CHICAGO – The year 2016 was a dangerous one to be a famous person. In the past twelve months, one dozen of my former photo subjects passed away, celebrities who at one time or another famously posed for my lens. However, on a positive note, at least photos are forever. Or to quote the immortal words of Pee Wee Herman – “Why don’t you take a picture, it will last longer!”
The ranking of the portraits are based on a combination of the star power wattage of the subjects, the artistic results and the difficulty of landing the quarry…for those budding smart-phone-celebrity-stalkers who may wish to play along at home. So without further adieu, I present my top 20 celebrity portraits of 2016.
20. Peter Bogdanovich
Here’s to Peter Bogdanovich, who apart from Woody Allen is one of my all-time favorite directors. At the age of ten, with the film “Paper Moon,” he convinced me that even today things still always look better in classic black and white.
LOCATION/DATE: Chicago International Film Festival, October 16, 2016
19. Former First Lady Laura Bush
Former First Lady in a Permanent Wave
Happy Trails – “Our Great Big Back Yard”
50 yards –”Hey Down in Front!”
Secret Service makin’ it so hard
LOCATION/DATE: North Central College, Naperville (Illinois), sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop, May 16, 2016 (Promoting “Our Great Big Back Yard,” co-authored with daughter Jenna)
18. Lita Ford of rock group “The Runaways”
Lita Ford has never “Runaway” from any photo challenge – she grabs it by the neck just like her trademark BC Rich Mockingbird guitar, and shreds it like a virtuoso. While she was promoting her book “Living Like a Runaway,” she was literally a rock star in front of the camera as well. Ask her to pose and she instinctively delivers it with all the glorious punch of her Marshall stack amps. Here she is demonstrating how a guitar goddess keeps her fingers warm.
LOCATION/DATE: North Central College, Naperville (Illinois), sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop. February 25, 2016
17. Rachel Skarsten of TV’s “Reign”
Every photographer has their fantasy muse, and in 2016 I just may have found mine in a former “Lost Girl” (her Canadian TV series). Through the lens, Rachel Skarsten just may be the fairest of them all. The statuesque 5’10” Canadian actress currently rules as Queen Elizabeth the First in the CW Network’s “Reign.” Two clicks of the shutter was all that was needed to capture her royal highness backstage at Chicago’s C2E2 Convention. Expect to see much more of Ms. Skarsten, my pick for “It Girl” on the rise. Long may she “Reign.”
LOCATION/DATE: C2E2 convention, Chicago, March 18, 2016
16. Craig Robinson of “The Office”
Any good portrait should convey emotion, and capture a spark of that person’s soul. The thing I really like about this Craig Robinson photo is that it always makes me smile or laugh. As a popular comedic actor (“The Office,” “Hot Tub Time Machine,” “Morris From America”), he allows me to actually hear his voice in this shot - well played, Mr. Robinson.
LOCATION/DATE: Chicago Critics Film Festival, May 20, 2016
15. Illeana Douglas
Illeana Douglass may be busy blaming Dennis Hopper – the book she was promoting was entitled “I Blame Dennis Hopper: And Other Stories from a Life Live In and Out of the Movies” – but the rest of us are quite content just thanking Martin Scorsese… because it was he who first gifted us with her magnificently quirky magic. There is nothing about Ms. Douglass that isn’t unique, from her Anime eyes and instantly recognizable voice, to her ability to steal a scene from the biggest names in Hollywood. During her recent book tour, when I finally got a chance to direct her in front of my lens, it was a dream “To Die For,” and she made stunning portraits so “Easy To Assemble.”
LOCATION/DATE: The James Hotel, Chicago, March 19, 2016
14. Mariel Hemingway
Apart from her famous pedigree, leading lady looks or long celebrated acting skills, Mariel Hemingway – beyond the glitter – is just a stellar white-light human being. I photographed her, interviewed her and worked events with her so many times over the years, that I feel as if I can call her my friend. But that’s the thing about Ms. Hemingway, she treats everyone that way, and that’s why she is one of my favorite celebrities.
Despite her recent documentary, “Running From Crazy,” she is one of the sanest and least affected celebrity I know, and this is probably my favorite portrait of her. We were working an event together, and I asked her to step in to simply test the lights while we were standing around chatting on a break. There is no posing, no direction, and this is Mariel just focusing on being a helpful friend. In that un-guarded moment…which is her natural state…that is pure gold.
