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Chicago – Val Kilmer passed away on April 1st, 2025, after a long illness. He was once praised by Roger Ebert, “if there is an award for most unsung leading man of his generation, Val Kilmer should get it.” Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com took an Exclusive Portrait of Val Kilmer in 2012.

Val Edward Kilmer was born in Los Angeles. He subsequently became the youngest person in his era to be accepted into the Julliard School’s Drama Division. His first major film role was in the cult classic “Top Secret!” (1984), which paved the way to his next phase of breakout starring roles.

Val Kilmer in Chicago, circa 2012

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

He followed his debut with the beloved comedy “Real Genius,” then his notable turn in “Top Gun” (and later an unforgettable appearance in “Top Gun Maverick” in 2022 for his last role). These films...

Previous | Image 1 of 14 | NextEmilio Estevez photographed 8/19/2011.

Chicago – Opening Today! The 2025 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, now pretty much known as C2E2, will showcase the best in the comic book, entertainment, TV and movie worlds. It takes place April 11th-13th the McCormick Place convention center on the near south side of Chicago, with the bonus of epic cosplay on display.

C2E2, April 11th-13th, 2025

Photo credit: C2E2.com

Over the years, photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com has captured many of the celebrities that will appear at this year’s C2E2 – including three of the reunited members of “The Breakfast Club” – so as a preview to all the activities this weekend, a slideshow of all those shining stars. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos are © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.

Chicago – When I heard of the passing of actor Richard Chamberlain on March 29th, 2025, I immediately flashed back to our interview in 2010. It was the first comprehensive celebrity interview in my career, and it was a whirlwind of show biz history and reveals. And Joe Arce took Exclusive Portraits of him then and in 2017.

Richard Chamberlain was born in Beverly Hills, attended Pomona College and served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950s. He was a founding member of the Los Angeles theater group “Company of Angels,” and started doing guest roles in various television shows.

A Florid Career: Richard Chamberlain in 2010

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

His breakthrough came in 1961, when he portrayed Dr. James Kildare in the popular series “Dr. Kildare,” which catapulted him into superstar status for the time. This led to a smaller but successful singing career – his rendition of the “Theme from Dr.

Chicago – Tamron Hall began the break-out of her career in Chicago, so a book signing appearance in Downer’s Grove (Illinois) for Anderson’s Bookshop was a natural event for the popular TV talk show host and her new children’s book, “Harlem Honey.” Photographer Joe Arce was on the scene to capture the Exclusive Portraits.

The full title of the book is “Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid” and it tells the story about young Moses (inspired by Hall’s real-life son), who learns a lesson about home when touring the iconic and historical locations in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood.

Tamron Hall Appeared at Anderson’s Bookshop in Downers Grove

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Tamron Hall was born in Texas, and began her broadcasting career there in Byron and Forth Worth. She came to Chicago in 1997, and spent 10 years...

Chicago – Oscar winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arawaka were found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26th. Arawaka died of a rare lung infection, the 95-year-old Hackman succumbed to natural causes. Photographer Joe Arce captured this Exclusive Portrait of Hackman in 2000.

The mystery and circumstances surrounding the couple’s death stayed in the headlines for weeks. They both had been deceased for several days before being discovered, and at first is was speculated that carbon monoxide poisoning might have been the culprit. But as the investigation continued, it was determined that Ms. Arawaka had died first on or around February 11th of a rare lung infection, and Hackman … suffering from Alzheimer’s disease … died one week later.

Actor Gene Hackman in 2000

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Gene Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California, but the family settled in Danville,...

Chicago – The co-host of NBC-tv’s “The Today Show” has written a new children’s book … “Mostly What God Does is Love You” and she was recently in Chicagoland at North Central College for a signing event sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop. Photographer Joe Arce took her Exclusive Portrait .

Savannah Guthrie at North Central College, Naperville

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

This distinctly illustrated picture book showcases the wonders of nature, the beauty of creation, and most importantly, how very loved you are by a higher power. “Mostly What God Does is Love You” reminds children (and adults) of that love available to them, how very cherished they are within the universe, and how in turn, they can share that same love by being kind and compassionate to others.

Savannah Guthrie Appeared at an Event Sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.

Previous | Image 1 of 17 | NextCindy Morgan of ‘Caddyshack,’ 1954-December 30, 2023 (3/23/12)

Chicago – As always, we lost a number of notable people in 2024. In his persistence and glory, photographer Joe Arce has spent his career not only taking Exclusive Portraits of every notable he runs across, but he also has collected an archive that reminds us again of the well-known personalities who passed away, 2024 In Memoriam.

