Zac Efron recalls Michael Jackson

Actor Zac Efron says a surprise phone call from Michael Jackson years ago ended with both him and the pop music icon in tears.

Efron recalled being at dinner with his High School Musical director Kenny Ortega, when the phone rang and Ortega handed it to him, saying it was Jackson. Efron introduced himself as an actor and rambled on about how big an admirer he was of Jackson. The encounter ended with Jackson asking Efron to put his friend Ortega back on the phone.

However, a few minutes later, Jackson called back, apparently after realising who Efron was. He told the younger artist he loved what he did and was a big fan of High School Musical. Efron said the compliments from his idol caused him to break into tears. He went on to say he thanked Jackson for not only inspiring him, but also showing him how to dance, believe in himself and ‘shine.’

“That made him cry and we were both crying to each other on the phone,” Efron said. “And he ended the whole phone conversation with something along the lines of, ‘Hey, Zac.’ And I stopped crying for a second. He’s like, ‘Isn’t it awesome?’ And I was like, what? And he goes, ‘Dreams really do come true, don’t they?’ And I was like, Michael, you can’t say things like that. You’re killing me, man!”

Krypton to premiere on March 21

Syfy has announced the premiere date for its new Superman prequel series Krypton.

“Before #Superman came to Earth, #Krypton forged its own legends,” the show’s Twitter account said. “From the writer of #ManofSteel & #TheDarkKnight, witness the beginning, 3.21 on @SYFY.”

Starring Cameron Cuffe, Ian McElhinney, Georgina Campbell, Elliot Cowan and Ann Ogbomo, the series is being executive produced by David S. Goyer.

“Set two generations before the destruction of the legendary Man of Steel’s home planet, Krypton follows Superman’s grandfather — whose House of El was ostracised and shamed — as he fights to redeem his family’s honour and save his beloved world from chaos,” a synopsis said.

Lindsay Lohan bitten by snake in Thailand

Actress Lindsay Lohan announced on Instagram Story she was bitten by a snake in Thailand last week. Lohan who has been living in London and Dubai in recent years — was on holiday in Phuket, Thailand, when the reptile encounter occurred.

“I love this, it’s so beautiful, amazing place ... aside from my snake bite,” Lohan said in a video she posted to her social-media account. “Hi! I’m still in Phuket in Thailand, it’s beautiful here and, yeah, I got bit by a snake on a hike the other day,” she said. “The positive side of it is, I’m OK. Happy New Year and God bless. Ciao,” Lohan said.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 6th, 2018