Feel Good Interview Series: Justin Gaston of Great American Family's "God's Country Song" and Days of Our Lives - 10 Things to Know About Him)

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Justin Gaston is a singer-songwriter, model, and actor who was also a contestant on "Nashville Star" Season 6. He also originated the role of Ben Weston on "Days of Our Lives" (which is now played by Robert Scott Wilson), and he is the husband of Emmy-nominated actress Melissa Ordway ("The Young and The Restless"). 

He also appeared as the male love interest in Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video.

Gaston starred in the Great American Family faith-based movie "God's Country Song," which premiered in August 2024.

Feel Good Interview Series: Gianni DeCenzo of "Cobra Kai" - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Gianni DeCenzo is a 22-year-old actor, who stars as Demetri Alexopoulos in the hit TV series "Cobra Kai." DeCenzo shared nine of his favorite things about himself.

The latest season of "Cobra Kai" just premiered in July 2024 on the streaming service Netflix, and it peaked at No. 1 worldwide. The first five episodes of Season 6 were released, and the other remaining episodes will be released at later dates.

Gianne DeCenzo's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies include "I Love You Phillip Morris," "The Nice Guys," and "The Notebook." "I like 'I Love you Phillip Morris' with Jim Carrey, who is really amazing in it and it’s not as well-known as some of his other movies,” he said. "I also like 'The Nice Guys' with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe and 'The Notebook' is my favorite sappy romance… it’s a total classic.”

Feel Good Interview Series: Jake Foy of Hallmark's "Ride" and "More Together" Short Film — 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Canadian actor Jake Foy starred in the Hallmark family western series "Ride" as Tuff McMurray, the on-screen son of Nancy Travis (who played Isabel McMurray). This role marked Hallmark's first-ever gay cowboy character. Foy is known for his role as King James in Reign, and for playing Felix Silva in "Designated Survivor."

Most recently, he directed and co-wrote the film "More Together." The synopsis is: After years of best friendship, teenage Tom and Lucy finally surrender to spending the night together. As their new love blossoms, and Lucy’s ‘time of the month’ is late, the pair are forced to face the music of adulthood head-on.

Foy shared nine interesting and fun things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: American Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnast Carly Patterson Shares 10 Things About Herself and Offers Advice to Young Athletes

By: Markos Papadatos

In honor of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, this Powerjournalist spotlights Carly Patterson, who shares some interesting and fun facts about herself.

Her mantel holds three Olympic medals (one gold and two siler). She won the All-Around gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. This made her the first American woman to win the title in two decades, and she also took home silver medals for balance beam, and the Women’s team competition.

Paterson also holds the distinction of being the first American woman to win the All-Around gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics in a non-boycotted Olympic Games. She is also an inductee of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2009, and the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in the Class of 2024.

A Bevy of Authors Coming to Bookends - Ian O'Connor, Caroline Manzo, Bethany Joy Lenz, Henry Winkler, Bobby Flay, Tim Matheson, Tamron Hall, Kenny G, Mike Keenan, Stassi Schrooder & More - Something for Everyone

New York Times Best-selling author Ian O'Connor (and friend of SuzeeBehindtheScenes!) leads an all-star line-up of authors coming over to Bookends Bookstore for book signings in Ridgewood NJ now through fall. If you're not familiar with Bookends, it's an independently-owned bookstore in Northern New Jersey a half hour from New York City or a short train ride with plenty of parking. It regularly hosts some of the most popular authors from around the country. Book purchasers get a good seat to hear from the authors and are almost always allowed pics with the authors.

Ian O'Connor is headed to Bookends on August 26th at 1pm to talk about and sign his new book, "Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers." On that Saturday he will be joined by Jets star and current longtime radio analyst Marty Lyons, a member of the team's Ring of Honor. WFAN radio legend & Jets superfan for a spirited discussion of Aaron and the prospects for the Jets this year.

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor Barry Brewer of Tyler Perry's 'Bruh' - From Movies to Food.. Get to Know Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Barry Brewer is an actor who plays the lead role of John Watts in Tyler Perry's Bruh series. Season 4 premiered on July 18th, 2024. John revealed 11 of his favorite things and facts about himself.