Date of when photographed is in parenthesis. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

2024MEMORIAM1: Cindy Morgan of ‘Caddyshack,’ 1954-December 30, 2023 (3/23/12) 2024MEMORIAM2: Comedian Richard Lewis, 1936-February 27, 2024 (5/12/15) 2024MEMORIAM3: TV Actor Ron Harper, 1933-March 21, 2024, (9/10/16) 2024MEMORIAM4: Actor Louis Gossett Jr., 1947-March 29, 2023 (8/12/11) 2024MEMORIAM5: Comic Actor Martin Mull, 1943-June 27, 2024 (4/8/98) 2024MEMORIAM6: Comedian Bob Newhart, 1929-July 18, 2024 (6/15/13) 2024MEMORIAM7: TV Pundit Lou Dobbs, 1945-July 18, 2024 (6/14/11) 2024MEMORIAM8: TV Talk Show Host Phil Donahue,...

Chicago – Despite the weather, January was red hot for Chicago meteorologist Cheryl Scott. She not only reported live on the 11th Annual “ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive” … tirelessly encouraging viewers to roll up their sleeves … but she actually made news herself, donating blood live on the air during her station’s 6pm Eyewitness News Broadcast.

Meteorologist Cheryl Scott at ABC 7’s ‘Great Chicago Blood Drive’

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

The result was the largest and most successful Red Cross blood drive in the country, collecting 2804 units of blood, which broke the previous record. Scott’s live on-camera donation also racked up legions of YouTube and social media likes … prompting her fellow Chicago Red Cross Board members and future blood recipients to dance with joy.

And speaking of which, what has now become a bonafide Chicago holiday tradition – as the clock approaches midnight on...

Chicago – Take a picture it will last longer/Cause Two Thousand and Twenty Four/ Was a year in which democracy/Now has one foot out the door. Will my business still thrive/In TwentyTwentyFive?/I guess it all depends/Cause who can afford a 50 percent tariff/On a brand new Canon lens?

Politics aside, I present with pride My annual Top 25 list,

That poetically embraces some of the celebrity faces,

That hopefully my camera kissed.

Editor’S Note: Presenting the Top 25 Celebrity Portraits and prose poetry by Photographer Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com. He’s the best in the biz. Now back to the article …

Self Portrait: Photographer Joe Arce

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

25. Lead Actor of Dandelion, KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Sometimes you need a collaboration

In order to find your voice.

Chicago – The author of the seminal and cultural novel “Fight Club” is Chuck Palahniuk. That was his debut novel in 1996, and it was made into a memorable film by David Fincher in 1999. Since that publication, Palahniuk has published over 20 works of various fiction media including 14 novels, short stories collections and even coloring books. Palahniuk is out promoting his latest novel, “Shock Induction.” Photographer Joe Arce captured his image in Exclusive Portraits during the author’s appearance at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois.

Chuck Palahniuk at Anderson’s Bookshop Naperville

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

In “Shock Induction,” the best and brightest students at a seemingly reputable high school are disappearing. Every day it seems another overachiever is lost to an apparent suicide. But something far more sinister is lurking beneath the surface. It turns out the teens have been under surveillance since birth, monitored...

Chicago – As last minute gift time continues, it’s time to focus on a prominent Chicagoan who is devoting her life to expansive life principles. Chaz Ebert, CEO of the Ebert Digital LLC, is also an author of a new inspirational book, “It’s Time to Give a Feck: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion and Kindness.”

In the book, the path is to “uncover how Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness – the Feck Principles – have prevailed through the most adverse circumstances, uniting strangers in the name of love, as you read the stories and strategies that will move you into action.” The book also asks questions and provides answers, as to what we can do and how Feck promotes our natural harmony as in we’re all in this world together.

’It’s Time to Give a Feck … ‘ by Chaz Ebert

Photo credit: Chaz Photo by Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto of HollywoodChicago.

Chicago – The final episode of HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere” will be dropping on December 8th, 2024, concluding a three-season run of the popular series. Executive Producer and portraying the main character Sam is Bridget Everett, and she appeared with co-star Jeff Hiller (Joel) at the 2024 Chicago Humanities Festival.

Bridget Everett & Jeff Hiller at Chicago Humanities Festival, October 29th, 2024

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

The semi-autobiographical series features Bridget Everett as Sam, who returns to her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas (Everett’s actual hometown) after her sister has passed away, and is a low-key and hilarious examination of Sam’s navigation of life from there. The series premiered in 2022.

Bridget Everett has described herself as an “alt-cabaret provocateur” as her shows around New York City garnered awards and recognition with creative partners including Michael Patrick King (“Sex and the City”) and Adam Horovitz (Beastie Boys). She won...

Chicago – Randy Rainbow kept many people sane during the recent election season with his broadside political song parodies, and in the upcoming years he will continue to speak truth to power. Randy was at the Chicago Humanities Festival recently, promoting his new book “Low Hanging Fruit: Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda.”

Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com captured the following Exclusive Portraits of Randy Rainbow after his Chicago Humanities Festival (Chf) event on October 16th, 2024. The Fall Chf takes place through November 13th. For information, click Chicago Humanities.

