Celebrities dial in: calling for change, supporting Kamala Harris

Hollywood takes to the phones

You might not see many celebrity ads this election cycle, but a group of actors, including Jessica Alba and Patton Oswalt, are choosing a more direct route to make their voices heard. Instead of flashy TV commercials, these stars are taking to the phone lines, rallying support for Kamala Harris.

The personal touch

Over the past several weeks, “Phone Banking Fridays” have become a staple for certain Hollywood figures. This initiative, spearheaded by producer Jamie Patricof, involves his cast and crew, friends, and other connections dedicating hours each week to call voters in key swing states. According to Patricof, the effort started with North Carolina, where he is currently filming Roofman with Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, but quickly expanded to other battlegrounds like Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Rallying the stars

Around 50 individuals from Patricof’s circle, including well-known names such as Austin Powers producer Jennifer Todd, Supergirl co-creator Allie Adler, and actresses Rosemarie DeWitt and Bellamy Young, have been making calls for the Harris campaign. The momentum extends beyond this group, with stars like Emmy Rossum from Shameless targeting Nevada voters, and Melissa Fumero from Brooklyn Nine-Nine contacting electorates in other critical states.

Patricof estimates that his group alone has made approximately 15,000 calls so far. He emphasizes the importance of these efforts, noting, “I don’t want to wake up on Nov. 6 wishing I had done more.”

End of an era for Ursula’s costume shop

A beloved fixture in Los Angeles’ costume scene, Ursula’s, is closing its doors after nearly 50 years. Known for its one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn Halloween costumes crafted from premium materials, Ursula’s has been a go-to for both locals and celebrities. From Kate Beckinsale and Michael Keaton (who once ordered a Batman costume for his dog) to Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the shop has catered to some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

The store’s 90-year-old proprietor, Ursula Boschet, explains that the combination of rising rents, payroll, and electricity bills has made it impossible to keep the business afloat. Additionally, the pandemic has dealt a severe blow to the once-thriving rental market. “Since the pandemic, nobody wants to rent anything,” Boschet laments.

However, there is a silver lining for bargain hunters. Boschet is clearing out her 6,000-square-foot emporium, offering everything from Cleopatra outfits to leather heavy metal ensembles at prices that even online retailers can’t match.

Patterson’s prestigious partnerships

In the literary world, teaming up with best-selling author James Patterson has become somewhat of a status symbol. Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and now Viola Davis have all partnered with Patterson on various projects. Davis, an Oscar-winning actress, is currently working on a new novel with him, although details about the project are still under wraps. Patterson describes the novel as “very emotional” and praises Davis’s intense involvement in the process.

Patterson has become a sought-after collaborator in Hollywood, with numerous offers pouring in every week. Despite the flood of interest, he remains selective about his partnerships. For example, Parton impressed Patterson by quickly writing seven songs for characters in their co-authored book, Run, Rose, Run.

Final thoughts

These various ventures show how Hollywood continues to find innovative ways to engage with the public and make an impact, be it through political activism, preserving artistic legacies, or creating compelling stories. While Ursula’s costume shop will be missed, its legacy endures through the countless memorable moments it has helped create. And as stars like Jessica Alba and Viola Davis leverage their influence in new ways, it’s clear that the entertainment industry remains a dynamic force for change and creativity.

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