Winfrey, Roberts appear in global virus relief livestream
Oprah Winfrey keeps updated with coronavirus news, but she has often focused her attention more on the positive “acts of valor” while being on lockdown during the pandemic.
The media mogul said Friday evening that she wants people to digest daily information wisely during the Call to Unite 24-hour livestream global relief event. She was among 200 star-studded participants, including President Bill Clinton and Julia Roberts, to take part in the event. It was initiated to help inspire people to endure and overcome the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I have a small diet and managed how I took in the news,” said Winfrey from her home, where she has been self-quarantining. She said she hopes the event can help the world become better.
“If you leave it on all the time — as I know some people do — you will be consumed by the agitation, the hysteria, the confusion and constant angst that has been put into your phone, home and into your spirit,” she said. “I have chosen to focus on so many acts of courage and valor, determination and people not giving up.”
Each participant answered calls in their own way, whether through performing a song, sharing a story or offering a prayer.
Clinton delivered an encouraging message that “we can get through this together.”
Roberts read a “Rescue the Princess” children’s book in one video, and Josh Groban sang a song while playing his keyboard piano in another.
Quincy Jones, Jennifer
Garner, Common, Maria Shriver, Questlove, Yo-Yo Ma, Eva Longoria, Naomi Campbell and Alanis Morissette also participated in the event. It was livestreamed at unite.us and on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, LinkedIn and SiriusXM Stars.
‘Sopranos’ star struck by car: Actor Joe Pantoliano, known for his roles in movies and in HBO’s “Sopranos,” is recovering at his Connecticut home after being struck by a car while walking.
Pantoliano’s agent told Variety the 68-year-old actor was walking near his rural home in Wilton when two nearby cars crashed into each other. The collision sent one of the cars sliding down the asphalt, where it collided with Pantoliano and knocked him to the ground.
The impact left him with a gash on his head and other injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital.
A post on Instagram showed Pantoliano with stitches in his head and giving a thumbs-up sign. It read, “Joey is home recovering. He has a severe head injury and some chest trauma.”
Pantoliano played mobster Ralph Cifaretto on the HBO series.
Mountain top: “Game of Thrones” actor Hafthor Bjornsson, who played Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane in the HBO series, set a deadlift world record by lifting 1,104 pounds on Saturday.
Bjornsson, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man, made the successful attempt at Thor’s Power Gym in his native Iceland.
“I believe today I could’ve done more, but what’s the point?” Bjornsson, 31, told ESPN. “I’m happy with this.”
Eddie Hall set the previous record in 2016 at the World Deadlift Championships, with the Englishman lifting 1,102 pounds.
May 4 birthdays: Jazz bassist Ron Carter is 83. Actor Richard Jenkins is 73. Singer-actress Pia Zadora is 68. Actor Will Arnett is 50. Singer Lance Bass is 41. Actress Ruth Negga is 39. Country singer RaeLynn is 26.