Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Cruise insists on social distancing
Tom Cruise has launched an expletiveladen rant at colleagues on the set of his latest “Mission: Impossible” movie, after he reportedly spotted two workers failing to respect social distancing rules.
In audio released by British tabloid the Sun, the actor can be heard warning that anyone caught not following the rules to stay at least 2 meters (more than 6.5 feet) away from others will be fired.
During his outburst at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden — which is north of London — Cruise cataloged the difficulties he and everyone in the film industry are facing during the pandemic. The timing of the outburst was not clear, though the Sun said production returned to Britain two weeks ago.
Cruise noted the higher costs for insuring a movie in these times. He also voiced his concerns about the direct impact on families and their ability to pay bills if the movie shuts down.
“That’s what I sleep with every night,” he said. “Do you understand the responsibility that you have?”
Cruise’s publicist didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
HBO to remove‘ Chappelle’s Show’:
Following Netflix’s lead and at the request of comedian Dave Chappelle, HBO has agreed to remove “Chappelle’s Show” from its streaming services.
The influential sketch comedy from the early 2000s will no longer be available after Dec. 31, according to HBO and HBO Max’s chief content officer, Casey Bloys.
“We had a conversation with Dave. I won’t get into it, but it’s very clear that it’s a very unique and specific and emotional issue he’s got,” Bloys said Tuesday during Variety’s virtual FYCFest. “We’re going to honor his request and take the show down.”
Reps for HBO declined to comment further.
In November, Chappelle called out the cable TV and streaming giants in a video posted on Instagram. He explained that because of a “raw deal” he signed in the aughts, he isn’t compensated when ViacomCBS licenses the sketch show to streaming services.
Gaynor to perform at Times Square New Year’s Eve:
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square will be a celebration of perseverance, honoring essential workers and featuring Gloria Gaynor singing her anthem, “I Will Survive,” organizers said Tuesday.
They had previously announced that the event will be virtual, with no public audience and aimed at broadcast viewers.
Organizers said they would be honoring essential workers as the “Heroes of 2020” and designate a group of them as special guests.
Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a statement, “This year, it feels most appropriate to shine a spotlight on the individuals who are tirelessly leading our nation through hard times with unshakable strength, determination and poise.”
Dec. 17 birthdays: Singer Tommy Steele is 84. Actor Ernie Hudson is 75. TV host Chris Matthews is
75. Actor Eugene Levy is 74. Actor Wes Studi is 73. Singer Wanda Hutchinson Vaughn is 69. Actor
Bill Pullman is 67. Director Peter Farrelly is 64. Singer Tracy Byrd is 54. Actor Sarah Paulson is 46. Actor Vanessa Zima is 34.