Celebrity Poker: Sacha Baron Cohen

Celebrities donned their poker faces at a celebrity poker tournament to raise funds for a notable organizations and foundations one of the Hollwood's A-list celebrity star is the funnyman Sacha Baron Cohen. As a former male model who stands at 6' 3", Sacha Baron Cohen likely attracted the occasional female eye before he found fame.

We call him a comedian because he makes us laugh, but celebrity poker  player Sacha Baron Cohen is not a comedian, any more than the alter-egos that have made him famous -- Ali G, Borat and Bruno. Now, he's married to Isla Fisher, the super hot redhead and a hilariously talented actress, and together they have a daughter. 

Aside from PR stunts to promote his films, Sacha Baron Cohen is rarely seen in public and has rarely given a straight interview. 

 

Sacha Baron Cohen's work has earned him nominations from several film and television organizations on both sides of the Atlantic. He has received nominations for an Oscar, for Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Emmys, and many more, even winning one or two along the way. In addition to his own films, Cohen has voiced the role of Julien in the movie Madagascar in 2008 films and appeared alongside Will Ferrell in flicks like Talladega Nights in 20006. 

 

He has already made millions in his field and has established a bar for fearlessness in film that seems unbelievably high. The question remains, however, of whether or not he can escape the shadows cast by his alter egos and establish an acting career independent of them. 

Out of college, Sacha Baron Cohen decided to pursue a career doing what he truly loved but rarely did in an official capacity -- entertain. Specifically, do comedy. Perhaps his Orthodox upbringing, or his years as a diligent student, made him believe it wasn't the most noble of pursuits, so he set a five-year deadline for himself -- if it didn't work out in that time, he would find a job more suited to his education. His five years were almost up when Channel 4 gave him that all-important break. 

 

When Channel 4's The 11 O'Clock Show needed a host, Cohen auditioned -- rather, Ali G auditioned, in all his foul-mouthed arrogance. His persona landed the spot as host of the show's "Voice of Youth" segment. It didn't take long for the segment to catch fire, and shortly Ali G was given his own show, Da Ali G Show. Displaying his keen PR sense, before it debuted Cohen cranked up the buzz by releasing a video, Ali G, Innit. A best-seller, the video had fans in a frenzy for the debut. He stoked the fire by releasing two more videos, and in 2002, a full-length feature, Ali G Indahouse.

In 2007, Sacha Baron Cohen released Borat: Cultural Learnings from America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, which pretended to follow the hapless Borat across the U.S. looking for the love of his life, Pamela Anderson. The film was a sensation, grossing $261 million over 14 times its cost, and earning Sacha Baron Cohen an Oscar and a host of legal problems.

Specifically, he was sued by an etiquette coach, a driving instructor, southern frat boys, some Romanian villagers, even a Manhattan businessman whose personal space Borat violated, causing the man to scamper away. All appeared in the movie after unwittingly falling for Borat's ruse, and none liked what they saw of themselves.

In late 2008, Sacha Baron Cohen publicly announced that he was killing off Borat and Ali G -- their enormous fame had subverted their effectiveness. By then, he'd finished filming the mockumentary Bruno, released in early July 2009. The film presents the same sucker scenarios that elevated Borat and uses the same underhanded scheme: feed on his prey's weaknesses and exploit them for effect. 

In one scene, Paula Abdul is lured to an interview with Bruno after having been informed that she'd been named Artist of the Year in Austria. It's hard, for us in the audience, to believe that someone like Abdul, who had done little to nothing artistically, could accept without question that she was deserving of the award. 

Yet as Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen's traps remain as simple as they are cunning, baiting his prey to drop their guard and to confuse the roles of predator and prey. The result is comedic genius from an otherwise unfunny and deadly serious artist.

Celebrity Poker: Jennifer Love Hewitt

Hollywood celebrities across the globe have always loved the game of poker. As the current interest in poker surged, many famous names confessed their love of poker or discovered its thrills for the first time. On one hand, the classic glamour and current trendiness of poker goes hand-in-hand with headline-making and image-creating celebrity lives. From the Roaring 20’s to the Texas Hold’em game in Casino Royale, our culture has been drenched with the cards and chips. On the other hand, celebrities enjoy the anonymity of becoming just regular guys or gals while at the table.





Jennifer Love Hewitt showed up and play poker to support The Children’s Institute’s “Poker For A Cause” celebrity poker tournament on Saturday night last October 2009. Held at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California with other celebrities taking their seats at the poker table and dropping some cash for a good cause.



