Kate Winslet Gallery Photo Is Cool

Keri Russell

Keri Lynn Russell (born March 23, 1976) is an American actress and dancer. After appearing in a number of made-for-television films and series during the mid-1990s, she came to fame for portraying the title role of Felicity Porter on the series Felicity, which ran from 1998 to 2002, and for which she won a Golden Globe Award. Russell has since appeared in several films, including Mad About Mambo (2000), We Were Soldiers (2002), The Upside of Anger (2005), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Waitress (2007), August Rush (2007), Bedtime Stories (2008) and Extraordinary Measures (2010).

Early life

Russell was born in Fountain Valley, California, the daughter of Stephanie (née Stephens), a homemaker, and David Russell, a Nissan Motors executive. She has an older brother, Todd, and a younger sister, Julie. Russell grew up in Coppell, Texas, Mesa, Arizona, and Highlands Ranch, Colorado, moving frequently because of her father's employment. Though she is best known for her acting, she started out at Starstruck dance studio in a suburb of Denver and it was her dancing, not her acting, that earned her a spot on the Mickey Mouse Club.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]1991–2002
Russell first appeared on television as a cast member of the All-New Mickey Mouse Club variety show on the Disney Channel.[2] She was on the show from 1991 to 1993 and co-starred with future pop stars Chasen Hampton, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, JC Chasez, Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Gosling.[3]
In 1992, she appeared in Honey, I Blew Up the Kid alongside Rick Moranis and in 1993, had a role on the sitcom Boy Meets World as Mr. Feeny's niece. Keri had an appearance on Married with Children in a 1995 episode ("Radio Free Trumaine", production 9.24). Russell subsequently starred in several film and television roles, including the 1996 made-for-television film The Babysitter's Seduction.[citation needed] She also had a role on the short-lived soap opera series Malibu Shores the same year. In 1994, she appeared in Bon Jovi's music video "Always" with Jack Noseworthy.[citation needed] In 1997, she appeared in two episodes of Roar alongside Heath Ledger.[citation needed]
From 1998 to 2002, Russell starred as the title character on the successful WB Network series Felicity; she won a Golden Globe for the role in 1999. Russell's long and curly hair was one of her character's defining characteristics, and a drastic hairstyle change at the beginning of the show's second season was considered to be the cause of a significant drop in the show's television ratings.[4] During the show's run, Russell appeared in the films Eight Days a Week, The Curve, and Mad About Mambo, all of which received only limited releases in North America. Her next role was in the film We Were Soldiers, playing the wife of an American serviceman. The film was released in March 2002, two months before the end of Felicity's run.
[edit]2003–present


Russell at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
When Felicity ended, Russell took a break from acting. She moved to New York City and took two years off to avoid the business of Hollywood, spending time with friends.[citation needed] Russell subsequently made her off-Broadway stage debut in 2004, appearing opposite Jeremy Piven, Andrew McCarthy, and Ashlie Atkinson in Neil LaBute's Fat Pig.[5] In 2005, she returned to television and film, beginning with an appearance in the Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie The Magic of Ordinary Days, theatrical film The Upside of Anger (alongside Kevin Costner, Joan Allen and Evan Rachel Wood), and the television miniseries Into the West.
Although a number of her Felicity co-stars went on to appear in producer J. J. Abrams' series, Alias, Russell declined invitations to be part of the show.[citation needed] In a seminar at the Museum of Television and Radio, Abrams said, "I've asked Keri if she would ever do it, and I usually get this, sort of like, giggle — and then she hangs up". In 2005, Abrams asked Russell to join the cast of Mission: Impossible III, a film he directed, and she accepted. The film was released on May 5, 2006. In the summer of 2006, Russell was chosen to be a celebrity spokeswoman for CoverGirl Cosmetics.[citation needed] Before she was in Mission Impossible: III, she was screen tested for the role of Lois Lane in Superman Returns but lost the role to Kate Bosworth.[citation needed]
She taped two episodes as a guest character on the NBC show Scrubs in 2007. She played Melody, a sorority sister and good friend of Elliot Reid played by Sarah Chalke. The first episode aired on April 26, and the second on May 3.[citation needed] She starred in Waitress, a well-reviewed independent film in which she played Jenna, a pregnant waitress in the American South; it was the fourth film in a row in which Russell had played a pregnant woman.[6] The film opened on May 4, 2007 and Russell's performance was positively received by critics,[7] with Michael Sragow of The Baltimore Sun writing that Russell's performance had "aesthetic character" and "welds tenderness and fierceness with quiet heat".[8] In the summer of 2007, Russell appeared in The Keri Kronicles, a reality show/sitcom sponsored by CoverGirl and airing on MySpace; the show was filmed at Russell's home in Manhattan and spotlighted her life.[7]
Russell next appeared in August Rush, a drama released in November, 2007. She also appeared on the cover of the New York Post's Page Six magazine on November 11, 2007.[citation needed] She has completed roles in Butterfly: A Grimm Love Story (titled Rohtenburg for its German release), in which she plays Katie Armstrong, a graduate student who writes a thesis paper on an infamous cannibal murder case, and the thriller The Girl in the Park, opposite Sigourney Weaver, Kate Bosworth and Alessandro Nivola.
Russell later appeared in Bedtime Stories, with Adam Sandler playing the lead.[9] In an appearance on The View on December 15, 2008, Russell said she got the part because Sandler's wife Jackie had seen Russell in Waitress and suggested her for the movie.
Russell portrayed Wonder Woman in a direct-to-video animated feature released March 3, 2009.[10] She starred alongside Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford in the Tom Vaughan-helmed Extraordinary Measures[11][12] for CBS Films. The drama, which started filming on April 6, 2009 and was released on January 22, 2010, was the first film to go into production for the new company.[citation needed] Russell played Aileen Crowley, a mother who tries to build a normal home life for her sick children while her husband, John (Fraser), and an unconventional scientist (Ford) race against time to find a cure.[13]
Russell played Emmy Kadubic in the premiere season of Running Wilde, a Fox comedy series cancelled in May 2011.[14]
[edit]Personal life