Randy Rainbow at Chicago Humanities Festival, October 16th, 2024

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Randy Stewart Rainbow was born in New York State, and dropped out of college to pursue a theatrical career in New York City. He started a blog (“Randy Rainbow’s Bloggity BLAHg-BLAHg) and began his YouTube-style parody career by editing himself doing fake phone calls to celebrities.

Previous | Image 1 of 7 | NextOscar Nominee Michael Shannon of ‘The End’

Chicago – At the recently concluded 60th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff), the stars came out in force to represent their films and walk the Red Carpet. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce and editor Patrick McDonald were there to get Exclusive Portraits and the preview on films from Oscar nominees Michael Shannon (“The End”) and Oscar winner (for “The Fighter) Melissa Leo (“The Knife”), as well as comic actor Dave Foley, who was there to moderate (click) “An Evening with Mike Myers.”

Also walking the carpet was the co-writer/featured actor/director Nnamdi Asomugha

of “The Knife” and Canadian co-writer/director Matthew Rankin of “Universal Language,” who was there with fellow Canadians Myers and Foley.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.

Chicago – On Monday, October 21st, the 2024 60th Chicago International Film Festival screened “Nightbitch,” a highly anticipated upcoming U.S. release. Representing the film was writer/director Marielle Heller. Photographer Joe Arce got the Exclusive Portrait from the Red Carpet beforehand, and Patrick McDonald got an interview.

Amy Adams stars as a woman who has left the city and her career to be a stay-at-home mom. Through the challenges of parenting a young toddler, her maternal instincts begin to manifest into a newly empowered animalistic form. Propelled by Adams’s prima and captivating performance, the film s a bold and sardonic story of motherhood.

Marielle Heller at 60th Ciff on October 21st, 2024

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

For the remaining days of the Festival, click Best Of The Fest, spotlighting the Award Winners, at the conveniently located/parking friendly AMC New City the Chicago hub for the festival.

Chicago – On Friday, October 18th, the 60th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff) paid tribute to one of Japan’s master directors, Kore-eda Hirokazu. The filmmaker achieved international acclaim for films like “After Life” (1998), “Distance” (2001), “Nobody Knows” (2004), “Like Father, Like Son” (2013) and in 2018, Kore-eda won Cannes’ highest award, the Palme d’Or, with his film “Shoplifters.”

The Exclusive Portraits were captured by photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com at the event that took place at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The 2024 Ciff runs through October 27th.

60th Ciff Honoree “A Tribute to Kore-da Hirozaku”

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Born in 1962 in Tokyo, JKore-eda Hirokazu graduated from Waseda University and joined TV Man Union, where he directed several prize-winning documentary programs. In 1995, he made his feature directorial debut with “Maborosi,” which became a festival favorite, winning the 52nd Venice International Film Festival’s Golden Osella...

Chicago – On Saturday, October 19th, the 60th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff) was alive with laughs and memories with one of Canada’s greatest comic treasures, Mike Myers.

“An Evening with Mike Myers” was moderated by fellow Canadian Dave Foley (“The Kids in the Hall”), who led a career overview of Mm.

60th Ciff Honoree “An Evening with Mike Myers”

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

The Exclusive Portraits were captured by photographer Joe Arce and the Red Carpet Q&a was provided by Patrick McDonald (both of HollywoodChicago.com) at the event that took place at The Logan Center in the University of Chicago. The 2024 Ciff runs through October 27th.

During the remaining days of the Festival, besides screening the best in U.S. and international films, there are various sub categories that spotlight different film presentations, special industry gatherings, the conveniently located/parking friendly AMC...

Chicago – On Wednesday, October 17th, the 2024 60th Chicago International Film Festival screened “Rita,” a whole-hearted exploration of how parental discord and abuae affects children. The film was the directorial debut of actor Paz Vega (“Sex and Lucia”) and she spent seven years getting it to the screen. The festival runs through October 27th.

During the remaining days of the Festival, besides screening the best in U.S. and international films, there are various sub categories that spotlight different film presentations, special industry gatherings, the conveniently located/parking friendly AMC New City in Chicago as the hub for the festival, and of course filmmaker appearances, film Q&As and red carpet happenings.

Paz Vega at 60th Ciff

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com talked to Paz Vega about her commitment to getting the story to the screen …

The 60th Chicago International Film...

Chicago – One of the most anticipated cultural events in the Windy City has kicked off in October’s first weekend. The 2024 Chicago Humanities Festival, a showcase of American influencers, welcomed Connie Chung talking about her new book, “Connie: A Memoir.” For a complete guide to upcoming events, Chicago Humanities.

Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com captured Exclusive Portraits of Connie Chung backstage before “A Conversation with Connie Chung,” moderated by local TV host Matthew Rodriguez. The 2024 Fall Chicago Humanities Festival takes place through November 13th.

Connie Chung at Chicago Humanities Festival, October 5th, 2024

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Connie Chung was born in Washington, D.C. and graduated from the University of Maryland. She began her career with CBS-tv in the 1970s, and anchored newscasts for CBS affiliate Knxt in Los Angeles. After a brief stop at NBC-tv, she returned to CBS in 1989 to host...