John Watts' Favorite Movies

His favorite films are Life, Bad Boys, and Coming to America. "I pretty much like Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence movies," he said.

Axial Theater Presents a Special Workshop Reading of Eric Conger's The Park at Manhattan Theater Club Creative Center

Axial Theater Execuive Director Cady McClain is pleased to announce the a special workshop reading of a new play by Eric Conger in New York City, August 1st and 2nd at 6pm at the Manhattan Theater Club Creative Center. i s about a small town being overcome by a "national park". For more details on this show and for more on Axial Theater's upcoming events see below.

Feel-Good interview Series: Josh Kelly of General Hospital, Transformers and More - 10 Things You May Not Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Josh Kelly is known for playing the role of Cody Bell on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital.” Previously, he played Cutter Wentworth on the defunct ABC daytime drama “One Life to Live.”

Kelly also appeared in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” He starred on the Lifetime TV series UnREAL. He went on to share nine exciting things about himself.

Josh Kelly's Favorite Movies

On his favorite movies, he said, “The Princess Bride, Rocky, The Incredibles, and last year, my favorite was Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Feel-Good Interview Series: Levi Miller of "Before Dawn", "Pan," and More... 10 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos, Powerjournalist

Australian actor Levi Miller (known for starring as Peter Pan in "Pan"), shared some of his favorite things. He is also known for his acting work in "Better Watch Out," "A Wrinkle in Time" and "Jasper Jones."

His new war film "Before Dawn" is in theaters and available on digital as of Friday, July 19, 2024 via Well Go USA

Levi's Favorite Movies

Miller revealed that his favorite movies are “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” as well as “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Gladiator,” and “Thank You for Smoking.”

Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know British actor William Moseley of Murder Company, Chronicles of Narnia, Hallmark & More -10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #powerjournalist

British actor William Moseley is known for his acting work in The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy, as well as for playing Prince Liam in the E! series The Royals.

In 2022, he played Edgar Allan Poe in Raven's Hollow, while this past winter, he starred in the Hallmark holiday movie Christmas in Notting Hill. 

On July 5, 2024, he stars in the war movie Murder Company opposite Gilles Marini, Kelsey Grammer, Jilon VanOVer, Pooch Hall, and Joe Anderson.

Feel-Good Interview Series: Countess Luann from 'The Real Housewives of New York City -10 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Countess Luann is a "Bravo" TV personality, singer, model, and author. Born Luann de Lesseps, she is best known as an original cast member of the reality TV series The Real Housewives of New York City on Bravo. 

She has also been performing her cabaret show live in venues all across the country and the globe to favorable reviews.

Countess Luann's Favorite Film

Her favorite movie is An Officer and A Gentleman with Richard Gere. “It’s old but I love it,” she said with a sweet laugh.

General Hospital's Johnny Wactor Honored and Remembered at 'A Mile for Johnny Wactor' at Strawberry Fields - More on His Life, Legacy

By: Markos Papadatos

On Saturday, June 29th, a “Mile for Johnny Wactor” took place in New York’s Strawberry Fields at Central Park. 21 dedicated and close Johnny Wactor fans gathered for this poignant event, many of which were dressed in Johnny Wactor shirts that read “Always Loved” and “Forever Missed.”

This Central Park walk in the East Coast was happening at the same day as the West Coast one in North Hollywood Park (where over 500 people gathered) to pay their respects to Johnny Wactor, which was organized by his actor friend Micah Joe Parker and Jeremy Luke.

Feel Good Interview Series: Gilles Marini of Devious Maids, Days of Our Lives & More - 9 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Actor and model Gilles Marini is known for his acting work in such television shows as Brothers & Sisters, Switched at Birth and Devious Maids. He was also known for competing in the dancing reality competition "Dancing with the Stars," and he appeared in the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives." He also appeared in "Sex and the City " as Samantha's neighbor.

