This Blog Will End!

I have had a blast blogging for you guys, and writing some deep dark feelings onto a page. My passions, and love of the arts is such a big part of my life. It was a awesome to share them with you blog world! I am now in 2011, stopping with the blog entries. I have an idea for another blog that I will be starting in the next six months. This will be a personal journal of my life, and my drive to becoming a more successful artist. It will be entitled "The Actors Journal"! However, I will not start it for another 6 months. I will definitely keep you posted. Thanks for reading this blog....Much love!!!

Just J.R.

Ricky Gervais on The Golden Globes 2011

WOW, what a night at the Golden Globes last night! Ricky Gervais was hilarious, honest, and dry! I am sure people hated him as his humor was offensive as hell. I thought he did an awesome job, and sometimes the truth can be mean hearted and funny. I am scared for his career though, as I feel like he just black balled himself from Hollywood. It was like Hollywood suicide. I would never have the guts to say any of the stuff he said on national t.v. I wish him luck on his U.S. career. I think it just went down the tubes, literally. I am sure even if he does a brilliant project, it will take a ton for him or his project to even get a Golden Globe nomination. He never stopped down to the end of the show with his sarcasm over the surprising win of "The Social Network". I am sure last night show will be talked about for the next weeks to come.... Ricky Gervais good luck!!! You are going to need it!

Rabbit Hole

I just watched the Rabbit Hole on itunes. As a SAG member I got to screen movies, that are nominated for SAG awards for voting purposes. I really wanted to see this film because it is definitely my type of flick. I truly enjoyed the writing of this film, and it almost read like it would be a great stage play. The acting was done very well, and the story was driving, funny, clever, and the stakes were so high. It is an actors dream to play some of these scenes, I would think. OH and I am a dumb actor who wrote something stupid, as it was a play. OPPS..I am usually up on theater, but not this time. No wonder the writing was great!!!

The stars of the movie to me, was Sandra Oh, and Miles Teller! Sandra Oh, work was so funny, beautiful, and desperate. Which made her character very interesting. Miles Teller, is a young actor that I don't know of at all. I will say this, I left this movie being a huge fan of his. His work was so real, natural, honest, and superb. I haven't seen a young actor that I like so much. I truly look forward to seeing more of his work in the near future. He was the film to me!!!!!!

Nicole Kidman is over rated, and I can't believe she got critical acclaim, and so many nominations for this role. I couldn't at first get passed her face. What has she done to it? She looks like she had so much work done, and it is not suiting on her. OK OK, this blog is supposed to be about the acting. Sorry I got side tracked a little....Her work was good, yes I said it was good. She is a fine actress. I just don't think she was AMAZING! Why do we nominate her for everything? Just on her name...That is stupid!!! I don't want to hate on her, because she is not bad..I repeat she is not bad. This performance was nothing special, and doesn't to me deserve major accolades for her work.

Wait to rent the Rabbit Hole, you don't have to run to see it! But do see it at some point for the writing and Miles Teller!

My First Audition of 2011

Today I ventured out on my first audition of the New Year. I had a little fear as I hadn't auditioned in awhile, and it was so early in the a.m. I was worried about waking my voice up, as it was a vocal audition. I got up early this morning, to walk my dog, and warm my voice as much as possible. I get to the call, and the casting people where a little behind. Which was good for me to just get into a great mental state. I went in the room, and sang from my heart. It is fun to give the auditor a piece of you, as my voice lifted up in the room, and I tried to stay true to the acting in the piece. Whether I get it or not, It was a good start to a New Year. I am ready to sing, and act for my life. Here is to my dreams coming true!!!!!

Episodes on Showtime!

I was kicking and screaming, and did not want to watch a show with some British unknown, and Matt Lablanc. To my surprise "Episodes" the show was laugh out loud funny! I was hollering to myself in my room. This show is written so well, and Showtime is trying to give HBO a run for there money. This is the funniest thing I have seen on t.v. in a very long time. Since "All In The Family" or "Martin" or "Ab Fab"! This is the best of both words, you get American and British humor mixed into one bundle of fun. Beverly and Sean Lincoln are the heart of this show. They are so superb, and there timing is like no other. Matt Lablanc didn't appear on the first episode, so I am dying to see his work next week. I think it will make for a very interesting mix. I am happy because Sunday night t.v. has become extraordinary again. Thanks Showtime!!!!!

