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OurGuest Writers
Chris Henze
Bio: Chris Henze serves as executive producer on the USA Network original series PSYCH, which returns with for its sixth season on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 10/9c. Henze serves as partner of the production company that produces PSYCH, Tagline Pictures, which he co-founded. Raised in San Diego, Henze studied liberal arts as well as television and film at the University of California, Irvine. He began his career at the William Morris Agency, in the motion picture literary and talent departments, before segueing into the artist management & production business in 1993. In 2002, Henze co-founded ... the Beverly Hills management firm, Thruline Entertainment, with friends and colleagues J.B. Roberts and Ron West, and the following year Tagline Pictures was formed to serve Thruline's production and development interests. Thruline represents some of the hottest actors, comedians, writers and directors in the business and Tagline manages the production of PSYCH, while concurrently handling the production and development of several other television and film projects. Henze resides in Los Angeles with his patient wife and two baseball-obsessed sons, who are five and years old.
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My Character Approved by Chris Henze
Nov 10, 2011 | (0) Comments
Phillip Rhys
Bio: Phillip Rhys is ‘Maliq’ in the Characters Unite Film A SPACE BETWEEN, making its world television premiere on Sunday, September 11 at 9/8c. Rhys has developed his acting talent with a diverse range of roles across film, television, and theatre. Upcoming projects include “The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn,” directed by Academy Award-winner Steven Spielberg and set to be released December 2011. Additionally, Rhys has completed production on “Wilde Salome,” a film written, directed, and also starring Academy Award-winner Al Pacino, due for release later this year. Recently, Rhys starred ... in the successful drama “Survivors” which aired for two seasons on BBC and BBC America. Rhys is also known for his roles as ‘Jude Sawyer,’ Joely Richardson’s love interest, in the Golden Globe-winning show “Nip/Tuck,” and as ‘Reza Naiyeer,’ a mysterious, romantic businessman who comes under investigation for suspected links to terrorists, in the Emmy Award-winning second season of “24.” Rhys’ performance fast established him as one of Hollywood’s most sought after young talents, and he was nominated by The Screen Actors Guild for his role as part of the ensemble for Outstanding Performance in a Drama Series. Rhys also starred in “Flatland,” a sci-fi action drama, which was produced by Al Ruddy (Academy Award-winner, “The Godfather”), co-starred Dennis Hopper, and was the first series for American television to be shot entirely in mainland China. Other television credits include “Bones,” “NCIS,” “Shark,” “Fertile Ground,” and “Warehouse 13.” Alongside his extensive television work, Rhys is well known on the independent film circuit with roles in such films as “Punks,” produced by music industry mogul Babyface; “Woundings,” with Ray Winstone and Guy Pearce; the Sundance hit “Kill the Man,” in which he co-starred with Luke Wilson; and “Fathers and Sons,” directed by Rodrigo Garcia. He also starred in the hugely successful Disney-produced “Zenon” series of films and in the miniseries “The Seventh Scroll,” based on the best-selling novel by Wilbur Smith. On stage, Rhys has won several notices including an LA Weekly ensemble award for his performance in Dario Fo’s “The Devil With Boobs” and a Drama-Logue Award for playing a laid back Texan in the Los Angeles stage production of “Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” Other performances include ‘John Buchanan Jr.’ in Tennessee Williams’ “Summer and Smoke” and a turn in John Patrick Shanley’s “The Dreamer Examines His Pillow” at the Theatre West.
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My Character Approved by Phillip Rhys
Sep 9, 2011 | (0) Comments
Travis Fine
Bio: Travis Fine wrote and directed the Characters Unite Film A SPACE BETWEEN, making its world television premiere on Sunday, September 11 at 9/8c. In the midst of a successful acting, writing and directing career, Fine abruptly left the entertainment business in 2001. Deeply affected by the events of September 11th, and seeking a more fulfilling pursuit of his artistic endeavors, he enrolled in flight school and forged a new path as a screenwriting airline pilot. While Travis was in the flight deck of a commercial airliner on autopilot at 36,000 feet, the concept of ... an unaccompanied minor’s journey home set against the backdrop of 9/11 began to take shape. After four years of scribbling notes, imagining scenes and crafting characters, Travis enrolled in UCLA's Professional Screenwriters Program and developed the screenplay that became THE SPACE BETWEEN starring Academy Award winning actress Melissa Leo. Travis is currently in post-production on “Famlee,” a dramatic feature he co-wrote, produced and directed. “Famlee” stars Alan Cumming, Garret Dillahunt and Frances Fisher.