He had recurring roles on “Two Broke Girls,” “Teen Wolf,” “Castle,” “Modern Family,” “Dare Devil,” “Devious Maids” and “Hot in Cleveland. Most recently, he starred in the Hallmark mystery film "Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch."

Read on to find out nine interesting and fun things about him.

His Favorite Movies 

His favorite films include City of God, First Blood with Sylvester Stallone, Double Impact, and The Fifth Element.

Feel Good Interview Series: Jonathan Jackson of General Hospital: 10 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Jonathan Jackson is known for playing the role of Lucky Spencer in the ABC soap opera “General Hospital,” the son of supercouple Luke and Laura, which earned him five Daytime Emmy Awards. 

Jackson is also known for his roles in the motion pictures “The Deep End of the Ocean,” “Tuck Everlasting,” “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,” and “Riding the Bullet,” as well as for starring in the hit TV series “Nashville. 

Jackson is also a gifted musician in his own right... and he recently starred in the faith-based movie "Unsung Hero." He went on to reveal some of his favorite things.

Feel Good Interview Series: Kevin Alejandro of 'Fire Country,' 'True Blood' and 'Arrow' - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos

Actor Kevin Alejandro stars in the CBS drama series “Fire Country,” which had its season finale in May. He is also known for his acting work in such series as “True Blood,” “Arrow” on The CW, “Lucifer,” “Southland,” and “Parenthood.”

Alejandro went on to share nine interesting and fun things about himself.

Favorite movies

In the movies department, Alejandro shared that he is "old-school." "I love the 'Rocky' movies and the stories that they tell. They are about how hard you can get hit and get back up again," he said.

PANG SPA Presented by Chalk Repertory Theater Now Running

It's the final weekend for Pang Spa presented by the Chalk Repertory Theater at Atwater Village Theater in LA. Stars Ben Carrol, Christopher Callen, Hahn Cho, Dian Kobayashi, Edward Hong and Jasmine Kimiko. 

Synopsis: Daniel Pang returns home to LA's Koreatown stepping into an unexpected life. Twenty years after the LA Riots, the family business is gone, his brother is gone, and his parents are disappearing with dementia. As Daniel juggles his parents' care and idiosyncratic neighbors a flinty young army vet arrives on a mission forcing him to confront his past. PANG SPA is a Los Angeles, K-town dramedy celebrating family, memory and identity through a journey of healing. For tickets: https://www.chalkrep.com/

Feel-Good Interview Series: Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees - Ten Things to Know about Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Jeff Timmons is the founding member of the Grammy-nominated boy band 98 Degrees. He shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Throughout his career, he has been nominated for a Grammy Award (for "Thank God I Found You" with Mariah Carey and Joe), Billboard Music Award, Kids' Choice Awards, and multiple Teen Choice Awards (winning one) as a member of 98 Degrees. Timmons has also done several acting jobs, which include Dead 7 and Baking Up Love.

Concert Review: Peace, Love and Understanding, the Stiff Little Fingers Way – Ireland’s answer to The Clash

By Rob Curry

As many of us have learned, it takes a lot of work to stay passionate about something. Whether it is your religious or political beliefs, your profession, or your hobby. I have to imagine the same thing applies to bands. So it is remarkable that Jake Burns and Stiff Little Fingers have been singing passionately about justice and overcoming intolerance for over 45 years. After seeing them at NYC’s Webster Hall for the seventh time over forty years, I have to say they are still bringing that same passion to their music and issues today as they did back in the early days of the band.

Stiff Little Fingers (SLF) burst on the scene in 1979 with “Alternative Ulster” which appeared on the classic Rough Trade compilation “Wanna Buy a Bridge”. Hailing from Northern Ireland they experienced firsthand the “troubles” that both Catholics and Protestants had to deal with on a day-to-day basis. They didn’t make much of it, but SLF was made up of both Catholics and Protestants members. So, while many of their songs like “Alternative Ulster” are political they also remarkably are able to not take sides but push for solutions that can satisfy both groups.