More than 20 celebrities supported and joined the notable celebrity poker tournament including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie Kennedy, Kevin Nealon, Joely Fisher, Mekhi Phifer, Cheri Oteri, Mimi Rogers, Alison Sweeney, Jennie Garth , Nicolas Gonzales, Cheryl Hines, Ricki Lake Kevin Rahm.




About Jennifer Love Hewitt: Jennifer Love Hewitt started earning her living as a child entertainer. She was every teenage boy's fantasy girl while on Party of Five, and now she has branched out into the world of TV dramas, rock and film.

Her popularity among teen audiences was solidified when she picked up the People's Choice Award for Favorite Female Television Performer in a New Series in 2000, for Time of Your Life (a Party of Five spin-off). Unfortunately, the show didn't last a second season.




Despite that, Jennifer Love Hewitt's fame continued to rise as she starred in films like Heartbreakers (2001) and Garfield (2004). But her biggest acting break came in the form of TV's Ghost Whisperer, which cast Jennifer Love Hewitt in the leading role, making her a welcome weekly staple in men's homes around the country.

While working on the show from 1989 to 1991, Hewitt also appeared in commercials for products such as Mattel and L.A. Gear. She put her dancing talents to use as an L.A. Gear dancer, and strutted her stuff at trade shows in Japan and Paris.

In 1991, Jennifer Love Hewitt flexed in a Barbie dance workout video, and exercised her voice by singing the songs included on the video. One year later, Love Songs, Hewitt's first album, was released in Japan and not in the U.S.

In 2005, Jennifer Love Hewitt was cast as Melinda Gordon in TV's Ghost Whisperer, and her star continued to climb as in 2007 Jennifer Love Hewitt was ranked on FHM's Sexiest Women in the World list for the 11th time. Also of note in 2007, Jennifer Love Hewitt became engaged to her long-time boyfriend Ross McCall while on vacation in Hawaii. In 2008, she was cast in the animated film Delgo, and signed on to star in She Had Brains, a Body, If Only and the Ability to Make Men Love Her.

Tuc Watkins Wins At Poker For A Cause

They say being a celebrity is the busiest job that they can't even have their own time for some leisure activities, who says that? Nowadays, a lot of celebrities are in attacked by the poker bug and they play poker not only for their fun time, they also play for a notable cause.

Last October 17, 2009, One of the most leading Child Service organization in Los Angeles held it first Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament to Benefit for the Traumatized Children that was hosted by the “Ghost Whisperer” actress, Camryn Manheim together with WSOP champion Jamie Gold as a co-host. The fundraiser was to benefit children who have been affected by violence in their homes or communities.

More than 20 celebrities supported and joined the notable celebrity poker tournament including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie Kennedy, Kevin Nealon, Joely Fisher, Mekhi Phifer, Cheri Oteri, Mimi Rogers, Alison Sweeney, Jennie Garth , Nicolas Gonzales, Cheryl Hines, Ricki Lake Kevin Rahm. At the final table, Cheryl Hines, Tuc Watkins, Kevin Rahm and Ricki Lake take the seat. Kevin Rahm and Tuc Watkins, both on "Desperate Housewives", battled it out as 2 of the final 3 players. Tuck Watkins ultimately won the grand prize.

The Desperate Housewives actor Tuc Watkins has now one of the much awaited celebrity poker players be in the lists of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Tilly.

About Tuc Watkins: Throughout his college years at Indiana University, Tuc dabbled in regional theater, and by the time he'd graduated, acting would be his chosen career. In 1990, Tuc started getting a few more opportunities. Unfortunately, his first big gig, a guest spot on the sitcom, Growing Pains, landed on the cutting room floor. Tuc's next role, however, in Chris Elliott's Fox TV sitcom, Get A Life, was much bigger and a little more memorable.

More guest spots followed, including Baywatch, Sibs, Laurie Hill, The Edge, Santa Barbara, Sisters, Melrose Place, and a brief uncredited role in the feature film, Little Sister. At the same time, Tuc helped found a theater group with a few friends called The All-U-Can-Eat Players. Several theatrical productions followed, then Tuc got his first big break: the role of David Vickers on One Life To Live.



