President/Founder of The Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, along with Council Member Mitch O’Farrell and Board President Esteban Montemayor of Christopher Street West, kicked off Pride weekend with the annual “Real to Reel” exhibit that shines the spotlight on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) community in television and film through the decades. This year’s event also feature a special recognition with The Future of Hollywood Award presented to actress Stephanie Beatriz and the Legacy Award to TONY Award winning actress, Julie Newmar.

“I was thrilled to attend The Hollywood Museum for the opening of the REAL TO REEL exhibit the other evening, to kick off Gay Pride here in L.A,” said Geri Jewell of Deadwood fame. “It was wonderful coming together with friends and colleagues in support of another part of the spectrum of diversity.”

Reminiscent of Mae West, Ms Julie Newmar was carried on stage in the arms of two bodybuilders, stating “This what happens when you’re a legacy. You don’t have to walk anywhere. You are carried.”

“Thank you all for this lovely tribute,” she added. “It’s so wonderful to receive it in this building, the old Max Factor salon, where for so many years so many of the greats found their external beauty and also discovered their internal beauty. Donelle Dadigan (Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum, formerly The Max Factor Studios) has given the world a priceless time capsule for generations to enjoy for years to come. Im particularly thrilled to get this recognition right now in the midst of the Me Too and Times Up moment of our history,” remarked Ms Newmar.

“I always had my own way of dealing with those situations. First of all, I was taller than most of the men. So right away, I had an advantage. And one of my early roles, on Broadway and on film, was a gal called Stupefyin Jones in LI’l ABNER. Men saw her and they turned to stone. And this was before Viagra. I think some of them thought I actually had that power. And perhaps I did. Im also delighted to receive this acknowledgment in conjunction with all the LGBT pride activities here at the Museum and around the country this month. Of course, there has always been a strong LGBT presence in my life … even BEFORE Catwoman. But to be reminded of it at this critical time, and to know that it is indeed part of my legacy, and that my legacy is not only an artistic one, but one of feminine strength, power and, lets never forget, fun thats a very, very good thing and it fills me with overwhelming gratitude.”

Honoree, Ms Stephanie Beatriz, commented on similarities of her Brooklyn Nine-Nine character, Rosa Diaz’s sexual identity struggles and her own experiences since she came out to family and friends about her own life. “Just like Rosa, I found support from my friends and colleagues, but less so from my family and the Latin community.”

The Hollywood Museum’s REAL to REEL: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQs in Hollywood exhibition opened to the public on Friday, June 8th, to coincide with the annual Christopher Street West Pride activities. Spanning 100 years, the 2018 exhibit is a salute to the LGBTQ community’s contributions to the entertainment industry. Now, in its fifth successful year, the REAL to REEL: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ in Hollywood exhibit, is offered in partnership with Los Angeles City Council member Mitch O’Farrell (CD-13) and LA Pride, as an educational, entertaining and informative retrospective of LGBTQ images in film, TV, new digital platforms featuring costumes, props, photos, and iconic imagery all telling the story of the milestones and influence that LGBTQ characters and plot lines have had in Hollywood from early stereotypes in silent films to modern-day representations. Additionally, REAL to REEL celebrates LGBTQ Icons by paying homage to those individuals who support the LGBTQ community.

“We are both honored and humbled by the response to last nights program for the 5th annual REAL to REEL exhibit opening. The outpouring of love and positiveness was shared by both the entertainment and LGBTQ communities. The words of inspiration from actress Stephanie Beatriz, the Future of Hollywood Award recipient, blessed all that were in attendance and the overwhelming applause and response to comments from our Legacy Award honoree, TONY Award winning actress Julie Newmar, was worthy of her iconic stature. We are grateful to Council member Mitch O’Farrell and LAPD Assistant Chief Beatrice Girmala, LA City Controller Ron Galperin and Board President Esteban Montemayor of Christopher Street West for their trust in us. Without their integrity and support, all this effort would mean nothing.”- Donelle Dadigan (President/Founder of The Hollywood Museum)

