Jesse Tyler Ferguson Archives - Big Gay Picture Show

Zachary Quinto, Jonathan Groff & Jesse Tyler Ferguson Will Lead A Starry Line-up For Musical Gala

June 6, 2014 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

If you like celebs, the music of Marvin Hamlisch and you are very rich, then the One Thrilling Combination gala on June 23rd is the place for you. The gala will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hamlisch’s LGBT-inclusive A Chorus with a selection of tunes from the show and Marvin’s other efforts, such as the musicals They’re Playing Our Song, The Goodbye Girl, and the Sweet Smell of Success, as well as the film The Way We Were.

There are plenty of gay stars lining up for the charity event, with Zachary Quinto, his ex Jonathan Groff, Jesse Tyler Ferguson Billy Porter, and Claybourne Elder all set to perform. They’ll be joined by the likes of Martha Plimpton, John Lithgow, Sutton Foster, Joshua Bell, Lindsay Mendez, Krysta Rodriguez, Marissa McGowan, Laura Shoop, Peter Dugan, Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Jessica Wu, Mylinda Hull, Brooke Sunny Moriber, and Nicole Lewis.

It’s all in an effort to raise funds for the Public Theater, where A Chorus Line first debuted. Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis commented, “Marvin Hamlisch was one of the great spirits of American music, and A Chorus Line was a show that changed everything about how musicals were made. It also created the Public Theater we cherish today. This gala will honor that amazing show and thank Marvin Hamlisch for his extraordinary gifts to us all.”

That’s certainly an impressive list and it should be one hell of a night. There are a few drawbacks though, one if that you’ll need to be able to get to the Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park on June 23rd, and the second is that the cheapest ticket costs $650. At least for that you’ll get cocktails, dinner, and a dessert reception.

Hamilisch died in 2012 shortly after completing his part of the music for Behind The Candelabra.

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ACTORS: Zachary Quinto, Jonathan Groff, Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson Marries Justin Mikita

July 22, 2013 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Over the weekend, Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson married his beau, Justin Mikita, in a ceremony in New York attended by over 200 people. The couple, who’d been dating for over two years, announced their engagement last September and have now officially tied the knot.

Pulitzer Prize winning writer Tony Kushner (Angels in America, Lincoln) officiated, with the likes of Modern Family co-stars Julie Bowen, Ty Burell and Eric Stonestreet attending. Also at the ceremony were celebs such as Jerry O’ Connell, Rebecca Romijn, Zachary Quinto and Cat Deely.

Back in March Feguson explained why they were planning the wedding in New York, saying “We wanted to get married in New York, because that’s where it’s legal, so we want to support the state that’s in support of us.”

While we have to admit we’d have preferred it if Ferguson had married Eric Stonestreet – as we don’t think Mitchell should be with anyone but Cam – we’re slowly coming to terms with the fact Stonestreet is actually straight in real life. So good luck to Jesse and Justin, we wish them well!

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ACTORS: Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Modern Family – Season 3 (Blu-ray)

October 4, 2012 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Starring: Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Sofia Vergara
Director: Various
Running Time: 504 mins
Certificate: 12
Release Date: October 1st 2012

Before Modern Family came along, a lot of TV pundits were all ready to pronounce the death of the US sitcom. Then the series came along, became a darling of the critics and found huge audiences too. It’s managed to keep up the quality through its first three seasons, so that just a few days ago it picked up five Emmys.

It’s a great show, where strong writing and good direction come together with one of the best casts ever assembled for a television show. The acting really is top notch (it’s notable that when Julie Bowen and Eric Stonestreet won their Emmys for the show, they had to beat out four of their castmates, who were nominated in the same categories) and it’s not just the adults, as the kids are all great too. Much of the time with sitcoms, you’re sort of having to forgive the younger cast members their lack of comic skill, but here they’re all great – even four-year-old Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, who plays Lily, has her moments. [Read more…]

Watch Clooney, Pitt and Co. In 8: A Play About The Fight For Marriage Equality

March 4, 2012 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

Last night a ridiculously star studded ensemble gathered in LA to participate in a reading of Dustin Lance Black’s play, 8, about the fight for marriage equality in California and more specifically the court case that struck down Prop 8, which has banned same sex marriage in the US’ most populous state.

