Dating dramas

By Orit Arfa
Published on July 16, 2008

I don't allow myself to become vulnerable. I don't honestly share my likes and dislikes, my strengths and insecurities. I worry too much about what the guy wants to hear rather than what I truly want to say.

VIDEO: Extra Extra—Orit travels to Beirut

By Orit Arfa
Published on July 6, 2008

VIDEO: Orit’s Adventures in Hollywood: Extra, extra—view all about it

By Orit Arfa
Published on June 26, 2008

You don’t mess with the Orit

By Orit Arfa
Published on June 24, 2008

VIDEO: Jon Voight—‘Israel is a blessing for the whole world’

Published on June 2, 2008

Oscar winner Jon Voight on Israeli TV last month expressing support on Israel's 60th Anniversary

Obituaries

Published on April 10, 2008

Obituaries.

Theater: Tolins draws on his own mentorship ‘Secrets’

By Nick Street
Published on April 3, 2008

"Everything I write is a question of identity," Jonathan Tolins says over tea after a yoga class in Sherman Oaks. "What choices do you have? What roles do you take on?"

Final Frontier calls to Nimoy

By Josh Richman
Published on March 7, 2008

In 2002, Leonard Nimoy, now 76, said he was retiring from acting to focus on photography. But in May 2009, he'll return to the silver screen as the pointy-eared pop culture icon who has been his alter ego since "Star Trek" debuted on television in 1966.

Sondheim and Yiddish songs are ‘like prayer’ for Patinkin

By Danielle Berrin
Published on January 31, 2008

"I have acquired a taste for Patinkin verging on addiction," Clive Barnes wrote in the New York Post in 2001.

Maybe you know him as Inigo Montoya, the Spanish fencer in "The Princess Bride," who shouts, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!"

Or perhaps you were introduced to him in "Yentl," as the serious yeshiva boy whose confused feelings for Babs' cross-dressing Torah student entwined him in romance.

Or maybe you simply know him as Mandy Patinkin, master showman.

Chabadmania, Ed Asner, Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters

By Danielle Berrin
Published on September 20, 2007

Circuit
Scene and Heard

Kirk Douglas packs 90 years of living into latest book

By Tom Tugend
Published on August 2, 2007

Kirk Douglas is not done yet, not by a long shot. Just out is his ninth book, "Let's Face It: 90 Years of Living, Loving and Learning." It is a mix of reminiscences, anecdotes, tributes to Hollywood luminaries now faded or gone, a critique of America's present leadership and somber thoughts on the drug-induced suicide of Eric, the youngest of his four sons.

Downloading Papa Douglas

By Tom Tugend
Published on April 19, 2007

Kirk Douglas, having survived 87 movies, countless one-night stands with Hollywood's most beautiful women, a helicopter crash, a stroke and two bar mitzvahs is beginning to hit his stride at age 90. His latest endeavor, coinciding with the publication of his ninth book, is a clarion call for tikkun olam to rouse Generation Y to repair the world through social action and respect for human rights.

Yiddish curtain rises at the University of Judaism

By Robert David Jaffee
Published on February 15, 2007

In a showbiz career that has spanned nearly six decades, Israeli American actor Mike Burstyn has played everyone from Al Jolson and Tevye to Nathan Detroit and P.T. Barnum.

Alan Arkin—not just another kid From Brooklyn

By Pat Sierchio
Published on February 15, 2007

Alan Arkin is no more a stranger to playing curmudgeons than he is to receiving award nominations.

Ricky Ashley comes of age—on stage and off

By Sarah Price Brown
Published on January 4, 2007

Here is a question for the rabbis: Can a teenager acting out a bar mitzvah on stage actually get credit for becoming a man? What if he has rehearsed for months? And what if he reads a real Haftorah? Ricky Ashley, the 17-year-old who stars in the new musical "13," never had a bar mitzvah. He was too busy acting and never found time to prepare. But now, Ashley is playing Evan Goldman, a 13-year-old who has his coming of age ceremony after moving to a new school in a new town, where the kids confuse "bar mitzvah" with "Bon Jovi."

What do Dennis Prager, Jimmy Carter, Mel Gibson and General Motors have in common?

Published on December 21, 2006

Letters to the Editor

Michael Richards:  Still not a Jew

By Rob Eshman
Published on November 30, 2006

Richards is the former "Seinfeld" star who was videotaped at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood lashing out at hecklers using the N-word.

The Best Offense Is a Funny Movie

By Tom Tugend
Published on August 31, 2006

According to advance hints, the film is guaranteed to enrage Jews, gays, blacks, women, cowboys, Christians and college boys -- not to mention Kazakhstanis.

Play Reading’s the Thing for Director

By Susan Josephs
Published on May 18, 2006

Sitting in her living room and poring through an enormous photo album, Alexandra More acts like the proud parent of successful offspring.

Director Pays Price in Making ‘Capote’

By Robert David Jaffee
Published on February 23, 2006

Caroline Baron, the film's producer who worked with Hoffman on "Flawless" and has known screenwriter Dan Futterman and Miller for a number of years, said that all films present challenges, but that from the outset, she had "100 percent confidence in Bennett as a director and Phil as an actor."

Elliott Gould Thrives as Work in Progress

By Tom Tugend
Published on February 9, 2006

Elliott Goldstein grew up in a two-and-a-half room apartment in a section of Brooklyn populated by Jews, Syrians and Italians, the only child of a garment industry production manager and his wife. Both parents were born in the United States, but his grandparents emigrated from Russia, the Ukraine and Poland.

He’s Got the Look

By Amy Klein
Published on December 22, 2005

When Sam Feuer was a boy, he fell in love with "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial" -- and with performing -- since he lived as an outsider in two cultures. Born in America to Israeli parents, the family moved to Israel when Sam was 9.

Tommywood - Crystal Clear

By Tom Teicholz
Published on December 8, 2005

Billy Crystal has something he wants to share with you.

‘Cell’ Asks: Could Terrorists Hit L.A.?

By Tom Tugend
Published on November 10, 2005

In the upcoming Showtime television series "Sleeper Cell," Tel Aviv-born actor Oded Fehr plays Farik, the leader of a Muslim terrorist cell, who poses as a synagogue-going Jew as his cover.

Fehr now savors the irony of the casting and plotline, but he was less enthusiastic when a producer initially approached him.

Wiesenthal Larger Than Life on Screen

By Robert David Jaffee
Published on October 6, 2005

While some admirers have envisioned Wiesenthal as a Jewish John Wayne or James Bond, the diminutive Kingsley, who has played numerous Jewish characters in his film career, including Meyer Lansky in "Bugsy" and Fagin in the current "Oliver Twist," depicts him as a much more modest man, frail after the camps, dedicated to his work, not given to swagger or seduction.

Actor’s Missing Dad Takes Center Stage

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on August 25, 2005

In his raw, autobiographical monologue, "Who Is Floyd Stearn?" actor Michael Raynor struts onstage with a swagger reminiscent of James Caan. Raynor, playing himself, jabs a finger at a faded photograph.
The photo was taken on 185th Street in Queens, on his grandmother's lawn. In the photo, an athletic, brawny man embraces a 3-year-old. The man is Raynor's father, Floyd Stearn. The smiling boy is young Michael, who clutches a toy banjo, his blond bangs peeking out from a cowboy hat.

Raynor tells the audience that, even at 40, he cannot discuss the photo; should anyone pressure him, he angrily departs.

"Every time I see the picture I cry," he adds quietly. "That's why I can't look at it. I see the happiness in my face, and it scares me. I'm hoping it won't go away."

Outspoken Asner’s Activism Is No Act

By Norma Zager
Published on August 4, 2005

Yitzhak Edward Asner vocally opposes the war in Iraq, a position that has probably angered some fans of the 76-year-old actor. But that's nothing new for Asner, whose political activism, years earlier, may have cost him the best acting job he ever had -- the role of journalist Lou Grant in two separate award-winning television series.

Asner's unshrinking activism, his willingness to use his fame as a platform for causes he considers vital, made him a logical choice for Women's American ORT's Tikkun Olam Award to be presented at a luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Beverly Hilton. The goal of the award is recognize those who honor the concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world.

"Our Tikkun Olam Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to strengthening the community," said Judy Menikoff, the charitable organization's national president. "Ed Asner has consistently dedicated himself to the rights of the working performer and labor rights issues, as well as advocating for human rights, world peace and political freedom. We feel he represents our ideals and commitments."

Midlife Jew Behaving Badly

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on July 14, 2005

Cinema suddenly seems preoccupied with male midlife crises ("Winter Solstice," "In Good Company") and actor Peter Riegert joins the trend with his comic directorial debut feature, "King of the Corner."

Spectator - Sephardia Secrets

By Gaby Friedman
Published on July 7, 2005

Elaine Romero experienced "a cool fusion of art and life" when she wrote the play "Secret Things."

The play tells the story of Delia, a Latino journalist, who goes to New Mexico to investigate the origins of an anonymous package she received postmarked from there containing articles about Crypto-Jews (that is, descendants of the "Marrano" Jews of the Spanish Inquisition, who openly practiced Catholicism but conducted Jewish rituals in secret to escape persecution). In New Mexico, Delia finds herself mysteriously drawn to the world of Crypto-Jews, and reluctantly comes to terms with her own Crypto-Jewish roots.

When Romero, also a Latino, was writing the play, the same thing happened.

A Yiddish ‘Fiddler’ to Honor Aleichem

By David Finnigan
Published on May 12, 2005

Actor and Yiddish-language true believer Theodore Bikel grew up in prewar Europe, with German as his first language and Yiddish a quick second, partly due to his father reading his family Sholom Aleichem stories every Tuesday night.

Once Upon a Time in a Midlife Crisis

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on April 7, 2005

Yvan Attal huddles on a velvet couch in a corner of the cavernous Chateau Marmont lobby, a study in nervous energy. The Israeli-born French actor-director, who is charming if energetic, furrows his brow and runs his fingers through his tousled black hair. It's not hard to believe that one of his film idols is Woody Allen ("I identify with his neuroses") or that he makes films that serve as personal therapy.