Shameless on Showtime

Yesterday I ventured out to watch a new series on Showtime entitled "Shameless", and I was so impressed. Not only with the acting, but the writing. The show gave me the excitement that "Six Feet Under" used to give me. Which is one of my all time favorite television shows. So many unexpected twists, and I am thrilled to see new comers on my television set. I'm sick of celebrities these day, and it is nice to see some new fresh talent. Although, hiring, William H. Macy, one of the best actors of our time, is the best choice a television show could ever do. I enjoyed the ethnic diversity of the show, and just the whole story. I hope the writing team can keep it up. Watch Shameless, and I promise you will not regret it!

My Vision Board 2010

So Many Great Films

I am really happy with the movies I have seen lately. I love this time of season when the Oscar race heats up! It is nice to see so many amazing art films, and to just be transported to another world as you suspend your eliminate of disbelief. I am happy to see so many directors with a specific vision. An actors proving that there chops are big, and strong. So much great work out there that I want to give a shout out to my favorites thus far;

Black Swan
The Kings Speech
True Grit
The Fighter

Go see all four of these movies, and I promise you, you will be so satisfied. I have to point out some actors work; Colin Firth is the real deal, and his acting is superb. I am in complete awe of Christian Bale, and I am the biggest fan ever now! I have never seen anything, so trans formative, real, and excellent. IMPRESSED. I can't leave my blog without mentioning the beautiful Natalie Portman, as her performance was great! Movie's Movies Movies....

Dear Mayor Bloomberg

Dear Mayor Bloomberg

It has been four days since the big blizzard. I walk through Manhattan and everything is beautiful and cleared up. Four days, and Brooklyn is still a mess. Why aren't you helping us in the boroughs? I know you are all about money, and keeping Broadway open, tourism etc. Great for the economy, but why are you messing with the people? Why can't you come help us in Brooklyn? Why must I walk over mountains to get anywhere. I understand one day late, maybe two, but four??? Garbage hasn't been picked up. Trash all over Brooklyn! Nothing, it is terrible, and J.R. Whittington The actor is pissed! I like you Mayor Bloomberg. I voted for you Mayor Bloomberg. Mr. Bloomberg, how about I leave thrash all over the front of your house, and big piles of snow all over your stoop, and I bet you won't be happy??? Think about it Mr. MAYOR!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS!

The Scottsboro Boys To Close!

One of the best musicals I have seen in my lifetime, with the most beautiful music, and talented cast is closing this Sunday! If you haven't seen it yet, please run to the theater and see this amazing show. This show as expected got high praises from the critics, and theatergoers all around have loved this production. For the show to close after only 6 weeks on Broadway is the biggest sin ever committed in Broadway history. This is insulting and so sad. It is scary the state Broadway is in. People want to see shows with folks flying, famous folks in it, and just fluff! It is so sad, that a great show, written well, with the most talented cast, and a story that has meaning that needs to be heard, CLOSES! I am very disappointed in tourist, Americans, and the intelligence of theater goers. Broadway is changing, and it is scares me. Where is the good work? When we do have good work, why does it close so fast? Do we have to do revivals, or Spider Man, or have someone famous in it for it to sell? What happened to the days when the unknown Broadway person was made into a star? All these questions have pondered my mind when Scottsboro Boys and another great show "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" got a short life on Broadway. This hurts my feelings, and scares me in a way that I can't even explain..... Please read my past blog on The Scottsboro Boys to here my full review of the show. It is a sad day in the Broadway community......

The Sing Off on NBC

I just wanted to do a blog entry on the t.v. show "The Sing Off". I find myself dancing in my room, singing loudly, and just in awe of the talent on that stage. This is the first talent competition I have seen, where it is hard to have a favorite, because everyone is so dang on good. "The Sing Off", is a talent competition at it's best, if you are not watching this show, please run to see it. The judges are great, credible, and give amazing critics! Not like American Idol, when you get a sense they don't know what the heck they are talking about. The judges have a unique ear for pitch, vocal ability and musicality. I also enjoy the fact that the judges vote people off, so that we end up with truly the most talented group in the end. Not a popularity contest, although we the audience, do have a chance to vote at the final performance. This show is just made very smart, and it is so infectious. The judges, the talent, the way it is run, it is top notch for a reality singing competition. I have never seen people with more talent, and I give NBC a standing ovation. This is THE reality to show to watch! I find myself smiling so big, when I watch this show. I love talent, and love to see true artist on stage. I'm in awe of every group up there, what they do with no instruments and just there voices, is SUPERB! Music makes my soul happy, and this t.v. show makes me feel so much inside. RUN TO SEE THE SING OFF!!!!!