LOCATION/DATE: The Hollywood Show Chicago, September 10, 2016
13. Singer John Legend
One of the potential perks of being married to a supermodel – as John Legend proves in this portrait – is getting a crash course in the art of always being camera ready. Legend not only stepped up to the plate, but knocked it out of the park. He is an Academy Award and ten-time Grammy winner, and was in Chicago to walk the Red Carpet for the 2016 film “South Side With You.” Not only did he write an original song for the film, but he also served as Executive Producer. After this “Legend”-ary shot, I answered a musical question from the “Love Me Now”(?) singer, gratefully replying, “Yep.”
LOCATION/DATE: The Music Box Theatre, Chicago, August 18, 2016
12. David Duchovny
“I want to believe”… this was
More than just a Close Encounter
With some Moody California novelist
Sorry Charlie, but come “Hell or High Water”
I was getting my Duchovny portrait
The publicist said it probably wouldn’t happen,
But I “Trust(ed) no one”
Now “The truth is out there”
They can “Deny everything”
LOCATION/DATE: Wizard World Comic Con, Chicago, August 20, 2016
11. Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox doesn’t spend a whole lot of time standing around taking pictures. Like Marty McFly, one of his most famous film characters, he is racing against time as a man on a mission…to secure a better future. Today, he is a tireless patient advocate for his namesake “Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.” And somehow, this 53 year-old actor still can miraculously juggle more plates than those of us who are blessed with perfect health. I have a close family member who also suffers from Parkinson’s disease, so this portrait was personal for me. The iconic actor and best selling author, upon spying my lens, hit the mark perfectly and delivered that familiarly famous boyish grin. Like the title of his memoir, the assist of Mr. Fox helped turn this photographer into a very “Lucky Man.”
LOCATION/DATE: Wizard World Comic Con, Chicago, August 20, 2016
10. Kevin Bacon
Attention…your attention please! Anyone who has personally worked with me, congratulations! Your “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” number is now a two…you’re welcome. And yes, as a person he is beyond awesome.
LOCATION/DATE: Young Chicago Authors Workshop, appearing on behalf of Kevin Bacon’s SixDegrees.org, August 18, 2016
9. Taraji P. Henson of “Hidden Figures”
Taraji P. Henson is one bad-ass Cookie (TV’s “Empire”) that ain’t about to crumble. In fact, everyone’s favorite Queenie (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) is now sitting pretty on an “Empire” and hardly resting on her laurels – in 2016, she was on Time Magazine’s 100 most Influential People list. She also had a best selling memoir, ”Around The Way Girl” – which stirred up headlines with it’s revelations of Hollywood racial inequality – and MAC Cosmetics released her own signature makeup line. Currently starring in the film “Hidden Figures,” I shot her portrait during an October appearance at the Chicago International Film Festival, where she spoke about the film and hosted a highlights preview. To quote Ms. Henson regarding her meteoric ascension, “I’m not some fantasy, I’m tangible.” In looking at this portrait, we might have to politely disagree.
LOCATION/DATE: Chicago International Film Festival, October 23, 2016
8. Jamie Lee Curtis
How ironic that America’s favorite “Scream Queen” has long been completely fearless in front of the camera. I’ve been blessed to photograph Jamie Lee Curtis many times over the years, including a couple times without her wearing a stitch of makeup. In an industry where females over 40 are routinely put out to pasture – and starlets barely old enough to rent a car often demand approval on retouching – Curtis is a self-positive pioneer…brave enough to not only accept her maturing looks, but to proudly flaunt them. As an accomplished and best-selling children’s author, she was promoting her new book “This Is Me: A Story of Who We Are and Where We Came From,” when I got yet another opportunity to capture her once again in all her unflinching natural glory.
LOCATION/DATE: Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville (Illinois), September 22, 2016
7. Kate Hudson
“Pretty Happy” seems to be more than just the title of Kate Hudson’s 2016 best selling book – she literally wears the title around her neck as a gold charm. Since her Oscar-nominated role as groupie Penny Lane in “ Almost Famous,” Hudson has been stealing hearts of rock-n-roll front men and fans alike. Now a doting Mom of 13 year-old son Ryder (with ex-husband, singer Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes) and five year-old Bingham (with Matt Bellamy, lead vocalist for the band Muse), Hudson seems to be beaming more joyously than ever. In 2017, she will star in the film “Marshall,” and continuing to run Fabletics, her successful line of workout athletic wear.
From the second I raised my camera, it was obvious that Kate has that superpower that seduces a lens, no doubt inherited from her mother Goldie Hawn. She’s another hippie-hearted golden girl socking it to me, with every click of the shutter.