Consider his new dark comedy, the frenetically paced "Happily Ever After," which explores his midlife crisis. He got the idea in 2003 when he dropped his son off at preschool and noticed most of the other parents were divorced.

"I began thinking about my own life and the choices I have made, and they felt enormous and scary," he said.

White Rapper Gives Lyrics Kosher Spin

By Emily Pauker
Published on March 31, 2005

Meet Eric Schwartz, the 29-year-old actor, rapper and musician known to his fans as Smooth E. Think a combination of the satire of Weird Al Yankovich with hip rap persona, sort of Eminem with a Woody Allen smirk. He does both straight-ahead rap and parodies of well-known rap tunes, often with a Jewish twist, though he's also willing to get R-rated as the mood strikes him.

7 Days in the Arts

By Keren Engelberg
Published on March 10, 2005

Three female artists who see no trace of irony in the notion of drawing sculptures display their takes on the theme in Bank's new exhibition, aptly titled, "Sculpture." Bari Ziperstein paints images of stacked crates and cardboard boxes, Sherin Guiguis creates "wall sculptures" and Carrie Ungerman builds site-specific installations out of organic and everyday materials.

Calendar

By Keren Engelberg
Published on March 10, 2005

Congregation Hashalom: Shabbaton with Rabbi Chaim Kramer begins Fri., Mar. 11. Melave Malka tonight at 9 p.m. features a performance by the Moshav Band. $10-15 (for meals, with R.S.V.P. by March 8). 1110 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-0860.

Q & A With Al Pacino

By Ivor Davis
Published on January 6, 2005

"The Godfather's" Michael Corleone has taken a crack at Shylock. Oscar-winner Al Pacino -- always a daring actor -- steps into the shoes of Shakespeare's notorious moneylender in the latest big-screen version of the Bard's classic, "The Merchant of Venice."

TO LIFE! TO RAISE FUNDS!

By Gaby Wenig
Published on September 30, 2004

The dancing rabbis returned Sept. 12 at the 24th annual Chabad L'Chaim -- To Life! Telethon. The program was beamed into homes in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas and on the Dish Network.

A Quick Trip to Evangelical ‘Hell’

By Ruth Andrew Ellenson
Published on September 23, 2004

Born-again Christian youth pastor Shari Putney is standing at the top of a stairway outside a theater in Hollywood presiding over a group of young adults, decked out in a sequined, pale-blue mother-of-the-bride dress and a huge diamond cross.

A Resonant Voice

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on June 3, 2004

The first thing one notices about Theodore Bikel is the voice.

As he settles on a divan in his book-filled West Hollywood apartment, chatting about his upcoming 80th birthday gala, it's not so much his strapping frame, white beard or sharp blue eyes that make an impression as his voice.

This is the resonant baritone that has sung countless folk music concerts, recorded 27 albums in 21 languages and performed in approximately 35 films. This is the actor who has appeared more than 2,000 times as the milkman Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof," besides playing Captain Von Trapp in Broadway's "The Sound of Music" and opposite Bogie in the film, "The African Queen."

Uncle Leo Fulfills a Dream

By Tom Tugend
Published on November 13, 2003

"If you're a pretty good actor and live long enough, you can play any role," said Len Lesser, sitting on a worn couch just after finishing an evening performance at A Noise Within in Glendale.

Young Creator Spells Success ‘O.C.’

By Keren Engelberg
Published on October 30, 2003

Josh Schwartz has been having trouble sleeping. Ever since his new show, "The O.C.," began airing on FOX this summer, he's faced insomnia Tuesday nights, anxiously awaiting the public's response to each new episode.

Israel to Seek Celebrity Support

By David Finnigan
Published on August 28, 2003

Flush with the worldwide publicity generated by this summer's visit to Israel by actor Christopher Reeve, Ambassador Yuval Rotem of the Israel Consulate of Los Angeles said that in September he will "re-embark on this mission, to appeal to some people from the entertainment industry and ask them to pay a visit."

Reeve Superhero to Israeli Terror Victims

By Gaby Wenig
Published on July 31, 2003

"Mr. Reeve is an inspirational figure who has a unique story to tell Israel and the world," said Yuval Rotem, Israeli consul general in Los Angeles, who invited Christopher Reeve to visit Israel and convinced the foreign ministry in Jerusalem to follow through.

No Buddy Quite Like Him

By Hank Rosenfeld
Published on July 24, 2003

The "Encyclopedia of Jewish Humor" includes 14 pages of jokes on death, so when Buddy Hackett passed away in Malibu at 78 on June 30, the chapel at Hillside Memorial Park was packed with every comedy icon that hadn't booked an out-of-town Fourth of July gig.

Carlyle Discusses Dangers of ‘Hitler’

By Tom Tugend
Published on May 15, 2003

Robert Carlyle, of "The Full Monty" and "Angela's Ashes" fame, gives a striking performance in the title role of the CBS miniseries "Hitler: The Rise of Evil."