My Fame, Explained

In this episode of My Fame, Explained, we dive into the vibrant career of Jennifer Wigmore, a multidisciplinary artist whose talents span acting, writing, and visual art. Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Jennifer has left her mark on stages and screens across Canada and beyond.

Jennifer is currently captivating audiences as Chief of Police April Anderson in the highly anticipated James Patterson series Cross (Amazon Studios & Paramount Pictures). With an impressive list of credits, including Dream Scenario with Nicholas Cage, Malory Towers (CBBC), Y: The Last Man (FX), and Anne with an E (Netflix), her versatility knows no bounds.

But Jennifer’s artistic prowess doesn’t stop at acting. She’s an award-winning visual artist whose paintings—both figurative and abstract—explore the intersections of performance and pedagogy. Her art has been featured in collections across Canada, the U.S., and England, and she even won Bravo’s Star Portraits with a painting of Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent.

As a passionate advocate for artists, Jennifer co-founded AACE (Association of Acting Coaches and Educators) and works tirelessly to uplift the artistic community. In this conversation, we explore her journey from Edmonton to the global stage, her commitment to fostering the next generation of artists, and her latest creative projects, including a screenplay and a play in development.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a fan of her work, Jennifer Wigmore’s story will inspire and empower.

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In this episode of My Fame, Explained, we’re thrilled to welcome the talented Amber Reign Smith, an actress who’s quickly becoming a name to watch in the entertainment industry. From captivating television performances to starring in big-screen films, Smith’s versatile range has already made a lasting impact on both viewers and critics alike. She has shown her acting chops in some of the most talked-about TV shows today. As a series regular in Tough Love: Atlanta, Smith has captured the hearts of fans with her authentic, dynamic portrayal of complex characters navigating love and life in the bustling city. Her recurring roles in hit shows like Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Rap Sht*, and Games People Play have further established her as a versatile actress, capable of seamlessly moving between genres. She even made a memorable guest appearance in Tyler Perry’s The Oval, proving her ability to shine no matter the project.

She starred in Western film Outlaw Posse alongside a legendary cast including Mario Van Peebles, Whoopi Goldberg, Cedric the Entertainer, and John Carroll Lynch. In this gritty Western tale, Smith once again demonstrates her dedication to her craft, stepping into a genre that challenges her to explore new depths as an actor. Perhaps one of her most highly anticipated projects is her role as ‘Rain’ in Tyler Perry’s first Netflix series, Beauty in Black, which debuts on October 24th. This dark, gripping series explores the interconnected lives of several women as they face trials in both their personal and professional lives. Smith’s portrayal of Rain is expected to be one of the series’ standout performances, showcasing her emotional depth and fierce talent.

Amber Reign Smith’s rise in the entertainment industry is nothing short of inspiring. With a clear passion for challenging herself in every role she takes on, Smith is set to continue making waves in Hollywood. Currently residing in Atlanta, the actress remains grounded while pushing the boundaries of her craft. As her body of work grows, so does her fan base, eagerly awaiting what she’ll do next.

Tune in to this episode of My Fame, Explained to hear more about Amber Reign Smith’s journey, her experiences working with industry giants, and her insights on what it takes to thrive as a rising star in today’s entertainment landscape.

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In this episode Larry Gilbert sat down with the multi-talented actor Oliver Trevena, a name synonymous with success in Hollywood, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Trevena has seamlessly navigated various roles from acclaimed TV host to award-winning actor, producer, and philanthropist.

Trevena’s journey in the spotlight began with his charismatic presence as a TV host for major shows like Young Hollywood and The Hollywood Reporter, where he interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment. He’s also fronted red carpets for prestigious award shows, including The Grammys and The American Music Awards. But his career didn’t stop there. Over the last few years, Trevena has transitioned from hosting to acting, and what a journey it has been.

Oliver has starred in over a dozen feature films, sharing the screen with Hollywood heavyweights like Gerard Butler in Plane, Nina Dobrev and Aaron Eckhart in The Bricklayer, and Olga Kurylenko and Harvey Keitel in Paradox Effect, the latter earning him the Breakout Actor Award at the Rome Film Festival. With the recent Toronto Film Festival premiere of The Cut, where he co-stars alongside Orlando Bloom, Trevena's name continues to rise in Hollywood’s elite circles.

While his acting resume grows, Trevena is also making waves behind the camera. He produced and stars in Another Day in America, which recently hit the festival circuit, and he just wrapped production on Icefall, starring alongside Joel Kinnaman and Danny Huston. Trevena's upcoming projects include two television shows: Beachy Head, which he co-created with Danny Cannon and stars Dougray Scott, and London Son, both of which he is producing with Pulp Fiction producer Lawrence Bender.

Beyond Hollywood, Trevena’s impact is felt on a global scale through his philanthropic efforts. For over a decade, he’s served as an ambassador for Not for Sale, a worldwide organization fighting human trafficking and modern-day slavery. His dedication earned him an award from the Duchess of York. His passion for humanitarian work doesn’t stop there—Trevena produced a documentary in India, spotlighting the importance of female education and raising awareness about forced child marriage.

Trevena is not just an entertainer; he’s also a savvy entrepreneur. As the founder of Ollywood Media, he’s built a thriving business centered around investments, production, and brand creation. Recognized as one of the "Top 20 Entrepreneurs to Watch," Trevena has merged his deep connections within the entertainment world with his creative vision to launch global brands like Allsaints, DOGPOUND, and Next Health. His most recent venture, Caliwater, co-founded with close friend Vanessa Hudgens, has attracted an all-star group of investors including Gerard Butler, Glen Powell, and Ryan Tedder.

