Chris Mortensen, who came up with many a scoop at ESPN as the network’s longtime NFL reporter and analyst, has died. He was 72.
Mortensen, a George Polk Award-winning newspaperman who joined ESPN in 1991, died Sunday, ESPN announced on social media.
“We’re very sorry to share the devastating news that Chris Mortensen, an award-winning NFL journalist at ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72,” the network posted on Instagram. “Thanks for everything, Mort. We’ll miss you dearly.”
No details were given about his cause of death, but Mortensen left his ESPN job in January 2016 after revealing that he had throat cancer. He returned to work the 2017 NFL season, even as the cancer spread to his lungs.
“I have many inspirational examples of men, women and children who have faced this very fight. We all know somebody, right?” he said in a statement back then.
Mortensen, a George Polk Award-winning newspaperman who joined ESPN in 1991, died Sunday, ESPN announced on social media.
“We’re very sorry to share the devastating news that Chris Mortensen, an award-winning NFL journalist at ESPN for more than three decades, died Sunday morning at the age of 72,” the network posted on Instagram. “Thanks for everything, Mort. We’ll miss you dearly.”
No details were given about his cause of death, but Mortensen left his ESPN job in January 2016 after revealing that he had throat cancer. He returned to work the 2017 NFL season, even as the cancer spread to his lungs.
“I have many inspirational examples of men, women and children who have faced this very fight. We all know somebody, right?” he said in a statement back then.
- 3/3/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Mortensen, an award-winning veteran reporter for ESPN, died Sunday morning, the network announced. He was 72 and no cause was given, but he had been battling cancer during his life.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved one.”
Mortensen took a leave of absence from ESPN in 2016 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, which later spread to his lungs. He left ESPN in 2023 after joining the network in 1991.
“An absolutely devastating day,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X. “Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. Sincerest condolences to his family,...
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hard-working teammate,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and was at the top of his field for decades. He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved one.”
Mortensen took a leave of absence from ESPN in 2016 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, which later spread to his lungs. He left ESPN in 2023 after joining the network in 1991.
“An absolutely devastating day,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X. “Mort was one of the greatest reporters in sports history, and an even better man. Sincerest condolences to his family,...
- 3/3/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Following through on a warning earlier this month, Authentic Brands Group has revoked Sports Illustrated‘s license to publish due to a missed payment.
As a result of the move, the entire staff of the 70-year-old print and online publication was notified on Friday that their jobs were being eliminated.
“We appreciate the work and efforts of everyone who has contributed to the Si brand and business,” Si operator The Arena Group wrote in a memo to employees that prompted outrage and lamentation on social media.
Related: 2024’s Best Red Carpet & Party Photos
In a statement, Sports Illustrated Union and The NewsGuild of New York vowed to “fight for every one of our colleagues.”
The Arena Group, which has operated the venerable brand under a license agreement since 2019, said in an SEC filing this month that it did not make a quarterly payment of about $3.75 million.
Authentic “issued the company...
As a result of the move, the entire staff of the 70-year-old print and online publication was notified on Friday that their jobs were being eliminated.
“We appreciate the work and efforts of everyone who has contributed to the Si brand and business,” Si operator The Arena Group wrote in a memo to employees that prompted outrage and lamentation on social media.
Related: 2024’s Best Red Carpet & Party Photos
In a statement, Sports Illustrated Union and The NewsGuild of New York vowed to “fight for every one of our colleagues.”
The Arena Group, which has operated the venerable brand under a license agreement since 2019, said in an SEC filing this month that it did not make a quarterly payment of about $3.75 million.
Authentic “issued the company...
- 1/19/2024
- by Dade Hayes and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Sterling Lord, who represented Jimmy Breslin, Art Buchwald, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Gordon Parks and most famously, Jack Kerouac, died Saturday in Ocala, Fla. He was 102 and his death was confirmed by his daughter, Rebecca Lord. No cause was given.
The list of literary greats represented by Lord over his long career included Frank Deford, David Wise, Nicolas Pileggi, Delores Kearns Goodwin, Joe McGinniss, Pete Gent, Pete Axthelm, and more. But it was Kerouac’s book that is likely his lasting legacy, sold for 1,000 after four years of trying. It went on to sell more than five million copies.
Lord was born in Burlington, Iowa, on Sept. 3, 1920. His father was an amateur bookbinder and nourished his son’s passion for books. Oddly, Lord himself publilshed only two works, a how-to on tennis and a memoir, neither of them massive sellers.