Russell and Shane Deary, a carpenter she met through mutual friends,[6] became engaged in 2006 and were married on February 14, 2007 in New York.[15] Russell gave birth to a boy, River Russell Deary, on June 9, 2007 in New York.[16] Russell had a midwife-assisted hospital birth;[17] she has described her pregnancy experience as "real great and easy".[18] On July 7, 2011, Russell announced her second pregnancy.[19]
As of 2007, Russell resides in Brooklyn, New York.[20][21]
[edit]Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1991–1993 The Mickey Mouse Club Various Television series
1992 Honey, I Blew Up the Kid Mandy Park
1993 Boy Meets World Jessica Feeny TV, 1 episode: "Grandma Was a Rolling Stone"
1993 Emerald Cove Andrea McKinsey Television series
1994 Daddy's Girls Phoebe TV, 3 episodes: "Pilot", "American in Paris... Cool" and "Keep Your Business Out of My Business"
1995 Married with Children April Adams TV, 1 episode: "Radio Free Trumaine"
1995 Clerks. Sandra Television film
1996 The Babysitters Seduction Michelle Winston Television film
1996 The Lottery Felice Dunbar Television film
1996 Malibu Shores Chloe Walker TV, 10 episodes
1997 Eight Days a Week Erica
1997 When Innocence Is Lost Erica French Television film
1997 7th Heaven Camille TV, 1 episode: "Choices"
1997 Roar Claire TV, 2 episodes: "Pilot" and "Banshee"
1998 The Curve Emma
1998–2002 Felicity Felicity Porter TV, 84 episodes
Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama
Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Performance
Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress (1999, 2000, 2001)
Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress – Drama
1999 Cinderelmo Princess Television film
2000 Mad About Mambo Lucy McLoughlin
2002 We Were Soldiers Barbara Geoghegan
2005 The Upside of Anger Emily Wolfmeyer
2005 The Magic of Ordinary Days Olivia 'Livy' Dunn Television film
Nominated—Satellite Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film
2005 Into the West Naomi Wheeler TV, 1 episode: "Manifest Destiny"
2006 Mission: Impossible III Lindsey Farris Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress – Drama/Action Adventure
2007 Grimm Love Katie Armstrong
2007 Waitress Jenna Hunterson
2007 Scrubs Melody O'Hara TV, 2 episodes: "My Turf War" and "My Cold Shower"
2007 The Girl in the Park Celeste
2007 August Rush Lyla Novacek Nominated—Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress – Drama
2008 Bedtime Stories Jill
2009 Wonder Woman Wonder Woman/Diana Prince Voice
2009 Leaves of Grass Janet
2010 Extraordinary Measures Aileen Crowley
2010 Running Wilde Emmy Kadubic TV, 12 episodes
2011 Goats Judy Filming
References from Wikipedia.com

Cristiano Ronaldo Wallpaper

Salma Hayek

Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez-Pinault (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈsalma ˈxaʝek]; born September 2, 1966) is a Mexican actress, director and producer. She is one of the most prominent Mexican figures in Hollywood. She received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role as Frida Kahlo in the movie Frida.

Salma Hayek on Letterman - Breasts



Salma Hayek on Ugly Betty




Early life

Hayek was born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, the daughter of Diana Jiménez Medina, an opera singer and talent scout, and Sami Hayek Dominguez, an oil company executive who once ran for mayor of Coatzacoalcos.[1][2][3][4] Hayek's father is of Lebanese descent, while her mother is of Spanish descent.[5][6] Her first given name, Salma, is Arabic for "safe".[7] Raised in a wealthy, devoutly Roman Catholic[8] family, she was sent to the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, Louisiana, at the age of twelve.[4] While there, she was diagnosed with dyslexia.[9][10] She attended college in Mexico City, where she studied International Relations at the Universidad Iberoamericana.[4]
[edit]Career

[edit]Mexico
At the age of 23, Hayek landed the title role in Teresa (1989), a successful Mexican telenovela that made her a star in Mexico. In 1994, Hayek starred in the film El Callejón de los Milagros (Miracle Alley), which has won more awards than any other movie in the history of Mexican cinema.[citation needed] For her performance, Hayek was nominated for an Ariel Award.[11]
[edit]Early Hollywood acting work
Hayek moved to Los Angeles, California in 1991 to study acting under Stella Adler.[12] She had limited fluency in English, which was attributed to her suffering from dyslexia.[13] Robert Rodriguez and his producer and then wife Elizabeth Avellan soon gave Hayek a starring role opposite Antonio Banderas in 1995's Desperado.[4]
Hayek had a starring part opposite Matthew Perry in the 1997 romantic comedy Fools Rush In. She followed her role in Desperado with a brief role as a vampire queen in From Dusk Till Dawn, in which she performed a table-top snake dance. In 1999, she co-starred in Will Smith's big-budget Wild Wild West, and played a supporting role in Kevin Smith's Dogma.[4] In 2000, Hayek had an uncredited acting part opposite Benicio del Toro in Traffic. In 2003, she reprised her role from Desperado by appearing in Once Upon a Time in Mexico, the final film of the Mariachi Trilogy.
[edit]Director, producer and actress
Around 2000, Hayek founded film production company Ventanarosa, through which she produces film and television projects. Her first feature as a producer was 1999's El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba, Mexico's official selection for submission for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars.[14]
Frida, co-produced by Hayek, was released in 2002. Starring Hayek as Frida Kahlo, and Alfred Molina as her unfaithful husband, Diego Rivera, the film was directed by Julie Taymor and featured an entourage of stars in supporting and minor roles (Valeria Golino, Ashley Judd, Edward Norton, Geoffrey Rush) and cameos (Antonio Banderas). She earned a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her performance.[4]
In the Time of the Butterflies is a 2001 feature film based on the Julia Álvarez book of the same name, covering the lives of the Mirabal sisters. In the movie, Salma Hayek plays one of the sisters, Minerva, and Edward James Olmos plays the Dominican dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo whom the sisters opposed. Marc Anthony plays a brief role as Minerva's first love, and as the motivation for her later revolutionary activities.
In 2003, Hayek produced and directed The Maldonado Miracle, a Showtime movie based on the book of the same name, winning her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children/Youth/Family Special.[15] In December 2005, she directed a music video for Prince, titled "Te Amo Corazon" ("I love you, sweetheart") that featured Mia Maestro.[16]