The Hollywood Museum’s presentation places the exhibit in the historical context of Hollywood, which is home to a large LGBTQ entertainment industry population. The exhibit revisits monumental LGBTQ moments in history with Rev. Troy Perry, including the Black Cat riots (1967), and the infamous sign that once hung at the entrance of West Hollywood’s Barney’s Beanery. Exhibit highlights include costumes from Transparent, How to Get Away with Murder, Brokeback Mountain, Superstore, The Walking Dead, Empire, Trans America, Sordid Lives, Cruising, Orange is the New Black, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ray Donovan, Mad Men, Arrested Development, Cabaret, K-11, After Forever, Orphan Black, Roseanne, Will & Grace, To Wong Fu Julie Newmar, etc. Additional exhibit items include famous costumes from Hollywood’s leading designers; Mr. Blackwell, Bob Mackie, Ret Turner, Nolan Miller, Zac Posen, Rudolf Nureyev and Edith Head to Project Runway with Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum, as well as Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, Scandal, Two in a Half Men, True Blood, The Good Wife, much more. This year’s exhibit also includes, LGBTQ Icons including Judy Garland, Betty Davis, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Rock Hudson, Liza Minnelli, James Dean, Bette Midler, Ramon Navarro, Rudolf Valentino, Charles Laughton, Sam Harris, Bruce Vilanch, Sherman Hemsley, Geri Jewell, Jerry Herman, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner and many more.

Recording artist Roslyn Kind exclaimed, “What a GREAT Evening at The Hollywood Museum and the perfect way to kick off PRIDE month 2018, by celebrating all the wonderful contributions of the LGBTQ community to Hollywood’s rich history in the Arts and Culture with the “Real To Reel” Exhibit. Donelle Dadigan does a fantastic job.”

The museum houses more than 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures spotlighting more than 100 years of Hollywood history – from the Silents to Talkies, to Hollywood’s Golden Era, Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum’s exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites! Named one of the top tourist attractions by LA Weekly, voted one of the Top 10 Museums in LA by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and annually receives the Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor. Located in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave – The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is the “Official Museum of Hollywood” and offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars – past, present and in the making…. See one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections, personal artifacts, posters, and memorabilia from favorite stars, films and TV shows. The Hollywood Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

The post The Stars Come Out in Support of LGBTQ Community and to Honor Stephanie Beatriz and Julie Newmar first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

“One Starry Night: From Broadway to Hollywood,” a one-night-only musical and entertainment extravaganza in benefit of the ALS Association Golden West Chapter, was presented Monday, April 20 at the historic Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, CA. Thanks to performances and appearances by an exciting gathering of Broadway and Hollywood talent, and the greater Los Angeles community at large, the evening raised nearly $200,000. BWW TV’s Los Angeles Correspondent and Co-Producer Michael Sterling, along with Co-Producer/Videographer Paul Preston of Digital Mind Productions, spoke to the stars as they walked the red carpet prior to the evening’s festivities!

The star-studded event featured a cast which (in alphabetical order) included Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Ed Asner, Broadway’s Brent Barrett (“Silence The Musical”, “Chicago The Musical”), Grammy Award winner and international recording icon Petula Clark, Micky Dolenz (“The Monkees”), Juliana Hansen (Disney musical and concert star; NBC’s “Grease, You’re The One That I Want!”), singer/songwriter Devin Kelly, television and film star Jean Louisa Kelly (“Yes, Dear”; “Mr. Holland’s Opus”), noted television comedienne Wendy Liebman, TV, Film and Theatre star Bethany Joy Lenz, Broadway’s Norm Lewis (Phantom of the Opera), TV and Film star Kate Linder (“The Young and the Restless”), Musical Theatre star Lisa Livesay (“Wicked”), Ben Mankiewicz ((Film critic and Turner Classic Movie Network host), Film and TV star Heather McComb , Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester, George Newbern (ABC TV’s “Scandal”), Broadway’s Kerry O’Malley (“White Christmas”, “Annie Get Your Gun”; “Showstoppers”/Wynn Hotel/Las Vegas), Timothy Omundson (ABC TV’s “Galavant”), Reagan Pasternak (Disney Channel’s “In A Heartbeat,”), Illusionist Jonathan Pendragon, Broadway and TV’s Eric Petersen (Shrek and TV’s “Kirstie” starrin Kirstie Alley), Jenna Lea Rosen (Disney TV‘s “Sofia the First”), Jason Ritter (NBC’s “Parenthood”), Richard Sherman (Academy Award-winning Composer Disney’s “Mary Poppins”, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, “The Jungle Book”), Bruce Vilanch (Broadway’s ” Hairspray”), and Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Renee Zellweger.

In addition to the performances, the Chapter’s Essey Awards were presented to notable supporters of the ALS community for their outstanding efforts in public awareness, care services, and research. The Essey Award is the Chapter’s highest honor and given annually in honor of one of the Chapter’s founding members, Richard Essey.

The Golden West Chapter recognized the following honorees for outstanding achievements in the fight against ALS:

• THE 2015 SPOTLIGHT AWARD- The Filmmakers of “The Theory of Everything”

The Spotlight Award was presented to individuals and companies who help to raise ALS awareness by educating the public about the experience of living with ALS and the impact the disease has on loved ones and caregivers. The Golden West Chapter proudly presented this year’s Spotlight Award to the filmmakers of the Academy Award-winning film, “The Theory of Everything.” The movie, its cast and crew, the companies behind its production, and its real-life subjects – the Hawking family – have inspired the ALS community.

• THE 2015 SPIRIT AWARD- Richard Glatzer & Wash Westmoreland, Writers/Directors of “Still Alice”

The Spirit Award was presented to individuals who have displayed extraordinary determination while living with ALS. Richard Glatzer, who recently lost his battle with ALS, along with his husband Wash Westmoreland, adapted and directed, “Still Alice,” earning Julianne Moore a 2015 Academy Award. Shortly before receiving the green light to begin production on the film, Richard was diagnosed with ALS, yet both he and Wash persevered to complete their work on this acclaimed project. As a part of the Spirit Award’s presentation and tribute to Richard and Wash, the event was pleased to have Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Ed Asner and George Newbern (ABC’s “Scandal”) performing an excerpt from “Tuesdays with Morrie.”

In addition, the Golden West Chapter celebrated Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for having earned the distinguished designation as an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is the only Certified Treatment Center of Excellence in southern California, and a flagship program in the country. Renee Zellweger presented the Cedars’ team with a plaque recognizing this outstanding achievement and Cedar’s commitment to ALS care and the search for an effective treatment and cure.

Produced by Juliana Hansen, Melissa Verdugo and Jonathan White, the evening was directed by Grammy Award-nominee and distinguished theatre director Bruce Kimmel directed, with musical direction and orchestrations provided by Richard Allen.

Proceeds from the event will provide funding for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter’s mission critical priorities in care services, public policy and cutting-edge global research toward treatments and cure for ALS. For further information, visit webgw.alsa.org or call (800) 750-2572.

Related articles

• BWW TV: Renee Zellweger and More Attend ‘ONE STARRY NIGHT’ Benefit for ALS Association

The post ‘One Starry Night’ Raises 200k For ALS first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Hundreds Turn Out to Appreciate Go-Go Dancers

City’s first ever official Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day draws hundreds to Boystown. A special street party with go-go dancer competitions wows the crowd.

Go-go dancers were out in force Saturday night, and hundreds of residents brought out their dollar bills to show appreciation.

Boystown was buzzing about go-go boys as West Hollywood observed its first ever official Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day, a pre-Halloween party designed to give locals an extra reason to party.

Several Santa Monica Boulevard businesses set up special platforms for go-go dancers, while Larrabee Street was blocked off for a Go-Go Fest Street Party, featuring several go-go dancer competitions.

Crowds of people dropped by the Go-Go Fest to observe the goings on and to tip the dancers. Some were there throughout the evening, others only stayed a few minutes before moving on to restaurants and clubs.

“Everyday is go-go dancer appreciation day at my house,” said actor/comedian Bruce Vilanch. “That other people are moved to celebrate it just warms my heart.”

City councilman John Dâ€Amico, who came up with the idea for Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day, was pleased by the turnout.