He graduated with an English degree fro Grinnell College in Iowa, then...
The list of literary greats represented by Lord over his long career included Frank Deford, David Wise, Nicolas Pileggi, Delores Kearns Goodwin, Joe McGinniss, Pete Gent, Pete Axthelm, and more. But it was Kerouac’s book that is likely his lasting legacy, sold for 1,000 after four years of trying. It went on to sell more than five million copies.
Lord was born in Burlington, Iowa, on Sept. 3, 1920. His father was an amateur bookbinder and nourished his son’s passion for books. Oddly, Lord himself publilshed only two works, a how-to on tennis and a memoir, neither of them massive sellers.
He graduated with an English degree fro Grinnell College in Iowa, then...
- 9/4/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
With demand surging for sports-themed films and TV series, Authentic Brands Group and David Glasser’s 101 Studios have launched Sports Illustrated Studios, an exclusive home for film and TV adaptations of the magazine’s work.
Plans call for several scripted or unscripted feature films and TV series per year, as well as podcasts. Their basis will be the magazine’s “unique looks at the culture and characters that transcend the game,” in the words of the official announcement. In charge of all production, distribution and marketing for Sports Illustrated Studios will be 101 Studios, which Glasser started after leaving his longtime post at the Weinstein Company.
First out of the gate will be Covers, an episodic look at Si’s top cover stories of all time, culled from a roster of thousands involving a host of sports figures, teams, celebrities and political figures.
“Sports Illustrated has covered every major story...
Plans call for several scripted or unscripted feature films and TV series per year, as well as podcasts. Their basis will be the magazine’s “unique looks at the culture and characters that transcend the game,” in the words of the official announcement. In charge of all production, distribution and marketing for Sports Illustrated Studios will be 101 Studios, which Glasser started after leaving his longtime post at the Weinstein Company.
First out of the gate will be Covers, an episodic look at Si’s top cover stories of all time, culled from a roster of thousands involving a host of sports figures, teams, celebrities and political figures.
“Sports Illustrated has covered every major story...
- 5/5/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In dozens of tributes, Dan Jenkins — who died at 90 on March 7th in his birthplace of Fort Worth, Texas — was cited as the most influential and/or the greatest sportswriter, period, of all time. The author of 23 books and untold hundreds of articles and columns was at the outset most noted for his first novel, Semi-Tough (1971), a groundbreaking, raucous deep-dive into the world of pro football that became a celebrated 1977 film starring Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson and Jill Clayburgh.
Jenkins left indelible imprints in journalism, particularly in his nearly 25 years at Sports Illustrated.
Jenkins left indelible imprints in journalism, particularly in his nearly 25 years at Sports Illustrated.
- 3/12/2019
- by Tom Walsh
- Rollingstone.com
The Denver Post has fired writer Terry Frei after he tweeted that he was “very uncomfortable with a Japanese driver winning the Indianapolis 500 during Memorial Day weekend.” After Takuma Sato won the Indy 500 on Sunday, writer Frei expressed his discomfort while clarifying that it was “nothing specifically personal.” A huge backlash ensued, as many people took the comment extremely personally. Frei deleted the tweet, apologized and said in a lengthy apology that his father, former University of Oregon coach Gerald L. “Jerry” Frei, had fought against the Japanese in World War II, flying 67 missions in all. Also Read: Frank Deford,...
- 5/29/2017
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Frank Deford, the famed Sports Illustrated columnist and NPR commentator who turned stories about sports into stories about humanity, died Monday at age 78. For fifty years, Deford was one of the leading voices of Sports Illustrated and among the most beloved writers in all of sports. He joined NPR’s “Morning Edition” in 1980, retiring earlier this year. He also served served as a correspondent on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” and received a Peabody Award for his work on the 1999 HBO documentary “Dare to Compete.” “Since 1980, Frank voiced sports commentary for NPR, leaving us 1,656 of his signature insights into the world.
- 5/29/2017
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Longtime Sports Illustrated writer, author and commentator Frank Deford has died. His wife confirmed to The Washington Post that he passed away on Sunday in Key West, Florida.
The author of 18 books, nine of which were novels, Deford was also a Peabody, CableACE and Emmy Award winner; the latter for his work as a writer during the Seoul Olympics. His 1981 novel, Everybody’s All-American, was made into a 1988 film directed by Taylor Hackford. Deford began writing for SI in…...