Hayek at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.
Hayek was an executive producer of Ugly Betty, a television series that aired around the world from 2006 to 2010. Hayek adapted the series for American television with Ben Silverman, who acquired the rights and scripts from the Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty La Fea in 2001. Originally intended as a half hour sitcom for NBC in 2004, the project would later be picked up by ABC for the 2006–2007 season with Silvio Horta also producing. Hayek guest-starred on Ugly Betty as Sofia Reyes, a magazine editor. She also had a cameo playing an actress in the telenovela within the show. The show won a Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy Series in 2007. Hayek's performance as Sofia resulted in a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards.[17]
In April 2007, Hayek finalized negotiations with MGM to become the CEO of her own Latin themed film production company, Ventanarosa.[18] The following month, she signed a two year deal with ABC for Ventanarosa to develop projects for the network.[19]
Hayek is developing and producing La Banda, a Spanish-language romantic comedy set in Mexico, written by Issa Lopez.[citation needed]
Hayek had a guest stint on 30 Rock as Elisa, the nurse for Jack Donaghy's mother, for whom Jack falls.[citation needed]
Hayek stars as the wife of Adam Sandler in Grown Ups, which also co-stars Chris Rock and Kevin James.[20] Salma is set to co-star with Antonio Banderas in the Shrek spin-off film Puss in Boots as the voice of the character Kitty Softpaws, who serves as Puss' female counterpart and love interest.[21]
[edit]Singing credits
Hayek has been credited as a song performer in three movies. The first was Desperado for the song Quedate Aquí. In Frida she performed the Mexican folk song La Bruja with the band Los Vega. She also recorded Siente mi amor, which played during the end credits of Once Upon a Time in Mexico. She contributed to Happiness is a Warm Gun in Across the Universe as the singing nurses.[citation needed]
[edit]Promotional work


Hayek featured on the cover of Veronica magazine, as seen here on an SUV in Amsterdam
Hayek has been a spokesperson for Avon cosmetics since February 2004.[22] She formerly acted as spokesperson for Revlon in 1998.[citation needed] In 2001, she modeled for Chopard[23] and was featured in 2006 Campari adverts, photographed by Mario Testino.[24] On April 3, 2009, she helped introduce La Doña, a watch by Cartier inspired by fellow Mexican actress María Félix.[25]
Hayek was also featured in a series of Spanish language commercials for Lincoln cars.
[edit]In art
In spring 2006, the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center in San Antonio, Texas displayed 16 portrait paintings by muralist George Yepes and filmmaker Robert Rodriguez of Hayek as Aztec goddess Itzapapalotl.[dead link][26]
[edit]Personal life

Hayek is a naturalized United States citizen.[27] She dated actor Edward Norton between 1999 and 2003, and then Josh Lucas in 2003. Hayek studied at Ramtha's School of Enlightenment,[28] and is a practitioner of yoga.[29] Her brother, Sami Hayek,[30] is a designer with his own line of products at Target[31] and clients that include Louis Vuitton, Brad Pitt, and the Mexican Government.[32]
On March 9, 2007, Hayek confirmed her engagement to French billionaire and PPR CEO François-Henri Pinault as well as her pregnancy. On September 21, 2007, she gave birth to daughter Valentina Paloma Pinault at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. On July 18, 2008, Hayek and Pinault announced the end of their engagement.[33] They later reconciled and were married on Valentine's Day, 2009 in Paris.[34] On April 25, 2009, they were married a second time in Venice.[35]
[edit]Charity work
Hayek's charitable work includes increasing awareness on violence against women and discrimination against immigrants.[36][dead link] On July 19, 2005, Hayek testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary supporting reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.[37] In February 2006, she donated $25,000 to a Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, shelter for battered women and another $50,000 to Monterrey based anti-domestic violence groups.[38] Hayek is a board member of V-Day, the charity founded by playwright Eve Ensler.[citation needed]
Since the birth of her daughter, Hayek has worked to help mothers in developing nations worldwide, teaming up with Pampers and UNICEF to help stop the spread of life-threatening maternal and neonatal tetanus. She is a global spokesperson for the Pampers/UNICEF partnership 1 Pack = 1 Vaccine to help raise awareness of the program.[39]
Hayek also advocates breastfeeding. During a UNICEF fact-finding trip to Sierra Leone, she breastfed a hungry week-old baby whose mother could not produce milk.[40]
In 2010, Hayek's humanitarian work earned her a nomination for the VH1 Do Something Awards.[41]
Hayek is a member of the board of Global Green USA, with whom she works to fight global warming and to help provide clean drinking water to nearly 2.5 billion people who are without it. Her Los Angeles home is outfitted with solar panels, and she drives a fuel-efficient hybrid to help reduce CO2 emissions.[42][clarification needed]
[edit]Honors

