Minka Kelly

WHY IS SHE FAMOUS

We first fell in love with Minka Kelly when she was shaking her pompons with Panther pride as head cheerleader Lyla Garrity on the epically underrated series Friday Night Lights. Kelly’s character has since graduated, but unfortunately her career has not. With all the tools of a leading lady (charisma, sex appeal and acting chops), Kelly has been stuck in Hollywood’s version of purgatory; a string of guest roles on mediocre shows, and an inability to transition to the big screen. With the 30-year-old’s window of opportunity dwindling fast, Esquire magazine decided to name Kelly its coveted “Sexiest Woman Alive,” a title that was previously awarded to more established actresses like Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie. Could this be the career CPR Kelly has been looking for, or was it just an excuse for the folks at Esquire to get Derek Jeter’s girlfriend in her underwear? Either way, we win.

Minka Kelly Quote
" It blows my mind that anyone could be unkind to anyone. The guy clearing our plates is a person. I don't care if you're sweeping the floor. I don't care if you're cleaning my toilet."
90 SEX APPEAL

There’s no denying that Minka Kelly is sexy. She’s like, five-alarm sexy. Minka Kelly is so sexy she’s zexy. From her days as quarterback-kissing Lyla Garrity on Friday Night Lights, to her brief appearance as a light at the end of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s tunnel in the indie smash (500) Days of Summer, Kelly has been igniting school boy crushes in men of all ages (go on, ask your dad). But much like her character in FNL, Kelly only goes for star athletes, in this case Derek Jeter, who she’s been dating since 2008. We wonder how the notoriously private Yankee feels about his girlfriend appearing on the cover of Esquire -- bare midriff and all -- as their most recent “Sexiest Woman Alive.” Tell you what, Derek: Give us one of your World Series rings and we promise not to look. Maybe.
65 SUCCESS

Minka Kelly’s career got off to a promising start when she landed a lead role in Peter Berg’s small screen adaptation of his big screen hit Friday Night Lights. The aspiring nurse and struggling actress suddenly found herself part of a young, talented, smoldering ensemble on a critically acclaimed show that no one watched.

After she left the show, Kelly’s career never picked up the steam that many had predicted, and save for bit parts in films like The Kingdom, (500) Days of Summer and the NBC series Parenthood, Kelly was almost as well known for being Derek Jeter’s girlfriend as she was for her acting career. Then, like an angel sent from heaven, Esquire magazine decided to name Kelly its “Sexiest Woman Alive” providing the actress with a flurry of press and name recognition along the way. With past cover girls that include Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson and Kate Beckinsale, as well as her first big screen leading role in the thriller The Roommate, Minka Kelly’s road to superstardom just got a bit shorter. Did we mention she's also playing Eve French in the upcoming TV series Charlie's Angels?

MINKA KELLY BIOGRAPHY

As Lyla Garrity on Friday Night Lights, Minka Kelly was a picture of perfection: head cheerleader, dating the high school quarterback, born again Christian, and eventual college student. It was hard to believe that Kelly’s own upbringing didn’t somehow mirror her coming of age on the show. Well, not quite.

Kelly was born out of wedlock; her mother was an exotic dancer in Vegas and her father a sometime guitarist for Aerosmith. Kelly was raised by her mother in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and her childhood was, in her own words, “pretty rough” (Stinka Smelly rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?). But with the support of her mother -- with whom she was close -- Kelly graduated high school and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business.
Minka Kelly Says No To A Career In Modeling
During a model casting, Minka Kelly was approached by a former Playmate, who offered to manage the young ingenue. The plan was to have Kelly work as a receptionist at a plastic surgeon’s office until she earned herself a pair of fake breasts, making her a shoo-in for Playboy’s Playmate of the Year honors. The only problem was that Kelly liked the way she looked, and canceled the surgery days before it was scheduled. Instead, she decided to pursue a career in nursing, and save for a few small roles on some bargain-bin television shows, Kelly seemed destined for a life of changing diapers and bedsheets.
Minka Kelly Stars On Friday Night Lights
In an industry that fetishizes youth, a 26-year-old Minka Kelly was already over-the-hill when she was cast as head cheerleader Lyla Garrity in NBC’s football drama Friday Night Lights, especially since she was charged with the task of playing a high school student. But play her she did, with as much conviction, poise and heart as some of Hollywood’s most seasoned actresses. Even The New York Times called the young actress’ performance “heartbreaking.”

