Just as everyone has an opinion, a favorite meal and a nose — albeit a fake one at times — so too does everyone have a birthday... even celebrities. Here at Birthday Bash, it's my mission to salute the fine actors, filmmakers and other Hollywood heroes that are celebrating their special day this week. After all, it's cheaper than mailing a cake!
This week, we're busting out the candles for a successful actress and singer, Felicity's true love and none other than The One himself!
Beyoncé Knowles (September 4): Granted, her role as Foxy Cleopatra in "Austin Powers in Goldmember" wasn't exactly award-winning material, but Beyoncé Knowles has since proven herself on the big screen in "Dreamgirls" and "Cadillac Records." Of course, Beyoncé is best known for her musical career, and rightly so. I can't say I'm her number one fan, but that doesn't mean I can shake off the catchiness of tunes like "Irreplaceable" and "Single Ladies"!
If nothing else, her appearance on "Saturday Night Live" is proof enough that Beyoncé has something to offer everybody. Here's to seeing what she brings to this years VMAs when she performs "Sweet Dreams."
Scott Speedman (September 1): As the incredibly athletic but not particularly bright Ben Covington on "Felicity," actor Scott Speedman solidified himself as part of a love triangle that could give the Bella-Edward-Jake trifecta a run for its money. But Speedman's talents go beyond his romantic escapades with Keri Russell — just check out his performances in "The Strangers" and "Dark Blue" for a glimpse of his acting abilities.
Despite his film accomplishments, I'll always see Speedman as the jocky Covington, if only because the conclusion of "Felicity" was so... awkward. Like the series finale's time-traveling premise, it'd be nice to go back and shave off those last few episodes, leaving Speedman's performance and the show's run exactly where it should have ended.
Keanu Reeves (September 2): When he first burst into stardom as a mentally-bankrupt teenager in the "Bill & Ted" films, no one could've guessed that Keanu Reeves would eventually become an action star. Nonetheless, that's exactly what happened. His role as Neo in "The Matrix" is an instantly recognizable science fiction hero, and he's continued the action tradition in movies like "Constantine" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
The actor has plenty of buzz-worthy roles coming up on his film slate, but the one I'm most interested in is "47 Ronin," a retelling of a classic samurai epic. It'll be interesting to see how Reeves pulls off playing a samurai warrior, but it's no further a jump than his leap from "Bill & Ted" to "The Matrix."
Check back next week for an all-new edition of Birthday Bash!
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