Recipient of Glamour magazine Woman of the Year Award in October 2001.[43]
Recipient of Producers Guild of America Celebration of Diversity Award in 2003.[44]
Recipient of Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year Award in February 2006.[45]
Recipient of Time magazine 25 Most Influential Hispanics in 2005.[46]
In July 2007, The Hollywood Reporter ranked Hayek fourth in their inaugural Latino Power 50, a list of the most powerful members of the Hollywood Latino community.[47] That same month, a poll found Hayek to be the "sexiest celebrity" out of a field of 3,000 celebrities (male and female); according to the poll, "65 percent of the U.S. population would use the term 'sexy' to describe her".[48] In 2008, she was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award in recognition of her excellence and innovation in her creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television[49] In December of that year, Entertainment Weekly ranked Hayek number 17 in their list of the "25 Smartest People in TV."[50]
[edit]Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1993 Mi Vida Loca Gata
1994 Roadracers Donna
1995 El Callejón de los Milagros Alma (Midaq Alley) Spanish-language
Nominated—Ariel Award for Best Actress[11]
1995 Desperado Carolina Nominated—Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated—MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss (Shared with Antonio Banderas)
1995 Fair Game Rita
1995 Four Rooms TV Dancing Girl
1996 From Dusk Till Dawn Santanico Pandemonium
1996 Follow Me Home Betty
1996 Fled Cora
1997 Fools Rush In Isabel Fuentes Nominated—Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film
1997 Breaking Up Monica
1997 Sistole Diastole Carmelita
1997 The Hunchback Esméralda
1998 54 Anita Nominated—Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film
1998 The Velocity of Gary Mary Carmen Producer
1998 The Faculty Nurse Harper
1999 Dogma Serendipity
1999 El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba Julia (No One Writes to the Colonel)
Producer; Spanish-language
1999 Wild Wild West Rita Escobar Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Supporting Actress - Action
Nominated—Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film
2000 Timecode Rose
2000 La Gran Vida Lola (Living it Up) Spanish-language
2000 Chain of Fools Sgt. Meredith Kolko Direct-to-video release
2000 Traffic Rosario uncredited
2001 Hotel Charlee Boux
2001 In the Time of the Butterflies Minerva Mirabel
2002 Frida Frida Kahlo Producer
Golden Camera for Best International Actress
Imagen Award for Best Actress - Film
Nominated—Academy Award for Best Actress
Nominated—BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role
Nominated—Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress
Nominated—Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress
Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama
Nominated—Satellite Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama
Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
2003 Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over Francesca Giggles
2003 Once Upon a Time in Mexico Carolina
2003 V-Day: Until the Violence Stops herself
2004 After the Sunset Lola Cirillo
2006 Ask the Dust Camilla Lopez
2006 Bandidas Sara Sandoval
2007 Lonely Hearts Martha Beck
2007 Across the Universe Bang Bang Shoot Shoot Nurses
2009 Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant Madame Truska
2010 Grown Ups Roxanne Chase-Feder
2011 Puss in Boots Kitty Softpaws (Voice)
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1988 Un Nuevo Amanecer Spanish-language telenovela
1989 Teresa Teresa Spanish-language telenovela
1993 The Sinbad Show Gloria Contreras recurring character
1994 Roadracers Donna
1994 El Vuelo del Águila Juana Cata Spanish-language telenovela
1997 The Hunchback Esmeralda Nominated—ALMA Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Made-for-Television Movie or Mini-Series in a Crossover Role
1999 Action Herself guest star
2001 In the Time of the Butterflies Minerva Mirabal Producer; feature
Nominated—ALMA Award for Outstanding Actor/Actress in a Made for Television Movie or Miniseries
Nominated—Broadcast Film Critics Association for Best Actress in a Picture Made for Television
2003 The Maldonado Miracle Feature; producer, director. Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Children/Youth/Family Special
2003 Saturday Night Live Guest Host March 15
2006–
2007 Ugly Betty Sofia Reyes Producer and guest star
Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress – Comedy Series — 2007
Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series — 2007
Nominated—Producers Guild of America Television Producer of the Year Award
2009 30 Rock Elisa guest star
[edit]Event appearances

Was a member of the 2005 Cannes Film Festival jury.[51]
Co-hosted the annual Nobel Peace Prize concert with Julianne Moore in Oslo, Norway on December 11, 2005.[52]
References from Wikipedia.com

Alesha Dixon

Alesha Anjanette Dixon (born 7 October 1978) is an English singer-songwriter, dancer, model and television personality. She first found fame in the all-female R&B/garage trio Mis-Teeq, however, the trio separated in 2005 and Dixon continued pursuing her music career as a solo artist, signing to Polydor Records. Dixon began recording her debut solo album, Fired Up in 2006, but due to poor record sales of her first two singles, "Lipstick" and "Knockdown", she was dropped from Polydor.
In 2007 Dixon became a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing and eventually won. Her television exposure led to a successful comeback, which included her signing to Asylum Records, an offshoot of Warner Music Group. Dixon then released a second album, entitled The Alesha Show in 2008, which received platinum certification from BPI in the UK.
In September 2009 Dixon became a judge on the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing, replacing fellow judge Arlene Phillips. The replacement of Phillips by Dixon attracted criticism, as some questioned the extent of Dixon's dancing knowledge.[5] Dixon herself dismissed the criticism, describing it as a "storm in a teacup", and refused to stand down as judge.[6] In 2010 Dixon returned for the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing and released her third studio album, The Entertainer.

