Chris Spencer: Last News

Comedian and Netflix star David A. Arnold has died at the age of 54.The star of comedic shows such as Meet the Browns (TBS), The Rickey Smiley Show (TV One), Raising Whitley (OWN) passed away peacefully from natural causes, as ruled by a coroner. He leaves behind his wife Julie L Harkness, and two children, Anna-Grace and Ashlyn.The American stand-up comedian, sitcom writer, producer, and actor was just three dates into a comedy tour of the US before his tragic passing on September 7.

last week with the premiere of “Back on the Strip” – a phenomenal comedy about aged Las Vegas male strippers coming out of retirement. He directed, wrote, produced and stars in the revealing flick.Chris – plus a few surprise guests – put on another performance for the ages on this week’s “Renaissance Man” episode, starting with the director’s inspiration to make the film.“So what happened was, I was in Vegas. When you get off the plane in Vegas you see that sign for ‘Thunder From Down Under,’ ” Chris said, referring to the hit male dancer show in Sin City.“I’ve noticed, for the last 20 years, it’s the same poster.

Re-releases reliably dot the theatrical calendar and this week have a standout. Oldboy, the 2004 Cannes prize-winner, re-released by Neon on its 20th anniversary restored and remastered, grossed $235k on Wednesday and $150k Thursday — for a total cume $385k on 250 screens heading into the weekend.

EXCLUSIVE: Up-and-comers Piper Curda (May December) and Nico Greetham (American Horror Story) have signed on to star in Something Casual — an independent romantic dramedy from writer-director Brandon Buczek (Your Own Road).

William Earl David A. Arnold, a comedian and showrunner known for his standup work and as creator and showrunner of Nickelodeon’s “That Girl Lay Lay,” died unexpectedly on Wednesday. He was 54. “It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, David A. Arnold,” Arnold’s family said in a statement. “David passed away peacefully today in his home and doctors have ruled the cause of death due to natural causes. Please keep our family in prayer and respect our privacy at this time as we are all shocked and devasted by this loss.” Arnold’s death came as a surprise to industry insiders. He was affiliated with Kevin Hart, who produced Arnold’s second Netflix standup special, “It Ain’t for the Weak,” which debuted in July. The special revolves around routines focusing on Arnold’s family life as well as marital spats and entitled kids. It followed his Netflix standup debut in 2019 with “Fat Ballerina.” Arnold was featured as part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival in late April and early May.

David A. Arnold, a comedian, actor, writer and producer who had his own Netflix comedy special and was a writer/producer on the Fuller House reboot, died today. He was 54.

EXCLUSIVE: J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Francesca Reale (Stranger Things) and newcomer Maria Mancuso will round out the cast of the rom-com Música, which Rudy Mancuso is directing and starring in for Amazon Studios and Wonderland Sound and Vision. The trio joins an ensemble that also includes Riverdale‘s Camila Mendes, as previously announced.

Jennifer Maas TV Business WriterFormer HBO chief marketing officer Pamela Levine has been tapped as the new head of marketing for Disney Branded Television and National Geographic Content.Levine, who is replacing the recently exited Jayanta Jenkins, will lead an integrated internal agency across brand and creative marketing, strategy, publicity, media planning, digital/social, events, talent relations and awards, supporting content created for Disney+, as well as the Disney and National Geographic-branded linear networks, per Disney General Entertainment.In her new role, which she will begin June 27, Levine will jointly report to Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis and National Geographic Content President Courteney Monroe. Levine’s direct reports include Chris Albert, executive vice president, Marketing and Publicity; Chris Spencer, executive vice president, Creative Marketing; Kristin Corrigan, senior vice president, Marketing Strategy; Jessica Bodaken, vice president, Marketing Production; Abby Ho, vice president, Social Media & Engagement Strategy; and Katie Morrow, vice president, Media Planning.

Former 20th Century Fox and HBO marketing chief Pamela Levine is joining Disney General Entertainment as head of marketing for Disney Branded Television and National Geographic Content. She replaces Jayanta Jenkins, who exited the post earlier this month after a year and a half.

EXCLUSIVE: Bill Bellamy, the actor and stand-up comic best known for his cult comedy classic How to Be a Player, has signed with Buchwald for representation.