In an interview with The Today Show, comedian Chris Rock revealed that the popular “Afro Circus” song his zebra Marty sings in the hit film Madagascar was an ad-lib inspired by his daughter. Rock made up the song trying to entertain his daughter Lola, who was bored on set at the recording studio one day during taping. He also admitted that he and comedian Dave Chappelle have been working together on a possible tour, but isn’t sure whether we’ll be seeing a Rock/Chappelle collaboration in the near future. Today
Although Jada Pinkett-Smith jokes that she sometimes embarrasses her sons in front of their girlfriends by asking for kisses before they leave the house, she has a great relationship with her children. “There’s no dictatorship with my kids. We’re in a partnership. We’re partners in everything,” she said. “I never have to show them who’s boss. It’s very clear that we’re in a partnership.” MSN Celebrity
Comedian Mike Epps has joined the cast of Nina, a biopic about the late singer/songwriter/activist starring actress Zoe Saldana in the lead role. Epps will play comedian Richard Pryor, whom Simone wrote about in her autobiography, saying she often had to help calm down the star who suffered from extreme stage fright in the 1960s. Epps recently starred in the remake of the movie “Sparkle.” BET
Actress Essence Atkins will star alongside actors Marlon Wayans and Cedric the Entertainer in the new Wayans comedy spoof, A Haunted House. The film, which pokes fun at “found-footage” movies, features Atkins and Wayans as a young couple who move into a new home. Shortly thereafter they realize the house is haunted, Atkins gets possessed by a demon, and Wayans works hard to keep the demon from ruining his relationship. The film is set to premiere in January, 2013. Shadow and Act