SSP STAFF WRITER: ENTERTAINMENT ZONE: December 31, 2019
As we look back on 2019, we hoist our glasses in celebration of the triumphs and victories of our friends both new and old. Seeking out and working with talented people is what we believe is the backbone of what makes a production special. And we have been graced to work with some of the best. We have never been more excited or proud to toast this past year’s success of some of the stars of “Caged,” “The Watchers,” “Riddle Me This,” and “30 Days to Say Goodbye.”
As charismatic as he is handsome, Rick Ravanello (Caged) has fueled his talent and craft through filming not one but two action packed series, Medinah and The Pact since working on Caged. He also found time to take on captivating characters such as Henry in the feature Backwards Forward Forever, a complex story about people stuck in purgatory which filmed in Romania. Never failing to make us laugh or cry, Rick, we salute you!
When you get to work with a tireless talent such as Karimah Westbrook, you count yourself among the lucky ones. After Caged came Suburbicon opposite Matt Damon and Julianne Moore for Ms. Westbrook. Now you can see our friend on the CW’s All American as tough love mom Grace James opposite Taye Diggs. All American takes a a look at a young football star who is caught between to worlds and Karimah’s character Grace is his pillar of support like every great mom should be. Thank you Karimah for your drive and desire to always look to the future and to share your gift, we salute you!
When Bernard Bullen walked in to audition for The Watchers, we knew immediately that he had the chops to pull off the role. But of course, we had to make sure he was the guy by seeing a few other talented actors. In the end, he was our guy and what a treasure he was to work with. And it is wonderful to know that Jon Favreau felt the same way, selecting Bernard to bring the role of Disney’s The Mandalorian‘s father to life. Cradling his young son in his arms, Bernard’s character dodges a barrage of bombs and android gun fire to bring his son to safety. With his every step, a gripping wave of terror and love a father feels knowing that each step to safety my be his last washes over you. We salute you Bernard for showing us how deep a father’s love can be.
When The Dark Knight star, Eric Roberts signed on to do 30 Days to Say Gooodbye, we were beside ourselves with glee. Never in our wildest dreams did this possibility ever cross our minds. Just goes to show how magical a place Hollywood can be. Talented beyond measure, Eric delivered everything we needed in his role as Jim Walsh and it fills our hearts with joy to see him team with Rick Ravanello in Medinah. Always giving of himself and his talent to productions large or small, Mr. Roberts we salute you for your grace and humility.
The sensational Karen Malina White (Caged) never disappoints whether on stage or on the silver screen. She always finds a way to make a character dynamic and compelling. Part of what we consider the backbone and heart of Hollywood, her legacy of work speaks for itself. Since making us laugh in Caged, she has worked consistently on everything from How to Get Away with Murder to Animal Kingdom. Never stopping and filling her time away from the silver screen with gut wrenching stage performances in pieces like Eight Nights, most recently staged at the Antaeus Theatre in Glendale, California. Karen, we salute you for all you have given us over the years.
If ever there were a journey man actor, it would be hands down our friend Don Harvey. In a town full of actors more concerned about being a celebrity than the job of being an actor, The Don is a breathe of fresh air. His work ethic on the set of Riddle Me This was something from which actors starting out in this business could take note. Always working on his character and lines to deepen and personalize to the point of perfection, he was a joy both in front of and behind the camera. From Causalities of War to Taken 3 to The Deuce (and everything in between), Mr. Harvey’s Emmy nominated performances deliver without question. Don, we thank you for making Riddle Me This something to remember. Salud!
Always in this industry you are looking for and hoping to connect with phenomenal human beings that are also brilliant and highly talented. And we must say that 2019 scored an A+ on both accords.
When we met producer Andrew Carlberg through our friend director Michael A. Shepperd, he seemed genuine and honest, overall a good egg. Little did we know that he was a whole lot more. Championing such causes as Breast Cancer awareness through the National Breast Cancer Coalition to supporting the dreams of young youths through I Have A Dream Foundation, Andrew’s spirit shines a blinding light of love and charity. And the amazing part is, he still has time to produce feature films, short films, outstanding theatre productions, win Oscars (2019 Live Action Short – Skin), send his friends a simple “Hello” text or two and connect his new friends with his old friends. Hence, our 2019 family of new friends grew to include Michael Matthews (director of the Celebration Theatre‘s outstanding Ovation nominated production of Mel Brooks’s The Producers), Bekah Brunstetter (writer for American Gods and This is Us as well as the Rogue Machine Theatre‘s production of Miss Lilly Gets Boned), wonderful director Robin Larsen (Miss Lilly Gets Boned) , and superbly talented Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire).
Wishing all of our friends both old and new continued success, love and prosperity in 2020!!
SSP