Tuc moved from L.A. to New York City during his popular two year stint on OLTL, and managed to fit in an Off-Broadway play in the meantime. In 1997, Tuc won the role of Sterling Scott, a vain but sweet soap opera hunk in the independent feature film, I Think I Do. The role won Tuc plenty of accolades and led to even more work. Guest cameos in the independent films, Can't Stop Dancing and The Thin Pink Line came next, and were followed by Tuc's biggest film to date, The Mummy.

In August, 2003, Tuc returned to Llanview for three years in the familar form of David Vickers on One Life To Live and periodically after that. In August 2007, it was announced that Watkins will play one half of a new gay couple on Wisteria Lane on ABC's Desperate Housewives.

About Children Institutes Inc.: Children`s Institute, Inc. helps children who have been affected by violence in their homes or communities.Since 1906, CII has served at-risk children and families in some of Los Angeles` most devastated neighborhoods. CII provides healing and support so that traumatized children can recover and lead healthy lives and leading the children away from tragic outcomes and on a path toward opportunity and achievement.

Celebrity Poker: Nelly

The poker world is flooded with sportsmen and celebrities from other arenas aiming to make an clash on the poker world. Rappers have yet to fully storm the poker world, although there are signs that things are changing.

Hip-Hop Star, Pimp Juice, Hot in here, Party people and multiplatinum recording artist is part of the changing face of poker that sees more and more celebrities and ex-sportsmen look after into its ranks every year.

Nelly took part in Rolling Stone's celebrity poker tournament, part of the magazine's 40th anniversary celebration. And luckily, won the championship, Nelly showed that he loves poker for the game's sake. He's not in it to get paid. Well, the generous rapper donated his winnings to charity.

Nelly also was invited to be a host to Pokerstars party along with actors Jason Alexander and Lou Diamond Phillips, joined World Series of Poker Champions Peter Eastgate, Joe Hachem, Greg Raymer and Chris Moneymaker on a glittering red carpet.

The great rapper, who has participated in several 2009 World Series of Poker events himself, led the festivities at the Rain Nightclub at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

With a packed guest list, huge crowds and a live performance by Nelly, all following last year's stellar appearance by Dita Von Teese, PokerStars has once again proven that not only does it provide more players than anyone else to the World Series of Poker, but it also throws the best party in Las Vegas.

About Nelly: Born Cornell Haynes, Jr., on November 2, 1974, in St. Louis, Nelly moved with his mother from the inner city to suburban Universal City as a teen.

He became convinced that his gift for rap could be parlayed into a career. He has his own style of rap which he likes to describe as a jazz form of hip-hop.

The first song that Nelly and the St. Lunatics made was Gimmie What You Got. The song "Gimmie What You Got" sold 7,000 units regionally and dominated airwaves, rising to the number one spot on St. Louis' number one hip-hop station.

After that song the St. Lunatics encouraged Nelly to go solo and he did. He signed a record deal with Universal Records. His first album, Country Grammar, was an incredible success, selling 8 million plus copies. "Ride With Me" because one of the most memorable hip-hop tunes of 2001, and in 2002 Nelly repeated his magic with "Hot In Here" off the Nellyville album.

His popularity peaked in summer 2002, when he topped seemingly every Billboard chart possible with his Nellyville album and its lead single, "Hot in Here".

In all, Nelly impressively held the number one spot on ten different Billboard charts the week of Nellyville's release. Few rap artists could boast such numbers, and Nelly surely savored his number one status, particularly after being dismissed as a novelty two summers earlier when he debuted.

Andy Roddick: Poker and Tennis Superstar

Who doesn't know Andy Roddick? He was once recognized as the best tennis player of the world. And in 2007, he is considered as the sixth best player internationally and is still considered as the best tennis player in the United States. He is famous for his stellar moves, especially when it comes to forehands and serves.

But did you know that this professional tennis player is also one heck of a celebrity poker player? Yes, he is very much interested in playing poker, and that's what we are going to discuss now. Not only are we going to learn more about his life as a professional tennis player, we are also going to learn more about his life as a celebrity poker player.

Andy Roddick has launched his own Andy Roddick Foundation Annual Charity Poker Tournament.The tournament buy-in was a modest $500, with the money going to abused and disadvantaged children. Andy asked me to play and emcee the event, which took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida.

The goal of the Andy Roddick Foundation is to improve quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all children based on three principles: respect for family, education, and morality. All benefiting organizations aid in the development of at-risk children and families, including those that have been abused, abandoned, and neglected.