The author of 18 books, nine of which were novels, Deford was also a Peabody, CableACE and Emmy Award winner; the latter for his work as a writer during the Seoul Olympics. His 1981 novel, Everybody’s All-American, was made into a 1988 film directed by Taylor Hackford. Deford began writing for SI in…...
- 5/29/2017
- Deadline
Frank Deford, a longtime Sports Illustrated writer, author and commentator, died Sunday in Key West, Fl, his wife confirmed to multiple media outlets. The author of 18 books, nine of which were novels, Deford was also a Peabody, CableACE and Emmy winner, the latter for his work as a writer during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His 1981 novel, Everybody’s All-American, was made into a 1988 film directed by Taylor Hackford. Deford began writing for Si in 1962, becoming known as…...
- 5/29/2017
- Deadline TV
Frank Deford, the charismatic sports writer widely regarded as one of the best of his generation who also presided over the ambitious and short-lived The National, one of the biggest busts in the annals of the newspaper industry, has died. He was 78.
Deford, who began his career at Sports Illustrated in 1962 and remained with the magazine for decades, died Sunday in Key West, Fla., his wife said.
A prolific and widely admired novelist as well, Deford wrote the 1981 book Everybody's All-American, about the downfall of a 1950s University of North Carolina star. It was made into the...
Deford, who began his career at Sports Illustrated in 1962 and remained with the magazine for decades, died Sunday in Key West, Fla., his wife said.
A prolific and widely admired novelist as well, Deford wrote the 1981 book Everybody's All-American, about the downfall of a 1950s University of North Carolina star. It was made into the...
- 12/2/2016
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peter Bart and Mike Fleming Jr. worked together for two decades at Daily Variety. In this occasional column, two old friends get together and grind their axes, mostly on the movie business.
Fleming: I’ve never seen anything like the craziness that followed the elevator surveillance-camera footage of Ray Rice punching his wife, and an NFL deer-in-the-headlights response that put its tenured commissioner Roger Goodell in danger of being on the business end of a knockout punch himself. It became bloodsport; Espn has shown the elevator punch so often in the past few days, it’s surprising they haven’t assembled their fight commentators to dissect it. The subsequent media scrutiny of other players who’ve done similar or worse things — but who suited up today — leaves you thinking that NFL players have crime stats comparable to the prison team Burt Reynolds quarterbacked in The Longest Yard.
Bart: People make a mistake,...
Fleming: I’ve never seen anything like the craziness that followed the elevator surveillance-camera footage of Ray Rice punching his wife, and an NFL deer-in-the-headlights response that put its tenured commissioner Roger Goodell in danger of being on the business end of a knockout punch himself. It became bloodsport; Espn has shown the elevator punch so often in the past few days, it’s surprising they haven’t assembled their fight commentators to dissect it. The subsequent media scrutiny of other players who’ve done similar or worse things — but who suited up today — leaves you thinking that NFL players have crime stats comparable to the prison team Burt Reynolds quarterbacked in The Longest Yard.
Bart: People make a mistake,...
- 9/14/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Former NFL football sensation Boomer Esiason's greatest play is off the field as a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis.
Boomer's son, Gunner, has the life-threatening lung disease (aka Cf) and Boomer has worked hard to raise over $100 million in funds to help those suffering with Cf through his charity, The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
Yet, Boomer tells Healthy Hollywood, he actually started working on behalf of Cf fundraising four years prior to his son was diagnosis in 1993. He was inspired by journalist Frank Deford, who lost his daughter to cystic fibrosis.
"I felt there was some sort ...
Copyright 2014 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Boomer's son, Gunner, has the life-threatening lung disease (aka Cf) and Boomer has worked hard to raise over $100 million in funds to help those suffering with Cf through his charity, The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
Yet, Boomer tells Healthy Hollywood, he actually started working on behalf of Cf fundraising four years prior to his son was diagnosis in 1993. He was inspired by journalist Frank Deford, who lost his daughter to cystic fibrosis.
"I felt there was some sort ...
Copyright 2014 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 6/9/2014
- by access.hollywood@nbcuni.com (AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff)
- Access Hollywood
As people across the country gather on Thursday to give thanks for family, friends and a shared bounty, a new film from HBO and Sports Illustrated celebrates another mutual American experience.
"Sport in America: Our Defining Stories," debuting Nov. 28 on HBO, examines how the shared thread of sports has united the country over the years and helped shape the national character.
