THEGAYUK

Day: 18 February 2019

  • Are the cast of The Birdcage still alive?

    Are the cast of The Birdcage still alive?

    It’s been over twenty years since the hit camp comedy The Birdcage was released but what has happened to the cast now?

    Where are the cast of The Birdcage now?
    Where is the cast of The Birdcage now?

    Robin Williams – Armand Goldman

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    Sadly Robin Williams lost his life in 2014 when he took his own life. He was one of the world’s most loved actors and had a slew of box office-busting credits to his name, the majority of these were in the 90s. In total, his films have grossed over $3.2 billion in receipts, making him one of the top 20 highest grossing actors of all time. His two biggest films are Mrs Doubtfire and the Disney smash, Aladdin.

    Nathan Lane – Albert Goldman

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    Nathan Lane‘s first film credit is for the 1987 film, Ironweed. He worked a number of smaller roles (with the exception of his voice work on Disney’s Lion King) until The Birdcage catapulted him into the big players in Hollywood. He is known for his voice work as much as his acting becoming the voice of the much-loved Pumbaa for The Lion King, he’s also voiced the films Stuart Little and Astro Boy. More recently appeared in the Vanishing of Sidney Hall, which had a limited release in the US in early 2018.

    Dan Futterman – Val Goldman

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    The on-screen son of Armand and Albert went on to write the screenplay for Capote in 2005, which garnered him an Oscar for Best Motion of the year. He also starred in Will And Grace in 2003. Most recently he’s written and produced for the Amazon Prime TV show, The Looming Tower.

    Dianne West – Louise Keeley

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    Dianne has had a steady career since the blockbuster The Birdcage, but nothing that tops the box office numbers for the comedy. Currently, she’s in the CBS / Amazon Prime comedy, Life In Pieces. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in television.

    Gene Hackman – Sen. Kevin Keeley

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    Gene retired from acting in 2004. Instead, he focused on writing novels. He has written three historical fiction novels: Wake of the Perdido Star (1999), Justice for None (2004) and Escape from Andersonville (2008). He also wrote Payback at Morning Peak, was released in 2011 and his most recent was Pursuit, in 2013.

    Calista Flockhart – Barbara Keely

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    After the Birdcage, Calista became a huge star, thanks to her playing the lead and title part of Ally McBeal in the late 90s and early noughties. She starred in 112 episodes of the juggernaut show. She then went on to star in 110 episodes of Brothers and Sisters. In terms of film, The Birdcage is by far her biggest grossing movie.

    Hank Azaria – Agador

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    Who can forget the amazing Agador “these shoes make me fall down” Spartacus? Hank is probably most famous for his voice work on The Simpsons. He plays Moe the bartender, Comic book guy, Superintendent Chalmers, Disco Stu, Apu, Chief Wiggum, and Doctor Nick Rivera. In total, he’s played 32 characters on the long-running cartoon. However, he does crop up in smaller roles in films and starred in the 2014 TV series – Huff, which is definitely worth a watch.

    Christine Baranski – Katherine Archer

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    Christine is a huge TV star in her own right. She’s appeared in hits like: Cybill, The Good Wife and now The Good Fight. In terms of films, some of her biggest hitters include, Mamma Mia! Chicago and the musical Into The Woods.

    Mike Nichols – Director

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    Mike died in 2014 a heart attack at the age of 83. In his long and distinguished career, he directed Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, The Graduate, Angels In America. His last film was 2007’s Charlie Wilson’s War.

  • Over 60 percent of people are unaware that LGBTI people can become foster parents

    Over 60 percent of people are unaware that LGBTI people can become foster parents

    According to new research over 60 percent of people in Britain are unaware that gay and bisexual men can become foster parents.

    © DGLimages Depositphotos

    The worrying statistic shows that there’s a long way to go in order to normalise the idea that LGBT+ people can become foster parents.

    Across the UK, around 60 percent of people were unaware that LGBT+ people are eligible to foster children.

    According to Five Rivers Child Care, there are over 900 children and young people who need foster homes across London yet there are common misconceptions around who is eligible to foster, from age through to living circumstances and sexual orientation.

    Over 60% of people across London and the UK as a whole are unaware that same-sex couples or those from the LGBT+ community are eligible to foster. A misconception Five Rivers Child Care is keen to eliminate this February, which marks LGBT History Month, in a bid to recruit more foster carers from currently underrepresented communities.

    Misconceptions

    In addition to serious misconceptions surrounding LGBTQ rights to foster, a further 60 percent of people across the UK believe that those in rented accommodation are unable to foster, and 40 percent of us believe that those without their own children wouldn’t be allowed to be foster carers.

    Commenting on the findings, Martin Leitch, Head of Fostering Operations at Five Rivers Child Care, said, “The findings from our recent research paint a massively outdated picture of the fostering industry but it highlights that more needs to be done to reach those within LGBTQ communities to tell them about the career opportunities available to them in fostering. And it’s not just a career, it’s a life choice. It’s deciding to change the life of a vulnerable young person that otherwise might not have a home or a family. It’s extremely important to have a diverse range of foster carers across the country to reflect the diverse nature of the children and young people entering the system and provide role models from all walks of life. We already have some fantastic carers from the LGBTQ community who are enriching children’s and young people’s lives on a daily basis.

