Neil Patrick Harris in Netflix’s “Uncoupled”
Elton John Oscars Pre-Party Hosted By Neil Patrick Harris Goes Virtual
Neil Patrick Harris, Elton John, David Furnish, Dua Lipa (image – Cisco Webex/Elton John AIDS Foundation)
Since the annual event’s inception in 1992, The Academy Awards Viewing Party has supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s efforts to raise millions for their lifesaving work. With its presence across four continents, the Foundation is committed to overcome the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keeps us from ending AIDS. Fans can purchase tickets to the Oscar Pre-Show special for $19.99 via Ticketmaster here. Please visit www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org for additional information. https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMuwPAZjZfL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
New LGBTQ Series ‘It’s A Sin’ Debuts To Rave Reviews
The new 5-part drama series ‘It’s A Sin’ debuted last night on Channel 4 in the UK and the reaction from the LGBTQ community is overwhelmingly positive. The series – from Queer As Folk creator Russell T. Davies – chronicles the journey of four friends in London during a decade in which everything changed, including the rise of AIDS. Via Metro:
In episode one, Ritchie (Olly Alexander) moves to London to study law, during which time he embarks on sexual relationships with several individuals, including Ash (Nathaniel Curtis) and Roscoe (Omari Douglas).
But while there is plenty of fun, levity and hilarity in the story, this is juxtaposed with moments of tragedy, as Neil Patrick Harris’ character Henry, a mentor to Colin (Callum Scott Howells), is depicted dying of AIDs in hospital.
Russell, who also created Queer of Folk and was responsible for the 2005 revival of Doctor Who, has been lauded for his ‘astonishing writing’, with one person saying that in their opinion, he is ‘one of our finest TV writers.’
‘It’s A Sin’ debuts in the US February 18 on HBO Max. Check out the first look clip below.
The reaction on the Twitterverse was off the charts
If you haven’t watched #ItsASin yet, please do! Knowing about LGBTQ+ history is so important and this show taught me a lot of things I didnt realise about how hard it was in the 80s. We’re so lucky, but there is still work to be done. The older generation seriously paved the way.
— Tia Kofi (@TiaKofi) January 23, 2021
#ItsASin is so FULL of heart, I can’t help but smile. @russelldavies63 you really are a wonderful human being. The script is beautiful, the performances are sublime and its so close to home I can’t stop thinking about it. ❤️
— David Ames (@semadivad) January 22, 2021
Not yet ‘out’ to my family, in the ’80s, I left homophobic suburbia to do a drama degree. Within weeks, I was visiting men dying of AIDS, alone in hospital. #ItsASin wasn’t just an emotional watch, it’s like viewing my life on TV. I know what happens next. Coz I lived that too. pic.twitter.com/GaAecFn3LD
— Stewart Who? (@DJstewartwho) January 23, 2021
TV should educate, empower, shock and open our eyes to the world around us and that’s what It’s a Sin has just beautifully and effortlessly done. It wasn’t sugarcoated or romanticised, it was raw, pure and truthful.
Everyone NEEDS to watch this.#ItsASin pic.twitter.com/XOuEsyEHLY — Jack Newman 🌻 (@Janksy_) January 23, 2021
To any young people who may have watched #ItsASin last night. It’s going to be ok. In fact, it’s going to be hard, but you will come to terms with who you are. You’re amazing and special. And some AMAZING people laid the groundwork, angels lost their lives. Always remember them.
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) January 23, 2021
I have no ability to delay gratification so watched all five episodes of #ItsASin last night and it has completely wrecked me. Maybe I won’t be able to articulate exactly why, either. I just know that my heart is a lot sadder than it was yesterday pic.twitter.com/2huHKrUD7k
— Candice Carty-Williams (@CandiceC_W) January 23, 2021
Just finished #ItsASin
No spoilers, but what you’ll witness with Ep 5 is one of the most amazing pieces of TV drama ever.@russelldavies63 is a genius. The voice of people who the world hates for being born different, and who reveals the true price we pay for that toxicity pic.twitter.com/rR2ISRtF84 — Guy Lambert (@GRALWrites) January 23, 2021
Trailer: ‘It’s A Sin’ Follows 3 Friends Through 80s AIDS Crisis
Olly Alexander in ‘It’s A Sin’
Ritchie, Roscoe and Colin are young lads, strangers at first, leaving home at 18 and heading off to London in 1981 with hope and ambition and joy… and walking straight into a plague that most of the world ignores.
