A blog of recent clips, reporting and notions on what's happening in pop culture of interest to me. Written by Cynthia Wang.
My page for current articles and reporting, random thoughts on TV, music, movies, etc.
Anyone who knows me knows I adore Ben Folds, so it was great to talk to him on the eve of his Paper Aeroplane Tour and then actually see him at the Sydney Opera House, complete with surprise guest Tim Minchin. Here is the chat, followed by some pics from the night we caught his show, and if I can work it properly, a video, too.
The fun part about a Year-End issue is getting a chance to follow up with stars you met/spoke to earlier and ones you wanted to speak to. Included here are my items on Sophie Monk, Jimmy Barnes, Lisa Wilkinson, Casey Donovan and Rob Collins. I also spoke to the incredible Bria Vinaite of The Florida Project and offered my review of Twin Peaks: The Return.
Before I left People in 2011, I had one of the best interviews ever with tennis star Anna Kournikova. She had been a trainer on The Biggest Loser and spoke candidly about her childhood, tennis career and life afterwards. We even reminisced about Michy's, our favourite restaurant in Miami. I always wished we could have run her full interview. In any case, when it was revealed that she and partner Enrique Iglesias had a baby, I was able to use some quotes from that previous chat. So good to revisit a wonderful interview. Congrats to Anna and Enrique!
Soundtrack of My Life has to be one of the best briefs in the business, and for this issue, I got to speak to Thompson Twins founder Tom Bailey. I also got in a Last Word with The Good Doctor's Antonia Thomas, and turned around an on-location ARIAs red-carpet story on the day we closed the issue. Good times, good times.
A mixed bag, to be sure, but here was my take on the first season of Marvel's The Punisher on Netflix. Also, I spoke to motocross legend Caroline Buchanan and got to call my cousin Ben Wang for consultation before my interview with Qantas Dreamliner pilot Alex Passerini.
You can tell when Jennie Noonan goes on holiday because one of us other writers then tackles Kardashian news. Herewith...
A solo project and a welcome-home tour for Jet frontman Nic Cester.
The only time I could speak to Ioan Gruffudd was at 11.30 pm on a Monday night. Well of course I said 'yes'! Here is that chat, along with one with Bachelorette host Osher Gunsberg, and a review of Thor: Ragnarok.
I really enjoyed speaking with singer Fergie for the Soundtrack of My Life feature. The rest here are write-ups and recaps.
Although Sean Keenan had been in a number of notable series such as staple soap Neighbours and hip series Glitch, the Ten remake/update of Wake in Fright would be his most ambitious. Here is my review and chat with Sean.
I used to break down the US Survivor finalists with Jeff Probst. Now, it's a tradition with Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia. Next to it is the following week's winner chat!
Sometimes it's the little items that make you happy. You could even say it fills up your senses.
With an extraordinary performance in the film Patti Cake$, Australian actress Danielle Macdonald is one to watch. I was glad to meet her and get to know her before her inevitable rise. Also in this Back Chat are items I wrote about Game of Thrones stars in ads, Lady Gaga's Little Mermaid-inspired costumes and three G2G items.
Although I wish I were at Madonna's birthday party, at least I could write about it! Erika Jayne, real name Erika Girardi, visited our shores and I got to meet her in the city.
What a week! I delve back into the awards show lane with a summary of the Teen Choice Awards, then wrap up celebrity news with Cara Delevingne and Jamie Morton, plus the other items in Back Chat. And then, review Top of the Lake: China Girl.
It's not often in life you get to meet someone who made something very important to you, but I got to express to director Luc Besson how much The Big Blue meant to me in high school. He responded in an appreciative and personal way. Love.
I loved The Good Wife and I love The Good Fight. All there is to it. Here is the lovely Cush Jumbo!
Fantastic catch-up with Ian Ziering for the latest Sharknado and the season preview of Australian Survivor 2 with Jonathan LaPaglia.