With a packed schedule of upcoming films, TV projects, and entrepreneurial ventures, Oliver Trevena continues to redefine what it means to be a multi-hyphenate in the modern entertainment industry. Whether he’s acting, producing, or leading philanthropic initiatives, Trevena’s passion for storytelling and making a difference shines through every endeavor.

Tune in to the full episode to hear Oliver’s inspiring story of perseverance, the lessons he’s learned from his 20+ years in the entertainment business, and how he balances his Hollywood success with his business ventures.

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Guest: Barry L. Levy - Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer

About the Episode:

In this episode, we dive into the creative journey of Barry L. Levy, the mastermind behind Apple TV+'s latest original series, ME, premiering in July 2024. A seasoned screenwriter with a rich history in both film and television, Levy brings a wealth of experience and insight into the ever-evolving world of entertainment.

Levy’s impressive career includes a range of high-profile television projects. He served as Executive Producer for the Crackle series START UP and contributed his writing talents to L.A.'s FINEST, a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced series for Charter Spectrum. His work extends to projects with major networks like NBC, Amazon, CBS, FX, and The CW.

On the big screen, Levy’s screenwriting prowess is highlighted by his work on the thriller PARANOIA, featuring an all-star cast including Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman. His original screenplay for VANTAGE POINT marked his breakthrough, leading to a box office success that grossed over $150 million. Levy has continued to write for industry giants such as Paramount, Warner Bros., Legendary, Disney, Universal, Sony, and DreamWorks.

Beyond his work in the industry, Levy also shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he nurtures the next generation of storytellers.

Join us as we explore Barry L. Levy’s approach to storytelling, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and his latest venture with ME.

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Meet Sophia Laurenzi, a dedicated journalist who covers health and policy, with a special focus on mental health and the criminal legal system. Sophia believes in the transformative power of words and humanity, and she is an ardent advocate for changing harmful systems into ones that are kinder, healthier, and more equitable for everyone.

Sophia's journey into journalism took a profound turn four months after her father’s suicide when she left her family in New Jersey to become an investigator on death row. At just 23, she was driven by a quest for answers—why do people make the choices they do, and what could be done to alter the paths of those choices? The answers she uncovered, both within her own family and within the death penalty system, were far from what she had anticipated.

In her subsequent work as a writer, Sophia has continued to delve into challenging questions and explore spaces where easy answers are elusive. Her reporting on mental illness within the prison system and her poignant essays on grief and loss have resonated deeply with many. Sophia's insightful work has been featured in prestigious publications such as TIME, The Washington Post, Slate, and more. She's currently working on her first book.

Join us as we dive into Sophia’s compelling stories and insights, uncovering the intricate connections between personal experiences and systemic issues.

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Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Jim Keller, an icon of the American music scene whose illustrious career has spanned over four decades. From his roots as the co-founder, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of the legendary rock band Tommy Tutone, to his pivotal role in working with music luminaries like Philip Glass and beyond.
As the driving force behind Tommy Tutone, Keller left an indelible mark on the music world with hits like "867-5309/Jenny," co-written with former Clover frontman Alex Call, a song that would etch itself into the annals of pop culture history.
Keller's story is one of passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication.

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Larsen Jensen, the Founder and General Partner of Harpoon Ventures, is a pioneer in the world of venture capital, having co-founded one of Silicon Valley's first dual-use VC firms, now boasting over $300 million in assets under management. With a keen eye for innovation, Larsen has led numerous investments in defense tech, cybersecurity, AI, enterprise infrastructure, and frontier technology.

But Larsen's journey to success is as remarkable as it is multifaceted. Before venturing into the realm of venture capital, he carved out a legacy in the world of athletics, earning two Olympic medals in swimming (2004 and 2008) and setting the American record in the 400m event. Following his Olympic triumphs, Larsen transitioned to serve as a Navy SEAL, further demonstrating his unwavering dedication to excellence and service.

With a diverse background spanning investment and asset management roles at prestigious firms including UBS, Goldman Sachs, Andreessen Horowitz, and Lightspeed Venture Partners, Larsen brings a wealth of experience and insight to every conversation.

A graduate of USC with a Bachelor's degree and Stanford with an MBA, Larsen's journey embodies the intersection of athleticism, entrepreneurship, and investment acumen. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary stories and invaluable lessons that have shaped Larsen's path to success.

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Delaney Harter is a highly skilled violinist renowned for her contributions to the scores of numerous hit films, such as "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," and "Mozart in the Jungle," among others. Notably, she has showcased her talent in diverse platforms, starring in Olivia Rodrigo's music video "driving home 2 u" and featuring in a Cadillac commercial alongside Labrinth. Based in Los Angeles, her musical prowess has garnered her multiple prestigious awards, solidifying her status as a distinguished artist in the industry.

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LbcUO_nv1P0?si=d7dIwB7I3LYd14Ay

My Fame, Explained on the web: https://www.myfameexplained.com/

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Devo Harris attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a in degree in Economics and Strategic Management. Devo then earned an MBA degree from Columbia Business School. He signed his former college roommate, John Legend, to Kanye West’s GOOD Music label in 2003. Devo won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2006 for his production of "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" by Kanye West (his cousin). He then founded a tech company that developed an interactive video platform called Adventr.

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Dr. Leonard Kleinrock is a computer scientist who developed the mathematical theory behind packet switching. He sent the first message between two computers on a network that was a precursor of the Internet. His is a distinguished Professor of Computer Science at UCLA. He has published over 250 papers and authored six books.

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