STARS PAY TRIBUTE TO GILDA RADNER IN TORONTO AT "IT"S ALWAYS SOMETHING" GALA

2011 It's Always Something Gala for Gilda's Club Toronto

Some familiar faces came back to Toronto last night in honour of a Friend. Gilda's Club Toronto opened its doors in 1991 in memory of Comedienne/Actress Gilda Radner - known best for her work on Saturday Night Live - who had passed away in 1989 after a three-year battle with Ovarian Cancer.  The Club offers free Group Support to the Families-of and those who are suffering from Cancer.  Radner once said publicly, "No one should have to face Cancer alone".  Having battled Cancer for a brief period in my life myself, I understand the truth in that statement.

Although for the past nine years the It's Always Something Gala for Gilda's Club Toronto was held at the Royal Alexandra and Elgin Theatres, the venue was upgraded to Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, selling-out 3,100 seats to accommodate.  Over the past nine years, the Gala has raised over $3 million for the Cause.

Some famous Friends of Radner's like Andrea Martin, Jeanne Beker, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Shaffer, Fred Willard came-out to show their support, performing a two-act Variety Show, hosted for the fifth year by our v. own Russell Peters.  Tributes were paid in Speeches, Dedications, Skits, Song and Dance, reminding us that her Spirit still is v. present.

"A RUSSELL PETERS CHRISTMAS" PREMIERE ANNOUNCED

Still from A Russell Peters Christmas

Remember when we spotted Pamela Anderson arriving in Toronto last month? Well now we can see what she was up to when CTV airs A Russell Peters Christmas on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST. The Comedy Network will be airing it Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 10:00 PM EST. The Special will feature Special Appearances from Michael Bublé, Pamela Anderson, Ted Lange, Faizon Love, Jon Lovitz, Goapele and Scott Thompson.

Don't forget to tune-in to what should be a epically hilarious Special!

I'll be seeing the Brampton Funnyman this Saturday at It's Always Something in support of Gilda's Club Toronto. Also attending the Event at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts will be SCTV Alumni Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short, plus Fred Willard and Paul Shaffer.

(Photo credit: CTV)

PAMELA ANDERSON IN TORONTO FOR "A RUSSELL PETERS CHRISTMAS"

Pamela Anderson in Toronto - October 2011

Surprise!  Actress/Model/Bombshell Pamela Anderson is back in Toronto. Anderson flew in from Los Angeles this evening under the careful watch of a Handler, who ensured Fans couldn't get Photos with her. She had donned a thick pair of black Sunglasses to mask her identity, but to many Onlookers it was rather obvious who she was, as many whispered amongst themselves.  She will be making a special appearance on The Comedy Network's A Russell Peters Christmas which currently is filming in and around Toronto.  Jon Lovitz and Michael Bublé also have been tapped to appear in the Special.

Despite signing an array of Photos for Fans - including some topless ones - she declined Fan Photos stating, "Sorry, I look terrible!" - as if that is possible for her- then hiding her face in her hair and then rushing into her SUV with her Entourage.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

RUSSELL PETERS & BABY CRYSTIANNA AT 2011 CANADA'S WALK OF FAME

Russell Peters at 2011 Canada's Walk of Fame

Funnyman Russell Peters finally gets the respect he deserves, with an induction at the 2011 Canada's Walk of Fame Awards at Elgin Theatre this evening.  Arriving on the Red Carpet with his Wife Monica and baby Daughter, Crystianna in-tow, Peters had everyone in "aww".

The Brampton native who has appeared on Forbes' list of top-earning Comedians, can currently be seen in Indo-Canadian Comedy, Breakaway which was filmed last year in-and-around the City.  He also has a part in Warner Bros.' star-studded New Year's Eve out on December 9, 2011 along with Ashton Kutcher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lea Michele, Hilary Swank and more.

Peters joked, "Somebody needs to Twitpic me as soon as someone pukes allover my Star.  That's when I know I've made it!".

See more of the lovely Peters Family below:

ERIC MCCORMACK BACK IN TORONTO FOR CANADA'S WALK OF FAME

Eric McCormack & Mr. Will-W.

It's Will & Will!  Toronto's v. own Eric McCormack, whom we all know and love from Will & Grace, was spotted back in his Hometown tonight after flying in earlier from his current place of Residence, Los Angeles. He arrives for Canada's Walk of Fame Festival, after having been inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame just last year. Honourees at this year's Ceremony include the likes of Sandra Oh and Russell Peters, taking place tomorrow at Elgin Theatre.  The Red Carpet will take place between 3:45 and 5:00 PM.  

The Ceremony, hosted by Howie Mandel, will air on Global Television and Slice on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST.