When Kelly left the show after four seasons, she had all the momentum of most young actresses coming off hit shows, except that she was already pushing 30, and the offers weren’t coming in. Bit parts opposite Jamie Foxx in The Kingdom and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in (500) Days of Summer proved that Kelly was equipped with the tools to command the big screen, but the offers just weren’t coming.
Minka Kelly Is Named Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive
Past winners of Esquire’s “Sexiest Woman Alive” have starred in films like Match Point, Monster’s Ball and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They’ve worked with directors like Woody Allen, Oliver Stone and Paul Haggis. They’ve been nominated for and won Oscars. This year’s winner has appeared in episodes of American Dreams, What I Like About You and Parenthood. Her current claim to fame is her relationship with one of the winningest baseball players of all time, Derek Jeter. OK, so maybe we’re being a little hard on Minka Kelly. Her figure is near perfect and her face is liable to start wars, but isn’t she just a more syrupy version of another brunette whose name rhymes with Fegan Mox?

Perhaps her selection was Esquire’s way of “thinking outside the box” or maybe no A-list actress was willing to appear on the cover, for fear that it might forever relegate them to that dreaded “sexpot” category, vanquishing all aspirations of a serious acting career (even Angelina Jolie has trouble playing anything other than a seductress). Whatever the case may be, we’re sure Minka Kelly isn’t complaining.
Minka Kelly On Charlie's Angels
The best reason to look forward to fall TV? Minka Kelly will star as Eve French on Charlie's Angels.

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Amy Winehouse to be buried tomorrow

 Amy Winehouse's funeral will take place tomorrow (July 27, Manila time).

The 27-year-old singer—who was found dead at her north London home on Saturday (July 23)—will be laid to rest in a private ceremony for her loved ones, a family spokesperson has confirmed.

The representative refused to give details of the time or location for the service. Jewish customs normally require a funeral to take place within 24 hours of death.

However, Amy's had to be delayed in order for post-mortem examinations to be carried out.

Her inquest was opened and immediately adjourned at London's St Pancras Coroner's Court today (July 25) in order to prevent further delays in the burial.

Assistant Deputy Coroner Suzanne Greenaway told the two-minute hearing: "I'm formally opening this inquest. I'm issuing interim certificates to allow Miss Winehouse's family to make arrangements for the funeral."

Sharon Duff, Coroner's Officer at St Pancras Coroner's Court, had earlier told the hearing: "I bring before you the death of Amy Jade Winehouse, aged 27, born on the 14 September 1983 in London.

"She was a divorced lady living at Camden Square, NW1. She was certified dead at her home by a paramedic and a doctor on July 23.

"She was a singer/songwriter at the time of her death and was identified by her family here at St Pancras this morning. A section 20 post mortem has been carried out and histology and toxicology taken to determine the cause of death.

"The scene was investigated by police and determined non-suspicious."

The case has now been adjourned until October 26.

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Blake Lively "very much in love" with Leonardo DiCaprio

 Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio looked "very much in love" as they were spotted on a shopping spree in California.


The couple—who were first linked together at the Cannes Film Festival in France in May—put reports of a split behind them as they shopped for sunglasses in Santa Barbara on Wednesday (July 20). A source told USMagazine.com: "They seemed very much in love. They were in the store for about 10 minutes before a crowd of fans noticed them and they rushed out."

This is the latest in a string of dates Leonardo, 35, has whisked the Gossip Girl beauty away on.

Despite the fact the couple have refused to confirm their relationship, they have been seen together on a yacht in Disneyland, California, and on a water taxi in Venice, Italy.

Leonardo also treated the 23-year-old actress to a helicopter ride to Saint-Paul de Vence, France for a $500-lunch at La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, a stay at the $5,000-a-night suite at Hotel de Paris and a trip on a $52-million yacht. Friends have revealed the 'Inception' star is determined to please Blake.

A source recently said: "I've never seen him like this with a girl."

