Jillian Michaels
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BirthDate BirthPlace |
02/17/1974
Los Angeles, CA |
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New Syfy Show ‘Defiance’ is A Geek and Gamer's Dream
January 07, 2013 5:05pm ESTIf you’re a fan of Battlestar Galactica, video games, or anything and everything science fiction, then we’ve got a show for you! From the masterminds who brought you Battlestar Galactica and Farscape, Defiance is the newest drama to join the Syfy family. Defiance is set in the not-too-distant future after an alien species named Votans come to earth in hopes of finding a new home following the destruction of their star system. After years of trying to negotiate with earth, the Votans declared war with the humans and triggered a terraformer technology that dramatically altered the biosphere and surface of the planet. Decades of war later, the humans and Votans no longer have any functional governments, and are doing their best to survive on their new alien planet. Executive Producer Kevin Murphy tells reporters at the Television Critics Association on Monday that the world of Defiance centers heavily on Chief Lawkeeper Jeb Nolan (Grant Bowler) and his feral-like adopted alien daughter Irisa (Stephanie Leodindas). After surviving in the wild, Nolan returns to his hometown of St. Louis only to find that it has been reduced to a refugee camp called Defiance. Leodindas says that their character’s father/daughter relationship is “fiercely loyal,” but also “fiery” at times. Bowler explains that his his character chooses to live in Defiance because he desperately wants his daughter to learn the traditional values and mannerisms of pre-war earth. “She needs to learn how to hold a knife and fork. She needs to learn how to go on a date with a boy without hurting him,” Bowler says. Murphy reveals that audiences will be introduced to eight species—including humans— that now inhabit the earth. In an interesting 21st century twist, Syfy is also offering viewers a chance to further explore the alien-filled planet in the Defiance videogame. Syfy President Mark Stern explains that with the show and the game, Defiance is the future of transmedia entertainment. By playing the game and watching the show, fans will gather all the secrets of the world of Defiance. Stern was careful to explain that audiences do not need to use both mediums to enjoy Defiance. “It’s not choose your own adventure… You do not need to know anything about one to enjoy the other.” However, Murphy adds that of you follow both, fans will "get a richer, fuller, experience" and it will create “the illusion of spontaneity.” You can catch the series premiere of Defiance April 15 on Syfy. Follow Leanne on Twitter @LeanneAguilera [Photo Credit: Syfy] MORE: Justin Bieber Teases 'SNL' Hosting Gig With Very Important Tweet 'Happy Endings' Recap: 2013 Is Going to Be a Happy Year 'The Biggest Loser' Premiere: Are You Glad Jillian Michaels Is Back? — POLL From Our Partners: 30 Hottest Lingerie Scenes from the Past 30 Years (Celebuzz) Child Stars: Where Are They Now? (Celebuzz)
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Naomi Campbell Won't 'Sugar-Coat Anything' on Her New Show 'The Face'
January 07, 2013 10:48am ESTWhen supermodel Naomi Campbell took the stage Monday morning at the Television Critics Association press tour, the entire room full of reporters stood up a little straighter and braced for any potential flying cell phones. Luckily there were no iPhone fatalities. Instead, Campbell discussed her new Oxygen reality-show The Face — think of it as a combination of America’s Next Top Model and The Voice. When the TV competition premieres Feb. 12, viewers will see executive producer Campbell — along with former Victoria’s Secret angel Karolina Kurkova and world-renowned supermodel Coco Rocha — act as mentor to 12 hopeful models. Each coach will guide a team of four girls as they compete to be the face of ULTA Beauty, one of the fastest-growing beauty retailers in the United States. Fashion photographer and former ANTM judge Nigel Barker will host what he considers to be a “truly unique” freshman series. Barker explained that he is excited to serve as a “negotiator” on the competition, rather than as a judge. Campbell expressed her desire to bring a show like this to television. “There is no model handbook," she says. "Coming from the nineties we basically had to learn as we went along … I think the industry has changed and we have changed, and now I think a show like this is definitely needed.” Executive producer Eden Gaha stressed that The Face will focus on the real world