Mark Taylor on His Role as 'Eddie' in Lifetime’s Miracle in Motor City
Lifetime TV will air Miracle in Motor City Sunday, November 28th 8/7C as a part of its highly anticipated annual It’s A Wonderful Lifetime holiday lineup. The film stars Tia Mowry (as “Amber Dupont”), Smokey Robinson, and Mark Taylor (“Eddie”). The backstory involves Amber Dupont enthusiastically taking on the task of organizing her church’s annual Christmas pageant in hopes of bringing in one of Motor’s City’s Motown legends, Smokey Robinson. To her surprise, her friends secretly pull in one of her old flames, Eddie (who has history with Smokey Robinson) to help persuade Smokey to show up at the holiday pageant. Mark Taylor speaks with us about his experience filming this movie and working closely with Tia Mowry. I started off the interview asking Mark what Christmas time looks like for him.
He says that he looks forward to getting together with the fam for Christmas dinner, letting the stress roll off with good laughs and light spirits. Originally from Toronto, the plan is to spend it close to home. I asked Mark what it’s like working alongside Tia. Sidenote: I didn’t remember until after the interview that Mark Taylor was the grandpa to Tia in the 2000 film, Seventeen Again. Needless to say, their TV connection was already set into motion long before now. Mark shares how Tia is an amazing individual to work with and admires how much she genuinely cares about people. He says she’s full of life and a great person to feed off of in this kind of work.
Miracle in Motor City brings a sense of nostalgia for those who are familiar with Motown or grew up listening to Motown Music. This film does a great job of capturing that nostalgic feeling! I asked Mark if any part of making this movie resonates with him personally. He shares how much like with Eddie, so many things can be thrown at you within a space of 10 minutes, but how it’s important to evaluate things maturely to determine what will really “feed my soul” when it is all said and done.
Currently, Mark Taylor is working on a reoccurring role on CW called Corner and says that he’s also diligently working on producing independently. In fact, he has been collaborating with some directors, writers and actors to have some feature films produced and secure lead roles as well. For more on Miracle in Motor City and others on the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup, please visit www.mylifetime.com/movies.
*Photos Courtesy of Lifetime TV
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Thomas Cadrot on His Role as “Tyler” in Lifetime’s Merry Liddle Christmas Baby
I’m sure I’m not the only one excited to find out It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’s Merry Liddle Christmas was renewed for the 3rd time! This round, the Liddles (starring Kelly Rowland as “Jacquie Liddle” and Thomas Cadrot as “Tyler”) return to the screen in Merry Liddle Christmas Baby! Yup, issa baby comin’! So before the film premieres, I got a chance to speak with the talented Thomas Cadrot about his lead role and gain some insight!
Thomas says this time fans will get a really well-rounded storyline where each family’s story is told in a way that’s more personalized and family-focused as opposed to how the story was more centered around Jacquie’s character before. One thing that I absolutely admire about Thomas and Kelly is just how organic and natural their relationship comes across on camera. When asked about his relationship with Kelly on and off camera and what that’s like, Thomas shares how he’s learned so much from being around Kelly both professionally and personally which helps build the kind of chemistry necessary to portray such a role. He says that Kelly was very intentional about showing what a black family looks like in this type of holiday setting. Merry Liddle Christmas Baby is a film that takes you through a layer of emotions in anticipation of the new arrival and also one that outlines the trials of life when things don’t always go as planned. However, we will see that things seemingly work out for the best in the end.
MLCB was filmed during the summer in Vancouver, CA over a period of 19 days and Thomas commends the production team on how safely they managed things around some of the Covid restrictions. Overall, he says filming was a very smooth process. I asked if “Thor” (his French bulldog) comes with him on set since I’ve seen pics of him on IG having Thor around. He says that he often does bring Thor along and how having pets on set seems to make people very happy. Some of the cast members even take him for walks when need be.
I gotta say this film is absolutely adorable and I’d recommend that people check out the first two to dive deeper into the story as a whole. There are just so many real-life ingredients that Merry Liddle Christmas throws out that will leave you feeling inspired and foster unwavering love for family and for those who we value the most. Merry Liddle Christmas Baby premieres on Lifetime November 27th 8PM EST.
Thomas Cadrot is also working on a reoccurring role in a Dark-Horse Comic adaptation for Netflix called 'Grendel' which will air in 2022.
For more on Merry Liddle Christmas Baby and others on the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup, please visit www.mylifetime.com/movies.