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor and Author Steve Guttenberg - 11 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Steve Guttenberg is a beloved Hollywood actor who is known for his acting work in Diner, Police Academy, Short Circuit, Three Men and a Baby, and such TV shows as Ballers and Veronica Mars. He has earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his movies have grossed billions of dollars at the global box office.

Guttenberg just released his new book "Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero." He went on to share 11 interesting things about himself.

Favorite Movies

His favorite movies are The Graduate, The Great Escape, Water for Elephants, as well as the first Rocky and Star Wars movies.

Feel Good Interview Series: Candace Cameron Bure: ‘The Queen of Christmas and More Shares 10 Things About Herself

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Candace Cameron Bure is affectionately known as "The Queen of Christmas," and rightfully so. She is known worldwide for her role as DJ Tanner in "Full House" and "Fuller House."

She is also the Chief Creative Officer of Great American Family, where she serves as an executive producer and female lead on many of its movies. Her newest film "Unsung Hero" was released on April 26^th via Lionsgate.

Bure is also an ambitious businesswoman who boasts a wide range of entrepreneurial endeavors such as: Candy Rock Entertainment, lucrative partnerships with brands like QVC, Dr. Lancer as well many more. In 2021, she launched her size-inclusive clothing line, Candace Cameron Bure, in partnership with QVC.

Remembering Johnny Wactor: His Last Interview by Markos Papadatos - 8 Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Editor's Note: We send our condolences to all of those who knew and loved Johnny Wactor, including our writer Markos Papadatos. Thank you Markos for this interview, which at times is hard to read because he not only was enjoying his life but had so much more to give.

The late Johnny Wactor passed away tragically on May 25, 2024. In this chat with me, he recalled some of his favorite things.

Johnny's Illustrious Career

He played the role of Brando Corbin on the ABC daytime drama "General Hospital." Wactor was known for being a genuine, warm, loving, and kind person. His death shocked not only the daytime community but the global entertainment community, and tributes came pouring in from all over the world.

Herflix- The Platform for Women to Livestream the Red Carpet Live from Cannes Film Festival May 15

Herflix, the platform for, by and about women is livestreaming the Red Carpet at Cannes, May 15, 2024 at 7:30 Paris time. You can watch all the action on Herflix.com. To find out the details, click the RSVP button below or go to HerflixCannes. Herflix streams the biggest and best movies about women with no subscription needed. To watch visit Herflix.com. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Rory Gibson of "The Young and The Restless'" and "Rebel Moon" - 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Rory Gibson joined the cast of the multi-Emmy award-winning show "The Young and The Restless" back in October of 2021 as Noah Newman, the son of the iconic characters Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon Newman (Sharon Case).

New York's Axial Theater Presents "Safehouse Series" Collection of New Play Readings, Also Seeking Submissions

 Axial Theater of New York presents its Safehouse Series of full-length play readings of new plays as part of Axial's commitment to new playwrights. Axial Theater is a professional ensemble based not-for-profit theater company currently in its 24th season. There is a suggested donation of $10 for students (or free) and $20 for others for each reading. Please keep in mind that donations are always needed to support the work of the theater and nurturing new artists, You can donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/3ba61f45-e80a-498d-8655-eaa7341d19a8

Feel-Good Interview of the Amazing 94 Year Old Academy Award Nominee June Squibb - 9 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

June Squibb is a veteran of the American film, TV and theatre industry. She scored a "Best Supporting Actress" nomination for her acting work in "Nebraska" back in 2013. She has also appeared in "About Schmidt," "Alice," "In & Out," "I'll See You in My Dreams," and she did voiceover work for "Toy Story 4" and "Inside Out 2."

Squibb has also has recurring roles in such TV series as "Ghost Whisperer," "The Young and The Restless," "Shameless" and "Good Girls," among others.

With her Oscar-nominated performance in "Nebraska," Squibb is the fourth oldest nominee in the history of the Academy Awards (at 84 years old). The late Gloria Stuart and Judi Dench hold the record for being the oldest nominees ever at 87 years old. The entertainment icon went on to share nine fun and exciting things about herself.