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My Character Approved by Travis Fine
Sep 9, 2011 | (0) Comments
Anthony Keyvan
Bio: Anthony Keyvan is ‘Omar Hassan’ in the Characters Unite Film A SPACE BETWEEN, making its world television premiere on Sunday, September 11 at 9/8c. Keyvan, whose full name is Anthony Cyrus Keyvan, was born in Long Beach, CA. He is the oldest son of his father (an Iranian) and mother (a Filipina). He has one younger sibling- his brother, Jared. As early as age 18 months, Anthony started to show talent and interest in acting. Not speaking yet, aside from one-word sentences, he would use his face to express certain ... emotions that his mom would ask him to on cue. Like when asked to show “sad,” he would frown and pretend to cry. He loved to perform for the cameras then as he does now. His early audience consisted of his family, friends, neighbors and relatives. His biggest fan has been his lola, which means grandmother in the Filipino language. Since his early toddler days, she would always say of him: He's such an artista, which means actor. This may have planted the seed in his head. At the age of six, after signing with a talent agency, he began working almost immediately. In less than one year, he booked several print jobs for clients such as Saturn, Procter & Gamble, Aetna & T-Mobile, as well as a national commercial for Disney. Since then, he has gone on to do work in voice-over, film, and TV. In fact, he booked his first theatrical audition, which was for the role of Young Sayid in ABC’s TV series, “Lost.” Recently Anthony filmed a guest starring roles on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” IN PLAIN SIGHT and “Grey’s Anatomy.” When he is not working as an actor or model, he spends some of his free time taking piano lessons, which (like acting) he has been doing for 3 years and is quite good. He attends a private school in Orange County and excels in his academics. Kevyan also enjoys riding his bike and scooter, swimming, snow skiing, watching movies, and watching his favorite TV shows. And as with most 9-year old boys, he also loves playing video games.
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My Character Approved by Anthony Kevyan
Sep 9, 2011 | (0) Comments
Kimberly Cole
Bio: A rising star on the pop/dance music scene, Kimberly Cole is releasing her first ever DJ collaboration with international DJ/producer/remixer, Eddie Amador titled, “Arrow Through My Heart” on August 2, 2011. This anthemic tune is pure dance pop with a hint of dubstep and also features up and coming artist, Garza. Having opened for acts like Katy Perry, LMFAO and Shiny Toy Guns, Cole is beginning to make her mark as a headliner. Kimberly Cole is still making waves with her single “Smack You,” which Seventeen Magazine calls an “incredibly addictive dance-pop ... tune.” The title track off her debut album, Bad Girls Club (Oxygen Media/iTunes), “Smack You” is a girlfight-themed song about standing up for yourself, which Cole dedicates to “anyone who has ever been a victim of bullying.” The edgy, upbeat song is getting Top 40 radio and mix show adds across the U.S. and broke the Top 5 on the Billboard Dance Chart. The video has a Tarantino-inspired Kill Bill-style fight club theme. “Smack You” was featured on the fifth and sixth season of the Oxygen reality show “The Bad Girls Club,” a collaboration which led the network to support the release of her first full-length album. Bad Girls Club represents a solid debut effort for Cole, infused with catchy tunes, clever lyrics and irresistible beats. She co-wrote all of the songs with Grammy-nominated producer/writer Jeeve (Nicole Scherzinger, Paulina Rubio, Carlos Santana), joined by the songwriting talents of Philip Lawrence (Bruno Mars, Flo Rida, Cee-Lo) and The Writing Camp (Beyonce, Britney Spears, Rihanna). From the sexy “Cherry Pop” and “Pocket Rocket” to the party-hearty beat of “Get Stupid” to such relationship-driven tracks as “Psycho,” “Walk of Shame” and the comedy-laced “Three Way,” Cole establishes herself as a talent both fresh and fearless. Cole has already earned such ardent supporters as celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, and Clear Channel’s iHeart Radio has pegged her as “One to Watch.” Clearly, fans have been paying attention: Twitter has spotlighted her as one of its featured users, with well over 1.3 million followers.
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My Character Approved by Kimberly Cole
Aug 4, 2011 | (0) Comments
Henry Winkler
Bio: Henry Winkler guest stars as Eddie R. Lawson in the hit USA Network original series ROYAL PAINS, which premieres its third season on a NEW night, Wednesday, June 29 at 9/8c, preceding USA’s newest original series NECESSARY ROUGHNESS. With a career in Hollywood that has spanned nearly three decades, Winkler has enjoyed success on screens both large and small, as well as on the stage and behind the camera. Born in New York City, he earned his B.A. in drama from Emerson College in Boston, MA and also studied child psychology. Winkler went ... on to earn his MFA from the prestigious Yale School of Drama. In 1978, his undergraduate alma mater presented him with his Doctorate of Humane Letters. Winkler is best known to audiences for his portrayal of The Fonz on the classic hit series, “Happy Days.” He and the series were honored by the city of Milwaukee, WI in 2008 with a bronze, life-sized statue of Winkler’s iconic character, which stands on the River Walk. In addition to this role, for which he earned two Golden Globe Awards and three Emmy Award nominations, he has countless television credits to his name. The extensive list includes such series as “NUMB3RS,” ”Arrested Development,” ”King of the Hill,” “The Practice,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Monty,” “The Bob Newhart Show” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” among many others. The versatile actor has also appeared in television movies such as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for Hallmark Channel, “The Only Way Out” for ABC, “Truman Capote’s One Christmas” for NBC, and “A Child is Missing” for CBS. Audiences have also enjoyed Winkler’s work on the big screen, with roles in such films as “The Lords of Flatbush;” “Nightshift,” for which he received a Gold Globe Award nomination; Wes Craven’s “Scream;” “Holes,” with Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight; and several movies with his good friend, Adam Sandler, including “The Waterboy,” “Click” and “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan.” As a producer, Winkler has kept busy with both television and feature film projects throughout his career. For the small screen he has produced a wide variety of programs such as “Happy Days 30th Anniversary Reunion” for ABC, “Dallas Reunion: The Return to Southfork” for CBS, “So Weird” for The Disney Channel, “MacGyver” for ABC and “Happily Ever After” for PBS. Winkler’s producing efforts in feature films include “Young Sherlock Holmes” and “The Sure Thing.” He has also taken his turn behind the lens in the director’s chair for the features “Cop and a Half,” starring Burt Reynolds and “Memories of Me,” with Billy Crystal, Alan King and JoBeth Williams. Winkler has also spent time treading the boards, having appeared as Captain Hook in the London production of the musical, “Peter Pan,” for three consecutive runs. Stateside, his credits include Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party” at both The Kennedy Center and on Broadway, Arthur Miller’s “Incident at Vichy” at the Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati, and “42 Seconds From Broadway,” in New York. In 2003, Winkler turned his talents to the written page and began writing children’s novels with his partner, Lin Oliver. Published by Penguin Putnam, Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Under-Achiever is a series of 17 books inspired by the actor’s own struggle throughout his education due to his learning challenges. To date, over three million copies have been sold and are now published in Great Britain, and they are no stranger to The New York Times Bestseller List and The Los Angeles Times Book Review. His new book, I Never Met an Idiot on the River, was published in May 2011. Also a great humanitarian, Winkler has spent many hours supporting and serving causes close to his heart, including the annual Cerebral Palsy Telethon (co-host); Epilepsy Foundation of America (first National Honorary Chairman); Toys for Tots (National Chairman); National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, Special Olympics, Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival, United Friends of the Children (Honorary Chairman), Children’s Action Network (founding member) and numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. His efforts have been honored by B’nai B’rith (Champion of Youth), United Nations (Peace Prize), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Support Group Services (Helping Hand Award) and, with his wife Stacey, received the Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award from Women in Film. Additionally, he was honored by the French government with the Chevallier de l’Order des Artes et Lettres. Earlier this year he was rewarded with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty, the Queen of England for his work with children in Great Britian who have learning challenges. Winkler currently makes his home in Los Angeles with his wife, Stacey, and their dogs Charlotte and Linus. They have three wonderful children: Jed, Zoë and Max.
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My Character Approved by Henry Winkler
Aug 2, 2011 | (0) Comments
Hilarie Burton
Bio: Hilarie Burton joins the cast as a series regular this season, starring as Sara Ellis, in USA Network’s original series WHITE COLLAR, which returns for an exciting third season on Tuesday, June 7 at 9/8c on USA. Burton is well-known for her starring role as “Peyton Sawyer” on the long-running CW drama “One Tree Hill.” Additional television credits include “Little Britain” and “Dawson’s Creek.” Burton made her feature film debut in “Our Very Own,” starring opposite Allison Janney, Cheryl Hines and Jason Ritter. The film won the Best Feature Film award at the Bluegrass International ... Film Festival and the Outstanding Ensemble Acting Award at the 2006 Sarasota Film Festival. Additional film credits include Fox Searchlight’s “The Secret Life Of Bees” with Queen Latifah, Paul Bettany and Jennifer Hudson, “Bloodworth” with Val Kilmer and Hilarie Duff and indies “Solstice,” “The List” and “Normal Adolescent Behavior.” Burton began her career in the industry as an MTV VJ, hosting popular shows such as “Total Request Live” (TRL) and “MTV Hits.” Burton founded Southern Gothic Productions, which focuses on projects that celebrate southern culture. She currently splits her time between New York and Los Angeles.
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My Character Approved by Hilarie Burton
Jul 18, 2011 | (0) Comments
Willie Garson
Bio: Willie Garson stars as Mozzie in USA Network’s original series WHITE COLLAR, which returns for an exciting third season on Tuesday, June 7 at 9/8c on USA. The talented Garson is rarely at a loss for work, appearing in over 250 TV episodes in a wide variety of programming and over 70 feature films. His unorthodox bald and bespectacled look won over fans on “Sex and the City,” where he played Carrie’s gay best friend, Stanford Blatch. Garson reprised his role as Stanford for the feature film “Sex and the City” and its ... sequel “Sex and the City 2.” He is also well known as Henry Coffield on “NYPD Blue” and recently re-teamed with HBO and David Milch on “John from Cincinnati.” Born and raised in New Jersey, he started training at The Actors Institute in New York when he was only 13, before majoring in theater and psychology at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. After graduation, Garson found his love for acting outweighed his psychology studies and landed guest roles on “Cheers,” “Family Ties,” “thirtysomething” and “L.A. Law.” He has stayed busy playing several recurring characters in a wide array of TV projects, such as “Just Shoot Me,” “Spin City,” “Ally McBeal,” “The Practice,” “Stargate SG-1,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “The X-Files,” “Medium” and “Pushing Daisies.” On the big screen, Garson has collaborated with the Farrelly Brothers in their films “Kingpin,” “There’s Something about Mary” and “Fever Pitch.” Garson has appeared in the quirky ensemble comedies “Soapdish,” “Mars Attacks” and “Being John Malkovich” and is often used by such varied directors as Michael Bay, Mike Nichols and Spike Jonze. At home on the stage as much as he is on television and in film, Garson continues to perform with various bicoastal theater companies in NY and LA, and was a member of Naked Angels, The Manhattan Theater Club, the Roundabout Theater and the Geffen Playhouse. He’s also involved in community and charity organizations – from Big Brothers to Young Artists United. He has read to first graders weekly through the Screen Actors Guild “Bookpals” program, and is involved with AMFAR, Aspen Youth Experience, LA’s Alliance for Children’s Rights and Camp Joslin Diabetes Center in Massachusetts. Aside from acting on TV and the big screen, Garson also found success as a celebrity poker player. In 2003, “Evil Willie” (a nickname given to Garson by Don Cheadle for his fierce card playing) won the very first episode of Texas Hold ‘Em on Bravo’s “Celebrity Poker Showdown,” and continues to play in tournaments worldwide and through the World Poker Tour. Garson resides in Los Angeles and New York with his son, Nathen.
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My Character Approved by Willie Garson
Jun 27, 2011 | (0) Comments
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