Alec Baldwin bankrolls scholarship fund
Actor Alec Baldwin is in the news for a couple of reasons. Baldwin is starring in a new romantic comedy film called “It’s Complicated” with Meryl Streep and Steve Martin: due to open this week, on Christmas Day. Also, Baldwin is sharing his good fortune with some drama students at New York University.
Last week the university announced Baldwin had shelled out a million bucks for a scholarship fund, which will “…provide tuition assistance to students who demonstrate an unwavering work ethic, development of leadership skills, willingness to collaborate, the ability to tolerate risk, and the capacity to work with constructive criticism. Special consideration will be given to students from economically disadvantaged families or who are the first in their families to attend a college or university.”
According to Philanthropy News Digest, starting next year, tuition from the Baldwin scholarship fund will be handed out to students enrolled in the Tish School of Arts, the actor’s alma mater.
Avatar scores at the Box Office
Writer/Director James Cameron’s very expensive 3D epic film “Avatar” grabbed an estimated $73 million on its debut weekend at the domestic Box Office.The sci-fi adventure set on a distant planet was supposed to do even better. Some are blaming that major snowstorm back east for “Avatar” not raking in even more ticket sales in the U.S. “Avatar” now holds bragging rights to the title of the number one movie in the country.
In second place, last week’s top flick the Disney animation, “The Princess and the Frog” with around $12.2 million.The still popular football drama, “The Blind Side” came in third with about $10 million. For more on the best performing movies this weekend, check out this story on The Hollywood Reporter website.