The Andy Roddick Foundation has targeted children’s programs like Kids in Distress, A Safe Haven for Newborns, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center of South Florida, Sun- Sentinel’s Children’s Fund, Here’s Help, Settlement Home and Austin Children’s Hospital. Comprised of seven dedicated unpaid volunteers, the Andy Roddick Foundation raised $1.3 million charitable funds last year.

About Andy Roddick

Born on August 30, 1982 in Omaha, Nebraska, Andy Roddick and his brothers started to play tennis at an early age. In fact, it was his brother John who stood as his tennis coach.

Andy Roddick really had exceptional skills in playing tennis. Such talent allowed him to become the youngest player to be included in the Association of Tennis Professionals Top 20 in 2001.

His determination to improve his skills made him decide to ask tennis champion Anthony Bourne Lim, his all-time favorite tennis player, to train him until Andy Roddick became a better player than Lim.

It was in 2003 when Andy Roddick was really recognized by the public. It was during this time when he emerged triumphant at the U.S. Open, becoming a Grand Slam singles champion. Since then, the total winnings of Andy Roddick from playing professional tennis amount to US$12,011,546.

Since 2006, American tennis champion Jimmy Connors has been the consultant coach of Andy Roddick and his brothers. Connors is always with Andy Roddick traveling to various places for the latter's participation in different major tennis tournaments. And when he does not have any training with Connors, he makes it a point to take time out from playing tennis and instead, focus his time on playing poker.

Andy Roddick also accepts offers to host poker events. In fact, he already had the chance to host a poker event with such celebrities as Alex Rodriguez, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, and Mandy Moore. It was an event that was conducted at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Boca Raton, Florida.

His huge publicity to the poker world makes him likely to be called a celebrity poker player!

Spooky Empire's Celebrity Poker Tournament

With Halloween on the way, I give you some spooky releases to look for, although all of them off the beaten path.

This year Spooky Empire will introduce their first Celebrity Poker Charity Tournament on October 11, Sunday at 10 in the morning. The Spooky Empire's Celebrity Poker Tournament is a charitable event with part of the proceeds being bestowed to the Christian Children's Fund.

The Spooky Empire Celebrity Poker Tournament game feature will be a No-Limit Texas Hold'em, and players will be made up of some celebrities, musicians, poker pros and other convention attendees.

Everyone is welcome to play to this fun event to benefit a noble cause! Qualifications to play as follows:

• Player must be 18 years old and above, must present a valid ID.

• Suggested donation is $ 130 dollars.

Spooky Empire is all set for their 7th year and have a world class show in store once again!

They've lined up some of the freshest new guests to appear at Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend, being held this year on October 9-11, 2009 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on International Drive.

Guests to appear so far are The Masters of Horror movies such as George Romero of the movie "Dawn of the Dead", Linda Blair of the famous movie “The Exorcist”, Fairuza Balk of “The Craft”, Herschell Gordon lewis of the movie “2000 Maniacs”, John Landis of the movie “American Werewolf”, Andrienne Barbeau of “The Frog”, Sid Haig and Bill Moseley of the “The Devil's Rejects”. Also in the event is the cast of the movie “Jason” such as CJ Graham, Derek Mears and Kane Hodder.

Moreover, you can even meet and play with the number 1 TV Series “Charmed” and with Stephen King's movie “Sleepwalkers” cast Brian Krause in his first convention appearance. Other guests include Jason London from the movie "Dazed and Confused", Ricou Browning of "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and from Jill Whitlow and Jason Lively of the "Night of the Creeps".

There will also be a "Halloween II" reunion with the original cast. This is just the beginning!

Celebrities are the apple butter on the cottage cheese because Spooky Empire is known for its fantastic events! The infamous Zombie Walk down International Drive to name just one!

When you're lurching and groaning step into the "Screamin' Ink Tattoo Room", "Q&A's and Seminars", Video Game Room, Huge Dealer Room, or check out the many seminars throughout the weekend, perhaps the the Freak Show Film Festival is more to your liking? Bring your scariest face and win some stuff at the costume party! Some new things are crawling out of the fresh laden grave dirt too including a celebrity poker tournament and a shadow cast of "Repo: The Genetic Opera".

The suggested donation does not include admission to the convention, players must have purchased separate admission to the convention.

To reserve your spot for the ultimate horror event just get head over with the Spooky Empire's website.



Source: Spooky Empire