To look upon the face of Claire Danes is to discover an exquisitely expressive canvas for all the emotional colorings of life. This remarkably self-possessed young performer brought startling authenticity as well as intelligence and complexity to her starring role in the landmark high school/family drama "My So-Called Life" (ABC, 1994-95). Danes' often heartrending portrayal of a fifteen-year-old coping with the rigors of adolescence contributed to the cult series' avalanche of kudos and won a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nod for its rising star. The low-rated, short-lived program counted Steven Spielberg and Winona Ryder among its followers.

 Christopher Walken is that rare actor who made the successful transition from child player to adult star. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens, he studied dance as a youngster and, from the age of 10, appeared in live musicals and dramas in the so-called "Golden Age of Television" in the 1950s. (He also occasionally traded off with his brother Glenn playing the character of Mike Bauer on the CBS daytime serial "Guiding Light" between 1954 and 1956.) The tall, angular blue-eyed performer was in his mid-teens when he made his Broadway debut (then billed as 'Ronnie' (short for Ronald) Walken) in Archibald MacLeish's award-winning verse play "J.B." in 1959.

 Despite having all the necessary tools to become a star – looks, talent, presence – actor Christian Bale lacked one necessary ingredient at the start of his career: tolerance for being in the spotlight. After achieving instant celebrity after being tapped by Steven Spielberg to star in his epic period film, “Empire of the Sun” (1987), Bale suddenly discovered that he hated dealing with publicity. Instead of faking his way through interviews and junkets, he mentally bailed out, sometimes sitting through an entire session without answering, and occasionally flat out refusing to participate. But as he got older, he realized that the publicity aspect of acting was vital to his success, so he grew more and more comfortable with every new career landmark – “Little Women” (1994), “American Psycho” (2000) and “Batman Begins” (2005), chief among them.

 A gifted performer who developed her talent at a young age, Cate Blanchett grew into exceptional actress who achieved international acclaim with her stunning Oscar-nominated turn as a young Elizabeth I in Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth” (1998). Prior to that role, the engaging Australian found herself thrust in the spotlight with just her third feature, "Oscar and Lucinda" (1997), starring opposite Ralph Fiennes. As the headstrong proto-feminist heiress whose penchant for gambling draws her to a clergyman with the same predilections, Cate Blanchett delivered a star-making performance that garnered the attention of filmdom’s most esteemed directors. Alluring, yet elusive and possessing an innate intelligence coupled with malleable features – she sometimes seemed plain, but beautiful, often in the same shot – the actress quickly rose to international fame to become one of Hollywood’s most respected and revered talents.

Saying that a man who directed “Raging Bull,” “Taxi Driver,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “The Departed,” and many more has helmed some great films isn’t exactly stepping out onto a ledge. Saying that that very same man’s best work is in front of him? Now we’re talking!

Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island,” (or “Ashecliffe,” we’re not exactly sure) is shaping up to be one of the famed director’s best, co-star Mark Ruffalo said.

Perhaps no actress had a faster ride to the top than Cameron Diaz, who was launched into stardom with “The Mask” (1994), her first-ever onscreen performance. Though originally slated for a minor role, Diaz won over the movie’s producers with her unique charm and looks, and took on the lead actress role with verve.

Video-'Revolutionary Road'

TheMovingPicture.net found this 30 hours ago on www.traileraddict.com

Find more top entertainment news, videos, and blogs on ShowHype: Movies, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio

The Official Leonardo DiCaprio Web Site 2008 Greenhour Corporation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Use of this Web site assumes acceptance of the Terms of Use . Web site maintained by Tree Media Group ,

/Film found this 10 hours ago on leonardodicaprio.com

Find more top entertainment news, videos, and blogs on ShowHype: Movies, Leonardo DiCaprio

 An appealing blonde actress who got her start in projects pairing her with twin sister Cynthia, fresh-faced energetic performer Brittany Daniel went from teen model to young actress when she stopped growing at a relatively short 5'7". Appearing on the short-lived syndicated daytime drama "Swans Crossing" failed to jumpstart her career, but this onetime Doublemint twin found fame as Jessica, the wilder half of the Wakefield twins on "Sweet Valley High", the syndicated series based on Francine Pascal's long-running young adult book series.

Born on February 9th 1974, Amber Valletta, despite her exotic name, is American, having been born in Tucson, Arizona. Her parents soon moved from Tucson to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Amber was raised. Growing up, Amber wanted initially to become a sociologist and work in the social scope. But her life took a different, albeit blessed, turn and she ended up in a very different career. Knowing that her little girl's beauty stood out among the rest, her mother enrolled her in a modeling school at 15 years old.