Year by year, episode by episode, their lives change, as the mystery of a new virus starts as a rumor, then a threat, then a terror, and then something that binds them together in the fight.
It’s the story of their friends, lovers and families too, especially Jill, the girl who loves them and helps them, and galvanizes them in the battles to come. Together they will endure the horror of the epidemic, the pain of rejection and the prejudices that gay men faced throughout the decade.
Look for the series to debut in 2021.
Neil Patrick Harris & Family Win Halloween With Awesome Family Photo
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| (image via Instagram) |
Neil Patrick Harris and husband David Burtka really love Halloween.
I mean, they really, really love Halloween.
And like a lot of gays, they go full-on dress-up for the annual fright-fest.
Over the years, the spooky holiday has become a family affair as the couple’s young twins have joined in on the fun taking awesome family portraits.
“We’re very excited,” said Harris in an Instagram live video prior to the reveal. “We have taken our Halloween family photo this year – I’m excited by it.”
Mr. Burtka was given the privilege of posting the family’s spook-tacular family photo, and it’s the most adorable yet.
Set in a foggy cemetery, young Harper is in the foreground dressed as a turn of the century bride holding a small, bloodied axe. And behind her, brother Gideon joins Harris and Burtka as a trio of ghosts looking for a ride.
Summoning the spirit of the famous “Hitchhiking Ghosts” from Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Burtka shared the pic with the caption, “Welcome, foolish mortals. We hope your Halloween is happily haunted, but heed this warning: beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts!”
Harris posted a link to the portrait on his Instagram writing simply, “Our Family Halloween Picture is live – well, relatively speaking…”
And in case you missed it, here’s a few “family fright-fest photos” from recent years.
Last year’s theme was inspired by American Horror Story: Freak Show, and the year prior was a homage to Hollywood legends.
Here’s wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween!
Neil Patrick Harris Shares Which Celeb ‘Promised’ To Have Sex With Him Years Ago
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| Neil Patrick Harris (screen capture via The View) |
Guess which celebrity promised Neil Patrick Harris they would have sex with him?
Neil Patrick Harris stopped by The View earlier this week to chat on his kids’ upcoming birthdays, National Coming Out Day, and more.
The segment began with Harris sharing pics of his kids and hubby David celebrating Halloween for years with a family-theme when it comes to costume play.
The chat turned to his twins, Harper and Gideon, becoming more and more individual in what they want when it comes to their upcoming 8th birthdays like separate parties.
Smiling at the end of the table, host Whoopi Goldberg said, “I remember you at that age.”
At this point, Harris reminded folks that he made his feature film debut at the age of 15 with Goldberg in a film titled, Clara’s Heart.
According to Harris, Goldberg promised him during the shooting of the movie that she would have sex with him when he reached 25-years-old.
Awkward pause…
“I might’ve!” said Goldberg with a laugh.
“He had many questions as a kid,” explained the Oscar winner. “So I told him, ‘Wait 10 years – I’ll take you through it.’”
“See, in those days, you could actually have some fun like that,” said Goldberg in reference to the Time’s Up movement. “You can’t do that now.”
Taking the edge off of what could have been an awkward moment, Harris quipped,”Hey, I was not offended – I’m looking forward to it.”
The moment comes at the 2:40 mark below.
When the subject moved to National Coming Out Day, Harris emphasized, “It’s such an individual thing.”
“I guess I applaud the fact that there’s a day people can use as a conversation starter, if they’re not sure how to broach the conversation,” the 45-year-old actor continued. “But, I wouldn’t want to put any undue pressure on someone for needing to choose a specific day to come out.”
A jack of all trades, Harris also proudly shared that the second installment in his Magic Misfits children’s book series is currently number one on the New York Times Best-Sellers List.
Neil Patrick Harris & James Corden Try Their Hand At Singing Telegrams
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| James Corden and Neil Patrick Harris |
The Late Late Show host, James Corden, and Tony Award winner Neil Patrick Harris (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) share their adventures as singing telegram artists in a new skit for Corden’s late night talk show.