Whoopi Goldberg

As I felt guilty dogging my girl out in my last blog about the film "For Colored Girls", I decided to blog about how much I love Whoopi Goldberg. Her presence on the view makes me so happy, and she was the best choice ever to moderate that show. I usually find myself agreeing with most of her views. She knows when to agree, when to disagree, when to keep quiet, and to be diplomatic. Not to mention, sometimes, she reads people on the down low. Which I love about Whoopi Goldberg! She is a comedian and actress that states that "No one was hiring me for films", so I joined "The View"! You ever see a television personality, and you think to yourself "Me and so said celebrity would be great friends"?!? For some reason, I feel that way about Whoopi Goldberg...

Now to back pedal a little, as you know if you read my last blog entry. I didn't care to much for Whoopi's performance in "For Colored Girls", however, I didn't think she was horrific. I just didn't think she was well cast, and she wasn't as honest as she could have been. Her performance came off as a caricature, of a person, not a human. The highlighted moment for her in the film where she redeemed herself was her beautiful monologue that she spoke with Thandie Newton! That was well done, and the Whoopi I respect as an actress.

Whoopi Goldberg has proven herself time and time again, how great an actress she can be. Her performance in "The Color Purple" was so extraordinary. This was her best performance ever, it was so natural, and in my eyes, till this day, I feel she was robbed of an Oscar for her portrayal of Celie! There are numerous other movies where she nails the character, ex specially "Jumping Jack Flash", this movie is one of the funniest ever. No one has timing like Mrs. Whoopi . How about her Oscar winning role in "Ghost", one of my favorite lines in a movie "Molly, you in danger girl"! Lastly I have to mention her in Sister Act!!! AWESOME WORK WHOOPI!!!!! With numerous other amazing films under her belt, this is just the tip of the ice berg.

Whoopi's one women show, was the best thing on Broadway in a very long time. Her performance was riveting, honest, and no one can tell a story, while being funny, and slapping you in the face with a message, like Whoopi! Also I saw her kind of be miscast in "Ma Raineys Black Bottom", lacking the singing voice, but the acting chops was there. She was great in "A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To The Forum"! She stole the show in my eyes..... Whoopi's support of Broadway is commendable,and I am just a fan..... SO don't get your mind in a bundle, just because I didn't like her performance in one movie, doesn't mean I don't love WHOOPI GOLDBERG!!!!!

For Colored Girls

I saw the film a while back, but wanted to wait and ponder on this movie for awhile before I did my promised blog entry. I actually didn't mind this film, even though it got panned from critics. It was way better than I thought it would be. Tyler Perry did an amazing job reconstructing this book of monologues into a sequence, that actually made sense. It was a hard movie to sit through at times, as sometimes the truth about your culture hurts the heart more than expected. The cast was all A list and I was amazed by every one's work. All except one person, and I will mention that later. The highlighted performance for me, was Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, and Phylicia Rashad! This movie was highly anticipated for me, and I didn't leave feeling numb like most African American women I know did. I left enjoying peoples work, it didn't make me feel the way I wanted it to. The one moment that got on my nerves was the cough, that Janet Jackson, kept doing ( I am sure directed to do so) it was so unbelievable and took me out of the moment. As they "indicated" that she was getting sick from her homo-Down Low- boyfriend. I know many people with HIV who don't walk around with a random cough. It would have been a stronger choice to just surprise us the audience, with the sickness, with the papers at the end, instead of giving away the final surprise! BAD ACTING CHOICE OR BAD DIRECTION!!!!! Other then that, everything seemed quite on the up and up! I enjoyed the actors work, and I would love to give kudos to the beautiful new comer:Tessa Thompson!!! Now to the performance I hated in the film, and it was so disappointing for me, it was Whoopi Goldberg. Her performance was contrived and not honest enough for me. I will state this by saying I am a huge Whoopi fan, and will devote my next blog entry to her. I can't dog my girl without giving her praise. I think Whoopi is an actress who needs a good director to help her along to find her character. This did not happen for me in "Colored Girls"! This film is all about the folks acting, and a must see for great performances!!!

Miami Pictures/Gabrielle Union Party/I made the cut!

I partied in Miami, on my Birthday and was invited to Gabrielle Unions Birthday party. As me, Gabrielle and Tracy Ross all share the same day of Birth. Here are some of the professional pictures from the party that I found online. As previously announced I respected the actresses decision to not allow cameras! You know I always know how to find the camera and my light! LOL! The surprise was that I found a photo of me online. I made the cut!!!! YAY! Such an amazing night, and wanted to share some of the photos!

My Favorite Movie..."The Color Purple"

My favorite movie of all times is "The Color Purple", and I decided to revisit this film the other night. It is amazing how I find new moments that make tears run down my face. It is interesting how relevant this movie is today as it was twenty five years ago. I also can quote a ton of scenes in the film, and I almost got the script memorized. Steven Spielberg is a genius, and his attention to detail is brilliant in this film. He captures the period, essence, and this culture as if he was African American and was born in this time period, like he lived this depressed experience. Spielberg brings the best out of the actors, and even finds humor and joy through out this film. This to me is still today his best work ever, and I can't wait for the blue ray version of this film to come out on Jan. 25 2011! This movie has some of the best acting in the world in it, this ensemble piece is so extraordinary as every actor was amazing! It is also some of the best work some of these actors have ever done. Whoopi Goldberg, and Oprah for instance would do there best work in there film lives in this flick. Although Whoopi won an Oscar for the movie Ghost, which is superb performance, Ghost can't ever measure up to her work in "The Color Purple". That year was intense as "The Color Purple" had many nominations, but was robbed in my opinion of all them. It should have been best actor, actress, supporting actress, best direction, and even best picture..I can go on and on....This movie should have cleaned house at the Oscars!!!!! I haven't seen any movie that can come close in my eyes to touching the work done in this film. We have come close, but no cigar for me. That is how highly I praise this film!

"The Color Purple", is celebrating its 25Th year anniversary this year, and they were on the Oprah show last night. I learned some inside on the film that shocked me. It was thrilling to watch this beautiful cast together on Oprah. News flash for me was that Whoopi and Oprah who haven't spoken in 20 years, because of petty "he said she said", break there silence and confusion. The Oprah show had me laughing, crying, and just in awe of the talent on stage. Learning inside information on the casting process, was one of my favorite moments on the Oprah show. Finding out that in the dinner table scene, they were all tore up from partying the night before. My biggest surprise is that Oprahs "Sat in that jail cell" speech was all improvisation. As it is one of my favorite acting moments in the movie. It goes to show when you are connected to a character, that the right thing will just flow out of you, whether scripted or not! I have to to give a shout out to Danny Glover and Margaret Avery whose performances are riveting in the film.

This movie is in a class of it's own and hasn't been replaced yet as my all time favorite film ever! I honestly don't know if it ever will......

Addiction

I wake every day and I think about it. I can see it in my dreams, it makes me crazy, and insane! I sometimes get on the train, and imagine it right next to me. I walk around like a crack head on the streets needing it so badly. I go crazy when it is not around me. I love it more than so many things in my life. I will get so angry if it is not around me. I can't live without it, and that is the bottom line. I eat, breathe, sleep, dream it everyday. I'm on the treadmill at the gym, and my mind wonders to it. When I have it I am so happy, and everything feels complete. I get so depreesed, don't want to get out of bed, and cry when it is not near me. I will do anything for it, and that scares me sometimes. I am obsessed with it, and I can't shake this addiction. I even bring GOD into it. I need it near me at all times in some way shape or form. I am addicted to acting!!!!!!!

Nowhere Boy

When I was in Miami, I did manage to catch a movie, and I was searching for this film in New York City! Unfortunately in one of the most diverse, artistic, amazing cities in the world (New York City). I could not find "Nowhere Boy" anywhere but at two random theaters. Then in Miami, right down the street from my hotel this film was playing. I was so excited as I love bio films that are based off of legends lives. If you don't know this film is about John Lennon's beginning of his life. As I expected it was a brilliant movie, that left tears, joy, power and ambition in my soul. Lennon's story is so interesting, and the Beatles gain a whole new respect from me. I had no idea Lennon's childhood was so complicated, and how tough a boy he was, John was a bad ass. In my head Lennon is like the ultimate hippy, and to see this different side of him, was a thrill. I can't wait for this film to come out on DVD as I will definitely own it. It was so well done, and the acting was superb. Every actor was extraordinary, that I can't even single anyone out as a favorite. Which you can almost always expect from British actors. They just are trained well over there, and have mastered the acting art form. I highly recommend this film if you can find it in your hometown!

