Clippers Chris Paul Visits Hollywood Wax Museum

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

Chris Paul Visits Hollywood Wax MuseumHollywood Joe and team had a ball welcoming Chris Paul to our Hollywood Wax Museum yesterday!

Our favorite LA Clipper brought his family visiting from North Carolina to enjoy hang time with the stars on his day off… and maybe to put his arm around some of his “smaller” friends, i.e. wax characters like Jack Black, Tom Cruise and Steve Carrell.

Chris Paul and his family also visited the Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum.

Don’t miss tonight’s dual between the Clippers and Lakers right here in LA.

And, Chris, if you’re reading this, post your favorite pic on the Hollywood Wax Museum Facebook page!  It was great having a star like you at our popular Hollywood entertainment attractions!

 

 

Posted in Celebrity Sightings, Hollywood Wax Museum, Uncategorized

Branson Missouri Turns 100 – Century Celebration Kicks Off

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

It’s time to party in Missouri’s top vacation spot! That’s right! Branson, home of the Hollywood Entertainment Center, is turning 100 years old and celebrates with a year-long series of events starting now!

The Show Me State is showing us Branson’s Century of Heritage, Hospitality and Harmony, beginning April 1, 2012, with the opening of the Branson Centennial Museum. It’s the region’s first history museum, curated by Jim and Jean Babcock.

Of course, there are at least100 ways to celebrate Branson, Missouri’s 100, including:

*Visit! Enjoy Branson’s live shows, attractions, shopping, lakes, golf courses and more!

*Learn to play the fiddle.

*Do “random act of hospitality”

*Take 100 photos on your trip to Branson and post your favorites on the Branson 100 Facebook page.

*Eat Goo Goo Clusters! These tasty treats were introduced in 1912.

Branson, Missouri was incorporated on April 1, 2012 and got its name from the man who opened the first general store and post office, Reuben S. Branson.  The first family attraction was Marvel Cave beneath the property where Silver Dollar City theme park is located today.

There’s never been a better time to visit Branson! The town was recently featured as one of 2012′s Best Family Vacations by Away.com, and the Hollywood Wax Museum was selected as an attraction you wouldn’t want to miss!  Southwest Airlines is now offering direct fights to Branson, making traveling easier and more affordable, than ever.

Happy 100th Branson! Let us know how you’ll be celebrating!

 

 

 

Posted in Branson, Branson Museum, Branson News, Hollywood Joe, Missouri News, MO Attractions | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Steven Seagal Spotted in Hollywood

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

Hollywood Joe got the latest scoop on Steven Seagal’s epic comeback from our Hollywood Wax Museum employee Joseph (aka Hollywood Joseph).

Guest post from Hollywood Joseph:

Now I love all types of films (horror included), but I would have to say action movies are my favorite.  Especially when martial arts are involved, because who wouldnn’t want to break boards with their bare hands and fight crime on a daily basis?  I sure would!

So it was pretty cool to run across Steven Seagal the other day while I was taking my shortcut through the back alley behind Jimmy Kimmel’s studio. Most of the stars I meet are smaller in person, but WOW, Steven is someone you really don’t want to mess with.  He towers over just about everyone at 6’4″ and has the largest hands I’ve ever seen.  No wonder he can knock out a man in one punch!

Steven’s new TV series, “True Justice,” premieres tomorrow, March 30, 2012, on the ReelzChannel in the U.S.A.  In the show, he plays an undercover cop.

Now, I know happen to know a little fact about Steven Seagal and police duties.  Down in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, he is also known as Deputy Seagal.  You heard it here–Steven Seagal is a real life crime fighter!

I also caught word that 2012 is the year for Steven’s return to the big screen.  His film Maximum Conviction is currently in the works, and I’ll be first in line at the theaters when it’s released. (BTW: More punch is added with co-star Stone Cold Steve Austin!)  The film is packed with high adrenaline and kick butt action. I should have asked Steven to teach me some cool moves!

