Sweet Success
Orlando’s own Brooklyn Barrett has recently made her TV debut as an up-and-coming culinary wunderkind baking her way through the newest season of Kids Baking Championship. Moving halfway across the country is a lot to juggle and navigate, but Brooklyn Barrett still decided to go for her dreams amid her family’s relocation from the Midwest to Orlando. That’s when she took... Read More
Never Give Up
Oscar winner William Goldenberg aims to inspire with his directorial debut, Unstoppable. When William Goldenberg was growing up, he learned how to multitask while working at his dad’s deli. He didn’t know it at the time, but it turns out the deli was an ideal training ground for making movies. “It was good training for multitasking when I was an assistant film editor, where... Read More
Back in Familiar Territory
Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger returns for her first movie role in six years, playing beloved character Bridget Jones for the fourth time. Photo by Startraks Photo/Shutterstock Renée Zellweger was born in 1969 in Texas, to a Norwegian mother and a Swiss father, and found interest in acting while participating in a high school drama club. Upon graduating, she decided against... Read More
Unstoppable
From Misery to Matlock, the legendary Kathy Bates continues to breathe life into some of entertainment’s most formidable characters. Kathy Bates has long had a life philosophy that has kept her in good stead. Throughout her stellar 50-year acting career on stage and screen, which began in 1971 with Milos Forman’s film Taking Off, she is known for always working hard to be the... Read More
Striking a Chord
With his starring role as Bob Dylan in the upcoming movie A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet continues to make bold and interesting choices that captivate audiences. For a young man at the height of stardom, Timothée Chalamet exudes a cool, laid-back charm. Turning 29 years old just two days after his new movie is due to release globally on Christmas Day, he admits that he’s... Read More
International Intrigue
On the heels of her Emmy-nominated turn as a Russian spy in The Americans, Keri Russell has found similar success in the London-based Netflix drama The Diplomat. For years, Keri Russell was recognized as the quintessential all-American girl, known for her fresh-faced beauty and her beloved portrayal of the title character in the hit TV series Felicity, which concluded in 2002. This... Read More
Jazzed Up
In his latest work of historical fiction, novelist Don Swaim explores the culture and chaos of the Roaring Twenties. Don Swaim, a storyteller since childhood, exhibits a particular talent for writing historical fiction one might describe as “thrilling and engrossing.” For evidence, look no further than his most recent novel, Jitterbuggin’ with the Renaissance: A Jazz Age Epic.... Read More
Southern Charm
Broadcaster Ashlyn Sullivan, a Florida native, has won over the demanding sports fans of Philadelphia with her dogged work ethic and in-depth coverage of the Flyers and Eagles. The answer is always yes. That philosophy has served Ashlyn Sullivan well during her quick and impressive rise up the ranks in the demanding industry of sports broadcasting, whether it meant accepting gymnastics... Read More
Testing Her Limits
Even after 30-plus years in show business, Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry continues to take on challenging roles that showcase her various talents. More than three decades into her film career, and with her 60th birthday approaching in a few years, Halle Berry could easily choose to slow down and let her past accomplishments speak for themselves. After all, she has achieved so... Read More
Earning His Respect
All his life, Channing Tatum has set out to prove those who doubted him wrong. Now that he’s at the top of his game, he continues to look for ways to evolve. Channing Tatum has always looked at the bigger picture. That’s why, when it comes to selecting movie roles, he’s always chosen the stance of quality over quantity. For him, contentment comes from a place of feeling... Read More
The Heart of Central Florida
As an anchor for WESH 2 News, Nancy Alvarez has a history of giving the community a voice and imbuing her reporting with a humanistic angle. Nancy Alvarez is known for her in-depth approach to broadcast journalism and being a voice for the Central Florida community. After growing up in Fort Lauderdale, she moved to Orlando at 23 to pursue a career as the Brevard County reporter... Read More
Challenge Accepted
Chris Hemsworth has overcome several obstacles along the way to becoming a global superstar, but his latest role proved to be the most daunting—and rewarding—of his career. Chris Hemsworth, a powerhouse of talent and charisma, steps into the spotlight once again with his latest film, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. The Australia-born actor has carved quite a niche for himself in Hollywood,... Read More
Far From Finished
Orlando mayor buddy dyer has led the city for more than two decades, but in the midst of his final term he’s still motivated to do more. Having served as mayor of Orlando since 2003, Buddy Dyer is now the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. After winning reelection this past November, Dyer announced this mayoral term will be his last. But, before he leaves office and... Read More
Leaders in Higher Education Roundtable 2024
Central Florida’s colleges and universities are well positioned to tackle today’s challenges while meeting the unique needs of their students. Leading a college or university has never been an easy job, but there is no doubt that the men and women charged with pushing institutions of higher learning forward have faced one major challenge after another over the past decade—with... Read More
Up to the Challenge
With two new film roles that promise to push her career in a different direction, plus her status as one of the faces of her generation, Zendaya continues to set the bar high. In a rapidly evolving cultural landscape, where social consciousness and individual identity sit at the forefront of the way celebrities and influencers present themselves, Zendaya has found, perhaps unwittingly,... Read More
Dynamic Determination
Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes aims to revolutionize the gymnastics culture by creating academies that prioritize positivity, fostering a healthy and nurturing environment for aspiring gymnasts. At the tender age of 11, Dominique Dawes dared to dream of Olympic glory, as many young gymnasts do. However, unlike others, her unwavering determination and unstoppable perseverance... Read More
The Genuine Article
Jennifer Garner exudes warmth both on screen and off, whether she’s raising her three children or starring in comedic, family-friendly fare like her new movie on Netflix. Amongst the obvious glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Jennifer Garner shines with a distinct warmth that transcends the screen. Known for her congeniality, and a brand of approachable charm that feels both aspirational... Read More
Self-Made Man
When Chazz Palminteri was struggling to find good parts as an actor, he created his own by writing A Bronx Tale. More than 30 years later, it continues to resonate with fans both young and old, whether onscreen or onstage. Although it reached cliché status long ago, the old adage “write what you know” remains the No. 1 tip for aspiring playwrights, novelists and screenwriters.... Read More
Homegrown Superman
From his humble beginnings to boy-band superstardom, Nick Carter’s musical talents have helped him amass legions of fans all around the world. Growing up in Tampa, Carter never imagined he would one day be a member of one of the highest-selling boy bands of all time, with over 130 million albums sold. The Backstreet Boys, consisting of Carter and bandmates Howie Dorough, AJ McLean,... Read More
Leading the Way
Seb Hines is originally from London, but is quite familiar with the Orlando area. Having previously been a player for Orlando City, he followed his playing career by joining the front office of the Pride, working as a scout and in player development. In 2020, he became an assistant coach with the team before being named the Pride’s head coach in 2022—a historic hire that made... Read More
Getting By With a Little Help from His Friends
Close friendships have sustained Will & Grace alum Eric McCormack throughout his remarkable career on stage and screen. A groundbreaking sitcom premiered 25 years ago, starring Eric McCormack as a gay corporate lawyer named Will, and Debra Messing as his best friend, a straight interior designer named Grace. The sitcom’s cast also included two quirky sidekicks, “Just”... Read More