Chicago – On September 9th 2024, the world lost an icon of acting, voice work and pop culture stardom. The great James Earl Jones passed away at age 93, after a career of prominent statute, memorable characters and a voice to a generation through Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King” (both versions). Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com took an Exclusive Portrait of Jones in 1993 during a Chicago book tour.

Jones was born in Mississippi, and was raised in Michigan by his maternal grandparents. His estranged father became an film actor, and they reconciled in the 1950s. Jones graduated from the University of Michigan as a drama major, and after a stint in the military made his major Broadway debut in 1958 as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s butler in “Sunrise at Campobello.”

James Earl Jones in Chicago, 1993

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

He shifted to Shakespearian roles thereafter,...

Chicago – Learning how to navigate in the rough waters of life is a strange combination of who we are, where we come from, what educational opportunities we partake in and of course, how we look. Adam Pearson is featured in a new film, “A Different Man” (opening September 20th), which filters these life issues through one man’s outer transformation and another’s intuitive acceptance of self.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

”A Different Man” follows a New Yorker named Edward (Sebastian Stan), a man with neurofibromatosis, a nerve and tumor disorder which disfigures his face and keeps him isolated and withdrawn due to his appearance. He makes a connection to his new neighbor Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), but she can’t commit to his advances. Desperate, he signs up for an experimental cure, and to his surprise it transforms him.

Starting fresh, he eventually connects to Ingrid again, who has written a play about his former self.

Chicago – Last week, the world woke to the news that Phil Donahue, talk show pioneer in the 1970s and beyond, had passed away at age 88. Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com took an Exclusive Portrait of the talker in 2010, and the Portrait is republished as a contributions memorial to Phil Donahue.

Midwestern at heart, Donahue was born in Cleveland, and found his way to Notre Dame University, where he graduated in 1957. He began his broadcasting career in Cleveland, but his break came as nationwide notice was focused on his interviews, subsequent work as a news anchor in Dayton, Ohio, and as a stringer for the Walter Cronkite-era CBS Evening News. His Dayton radio show “Conversation Piece” early on scored a triple historical talk coup with then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy, The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson and activist leader Malcolm X.

Phil Donahue in Chicagoland, 2010

Photo credit: Joe...

Chicago – The force was with the Chicago Fan Expo on August 16th … what the heck else can be said? Mark Hamill is making a rare appearance and fan meet/greet all this weekend at the Expo, which runs until Sunday, August 18th. Photographer Joe Arce was at his live panel event and captured two Exclusive Portraits.

Mark Richard Hamill was born in Oakland, one of seven siblings. His father William was a naval officer and the family moved often, but Hamill eventually landed at Los Angeles College, where he studied drama. He began in television in the 1970s, making appearances on “General Hospital,” the original pilot of “Eight is Enough.” “The Partridge Family,” and “One Day at a Time.” And in the age of the high-quality TV movie, he had a role opposite Linda Blair in “Sarah T. – Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic.”

Mark Hamill at Chicago Fan Expo,...

Previous | Image 1 of 5 | NextOscar Winner Mira Sorvino.

Chicago – One of the greatest celebrity shows and entertainment gatherings in the country is coming to Chicagoland this week, and includes a rare appearance by Mark Hamill of “Star Wars.” Fan Expo Chicago takes place from August 16-18, 2024. For tickets and information, click Fan Expo Chicago.

Besides the great Hamill, next gen Star Wars mavens Hayden Christensen and Rosario Dawson (“Ahsoka”) will be in the house. The indomitable Captain Kirk, William Shatner will be there. Oscar winner Marisa Tomei will represent the Spider-Man series, Linda Hamilton will be there for “The Terminator” and a mini-reunion of “Seinfeld” performers … Wayne “Newman” Knight, Patrick “Puddy” Warburton and Larry “The Soup Nazi” Thomas … will be at the show about something. For the complete celebrity meet and greet list, click Fe Star Power.

At the Donald E. Stephens Center, Rosemont

Photo credit: FanExpoHQ.com

Of course, celebrities...

Previous | Image 1 of 6 | NextChicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Chicago – Last month was historic as two titans of film and filmmaking – Chicago and the Sundance Institute of Park City, Utah – launched a collaborative weekend that signaled a cooperation that has expansion plans. Filmmakers, actors, the Chicago Mayor and Sundance officials were on the Red Carpet.

As a champion and curator of independent stories, the nonprofit Sundance Institute provides and preserves the space for artists in film and episodic storytelling to create and thrive. Actor Robert Redford founded the Institute in 1981 to foster independence, risk-taking and new voices in American film. In addition to the Sundance Film Festival, the Institute hosts many public programs in the U.S. and internationally, like the X Chicago activities, to create community around independent storytelling.

Among the VIPs and star power on the Red Carpet were filmmaker Dawn Porter, of the showcased film “Luther: Never Too Much;” for another showcase,...

