Yet another famous face is joining the cast of Empire (are you surprised?). Vivica A. Fox has signed on to star as Cookie’s older sister. With Tasha Smith starring as Cookie’s other sister, we’re sure that there are some hijinks in store. “Cookie’s other family members are troublesome, to say the least,” executive producer Ilene Chaiken told Entertainment Weekly. We’re already setting our DVRs. [Entertainment Weekly]
Billie Holiday fans everywhere are about to get another chance to see the famed singer in person. The Apollo Theater is teaming up with Hologram USA, the company that gave us the eerily realistic Tupac hologram, to create a hologram of the legendary jazz singer. Billie’s hologram will teach visitors about the history of the theater (she can even take questions from the audience). And, of course, she will sing a song or two! [CNN]
Some fresh faces are on their way to Showtime! Aisha Hinds (Under the Dome), Alex Henderson (Empire), Olivia Dawson (Empire), Sierra McClain (House of Payne), Tequan Richmond (Everybody Hates Chris) and Jason Weaver (The Ladykillers) have all joined the cast of Lena Waithe’s upcoming Showtime drama. Waithe (Dear White People) has teamed up with Common to produce the untitled coming-of-age project that follows the life of a Chicago teen. [Deadline]
It’s official: NINA, the Nina Simone biopic starring Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo, is slated to hit theaters this December. RLJ Entertainment just picked up the highly anticipated film that follows the life and career of the one and only Nine Simone. Will you be watching? [Indie Wire]
Last month, Lebron James announced that he would be offering hundreds of high school students a four-year scholarship, and now, he’s broadening his generosity. The athlete just announced that he was launching I Promise, Too, a program that will help Ohio adults get their GEDs. He will cover the cost of all classes, the end exam and tablets for the parents to use while they’re enrolled. [USA TODAY]
Now’s your chance to channel your inner Maya Angelou! The art collection belonging to the late writer will be auctioned off next week at New York City’s Swann Galleries. Nearly 50 pieces of art will be put on the auction block, including the quilt that Oprah Winfrey gave to Maya for her 60th birthday. Bidding is expected to begin at $150,000. [NBC New York]
