Latest news with #Cynthia
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Oscar-nominated actress reveals she was cruelly rejected by Wicked after 6 audit
A Hollywood star has spoken about working her 'ass off for years and years' auditioning for Wicked but failing to be cast. In 2012 it was announced that the stage musical would be adapted for screen, however it wasn't until 2021 when Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were cast as Elphaba and Glinda. However, in recent years Amanda Seyfried, who had previously starred in the movie musicals Les Misérables and the Mamma Mia! franchise, revealed she was desperate to be cast in Wicked too. The 39-year-old, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in 2020's Mank, had previously said she had dreamed of playing Glinda since she was a child. This week she went on to detail the intense schedule she put herself through in her efforts to secure the role. 'I'm in that privileged spot where I just don't have to [audition],' she said on the latest episode of the Backstage's In the Envelope podcast. 'But I like, of course, I talked about this a lot. I auditioned like six times for Wicked.' She went on: 'Because that had to be really just right. And I like, I loved it. 'I was busy. I barely had time to do it, but I made it work. I worked my ass off for years and years and years on that music.' 'I'm just competitive with myself in a really healthy way.' Earlier this year Amanda also spoke on the Happy Sad Confused podcast about singing with Cynthia, 38, while trying out for Glinda. 'I was able to really prepare, and I'm telling you, I've never felt that solid in my voice than I did at the auditions. And that's kind of what I got out of it,' she told host Josh Horowitz. 'I do, again, think everything happens for a reason. 'I also got to sing with Cynthia, and that was a moment in itself.' She had also once said she 'bent over backwards' to audition for the franchise, also working with a vocal coach and acting coach. However, in November last year, Cynthia appeared to throw shade on Amanda when praising Ariana. Speaking to The New York Times, Cynthia said it was 'no surprise whatsoever' to her when she learned Ariana had secured the role of Glinda. 'Thank goodness, because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with.' Renee Rapp and Dove Cameron had also been in the running to play Glinda. More Trending For their starring roles in Wicked, Cynthia and Ariana, 32, were nominated for best actress and best supporting actress at the Oscars. Its sequel Wicked: For Good out in November this year. Despite missing out on the role, Amanda later called the Wicked movie 'fantastic'. 'It's an extravaganza, which is what she [Grande] does really well. And [my kids] have been playing the soundtrack nonstop. And everything is as it's meant to be for sure,' she said. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Orlando Bloom hints at relationship status with Katy Perry in Instagram post MORE: Denis Villeneuve dares to step into 'sacred territory' as new James Bond director MORE: Daisy Edgar-Jones to star in remake of classic Jane Austen period drama
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brad Pitt reveals his pre-Gwyneth Paltrow diet that would have left the Goop guru disgusted
Brad Pitt has revealed his pre-Gwyneth Paltrow diet that would have revolted his wellness advocate ex. Pitt, 61, dated the future Goop CEO, 52, for three years after meeting on the set of the 1995 thriller Se7en, but just before landing the role, survived off a rather unusual eating plan that definitely would not have flown with Paltrow. Speaking on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast, Pitt described this period as 'the most unhealthy time'. At the time, Pitt was feeling adrift in his career following several disappointing jobs, and spent the summer of 1994 dating a woman with a passion for reptiles and consuming a 'bong load,' 'four Coca-Colas on ice' and no actual food. 'I would wake up... I would get a bong load, I would have four Coca-Colas on ice. No food,' Pitt told Dax. 'This particular summer, and I watched the O.J. trial... and trying to figure out, "What do I do next? What do I do next?"' he said. That all changed once the script for the David Fincher film Se7en came across his desk. 'And then I read this script, my dear friend and manager and, basically my sister now, Cynthia, sends it over,' he explained. 'She says, "You've got to read this." I read the first seven pages, I call her up, I go, "Are you kidding me? Like, the cliché old cop wants out, the young cop comes in, he's looking at his trophies? His high school football trophies?" She goes, "Just finish it." And then I go meet Finch... he was just talking about films like I'd never heard anyone speak about film,' he said. 'I just got the jones back,' Brad added. 