Portrait

CHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com rings in the new with an Exclusive Portrait of Shay Mitchell, the up-and-coming actress in ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars.” Mitchell has also authored a novel called “Bliss,” and was in Chicagoland in October meeting her fans and signing the book at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill.

CHICAGO – The new media is not without its share of stars, and one of the biggest on YouTube is Tyler Oakley – podcaster, activist and author. He was in the Chicago area in October to promote his new book “Binge,” a series of humorous personal essays. Numerous fans lined up at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill., to meet Oakley at the book signing event.

CHICAGO – For 25 years, Edward James Martin “Ted” Koppel anchored the popular ABC-TV news show, “Nightline.” Since leaving the show in 2005, he has held a variety of journalistic and on-air roles, and most recently has written a new book, “Lights Out: A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath,” indicating that America’s electric grid infrastructure is vulnerable. He appeared at the Old Orchard Barnes & Noble in Skokie, Ill., to promote the book.

CHICAGO – One of the most famous bow tie stylists in the world, and one of the greatest advocates for understanding our universe is Bill Nye, “The Science Guy.” He used that nickname in the 1990s, when he hosted a popular kids TV show with that title. He was at the Barnes & Noble book store at Old Orchard in Skokie, Ill., to promote his new book, “Unstoppable: Harnessing Science to Change the World.”

CHICAGO – Sarah Silverman is a one-of-a-kind anarchistic comedian, but she is also making her mark as an actor. She was featured in her new indie film, “I Smile Back,” at the 51st Chicago International Film Festival, where she received the “Breakthrough Performer Award” and walked the Red Carpet on Friday, October 16th.

CHICAGO – He is one half of a brand name magic act (“Penn & Teller”), he likes to expose fraud by exclaiming “bullsh*t!” and he’s just written a book about atheism. Penn Jillette – the magician and raconteur – appeared at North Central College on July 7th in Naperville, Ill, on behalf of his book, “God, No! Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales”.

CHICAGO – Gregg Allman has seen his share of rock and roll sorrow. As an integral part of The Allman Brothers Band, he oversaw the hits – “At Fillmore East” is considered one of the best rock albums ever – and tragedy. Shortly after that album was release in 1971, his brother Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident. The ups and downs from there is chronicled in Gregg Allman’s new book, “My Cross to Bear.”

CHICAGO – Teenage heartthrob and former fashion model Chad Michael Murray is expanding his repertoire, as the author of a new graphic novel called “Everlast.” Best known for his role as Lucas Scott in “One Tree Hill,” Murray was in the Chicago area recently signing his novel and greeting admirers.

CHICAGO – Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson came back to her hometown of Chicago last month to sign her new book, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.” She also announced she is moving back to the area, after purchasing a multi-million dollar home right outside the city.

CHICAGO – Celebrities rarely are as multi-faceted as Maria Menounos. The Greek American ex-beauty queen is the current co-host – with Mario Lopez – of “Extra,” the popular entertainment news program. This is after correspondent duties on “Access Hollywood,” appearing on the “Today” show and acting in TV’s “Without a Trace” and “One Tree Hill.”