    “We want to make it common knowledge that anyone can foster, providing they have a spare room and they are over the age of 21. A foster carer is not determined by whether they own a house, or whether they’re married or have children. Single people, those in rented accommodation, those with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ community all have the opportunity to make great foster carers.”

     

  • Big Brother star on ISIS Bride: “She’s a threat”

    Big Brother star on ISIS Bride: “She’s a threat”

    Former Big Brother star Ryan Ruckledge has hit out at the so-called ISIS Bride, Shamima Begum who wants to return to the UK.

    The teenager, Shamima Begum, who fled to Syria in 2015 from Bethnal Green in London to join the caliphate when she was just 15, now she wishes to come back home.

    Ryan Ruckledge who starred in the 2016 series of Big Brother has gone on a rant on social media saying that the woman, who has recently given birth “is a threat to our country” and that she’s “not welcome”.

    He uploaded the video to Instagram and so far it’s been viewed over 25,000 times.

    Speaking to his fans, Ryan said that he couldn’t believe the reports he was hearing in the media that Shamima Begum wanted to return to the UK after leaving in 2015 to go to Syria.

    In his Instagram rant, Ryan said that Begum’s baby should be taken off her and Begum herself should be “sent to Mars”.

    He said, “I can’t believe what I’m seeing in the media about that this jihadi bride that f**ked off from the UK, went to Syria to join ISIS.

    ISIS that has killed innocent people around the world, oh but now she’s popped a baby out… and wants to come back to the UK, well I tell you what, that is a f**king pisstake”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt_BLH3l4Br/

    “Scrouging off the NHS”

    Ryan said the “ISIS Bridge” should be “sent to Mars” and that her baby should be taken off her.

    He continued his rant saying that Begum’s baby should be taken off her and Begum herself should be “sent to Mars”.

    He added, “Send her to Mars, take the baby off her, because she’s clearly not fit to have a child and tell her to get to f**k. What so she can come back to the UK, scrounge off the government, get benefits, scrounge off our NHS – oh why don’t we just chuck a free food hamper in from Lldl while we’re at it.

    “No, I’m not f**king having this. She’s a threat to our country, she’s not welcome, stay where you are. You’ve made your bed, now lie in, hun”

    It seems as though the reality star struck a chord with his followers, with many taking to the comment’s section to add their approval of his message. One simply added, “Amen” while another added, “Couldn’t agree more !!! Rages me the people saying she’s aloud [sic] back”.

    One pointed out that, “I think most of the nation will agree with Ryan’s point, every time it’s on the news my reaction is get to f**k”.

     

  • CAR REVIEW | Honda CR-V, 2019

    CAR REVIEW | Honda CR-V, 2019

    ★★★★☆ | Honda CR-V

    Hot on the heels of every manufacturer it would seem these days, Honda has released a new SUV. Not so totally new because the CR-V has been a staple part of Honda’s UK line-up for many decades.

    Here, however, Honda is showcasing their new petrol and more importantly, a hybrid drive system. Again, nothing new from Honda except this time it is fitted into their large SUV.

    The CR-V demonstrates two things, Class-leading space and an increase in size. All common factors with a new launch. 2 things, however, do stand out and that is space inside is very much on the generous side and the overall feel of the car is not so large that it feels like a nuisance to drive on narrow country lanes.

    THEGAYUK tried two models back-to-back. Both front wheel drive but with two different powertrains. Firstly the hybrid with a CVT gearbox and a petrol manual.

    Between the two models, one thing is very evident between the two models and that’s the ride. The all petrol drove better. It was softer, compliant and more engaging to drive. No doubt this is due to the lack of excess weight in the rear from the hybrid system. Another is silent running. While the petrol could be raucous when pressed, the hybrid with its near silent electric motors became all too familiar in whine from the CVT gearbox. 

    The CVT is not to my liking and I was a bit disappointed. Honda’s press release mentioned a unique intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) with clutch lockup between petrol and drivetrain when in engine mode. It still behaved like a conventional CVT system and the paddle shifts on the steering wheel didn’t make much of a difference except when it ‘sport’ mode. On the plus side, its transition between battery, petrol or both was seamless.

    Combined economy varied between power units. 53.3mpg for the Hybrid and 44.8mpg for the all petrol. That seemed a lot for the petrol to achieve, despite its lighter agile feel and the hybrid also struggled to achieve those figures. But there are 2 things standing in the way. Review cars are hardly driven softly and combined figures are not those in the real world. However, we did see a constant 45+ mpg in the Hybrid. So the penalty for that heavy feel looks like it could be offset by less time at the pumps.  

    There were other good points to be seen in these SR mid-range models and that is in its fit and finish. There was a lot to like. General tactility was top class with soft feel where you expected it to be hard plastic. The wooden effect inserts, however, were not universally liked but I liked them. The effect is pretty good. It’s not luxury wood but then at £31,565 for the Hybrid and £31,435 for the petrol, neither is the price. 