'Finding that thing kind of, it just reinvigorated what I wanted out of this thing, what's possible.' The role not only brought the zest back into Brad's career, but it also introduced him to his then-girlfriend Gwyneth - who certainly would not have approved of his summer diet. Since their split, Gwyneth has founded the wellness and lifestyle brand Goop, where consumers can shop for supplements and find green juice recipes. She also has made headlines for her own diet - which in recent years involved drinking coffee for breakfast, bone broth for lunch and vegetables for dinner. Until recently, Gwyneth was a strict adherent of the Paleo diet, an eating regimen which advocates for eating meat, vegetables, nuts and limited fruit, as well as excluding grains, legumes, dairy, salt, and refined sugar. Thought recently the Shakespeare In Love actress has changed her tune on that particular diet, admitting that she is now 'a little bit sick of it'. 'I'm getting back into eating sourdough bread, cheese – there I said it. A little pasta after being strict with it for so long,' she said on her Goop podcast. Gwyneth and Brad dated for three years after they met on the set of the thriller Se7en. They got engaged in December 1996 when Gwyneth was just 24 years old and parted ways a few months later. Looking back on the relationship, Gwyneth previously admitted she felt it didn't work out because she was too young. Speaking on The Howard Stern Show in 2015, she said: 'I think I was a kid and I wasn't ready. He was too good for me.' 'I honestly do think I was too young and didn't know what I was doing.' Brad would go on to marry and split from both Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, while Gwyneth tied the knot and welcomed two children with Coldplay singer Chris Martin. They infamously revealed their 'conscious uncoupling' in 2014 before officially divorcing. Gwyneth is now married to producer Brad Falchuk. Despite their split, Gwyneth and Brad have kept in touch over the years. The former flames reunited in June 2022 when Gwyneth interviewed Brad for her website about his involvement in one of her Goop products. The pair expressed how happy they were to be friends with Brad telling her: 'I do love you,' to which she replied: 'I love you so much'.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
A HUB FOR INTEGRATED LIVING
(From left): Cynthia, Daniel and Lucas mark the grand launch of Centrum Iris with a traditional lion dance performance – symbolising prosperity, good fortune and an auspicious beginning for the new development in Cameron Highlands. LBS supports eco-friendly living with Centrum Iris CAMERON HIGHLANDS: LBS Bina Group Bhd has unveiled Centrum Iris, the second precinct of its signature Cameron Centrum township. With a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM472mil, Centrum Iris is officially the largest mixed commercial development in Cameron Highlands, setting a new benchmark for integrated highland living in Malaysia. Centrum Iris, the second phase of the Cameron Centrum township, marks a significant milestone in LBS' vision to redefine highland living. It builds upon the success of Precinct 1 — Cameron Highlands' largest mixed-use development, completed in 2021 — which features 58 shop-office units ranging from two to five storeys and is now 95% occupied by well-known brands in the food and beverage, banking, healthcare and daily essentials sectors. The thriving commercial ecosystem in Precinct 1 has laid a solid foundation for Centrum Iris, offering a ready catchment of lifestyle convenience and investment appeal. Centrum Iris stands out as the first development in Cameron Highlands to receive the Silver GreenRE Certification reflecting LBS' ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible development. Designed to promote green living, the project includes electric vehicle (EV) charging bays, 47 lifestyle-focused facilities and a rooftop cafe and restaurant with panoramic highland views, strategically planned to foster a greener and healthier lifestyle. Strategically located in the heart of Brinchang's bustling commercial district, Centrum Iris offers 705 residential units — ranging from 595 sq ft to 1,370 sq ft and priced from RM476,000 — as well as 26 commercial units ranging from 615 sq ft to 2,944 sq ft, starting from RM676,000. The development seamlessly blends modern architecture with English-inspired aesthetics, creating a distinctive and elevated lifestyle destination in the highlands that caters to both homeowners and investors. Daniel (fourth from right) and the team at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with MyKey International and Dreamscape Hospitality Group, held in conjunction with the grand launch of Centrum Iris in Cameron Highlands. A key highlight of the grand launch event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with short-term rental platform operators MyKey International and Dreamscape Hospitality Group. The initiative is set to drive hassle-free returns for LBS purchasers and homeowners. 'Our collaboration with MyKey and Dreamscape enables us to expand Centrum Iris' appeal beyond traditional homeownership, tapping into the short-term rental market in Malaysia's tourism hotspots,' said LBS executive director Datuk Seri Daniel Lim, who officiated the grand opening event. Also present during the event were LBS executive director Datuk Cynthia Lim and deputy chief executive officer Lucas Lim. Centrum Iris has already achieved strong booking rates to date, reflecting growing market confidence in its investment potential. Its central location in Brinchang — a hub for tourism and commerce — positions the development as a prime choice for buyers seeking long-term value and year-round highland appeal. Visitors are welcome to the Centrum Iris Sales Gallery, open daily from 10am to 6pm at C-2-48, Presint 1, Cameron Centrum, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang. For added convenience, a Satellite Sales Gallery for Centrum Iris is also available on the ground floor of LBS 2 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. For more information, contact 1700 81 8778 or visit