of modeling, as opposed to a characterized version that other modeling shows in the past have featured. (Ahem, he’s totally talking about you ANTM…) The three supermodel coaches handpicked the top 12 girls from a group of 24 models, whose experience ranged from 10-plus years in the industry to fresh-faced newbies. The coaches were quick to reveal that there were no height requirements to enter the competition. “That’s what is so great about our show," Campbell says. "We’ve got from small to tall.”Barker said it was great to watch the coaches form a genuine bond with each of their contestants. Campbell agreed, revealing, “Whether the girls were on my team or not — whether they were on Karolina’s team or Coco’s team — I felt an overall protection to all the girls.” The mentor and EP says that at times she felt like a “certified shrink” on the show, however, Campbell explains that she was still brutally honest with her girls. “I'm the mentor or coach that gives tough love… I do believe that you should not sugar-coat anything." So — what is the secret to winning the new Oxygen reality competition? “I think the bottom line is they have to believe in themselves,” Campbell says. You can catch the series premiere of The Face Tuesday, Feb. 12 on Oxygen. Follow Leanne on Twitter @LeanneAguilera [Photo Credit: Oxygen] MORE: Justin Bieber Teases 'SNL' Hosting Gig With Very Important Tweet 'Happy Endings' Recap: 2013 Is Going to Be a Happy Year 'The Biggest Loser' Premiere: Are You Glad Jillian Michaels Is Back? — POLL From Our Partners: 30 Hottest Lingerie Scenes from the Past 30 Years (Celebuzz) Child Stars: Where Are They Now? (Celebuzz)
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'Happy Endings' Recap: 2013 Is Going to Be a Happy Year
January 07, 2013 7:10am ESTJanuary is a time for reflection. A time to think back upon the past year, to assign merit to the 365-day conglomeration through which you trudged and toiled all in the hopes of getting one step closer to that new Lazy Susan for the backyard patio. B ut when we take our dear, departed 2012 into consideration, we might find the results unnerving. Of the 52 weeks to comprise the year in question, only about three of them (and that's rounding up) could be described, in any fortuitous way, as happy. A mere 19 nonconsecutive days out of this latest Year of the Dragon amounted to whatever semblance of joy with which American public has not yet become entirely desensitized. Delivering a pure, simple, heartfelt expression of comedic wealth, the ingredients of this scattered fortnight-and-change can be referred to as Happy Endings days — those incomparable calendar marks bearing that oh so special 30 minute period during which an otherwise unfathomable bliss overtakes all caught in its beam, courtesy of the good minds at ABC. And courtesy of the clearly improving minds at ABC, 2013 will up the ante on its bestowal of glee, as Happy Endings is now set to air two nights a week. The first new episode of the week, and of the year on the whole, broadcast on Sunday, instilling within anyone overwhelmed by January depression or just good old winter madness the good faith that 2013 is worth tolerating, if only for these semiweekly half-hour spurts of jubilation. In keeping with its perfect pattern of revisiting old sitcom tropes with an inscrutable flare, the latest ep transforms two very old hat scenarios into fresh, vital displays of postmodern comedy. The Destruction Coverup The old joke: One or more parties (Brad and Penny) inadvertently destroy something precious that belongs to their friend (Alex), and go to extreme and manic lengths to cover up their transgression, usually to discover that the friend in question doesn't care all that much about the thing to begin with... or, in some cases (including this one), is actually at fault for its destruction. The new twist: Brad and Penny accidentally smash a beloved ceramic plate of Alex's... and in attempting (successfully) to glue to back together, they accidentally kill her pet parrot, another misdeed they must then spend the bulk of the episode covering up. Shows that have done this before: The Brady Bunch, The Golden Girls, Saved by the Bell (twice), Three's Company, Hey Arnold, Community (in a surprisingly conventional fashion). The Happy Endings touch: It's not easy to take such a well-tread territory as this storyline and make it as funny as this episode of Happy Endings does. But the humor can be accredited to the unparalleled commitment by Damon Wayans, Jr., and Casey Wilson in their peril over the discovery of their unintended bird-killing. Additionally, the return of Tyler the