LOCATION/DATE: North Central College, Naperville (Illinois), sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop, February 20, 2016
6. Ethan Hawke
Actor Ethan Hawke doesn’t think “Reality Bites.” Nominated four times for an Oscar, and yet to win, he certainly has plenty of other options – including screenwriting, directing and oh yeah, his other career as a best-selling novelist (he was promoting “Indeh: A Story of Apache Wars” in Chicago). As a man with many hats, he seems to be channeling Frank Sinatra in this photo…and yes, he garnered great reviews doing his own singing, as Chet Baker, in the 2016 film “Born to Be Blue.” As a photographer I wanted to thank Ethan Hawke for such a striking portrait, but as the guy who doesn’t get to attend a parent/teacher conference with Uma Thurman, I just want to exclaim, “knock It off already – you’re making us all look like crap by comparison.”
LOCATION/DATE: Printers Row Lit Fest, Chicago, June 10, 2016
5. Anna Kendrick
Despite the title of her memoir, “Scrappy Little Nobody,” Anna Kendrick had no problem selling out Naperville’s Yellow Box Auditorium for her recent book tour. The Oscar and Tony-nominated actress further disproved the title by generously posing for portraits in the green room before her appearance – talk about being über-cool! She had her fans raising their “Cups” in celebration.
LOCATION/DATE: Yellow Box Auditorium, Naperville (Illinois), sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop, November 17, 2016
4. Hugh Jackman
They say only a fool would go toe-to-toe with a Wolverine…challenge accepted. Let’s just say I walked away lucky, with this superhero-worthy portrait.
LOCATION/DATE: Kerasotes Showplace Icon Theatre, Chicago, February 16, 2016 (Hugh Jackman was promoting the film “Eddie the Eagle”)
3. Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper was the first rock-star poster I ever hung up over my bed – at the age of eight – and my parents were horrified. It’s now over 45 years later, and the founder and king of “Shock Rock” still reigns supreme. But don’t believe a word of “No More Mr Nice Guy,” because working with Alice Cooper is always more like ”Love It To Death” than “Welcome To My Nightmare.”
LOCATION/DATE: Days of the Dead horror convention, Schaumburg (Illinois), November 19, 2016
2. Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Allen
2016 marked the third year in a row that I have gotten to photograph Woody Allan, right here in Chicago – this is still completely mind boggling to me. The iconic writer/director was here promoting his new film “Café Society,” so who could possibly ask for more? It’s yours truly, with one goal in mind – a portrait of Woody and his wife Soon-Yi posing together for my lens. I had asked for this shot and been politely denied for the last two years, sometimes by the camera-shy Ms. Allen herself. But as they say, third time is the charm. The couple will celebrate their twentieth anniversary in 2017, and now I have the shot!
LOCATION/DATE: Chicago History Museum, Chicago, July 21, 2016
1. Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson is the top money making female star of all time, and the highest earning actor male or female in 2016 (according to Forbes Magazine). To say I was eager to finally get the illustrious Ms. Johansson in front of my lens would probably be the understatement of the century. When it was first announced that she would be receiving the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award (in December of 2015) I marked the June date on my calendar, and counted down the days like a rabid Cub fan awaiting Opening Day. Experiencing Scarlett Johansson smiling back at you through the view finder – posing and taking a bit of direction from this photographer – IS winning the World Series. It doesn’t get any better than this – my images shimmering golden, like a trophy for all to see. Here’s hoping for a repeat.
LOCATION/DATE: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Chicago, June 20, 2016
IN MEMORIAM: Carrie Fisher
In 2016, I shot 163 celebrities. Ironically, Ms. Carrie Fisher was number 86. Rest in Peace…somewhere a new star shimmers in a galaxy far far away.
LOCATION/DATE: Wizard World Comic Con, Chicago, August 21, 2016
Links:
[1] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/users/hankq
[2] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/alice-cooper
[3] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/anna-kendrick
[4] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/carrie-fisher
[5] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/david-duchovny
[6] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/entertainment-news
[7] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/ethan-hawke
[8] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/hollywoodchicagodotcom-content
[9] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/hugh-jackman
[10] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/illeana-douglas
[11] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/joe-arce
[12] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/john-legend
[13] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/labels/kevin_bacon.html
[14] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/laura-bush
[15] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/list
[16] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/michael-j-fox
[17] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/patrick-mcdonald
[18] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/peter-bogdanovich
[19] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/photography
[20] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/photos
[21] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/pictures
[22] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/portraits
[23] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/scarlett-johansson
[24] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/woody-allen