ALESHA DIXON - HD - The Boy Does Nothing


Alesha Dixon - 'Every Little Part Of Me' (Ft. Jay Sean) [OFFICIAL VIDEO]


Alesha - Radio [OFFICIAL VIDEO] - OUT NOW


Alesha Dixon - To Love Again - Official video *SINGLE OUT NOW*


Alesha - Drummer Boy: OUT NOW (Download on iTunes)


Alesha Dixon - Breathe Slow [OFFICIAL VIDEO - ALTERNATIVE HD QUALITY VERSION






Early life

Alesha Anjanette Dixon was born in Welwyn Garden City on 7 October 1978, to an English mother, Beverly Harris, and Jamaican father, Melvin Dixon; she is mixed race. Dixon has five half-brothers called Adrian, Mark, John, Jeroame, Callum and one half-sister called Leyanne. She was educated at Monk's Walk School, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Dixon's mother and father split up when Dixon was four years old and Dixon's father moved away, resulting in Dixon later describing her family life as "very dysfunctional".[7] Between the ages of eight and ten, Dixon witnessed her mother suffer domestic abuse from her partner;[8] she only spoke publicly about the issue 21 years later, in 2010.[8] Dixon created a documentary for the BBC, Don't Hit My Mum, regarding the issue of domestic abuse from a child's perspective, and remarked upon her own childhood: "When I think about that time, I don't remember living in harmony, I don't remember any fun times, I suppose because the negativity has clouded it. The negative times and the scary times have blocked anything that was good [...] I believe that every child has the right to grow up in an environment where they feel secure and fearless going into the world, and I didn't really feel that".[8]
Her first job was at Ladbrokes,[9] although she aspired to become a PE teacher after leaving college. After completing a diploma course in sports studies,[9] she had planned to take up a place at Loughborough University,[10] but whilst at dance classes in London she was approached by a talent scout from a production company.[11] Whilst travelling back home on the train she was approached by another scout who was forming a band and asked if she was interested.[11] Dixon's musical hopes had previously been met with scepticism from Melvin Dixon, as he encouraged Alesha to follow a more academic career path.[12] Dixon explained that "his view was there weren't many black British musicians who were overly successful. I said, 'Dad, I can't base my decision on what people haven't done'".[12] Ignoring her father's advice, Dixon decided to pursue a career in music.
[edit]History

[edit]1999-05: Mis-Teeq
Dixon's career began in 1999 when she met Sabrina Washington when they both joined a dance school in Fulham, south west London.[13] Together they decided to form a band when Dixon and Washington, the two co-founders, spotted Su-Elise Nash, a girl auditioning for another band.[13] Dixon and Washington proposed that Nash join the group and together they formed a trio. They were soon signed to Telstar Records with the addition of a new member, Zena McNally, and became the popular UK garage/R&B girl band, Mis-Teeq.
After months of recording throughout 1999 and early 2000, Mis-Teeq released their debut single "Why?" in April 2000, however, it was not long before McNally left the band.[14] The band made a decision to remain a trio. In 2001, they released their debut album Lickin' On Both Sides, featuring hits "All I Want", "One Night Stand", "B with Me" and double A-side single "Roll On/This Is How We Do It". In 2002 Mis-Teeq performed and received a nomination at the BRIT Awards in Earls Court,[15] later in the year band won the MOBO Award for Best Garage Act.[16] After the success of their debut album, 2003 saw Mis-Teeq becoming the faces of JD Sports stores nationwide.[17][18]
In 2003, Mis-teeq released their second album Eye Candy, which included the singles "Scandalous", "Can't Get It Back" and "Style". In 2004, Mis-Teeq toured the United States and released their debut single Scandalous from their American self-titled debut, a compilation of the albums Lickin' On Both Sides and Eye Candy. They also released "One Night Stand" before coming back to Europe to start work with their third album however, Telstar Records went into administration.[19] The band was left with no choice but to release a Greatest Hits compilation under exclusive licences with Universal Records.
The last song Dixon recorded with Mis-Teeq was "Shoo Shoo Baby" for the Disney film Valiant. In March 2005, their Greatest Hits compilation was released and it was announced that they were separating to pursue solo careers.[20]
[edit]2006-08: Fired Up and record label departure
I never lost the desire to [want to] carry on in music – that's all I know, all I've ever dreamed of doing, it’s all I've ever wanted to do so, I think, never give up.
Alesha Dixon, discussing her thoughts on being dropped by her record label, Polydor.[21]
Dixon launched her solo career after Mis-Teeq's breakup and signed a £500,000, three-album deal with Polydor Records. She spent a year writing and recording her solo debut album, Fired Up, working with a wide range of producers including Richard X, Xenomania, Johnny Douglas, Brian Higgins, Estelle and Paul Epworth. During this period Dixon performed mononymously, known simply as "Alesha".
In June 2005, she announced her first solo single to be "Superficial". However, at the last minute, the song "Lipstick" was chosen as the first single.[22] "Lipstick" was released on 14 August 2006, and charted at 14 on the UK Single Charts. She released her second single "Knockdown" on 30 October 2006, which charted at 25 on the UK Download Chart. However on the official UK Singles Charts, the single peaked at number 45, falling down to 68 the following week.
On 6 November 2006, it was revealed that Dixon had been dropped by her label, Polydor Records.[21] Polydor gave her full rights to her unreleased debut album, Fired Up. Her first single from the album, "Lipstick", got to number 1 in Japan's international ringtone chart and number 2 in MTV Japan's hit list. Fired Up was officially released in Japan on 20 February 2008.[23]
[edit]2008-09: The Alesha Show