However if you didn’t stay up to watch the livestream which hit 3.45am UK time, the whole thing is now on Youtube, and we’ve embedded it above. As often with staged readings of plays, it’s slightly static and a little hammy, but it still works and the starry ensemble is certainly impressive.

If you want to watch, start the video above and then click “Skip ahead to start” to get to the beginning, about 30 minutes in. It’s well worth watching, with Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Kevin Bacon, Jane Lynch, John C. Reilly, Chris Colfer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Cleve Jones, George Takei, Yeardley Smith, Christine Lahti, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matthew Morrison and Matt Bomer all taking part.

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ACTORS: George Clooney, Kevin Bacon, Jane Lynch, John C. Reilly, Chris Colfer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Cleve Jones, George Takei, Yeardley Smith, Christine Lahti, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matthew Morrison, Matt Bomer, Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt Joins Clooney & Co. In Star-Studded Prop. 8 Play Reading

March 1, 2012 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

It was already set to be one of the most star-studded plays in history, and now it’s got even starrier as Brad Pitt has signed up for this Saturday’s staged reading of Dustin Lance Black’s play, 8.

He joins George Clooney, Kevin Bacon, Jane Lynch, John C. Reilly, Chris Colfer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Cleve Jones, George Takei, Yeardley Smith, Christine Lahti, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matthew Morrison, Matt Bomer and others in the one night only event, which hopes to raise millions for the fight for marriage equality.

Black’s play is based on transcripts and interviews with those involved in the court case that sought to overturn Proposition 8, which banned same sex marriage in California. Brad Pitt will star as Judge Vaughn R. Walker, the man who found Prop. 8 unconstitutional.

Until now this incredible starry event looked like it would be limited to the lucky few who managed to snag a ticket to attend the reading at LA’s Wilshire Ebell Theatre. However, it’s now been announced that the whole thing will be livestreamed free on Youtube. The only snag being that as it takes place at 7.45pm LA time, that’s 3.45am in the UK.

Black wrote the play because he believes people need to witness what actually happened in the case, and the Youtube stream is part of that. “People need to witness what happened in the Proposition 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter,” said Black. “I’ve built my career around exposing and uncovering ‘the real story.’ The goal of 8 is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right and that those who would deny this basic freedom from loving, committed couples have only vitriol and baseless hyperbole to fall back on. The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light. We are doing all we can to help speed that process along.”

You can watch director Rob Reiner’s announcement about the livestream here, and you’ll be able to return there on Saturday night to watch the star-studded production.

Chris Colfer and Kevin Bacon Join Prop. 8 Play Reading

February 15, 2012 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

It’ll be one of the most star-studded plays in history! On March 3rd at LA’s Wilshire Ebell Theatre, a special gala reading is taking place of Dustin Lance Black’s play, 8. The cast has now been completed with Chris Colfer (Glee), Kevin Bacon, and John C. Reilly signing on to join the already starry ensemble, all supporting the fight to have Prop 8 – which banned gay marriage in California – repealed.

Colfer, Bacon and Reilly join George Clooney, Jane Lynch, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matt Bomer, Jamie Lee Curtis, George Takei, Matthew Morrison, Yeardley Smith, Campbell Brown, Rory O’Malley, and activist Cleve Jones in the production, which will be the West Coast premiere of the play. 8 is based on the transcript of the court case that overturned Proposition 8 (a decision that is currently working its ways through the appeals court), as well as interviews with the plaintiffs and their families.

