Tag: michelle obama

Keltie Knight on “The Insider,” hosting the “Thanksgiving Day Parade Live” on CBS & more

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date November 22, 2016

For many dancers, the dream is to be a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. In the case of Keltie Knight, being a Radio City Rockette for six seasons was only the beginning of an illustrious career. Since 2012, Keltie has been an anchor for the syndicated CBS show The Insider. Keltie’s Insider duties regularly have her covering events all over the world, working the red carpets at the Grammys, the Primetime Emmys, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the People’s Choice Awards, and Cannes alike. Her bubbly and fun personality has also been seen in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and as part of the 2016 Miss USA Pageant.

This Thursday, Keltie returns to host the Thanksgiving Day Parade Live On CBS alongside Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight. Keltie spoke to Downtown about what is to be expected from this year’s parade, which will include performances by Sting and Miranda Lambert. The parade is also set to feature appearances by the casts of the Broadway musicals The Color Purple, On Your Feet! and School Of Rock.

Keltie Knight can be visited online at www.keltieknight.com. She can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter, where she is known to post fun multimedia content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKUtO9N4OSY

You started off as a dancer. Now, you’re a TV host. How exactly did that transition happen?

Keltie Knight: Much to my teachers and choreographers’ disdain, I was the loudest, chattiest and craziest dancer ever. When social media began, I was obsessed with sharing my behind-the-scenes experiences working with huge stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé with my followers, and I usually got in trouble. I started a blog so people could follow my journey and it got so big that eventually the TV world took notice. There are bruises, major rejections, and some pretty epic hairstyles in between those 10 years, but here I am!

Looking back, is there a highlight from your dancing career?

KK: Taking my first little tap step on stage as a Radio City Rockette. A lifelong dream for me.

Was it always the goal to doing what you are doing now?

KK: I’ve always been a performer and I’m naturally very curious. I couldn’t have dreamed a dream THIS big, so I’m honestly shocked and still have to pinch myself daily.

How did the opportunity to host this year’s Thanksgiving Parade come about?

KK: Speaking of shock, I was totally shocked when CBS asked me last year, I am friends in real life with the longtime host Kevin Frazier, and we’ve always had amazing, natural chemistry. Last year was the highlight of my year, and to be asked back again was the ultimate compliment. Also, my husband HATES to be in front of the camera, and at the end of the parade we bring out our families, so I am really excited to see him turn all red and shy again this year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9DAWbT6t74

Any idea who will be performing at this year’s parade? Anyone you’re especially excited to see?

KK: Well, we have Sting and Miranda Lambert— no big deal. (laughs) The fact that these major superstars want to spend their Thanksgiving with us is incredible. Do you think I can ask for an autograph? (laughs)

You’ve been part of The Insider for almost five years. What is a typical production day like for you?

KK: I wake up at 4:30 AM and head to the studio, do hair and makeup and look through the show. We film starting at 7:00 AM, and I’m usually out the door by 11:00 AM to run around Los Angeles to do various interviews. In the evenings I am often at Red Carpets, or screening upcoming movies. I work VERY hard. There is an incredible amount of research and preparation to do. I also am on a first-name basis with all the American Airlines flight attendants because I spend half of my life on the airplane to New York and back.

Do you have to travel a lot for the job?

KK: I have almost one million miles THIS YEAR alone. That girl yelling into her phone, running through the airport in sneakers — it’s me! Side note, can we all please sit down until our boarding zone is called? We are just boarding a plane, it’s not The Hunger Games, everyone!

What is your favorite part of working on The Insider?

KK: I would be lying if I didn’t say I really enjoy wearing the fancy gowns and borrowed diamonds! But, beside the material things, being in places like Cannes, France with George freakin’ Clooney one on one, knowing I am having a once in a lifetime experience, is what keeps me going.

Is there anyone you haven’t yet interviewed but still hope to?

KK: My two bucket list items: covering Paris Fashion Week, and Michelle Obama!

Do you have any upcoming projects besides The Insider and hosting the upcoming parade?