Dixon performing at the Christmas lights switch on in Leeds 6 November 2008.
After her victory on Strictly Come Dancing Dixon soon became at the centre of a bidding war between record labels, and even Polydor Records, the label that had dropped her months previously, put in an offer.[24] Dixon, however, chose to sign a four-album contract with Asylum Records in 2008.[25] Dixon's first new album as part of her contract, The Alesha Show was released in the UK on 24 November 2008 and 21 November in Ireland. The official first single from the album, "The Boy Does Nothing" became her first solo top ten hit[26] on the UK Singles Chart, following a 76 spot jump from 84 to 8[26] on the UK Singles Chart chart on downloads alone. The single eventually peaked at number 5. The song also fared well in continental Europe and is rising on the Australian Singles Chart. The second single from The Alesha Show was "Breathe Slow" and entered the UK Singles Chart at number thirty-nine solely on download sales.[27] The single rose for three weeks before breaking into the top ten at number six,[27] giving Dixon her second top ten hit in the UK from downloads alone, and eventually peaked at number 3 on the Top 40 UK Charts, giving Dixon her second consecutive top 5 single. She also put a song up on her website for free download on 19 October 2008 named "Colours of the Rainbow".
The third single from The Alesha Show, titled "Let's Get Excited" was physically released on 11 May and reached a peak position of 13 in the UK Singles Chart. "Let's Get Excited" became Dixon's first track from The Alesha Show not to chart inside the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The song's presence in the charts boosted album sales and The Alesha Show rebounded at a new peak of 11. On 9 June it was announced on Dixon's official website that the album had received platinum certification from BPI, indicating sales of 300,000+ in the UK alone.[28]
The fourth single from The Alesha Show, called "To Love Again" was released on 15 November 2009.[29] The track, a ballad penned by Dixon and Gary Barlow, was the first single taken from the deluxe version, entitled The Alesha Show - Encore, released on 23 November.[30] Dixon also embarked upon a 17-date national tour, named The Alesha Show, which began on 20 October 2009 in Nottingham.
[edit]2010-11: The Entertainer and departure from Atlantic/Asylum Records
In early 2010, Dixon began work on her third studio album, The Entertainer, which she intended to release during the summer. In May 2010 the Daily Star claimed that Dixon has been working with producer Jim Beanz and that Beanz stated "We're going to build some up-tempo dance songs to take the UK and the US by storm".[31] She hopes to release the album in the US. Dixon's fansite also stated that Dixon had confirmed that she would once again be creating music with Xenomania, the producers who created "The Boy Does Nothing".[32] On 15 March Dixon flew to Denmark to begin recording with Soulshock & Karlin, the producers of Dixon's "Breathe Slow".[33] Dixon's fan site later reported that Dixon had secured a recording session with Rodney Jerkins, a record producer who has produced records for Michael Jackson's final studio album Invincible and most recently produced Lady Gaga and Beyoncé's "Telephone".[34]
Dixon herself later confirmed via a diary update not on her official site but her fansite that she had recorded 2 tracks with Soulshock & Karlin and also revealed she had just finished recording a new track named "Bionic".[35] Dixon described "Bionic" as "a powerful, fun, quirky song all about being strong when life tests you".[35] On 16 June Dixon revealed on a post on her fansite that the upcoming album is to be called Unleashed,[36] and on 30 June her fansite president revealed the lead single is a track called "Drummer Boy", produced by Haitian-American producer , Shama Joseph p/k/a "Sham" or "ShamRock".[37] Dixon has also announced that she has worked with Busbee, who wrote Alexandra Burke's "Bad Boys", on new tracks for her album, and has also announced that she and Gary Barlow have "become good friends" and he is to write for her new album.[38] On 5 August it was revealed that Dixon had decided to change the album name from Unleashed to The Entertainer.[39] On 16 September it was announced that Dixon has collaborated with Roll Deep, and features the band's forthcoming single "Take Control".[40] The second single from the album is "Radio". The third single was confirmed to be "Every Little Part of Me", which features guest vocals from Jay Sean. Other album cuts include "La La La" and "Cool with Me," which were written in part or full by another "Bad Boys" writer, Alex James.
Upon the release of The Entertainer, the album charted poorly only peaking at number eighty-four on the UK Albums Chart. The second single released with the album also charted lowly, only peaking at number forty-six on the UK Singles Chart. Subsequently, Alesha and her record label Atlantic/Asylum parted ways due to "artistic differences".
[edit]Other projects