"[The film] is really very much about why sports matters to people in ways that we actually don't realize," explains James D. Stern, who directed the film for Endgame Entertainment. "You know, we talk about our parents, we talk about our kids, we talk about our politics, we talk about race. And all those things we talk about oftentimes through the safety valve of sports.
"This is sort of the intersection where sports and family and America meet," he says to Zap2it.
The 95-minute documentary includes the personal stories of...
"Sport in America: Our Defining Stories," debuting Nov. 28 on HBO, examines how the shared thread of sports has united the country over the years and helped shape the national character.
"[The film] is really very much about why sports matters to people in ways that we actually don't realize," explains James D. Stern, who directed the film for Endgame Entertainment. "You know, we talk about our parents, we talk about our kids, we talk about our politics, we talk about race. And all those things we talk about oftentimes through the safety valve of sports.
"This is sort of the intersection where sports and family and America meet," he says to Zap2it.
The 95-minute documentary includes the personal stories of...
- 11/28/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Washington -- Musician Herb Alpert, sportswriter Frank Deford and filmmaker George Lucas are among 23 people and an organization chosen to receive national medals for their contributions in the fields of the arts and humanities.
President Barack Obama will award the medals next Wednesday during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Playwright Tony Kushner, musician Renee Fleming and the Washington Performing Arts Society have also been selected to receive a National Medal of Arts.
Other recipients of the National Humanities Medal include author Joan Didion and actress Anna Deavere Smith, along with Kay Ryan, a former poet laureate of the U.S., and Robert B. Silvers, editor and co-founder of The New York Review of Books.
A total of 23 individuals and one organization will be recognized.
President Barack Obama will award the medals next Wednesday during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Playwright Tony Kushner, musician Renee Fleming and the Washington Performing Arts Society have also been selected to receive a National Medal of Arts.
Other recipients of the National Humanities Medal include author Joan Didion and actress Anna Deavere Smith, along with Kay Ryan, a former poet laureate of the U.S., and Robert B. Silvers, editor and co-founder of The New York Review of Books.
A total of 23 individuals and one organization will be recognized.
- 7/4/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
4th Row Films will release “All In: The Poker Movie” nationally on April 24, 2012 via digital retailers including Amazon and iTunes, with a DVD release to follow in July 2012. The opportunity to pre-order the film is available at www.allinthepokermovie.com, along with a limited edition poster and “All In: The Poker Movie”. playing cards. This release will follow a 40 market theatrical release in late March, including the Cinema Village in New York City and Laemmle 4 in Los Angeles.
A look at the story of poker from the underground clubs of New York City to the global boom and the recent online scandal, “All In: The Poker Movie”. is garnering unprecedented support across the country, with poker players participating in post-screening discussions during many of the theatrical runs either in person or via satellite.
Wamg is giving you the chance to enter for a chance to win:
1. All In: The Poker Movie...
A look at the story of poker from the underground clubs of New York City to the global boom and the recent online scandal, “All In: The Poker Movie”. is garnering unprecedented support across the country, with poker players participating in post-screening discussions during many of the theatrical runs either in person or via satellite.
Wamg is giving you the chance to enter for a chance to win:
1. All In: The Poker Movie...
- 4/20/2012
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Check out the trailer for the documentary All In – The Poker Movie set to be released nationally on April 24th.
The movie features Matt Damon, Star of .Rounders., Frank Deford: Peabody Award-Winning Sports, Journalist, Ira Glass: Host of National Public Radio.s .This American Life,. Doris Kearns Goodwin: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Writer and Historian, Kenny Rogers: Grammy Award-Winning Entertainer, Bert Sugar: Sports Writer and Historian.
4th Row Films will release .All In . The Poker Movie. nationally on April 24, 2012 via digital retailers including Amazon and iTunes, with a DVD release to follow in July 2012. The opportunity to pre-order the film is available at www.allinthepokermovie.com, along with a limited edition poster and .All In . The Poker Movie. playing cards. This release will follow a 40 market theatrical release in late March, including the Cinema Village in New York City and Laemmle 4 in Los Angeles. A look at...
The movie features Matt Damon, Star of .Rounders., Frank Deford: Peabody Award-Winning Sports, Journalist, Ira Glass: Host of National Public Radio.s .This American Life,. Doris Kearns Goodwin: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Writer and Historian, Kenny Rogers: Grammy Award-Winning Entertainer, Bert Sugar: Sports Writer and Historian.