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The 36th Annual Stellar Awards: In Review
After a year of creative digital pivoting, The 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards returned for it’s traditional in-person ceremony to Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, July 10th, 2021! Hosted by award-winning gospel trailblazers Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr, the evening showcased a culmination of stellar music artistry and anointed performances. This was our first time doing media coverage for the Stellar Awards and I must say, it was a phenomenal experience from start to end. This year in particular, guests got a chance to witness the beauty and boldness of several young contemporary artists who are authentic in their approach and just as deliberate about their Christ-centered message. Such popular songs that we’ve come to admire such as “Jireh” by Maverick City Music, or Pastor Mike Jr.’s song “Big” as well as Jekayln’s “Change Your Story” and “Jehovah Jireh” all lit up the Stellars stage with electrifying performances!
Some of these emerging artists included Terrian, Nia Allen and Jokia. Big congrats to all of the winners this year in several categories. For example, Pastor Mike Jr. won Artist of The Year, Rap/ Hip Hop Gospel of the Year and Urban/ Inspirational Single of the Year. Other winners included Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music and Jonathan McReynolds. Not to mention, Yolanda Adams, Avery Sunshine and Tamela Mann united in tribute to the Legendary Tramaine Hawkins singing “Changed”, “Holy One” and “Going Up Yonder”. The Clark Sisters were also honored and received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by ATT. These and many many other unforgettable highlights can be experienced first hand during its August 1st airing on BET at 8PM ET/PT. You won’t want to miss it!
Photos Courtesy of DRESS LIKE A GENT
The 36th Annual Stellar Awards Returns to Nashville!
The 36th Annual Stellar Awards returns LIVE to Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Friday, July 10, 2021 at 5PM CST. This year, Gospel icons Tye Tribbett & Jekayln Carr will host this year’s ceremony alongside unforgettable ministry performances by a host of trailblazing gospel artists such as Jonathan McReynolds, Maverick City Music, Jason Clayborn, Tamela Mann & many more. In addition, the Legendary Clark Sisters will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and deliver a stellar performance on stage!
"The Stellar Awards not only recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, but honors Gospel music icons, and those who have been instrumental in advocating for the gospel industry. Top nominees for this year’s ceremony include Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr., each receiving seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist of the Year."
For details and ticket info, please visit www.stellarawards.com. Details to follow via www.DressLikeAGent.co. Dress Like A Gent will be providing media coverage of the event throughout.
Danielle Brooks’ Astonishing Role in Robin Roberts Presents: MAHALIA
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia is a monumental, heart-warming film starring Danielle Brooks which tells the life story of the iconic Gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. This film is a beautiful replay of Mahalia’s music journey leading up to her significant involvement in the civil rights movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Premiering on Lifetime Saturday, April 3, 8/7C, Danielle Brooks takes on the spirit of Mahalia Jackson in a way that brings her story back to life again! Born in New Orleans, we get to see Mahalia from her youth captivating hearts with her anointed, passionate Gospel voice. Having sold millions of copies from her hit song “Move On Up A Little Higher” including a performance at Carnegie Hall and other notable venues, we witness on screen how Mahalia’s voice inspires her audience and motivates racial equity everywhere it is heard.
There are moments throughout the film that will absolutely leave you smitten with adoration for Mahalia and respect the impact she left on this world. Each character surrounding her life and the way they take on their individual roles is impeccably done. I especially appreciate how candid the film shows both Mahalia’s frail humanity as well as her noble spirit and heart for all people.
For more on Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, please visit https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/robin-roberts-presents-mahalia. This film is executive produced by Robin Roberts & Linda Berman.
*Photos Courtesy of Lifetime TV
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Black Menswear Presents FlashMob ATL Edition
Anyone who has frequented IG over the years has probably come across the iconic images of black men suited in crowds and organized by color showing their unity, brotherhood and celebratory differences. In particular, the one I have in mind is Founder NeAndre Broussard’s Black Menswear FlashMob! First, the goal behind Black Menswear is to reconstruct a more positive image and reputation for black men. Thus, creatively rewriting the narrative and providing the next generation with a living example of greatness and self-worth.
FlashMob is one of these strategically genius initiatives used to help build a sense of community and to round up black men collectively to network, suit up and to "create culture-shifting" viral content. And the real cool part is, FlashMob is a traveling initiative — Similar to that of a revival! From city to city, these dapper brothers meet up at an undisclosed location for a great photo event and fellowship. Originating in Dallas Texas, FlashMob has managed to bring together thousands of black men globally to tell the story and successfully rewrite history!
Atlanta welcomes its edition of Flash Mob this Saturday, March 6th, 2021. And we already know it’s gonna be a forever memorable one! For more, please visit www.weareblackmenswear.com.
Standby for the recap...
+Photos Courtesy of Black Menswear
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