Chicago – Growth from a young and rising actor is defined by KiKi Layne. After getting her big break as Tish in “If Beale Street Could Talk” from 2018, she has build her resume in both independent (“Native Son”) and tentpole (“Coming 2 America”) films, and showcases her music talent as the title character in “Dandelion,” which opens Friday, July 12th.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Dandelion (KiKi Layne) is a struggling Cincinnati singer-songwriter in a downward spiral, including dead end gigs and a mother who needs caregiving. When she takes a last-ditch-effort gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota she meets Casey (Thomas Doherty), a guitarist who walked away from his dream long ago. As Dandelion joins Casey’s nomadic group of struggling musicians, the kindred spirits make music together and strike up a whirlwind romance.

The film is a passionate meditation on young love and the sensitive artist trying to interpret it. The...

Chicago – On June 28th, 2024, two titans of film and filmmaking – Chicago and the Sundance Institute of Park City, Utah – launched a collaborative weekend that signaled a cooperation that has expansion plans. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was on hand for remarks, as well as Eugene Hernandez, the Director of the Sundance Film Festival.

The event at the Chicago Cultural Center began the three-day event, which includes a weekend filled with Midwest premieres of films, panel discussions on pivotal topics in the independent film industry, and exclusive presentations and master classes by Sundance Institute staff. For details, click SUNDANCExCHICAGO.

Sundance X Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson

Photo credit: Joe Arce for HollywoodChicago.com

As a champion and curator of independent stories, the nonprofit Sundance Institute provides and preserves the space for artists in film and episodic storytelling to create and thrive. Actor Robert Redford founded the Institute in 1981 to foster independence, risk-taking and new voices in American film.

Previous | Image 1 of 11 | NextJohn C. Reilly, Career Achievement Award honoree.

Chicago – The Red Carpet was for rock … er, cinema … stars at the the 60th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff) Summer Gala, and the directors, actors and film VIPs were present and feted. Patrick McDonald and Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com were also there, and got the stars to pose and talk.

Hosted with raucous glee by “Today Show” personality Al Roker, the night was a luminous event with brilliant speeches, highlighted by Career Achievement Awardee John C. Reilly, who thanked his born-and-bred Chicago upbringing for his movie star career. Also honored was filmmaker Jennifer Reeder (“Knives and Skin”) who received the Tour De Force Award for her progressive feminist filmography, and took us through her journey in a screenplay speech format. Ciff Founder Michael Kutza was also honored, and received a standing ovation.

Also among the Red Carpet attendees...

Chicago – I have a new appreciation for Al Roker. Already acknowledged as a famous weatherman and TV host, the “Today Show” staple can add raucous comedian to his resume, as indicated by his hosting duties at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s Summer Gala on June 1st, 2024. He killed, as they say.

Albert Lincoln Roker was born in Queens, and got his B.A. in Communications from the State University of New York in Oswego. His first weatherman gig was in Syracuse, New York, while in college and he started his main career in Washington, D.C. After stops in Cleveland and local affiliate in New York City, he found himself substituting at the national level on NBC, first with the Sunrise show and then with the “Today Show.”

Al Roker at the 2024 60th Ciff Summer Gala

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

With his...

Chicago – You’ll never hear a better speech about the actor’s gratitude for his hometown than John C. Reilly’s proclamation at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s Summer Gala on June 1st, 2024. He brought the house down with emotional and passionate words about his journey that began in the Windy City.

With an astonishing range of roles already under his belt, John C. Reilly has played an eclectic host of rich characters to great effect over the years, from seedy ne’er-do-wells to lovable and good-natured schlepps. The fifth of six children, John Christopher Reilly was born in Chicago, and was brought up on Chicago’s Southwest Side. On the amateur stage from age eight, Reilly trained at the Goodman School of Drama and eventually became a member of Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre.

John C. Reilly at the 2024 60th Ciff Summer Gala

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.

Chicago – When the word “Opera” is defined today, the person that would illustrate the word is Renée Fleming. The lyric soprano has done most major female opera roles, and has written a new book … “Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness” … and recently appeared at the Chicago Humanities Festival.

Renée Fleming has performed coloratura, lyric, and lighter spinto soprano operatic roles in Italian, German, French, Czech, and Russian, aside from her native English. A significant portion of her career has been the performance of new music, including world premieres of operas, concert pieces, and songs composed for her by André Previn, Caroline Shaw, Kevin Puts, Anders Hillborg, Nico Muhly, Henri Dutilleux, Brad Mehldau, and Wayne Shorter.

Renée Fleming at the Chicago Humanities Festival, May 8, 2024

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Renée Lynn Fleming was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and got her Masters of...

Chicago – The excellent new film “Babes,” which screened at the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) on May 4th, was the feature film director debut from a familiar name … Pamela Adlon (“Better Things”). “Babes” expanded nationwide on May 24th for Memorial Day weekend.