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Justin Timberlake reportedly reunites with Jessica Biel

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are reportedly giving their relationship "another shot."

The couple broke up after four years together in March but are said to be reconciling because 30-year-old Justin—who has previously dated Britney Spears and Cameron Diaz—decided being single was not as good as he thought it would be. A source told Usmagazine.com: "They've been quietly seeing each other again. They have been talking the whole time and decided to give it another shot. Jessica really wanted to get back together with him and Justin realised single life is not what it's cracked up to be."

The pair enjoyed a meal out at the Black Hoof restaurant in Toronto on Sunday (July 3), where they ate a plate of pork tacos.

The source added: "They're just spending time together and taking things slowly."

However, singer-and-actor Justin recently revealed he "enjoyed" meeting new women and doesn't look for any "particular" qualities in a partner.

He said: "I don't know that I'm looking for anything in particular.

"I think people are people and I enjoy meeting them. I don't know that there's a particular quality in a woman I would go for over any other.

"I think there's too much being made these days about being 'single' or 'not single'. There's too much drama about it when it really shouldn't be much of an issue at all.

"I'm just enjoying exploring my life right now and wherever that path ends up will be OK because that's where I'll have wanted it to end up."

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Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman names her son Alef

Natalie Portman has named her baby son Alef.

The Oscar-winning actress and her fiancé, choreographer Benjamin Millepied, have named their first child—who was born last month—after the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet.

According to Israeli TV show Good Evening with Guy Pines, the Jewish actress decided to pay homage to her motherland with the moniker, which also means the "oneness of God."

Meanwhile, the couple—who met on the set of Black Swan—have decided their son will adopt both their last names with the surname Portman-Millepied.

Prior to the birth of baby Alef, who is yet to be seen in public, Natalie admitted her Jewish ancestry had caused her to be "superstitious."

She explained: "I think it's a Jewish thing to be kind of superstitious. You don't do any of the baby stuff before the baby arrives."

Throughout her pregnancy Natalie paid tribute to her parents Avner and Shelley Hershlag, saying she hoped to look after her child in the same way that she was brought up.

She said: "If I am a shadow as good a parent, an echo, then I will be the best in the world, so thank you."

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Justin Bieber goes on a camping trip with his family

Justin Bieber has gone on a camping trip with his family.

The teen singing sensation—who is currently dating Selena Gomez—is enjoying spending quality time with his nearest and dearest "literally in the middle of nowhere."

Writing on his twitter page, he said: "Enjoying time with my family literally in the middle of nowhere, but this nowhere place is pretty beautiful. "On the water about to have a camp fire. Camping is legit. (sic)"

Family is very close to the 17-year-old star's heart, as last Christmas he revealed his one festive wish was to spend the holiday season with his loved ones.

He said: "What's at the top of my Christmas list? To celebrate the holidays with my family."

Justin recently introduced Selena—who he has been dating since earlier in the year—to his family in his home town on Stratford, Ontario.

An onlooker said: "Justin and Selena had lunch with Justin's cousins and his aunt and uncle. They were really sweet and make an adorable couple.

"They looked happy and in love. They acted just like everyday people, very down-to-earth. Justin is part of the community, he's one of us and is as friendly as can be."

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Chord Overstreet Still Welcome On ‘Glee’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
Despite the reports, Chord Overstreet is still welcome in the halls of “Glee’s” McKinley High.

A source told TV Line that the blond actor, who plays Sam, is still wanted on the program, but he has just not been made a “series regular” alongside Darren Criss and Harry Shum Jr. “His option to be a series regular was just not picked up at this time,” the source clarified. “If Chord wants to appear on ‘Glee,’ the choice is his. The ‘Glee’ writers like his Sam character, and have plans to write for him. He and his reps have been told that he is welcome back to ‘Glee,’ and everyone hopes he will show up on August 10 when filming begins.”

Gleeks were left stunned last week when a spokesperson for FOX confirmed to Access Hollywood that Chord had not been promoted to series regular, and might only return as an occasional guest star..

In TV Line’s new report, published on the site on Wednesday, the source told the website that Chord could very well become a series regular in the future.

“If Chord has a great season, which we expect he will, then he will become a regular like Harry, possibly as early as January,” the source said.