Dixon performing in 2009.
In January 2008, less than a month after her profile was raised due to her victory on Strictly Come Dancing, Dixon signed a deal with Ford to endorse the new Ford Focus, an ad campaign featuring her was made, and a track called '4 U I Will' was recorded using real car parts. Dixon said, "When Ford first showed me the original TV ad and the incredible instruments I immediately wanted to get involved." Some of the instruments being used were the 'door harp', the 'clutch guitar' and the 'hatchback kick drum', in total 21 parts were taken from the car and transformed into unique looking instruments.[41] In February 2008 Dixon fronted a campaign for the Department of Health, promoting safe sex.[42] The sum of money she received was never disclosed despite calls to have the sum made public.[43][44] Later in 2008 Alesha became the face of a new Veet campaign.[45]
In May 2009, Dixon collaborated with clothing label Dune, selling limited edition necklaces, with all the profits being donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust. John Eagen, Dune’s CEO stated that "they are delighted to have Alesha support this cause". The necklace, which consists of three layers of gold, pewter and silver balls, was launched by Dixon to help raise awareness for the charity.[46]
In June 2009, Dixon fronted a new campaign for Toblerone chocolate, offering fans a free download of an exclusive new track called "Before the Sun Goes Down".[47] Fans were also able to enter a competition to win a pair of VIP tickets to see Dixon in concert and meet her. Jane Furze, Toblerone Marketing Manager said in a statement, "We're delighted to have Alesha on board - she's a great personality and the perfect fit with the brand".[48]
In November 2009, it was announced that Dixon had signed a signed a four-year profit sharing deal with LA Fitness, to become brand ambassador for the gym chain as part of their multi-million pound re-launch scheme.[49][50] Dixon's contract was described as "unique" by LA Fitness,[51] as Dixon is not only endorsing the gym chain, but taking on an advisory role. The pay Dixon receives is in direct correlation to the gym's success over the term of the deal,[52] meaning Dixon could earn up to £3 million in bonuses,[50][53] considerably higher than the flat-fee that endorsers usually receive.[50]
When asked by The Observer in 2010 whether celebrities have a responsibility to do good works, Dixon replied: "Absolutely. There are so many things you could reel off as negatives – your private life is exposed, every move is scrutinised – at the same time, you can think: 'Wow, I'm in a position to shine a light into these areas.' That's a powerful tool because, actually, it's quite a selfish job. It's a moral responsibility, I guess, I think I have."[54]
In 2009 Alesha climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for Comic Relief. Joining her on the climb were Girls Aloud members Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh, Ben Shephard, Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Fearne Cotton, Denise Van Outen, and Chris Moyles.[55] Together they raised over £3,500,000 towards helping combat malaria in Tanzania.[56] The whole team met Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.[57] Dixon had previously been to Downing Street just months before the climb to meet with Sarah Brown in honour of the Cosmopolitan ultimate women of the year awards.[58] While discussing the malaria issue in Tanzania, Dixon said,
"I think people in England take things for granted, we complain about our NHS system and yes it’s not perfect but believe me it’s far better than what they've got there."[59]
Dixon backed Nickelodeon's 'See Something, Say Something' campaign which is the UK’s anti-bullying initiative.[60] The campaign aims to encourage children to speak out against bullies and help children gain the confidence to tell someone if they, or someone they know is being bullied. As the face of the campaign Alesha said: "Nickelodeon's See Something, Say Something campaign is extremely close to my heart, so I felt compelled to show my support. I was bullied as a child and know how important it is to tell someone about it".[61]
Dixon is also a patron of the African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT),[62][63] which is a voluntary charity, whose main aim is to increase the number of Black and Mixed Parentage people on the UK Bone Marrow Register. The members of the ACLT freely volunteer their time in attempting to raise awareness in the Black community; enabling potential donors to come forward and be involved in the process of offering hope and a healthy future to someone whose disorder may otherwise prove fatal.
In June 2009 Dixon was asked to become an official ambassador for the charity, 'Help a London Child'. In a statement Dixon said "I am very honoured that Help a London Child have asked me to be an ambassador and I have accepted. I have supported the charity for some time now and it makes sense to make my involvement more official. I am looking forward to continuing my support and I have already volunteered to run the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon to help raise funds for the charity!" Help a London Child Manager Kate Crabtree said, "This is fantastic news for Help a London Child and we are absolutely delighted. Alesha’s thoughtfulness and compassion make her the perfect ambassador and we look forward to her continued invaluable support."[64]
Speaking in August 2010 to noted UK urban writer Pete Lewis - Assistant Editor of Blues & Soul - about her all-round positive attitude towards her philanthropic work, Dixon said: "Being in the entertainment industry I do feel I have a responsibility that comes with my fame. And, while some celebrities may spend their time moaning about the negative things that come along with being famous, my thing is, if you are in the limelight then why not try to find positive things that come with it? And for me the most positive thing is shedding light on subjects that matter but don't normally get a look-in!"[65]
In May 2011, it has been rumoured that Dixon may possibly replace Cheryl Cole on the upcoming season of the British X Factor. However she turned down the role due to her commitment to Strictly Come Dancing.
In July 2011, Alesha Dixon was announced as associate producer for short film 'Victims' about domestic violence and its consequences, which has been nominated for the Film London Best of Borough Film Awards and is now online.[66]
[edit]Modelling and television career

