Let The Kids Grow, an organization that helps the city’s underserved and at-risk children, had many thanks to make this past year. The feel-good organization honored actor, director and producer Tyler Perry, LA Laker Dwight Howard, actress Kirstie Alley, rappers Romeo Miller and Nick Cannon, Dr. Ralph Mayer and Dr. Shahrad Rahban at the Let The Kids Grow Holiday Gala. The awards recognized individuals who are both inspiring and positive role models for young people.
A special presentation was made to Malibu’s Simin Hashemizadeh. The noted philanthropist and founder of South Pacific Surgery Centers also served as the evening’s host.
Cast in stone
Everyone knows that Hollywood legend Robert De Niro has some pretty big shoes to fill, and now you can try them on for size and see for yourself.
Congrats to one of the industry’s most talented members, who now joins an exclusive club of other legends with his imprint at the famous Graumen’s Chinese Theater, now called the TCL Chinese Theater. Billy Crystal, who starred with the actor in the laugh-out-loud comedy “Analyze This” and “Analyze That,” was on hand along with David O. Russell, who directed De Niro in the acclaimed film “Silver Linings Playbook.” “Playbook” has been doing extremely well, earning not only high praise but numerous awards on the way to Oscar night.
De Niro is no stranger to the gold statuette. He won an Oscar in 1974 for best supporting actor in “The Godfather: Part 2.” In 1980, he was awarded the best actor for “Raging Bull.”
The actor has a jaw dropping number of credits and unforgettable performances playing heavies in mob flicks like “Goodfellas,” “The Untouchables” and “Casino.” He proved his versatility in comedic romps like “Meet the Fockers,” and made our skin crawl with just plain scary characters like Max Cady in “Cape Fear” and Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver.”
Throw in “The Deer Hunter,” “Heat,” “Wag the Dog” and many more, and we’re talking major career here…and yes, I’m talking to you!
Appropriately, the man thought of as one of the best actors of his generation has a new film out called “Hands of Stone,” which brings us back to the Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
The actor turned up in his casual best, signed his signature, which will delight millions of fans, put down his hand prints and finally stepped in with his shoes.
“You know, Joe Pesci always said I would end up with my feet in cement,” the actor quipped, “but I don’t think this is what he meant.”
It was clear at the ceremony that the tribute did not go unappreciated. “I am honored to join the impressive group of artists who have left their imprint at the Chinese theater,” he said.
Although Di Niro is very active in film and spends most of his time on the East Coast, he had sincere thanks for the place that made him a star.
“I am a New Yorker,” he declared. “It is where I was born, where I live, where I raised my kids and it’s where I started a film festival. It’s home, but Hollywood is home too.”