Pamela Adlon at the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

“Babes” is a hilarious riff on women friendships/bonding and an unexpected pregnancy. Eden and Dawn (Michelle Buteau) are besties, having grown up together in New York City, and are now firmly in different phases of adulthood. When carefree and single Eden finds herself pregnant after a one night stand, she decides to have a baby on her own, and her friendship with Dawn will face its greatest challenge. “Babes” is a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about the bonds of friendship and the messy, unpredictable challenges of adulthood and becoming a parent.

Chicago – “Dandelion” was the centerpiece film at the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) on May 6th, and featured an appearance by the actor portraying the title character, KiKi Layne (“If Beale Street Could Talk”). Ms. Layne walked the Red Carpet at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre.

Dandelion (KiKi Layne) is a struggling Cincinnati singer-songwriter in a downward spiral, takes a last-ditch-effort gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota where she meets Casey (Thomas Doherty), a guitarist who walked away from his dream long ago. As Dandelion joins Casey’s nomadic group of struggling musicians, the kindred spirits make music together and strike up a whirlwind romance.

KiKi Layne at the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

KiKi Layne is an ascending actor after making her feature film debut in “If Beale Street Could Talk” in 2018 as Tish Rivers. She also...

Chicago – The excellent new film “Babes,” which screened at the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) on May 4th, was the feature film director debut from a familiar name … Pamela Adlon (“Better Things”). Ms. Adlon walked the Red Carpet at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre.

Pamela Adlon at the 2024 Chicago Critics Film Festival

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

“Babes” is a hilarious riff on women friendships/bonding and an unexpected pregnancy. Eden and Dawn (Michelle Buteau) are besties, having grown up together in New York City, and are now firmly in different phases of adulthood. When carefree-and-single Eden finds herself pregnant after a one night stand, she decides to have the baby on her own, and her friendship with Dawn will face its greatest challenge. “Babes” is a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about the bonds of friendship and the messy, unpredictable challenges of being adult and becoming a parent.

Chicago – The journey of a thousand miles begins … in the case of “Hard Miles” starring Matthew Modine … with a single pedal. “Hard Miles” joins the pantheon of cycling movies, in this case with Modine portraying a social worker who teaches his life lessons through a bicycling journey with his youthful charges.

The based-on-truth story features Greg (Modine) as a beleaguered social worker at a Colorado juvenile correctional cente, with a passion for bicycle challenges and a revelatory idea for rehabilitation … rounding up an unlikely crew of incarcerated students to complete a transformative 762 mile ride from Denver to the Grand Canyon. To achieve their goal, this determined mentor and his disgruntled teenage squad will battle heat stroke, speed wobbles, mountainous inclines, and most of all each other to come together as a unified team.

Matthew Modine in Chicago, October of 2023

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Matthew Modine was born in California,...

Chicago – David Dastmalchian is taking the spotlight in his latest role. The in-demand character actor, with vital portrayals in “Suicide Squad,’ “Dune” and “Oppenheimer,” is the lead performer as a 1970s talk show host in the new horror epic “Late Night with the Devil,” co-written/directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes. In select theaters March 22nd.

David Dastmalchian for ‘Late Night with the Devil’

Photo credit: Joe Arce for HollywoodChicago.com

Dastmalchian is Jack Delroy, a fictional 1970s talk show host who is in trouble. Jack and his show “Night Owls,” once one of the biggest shows in late night, is now struggling. So now, with his personal life marred by tragedy and his ratings in free fall, he’s desperate to keep his show. With his sidekick Gus (Rhys Auteri) and his producers, they cook up a controversial plan for their 1977 Halloween special … a live demonic possession, as performed by parapsychologist Dr.

Chicago – One of the great lesser known pioneers of social and civil rights history is Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. As a black woman in the 1960s/70s, she not only was elected to the House of Representatives but also ran for president in 1972 against all odds. Actor Christina Jackson was in Chicago on behalf of the new biopic, “Shirley.”

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to Congress in 1968, and within the political atmosphere in 1972 decided to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Behind Ms. Chisholm was her husband Conrad (Michael Cherrie), her advisors Arthur Hardwick (Terrence Howard) and Mac Holder (Lance Reddick), as well as colleagues Congressman Walter Fauntroy (André Holland) and future politico Barbara Lee (Christina Jackson).

Actor Christina Jackson at Chicago Humanities Fest Night, March 18, 2024

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Christina Jackson has been a veteran character actress since her TV series...

Chicago – Bill Murray is a son of Chicagoland, born and raised in the area and beginning his career at The Second City. To honor his friend and collaborator Harold Ramis, Murray made an appearance on February 2nd, 2024, on Chicago’s Navy Pier on behalf of Harold Ramis Day and of course his classic film “Groundhog Day.”

Bill Murray Back in his Home Land

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

William James “Bill” Murray was born in Chicago-adjacent Evanston and grew up in nearby Wilmette. After an attempt at college, he followed his brother Brian Doyle Murray to The Second City and found his performance niche. He moved to New York City when fellow Second City vet John Belushi recruited him for “The National Lampoon Radio Hour.” After missing out on the original cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975, he did a stint on Howard Cosell’s...