“Everything is exactly the way itâ€s supposed to be. Thereâ€s hundreds of people here having a great time and thatâ€s what I hoped for,” said Dâ€Amico.

Larry Block, owner of the Block Party clothing store, agreed. “This is West Hollywood at its best,” said Block, who set up a platform in front of his store and offered free underwear to anyone willing to dance for 15 minutes.

Competition

Some people took Block up on the offer, others were too embarrassed, saying they didnâ€t have the physique to dance in public. Still others opted to dance on the platforms set up inside the Go-Go Fest area. One man said he had never danced before, but made $100 in 10 minutes.

One the main stage of the Go-Go Fest, some of those dilettantes got up the nerve to compete in the official Amateur competition. Meanwhile professional go-go dancers competed in five categories – Hottest Jock, Best Bootie, Twink, Best Package and Muscle Stud.

Vilanch, Mayor John Duran and actor/TV host Marcellas Reynolds served as the official judges for the competition. But after the first few rounds of competitions, host Scotty B just let the crowds decide the winners.

Those winners then competed for a $1,000 prize and the title of Mr. West Hollywood Go-Go. By the end of the evening, Mickyâ€s and Eleven nightclub dancer Andrew, dressed as a construction worker, took home the title.

The audience was wowed by a choreographed show, “Evolution of Go-Go,” featuring a dozen dancers doing different moves to snippets of dance hits from the 60s to today.

Between each competition, DJ Paulo Ramirez kept the music going to the delight of the crowd.

“This is what a street party should be,” said Alex Johnson. “Great music, hot men and no cover to get in.”

While Go-Go Day was intended to bring more people to town, there was no noticeable increase in standard Saturday night foot traffic in Boystown.

As for increased business in the area, that may not have happened either. While Block said more people were stopping into his store, he “didnâ€t know if it was translating into extra sales.”

Nonetheless, Dâ€Amico was optimistic about Go-Go Day becoming an annual event.

“This is just the first year. Iâ€m sure as time goes by, next yearâ€s will be even bigger,” said Dâ€Amico. “Iâ€ve already had a couple of people approach me about being sponsors next year.”

Follow West Hollywood Patch on Twitter and Facebook for more updates, tips and news.

About this column: From Boys Town to Plummer Park, the Sunset Strip or Melrose Avenue–this column brings you some of the interesting and unique snapshops that make us proud to call Weho our home.

Related articles

• Only In West Hollywood Is There A Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day! (perezhilton.com)
• WeHo Will Host Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day in October (laist.com)

The post Bruce Vilanch Helps Judge GO-GO DANCER APPRECIATION DAY first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

In honor of what would have been Harvey Milkâ€s 80th birthday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared tomorrow to be the first ever “Harvey Milk Day”. The day will be celebrated with special appearances, demonstrations, BBQâ€s, and events all over Los Angeles County.

The official celebration will take place at Madame Tussauds with special appearances from Stuart Milk, Harvey Milkâ€s nephew, and comedian Bruce Vilanch.

Starting at 10 a.m. tomorrow volunteers will also gather at the East Los Angeles Service Center to hear speakers such as screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who wrote popular film Milk, and United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta. The volunteers will then go door-to-door gaining support for marriage equality. Later in the afternoon Sharon and Kelly Osbourne will host a celebration and fundraiser at their home in Hidden Hills. Tickets start at $150 and all proceeds will go to Equality California.

Then at noon over in West Hollywood, Mayor Pro Tempore John Duran will honor Harvey Milk with the introduction of the “Harvey Milk Schools Project” that seeks to promote anti-LGBT bullying. West Hollywood will end their day with a performance from the Gay Menâ€s Chorus of Los Angeles starting at 7 p.m. at Fairfax High School Auditorium.

But the celebration continues on to Sunday afternoon for Los Angelians. In Brentwood from about 1 p.m to 4 p.m a family BBQ and picnic will launch the creation of EQCAâ€s Families Advisory Council, a faction of LGBT dedicated to reaching parents and children.

The post Vilanch Helps Ring In First Ever “Harvey Milk Day” Tomorrow In Los Angeles first appeared on We Got Bruce!.