4th Row Films will release .All In . The Poker Movie. nationally on April 24, 2012 via digital retailers including Amazon and iTunes, with a DVD release to follow in July 2012. The opportunity to pre-order the film is available at www.allinthepokermovie.com, along with a limited edition poster and .All In . The Poker Movie. playing cards. This release will follow a 40 market theatrical release in late March, including the Cinema Village in New York City and Laemmle 4 in Los Angeles. A look at...
- 3/15/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Matt Damon really likes poker. In fact, in the newly released trailer for "All In — The Poker Movie" Damon even says that "there is just something cool about being good at poker."
"All In — The Poker Movie" will tell the history of the poker, from its start in the underground clubs of NYC to becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Unfortunately, it became so much of a global fixation that the Us government had to shut down the three largest poker websites in the world.
The poker documentary will attempt to tell the definitive story of the rise, fall and rebirth of poker. Joining Damon in the documentary are Phil Hellmuth Jr, 2003 World Series of Poker winner Chris Moneymaker, Ira Glass, Frank Deford, Annie Duke, Kenny Rogers, Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer and Daniel Negreanu.
"All In — The Poker Movie" hits theaters March 23. It’ll also be available on iTunes April 24.
"All In — The Poker Movie" will tell the history of the poker, from its start in the underground clubs of NYC to becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Unfortunately, it became so much of a global fixation that the Us government had to shut down the three largest poker websites in the world.
The poker documentary will attempt to tell the definitive story of the rise, fall and rebirth of poker. Joining Damon in the documentary are Phil Hellmuth Jr, 2003 World Series of Poker winner Chris Moneymaker, Ira Glass, Frank Deford, Annie Duke, Kenny Rogers, Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer and Daniel Negreanu.
"All In — The Poker Movie" hits theaters March 23. It’ll also be available on iTunes April 24.
- 3/11/2012
- by Crystal Bell
- Huffington Post
Bryant Gumbel and his reporting team are back for more poignant and illuminating stories of athletes and their accomplishments. One of our favorite segments was the story of Rick and Dick Hoyt, a father and son team who reveal the true bonds of love, loyalty and commitment regardless of the cards your dealt in life: From HBO Winner of 21 Sports Emmys® in 15 years, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel presents a special roundtable review of 2010 on its 165th edition, debuting Tuesday, December 21 (10:00-11:00 p.m. Et/Pt) and available in HDTV, exclusively on HBO. Departing from the show.s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg and Andrea Kremer...
- 12/10/2010
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Finally someone who thinks NBC is not doing such a shabby job with the Winter Olympics. While plenty of people have spent the last 12 days complaining about NBC's tape delayed coverage NPR's Frank DeFord thinks most Americans actually prefer it: watching the Olympics is that much more enjoyable when you're already assured of the fact your country has won the gold.
- 2/24/2010
- by Glynnis MacNicol
- Mediaite - TV
Experts and golfers alike want him back on the lynx!
“Saturday Night Live” did a hilarious sketch last night about the PGA Tour becoming less popular now that Tiger Woods has taken an indefinite break from the game. But it wasn’t just funny — it was actually pretty accurate. A number of recent reports suggest that Tiger’s absence from the tour could have devastating results.
The last time Tiger took a break from golf, when he was recovering from knee surgery in 2008, golf tournament ratings slumped almost 50 percent, according to Nielsen Media.
“Tiger’s presence at a golf tournament and being on the leader board generates significantly increased ratings,” says Neal Pilson of Pilson Communications. “When deals are negotiated, the fact Tiger is a member of the tour influences what networks pay.”
“Golf needs Tiger Woods,” says fellow golfer Brad Faxon. ”We wish them well and the best. I...
“Saturday Night Live” did a hilarious sketch last night about the PGA Tour becoming less popular now that Tiger Woods has taken an indefinite break from the game. But it wasn’t just funny — it was actually pretty accurate. A number of recent reports suggest that Tiger’s absence from the tour could have devastating results.
The last time Tiger took a break from golf, when he was recovering from knee surgery in 2008, golf tournament ratings slumped almost 50 percent, according to Nielsen Media.
“Tiger’s presence at a golf tournament and being on the leader board generates significantly increased ratings,” says Neal Pilson of Pilson Communications. “When deals are negotiated, the fact Tiger is a member of the tour influences what networks pay.”
