chris Rock and top Hollywood agent Michael Ovitz were among those who testified at the Pellicano trial, which began in February.

Both admitted to hiring the private detective but insisted they had no idea about his illegal practices.

Permalink | Report a problem

16 April 2008 9:16 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

A U.S. federal judge has refused to dismiss the case of disgraced Hollywood private eye Anthony Pellicano - rejecting a defence motion asking the court to declare it a mistrial.

Pellicano is accused of wiretapping, racketeering and other crimes and is currently standing trial in California's Federal Court along with four other co-defendants.

The trial has been linked to a number of A-list stars including Tom Cruise, Steven Segal, Farrah Fawcett and Chris Rock - who testified in court earlier this month - all of whom allegedly employed Pellicano's services.

However, Judge Dale Fischer was called upon to declare a mistrial, after defence lawyers accused prosecutors of inappropriately questioning one of the accused - Mark Arneson - during his testimony.

The former Los Angeles police sergeant is accused of taking over $180,000 (GBP90,000) in bribes from Pellicano, to run names through criminal databases in a scheme to help the private eye amass evidence against his subjects.

And defence attorney Chad Hummel, who represents Arneson, claimed prosecutors improperly referred to statements made by his client during a Los Angeles Police Department (Lapd) internal affairs investigation in 1999.

But Judge Fischer rejected the motion on Tuesday, ruling that prosecuting lawyers didn't attempt to reveal to the jury that Arneson has been previously investigated by the department.

All five defendants have pleaded not guilty to a variety of charges.

The case continues.

Permalink | Report a problem

14 April 2008 6:59 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

A galaxy of comedians including Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock teamed up to raise money for autism on Sunday night.

The funnymen took the stage at New York's Beacon Theatre for a Night Of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert For Autism Education, hosted by U.S. TV host Jon Stewart.

The show, which was broadcast live on American cable network Comedy Central, also featured Matthew Broderick, Susan Sarandon, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and chat show host Conan O'Brien.

Broderick said, "It's fun to be here. I'm a fan of 94 per cent of the performers. I'm always a little nervous. I hope it goes well."

The last autism special, which took place in 2006, raised almost $3 million (GBP1.5 million).

Permalink | Report a problem

14 April 2008 5:19 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Chris Rock's mother disrupts his comedy shows every time she is in the audience - because the funnyman is too scared to swear in front of her.

Rosalie Rock imposed a strict ban on swear words as the star was growing up and his childhood fears of letting slip a rude word are still strong, even as an adult.

And now whenever Rock knows his mother is watching from the crowd, he would rather change his gags - which are usually peppered with obscenities - rather than offend his mum.

Rosalie tells New York Gossip Column PageSix, "I cramped his style. (Later) he was never told where I would be seated."

Permalink | Report a problem

4 April 2008 12:05 PM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Latest: Comedian Chris Rock has admitted he hired shamed Los Angeles private investigator Anthony Pellicano to snoop on a woman who accused him of rape.

The funnyman testified in California's Federal court on Friday morning in Pellicano's ongoing wiretapping trial, where he was quizzed about his links to the private detective.

Rock paid Pellicano to look into the background of Monica Zsibrita, who had initially claimed the star had fathered her child. When Dna tests proved Rock was not the baby's daddy, Zsibrita changed her story and accused Rock of raping her at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1998.

Rock's conversation with Pellicano was leaked onto the internet last month in a 31-minute telephone recording.

On the taping, Pellicano can be heard telling Rock how he plans to help him fight the bogus rape charge.

An apparently stressed Rock tells the detective, "Once you're accused of rape, you're just f**ked, you know?"

Pellicano responds, "That's why I want to blacken this girl up, totally. I want to make her out to be a lying, scumbag, manipulative c**ksucker... stupid bitch."

Rock agrees, telling the detective, "I'm f**ked. I'm better getting caught with needles in my arm, way better, needles, with pictures. There's Chris Rock shooting heroin - much better blow to the career."

In his testimony on Friday, Rock denied knowing anything about Pellicano's tactics, and reiterated his innocence in the rape claims: "I'm here a free man, I didn't do anything wrong. You know I didn't do anything wrong."

Rock's testimony lasted just 15 minutes, according to Tmz.com. He is just one in a long list of celebrities to be linked to Pellicano. Other stars include Tom Cruise, Steven Seagal, Farrah Fawcett and Warren Beatty.

The trial continues.

Permalink | Report a problem

28 March 2008 11:26 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Madonna's former manager has testified he hired embattled Los Angeles private investigator Anthony Pellicano to snoop on his son-in-law.

Freddy DeMann briefly testified in court on Thursday in Pellicano's ongoing wiretapping trial and revealed he paid the private detective $135,000 (GBP67,500) to keep an eye on his daughter Pilar's then-husband.

DeMann suspected Paul Rusconi of cheating on his daughter and wanted proof of any infidelity.

The music mogul told the federal court Pellicano played him tapes of Rusconi talking to a number of different people, adding, "As far as I could tell, it was on the phone."

DeMann claims the tapes revealed Rusconi's "dalliances".

Pellicano is charged with wiretapping, racketeering and other crimes.

DeMann isn't the only big name linked to the complex trial - Tom Cruise, Chris Rock, Steven Seagal, Farrah Fawcett and Warren Beatty have all been linked to the case.

Comedian Rock recently told Rolling Stone magazine he hired Pellicano in an effort to find out who was funding Monica Zsibrita's paternity battle against him in 1998.

Rock said, "We kind of hired Pellicano to find out where the money was coming from. That was it."

Meanwhile, Cruise was linked to the private detective when it emerged in court earlier this month that he hired Pellicano in a bid to uncover the identity of people following him.

The trial continues.

Permalink | Report a problem

25 March 2008 8:58 AM, PDT | From buddytv.com | See recent BuddyTV news

Comic Relief: The Greatest… And The Latest DVD collection plays host to the best 20 years of Comic Relief and includes uncensored performances from Comic Relief 2006, which helped raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims and animal rescue operations.

Featuring the greatest and the latest from Billy Crystal, Whoopi, Robin Williams, Lewis Black, Dane Cook, John Candy, Jennifer Coolidge, George Carlin, Mike Epps, Jim Carrey, Susie Essman, Dave Chappelle, D.L. Hughley, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Eugene Levy, Richard Lewis, George Lopez, Jon Lovitz, Bill Maher, Howie Mandel, Dennis Miller, Dudley Moore, Catherine O'Hara, Jeremy Piven, Harold Ramis, Carl Reiner, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Rita Rudner, Bob Saget, Gary Schandling, Martin Short, Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Fred Willard, Steven Wright and more!

Take a look at a clip from The Daily Show featuring the comedic talents of both Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert that appears on the Comic Relief DVD.

BuddyTV

14 March 2008 5:34 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Latest: A phone conversation allegedly between Chris Rock and disgraced private investigator Anthony Pellicano has surfaced - amid reports the comedian has been named as a potential witness in the detective's ongoing wiretapping and bribery trial.

In the 31-minute tape recording of an August 2001 call obtained by U.S. blog site The Huffington Post, Pellicano tells Rock how he plans to help him fight a bogus rape charge from Monica Zsibrita, who allegedly had a one-night stand with Rock at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1998.

An apparently stressed Rock tells the detective, "Once you're accused of rape, you're just f**ked, you know?" reports New York gossip column PageSix.com.

Pellicano responds, "That's why I want to blacken this girl up, totally. I want to make her out to be a lying, scumbag, manipulative c**ksucker... stupid bitch."

Rock agrees, telling the detective, "I'm f**ked. I'm better getting caught with needles in my arm, way better, needles, with pictures. There's Chris Rock shooting heroin - much better blow to the career."

During the call, Pellicano reads the portion of Zsbrita's police report that said she saved his semen on a tissue and put it in her pocket. Rock then says, "I've been so set up.

"I know the night we went to (Los Angeles restaurant) The Ivy she had on white pants. I only noticed cause my wife's real classy and subdued and I'm out with a girl with big t*ts and white pants."

Pellicano asks, "Does your old lady know what's going on?"

Rock answers, "No. She thinks it's over. Put it that way: She knows of it."

Rock was separated from his wife, Malaak, at the time of the romance. Zsibrita later dropper her lawsuit.

The comic is one of 127 potential defence witnesses who allegedly had their phones tapped or names illegally checked against police databases on Pellicano's order.

The 63-year-old private investigator, who is representing himself in his trial, has pleaded not guilty to charges, including conspiracy and police bribery, in a 111-count indictment.

Permalink | Report a problem

13 March 2008 6:25 PM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Comedian Garry Shandling became the first celebrity to take the stand at disgraced private investigator Anthony Pellicano's wiretapping and bribery trial on Thursday.

Shandling told the Los Angeles federal court hearing Pellicano was involved in a "spin campaign" to assassinate his character during a late-1990s legal dispute between the funnyman and his ex-manager Brad Grey.

Shandling testified that he was disturbed to learn his personal records had been looked at four times in unauthorised police database searches in 1999.

Prosecutors allege Pellicano bribed a Los Angeles police sergeant to carry out these checks.

At the time, Shandling had filed a $100 million (GBP50 million) lawsuit against Grey, who is now the head of Paramount Studios, accusing him of taking too much commission from TV hit The Larry Sanders Show. The lawsuit was eventually settled for $10 million (GBP5 million).

While looking at the background check documents, Shandling told the court, "This bothers me as much as the first time I saw this. It's a creepy feeling. It was a spiritual test to get through."

Sylvester Stallone and Chris Rock are on the list of 127 potential defence witnesses who may take the stand during Pellicano's trial.

Pellicano, who is representing himself, has pleaded not guilty to charges, including conspiracy and police bribery, in a 111-count indictment.

The 63-year-old private investigator is alleged to have collected information on celebrities for his clients to use for threats or blackmail.

Permalink | Report a problem

6 March 2008 10:27 AM, PST | From Studio Briefing | See recent Studio Briefing news

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles has released a list of possible witnesses who may testify in the trial of former private investigator Anthony Pellicano. They include such celebrities as Keith Carradine, Farrah Fawcett, Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, and Sylvester Stallone. Also on the list are former Los Angeles Times reporter Anita Busch, attorney-to-the-stars Bert Fields, Paramount chief Brad Grey, director John McTiernan, Universal President/Coo Ron Meyer, former Caa Chairman and Disney President Michael Ovitz, Craig Stevens, the former Beverly Hills cop who allegedly performed wiretapping services for Pellicano, and former New York Times reporter Bernard Weinraub. Although 127 names were included on the government's list, Judge Dale Fischer remarked at one point Wednesday that she couldn't imagine that all of them would be called to testify. Jury selection was quickly completed by Wednesday afternoon, and the prosecution was due to present its opening argument this morning (Thursday).

Permalink | Report a problem

10 January 2008 8:06 AM, PST | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

"The only thing that Britney can do at this point is sing. And probably there's some rehab to be done. But her bad behaviour isn't really that bad, when you think about it. It's just because everyone has this weird angelic impression of her." It's not all bad for Britney Spears, according to comedian Chris Rock.

Permalink | Report a problem

9 January 2008 8:02 AM, PST | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Comedian Chris Rock refuses to be overly vocal in his support for presidential hopeful Barack Obama - in the fear he will ruin the candidate's chances of winning the 2008 election.

The comic has joined celebrity supporters Oprah Winfrey and Scarlett Johansson by formerly endorsing the senator - but is afraid his often controversial jokes may keep Obama from reaching the White House.

He explains, "You see, I have a mild case of comedic Tourette's. It's so easy for me to say the wrong thing, so I don't want to hurt the guy - 'We coulda had a black President if it wasn't for Chris Rock!'

"I think he's a good guy - and I never thought in my lifetime there would be a chance of having a black President."

Permalink | Report a problem

8 January 2008 | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Comedian Chris Rock decided to embark on a world tour after an impromptu set in a tiny London club assured him his brand of humor would translate to foreign audiences. The funnyman was apprehensive about taking his stand-up show overseas - until a visit to the U.K. last year convinced him his material was popular enough with fans outside his native U.S. The 42-year-old says, "I was hanging out (in the U.K.) during Live Earth and I went to the Comedy Store, that small club, and got on stage and it was so good. People were going crazy and the jokes were working so I thought, 'Okay, let me come back.'" The comic will kick off the British leg of his No Apologies world tour in Manchester, England on Monday and is also slated to make stops in Australia and South Africa.

Permalink | Report a problem

1-20 of 21 articles from 2008   « Prev | Next »