Chord has yet to address the latest news on Twitter, but last week, he Tweeted, “Well its been a good yr too bad its over. Time for summer and starting fresh,” leading many to believe he was writing about his part on the show.
The Tweet also came on the heels of the “Glee” tour wrapping up.

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Chris Brown dominates BET Awards; picks up four trophies

Chris Brown picked up four prizes at the BET Awards last Sunday night (June 26).

The 22-year-old singer's track "Look at Me Now"—a collaboration with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes—was awarded the Viewers' Choice, Collaboration and Video of the Year accolades, while he also personally took home the Male R&B Artist honor. However, he almost failed to receive the Viewers Choice prize after a technical error meant it was initially awarded to Rihanna—the ex-girlfriend he was convicted of assaulting in 2009—with her pal Drake stepping up to accept the trophy in her absence, though the mistake was corrected at the end of the evening.

Speaking afterwards, Chris said: "I know it's been a long road, so I just appreciate every blessing that's been in front of me."

Other winners at the ceremony—which recognizes the achievements of African Americans and other minorities—included Willow Smith and her brother Jaden, who were jointly honored with the Young Star accolade.

During her speech, Willow paid tribute to her famous parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, thanking them for "letting us push harder and keeping us on track with our music and stuff."

Kanye West and Nicki Minaj won the Male and Female Hip-Hop Artist prizes, The Wire actor Idris Elba, tennis star Serena Williams and British rapper Tinie Tempah.

Performers at the event, which took place at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, included Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, Cee-Lo Green and Chris Brown.

Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg performed as part of a memorial segment that recognized the passing of Nate Dogg, Teena Marie, Clarence Clemons, and Gil Scott Heron, among others.

The ceremony ended with Beyonce Knowles' performance at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, South West England, that was beamed into the auditorium.

BET Awards 2011 full list of winners:

Viewers' Choice: "Look at Me Now," Chris Brown, featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes

Male R&B artist: Chris Brown

Female R&B artist: Rihanna

Male hip-hop artist: Kanye West

Female hip-hop artist: Nicki Minaj

Collaboration: "Look at Me Now," Chris Brown, featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes

New artist: Wiz Khalifa

Group: Diddy-Dirty Money

Video of the year: "Look at Me Now," Chris Brown, featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes

Video director the year: Chris Robinson

Young Star (tie): Willow and Jaden Smith

Actor: Idris Elba

Actress: Taraji P. Henson

Movie: For Colored Girls

Gospel: Mary Mary

Centric: Marsha Ambrosius

Sportsman: Michael Vick

Sportswoman: Serena Williams

International act (UK): Tinie Tempah

International act (Africa) (tie): 2Face Idibia (Nigeria), D'Banj (Nigeria)

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Kim Kardashian to wed Kris Humphries in August

Kim Kardashian is reportedly going to get married in early August.

The socialite recently got engaged to basketball player Kris Humphries and the couple have told family and friends they will be tying the knot in just over two months time. A source told PopEater.com: "The date that close friends of the family are being given is toward the beginning of August. They are looking at private estates in Los Angeles, since location will make it much easier for guests flying in to attend."

One person who does know the exact date is TV host and Kardashian family friend Kathie Lee Gifford, but she is remaining tight-lipped on the specific day.

Kathie said: "I've been told a particular date. Darn right I'm going to that wedding!"

Kim's mother Kris Jenner has thrown herself into planning her 30-year-old daughter's wedding and she is determined for it the best day of Kim's life.

A family friend revealed: "Kris wants time to plan and prepare and make sure the entire family has time to enjoy getting ready for the big day. Kris deserves this moment... and she fully intends to make sure every detail is just perfect."

The nuptials are set to be televised on E! in a two-hour special.

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Nina Jose

Nina Jose Biography: Nina Jose was introduced in the Philippine Showbiz Industry when she became a housemate at the Pinoy Big Brother Teen  Edition Season 1. She gained a number of fans due to her charismatic appeal especially to the male viewers. Nina Jose was born on August 26, 1988. She used to live as a rich kid until her grandfather died years ago. She also joined a number of modeling stints while she was studying. She admitted that there was a time in her life wherein she became anorexic.

