All writers

Pat Saperstein

variety.com
30
articles (90 days)

Recent articles

Peter Van Norden, Actor in ‘Police Academy 2’ and ‘The Stand,’ Dies at 75
Peter Van Norden, a frequent character actor in films including “Police Academy 2,” and TV projects including “The Stand,” died Thursday in California, his son Robert confirmed on Instagram. He was...
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Randolph Mantooth, Who Played Johnny Gage on ‘Emergency!,’ Dies at 80
Randolph Mantooth, known for playing paramedic Johnny Gage on the “Emergency!” TV series in the 1970s, died July 9 in Ventura. He was 80. Mantooth broke out in 1972 when he was cast in “Emergency!,...
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Dakota and Elle Fanning Starrer ‘The Nightingale’ Moves to March, Facing Off Against ‘Sonic 4’
WWII drama “The Nightingale,” starring Dakota and Elle Fanning in their first starring movie role together, is moving a month later and will now face off against “Sonic the Hedgehog 4” on March 19....
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Anthony Hopkins Signed by Decca Classics; First Album of Music Composed by Oscar-Winning Actor Set for August Release
Anthony Hopkins isn’t just an Oscar-winning actor — for decades, he’s been composing music in addition to his acting roles. The “Silence of the Lambs” actor has signed with Decca Classics for a new...
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Wes Anderson Was Stuck in the Academy Museum Elevator With James L. Brooks and Luke Wilson
After director Wes Anderson, star Luke Wilson and producer James L. Brooks took the stage for a Q&A at the Academy Museum for a screening of “Bottle Rocket” Monday evening, the reunion got even...
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Jodie Foster Says Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Seemed Like It Was Made by AI and Written by a Computer: ‘Wasn’t It?’
Jodie Foster was discussing great movies and how Hollywood has changed in a talk this week, and she brought up Apple’s “F1” as an example of how machines may be altering creativity. During a Tuesda...
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Chief Oscars Officer Teni Melidonian Transitions to AMPAS Consultant as Awards Production Moves Under Jennifer Davidson
As the Oscars ceremony prepares for its move to YouTube in 2029, chief Oscars officer Teni Melidonian is stepping down, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer told staffers in an email, according to sources. Melido...
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Two Members of New Order Step Away From Touring ‘Due to Personal Health Reasons’
New Order announced Monday that Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert will not be joining their show at Primavera in Chile in November “due to personal health reasons.” “Circumstances make it impossib...
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Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ Died of AIDS
The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office has announced a cause of death for Daveigh Chase, who voiced Lilo in “Lilo & Stitch” and starred in “The Ring.” Chase died June 17 in Los Angeles at 35. Chase, ...
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Luca Guadagnino Says He Can’t Discuss Amazon Dropping ‘Artificial’ Because ‘We Are Right in the Middle of This Situation,’ But AI Is ‘Changing the Identity of the World’
After Amazon MGM dropped Luca Guadagnino’s movie “Artificial” about Open AI founder Sam Altman, the Italian director has commented on his feelings on artificial intelligence, though he declined to ...
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Chef Sean Brock Reveals the 5 Fats That Flavor the Essential Fried Chicken at Darling Restaurant, Why He’s Obsessed With Vinyl and His Scary Dolly Parton Story
Sean Brock might be just as consumed with vintage Southern-flavored vinyl as he is with interpreting the original flavors of the American South. In his one-year-old West Hollywood restaurant Darlin...
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Ann Blyth, Who Played Joan Crawford’s Daughter in ‘Mildred Pierce,’ Dies at 98
Ann Blyth, who drew a 1946 Oscar nomination for her memorable performance as the spoiled, selfish daughter of Joan Crawford’s hard-working, devoted title character in the classic film “Mildred Pier...
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Tim Ryan, Former Variety Honolulu Correspondent, Dies at 80
Tim Ryan, a former Honolulu Star-Bulletin reporter who also reported on Hawaii’s film and television industry for Variety, died June 20 in West Seattle, Washington after a long illness. He was 80. ...
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New Trump Tell-All Book Details His Issues With the Ellisons, His Interest in Sydney Sweeney and How Dr. Phil Helped ICE
Dozens of books are sure to result from the staggering events of Donald Trump’s second term, from the president’s unprecedented grip on the media to the spectacle of America’s tech leaders kissing ...
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Moviegoers Love Their Local Indie Theaters, With New Survey Showing a Boom in Younger Audiences
Independent theaters continue to be a vital asset to their communities, with a 9% increase in business in 2025, an encouraging sign for the sector, according to a recent survey. Results of the Art ...