NY/NJ Event: WABCTV's Nina Peneda, Prana Marketing's Angela Thomas, Podcaster Jamie Hess and More Speak at Women For Women Today Event in NJ

Feel empowered, inspired and get to connect with other women at the Women For Women Today event at the Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, NJ - a short drive from Manhattan. Hear a bevy of successful women speak about what drives them and give tips on how you can achieve success in your life - whatever your definition of it may be. Proceeds benefit the Women's Rights Center of Englewood. The event is presented by Tracy Verrico. See below for more information and schedule. For tickets and more go to WomenforWomemToday.com.

NY/NJ Area Event: Whoopi Goldberg (7-28), Joan Baez, Darius Rucker, Adam Nimoy, Tyler Florence and More to Sign Books at Bookends in NJ

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Whoopee! Whoopi Goldberg and a bevy of authors are headed to Bookends in Ridgewood NJ, a short train ride from Manhattan. Bookends offers a great environment to see and meet the authors. Whoopi Goldberg will be there on July 28th to sign copies of her new book "Bits and Pieces". Other authors and personalities coming include Hannah Brown,  Gary Meyers with Harry Carson and Leonard Marshall, Darius Rucker, Tyler Florence, Adam Nimoy and Joan Baez. Check the website for updates as new authors are added throughout the year: http://www.book-ends.com/

NY/NJ Area Event: Non-Profit TEEEM Holds Inaugural Taste of TEEEM Event May 22 in Paramus, Free Ticketed Event Open to Public Features Food, Exhibits.

Ridgewood NJ - The non-profit TEEEM will hold its inaugural event entitled "A Taste of TEEEM" on May 22, 2024 at The Terrace at Biagio's in Paramus, NJ from 6:00pm - 9:00pm EST. This night of food and exhibits will celebrate TEEEM's student changemakers who are empowering communities around the world and showcase the impact TEEEM makes.  

A Taste of TEEEM is a free event open to the public but tickets must be reserved. There will be food, drink, awards and activities. For a ticket visit: www.teeem.org. For questions regarding A Taste of TEEEM contact: Taylor DeMaio at taylor@teeem.org.

Feel-Good Interview: Broadway's Ryan Vasquez of "The Notebook", "Hamilton" , "Waitress", and More - 8 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Ryan Vasquez stars as "Middle Noah" in the new musical "The Notebook" on Broadway opposite Joy Woods as the "Middle Allie." He has starred in Broadway productions of "Hamilton," "The Wrong Man," "Waitress," "Wicked," as well as "Water for Elephants" in Georgia, and "The Outsiders" production in California.
For his performance in "The Wrong Man," Vasquez earned a Drama Desk nomination for "Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musica" back in 2020. In addition, he writes and produces his own music. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Jesse Metcalfe of Desperate Housewives, Chesapeake Shores, Hallmark Movies, John Tucker Must Die and so much more... 9 Things to Know About Him

By: Markos Papadatos, #Powerjournalist

Metcalfe is known for playing John Rowland in the series Desperate Housewives, as well as Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on Passions, and the titular character in John Tucker Must Die. 

He also starred as Christopher Ewing in the TNT reboot of Dallas, which is based on the 1978 series of the same name. From 2016 until 2021, he starred as Trace Riley in the popular Hallmark series Chesapeake Shores. Metcalfe shared nine fun, interesting and exciting things about himself.

His Favorite Movie

He listed Pulp Fiction as his all-time favorite movie.   

Origin Theater 1st Irish Festival Runs March 23 - April 28th in NYC Featuring a Bevy of Irish Productions

Origin 1^st Irish 2024, running from Mar 23 to April 28, presents 15 new plays in a mix of productions from Ireland and New York! 

1/ Festival mainstay, Dublin’s Fishamble: The New Play Company returns to 59E59 Theaters with their 10^th Festival production, “King,” written by and starring Pat Kinevane, about Luther, an Elvis impersonator living alone in Cork, who, on a big night out, reflects on his past and dares to dream of the future… maybe even a romance. Runs in Theater B Mar 26 to Apr 14.