    And this is the key to the CR-V. It’s price. In this segment, the CR-V SR offers a lot of car for the money, it’s just at the moment I am struggling to justify to myself that the hybrid is better. If it was my money I’d go for the all petrol. 

    Love

    Looks

    Quality inside

    Value

    Loathe

    CVT gearbox

    Rear doors lack sound deadening

    Less agile feel in the hybrid model

    The Lowdown

    Car –  Honda CR-V SR petrol/hybrid models

    Price – £ £31,435 / £31,565 (as tested)

    MPG – 44.8/53.3 mpg (combined)

    0-62mph –  9.3/8.8 seconds

    Top Speed –  130/112 mph

    Co2 – 143/126 (g/km)

  • Best 5 Grooming Items of the Month

    Best 5 Grooming Items of the Month

    So it’s safe to say winter didn’t say goodbye in January. With snow and icy winds hitting the UK, our skin is definitely taking a battering. That’s why this month’s list, is all about protecting our skin and ensuring we go into spring looking fresh!

    1. STARSKIN: The Leading Man Mask

    Sheet masks have been popping up all over the place lately and there’s a very good reason, that brands are jumping on this K-Beauty trend. On average a sheet mask has a full bottle of serum/essence infused into it and what this means is that our skin gets a hit of moisture, that our daily moisturiser couldn’t even dream of giving. Now although there are many options on the market, our personal favourite right now is The Leading Man Mask by STARSKIN beauty. This mask is not only aimed specifically at men but also uses bio-cellulose technology to hydrate, smooth, energise, firm and refine the skin. Basically, it leaves you feeling red carpet ready!

    Available at www.debenhams.com (£8.50)

    2. Recipe for Men: Anti-Shine Moisturiser

    This isn’t the first time, that Recipe for Men have appeared in one of our top grooming lists and there’s a good reason why! The Scandinavian skincare company don’t throw any punches when it comes to their products. Creating innovative formulas that not only get the job done but do so with effortless style. Their Anti-Shine Moisturiser is no different! This powerful cream will not only hydrate your skin, protecting it from the last of the winter weather but it will hold the not so dewy tube glow at bay. Keeping you looking fresh and hydrated all day long.

    Available at www.mankind.co.uk (£30.00)

    3. Kiehl’s: Buttermask for Lips

    Now lip balms are a thing of mystery for many men. We put them on our lips and they somehow still end up looking like the surface of Mars by the end of the day. So many would think they are basically, useless. The reasoning behind this though, is that many lip balms require you to re-apply on regular intervals throughout the day. Think about it our lips come in contact with food and drink all day long and of course our lip balm is going to wear off. This is where Kiehl’s Buttermask for Lips comes in though, instead of being a balm it is a thicker creamy consistency. Now what this means is that the product will stay longer on the lips, providing that necessary hydration and protection our lips need in the winter months. We recommend applying once in the morning, after lunch and before bed for maximum effect. It’s time to keep those crusty lips at bay boys!

    Available at www.debenhams.com (£22.00)

    4. Björn Axén: Short Hair Wax

    Another Scandinavian brand here and Sweden’s strongest hair care brand to boot. We might as well learn from the Vikings how to survive the winter months, right? Björn Axén’s Short Hair Wax has been a firm favourite of mine since my year abroad in Sweden. This product kept my hair in place through the harsh conditions of a Swedish winter and I’ve sworn by it since, getting some every time I head back to the country. Now a short disclaimer here, this product is only intended for short hair. So if you’re more follicly endowed than me, than this product is probably not for you. The brand does cater to lots of different hair lengths and types though, so check them out and I’m sure you’ll find something to suit you and keep your hair picture perfect.

    Available at www.shopping4net.co.uk (£13.00)

    5. LAB SERIES: BB Tinted Moisturiser SPF 35

    Again another old favourite here. LAB SERIES’ BB Tinted Moisturiser is something initially I didn’t get on with. It was my first step into the world of male make-up when I was at university and well honestly, I made a pig’s ear of it the first time I tried to use it. After looking a bit more into it and admittedly asking a few female friends, I learned how to use it properly and I was pretty damn impressed with the results. My skin tone was evened out and due to the universal shade, there was no visible indication that I had anything on my face. it left me with a naturally glowing complexion and it’s been in my bathroom cabinet ever since. Now I know you’ll all now be curious about how to avoid my initial mishap and make this product work for you. Male make-up can be daunting to the newcomer and my first piece of advice is to remember this is not just a moisturiser! If you apply this product as liberally as your daily moisturiser, you ain’t gonna be pretty and it’s gonna be pretty obvious this ain’t your natural skin. The key with this product is to use a pea size amount and buff it into your skin. If you want to go the extra step, buy a blending brush and it will leave your skin looking flawless! Not to mention it has SPF, so it even helps protect you from the sun and yes there is still sun damage in winter, even though it isn’t scorching outside…

    Available at www.mankind.co.uk (£38.00)