Previous | Image 1 of 13 | NextBust of Harold Ramis on his Day, February 2nd, 2024.

Chicago – It was a special February 2nd, 2024, in Chicago. Not only was it the quasi-midwinter holiday Groundhog Day, but cast members of the 1993 classic film “Groundhog Day” – including Bill Murray, his brother Brian Doyle Murray and others – made appearances on the famous Navy Pier to honor the late director of the film, Harold Ramis. From this year forward, February 2nd will be Harold Ramis Day in Chicago.

The beloved film tells the story of Phil (Bill Murray), a Pittsburgh weatherman who is assigned with Producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and Cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott) to cover the Groundhog Day ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (Brian Doyle Murray portrays city official Buster Green). When a snowstorm strands them in the small town, Phil wakes up to find out its February 2nd yet again. He is now stuck in a time loop,...

Chicago – Maria Bamford has been a top comic force since her breakthrough in the first decade of the millennium. She will be appearing on the Super Bowl Sunday edition of CBS-tv’s @Fter Midnight, the new show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson after “Late Night with Stephen Colbert.” Appearing alongside her will be A-listers Wayne Brady and Kevin Smith.

Maria Bamford at the 2023 Chicago Humanities Festival

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Maria Bamford grew up in Minnesota, and attended college there and at the Scottish University of Edinburgh. She began her stand up career while at the University of Minnesota at age 19. She broke into professional comedy as a cartoon VoiceOver artist in the early aughts, and used the next decade raising her profile with a number of comedy albums, a Nickelodeon cartoon, YouTube web series and a stint on the reboot of “Arrested Development.” Her...

Chicago – Cindy Morgan: So the first time you saw ‘Caddyshack’ did you ever imagine that one day you’d be wrangling my boobs for a photo?

Joe Arce: Constantly

Cindy: (Laughing) Okay, Cowboy. Welcome to Fantasy Island! Wrangle away!

Joe: Are you sure?

Cindy: Christ!, do I have to buy you dinner first? Yup, get that double sided tape ready and give me the full ‘Jayne Mansfield’ table shot treatment!

Joe: God,I love my job

Cindy: Consider yourself tipped.

Cindy Morgan

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

During that first shoot I remember sharing the story of seeing “Tron” for the first time at a suburban drive in with my college girlfriend. That girlfriend got huffy as the movie progressed, till she literally tapped me on the shoulder saying, “You know you’d get a lot luckier with the hot blond here in...

Previous | Image 1 of 12 | NextRaquel Welch, 1940-February 15, 2023

Chicago – As always, we lost a number of notable people in 2023. In his hustle and glory, photographer Joe Arce has spent his career not only taking Exclusive Portraits of every notable he runs across, but he also has collected an archive that makes their image available again for the 2023 In Memoriam.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

2023MEMORIAM1: Raquel Welch, 1940-February 15, 2023 2023MEMORIAM2: Tony Bennett, 1926-July 21, 2023 2023MEMORIAM3: Alan Arkin, 1934-June 29, 2023 2023MEMORIAM4: Cindy Williams, 1947-January 25, 2023 2023MEMORIAM5: ‘Exorcist ‘ Director William Friedkin, 1935-August 7, 2023 2023MEMORIAM6: Richard Roundtree of ’Shaft.’ 1942-October 24, 2023 2023MEMORIAM7: Stella Stevens of ‘The Poseidon Adventure,’ 1938-February 17, 2023 2023MEMORIAM8: Lisa Loring, Wednesday in 1960s ‘Addams Family,’ 1958-January 28, 2023 2023MEMORIAM9: Rocker Denny Laine of Wings, 1944-December 5, 2023 2023MEMORIAM10:...

Chicago – The seemingly middle-of-the-road character actor Bob Balaban has more to his legacy than just a ton of appearances from the 1960s to present in classic films and TV. His Chicago family were pioneers in film exhibition and the movie executive suite during the studio system in the early days of the history of film. It is in his DNA.

The amazing story of Chicago’s Balaban family began soon after they emigrated from Russia. His uncles formed a coalition with Sam Katz to build theaters. The Balaban & Katz brand meant the highest quality movie palaces eventually, the ultimate in the early 20th Century movie experience before television … two prominent theaters still standing are the city-symbolic Chicago Theatre and the still-closed-but-still-standing Uptown Theatre. Bob was born in Chicago, and his father built his favorite theatre icon (as told in the Podtalk below). For the final flourish, his uncle Barney Balaban...

Chicago – 2023 to Me: “Hey Buddy, you can take a hike!”/Cause it’s harder work for a celebrity photographer/when your subjects are all on strike. And sure, the world is melting down/It was a hell of a year … But Time still favored Taylor Swift/and that’s worthy of a cheer.

Editor’S Note: Presenting the Top 25 Celebrity Portraits and prose poetry by Photographer Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com. He’s the best in the biz. Now back to the article …

Self Portrait: Photographer Joe Arce

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

When people ask, I describe my job

as painting stars with light.