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Curry Barker’s Third Film, an Original Horror Concept, Heads to Universal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster
After the blockbuster success of his debut feature “Obsession,” Curry Barker’s next film, an original horror concept, is set up with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal Film Group. Barker will w...
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‘Twilight’ Director Catherine Hardwicke on Her New Movie ‘Street Smart’ About Homeless Venice Youth, Casting Sally Struthers and Why Romantasy Is Booming
Since directing “Twilight” in 2008, Catherine Hardwicke has directed TV projects like “Under the Bridge” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” and directed indie films with the likes of...
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‘Survivor’ Animated Movie in the Works From Paramount Animation, Jeff Probst to Exec Produce (EXCLUSIVE)
The tribe has spoken — and it wants an animated “Survivor” movie featuring animal contestants. Paramount Animation, in partnership with CBS, is in development on an animated comedy based on CBS’ lo...
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Ben Stiller Sets NY Knicks Doc Series With A24, HBO and the NBA After Championship Win
Superfan Ben Stiller has confirmed he is making a multi-part documentary series about the history of the New York Knicks and their historic championship win last weekend, in partnership with the NB...
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CMX Cinemas Acquires iPic Locations in Texas, Georgia, Florida, Maryland and New Jersey
CMX Cinemas has acquired select iPic theater and restaurant locations in Texas, Georgia, Florida, Maryland and New Jersey. The locations will continue to operate under the iPic name, offering dine-...
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‘Grantchester’: 10 Seasons of ‘Gorgeous’ Vicars, So Many Murders and What’s in Store for Its Final Season: ‘I’m Going to Defy Anyone Not to Openly Weep’
“Grantchester” begins its final season on June 14, with crime-solving vicars who seem to face far too many murders for one small British village. Variety spoke with the core cast members about stay...
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Gene Shalit, Longtime ‘Today Show’ Film Critic, Dies at 100
Shalit, the bushy-haired mustachioed television personality who reviewed books and movies on “The Today Show” for 40 years, died Friday. His family told NBC News he “passed away peacefully today af...
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Kinepolis Acquires Showcase Cinemas in $30 Million Deal
Belgium-based company Kinepolis has acquired the Showcase Cinemas circuit in the U.S. from Harbor Lights Entertainment (formerly National Amusements). Showcase runs 13 cinemas including seven in Ma...
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William Hasley, Screenwriter Who Co-Wrote Book With Caitlyn Jenner, Dies on Hollywood Hiking Trail
William Hasley, a writer who worked on TV series including “The Smurfs” and co-wrote an inspirational book with Caitlyn Jenner, has been identified as the hiker who was found dead on Hollywood’s po...
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Jason Momoa Exits Justin Lin’s Video Game Adaptation ‘Helldivers’; Search for New Star Underway
Jason Momoa is leaving “Helldivers,” the video game adaptation from PlayStation Productions and Sony Pictures, directed by Justin Lin. No reason was given for his exit from the project, which is ba...
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Blue Fox Entertainment Acquires iPic Theaters in Westwood and New York, Rebrands as The Cinemas (EXCLUSIVE)
In the wake of the March bankruptcy filing of iPic Theaters, Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired two iPic luxury theater locations in Los Angeles’ Westwood Village and New York and will rebrand the...
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‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Actor James Handy Killed by Girlfriend’s Son
James Handy, a longtime actor who appeared as the bartender in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Jumanji” and had guest roles on dozen of TV shows, was killed Wednesday in a stabbing in the Tarzana neighbor...
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Boots Riley Guesses Martin Scorsese Got ‘A Gang of Money’ for AI Partnership and ‘Doesn’t Give a F—‘
Boots Riley came out swinging after Martin Scorsese announced his involvement with the AI company Black Forest Labs on Tuesday, guessing that the filmmaker joined the firm as an advisor to help pro...
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Shia LaBeouf Gets Probation After Pleading Guilty to Battery in New Orleans Bar Fight
Shia LaBeouf pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of simple battery and was sentenced to probation for a Mardi Gras brawl in New Orleans. He will be required to attend an alcohol treatment prog...
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The Best Books and Documentaries About Marilyn Monroe
Documenting the life of Marilyn Monroe has been a cottage industry for more than 60 years. Admirers vehemently debate the most insightful — and most problematic — biographies and documentaries abou...
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