Anyway, he’s also working on his 3rd studio album with an expected release this year. I  didn’t even know he was also a blues and rasta musician too. One love, Steven!

Thanks for keeping us up to date with what’s new in Hollywood, Joseph!

Readers: Can’t get enough high thrill action films?  Let us know your favorite movie and action hero on Facebook!

 

 

Posted in Celebrity Sightings, Hollywood Attractions, Hollywood Celebrities, Hollywood Encounters, Hollywood Entertainment, Hollywood Joe, Star Sightings, Walking in Hollywood | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Ryan Gosling Filming Gangster Squad in Hollywood!

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

Ryan Gosling fans – here’s some news from our Hollywood Wax Museum employee Joseph! He was spotted by our “Hollywood Joe” while filming his latest film.

Enjoy a Cup of “Hollywood Joe” from our Guest blogger Hollywood Joseph:Ryan Gosling Filming Gangster Squad

BBQ ribs sounded good the other night, and Chef William Annesley (aka Bloody Bill) at Boardner’s makes great ones!

As I approached the tavern that’s been on Cherokee Ave. since 1942, I was all-of-the-sudden IN the 1940s. Just as I was wondering if I had been swallowed by some weird time travel vortex, gunshots fired and Ryan Gosling (yes, I said Ryan Gosling) pushed a kid out of harm’s way!

Turns out they were filming Gangster Squad, and I was right in the middle of the action!

The movie is a 1940’s crime drama based on a true story about a special unit of the LA Police Dept. called the Gangster Squad. It was formed to keep the mafia out of the City of Angels.

Hollywood's Boardner's in Gangster Squad

Boardner’s takes center stage as the Cabana Club during this scene

The film stars Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, and Emma Stone.  That night, I saw Ryan, vintage cars, and Boardner’s turned into The Cabana Club. I’ll be checking out the movie when it hits theaters on October 19!

Thanks for your post, Hollywood Joseph!

Readers: what’s your favorite gangster movie? Post here or on Facebook www.facebook.com/hollywoodwaxmuseum.

 

 

Posted in Celebrity Sightings, Hollywood Blvd Film Set, Hollywood Celebrities, Hollywood Encounters, Hollywood Entertainment, Hollywood Joe, Star Sightings, Walking in Hollywood | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Michael Jackson’s Broken Heart Stone at Grauman’s

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

Hollywood Joe was there when Michael Jackson’s children pressed his shoes and iconic sparkly glove into the cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

Fans gathered on Hollywood Boulevard to experience the touching ceremony that honored the late, great King of Pop.  The sky was beautiful, the Highland Ave. exit was jammed, and the mood of the waiting crowd was somber until Michael Jackson’s mother talked about him and Prince, Paris, and Blanket cemented his memory in the famous forecourt.

The posthumous hand and footprint ceremony was star-studded with Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, and Justin Bieber, who said that Michael Jackson was his inspiration.

 

But what Hollywod Joe found out afterwards was a surprise to everyone: Michael Jackson already had a cement hand print!

Hollywood Joe's Picture of Michael Jackson's Tribute Stone Next to the Broken Heart Stone at Grauman's

It is called the “Broken Heart Stone” because there is a crack in the heart-shape of Michael’s hand print. The almost 400 pound stone was made for a Walk of Fame project in Las Vegas in 1984 and was found hiding in the basement of the Riviera Hotel 22 years later.

After being  discovered, it was sold at an auction and then donated to Michael Jackson’s estate when he died.  After the ceremony at Grauman’s, the 1984 memento was placed right next to the new one created by his children.

The King taught us how to moon walk, even our ABC’s, and is now forever immortalized right outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, down the street from the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Post your pic at Michael Jackson’s hand and footprints at www.facebook.com/hollywoodwaxmuseum!

Posted in Hollywood Attractions, Hollywood Celebrities, Hollywood Joe, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Walking in Hollywood | Tagged , , ,

Chuck O’Day Wins Dancing with the Stars of Branson !