Namaste

I took the most amazing Yoga class yesterday, that I just had to mention to all my New York Friends and New York Blog Followers. It wasn't even at a yoga studio, it was at New York Sports Club on 14th Street, at 12:15 p.m. on Mondays. The teachers name is Sarah, and when I tell you I was so inspired. After class I felt like I could accomplish anything. My body felt so amazing and great. The most important thing was that my soul was lifted, it reminded me of vacation. I came out of there so relaxed, and my inner being was happy. This class I will take every Monday (if I can make it) with bells on. It is a little difficult for a beginner, but if you are a dancer friend of mine, you would love it. If you have taken yoga before you definitely can handle the class. If you are a beginner it can be a little tough, but my advice is to still come and try, as there were many people who were beginners in the room. The most special part of the technique and the class is the words the instructor Sarah spoke. It was amazing, as every thing pertained to my life. She encouraged, and the sound of her voice illuminated the air, and my heart. I felt like she knew exactly what to say at the right time. My friend Steven who I went to this class with said "He felt like she was talking directly to him the whole time, like no one else was in the room"! I too had the same experience.....Well, if you are in New York City, and you want to take an amazing yoga class, come to my gym, and I will see ya there....

My Amazing Birthday

I haven't blogged in two weeks, because I was so busy with life, and my Birthday just backed me up for a couple of weeks. I have so much to speak on, so stay tuned blog world as I try to fit in all my ideas this week.

I went to Miami for my Birthday weekend, and I had the time of my life! I left on Thursday October 28 and the first day I just lay on the sunny beach all day, and ate some of the most amazing Cuban food in the world! When I checked into the hotel, they handed me a cocktail, with a big welcoming party. I knew from that moment that this was going to be an amazing weekend. I also hit every bar I could find on the Miami strip, made new friends, and partied it up on my Birthday weekend. Every single night I felt like I was up at a bar or club until 6am. This is very unlike me as I never go out anymore, but this was so much fun. To forget about New York, Auditions, Family Troubles, the real world was out of sight, out of mind. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.

The big day of my Birthday was the best Birthday I had thus far, as I went into a Hollywood dream land. I was invited by a friend to Gabrielle Union's Bday party. Which we share our Birthday's on the same day. It was such an amazing atmosphere to be amongst so many celebrities. To chat with many of them on a social level, and to feel like there peer and not someone who you see on T.V. and admire. It was also amazing to meet some cool stylist, publicist, make up artist, managers, and just industry folks! It was a great way to help me dream bigger, as my career goes through transition, being a part of that click, dancing, drinking, and just having a great time was such a high. One of my celebrity crushes-- that I will keep nameless-- was there, we had a great conversation as well......HMMMM????? I will keep you guessing blog world, and if you are my friend, you can ask me in private. LOL I now know more than ever where I fit in, and where I belong. That statement probably sounds cocky, but I have to write how I truly feel, in my blog. My emotions were heightened and hey it was "my day" as well. She had old school bands come up and sang for us; such as Silk and Al B. Sure. It was a kick back to the music I grew up listening. UH-OH blog world I am giving away my age...... I wish I could post pictures from the night, but I tried to respect Gabrielle Union as she said "No Cameras"!!!! Again, if you are my friend, I did sneak and take a couple, and some videos..LOL I would never post them online out of the actors, respects...This day was truly blessed, and I will never forget it. I hope there are many more parties of this nature in my life to come.

Lastly one of the most spiritual moments of my whole vacation was when it got dark, I would wonder onto the beach. I would look out at the dark ocean, and up at all the stars glaring back at me. For some reason the beach at night, I feel so close to GOD! I would reflect, pray, cry, meditate, and talk to the my saviour. It was one of the most beautiful moments, and the beach at night is now one of my favorite things to do.

Well, that is the short, of my BDay celebration, but it was a blast, and I will never forget any moment of it.

Why Can't I Be Carol Burnett?

A young Carol Burnett, had a dream, and tells a story of how a man anonymously gave her money for rent, acting school, and supported her career. So she didn't have to stress about rent, job, an extras, so she can give her career 100% attention. I want to train more and learn more, but can't afford it anymore! Someone believed in Carol Burnett so much, that he funded her New York City experience. She just focused, studied, auditioned, and perfected her craft. Until her big break came, and she made millions of dollars. She also paid her donor back with interest. The only stipulation the donor had was that she never mentioned his name. Till this day Carol Burnett is the only person who knows this mystery mans identity! I'm clicking my heels three times, I'm tugging on my ear, I'm closing my eyes very tight, and wishing I was Carol Burnett right about now!