RYAN REYNOLDS MISSING FROM LIST OF 2011 CANADA'S WALK OF FAME INDUCTEES

Ryan Reynolds at TIFF 2010

To be held on October 1, 2011 at Elgin Theatre, Canada’s Walk of Fame will be honouring some of the greatest in Canadian talent by adding some new members to its exclusive list of 131 Inductees.

Honourees this year include: Dr. Roberta Bondar, Burton Cummings, Daniel Nestor, Sandra Oh, Russell Peters and Mordecai Richler.  The Ceremony will be televised on both Slice and Global Television although there is no confirmation which stars will actually be in attendance.

Ryan Reynolds, despite originally being on the list of Inductees in June, is missing now from the list seen on the Canada's Walk of Fame website.  The Vancouver-born Actor currently is busy filming R.I.P.D. and that likely has played a part in this unfortunate bit of news.  Canada's Walk of Fame CEO and Founding Director Peter Soumalias confirms with me below that they "look forward to inducting him in the future." 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SOURCE CODE - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Source Code

Combining Sci-Fi with a small bit of Action, Source Code delivers a refreshing spin on a story which could have been plagued by the banality often seen in the genre. Director Duncan Jones, Son of David Bowie, speaks with a clear, crisp narrative which keeps his audience engaged endlessly. And this is only his second Feature.

The Film centers around a decapitated Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) who finds himself in a secret Government experiment called The Source Code. Colter is given the ability to enter the body of a Man killed in a Chicago Train Bombing. Over and over he must re-enter the body of the Man with a time limit of eight minutes per entry. He must search for clues aboard the Train, with a mission to derail the bombing and also locate its Mastermind.

Along the way, he meets the beautiful Christina (Michelle Monaghan) whom he is enamored with, which both pushes him towards solving this mystery and also pulls him back in his own distraction. He soon realizes that she too would have been killed in the Disaster. Thus, in circumventing this Bombing, Colter not only is saving the lives of passengers aboard the Train and millions of people in Chicago, but also he is saving the life of the one Woman he is absolutely smitten with.

DRAKE DOES GOOD OVER HOLIDAYS FOR SICK KIDS' AND THE LINCOLN RISING

Kardinal Offishall, Lincoln J. Russell, Drake
 and Director X among others at Fundraiser for
The Lincoln Rising

Canadian Hip-Hop Star Drake spent much of his Holidays in Toronto doing good for the City and for that I admire him. Just Wednesday afternoon, the Juno-winning/Grammy-nominated Rapper visited The Hospital for Sick Children, spending time with Children unable to leave their Rooms, followed by Autographs and a Meet & Greet. One lucky young Lady was put through to his Buddy Justin Bieber via Speed Dial as per request, making her wildest dream come true. You'd have to have a cold, cold heart not to recognize that as being incredibly kind-spirited.



According to a Press Release, Drake also met Hospital Patients who have at some point taken part in its Music Therapy Program, enjoying some performances by them. Before leaving for the day, he donated approximately $70,000 to the Program. What a Guy!

Drake played Host on Boxing Day evening at a Fundraiser held Midtown to raise money for  former Toronto Stunt Actor & Martial Artist Lincoln J. Russell, who is now crippled as a result of his rare illness - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The rare Disease causes  much pain, eventually resulting in a loss of nerve sensation and control over ones' own body.

BELL CELEBRITY GALA 2010 PHOTOS & RECAP

Supermodel Coco Rocha
& Mr. Will-W.

Canada's leading Telecommunications Company Bell Canada threw yet another superb Celebrity Gala earlier this evening at Metro Convention Centre.  The annual Black Tie Affair unites Canadian Celebrities with fans, this year raising money for Toronto's CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).  The event in previous years had raised money for Sick Kids' Hospital, although President & COO George Cope had announced earlier this year that he would direct more focus from Bell towards matters of Mental Health, citing that not enough focus is being paid to this issue.  Despite my not feeling so well, I still made it out to show my support for the cause although I'm sure I will pay for it this weekend!

Despite British-American actress Minnie Driver being touted as one of this evening's biggest names, alas she had other obligations and was unable to make it out.  The party still brought out a number of familiar faces whether it be Athletes, Actors, Musicians and Television Personalities.  

Emcees this year included Sportscaster Rod Black and  Canada's favourite Comedian Russell Peters.  CBC's George Stroumboulopoulos also shared in the Hosting duties, doing on-the-spot interviews with some of the more notable guests in attendance like Supermodel Coco Rocha, Eric Roberts, Sofia Milos and many more.  Among this evening's performers were Jully Black, Faber Drive, Fefe Dobson, Kreesha Turner and hot Canadian act Down With Webster who delivered a spirited and well-received performance of Hall & Oates' hit Rich Girl.  Guests also were treated to a Fashion Show featuring work from local designers.

Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers will be excited to know that our friend Dobson also signed a few items for you which I will be giving away next month with the release of her long-awaited album Joy.

ROB LOWE IN TORONTO FILMING BREAKAWAY

Rob Lowe at TIFF 2009 for The Invention of Lying

The question is where?  A better-as-he-ages Rob Lowe is now in Toronto - more specifically Brampton - filming another Canadian Hockey-centric film titled Breakway.  Shooting for the Rob Lieberman film began earlier this week and will continue until early November.  The film is a cross-cultural study of the pressures a young man faces from his Sikh heritage and his new life as a Canadian, which includes learning to play Hockey.  Breakaway also stars Canada's favourite Comedian Russell Peters and Camilla Belle, in addition to being produced by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.  The radar is now officially on for Rob.  Can you hear the sirens?  weeeooooo weeeooooo

I guess like Score: A Hockey Musical, we'll be seeing this one at TIFF 2011 as Gala? 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

AZIZ ANSARI IN TORONTO FOR JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL

Oh yeah...  him!  Aziz Ansari is in town right now performing at the Just For Laughs Fesitval in Toronto and had a show at Winter Garden Theatre earlier this evening.  The Stand-up Comedian/Writer/Actor has received much acclaim including being listed as one of Entertainment Weekly's Top 12 Future Stars of Comedy.  He currently stars on NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation alongside former SNL Alumni Amy Poehler and you might recognize him from his recent gig as host of the MTV Movies Awards where he absolutely killed it.

Ansari who also has been seen recently in films like I Love You, Man and Funny People just inked a deal with comedic genius Judd Apatow (The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up) and Universal Pictures to do a three-film deal.  Expect big things from this Funnyman.

Although I hate to spark rumours, I did run-into Canada's premier comedian Russell Peters this afternoon as we were both having Lunch at Fran's.  On my way out, I mentioned to him how uncanny it is that we keep running into each other and he jokingly pointed out that I totally ignored him earlier, as he was eating with his Entourage at the back of the Diner.  Faced with the daunting task of hosting two shows back-to-back tonight at Massey Hall as part of the festival, he told me it was no big deal clarifying that he is hosting both shows, which is a lot less pressure than performing solo for that duration.  We then got to talking about Ansari whose show was next door to his tonight and he told me that he had only "heard things" about the quality of Ansari's work and was curious to know what people thought of him, before things felt a little awkward.  Some fans then came over and asked him to sign their tickets and he asked, "Wouldn't that void the tickets?".  I then wished him a Good Show tonight and pat him on the back.  Do I sense a bit of competitive spirit here?  

NAME THAT CELEBRITY - CANADIAN EDITION

Bell Canada annually hosts its Celebrity Gala at Metro Convention Centre in Toronto. The event has celebrities from all around the country in radio, television, film and sports come in to help raise money for Sick Kids' Hospital.

This year's star-studded line-up included Canada's favourite comedian Russell Peters, who just signed recently with the same agent that represents Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in America. Yes, he's that big a deal and you will hear of him soon if you haven't. I got to chat with Peters for a bit tonight and he's hilarious. We have a running joke of him calling me Lloyd, because he insists I remind him of that character from HBO's Entourage which I have never watched. But a few people have told me that before so he can't be that far off I suppose!

The event was headlined by UK's Natasha Bedingfield who flew in specially to perform a four-song acoustic set consisting of mega-hits These Words, Pocketful of Sunshine, Wild Horses and Unwritten which garnered her a Grammy nomination. My friend Christine and I got to hang with Bedingfield a bit before her performance and she was lovely in-person. We exchanged hugs and kisses and talked about her debut album Unwritten which I still hold in high regard. She is completing work on her third album now she says and it will be released early 2010 via SONY/BMG. She even personalized my CD with a cute note. Love her.

Here are some candid shots taken from earlier this evening of Bedingfield, Peters and me:

It was also a pleasant surprise seeing Beverly Hills, 90210 heartthrob Jason Priestley in person with his wife Naomi. He's working on a television show here in Canada now and he was very nice. Hands down, the fiercest of the ladies was City TV personality Dina Pugliese who hosts Breakfast Television. She is an absolute doll and we even exchanged e-mails. Perhaps you'll be posting these pics on your show tomorrow, Dina? She was dressed by hot local boutique, Fashion Crimes, which did a stellar job on Dina, Naomi Priestley and another highlight of the night, Ivana Santilli.