She was the fourth housemate to be evicted on the first season of PBBTE and was romantically linked first to Gerald Anderson and later on to Fred Payawan.

She appeared on a number of shows like Your Song and Komiks presents Pedro Penduko . She had a short showbiz hiatus to concentrate on her studies.

Last March 2008, she appeared at the cover of FHM Philippines together with Hazel Ann Mendoza. She signed up under the management of Manny Valera. Since then, she appeared on the TV show My Girl and Your Song Presents: My Only Hope as the love triangle of the Kimerald team-up.

Her movie credits include Half-blood Samurai, Shake, Rattle and Roll X and

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Maria Shriver files for divorce from Arnold Schwarzengger

Maria Shriver has filed for divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The 55-year-old writer cited irreconcilable differences in papers filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday (July 1), two months after he admitted to fathering a boy named Joseph with housekeeper Mildred Baena 13 years ago while he was still married to Maria. She is seeking shared custody of their children Patrick, 17 and Christopher, 13, as well as seeking spousal support from the former Governor of California and asking him to pay her lawyer fees.

The couple also have grown up children 21-year-old Katherine and Christina, 19, from their 25 year marriage.

Maria is said to not be angry at Mildred because of the affair, and confronted her after she saw the similarity between Joseph and Arnold.

A source said: "While Maria may not have been as angry as Mildred as she was at Arnold, her instinct would be to protect her family.

"Whatever she did in the aftermath was taking care of her kids, trying to shield them."

Arnold, 63, is reportedly already handing out a "significant" amount of child support to Maria.

A source said: "Arnold is paying a significant amount of child support. Arnold is also paying for his sons, Patrick and Christopher's private school bills."

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Prince William and Duchess Catherine kick off their Canadian-American tour

Prince William and Catherine Middleton have arrived on Canadian soil.

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge—who married in April this year—kicked off their 11 day North American tour, their first overseas engagement as a married couple, when they landed in Ottawa this afternoon (June 30). Catherine paid tribute to her hosts, stepping onto the runway in a midnight-blue lace dress with stone shaded lining and scalloped sleeves by Montreal-based designer Erdem.

She also wore L.K. Bennett pumps and carried a matching clutch, and had her hair half tied back as she stepped into the country.

As William and Catherine exited the plane, a specially designed commemorative flag for the Prince was flown from the cockpit window.

The couple were then greeted by John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who escorted them to their awaiting motorcade, which also flew the commemorative flag.

The royals' private secretary, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, has previously told how excited they are about the visit.

He said: "The royal couple are delighted that Canada will be their first tour together and the Canadians have put together an extremely welcoming and well-balanced diary of meaningful engagements, mixed with fun and lots of opportunities to get to know Canada and Canadians better."

The couple's trip will see them travel across the country—a member of the British Commonwealth, which has Queen Elizabeth as Head of State—visiting Ottawa, Ontario, Montreal and Quebec, among other cities, before heading to California in the US between July 8 and 10.

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Lindsay Lohan completes house arrest

Lindsay Lohan has completed her house arrest.

The troubled actress—who was sentenced to the confinements of her Californian home for 35 days in May in lieu of jail time after taking a necklace from an upmarket boutique store and violating the terms of her 2007 conviction for driving under the influence (DUI)—walked out of the property yesterday afternoon (June 29) but instead of throwing a party, she made her way to the Los Angeles Downtown Women's centre, to begin her 480 hours of court-ordered community service. When asked how she felt to be free again, the Mean Girls star—who has had her alcohol-monitoring bracelet taken off—said: "I'm excited to start community service and focus on my work."

As well as the 480 hours of community service, Lindsay will also have to attend an anti-shoplifting class.

Lindsay—who turns 25 on Saturday (July 2)—was sentenced to the community service and 120 days in jail after stealing the necklace, but she was granted house arrest at her home in Venice Beach due to prison overcrowding and because she is a non-violent offender.

Her lawyer Shawn Holley recently insisted the decision to spare the actress jail time was "fair."

She said: "Anyone with her background would have gotten house arrest, she didn't get a special deal. I worried perception would harm her. But everyone—the judge, the courts—were professional, so it was fair."

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