Chris Colfer will play Ryan Kendall, a young man who testified about his experience being sent by his parents to so-called “reparative therapy” as a teenager. John C. Reilly will play United States District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who found Proposition 8 unconstitutional after presiding over the historic 12-day public trial. Kevin Bacon will play Charles J. Cooper, the lead attorney for the anti-marriage proponents of Proposition 8

It’ll certainly be an interesting evening, although if you want to go, you’re out of luck as tickets for the charity event have long sold out. The one-night-only event is expected to raise $2 million for the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

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ACTORS: Chris Colfer, Kevin Bacon, John C. Reilly, George Clooney, Jane Lynch, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matt Bomer, Jamie Lee Curtis, George Takei, Matthew Morrison, Yeardley Smith, Campbell Brown, Rory O'Malley, Cleve Jones

Jane Lynch Joins George Clooney In Dustin Lance Black’s Play, 8

January 18, 2012 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago it was revealed George Clooney would take part in a staged reading of 8, Dustin Lance Black’s play about the court case surrounding Proposition 8 in the California. Now more cast members for the March 3rd at LA’s Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Adding to the star power, according to the LA Times, are Jamie Lee Curtis, Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Glee’s Matthew Morrison and Jane Lynch. The play has been performed in New York, but this will be its East Coast premiere, and as it’s taking place in LA, it can call on plenty of celebs. The play chronicles the historic federal court trial overturning Proposition 8, the ballot measure that denied gay and lesbian Californians the right to marry, and is based on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. Also taking part in the reading are Matt Bomer, George Takei, Yeardley Smith, Campbell Brown, Rory O’Malley and Cleve Jones.

All proceeds from the event will go to American Foundation for Equal Rights, with the $2 million that’s expected to be raised being used to continue fighting the court case and on awareness raising events.

It’s also been revealed that 8 will be licensed to be performed in universities and schools for free, with 40 productions expected to take advantage of this during 2012. Milk and J. Edgar screenwriter Dustin Lance Black commented, “People need to witness what happened in the Proposition 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter. I’ve built my career around exposing and uncovering ‘the real story,’ The goal of 8 is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right and that those who would deny this basic freedom from loving, committed couples have only vitriol and baseless hyperbole to fall back on. The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light. We are doing all we can to help speed that process along.”

And while we’re talking about Dustin, the recently married writer has just found distribution for his directorial debut, Virginia. The movie stars Jennifer Connelly, Emma Roberts and Ed Harris and centers around Virginia, a mentally ill mother protected by her illegitimate son Emmett, whose father may be the local Mormon sheriff. Their small-town secrets are threatened when Emmett begins a romantic relationship with the sheriff’s daughter, while her father runs for public office. Entertainment One has picked up North American right to the movie and a release date is expected to be announced soon. No UK release is currently set.

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ACTORS: George Clooney, Jane Lynch, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matthew Morrison, Matt Bomer, George Takei, Yeardley Smith, Campbell Brown DIRECTORS: Dustin Lance Black

Golden Globes Hit By Anti-Gay Protest – But Christopher Plummer & Modern Family Aren’t Impressesed

January 16, 2012 By Tim Isaac Leave a Comment

While acceptance of gay people is far from 100% in the UK, we have got to the point where anti-gay people almost seem silly and twee with their backwards attitudes. That’s not so in the US, where the culture wars are still raging to a massive extent, to the point where a group of anti-gay protesters decided to set up shop opposite the Golden Globe Awards yesterday, according to THR.

That didn’t impress most of those in attendance. Christopher Plummer, who won a Golden Globe for playing an elderly gay man in Beginners, told reporters “Gay characters are human beings. We’re all exactly the same. Gays are part of our society and have been since the Egyptians, the Greeks; it is part of the human condition. I know there’s an awful lot of anti-gay feeling right now, particularly at this moment, and I abhor it.”

Eric Stonestreet, star of TV’s Modern Family also had something to say to the protesters, commenting to them, “You’re an idiot. America is a great place, speech is free and you’re able to expose the fact that you’re an idiot.”

Fellow Modern Family actor Julie Bowen said backstage, “I come from a long line of straight, white Republicans who don’t like people like this,” she said, motioning to openly gay co-star Jesse Ferguson. “But even they like this show. In country clubs all across America, the doors are cracking open.”

Let’s hope that’s true.

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ACTORS: Christopher Plummer, Eric Stonestreet, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson FILMS: Beginners, Modern Family