As a model, Dixon is represented by Select Model Management and has appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan, FHM, Arena, Company, Bliss and other magazines and in various other editorial fashion shoots. In 2008 a poll showed that Dixon had "Britain's sexiest legs" beating Alexandra Burke, Naomi Campbell, Tiana Benjamin, Lily Cole and others.[67] Dixon was cast as the lead female in the music video for "She Wants to Move" by N.E.R.D. Dixon has been featured in FHM's annual 100 sexiest women in the world poll on a number of occasions. She is managed by Malcolm Blair.[44]
Dixon has also presented many well-known shows in the UK, such as the MOBO Awards, CD:UK, ITV2's coverage of The Brit Awards and presented the Live From the Red Carpet show at the 62nd British Academy Film Awards for E!.[68] She has also been a guest on BBC One's current affairs programme This Week on two occasions, in November 2006 and December 2007. In 2009 it was reported that Dixon was in talks with television companies about a possible chatshow.[69] In 2009 she co-presented Children in Need alongside Terry Wogan and Tess Daly, she also presented 2008's coverage from BT Tower.
In March 2010, she presented the Mister World 2010 pageant, which took place in Incheon, Korea.
Dixon took part in series 5 of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler. Dixon was at first hesitant to join, fearing that snobbery within the music industry would damage her career. In a later interview she said, "There’s always this preconceived idea that people do reality TV shows because they want to kick-start their careers whereas I was actually worried that it would affect it."[70] They had been the favourite from the third week, receiving the most points from the judges on numerous occasions. Dixon herself gained high appraisal from the judges, even being likened to a "young Josephine Baker" by Bruno Tonioli.[11] They received 4.5 million votes in the final, beating actor Matt Di Angelo and professional dancer Flavia Cacace to win the glitter disco ball.[71]
Dixon was dubbed the "British Beyoncé" by Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth,[72] Alesha later said "There's only one Beyoncé. When Bruce said that, I got embarrassed. It’s very sweet... but it’s not true."[73] Mis-Teeq were often cited as the British equivalent to Destiny's Child; the trio that first gave Beyoncé media attention.[74]
Dixon is currently the most successful contestant to ever take part in Strictly Come Dancing, with an average point score of 36.5/40, the highest average score from any contestant to ever take part in the show.
Week # Dance/Song Total Result
2 Rumba/Hurt 31(8,7,8,8) Safe
3 Jive/Shake a Tail Feather 36(9,9,9,9) Safe
4 American Smooth/Top Hat, White Tie and Tails 33(8,8,8,9) Safe
5 Foxtrot/Heaven 36(9,9,9,9) Safe
6 Salsa/Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 35(9,8,9,9) Safe
7 Waltz/A Time For Us 38(9,10,9,10) Safe
8 Cha Cha Cha/Crazy in Love 39(9,10,10,10) Safe
9 Tango/Jealousy[disambiguation needed]
Samba/Reach Out I'll Be There 38(9,10,9,10)
36(9,8,10,9) Safe
10 Viennese Waltz/Memory
Paso Doble/Toccata 38(9,9,10,10)
36(9,9,9,9) Bottom 2
11 Quickstep/Valerie
Argentine Tango/I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You 38(9,9,10,10)
38(9,9,10,10) Safe
12 Waltz/A Time For Us
Cha Cha Cha/Crazy in Love
Jive/We Love to Boogie 39(10,10,9,10)
38(9,9,10,10)
35(9,8,9,9) Winner
It was revealed in July 2009 that Alesha would be joining the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel in September 2009.[75] She replaced Arlene Phillips, 66, which led to the BBC being accused of ageism and sexism by the media,[76][77] and Dixon herself faced criticism by newspaper columnists such as Amanda Platell and Janet Street-Porter.[78][79] Dixon, having a conflicting schedule also had to rearrange three dates on her upcoming tour, The Alesha Show in order to do the show, which is broadcast live on Saturday nights.[80] The replacement of Arlene Phillips for Alesha Dixon even became dubbed "Alesha-gate" by some (the "-gate" suffix being a reference to the Watergate Scandal).[81]
Dixon's judging debut was met by criticism by some viewers, and 272 complaints were received by the BBC, according to The Guardian.[82] In response to the complaints, television critic Jim Shelley commented that "the lynch-mob was such you'd have thought she had strangled a kitten".[81] Despite the complaints, the BBC stated they were "delighted" with Dixon.[82] Arlene Phillips herself stated in response to the claims that "[The BBC] hired Alesha because they wanted a different opinion - a voice of the viewer - and that's what she does. She was never hired to give a technical viewpoint [...] It is very hard for her - she must be incredibly nervous. The judges had all worked together for six series and she is new and on her own."[83]
Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli accused critics of hypocrisy, saying "this time last year people were calling for Arlene to be sacked on the spot for being rude about John Sergeant [...] She was the Wicked Witch of the West, now all of a sudden she is Mother Teresa. What's going on here?"[84] However, despite Dixon's debut causing hundreds of complaints, critics praised some of her later judging as the series progressed, with Richard Simpson of the Daily Mail stating, "it seems Miss Dixon has finally found her voice and is making up for lost time on that point".[85]
[edit]Personal life

In June 2005, after a five-year relationship, Dixon married footballer MC Harvey, formerly of So Solid Crew, in a private ceremony at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire.[86] Dixon filed for divorce just over a year later after MC Harvey had an affair with Javine Hylton.[87] They have no children together.[88] She then dated Aston Villa and former Valencia CF Norwegian international John Carew; they split in 2008.[89]
After her marriage broke down and her record label dumped her within the space of two weeks, Dixon suffered from depression. In a later interview she said, "It was the lowest point of my life. I just kept thinking, 'What have I done to deserve this?' I didn't see the point in living."[90] She decided to move on and to turn around her life, saying "When you are knocked down you have two choices - stay down or get back up, stronger."[91] She said that Strictly Come Dancing helped her overcome her problems and gave her a "Zest for life"[92]
Dixon cut all contact with her older brother, Mark Harris, after he sold his story of their "terrible" childhood, claiming that they "often went to bed hungry" and that her mother, Beverley neglected them in favour of sometimes violent boyfriends, he also accused Dixon of turning her back on her family in the pursuit of fame and fortune.[93] In response to the comments about her mother, Dixon said, "I cherish her. If anyone is rude about her or says a bad word about her they won't be a part of my life. Unfortunately, that's how I feel about my brother."[94]
In February 2009, in an interview with the Daily Mail, Alesha spoke about her obsessive-compulsive behaviour:
"My friends call me Monica because she's the one in Friends who's obsessed with cleaning. I always think the house looks messy; a messy house can depress me. It can make me feel messy. If my house is clean and everything is in order, I feel better."[95]
She is currently living with her two dogs, a collie cross-breed called Roxy and a puppy called Daisy, both were adopted from an RSPCA animal centre.[96] Dixon has stated that she hates her own laugh, describing it as sounding like a "Crow" or "Sid James"[97] and saying "I'd change it if I could but it's become a trademark."[98] Dixon in an interview also said "somebody stole my laugh and made it into a ringtone".[99]
[edit]Discography

Main article: Alesha Dixon discography
See also: Mis-Teeq discography.
2006: Fired Up
2008: The Alesha Show
2010: The Entertainer
[edit]Tours

Headlining act
2009: The Alesha Show[100]
Supporting act
2009: Enrique Iglesias UK Tour
[edit]Awards and nominations

Year Ceremony Award Nominated Work Result
2006 MOBO Awards Best UK Female[102] Herself Nominated
2008 Cosmopolitan Awards Ultimate Confidence Queen[103] Won
2009 MOBO Awards Best UK Act Nominated
Best Video "The Boy Does Nothing" Nominated
UK Music Video Awards Best Pop Video Nominated
Best Styling in a Video Nominated
2010 BRIT Awards British Single "Breathe Slow" Nominated
MOBO Awards Best Video[104] "Drummer Boy" Nominated
BT Visit London Awards Sound of London[105] Herself Won

Reference from Wikipedia.com

Nicolas Cage