“Golf needs Tiger Woods,” says fellow golfer Brad Faxon. ”We wish them well and the best. I...
- 12/13/2009
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
Pen Densham has been set to direct "Big Bill," a feature about the self-destructive tennis legend Bill Tilden.According to Variety, Gil Dennis ("Walk the Line") wrote the script, based on the Frank Deford book "Big Bill: The Triumphs and the Tragedy."Baldwin Entertainment and GlennIris Entertainment have put together the funding to make the picture.Densham hasn't directed a feature since 1996's "Moll Flanders," though he directed the 1998 telepic "Houdini" for TNT. He has busied himself writing and producing such projects as the series revivals of "The Outer Limits" and "The Twilight Zone" for his Trilogy Entertainment Group.In the 1920s, Tilden won six straight U.S. Open singles titles, a feat that Roger Federer will try to surpass this month. Tilden was...
- 8/13/2009
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Tennis players are boring. They turn up, go on court, smack a few balls around, throw out a few dour quotes in the post-match press conference, and go off to shoot a new commercial for a camera/clothing range. There’s no spark, no sex, no scandal. Right?Well, not quite. Not for Bill Tilden, anyway. The American was a legendary champion during the 1920s, winning the Us Open six times in a row, and becoming the first American to win Wimbledon.But he was also a novelist, a playwright and a bridge champion, while on the court he was renowned for his sense of fair play and gentlemanly nature. But off court, Tilden was very different, and all of his achievements paled into insignificance next to the two prison terms he served for illegal sexual acts with underage boys. Tilden never recovered from the scandal, and died penniless.His...
- 8/13/2009
- EmpireOnline
Pen Densham has signed on to direct Big Bill, a feature about the self-destructive tennis legend Bill Tilden. Gil Dennis (Walk the Line) wrote the script, based on the Frank Deford book Big Bill: The Triumphs and the Tragedy. In the 1920s, Tilden won six straight U.S. Open singles titles, a feat that Roger Federer will try to surpass this month. Tilden's accomplishments -- including stints as a novelist, playwright and contract bridge champion -- were marred by his imprisonment twice for sexual misbehavior with teenage boys. He died broke. Tilden was the first American to win Wimbledon, and he led the U.S. Davis Cup team to six straight titles. He was also meticulous about obeying the rules on court -- if he got an undeserved call, he would hit the next ball out to even things up -- and refused to soft sell his indiscretions. Densham hasn't...
- 8/13/2009
- by James Cook
- TheMovingPicture.net
Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of interviews with directors whose films are screening at the 2009 CineVegas Film Festival. “All In” (USA, 2009) World Premiere Director: Douglas Tirola Cast: Matt Damon, Frank DeFord, Annie Duke, Ira Glass, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Phil Hellmuth, Howard Lederer, James McManus, Chris Moneymaker, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer Tilly Tells the story of poker focusing on why one of our nation’s oldest games has had …...
- 6/12/2009
- indieWIRE - People
Celebrity interviews can be pretty nerve-wracking. The ante is upped even more when the interviewee doesn't give many interviews. You hope for the best, but sometimes that's not what you get. Xan Brooks got a chance to interview Faye Dunaway for The Guardian, and things didn't go so well. It started with a list of ixnayed topics, but one was left off the list -- Roman Polanski and rumors about Chinatown. He asked if it was true that she once threw a cup of urine at the famed director and well, she didn't take too kindly to that line of questioning. Follow the link to see what happened and then comment below: Was it okay for Brooks to ask her about that? Did she overreact?
And then there's a little bit of tennis. Variety reports that Frank Deford's adaptation of his novel Big Bill: The Triumphs and the Tragedy,...
And then there's a little bit of tennis. Variety reports that Frank Deford's adaptation of his novel Big Bill: The Triumphs and the Tragedy,...
- 10/8/2008
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
Producer Howard Baldwin's Baldwin Entertainment has teamed with GlennIris Entertainment to option Frank Deford's screenplay on tennis legend Bill Tilden. The script is based on his novel "Big Bill: The Triumphs and the Tragedy" and focuses on Tilden who dominated the sport during the 1920s. The player won the U.S. Open six times in a rown and, historically, became the first ever American to take home the Wimbledon trophy. However much a legend he was, Tilden was placed in jail twice for sexual misbehaviour with teen boys and ended up dying without any money.
- 10/7/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
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