Shalhoub, who graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 1977, was at the Portland school Thursday, where he was named honorary chairman of the fundraising drive and pledged $150,000 of his own money.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Oscar nod expected for Maine native’s work on ‘Avatar’ sequel
Eric Saindon, originally from Gorham, was the senior visual effects supervisor on the blockbuster film and is considered a favorite for his third Oscar nomination.
Country Music Hall of Fame shines spotlight on the life of Maine country singer Dick Curless
The Nashville museum will host a yearlong exhibit on Curless, who died in 1995 and whose soulful music continues to inspire.
North Yarmouth Academy grad has hands full as music coordinator for Broadway and TV
Maine native Haley Bennett has built a career as music supervisor, musician and conductor for a wide variety of filmed and live productions, including ‘Schmigadoon!’ on Apple TV+ and the musical ‘& Juliet’ on Broadway now.
TV series based on Portland author Richard Russo’s ‘Straight Man’ to debut March 19
Titled ‘Lucky Hank’ and starring Bob Odenkirk, the series will seen on AMC.
Lifetime turns Zumba prostitution scandal into made-for-TV movie
‘Let’s Get Physical’ doesn’t specifically name Alexis Wright, who went to jail in 2013 for running a prostitution ring from her Kennebunk fitness studio, but the setting and story are extremely similar.
Part-time Mainer aims to make science relatable in PBS series
Physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, a Maine summer resident, is host of the upcoming three-part PBS series ‘Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science.’
After so much stress, the way we dress has become more about comfort
The pandemic loosened company dress codes and changed many Mainers’ mindsets about what they wear, at work and play.
News Center Maine anchor Pat Callaghan retiring after 43 years
He began as a Maine TV news reporter in 1979 and has been co-anchor of the station’s main newscasts since 1989. His last day is Dec. 9.
Maine native Amy Allen nominated for new songwriter Grammy
The 2010 Waynflete graduate, who grew up in Windham and South Portland, was nominated Tuesday for songwriter of the year. The Grammy Awards will be broadcast live Feb. 5 on CBS.