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
Legging it through Hillbrow, the chaotic heart of Joburg on a journey of renewal
Parts of the inner-city suburb are being revived through the efforts of residents, property owners and nonprofit organisations. Now a walking tour offers a glimpse of the renewal. This is Hillbrow is a walking tour into one of Jozi's toughest neighbourhoods and includes a visit to the top of Ponte, the infamous 54-storey tower with a hollow centre and a dark past. It's a chance to explore the city's most misunderstood neighbourhood, according to Dlala Nje, the tour company, and we were advised to arrive with walking shoes, hats and curious minds. We drove into the innocent-sounding Number 1 Lily Avenue, Berea, Ponte's address, and passed through security to be met by our guides, Cynthia Sabela and Delight Sithole, as well as photographer Mbongiseni Ngwenya. These are young people who grew up in the area and live in Ponte, a new generation who call Hillbrow home – that low-income neighbourhood where 100,000 people live within a square kilometre. Grey areas We started out at the Dlala Nje ('just play' in isiZulu) community centre at the base of Ponte, a warm, lively space where kids from Ponte and surrounds can come do their homework, get a reliable internet connection or play soccer or music. Tours like this help fund the centre. We headed out and straight up to the top of Lily Avenue, which overlooks two abject buildings. 'No photographs, please,' said Delight. 'This is a dangerous block.' One building is hijacked – an old Victorian house with no roof, and the lounge and fireplace exposed, forming the shoulder of a squatter camp. Delight explained that about 200 people live here, each paying about R600 a month. There is no electricity and they are charged extra for water from the one tap on the street. The other building is completely stripped of everything: windows, balconies, doors, lifts, stairwells. It's a filthy burnt-out shell inhabited by nyaope users. Cynthia told us that the owners of both buildings fled in the 1980s when Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville began to show signs of neglect. The apartheid government considered them 'grey areas' since they were already mixed despite segregation laws. The banks redlined the grey areas, meaning residents were denied access to finance for home loans or property maintenance. As South Africa's states of emergency kicked in, municipal services were cut off in grey areas and buildings began to decay dramatically. By the time democracy dawned, these neighbourhoods were utterly broken. Then the interest rate rocketed, property prices plunged, white capital fled and there was a massive influx of poor people. It was the perfect poverty storm. Good blocks We continued our walk and entered Alexander Street, a wide, clean, tree-lined street with enormous high-rises all around. Here, there were street cameras, visible security, and Cynthia explained that there are small shops and ATMs inside the buildings and pointed out the superette on the corner. It felt like a decent neighbourhood, and that's the thing about Hillbrow: it changes from block to block, from bad buildings, as locals call them, to good ones. This was a good block with good buildings, largely because of the efforts of property owners, in partnership with civil society and the private sector. Our tour took us past the house of mining magnate Barney Barnato and through the scruffy Alec Gorshel Park. We saw cleanliness next to filth, brothels alongside churches. We walked under the now defunct Hillbrow Tower, a strange beast, and to the Gumtree of Hillbrow, as it's called, a wall where people literally use gum to stick up their notices, mainly ads for accommodation and work seekers. A balcony was going for R1,000, a stairwell for less. There was even a call for a shared bed (not for nefarious purposes), often the only way people can cover their rent. Gumtree is poignant. We walked under high-rises that are called building schools, unregistered and mainly for foreign national kids who have no hope of cracking a model C school. As we walked, Delight pointed out some of the rooftop houses on the high-rises that were built as 'servant's quarters', now occupied by entire families. Then we headed up Claim Street and into the heart of Hillbrow, featuring everything from butcheries, hair salons and mahala shops, to a clinic, bars and electronic outlets. It was noisy, vibrant, chaotic. Nostalgia kicked in among my fellow walkers. Wasn't that where the old Hillbrow Records was? Isn't that the old Chelsea? Wasn't that where so-and-so lived? But today, Hillbrow is a rough pan-African