KK: Yes! This year I co-created a podcast called LadyGang with actress Becca Tobin and fashion designer Jac Vanek. We are almost one-year old, and the response has been incredible. We have launched our site www.theladygang.com, and LadyGang Emojis, and a LadyGang subscription box- trying my hand at multimedia mogul. P.S. I need a nap!

When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

KK: My ideal day off is waking up for a late brunch with my husband, a massage, cuddling with my doggie and then watching extended marathons of Fixer Upper on HGTV.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

KK: My 100% fav in the WORLD: Paesanos in Little Italy. I’ll be eating my Thanksgiving dinner there this year with friends. It’s so small, cozy and the best food in New York City.

What about a favorite neighborhood?

KK: I’m really partial to Greenwich Village in Manhattan, because that’s where I lived in New York City. It was before it was as fancy as it is now, and I have tons of memories of spending my last $100 on BINGO night at Tortilla Flats drinking margaritas. There is so much magic in that area of the city. If you want a kick, read A Freewheelin’ Time by Suze Rotolo. She shared her time being Bob Dylan’s muse in the Village in the 1960’s — you’ll never see that area the same.

Finally, Keltie, any last words for the kids?

KK: It’s certainly a time of uncertainty and change, but I would want them to know that your life truly is what you make it. I have a Gwyneth Paltrow quote on my office wall that says “give yourself permission to be everything.” We have to work hard to make our dreams come true, and fight hard for what we think is right. Don’t give up the first time a door slams in your face, or the tenth time things don’t go the way you thought they would.

Culture Featured Movies

Chad L. Coleman on “The Wire,” “The Walking Dead,” “Arrow” and other great roles of his

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date September 14, 2016

A lot of people first noticed actor Chad L. Coleman when he portrayed Dennis “Cutty” wise on the Emmy Award-winning HBO series The Wire. But Chad was acting long before The Wire, having appeared on multiple episodes of Law & Order, New York Undercover and Third Watch. And prior to pursuing a career as an actor, the Richmond, Virginia native had served in the United States Army.

Steady acting work followed after The Wire for Chad, although he reinvented himself with another prominent role when joining The Walking Dead as Tyreese Williams in its third season. Since leaving The Walking Dead, Chad has had a recurring role as Fred Johnson on SyFy’s The Expanse. Most likely his upcoming turn as villain Tobias Church on the CW series Arrow will also have people talking. And this is without talking about his multiple episode run on It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia — a rare comedic turn for Chad — or his recent participation in the History Channel’s re-boot of Roots.

Chad spoke to Downtown about his past, present and future. A long-time New York resident, Chad calls Fort Greene home and told us why he is a Brooklyner. Locals can find Chad at this year’s New York Comic Con, while other appearances of his can be tracked via his Twitter and Facebook pages.

You have been part of what many people consider to be two of the greatest shows of all time, The Wire and The Walking Dead. When reading scripts for new projects, do you ever worry about living up to the standards of those shows?

Chad L. Coleman: No, I only look back for inspiration. Fear would be involved if I worried that lightning wouldn’t strike again! The Expanse definitely has history-making potential and Fred Lucius Johnson can rival Cutty and Tyreese for sure.

Is there a role that you’re proudest of?

CLC: That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child. I love all the significant roles I’ve played equally.

Is there a character that you have played that you are similar to as an everyday person? I mean, Dennis “Cutty” Wise and Tyreese Williams were very different people…

CLC:.Well, I have a lot of different qualities, but I’m most like the father I played on I Hate My Teenage Daughter, which I co-starred in with Jaime Pressly for FOX in 2012/13. I am much more playful than most characters I play. (laughs)

What was the first role you were cast in where you felt like everything was going to be okay in your career? As in, you thought that it was going to be less of a struggle in going from role to role as an actor…

CLC: Great question — The Wire! BUT that was dangerous thinking. I didn’t foresee the actor and writers strike in 2007. Whenever you feel entitled, or even “I deserve” or “it should be easier,” the cliff is just up ahead. (laughs) The key for me is to just stay in the now and focus on the experience I have in the present as opposed to being in my head about what should be coming.

You did comedy as part of your work on It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Was that your first notable comedic role?