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

We blogged last month about our Branson Hollywood Wax Museum General Manager, Chuck O’Day who volunteered his time (and moves!!) to Dancing with the Stars of Branson.

Chuck O'Day and Stephanie Richardson

Latest update!! Last night, Chuck, a first-time dancer won for his “Dances Like Jagger” routine!

Dancing with the Stars of Branson (like the popular TV show) pairs community leaders and local celebrities with professional dancers. Chuck’s dancing partner was professional dancer Stephanie Richardson.

The overall charity supported this year was the Branson Arts Council, and Chuck and Stephanie danced for A Day for Shay and Pals, raising about $5,500 from sponsors (including the Hollywood Wax Museum, Vacation Services of America, Native Signs, Go Fetch, Brent and Cristal Hedrick and Cash and Kresleigh Hedrick) and members of the audience. A Day for Shay is dedicated to researching and finding treatments for autism, named for Chuck’s daughter Shay, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 months.

Chuck and Stephanie with their Mirror Ball Trophy

Chuck and Stephanie with their Mirror Ball Trophy

Over $33,000.00 was raised at the event, which was attended by a record 510 people.  Chuck and Stephanie won both the Mirror Ball Trophy (for most money raised) and the Judges Cup (for the couple that “tickled the judges fancy” the most).  This was the first time in the 3 year history of Dancing with the Stars of Branson that a couple has won in both categories.

See video below!  The show is expected to air on the Vacation Channel in a couple of weeks.  Stay tuned for times!

See the video below!!  Congratulations Chuck!  We are so proud to have you on the Hollywood Wax Museum Team!

Posted in Branson Museum, Branson News

No Tornado Damage at Hollywood Wax Museum Branson

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Hollywood Joe
Branson Recovers Quickly from Tornado
Streets are Looking Cleaner and Attractions are Open in Branson

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson was not damaged by last night’s tornado, and the city’s recovery is happening quickly.

In a press conference this morning, Mayor Raeanne Presley said the city will be back in business in days, possibly by Thursday. She said, “more of Branson is not damaged than is damaged,” pointing out that major attractions are not hurt.

The crew at the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, and Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors is cleaning debris from the parking lot and surrounding area of Highway 76 today but will be open for regular business hours starting tomorrow, March 1, 2012.

Updates will be available at www.facebook.com/hollywoodwaxmuseum and www.facebook.com/hollywoodentertainmentcenter.

Thanks to all for thoughts, wishes and support for the Branson community.

Posted in Branson, Branson Museum, Branson News, Missouri News, MO Attractions | Tagged , , , ,

Hollywood Joseph Meets Best Director Michel Hazanavicius

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Hollywood Joe
Michael Hazanavisius
Hollywood Joe with Director Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)

Hollywood Wax Museum‘s longtime employee, Joseph (our own “Hollywood Joseph”) met French Director Michel Hazanavicius on Saturday before he was awarded the Best Director Oscar last night!

The awesome Hollywood encounter took place at the Film Independent Spirit Awards held at Santa Monica Beach this weekend, where Hazanavicius also walked away with the award for Best Director of an independent film.

Michel Hazanavicius with Spirit Award for Best Director

It was great to see The Artist and Michael Hazanavicius get recognized by Film Indpendent and the Oscars, of course!  Film Independent’s Spirit Awards has grown into a vanguard event that brings together the entire film community to celebrate the best of independent film.

The Spirit Awards is also the annual fundraiser for Film Independent, which is non-profit organization that supports original film making.

Joseph, who seems to have more star sightings than anyone else in Hollywood, took these pics of Hazanavicius and also the shot below of the set-up before the arrival of any Hollywood celebrities. When he walks, he brings his camera!

The Artist proverbially “cleaned up” at the Film Independent 27th annual Spirit Awards and “ruled” the Academy Awards last night with five golden statues for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Costume Design and Best Score.