bigoted parrot is a sure-fire win. The Setup Competition The old joke: Two or more parties (Dave and Jane) compete in a mission to find the perfect suitor for a third friend (Max), usually supplying inadequate dates for said friend, and perhaps even leading him or her to a third party. The new twist: Both Dave and Jane unwittingly attempt to set Max up with carbon copies of themselves — Dave's date for Max is a painfully laid back, John Mayer-loving musician, and Jane's is a fatally uptight and obsessive-compulsive aggressor. Shows that have done this before: Friends, Cheers, Frasier, Seinfeld had a variation. The Happy Endings touch: The humor in this storyline comes from our pure affection for these characters. Watching Dave match wits (or lack thereof) with a Dave doppelganger, and Jane teaming up with a man-Jane in the pursuit of Max's love will fuel nonstop laughter for any time-tested fan of the show and these people. All that and a historic cold open featuring a wordplay battle royale, and a call to attention of just how obnoxious these people would be to actually sit near in a public eatery, make for a great start to 2013. And the best part: the next new episode is Tuesday night! ABC, you're a wonderful enabler. [Photo Credit: ABC] More: 'Downton Abbey' Premiere Recap: Getting Mary-ed 'Revenge' Recap: Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely 'The Biggest Loser' Premiere: Are You Glad Jillian Michaels Is Back? — POLL From Our Partners: ’Texas Chainsaw’: Top 5 Leatherface Kills (Moviefone) Quentin Tarantino’s Most Bad-Ass Music Moments (Moviefone)
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'The Biggest Loser' Premiere: Are You Glad Jillian Michaels Is Back? — POLL
January 07, 2013 6:13am ESTThe Biggest Loser kicked off its 14th season (!!) last night, and while all the talk was about some new faces appearing on the inspirational reality series (namely that of the crop of youths participating in the show for the first time) there was also a familiar face that had fans talking. Or, to be more apropos, screaming. Love-her-or-hate-her coach Jillian Michaels returned to the hit NBC show after a two-season hiatus. Wouldn't the rough-around-the-edges fitness guru be terrifying for the kids (Lindsay, Bingo, and Sunny) to have to endure? Would she be as harsh on them as she is her adult clients? Won't somebody please think of the children?! Turned out, not only was Jillian (a new mom herself) a total softie with the kids, but she opened up to them about her own struggles with bullying in school and was downright encouraging. Was this the end of Jillian as we know her? Well, she still totally flipped out on the grown-ups and made everyone watching at home mentally put themselves on Team Bob. (Or Team Dolvett, if you feel so inclined). Still, you've gotta admit — even though one of her team members got the boot in part one of the season premiere, (not the most welcome return to the series, eh?) Jillian is good. Better make good on that New Year's resolution to go to the gym, as you'd never want to wind up on The Biggest Loser solely for the fear of winding up on her team. Take our poll below and tell us what you thought of Jillian's return: <a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6813739/">Are you glad Jillian is back on 'The Biggest Loser'?</a> [Photo credit: Trae Patton/NBC] More: Jillian Michaels Re-Joins 'Biggest Loser' (Again) 'Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars' Is Going To Be Insane 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo': Halloween Haunts and Horrors From Our Partners: 30 Hottest Lingerie Scenes from the Past 30 Years (Celebuzz) Child Stars: Where Are They Now? (Celebuzz)
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NBC Announces Returns Dates of ‘Smash,' ‘Biggest Loser,' ‘The Voice,' and More
October 30, 2012 12:33pm ESTWith the holidays almost here, it’s time to start thinking about what truly matters in life: Family, friends and new TV shows. (Come on you know it's true!) NBC has just announced their mid-season premiere dates and we’ve details on when all your favorites will return, plus a few new shows that have yet to grace your TV screens. -The Biggest Loser: Fitness queen Jillian Michaels returns to the hit reality-competition show for a two-night premiere on Sunday, Jan. 6 (9-11 PM) and Monday, Jan. 7 (8-10 PM) -Deception: The new drama debuts Monday, Jan. 7 (10-11 PM) and centers around a dark family murder mystery. -Betty White’s Off Their Rockers: The Golden Girl’s reality comedy will return Tuesday, Jan. 8 (8 PM). -1600 Penn: NBC’s newest comedy will be joining the peacock line-up