Now here's my years Top 25

that I feel I got just right.

25. Costume Designer of Poor Things, Holly Waddington

Holly Waddington

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

They say that clothes can make the man.

Chicago – Although Ed Begley Jr. has had hundreds of roles in TV and film, he is most likely best known as an activist for environmental and sustainability concerns. He highlighted his latest book, “To the Temple of Tranquility…and Step on It!” at the Fall 2023 Chicago Humanities Festival, and HollywoodChicago.com got the Exclusive Photos and Interview.

Ed Begley Jr. was born in Los Angeles, the son of character actor Ed Begley and Amanda Huff, who he later learned was not his biological mother. After graduating from Los Angeles Valley College, he began his acting career in the late 1960s. After several smaller roles on TV and films, he landed as a regular on the legendary cult show “St. Elsewhere,” as Doctor Victor Ehrlich. After the series ended memorably, he continued his run in TV and film, including as a series regular on “Gary Unmarried” and in Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show.

Chicago – Denny Laine is a historic force in both the British Invasion of the 1960s with the Moody Blues, and as a member of “Wings” the band formed by him plus Paul and Linda McCartney in the 1970s. Laine died on December 5th, 2023, in Naples, Florida. He was 79.

Born Brian Frederick Hines in Britain, his first band was the Diplomats in in the early 1960s, which he left to form the M&b 5 in 1964. They changed their name to Moody Blues, and Laine was the lead vocalist on their first hit, “Go Now.” He left that group in 1966, and formed the Electric String Band. When that group disbanded, Laine became a journeyman, playing with the group “Balls” and Ginger Baker’s “Air Force.” In 1971, Laine joined Paul and Linda McCartney to form the band Wings. He was a songwriter contributor, and was instrumental in formulating the band’s signature album “Band on the Run.

Chicago – Writer, Director and Actor Emerald Fennell is leading a new revolution of commentary in her feature films. She began with “Promising Young Woman” in 2020 – for which she won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay – and her follow-up is “Saltburn,” which opened wide last week on November 22nd.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Scholarship student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) struggles to find his place as a new student at Oxford. On a chance meeting, he befriends Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), the most popular, charming, and handsome student in school. When Oliver tells Felix that he has no home to return to for the summer, Felix invites him to his aristocratic family’s country estate, Saltburn. As an outsider drawn into the shimmering world of the eccentric Cattons and their life of excess, Oliver begins to feel at home in this lifestyle, drawing closer to each member of the family. But when his fascination starts to verge on obsession,...

Chicago –At the the just wrapped up Fall 2023 Chicago Humanities Festival, a few laughs (and tears) were had at an appearance by comedian Aparna Nancherla. She has a new book entitled “Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and the Imposter Syndrome,” which takes readers on the journey of a stand-up comic and essayist who doesn’t feel she belongs doing what she does, but she’s able to express it.

’Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and the Imposter Syndrome’ by Aparna Nancherla

Photo credit: Joe Arce for HollywoodChicago.com

“Unreliable Narrator” is a collection of essays that uses Aparna’s signature humor to illuminate an interior life, one constantly bossed around by her depression (whom she calls Brenda), laced with anxiety described like a horror movie full of jump-scares, and plagued by a love-hate relationship with her career as a painfully shy standup comedian. But that crippling self-doubt also comes with the gift of keen self-examination.

Chicago – It was another city in another time when Andrew Davis directed his first film “Stony Island” in 1970s Chicago. The film was released in 1978 to acclaim, but faded into the mist of cinema. Andrew Davis is back in his hometown to introduce “Stony Island” at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Friday, November 17th, 2023. For tickets and info, click Stony Island.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Lovingly filmed on the gritty 1970s streets in the Chicago of Andy Davis, the film features his brother Richard Davis as Ritchie, a white boy guitarist trying to break into a Southside rhythm and blues band that cooks with its own brand of Windy City soul. Based a bit on his brother’s actual circumstances, the film features actual singers and players of the era, including a magnificent performance by Gene Barge as Percy Price, the centerpiece cat in the story who ends up in a fate of celebration.

Chicago – In the case of this Ginger and Geri, no choice needs to be made because they are one and the same. Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell was a member of the best selling female pop group in history, the Spice Girls. She appeared in Downers Grove (Illinois) for her new novel, “Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen.”

Photographer Joe Arce captured this Exclusive Photo before her sold-out meet, greet and book signing event last month, sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop, at the historic Tivoli Theatre in Downer’s Grove. In her children’s middle school novel “Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen,” the title character is orphaned and alone, sent to a boarding school called Bloodstone Island. While acclimating, Rosie confronts a menacing deputy headmaster, a group of mean kids intent on destroying her, and shocking family secrets.

Geri ‘Ginger Spice’ Halliwell at Tivoli Theatre, October 5, 2023

Photo credit: Joe Arce for HollywoodChicago.