During the opening night of his concert series, Hugh Jackman took a moment to reflect on his recent blockbuster film and addressed a personal quirk he had about it. The 56-year-old actor shared his thoughts during the "From New York, With Love" concert at Radio City Music Hall on January 24th. While praising the film and his collaborators, Jackman humorously mentioned a minor dissatisfaction regarding the dance sequence featuring Deadpool. Despite not being part of that scene, Jackman decided to offer fans an exclusive performance, combining jump rope skills with choreography, much to the delight of the audience. The evening was filled with memorable moments, including a surprise appearance by Ryan Reynolds and performances from Jackman's iconic roles.
Jackman's reflections began during a heartfelt segment where he discussed his experiences working on the blockbuster. He collaborated with close friends Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy, both of whom were instrumental in the film's success. Jackman expressed admiration for the project but noted a small reservation about the film's opening dance sequence. This scene featured the character of Deadpool dancing to an *NSYNC song, which left Jackman feeling somewhat excluded. Although he acknowledged it wasn't essential for him to be in every frame, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy over the missed opportunity to showcase his own dance moves.
The actor then shifted gears to entertain his live audience. Determined to make up for the lack of screen time in the dance sequence, Jackman introduced what he called "the dance that got away." Armed with a jump rope, he performed an energetic routine that captivated the crowd. Jackman made sure to credit trainer Beth Lewis for helping him prepare for this unique performance. The routine was fast-paced and showcased Jackman's versatility as a performer, culminating in a mini Wolverine-style celebration. To top it off, he surprised Lewis by inviting her on stage along with a couple of Radio City Rockettes, creating an unforgettable moment.
Throughout the evening, Jackman treated the audience to a variety of performances, drawing from his extensive career. Highlights included renditions from "The Greatest Showman," "The Music Man," and "Les Misérables," as well as hits like "That’s Life" and "New York, New York." The show marked Jackman's first new concert offering in five years, and he expressed deep gratitude to the audience for their support. Reflecting on his journey, Jackman shared emotional words at the end of the night, thanking everyone for choosing to attend the concert. He reminisced about hosting the Tonys at Radio City Music Hall 22 years ago and how performing there had always been a dream of his.
The "From New York, With Love" concert series promises more captivating performances over the coming year, with tickets now available for purchase. Fans can look forward to more surprises and heartfelt moments as Jackman continues to share his passion for music and performance.
In an unexpected twist, the legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant found love through his brief flirtation with rap music. The new CNN docuseries, "Kobe: The Making of a Legend," delves into this lesser-known chapter of Kobe's life, revealing how his passion for rap led him to meet his future wife, Vanessa. According to those close to him, including his former assistant Elissa Grabow, Kobe experimented with rap during a phase in his life, even collaborating on a single titled "K.O.B.E." with Tyra Banks. This musical venture set the stage for a fateful encounter that would change his life forever.
Kobe's introduction to Vanessa occurred during the filming of the music video for "K.O.B.E." in 1999. At the time, Kobe was a rising star with the Los Angeles Lakers, while Vanessa was just 17 years old and working as an extra on set. Their first meeting was simple yet impactful. "Excuse me, what’s your name?" Kobe asked, and when she replied, "Vanessa," he knew immediately that she was special. Within months, Kobe was convinced that Vanessa was the one he wanted to spend his life with. She became central to his world, so much so that he even disrupted her high school life to be closer to her. Six months after their initial meeting, they became engaged, and by April 2001, they were married.
Vanessa filled a significant void in Kobe's life during a challenging period. As a young NBA star, Kobe often felt disconnected from both his family and teammates, who perceived him as arrogant. Vanessa, however, provided a listening ear and accepted him for who he was. This connection brought immense joy to Kobe. Their union lasted nearly two decades and resulted in four daughters. Tragically, their love story came to an abrupt end on January 26, 2020, when Kobe and their daughter Gianna perished in a helicopter accident. Despite the unimaginable loss, Vanessa has shown remarkable resilience, focusing on making each day better for her remaining children. In memory of Kobe and Gianna, Vanessa plans to release a book titled "Mamba & Mambacita Forever," celebrating their legacy and the values they stood for—determination, discipline, and commitment to family.
In this heartwarming anecdote, veteran actor Ted Lange shares an insightful memory from his time on the set of The Love Boat. During a 1984 episode, Lange had the opportunity to meet and interact with legendary actor Gene Kelly. Contrary to warnings that Kelly was known for being grumpy, Lange found him to be surprisingly approachable and engaging. This encounter not only dispelled misconceptions about Kelly but also highlighted the importance of forming one's own opinions rather than relying on hearsay.
A Memorable Meeting on the High Seas
During a golden autumn afternoon in 1984, the bustling set of The Love Boat welcomed a distinguished guest—Gene Kelly. The show, renowned for its star-studded cast, was filming an episode featuring Kelly as a retired spy aboard a cruise ship bound for Hong Kong. Ted Lange, who played bartender Isaac Washington, was among those eager to meet the Hollywood legend. However, senior staff members advised against approaching Kelly, warning that he preferred solitude. Undeterred by these cautions, Lange decided to engage Kelly during a break between scenes. Lange recalled, "He was engrossed in a magazine, wearing both contacts and glasses. I thought, 'Why not take this chance?'"
Lange initiated a conversation by asking Kelly about his experiences working with the Nicholas brothers, two celebrated tap dancers from the Harlem Renaissance era. To Lange's surprise, Kelly not only responded warmly but also shared a captivating story about the dancers. The interaction left such an impression that Kelly invited Lange to join him for a drink at the hotel after wrapping up their scenes. Lange described the evening as "wonderful," revealing that Kelly was far more personable than rumors suggested.
This meeting took place 12 years before Kelly's passing in 1996. Reflecting on the experience, Lange noted how it differed from what he had been led to believe. Instead of discussing Kelly's iconic film Singin' in the Rain, Lange chose to focus on Kelly's lesser-known contributions to dance, which resonated more deeply with him.
From a journalist's perspective, this anecdote serves as a poignant reminder that first impressions and secondhand accounts can often be misleading. It encourages us to seek authentic connections and challenge preconceived notions. Lange's encounter with Kelly demonstrates the value of open-mindedness and the unexpected rewards that come from stepping out of our comfort zones. In a world where assumptions frequently shape our interactions, this story offers a refreshing dose of humility and curiosity.