In the first of three performances, the dashing duo (adorned in red velvet tuxedoes) drop by a boxing gym to serenade a couple for their 19th wedding anniversary to the tune of Olivia Newton-John’s classic, “Physical.”
However, the tune got a change up for the moment resulting in lyrics like, “Anniversary, versary, it’s your anniversary, 19th anniversary!” while hunky boxers looked on.
Next up the musical men hit up a nail salon to sing in honor of a hot wax technician’s birthday via Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” albeit with new words:
Blue jean baby, LA lady, she works at the salon,
She’s given millions of good Brazilians, all those tiny hairs are gone
Unfortunately, there is a slight snag as the boys seem to have gotten their intel wrong and it’s not the woman’s birthday. #SadTromboneSound
And finally, there’s a performance to celebrate the adoption of a cat. There’s a small squabble about wearing cat ears, but you know how that turns out.
Launching into an altered version of “Memory” from the Broadway hit CATS, the twosome do their best with pawing movements, tail flicks and more, although the day’s tension seem to be wearing on the duo.
As he exits, Corden is asked to adopt a cat of his own but drops a truth bomb, “I hate cats.”
And the boys call it a day.
Watch below.
NYC: Neil Patrick Harris To Reprise “Hedwig” At Revived WIGSTOCK
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| Neil Patrick Harris in his Tony Award-winning role as “Hedwig” |
For 18 years, from 1985 to 2003, WIGSTOCK celebrated drag culture in fabulous style.
And now, Tony Award winner Neil Patrick Harris, husband David Burtka and the iconic Lady Bunny are bringing WIGSTOCK back to New York City on Saturday, September 1.
The day-long drag festival will take place at the fab new Pier 17 Rooftop in New York City’s Seaport District beginning at 2PM and continuing on until 10PM.
In an Instagram video, Harris announced he will be reprising his 2014 Tony Award winning role of “Hedwig” from Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Also schedule to appear are Broadway performers Alex Newell (Once On This Island), Peppermint (Head Over Heels), as well as Justin Vivian Bond, Lypsinka, Taylor Mac, and Varla Jean Merman.
Plus, a veritable universe of drag performers including RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Alaska Thunderfuck, Bianca Del Rio, Bob the Drag Queen, Jinkx Monsoon, Willam and many, many more.
For more info and to purchase tickets, click here.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Gay Men’s Health Crisis.
Check out Neil Patrick Harris’ announcement video below with his adorable son who reminds Neil that there will be “wig cannons” which will shoot wigs at the crowd so all can dress up. #LOL
ICYMI – Complete List Of 2015 Academy Award Winners
A list of winners at Sunday’s 87th annual Academy Awards presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:
Best Picture: “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).”
Lead Actor: Eddie Redmayne, “The Theory of Everything.”
Lead Actress: Julianne Moore, “Still Alice.”
Supporting actor: J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash.”
Supporting actress: Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood.”
Directing: Alejandro G. Inarritu, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).”
Foreign language film: “Ida.”
Adapted screenplay: Graham Moore, “The Imitation Game.”
Original screenplay: Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr. and Armando Bo, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).”
Animated feature film: “Big Hero 6.”
Production design: “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Cinematography: “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).”
Sound mixing: “Whiplash.”
Sound editing: “American Sniper.”
Original score: “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Original song: “Glory” from “Selma.”
Costume design: “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Documentary feature: “CitizenFour.”
Documentary (short subject): “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1.”
Film editing: “Whiplash.”
Makeup and hairstyling: “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Animated short film: “Feast.”
Live action short film: “The Phone Call.”
Visual effects: “Interstellar.”
Neil Patrick Harris Hosts The 2015 Academy Awards Tonight
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Neil Patrick Harris hosts the 2015 Academy Awards tonight beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT on ABC.
Who’s going to win? Predictions?
I’ll go with these. These are not who I think will win, but who I think should win.
We’ll see if I get any right 🙂
Best Picture: Birdman
Best Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu for Birdman
Best Actor: Michael Keaton for Birdman (Redmayne will probably win)
Best Actress: Julianne Moore for Still Alice
Best Featured Actor: J.K. Simmons for Whiplash
Best Featured Actress: Patricia Arquette for Boyhood