on the highly competitive Thursday nights beginning Jan. 10 (9:30 PM). The half-hour show features a dysfunctional family that just to happens to live in the White House. -Smash: The Broadway-based drama is moving to Tuesdays and will kick off its sophomore season with a special two-hour premiere Feb. 5 (10 PM) and welcomes singing-sensation Jennifer Hudson to the stage. -Community: The beloved comedy will finally return for it’s fourth season and it set to replace 30 Rock on Thursday, Feb. 7 (8 PM) -The Celebrity Apprentice: Donald Trump’s hair and reality series will return for Sunday, March 3 (8 PM) and will feature 2-hour episodes for the first four weeks. -Revolution: NBCs freshman drama will return from its winter hiatus Monday, March 25. -The Voice: The singing competition will spin back into the NBC lineup for it’s fourth cycle for a two-night premiere on Monday March 25 and Tuesday March 26. The season will shake things with Usher and Shakira coming on to replace Chrisitna Aguilera and Cee Lo Green as coaches. -Ready for Love: This new relationship/reality series is brought to you by the lovely mind of Eva Longoria and will premiere Sunday, March 31 (8 PM). Which NBC show are you most excited to see again? Tell us you thoughts in the comments below! Follow Leanne on Twitter @LeanneAguilera [Photo Credit: NBC] MORE: 'Community' To Return in February, Back on Thursday Nights NBC Cancels 'Animal Practice,' to the Chagrin of Annie's Boobs Leanne's Spoiler List: 'Smash' Will Shake Things Up, 'Vampire Diaries' Gets Intense From Our Partners: Exclusive New ‘Twilight: Breaking Dawn’ Trailer! (Moviefone) Oops! Biggest Comedy Movie Mistakes(Moviefone)
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TV Tidbits: 'Gossip Girl' Heats Up, Liza Minnelli Gets 'Arrested'
September 10, 2012 4:22pm ESTRidiculousness: MTV has renewed Rob Dyrdek's Ridiculousness for a third season! That's right, more amateur viral videos for all. [Deadline] Gossip Girl: Gossip Girl's final season is now one month away, and we knew they'd go out with a scandalous "bang!" The CW's latest trailer shows Chuck and Blair getting it on, Serena hiding under a fake identity, and — of course — plenty of threats from Georgina. Who is on a "full-on slut spiral?" Inquiring minds need to know. Dorota, fetch us October, now. [TVLine] Arrested Development: We couldn't really read this particular tidbit — it's basically a brown spot, with points. But from what we can see, it looks like there will be two loose seals in Netflix's limited revival of Arrested Development. Sorry Jessica Walter — Lucille Two (Liza Minnelli) is back, and Buster is sure to take notice. [TV Guide] Shonda Rhimes: Grey's Anatomy producer Shonda Rhimes is about to make a giant leap — from ABC to NBC. Rhimes, her production company, and the Peacock have joined heads for an upcoming FBI drama called Under the Gun. NBC has already made a script commitment for the series, which will focus on a young female agent with a dark past. [Hollywood Reporter] X Factor: Simon Cowell has already told us that newcomers Britney Spears and Demi Lovato have some teeth, but now we know that the contestants do, too. In Fox's latest promo, one guy goes a bit too far with Lovato, causing Spears to lash out. [EW] Follow Shaunna on Twitter @HWShaunna [PHOTO CREDIT: DailyCeleb.com] MORE: TV Tidbits: Ryan Lochte Films '30 Rock' TV Tidbits: Frances Conroy Returns to 'American Horror Story,' 'Good Wife' Nabs Christina Ricci TV Tidbits: Jillian Michaels Re-Joins 'Biggest Loser' (Again)
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TV Tidbits: Ryan Lochte Films '30 Rock'
September 06, 2012 5:52pm EST30 Rock: Looks like Bryan Cranston has some competition — Olympic swimming sensation/wordsmith Ryan Lochte has filmed a cameo on 30 Rock. [E!] Sons of Anarchy: Twitter-happy, outspoken producer Kurt Sutter is known for his expletive-laden rants (and his hit drama Sons of Anarchy), but it looks like he's ready to explore his lighter side. Sutter has closed a script development deal with FX to write Diva. Clown. Killer, a comedy he created and will produce with his wife, SoA star Katey Sagal. "This half-hour will be an absurd, dark comedy, where the story is fueled by murder and mayhem," Sutter says. [Deadline] Fringe: Looks like Fringe duo J.J. Abrams and J.H. Wyman will team up with Fox once more. After the beloved cult series ends its 13-episode run this year, Abrams and Wyman will produce a sci-fi drama about futuristic LAPD officers who are partnered with androids. [Deadline] Follow Shaunna on Twitter @HWShaunna [PHOTO CREDIT: ] MORE: TV Tidbits: Frances Conroy Returns to 'American Horror Story,' 'Good Wife' Nabs Christina Ricci TV Tidbits: Jillian Michaels Re-Joins 'Biggest Loser' (Again) TV Tidbits: Bryan Cranston Trades New Mexico for New York