CLC: No. I’ve guest-starred on a few sitcoms back in the day. I made legendary funnyman Dan Aykroyd bust out laughing on the set of Soul Man, so I knew I had skills. I was also the class clown in high school. But to answer your question, I booked a Fox pilot with the boys from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” titled Boldly Going Nowhere with Tony Hale, Lennon Parham and Benjamin Koldyke that Glenn Howerton guest-starred in. Whose bright idea was that title? Because it went nowhere! (laughs) The boys always ask me back for cameos and the fans love Z!

Is there a kind of a role or project you haven’t yet done but still hope to?

CLC: Well, producing and directing more so than any particular role. Being in control of whatever story I’m telling…

In 2009 you did a run on Broadway in Joe’s Turner’s Come And Gone. How do you like doing theater versus film and TV work?

CLC: Well, I came up in the theater world, so I will always have a special reverence for live performance. Being able to perform for President Obama and First Lady Michelle was incredible, BUT Meryl Streep seeing and loving the show…and kissing me on the mouth backstage and saying how amazing I was is still unreal to me!

Had you lived in New York prior to appearing on Broadway?

CLC: Oh god, yes! 20 years! (laughs)

Do you have a favorite neighborhood within New York City?

CLC: Fort Greene, Brooklyn. It’s got it all. It has that small neighborhood feel and they have great restaurants and cafes and two parks. Easy access to Manhattan. I love Brooklyn!

What about a favorite restaurant in Manhattan?

CLC: Quartino on 11 Bleecker Street in Lower Manhattan. Awesome food. Dynamite service.

You always seem to pop up in recurring character roles. What’s coming up for you at the moment in terms of roles?

CLC: I’m going to be playing the role of Tobias Church, the ultimate badass on Arrow premiering Oct. 5. Tobias is Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and Suge Knight all rolled into one!

And any appearances? Are you part of any Walking Dead-related conventions?

CLC: I will be at New York Comic Con from Oct. 6 to 9. Check out WalkerStalkerCon.com for other scheduled appearances.

When not busy with acting, how do you like to spend your free time?

CLC: I like to spend my free time with family and friends. I also take time to work out, spend time in nature, and read. I also love watching sports, CNN and Discovery Channel ID.

Finally, Chad, any last words for the kids?

CLC: Kids: Whatever you’re gifted to do, cherish it! Evolve as a human being. Whatever baggage you may have from childhood, deal with it or it will deal with you!

Tags Arrow, broadway, Brooklyn, Chad L. Coleman, Dan Aykroyd, fort greene, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Joe's Turner's Come And Gone, Meryl Streep, michelle obama, New York Comic Con, Quartino, The Expanse, the walking dead, The Wire, U.S. Army

News Uncategorized

Michelle Obama visits Manhattan

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date February 5, 2015

Michelle Obama will be in Manhattan this afternoon as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announces a donation towards ending childhood obesity, according to CBS New York.

The foundation, developed over 40 years ago, focuses on improving different aspects of health in the United States. Today’s donation will further the foundation’s 2007 commitment of dedicating $500 million to the cause. The first lady is a known supporter of ending childhood obesity, developing the Let’s Move campaign in 2010 to improve health and promote active lifestyle changes.

The event will take place at the Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School on the Upper West Side.

– by Connie Lee

Tags michelle obama

Fashion

Best Looks From Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala

Post author By Mike Hammer
Post date May 6, 2014

[slideshow_deploy id=’45878′]

The stars were dazzling last night at the annual Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala 2014 on the Upper East Side.

This year’s gala honored British-born designer Charles James, who revolutionized American fashion in the mid-20th century, along with iconic Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Celebrities ranging from First Lady Michelle Obama to Diane Von Furstenberg to Jessica Alba to Kim Kardashian walked the red carpet up into the lobby of the museum that was exquisitely decorated by an enormous mannequin covered with around 10,000 flowers that symbolized the beauty and elegance of the designs of the legendary couturier.

“The mind combines with the body to exploit its senses, its functions, its appearance,” James once said, and that philosophy was obvious in the beautiful gowns, poise and allure of the celebrities, luminaries and socialites that attended the event.

The event is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive social occasions in New York and one of the biggest fundraising nights of the city with a reported nine million dollars raised last year, alone.

Here are our picks for the top looks of the amazing evening.

-Paris Amaro.