neighbourhood. People are polite, curious. Everyone is just trying to survive. The Summit Club is still there, Hillbrow's premier nightclub, as it advertises itself, but Delight tells us it's pretty much a fancy brothel. Hillbrow Radio continues to broadcast from Claim Street. The diversity of architecture continues to crumble – Victorian, Art Deco, brutalist, Sixties, overlaid now with spaza shops, beauty parlours and nursery schools. We didn't visit the skankiest parts, such as the infamous syndicate-run Vannin Court with its sewage, slimy ground-floor water and rubbish piled high, women and children peeking out of cracked windows. We felt quite safe, however, as we wandered the pavements of Pretoria Street. The Saturday morning market offered cabbage and plump tomatoes for half the price of the suburbs, as well as okra, bananas, dried fish and spices. An iconic address We walked back to Ponte via Fife Street where several buildings have been revamped – a love bomb instead of a hijack. Successes like these come about through property owners keeping their buildings well maintained with lighting and private security, enabling residents to build communities inside buildings and feel agency. Companies such as the Johannesburg Housing Company, Trafalgar, Ithemba and eKhaya Neighbourhood are doing good work, block by block. eKhaya, for example, started in 2004 with two previously hijacked buildings and now manages more than 80. Organisations such as Jozi My Jozi and the Joburg Inner City Partnership are helping with clean-ups, lighting, cameras and repairs. But it's tough, and water and electricity services are sketchy. We were all still processing it all by the time we returned to Ponte, a place that is in the psyche of every Jozi city person, as a fellow walker observed. It was one of the most desired addresses in the cosmopolitan suburb of Berea in the Seventies, but by the mid-1990s, writes the Joburg In Your Pocket guide, 'Ponte was in such a bad state, overrun by gangs and piled high with trash, that there were even proposals to take the building over and turn it into a high-rise prison'. Ponte's turnaround from a panopticon to a well-run and occupied building is remarkable. And the views from the Dlala Nje shebeen on the 51st floor are the best in the city. We had cold beers and a warm lunch as Cynthia and Delight told us how Ponte was cleaned up and restored in 2009, with more than 10 floors of rubbish removed from the legendary pit, the heart of darkness, the hollow centre of the building built on bedrock. Rubbish included old fridges, beds, appliances and skeletons. (Ponte was once a preferred suicide spot. Apparently the men jumped outwards, the women into the pit.) What a fascinating walking tour. It gave Hillbrow a human face, and perhaps that is the best starting point for any discussion about what to do with the area. People are living there. Going up to the top and right to the bottom of Ponte had a wow factor. In fact, it was all so interesting, I went back and spent a night at the top of Ponte. And, boy, was the view beautiful. Sleep on the 52nd floor For the quintessential Jozi experience, head 52 floors up and spend a night at the top of Ponte in an Airbnb. It's definitely not for those who are afraid of heights. But if your curiosity can override your fear, you will be rewarded with the best nighttime city views you'll probably ever see in Jozi, plus a crazy sunrise. The self-catering apartment sleeps four people in two en-suite rooms, and has an open-plan kitchen lounge and dining room area. If you're not in the mood to cook, order a pizza from the joint on the ground floor. Amazingly, you can open the windows (they're at chest height) and look down at the view below – miniature buildings, ant-sized people, tiny highways. It's so high up you can barely hear a sound, not even gunshots. Do I get a refund for that? I asked the manager the next morning. The Airbnb gets mainly international visitors, he told me, from Japan, Russia, the UK and neighbouring countries. Apart from a strange feeling in my solar plexus and somewhat wobbly legs, I felt totally safe. There is secure parking for visitors and a friendly check-in. I was so startled by the views I barely slept. Would I do it again? Absolutely. DM
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Taylor Swift Surprises Kids at Florida Hospital with Gifts and Heartfelt Visit
Red Carpet Royalty: Cynthia, Sadie & Clooney Dazzle at Tony Awards 2025 The 2025 Tony Awards turned into a full-blown fashion spectacle, where the red carpet became a stage of its own. Host Cynthia Erivo ditched the expected Elphaba green and dazzled in a striking gold Schiaparelli set, commanding attention as both style icon and emcee. Nicole Scherzinger brought old-school diva energy in a fiery red sequin gown, making her Tony debut unforgettable. Rising star Sadie Sink shimmered in custom Prada, blending youth and vintage glam in perfect harmony. Broadway legend Audra McDonald gave high-fashion drama in sculpted black, while George Clooney let Amal Clooney's pearl-drenched gown steal the show. Cole Escola paid tribute to Bernadette Peters with a bold silver moment, while Zoey Deutch channeled Old Hollywood perfection. 1.5K views | 6 days ago