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TV Tidbits: Frances Conroy Returns to 'American Horror Story,' 'Good Wife' Nabs Christina Ricci
September 05, 2012 4:25pm ESTL.A. Woman: We think NBC was totally justified in developing this one. Boomtown and Justified mastermind Graham Yost has again partnered with the peacock, this time for a 1970's female spy drama. NBC ordered a script for the hourlong project, which Yost will write and executive produce. [THR] The Rachel Zoe Project: Do you just die for Rachel Zoe's fashionable antics? You're in luck. Bravo has officially renewed The Rachel Zoe Project for a whopping fifth season. [Deadline] The Hero: Finally, what my freshman roommate the TV world has long been waiting for — a reality competition program starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Johnson will mentor ten potential "heroes" who live in a house and are given a variety of challenges that test their brains, brawn, and morality. In the end, one player will be named a true hero. They will then be sent into a burning building filled with kittens. [Deadline] The Good Wife: Looks like life post-Pan Am can go on. Christina Ricci will appear in CBS' hit legal drama The Good Wife, as a comedienne who uses her beauty for comedic effect. Of course, she'll seek out the services of Lockhart Gardner. [TVLine] American Horror Story: She's ba-ack! Frances Conroy, who played the elder half of the sexually charged maid Moira, will return for season two alongside other season one vets Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Zachary Quinto, and Sarah Paulson. Murphy tweeted that the actress would play "the ultimate angel." Thrilled to announce Emmy nominee Frances Conroy is returning to AHS. Devils and angels this year...Frannie plays the ultimate angel.— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) September 6, 2012 Follow Shaunna on Twitter @HWShaunna [PHOTO CREDIT: ABC] MORE: TV Tidbits: Jillian Michaels Re-Joins 'Biggest Loser' (Again) TV Tidbits: Bryan Cranston Trades New Mexico for New York TV Tidbits: Which 'Lost' Favorite Is Joining 'Once Upon A Time'?
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TV Tidbits: Jillian Michaels Re-Joins 'Biggest Loser' (Again)
September 04, 2012 4:08pm ESTSullivan & Son: Looks like Vince Vaughn's TBS freshman comedy series will get another go! Sullivan & Son, which focuses on a Manhattan attorney who moves to Pittsburgh to take over his parents' pub, has been renewed for a second season. [Deadline] The Biggest Loser: She's ba-ack! Jillian Michaels, who left NBC's struggling weight loss show in 2011, will be back for its January 2013 season. There she will take on body fat, as well as current trainers Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince. Also, in one of the show's infamous twists, this season will feature (for the first time ever) teenagers. [EW] Dexter: At long last, Showtime has released a four-minute behind-the-scenes look at Dexter's season seven. The cast and crew discuss what should be Dex's darkest season yet — and how he'll handle the ticking time bomb that is Deb. [TVLine] Follow Shaunna on Twitter @HWShaunna [PHOTO CREDIT: TK] MORE: TV Tidbits: Bryan Cranston Trades New Mexico for New York, TV Tidbits: Which 'Lost' Favorite Is Joining 'Once Upon A Time'? TV Tidbits: Spike Lee's Michael Jackson Doc Eyes Thanksgiving Premiere
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Suspect charged over Jillian Michaels burglary
July 09, 2012 10:15am ESTGerjuan Deshon Harmon allegedly swiped the keys to Michaels' luxury Bentley from her Los Angeles estate on Tuesday night (03Jul12) while the exercise expert was watching TV with her child. The former The Biggest Loser trainer realised her car and a number of personal items had gone missing the following morning and reported the crime to police. The vehicle was tracked down hours later and Harmon was busted after crashing it into a light pole. On Friday (06Jul12), he was charged with multiple counts, including first-degree burglary with a person present, grand theft of personal property, grand theft auto and hit-and-run driving. Harmon was also hit with two crimes for resisting an executive officer, reports Eonline.com. Michaels has assured fans she's fine after the incident, taking to Twitter.com and posting: "Hi guys - thanks so much for all your concern regarding the burglary. We are all fine & that's what counts. Stuff is just stuff after all."