Best Director Michel Hazanavicius of The Artist

The top Film Independent honorees included:

BEST FEATURE: “The Artist”

BEST DIRECTOR: Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”

BEST MALE LEAD: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”

BEST FEMALE LEAD: Michelle Williams,

“My Week With Marilyn”

BEST SUPPORTING MALE: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE: Shailene Woodley, “The Descendants”

Were your Hollywood favorites recognized?

Post your review here or e-mail hollywoodjoe@hollywoodwax.com.

Posted in Hollywood Celebrities, Hollywood Entertainment, Hollywood Joe, Star Sightings

Visit Hollywood Today for World Sword Swallowers’ Day!

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

Didn’t know Saturday February 25th was an international holiday?  Well Hollywood Joe is here to tell you that today is Sword Swallowers’ Day!

Sound dangerous?  Well don’t worry!  You can get by without a scratch, and without breaking your bank, by observing at Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditoriums worldwide.  The official swallow will happen on 2/25 at 2:25 pm and the performances will be free in honor of this special day.

Swallowing Swords outside Ripley’s Believe it or Not! in Hollywood, CA

If you’re in Los Angeles, check out  the World Record attempt at at the newly-renovated Ripley’s at the corner of Hollywood and Highland. Eight to 13 sword swallowers will try to break the record of 50 for most swords swallowed at once.

It’s also a great day to be in Hollywood to see the red carpet already rolled out on Hollywood Boulevard for the 84th Annual Academy Awards and to get up close and personal with the stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum.

The Sword Swallowers’ Association International (yes, it is real) and Ripley’s started this tradition six years ago to celebrate the ancient art of sword swallowing that originated  in India and to give credit to the very few that are brave enough to master it. They are also putting on the show to raise money for esophageal cancer, while promoting health and wellness.

Just not sure whether to eat lunch before or after…

Do you have an unusual talent? Tell us about it!

Posted in Hollywood Attractions, Hollywood Entertainment, Hollywood Joe | Tagged , , ,

Bring the Oscars to You – Oscar Party Tips!

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Hollywood Joe

Can’t make the Oscars this year?  Don’t worry!  Hollywood Joe has the tips you need to bring the 84th Annual Academy Awards right to you!  Host your very own Oscar party and leave your guests feeling like they’ve just won Best Picture!The 2012 Oscars

Here’s Our Easy Tips To Make Your Oscar Party Shine:
-Roll out the red carpet before your guests arrive.  Announce each guest to the room and snap a photo as they enter in true Hollywood paparazzi style.

-Keep the color scheme gold for the Oscars, silver for the silver screen, red for the red carpet, and black for film.

-Grab some movie posters, or celeb cardboard cutouts for some fun photo ops or to set the atmosphere.

-And include your own photo with your personal Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.
**Where can you get that you ask? At Starring You on Hollywood Boulevard two doors down from the Hollywood Wax Museum!

-You might also want to invite guests to dress formally, or encourage them to dress up as their favorite character from a nominated movie. Of course, award a prize at the end of the night for best dressed. This Academy Awards affair should be nothing short of fabulous!

-You an also include a ballot box for your guests to predict the winners in each Oscar category.  At the end of the night, review the ballots and award a prize to the winner.
**You can download a ballot here, or create your own based on the nominees. Prizes could include, movie tickets, the soundtrack from the best picture nominees, earlier films featuring the best actor or actress nominees, or a copy of last year’s best picture, The King’s Speech.

-For more fun, during commercial breaks, play movie, celebrity, or Oscar trivia games to find the ultimate Oscar fan.  Or, have your guests share their favorite films, actors, and directors.

-Of course, movie themed snacks are a must during the show.  ABC Local has some great ideas for appetizers and goodies like black and white cookies for The Artist.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the biggest night in film, Hollywood Joe knows you’ll be tuned in live to ABC this Sunday at 7 pm Eastern/4 pm Pacific.

What are your Oscar Night plans? Share here or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/hollywoodwaxmuseum.

 

 

Posted in Hollywood Celebrities, Hollywood Entertainment, Hollywood Joe, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , ,