Celebrity Impressionist Goes Viral with Richard III

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 23, 2012  -- Oscar nominee George Clooney and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger were joined by Woody Allen, Ricky Gervais, Christopher Walken, Jack Nicholson, Ron Howard and a host of other notables in a brief, but memorable video production of Richard III by celebrity impressionist Jim Meskimen.

With "Shakespeare in Celebrity Voices," which went viral in July of 2011, followed by "Celebrity Alphabet" and the holiday themed, "Twas the Night Before Christmas in Celebrity Voices," viewers worldwide began to "Accept Imitations." As long as they were from Meskimen, anyway.

"...Expert celebrity impersonator Jim Meskimen gives the freshest, funniest take on Clarence's death dream (from Richard III) we've seen ... well, ever." said Entertainment Weekly.

The New York Times.com said, "Meskimen is a very talented impressionist, but what's most impressive here is that he not only imitates obligatory celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, Jack Nicholson and Jimmy Stewart but also people like George Clooney, Paul Giamatti and Ricky Gervais, celebrities you wouldn't think were ripe for impressions until you hear his takes on them."

The viral videos were created to promote the show, JIMPRESSIONS, in which the audience is taken on a tour of celebrity voices from past and present; over 65 impressions in 75 minutes of mesmerizing one-man theater.

Meskimen ups the ante in his live show, offering a live version of "Shakespeare Impressions" with volunteers from the audience challenging him with random celebs to speak the Bard's verse.

A veteran of numerous films, TV shows and commercials, including five films for Academy Award-winning director, Ron Howard, Meskimen has many claims to fame.

His impressionist/improv abilities won him fame on Britain's Whose Line is it, Anyway?

Meskimen became a household voice during the 2004 Presidential election, when he provided singing impressions of President G.W. Bush, John Kerry and others in the mega-viral Jibjab hit, "This Land," which topped 80 million views.

He even played a recurring role as an amateur (i.e. poor) impressionist/host on NBC's hit Parks & Recreation.

Now, Meskimen brings his full range of vocal talents directly to fans of spot-on celebrity impressions in his touring one-man show, JIMPRESSIONS, beginning with a six week run in Hollywood at The Acting Center.

Audiences in the U.K., Canada and in the States, Chicago, Florida, Boston, Atlanta and Australia embraced the JIMPRESSIONS show enthusiastically in 2011, demonstrating a strong appetite for a new, fresh look at the art of celebrity mimicry. As Gather.com put it, "Hopefully, friends from 'Down Under' have sent a message to folks 'Up Over' and that is the world needs more JIMPRESSIONS."

JIMPRESSIONS comes to Hollywood for a six-weekend run starting February 17 & 18th at 8 p.m.

JIMPRESSIONS, written and performed by Jim Meskimen, directed by Tait Ruppert and produced by The Acting Center, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. February 17 through March 24.

For information and reservations, go to http://www.theactingcenterla.com/jimpressions.

Ricky Gervais Deals Out More Pilkington Punishment with AN IDIOT ABROAD 2: THE BUCKET LIST on SCIENCE

SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 21, 2011 -- This January, everyone's favorite reluctant traveler returns to the departure gate when AN IDIOT ABROAD 2: THE BUCKET LIST touches down at SCIENCE. After his tour of the Seven Wonders of the World, Karl Pilkington could be considered an international jetsetter, however, his recent global exposure has made him even more resistant to the call of the open road. Nevertheless, world-class tormentors Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant prove that one man's anguish can be another man's amusement, as they send him around the world to fulfill his Bucket List. Now Karl can only hope that his quest to accomplish the definitive list of "things to do before you die" doesn't kill him first. AN IDIOT ABROAD 2: THE BUCKET LIST premieres January 21 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT).

"I oppose all animal cruelty and unnecessary experimentation in the name of science. Thankfully Karl Pilkington is 'technically' human," said Gervais.

In the second installment of the franchise, Karl is coerced into round two of the world's most ridiculous social-experiment as Ricky and Steve use the planet as their playground - compiling the most outrageous to-do list ever concocted. Having learned from his last trip, Karl only agreed to do another series if the rules changed - so this time he could choose where he goes and what he does from the Bucket List. Even with the opportunity to pick his poison, however, each task results in an adventure in absolute absurdity. From bonding with the Amish, to diving with sharks, to taming a deadly cobra, Karl's adventures are loaded with the same unpredictable - yet hilarious - surprises from his puppet masters back in London.

"AN IDIOT ABROAD changed the game for SCIENCE when it became our highest rated series ever," said Debbie Adler Myers General Manager and Executive Vice President for SCIENCE. "Viewers come to our network for thought provoking content, so it's no surprise they became addicted to the brilliant, sharp humor made famous Ricky Gervais and company. At SCIENCE we inherently question everything, and no one asks more questions than Karl Pilkington."

Full Series Episode Descriptions Below: