celebrity

Did you know this Oscar-winning actor’s grandma was Hungarian?

Over the years, Hollywood has been home to a wide range of celebrities, some of whom have surprising and often overlooked connections to Hungary. One such example is Joaquin Rafael Phoenix, whose grandma was Hungarian.

The Hungarian connection

Joaquin Rafael Phoenix was born on 28 October 1974, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His parents were John Lee Bottom and Arlyn “Heart” Bottom. Interestingly, Joaquin has a family history intertwined with Hungary. His maternal grandparents, Meyer Dunetz, a Russian Jew, and Margit (Margaret) Lefkowitz, a Hungarian Jew, immigrated to the United States. This Hungarian connection is shared by other Hollywood figures like Kate Hudson, Elsa Pataky and Drew Barrymore, each with their unique stories, writes Joy.hu. To the best of our knowledge, Joaquin Phoenix hasn’t made any public statements specifically recognising his Hungarian heritage. However, it’s noteworthy that the diversity of Hollywood continues to reveal fascinating connections. We take pride in learning about more individuals with Hungarian roots. It’s a testament to how diverse backgrounds truly are in unexpected places, including the world of entertainment.

Another Hollywood icon with Hungarian roots

In our latest exploration of Hollywood’s hidden heritage, we delved into the fascinating roots of the beloved 78-year-old actress, Goldie Hawn. A household name globally, this Hollywood icon’s Hungarian ancestry might come as a surprise to many. Intriguingly, her original name holds a secret waiting to be unraveled. To uncover the story behind Goldie Hawn’s Hungarian connection and the mystery of her original name, join us in this exploration of the lesser-known facts that add depth to the lives of our favourite stars. Read on to discover the rich tapestry of Goldie Hawn’s heritage HERE.

The Phoenix family’s journey to Hollywood

Joaquin’s parents, Arlyn and John, met in California in 1968, with Arlyn having a fascinating start to her journey – she was hitchhiking when she encountered John Lee Bottom. Less than a year later, they tied the knot. Eventually, the family adopted the surname Phoenix after leaving a religious movement. This symbolic change represented a new beginning for the family, echoing the mythical bird rising from the ashes. At the age of four, Joaquin took on the name “Leaf”, reflecting his deep connection to nature. This name change stayed with him until 1991 when, at the age of fifteen, he reverted to his birth name. Despite this change, his affinity for nature persisted, influencing his lifelong commitment to veganism and environmental activism.

Joaquin Phoenix beyond Hollywood and acting

Joaquin Phoenix has extensively documented his commitment to environmental causes. From participating in Jane Fonda’s climate protests to being arrested alongside the actress, he actively champions environmental issues. In 2019, he earned recognition as PETA’s Man of the Year for his exceptional work in animal rights. His documentary, “Gunda”, released in 2021, further showcases his dedication, shedding light on the lives of a family of pigs kept as livestock.

Happy news for fans

Joaquin Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the Joker in the 2019 movie, which is praised as a transformative performance. Arthur Fleck’s character study explores the psychological disintegration of the Joker and demonstrates Phoenix’s unmatched commitment to his work. As excitement for the upcoming sequel grows, which will star Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, Phoenix’s hauntingly authentic performance keeps pushing the boundaries of how this legendary character is portrayed in movies. Todd Phillips, the director, has already shared some behind the scenes pictures on his Instagram.

Read also:

PHOTOS: British sex symbol singer is in Hungary! – Read more HERE

January 6, 2024

Hungarian Boeing pilot woman became a star on TikTok!

Hungarian female Boeing-pilot became star on TikTok

Three years ago, she worked in the HR sector. Now, she pilots a Boeing. Evelin still receives acrimonious remarks from the passengers, but she thinks she found her dream job. The training was expensive, and she needed extreme perseverance. Now, she promotes her work via popular TikTok videos, highlighting that it is not impossible to become and work as a pilot for anyone.

Flying a Boeing is still considered a “manly” job by many. Therefore, Evelin still gets some rude remarks from the passengers. Some say they did not write a will or they will crash if a woman sits in the pilot’s chair.

That is because there are only a few female pilots in Hungary. The job is still considered to be for men by many. Thus, lots of women do not even try to become pilots. Evelin is the odd one out.

She worked in the HR sector three years ago, she loved to fly, but never thought she would ever sit in the cockpit of a Boeing and be responsible for more than a hundred passengers.

It was after an airport visit that she decided to become a pilot. First, she completed the training for a single-engine jet and then came the twinjet. Finally, she got her license for the Boeing passenger carriers. She reached her goal in only three years from zero.

Of course, she needed a lot of money and perseverance. She did not lack the latter and took up student loan for the former. Furthermore, she had three jobs, all connected to flying.

She had her first journey on 2 October to Sofia. The airline she works for has only three female pilots, even though women can choose this career freely. Evelin highlighted that the job did not require any skills women did not have. According to her videos, she works for Ryanair.

She has lots of fans following her TikTok account. In her videos, she promotes flying and talks about how you can become a pilot.

As a result, many passengers already recognise her at the airport, so she became kind of a celebrity.

For example, her most popular video, sharing how much pilot training costs, was viewed by almost 1 million people.

You can find here TikTok page HERE.

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January 6, 2024

7 fascinating things you wouldn’t guess about Hungary!

It is Hungary’s architecture, abundant thermal springs and magical history that make it an exceptionally popular destination. However, alongside its famous sights, the country also hides secrets that many visitors are unaware of. How many of the facts below did you know?

Visitors are probably familiar with Lake Balaton, also known as the Hungarian Sea, as it is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. Or they might guess that Hungarian is one of the most difficult languages in the world for English speakers to learn. One reason is that it contains almost twice as many letters as English. But they may also have heard of the ski resorts in Hungary, including the Eplény Ski Arena, which has earned the nickname “Little Alps”, Helló Magyar writes.

Corinthia has gathered some interesting facts about Hungary that are probably not known to foreigners, but perhaps not even to us Hungarians.

1. Hungary’s wines

Tokaj wine region. Photo: FB/Tokaj Borvidék Fejlesztési Tanács

The oldest official wine region in the world is not Provence, but Tokaj in Hungary. Experts have found traces of viticulture dating back more than 2,000 years. Louis XIV of France, the Sun King himself, once declared Tokaj “wine of kings, king of wines”.

2. Elvis Presley has Hungarian citizenship

What does Elvis Presley have to do with Hungary? In 1957, he paid tribute to the then-recent anti-Soviet uprising by singing Peace in the Valley. In return, Hungary granted Elvis posthumous citizenship in 2011 in recognition of his support many years ago.

3. The record-breaking synagogue

The Great Synagogue. Photo: Facebook, Dohány utcai Zsinagóga

Budapest has the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Standing on the corner of Dohány Street, the rose-gilded facade is hard to miss. Its interior can accommodate up to 3,000 people.

4. Underground mysteries

Budapest is renowned for its thermal baths, but the underground labyrinth beneath them is more of a mystery. You will find the world’s largest thermal cave system here. Put on a helmet and explore the pink-coloured Szemlő Hill (Szemlő-hegy), one of the few caves open to the public.

5. We also have a mummified king

The Holy Right of Saint Stephen of Hungary
Photo: Farkasven/Wikimedia Commons

Mummies are not only in Egypt! Walk over to St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest and you’ll find something unexpected kept in the chapel. The mummified right hand of King Stephen, the country’s first monarch, is displayed in an ornate glass case and is considered a holy relic, Corinthia writes.

6. World-changing inventors

Perhaps not surprisingly for us Hungarians, Hungary is home to many inventors. In fact, it was not Ferdinand Porsche but Hungarian engineer Béla Barényi who designed the legendary Volkswagen Beetle. The architect Ernő Rubik created the Rubik’s Cube, and László Bíró was the inventor of the ballpoint pen.

7. Silver screen is not unknown territory

Hollywood also owes much of its success to Hungary. The founders of Paramount Pictures and the Fox Film Corporation, Adolf Zukor and Fried Vilmos Fried, also known as William Fox, both hail from here. Michael Curtiz, the Oscar-winning director of Casablanca, was born in Budapest as Mihály Kertész.

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January 5, 2024

Coldplay, 30STM, Lenny Kravitz, Sting, Slash and many other superstars will come to Hungary in 2024

In 2024, some of the world’s hottest acts hit the stage in Budapest. The likes of Lenny Kravitz, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Sting, Slash and Coldplay will all be there. Here are the biggest concerts of 2024.

In 2023, 77 acts performed in Hungary, organised by Live Nation Hungary. From Maneskin to Mötley Crüe, Bring Me The Horizon, Machine Gun Kelly, Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams, Michael Bublé, Rogers Waters, 50 Cent, Depeche Mode and double sold-out shows by Rammstein and Guns N’ Roses —Hungary was a musical haven.

But the party doesn’t stop there. 2024 is set to bring even more superstars. After a 16-year hiatus, Coldplay is making a return to Puskás Arena not once, not twice, but three times with Chris Martin and the gang.

Spring is bringing a star-studded affair. March will see LP, the Korean indie-rock vibes of The Rose at the Budapest Arena, and the MVM Dome hosting Depeche Mode for another epic show, along with Thirty Seconds To Mars led by Jared Leto, and the dynamic duo of Slash and Myles Kennedy, as reported by shockmagazin.hu.

As the summer heat kicks in, two festivals steal the spotlight—Sziget Festival and Balaton Sound, huge not only in Hungary but across the region. And the concert lineup is nothing short of spectacular: Sting, Tool, Lenny Kravitz, Five Finger Death Punch, Bruce Dickinson, Corey Taylor and even Rod Stewart bidding farewell to his Hungarian audience on his final tour. Get ready to make 2024 a year to remember, filled with beats, vibes and unforgettable concerts!

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January 4, 2024

PHOTOS: British sex symbol singer is in Hungary!

American sex symbol singer arrived in Hungary

The British sex symbol of the 1980s, Samantha Fox, arrived in Hungary yesterday. She performed her last concert of 2023 in Eger, East Hungary, world-famous for its wines, especially Egri Bikavér. We hope that Sammy had a chance to taste it.

According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, Samantha Fox told her Instagram followers in a post that she would perform in Eger at ‘Event Eger Christmas advent’ show. She brought not only hits but much more. Although it seems she did not spend too much time in Budapest, she used the #lovelybudapest hashtag. Here is her post and the photo she shared with it:

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Later she shared another post about her show in Eger:

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In a video posted later, she seems stuck in heavy Budapest traffic. She said there was lots of traffic, but she would arrive in time to Eger. She seemed happy to perform at the concert, which was free. Here is the video:

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Based on the photos shared by the mayor of Eger, Ádám Mirkóczki, she arrived in time to Dobó Square to perform a great show for the audience coming from the city and its neighbourhood. Here are the photos Mr Mirkóczky shared:

Eger is famous for its rich cultural heritage and wines. The fortress of Eger is well-known to every Hungarian for its siege by the Ottoman forces in 1552. The Ottomans were unsuccessful because the witty and brave Hungarian defenders resisted their pressure for several weeks of deadly fighting. Géza Gárdonyi, one of the greatest Hungarian story-tellers, wrote his famous ‘Eclipse of the Crescent Moon’ (Egri csillagok – The stars from Eger) about those events commemorating the Hungarian heroes of that time. That is now a compulsory reading in every Hungarian school.

We wrote about the cultural heritage and the wines in detail in THIS article.

This is Goldie Hawn’s Hungarian name: you’d never guess it

Goldie Hawn, the 78-year-old beloved actress, is a household name across the globe. What many might not know is that this Hollywood icon has deep Hungarian roots. Could you guess her original name?

An iconic career begins: From dance to stardom

At the tender age of 3, Hawn began her journey in the world of entertainment through dance, Joy.hu writes. By the age of 11, she had already secured her first role in The Nutcracker, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Notably, in 1968, she earned her first starring role in the comedy film Cactus Flower. The performance even resulted in her receiving an Oscar, a remarkable achievement for the emerging star.

A look into Goldie Hawn’s personal life

Goldie Hawn’s off-screen life is just as fascinating as her on-screen exploits. The actress is a mother to three children—Oliver Hudson, Kate Hudson, and Wyatt Russell. Notably, Wyatt’s father is Hawn’s long-time partner, Kurt Russell. Despite Kate Hudson not being biologically related to Russell, the two share a genuine father-daughter relationship. Their connection was apparent through a heartwarming family video that was posted on Russell’s most recent birthday.

The journey to fame: Iconic films and awards

Goldie Hawn’s filmography includes iconic titles like Overboard (1987), where she first crossed paths with Kurt Russell, The First Wives Club (1996), and Death Becomes Her (1992). Her talent has been acknowledged with multiple Academy Award nominations and Golden Globe nods, solidifying her status as a Hollywood legend.

As you explore Goldie Hawn’s Hungarian heritage, don’t miss our companion article uncovering the unexpected Hungarian roots of other renowned figures like Jamie Lee Curtis, Calvin Klein, Drew Barrymore, and more. Click HERE for a fascinating exploration into more secret Hungarian ties!

The hidden Hungarian connection

Delving into Goldie Hawn’s heritage reveals a surprising connection to Hungary. Her mother, Laura Steinhoff, migrated to America before World War II in pursuit of a better life. In America, she met Edward Rutledge Hawn, a musician, and they started a family. Born in 1945, Goldie Hawn was initially named Aranka by her mother. It’s worth noting that Aranka was a rare choice among names for newborns in Hungary in the mid 20th century, even more so in America. So, to make her name more palatable for Americans, she later anglicised it to Goldie—a mirror translation of Aranyka, paying homage to her mother’s jewelry shop in Hungary.

Goldie Hawn’s tribute to her Hungarian heritage

Tragically, Goldie Hawn’s Hungarian connection took a sad turn when her mother was diagnosed with cancer in the early 1990s. Laura Steinhoff passed away in November 1994 at the age of 80. Devastated by this loss, Hawn took a hiatus from the big screen. She only returned years later after grappling with the profound impact of her mother’s death.

Reconnecting with roots: Goldie Hawn in Budapest

In a noteworthy turn of events, Goldie Hawn, or rather Aranka, visited Budapest in 2012 to explore her family tree. She shared this personal journey on social media, emphasising the importance of her Hungarian roots. This revelation adds a layer of depth to the actress’s connection to her heritage, showcasing the significance of identity beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Continuing on the theme of beauty and fame, explore how a Hungarian influencer claimed the title of beauty queen of Dubai in our recent article HERE.

December 22, 2023

Hungarian influencer becomes beauty queen of Dubai

Edina Karina Deák, a Hungarian influencer and beauty queen, recently clinched the title of Miss Influencer in Dubai, beating out 800 other applicants. With a successful career as a content creator and a passion for luxury living, Edina has chosen to make Dubai her current home.

The journey to Miss Influencer

Edina’s journey in the world of beauty pageants began in Hungary. She participated in contests like Miss Balaton, Blikk writes. However, her recent triumph in Dubai has elevated her status to Miss Influencer, reflecting her talents and popularity in the online world. Over the years, Edina has transformed her hobby into a full-fledged career as a content creator. She shares her experiences, fashion tips and life events on various social media platforms, captivating audiences with her engaging content.

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Her relationship aspirations

Despite accumulating wealth and popularity, Edina is currently single. She thinks it important to find a partner with shared values. In a recent interview with Naphire.hu, she expressed her desire for a committed, honest and loyal partner. Also, she would like to be with someone who is open to starting a family. Moreover, Edina insists on a relationship where both partners contribute equally to each other’s well-being and standard of living.

The price of success

Nevertheless, Edina’s success as an influencer didn’t come easy. Over the past five years, her passion for content creation has taken her around the world. She has tirelessly documented her journey, sharing it with her ever-growing followers.

Armed with a camera and drones, I travelled the world constantly collaborating and working on digital content for clothing brands and hotels

she said.

Edina believes that if a partner can’t match her level of dedication and hard work, they shouldn’t expect to share in the fruits of her success.

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Dubai calling

The decision to participate in the Dubai beauty contest was an easy one for Edina. After completing her studies in London, she was considering extending her lease. However, the competition presented a golden opportunity. Dubai’s warm climate, combined with the chance to build new contacts and collaborate with like-minded content creators, made it an ideal destination for Edina. It provided the perfect environment for her to continue thriving in her career.

Sustainable fashion venture in Bali

Edina’s story takes an inspiring turn as she shares,

I am very proud to have launched my own sustainable clothing brand in Bali.

Her venture is not merely about filling a gap in the market or realising a dream but also an opportunity to unite sustainability and fashion. Drawing from her education at the prestigious Condé Nast School of Fashion and Design in London, Edina brings a blend of creativity to her brand. Her commitment to environmental consciousness adds a unique and sustainable dimension to her fashion venture.

Future plans in the United Arab Emirates

Edina’s journey in Dubai is far from over. While she plans to celebrate the New Year in Bali, she intends to return to the UAE to resume her work as a content creator. Dubai has become a central hub for Edina’s professional endeavours. She is drawn by the opportunity to build connections and engage in valuable projects in this vibrant city. If you would like to read more about celebrities, you can browse through our collection of articles HERE.

Edina Karina Deák’s story is one of determination. From local beauty contests in Hungary to winning the Miss Influencer title in Dubai, she has successfully navigated the competitive world of social media and beauty pageants. In a world where beauty knows no bounds, you can delve into the life of the individual who has earned the title of Miss Hungary 2023 in THIS article.

December 19, 2023

Famous Hungarian singer’s son sent to prison in the USA after Secret Service investigation

It spreads like a wildfire in the Hungarian media that the son of János Bródy, one of the most famous Hungarian singers, has been sentenced to prison in the United States. The 38-year-old Dániel Miklós Bródy has to pay almost USD 530,000 as compensation.

According to index.hu, the reason for the harsh sentence was that Mr Bródy intentionally damaged the computer network and stole the valuable computer code of his former employee. His motive was retaliation. Furthermore, he made false statements to a government agency. The son of the Kossuth and Liszt Ferenc-award winner Hungarian musician legend, lives in San Francisco and worked for the First Republic Bank. The institution closed this May because the JPMorgan Chase bought it.

Based on a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr Bródy worked there as a cloud engineer, but was fired in March 2020, shortly before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The reason for his dismissal was that he violated company policy. He pleaded guilty in April 2023 to two charges.

Prison and money

According to the statement of the United States Attorney’s Office, “he used his company-issued laptop — which he failed to return upon being fired — to access the bank’s computer network without authorisation and to cause substantial damage. Among other things, Bródy deleted the bank’s code repositories, ran a malicious script to delete logs, left taunts within the bank’s code for former colleagues, and impersonated other bank employees by opening sessions in their names. He also emailed himself a proprietary bank code that he had worked on as an employee, which was valued at over $5,000. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Orrick determined the total cost of the damage to the bank’s systems to be at least $220,621.22”, the statement goes.

Therefore, Judge Orrick “ordered him to pay restitution totalling $529,266.37 and to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.” Interestingly, the US Secret Service conducted the investigation.

Dániel Miklós Bródy has been living in the United States since 2014.

Read also:

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December 16, 2023

Never-before-seen travelling exhibition opens in Budapest — VIDEO

The Hungarian House of Music will host a special travelling exhibition from May 2024. Organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the V&A Diva exhibition will open in the British capital next April and then arrive in Hungary.

London exhibition

The V&A Diva exhibition, organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, will open in London in April 2024. This unique exhibition will cover the period from the 19th century to the present day.

We will look at the most famous divas of history through their own eras. The two-part exhibition focuses on the historical context but also presents modern divas.

The exhibition spans several centuries, showing some of the world’s most iconic divas, actors and singers include Marilyn Monroe, Edith Piaf, Björck, Adele, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Cherr and Madonna. Today’s stars include Lady Gaga, P!nk, Rihanna and Billie Eilish.

Around the world, from Budapest

The exhibition will be shown first in London and then travel around the world. The first stop will be Budapest. Objects, costumes and costumes that have become iconic over the years have been borrowed from all over the globe.

Special pieces such as the costume worn by Ingrid Bergman when she portrayed Joan of Arc in the film Saint Joan of Arc. But you can also see the costume worn by Maria Callas in Norma from 1952.

“V&A curator Kate Bailey has built the concept of the exhibition with imagination and an impressive dramaturgy, exploring, among many fascinating themes, how women are asserting themselves in a male-dominated music and film world, how modern performers use their voices to drive social and political change, how divas operate in the cult of fame, and shedding light on their struggles between personal and private lives,” the index quotes. Márton Horn, the director of the Hungarian House of Music.

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András Batta, Managing Director, said of the 2024 exhibition, “The exhibition offers a complete picture of the diva phenomenon, so that every generation will find something to interest them, from those who are interested in classic film stars such as Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe, to those who were young at the time with Cher, Tina Turner or later Madonna, to those who are fascinated by Rihanna or Billie Eilish. The exhibition will also set the tone for the coming year of the House of Music, with various related programmes and pop-up exhibitions exploring the themes of the exhibition in 2024.”

The exhibition Divas & Icons will be on display in the temporary space of the House of Music, covering 800 square metres from May 2024.

December 13, 2023

Check out the fairy tale Los Angeles home of Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse!

barbara palvin dylan sprouse los angeles home

Hungarian supermodel Barbara Palvin and her husband, American actor Dylan Sprouse, got married in Hungary this summer. The newlyweds’ beautiful, green-belt Los Angeles home is like something out of a fairy tale.

Previously living in New York, the celebrity couple left the Big Apple in 2021 and headed all the way to Los Angeles. Two years ago, Sprouse bought the 1920s Spanish-style house at a bargain price, which cost USD 1.8 million, according to Promotions.

The current real estate market value of the house is estimated at almost USD 2 million by the real estate website Zillow. The website shared some photos of the breathtaking home HERE.

The dream home of Palvin and Sprouse

Barbi and Dylan exclusive video — Photo: Barbara Palvin Instagram

The house has four bedrooms and two floors. The walls of the living room are painted in an unusual pale blue-green hue, and this room even has a fireplace. The master bedroom occupies the entire top floor, with a large walk-in closet and private terrace overlooking the front garden.

The bathroom has beautiful tiled flooring, a breathtaking skylight and a large bathtub with shower. The house also has a completely separate guest area with a separate entrance.

The dining room opens onto the kitchen, with several upstairs closets. The area is almost 1700 square meters, with a freshwater stream running through the yard. Tall trees and dense foliage prevent anyone from seeing inside. The house has a two-car garage and a large driveway with plenty of space for additional cars.

Photos of the house are available on Zillow.

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December 12, 2023

Arnold Schwarzenegger comes to Budapest!

Due to the actors’ strike in Hollywood, several shootings were postponed for months or even years in some unfortunate cases. Thankfully, the latest production of Arnold Schwarzenegger suffered only minor delay. Therefore, the former bodybuilder champion and Californian governor, the Austrian Oak and the ‘forever Terminator’ will come again to Hungary soon.

Blikk leans on Anikó Návai’s recent Instagram post when dishing out the details on Schwarzenegger’s upcoming visit to Hungary. According to Blikk, Ms Návai boasts a hotline to the inner circles of the American movie capital. We spilled the tea on Ms Návai in THIS article when she was expelled from Golden Globe due to a fake interview with Scarlett Johansson in 2021. We covered the full story HERE.

Nevertheless, the popular Hungarian tabloid still hangs onto Ms. Návai’s every word. Ms Návai recently took to Instagram to share: ‘Yes, Schwarzenegger WILL BE BACK in Budapest’. She also added that the shooting location of the newest Schwarzenegger flick will be revealed soon, so fans can get ready for a ‘meet & greet’ with the Hollywood icon, where he will give a glimpse of his #1 New York Times #bestseller, “Be Useful Seven Tools For Life”. Here is the original post:

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Schwarzenegger loves Hungary and Budapest

Schwarzenegger will shoot his new movie Breakout in Budapest, proving once and for all that age is just a number for Arnie. The 76-year-old legend will play the main protagonist in the action flick, who goes on a quest to rescue his 25-year-old son, unjustly imprisoned for drug smuggling, all while discovering the unvarnished truth.

The producer, Sebastien Raybaud, said the movie was tailor-made for Schwarzenegger, a maestro at delivering top-notch entertainment. The plot twist? Budapest snagged the gig because Arnie couldn’t stop praising the Hungarian capital for its cool vibes.

In a previous article HERE, we spilled the beans about Schwarzenegger’s secret visit to Hungary in 2021, a meet-up with his Hungarian pal, Ádám Szedlacskó, owner of Flex Gym since 2010. Szedlacskó, not only met his childhood hero but also forged a bromance. “I love him as a mate but also look up to him as father figure, whom I greatly respect. Forget the bodybuilding legend, action hero, or ex-governor – I see Arnold, the man,” shared Mr. Szedlacskó to index.hu.

And, as if this Hollywood rollercoaster wasn’t enough, HERE is some more gossip: Andy Vajna’s Hungarian widow, Tímea Vajna (41), allegedly snared Arnie’s affections, becoming the new leading lady in his life. Oh, the drama!

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December 11, 2023

Angelina Jolie spotted having lunch with her son in this Budapest restaurant

Angelina Jolie has been in Budapest, the Hungarian capital for months. She is shooting a film about the life of renowned opera singer Maria Callas. Jolie has been spotted quite a few times in Budapest already. Recently, she and her son Pax visited a restaurant for a hearty lunch.

Jolie and her son Pax in a Vietnamese restaurant

The actress and her son entered a Vietnamese soup kitchen called Dang Muoi on Attila Road in Budapest. The place shared photos of the extraordinary guest on its social media page. Even though Jolie covered her face with huge sunglasses, her unmistakable features were still visible. They were clearly enjoying themselves at Dang Muoi, with the actress-director sitting at the table with a big smile on her face, Lelépő writes(you can check out the pictures in their article).

The restaurant said on their Facebook page that they were shocked when Angelina Jolie came to their place. They did not dare to ask for a photo together, as they did not want to be intrusive. But they are very proud to have had Jolie and her son there.

The Dang Muoi restaurant

Dang Muoi specialises specifically in Vietnamese soups. According to Lelépő, their pho soup has a huge fan base in Budapest. Among the pho soups, the Dang Muoi Pho soup with quail egg, bacon, beef, prawn is amazing. Thinner noodle Bún soups include spicy curry, coconut milk, beef-chicken, prawn and vegetable versions.

The main courses also include poultry, beef and seafood. Try the cashew chicken, the chilli beef, the garlic and coconut milk prawns and, of course, the fried rice noodle one-dish meals.

A celebrity in the Academy of Music in Budapest

“Kristóf Baráti and the Symphony Orchestra of the Liszt Academy were joined by a special guest in the audience on 22 October,” reads the Facebook post of the Academy of Music. “This is not the first time that the world-famous actress Cate Blanchett has visited us, as she bought piano lessons from Emese Virág, a teacher at the Music Academy, for her film Tár, which was released in 2022.”

Cate Blanchett in the Academy of Music in Budapest:

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December 6, 2023

Hungarian widow of Andy Vajna is the new girlfriend of Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Some foreign press outlets wrote these days about a possible new Hollywood love story between Arnold Schwarzenegger and the widow of one of the wealthiest Hungarians, Andy Vajna. Their relationship would be interesting since the Hungarian model, Tímea Vajna, is only 41, while the Austrian Oak is in his 76th year.

According to atv.hu, several foreign media outlets wrote about the romance between Tímea Vajna and Hollywood celebrity Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tímea was the wife of the late Andrew G (Andy) Vajna, a Hungarian-American film producer (Rambo series, Total Recall, Tombstone, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Evita, and Terminator 3), CEO of InterCom Ltd and Government Commissioner in charge of the Hungarian film industry. He died four years ago.

For example, Celebrity Tidbit wrote about the new affair HERE, but they keep talking about Tímea Palácsik, the Hungarian model’s maiden name, which is much less known than her late husband’s.

That comes after the couple has been spotted riding a bike multiple times in California. Allegedly, some paparazzi even took snaps of the two exchanging kisses, and Schwarzenegger kissed her even on the mouth. Of course, that could also be a sign of friendship, Ripost, a Hungarian tabloid, believes.

Fortuneteller’s surprising opinion about the relationship between Timi and Arnold

An insider, who wanted to keep her identity secret, told US Weekly that there is more in their relationship than just friendship, and they would soon announce that they are in love. Gossip has it that the Terminator is no longer together with Heather Milligan.

“Arnold is enjoying his life and dating, but he likes Tímea. They aren’t official yet, but his friends see how he is with her and think they will [be] very soon. They’re taking things slowly but are a very adorable couple, and they are always laughing and giggling”. That is because the Hungarian model keeps Schwarzenegger feeling very young, the insider added. They have been getting along well since they met through Andy Vajna.

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Timea Palacsik (@timeavajna) által megosztott bejegyzés

But it seems paparazzi and tabloid journalists were wrong in this issue. In some pictures, Hungarian journalists spotted Zoltán, Tímea’s boyfriend, but he is not a celebrity, so nobody recognises him in Great Britain or the United States. For example, in THIS article, he is cycling behind Timi.

A Hungarian fortuneteller said that the friendship of Timi and Arnold is charmatic, which means they were friends in their previous lives. Furthermore, she added that Arnold promised her late husband he would look after his widow. That is why they remained friends and try to spend time with each other.

Read also:

Arnold Schwarzenegger came to Hungary to visit his friend, but his plans remain a secret − Read more HERE
Schwarzenegger in Hungary: acting like a local! – Check out our article HERE

November 19, 2023

VIDEO, PHOTOS: Here is Hungary’s Christmas Tree – find it at the Parliament

kossuth square christmas tree hungary budapest

Hungary’s Christmas Tree is always a huge, beautifully decorated pine tree, standing in Kossuth Square, in front of the Hungarian Parliament. Every year, there are several pine owners who offer their (extremely tall) tree to become Hungary’s Christmas Tree. In 2023, a pine tree from Hajdúszoboszló, Hajdú-Bihar county, was chosen.

A 40-year-old tree

Hungary’s Christmas Tree 2023. Source: parlament.hu

The pine tree, which was chosen as the country’s Christmas tree this year, will arrive in Budapest from Hajdú-Bihar county, the Parliament’s Press Office informed MTI on Wednesday. The pine tree was planted by its owner in 1983. In those 40 years, the tree has grown to a height of more than 24 metres, with a trunk diameter of eighty centimetres and a weight of more than five tonnes.

According to the statement, donations for the country’s Christmas tree, which is traditionally set up in front of Parliament every year, have been arriving at the Parliament’s Office from all over the country since the beginning of the year. 17 pine trees were examined on the spot this year, after which a decision was made on which one to erect in Kossuth Lajos Square.

Several factors to consider when choosing the Christmas tree

In addition to the right size, proportionate shape, and sufficiently dense foliage, the experts also had to take into account technical aspects such as accessibility, proximity to power lines, space requirements for the crane and transport vehicle, and the ability to withstand the rigours of transport (felling, lifting, fixing). Considering all these factors together, the choice fell on a pine tree from Hajdúszoboszló this year.

The date of the felling, transport and decoration of the tree will be announced at a later date, according to the Parliament’s Press Office.

Last year’s Christmas Tree

The country’s Christmas tree last year was an 18-metre blue spruce from Apc in Heves county – read more HERE. It was transported to Budapest with the help of the Hungarian Defence Forces and the police. The tree was adorned with a 130-centimetre high, 103-centimetre wide, 36-centimetre deep, three-dimensional effect, 25-kilogram, eight-pointed star-shaped top ornament, lit with warm white light and energy-saving LED lights. In addition, a 2,500 linear metre string of lights with 16,000 energy-saving coloured LED bulbs decorated the Christmas tree. We can expect something equally beautiful this year.

Wish to know when Budapest’s iconic City Park Ice Rink opens this year? Check out the date HERE! Already worrying about the costs of this year’s Christmas? Read about the prices HERE. Can’t wait for Hungarian Christmas fairs to open? Don’t worry, one of our favourites is opening soon!

November 11, 2023

Johnny Depp in Budapest: the Hollywood celebrity posted in Hungarian

It seems the shooting of his latest film, Modi, is based on the life of Italian avant-garde painter and sculptor, Amedeo Modigliani. Of course, the world-known Hollywood actor worked with a Hungarian crew in Budapest, where he spent several weeks. With his latest gesture, he probably won the hearts of many Hungarians.

Johnny Depp drank too much in Hungary?

And he needs that very much. We wrote HERE that he was on a summer tour with his famous Hollywood Vampires band but cancelled their Budapest concert minutes before it started. The band was smuggled out from their hotel while thousands of people waited for them in the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena in vain. Organisers said they would like to reschedule the event, but because of the tight schedule of Depp, Alice Cooper and Joe Perry, that was not an option.

However, the Hungarians aiming to spend the evening with the band did not get their money back after the 60-day deadline for a refund. Therefore, some of them started to write emails. As a result, in some cases, disappointment turned into anger since many paid their ticket in advance.

Therefore, some Hungarians did not understand how Johnny Depp could come back to shoot his film, Modi, in the Hungarian capital. He answered that in an exclusive interview with Népszava, which we wrote about HERE.

Depp said that producers in Hollywood lacked creativity, so he could not make anything great in the United States. Doing so, he had to come to Europe, especially to Hungary, where he worked with a Hungarian crew.

And it seems he was satisfied with the work his crew did. We wrote HERE that it might be hard to work together with the Hollywood legend since he partied too much in the villa they rented for him in Budapest’s 16th district. “Sometimes there is chaos on the set. Johnny Depp might be a very talented and creative man, a world star with a real vision, but the events of the last few years seem to have taken a toll on him, because sometimes it seems like he’s not always on top of things… maybe he parties more than he should”, an insider said. Before, the Hollywood Vampires concert in Budapest was allegedly cancelled because Depp drank too much. But it seems the Hungarian crew was able to cope with all the difficulties during the shooting.

Depp thankful to his Hungarian crew

The actor and singer thanked his crew’s work in an Instagram post published yesterday.

“To my dear ‘Modi’ film family, Köszönöm for all your exceptional efforts without which this film could not have been made. Please accept my eternal admiration, appreciation, respect and love, JD. X.
[Budapest, 2023]”

Here is the post:

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Johnny Depp (@johnnydepp) által megosztott bejegyzés

Depp could not enter Budapest restaurant

It seems he won back people’s hearts since there are already more than a million likes on the post (and image) despite being shared only yesterday.

Modi will be about Italian avant-garde painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. He (Riccardo Scamarcio) hides from the police during WWI in Paris and meets with an art collector portrayed by Al Pacino. Depp and Al Pacino played together in the 1990s in the gangster film Donnie Brasco.

Based on a statement of in2_film, the film’s production company, shooting ended five days ago.

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IN.2 Film (@in2_film) által megosztott bejegyzés

Depp had been seen in places in Budapest like the Károlyi Garden, the Buda Castle, and the Andrássy Avenue. HERE is a video with Depp and Al Pacino.

The last time Johnny Depp was in Budapest, he shot an ad for the Karlovy Vary film festival and could not enter a Budapest restaurant. You can watch the above mentioned ad HERE.

November 10, 2023

World-famous Woody Allen greets Hungarian actor with a VIDEO

Standing in his living room, the world-famous director thanked Hungarian actor András Kern for bringing his characters to life in Hungary. Woody Allen sent a message to the actor to mark the 40th anniversary of the premiere of Play it Again, Sam.

The play Play it again, Sam was first performed at the Vígszínház (Comedy Theatre of Budapest) in November 1983, 40 years ago, Index reports. The play is based on the 1972 film of the same title, starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton.

On this anniversary, Woody Allen sent a video message to András Kern, his Hungarian voice. In the video shared on TikTok, he thanks the actor for his work so far and wishes him to continue what he has been doing for another 20 to 30 or even 60 years and to achieve great success.

The video was shared by presenter Anna Bárány on TikTok:

@annabarany

Játszd újra Sam! 40 éve!!!! @Vígszínház #játszdújra #negyvenéve #pestiszinhaz #kernandras #woodyallen

♬ eredeti hang – Anna Bárány

November 8, 2023

A glimpse into Angelina Jolie’s home in Budapest, Hungary

Angelina Jolie in the Opera House Budapest

As the Hollywood actress extends her stay in Budapest for filming, the world is getting a glimpse of Angelina Jolie’s luxurious home away from home.

Angelina Jolie’s stay in Budapest

As we wrote about it in October, Angelina Jolie has once again found herself in Budapest, Hungary, for filming. While it’s not her first visit, this time, she has opted for a different kind of living arrangement. Over a decade ago, she and her family resided in a luxurious villa on the city’s outskirts. However, this time around, she’s chosen to stay closer to the heart of the capital, seeking a temporary home near Buda Castle, Blikk reports.

Quiet luxury near Buda Castle

Despite her global stardom, Angelina Jolie tries to maintain a low profile during her stay in Budapest. Nevertheless, locals have spotted her in the vicinity. “The complex has two exits, one of which opens onto a quieter, less busy side street. Although the building has a locked garage, Angelina Jolie always waits on the street for the black Mercedes that picks her up and takes her to the set. The actress always takes a seat in the back seat, after greeting the driver kindly,” according to an informant familiar with her routines.

Neighbourhood secrecy

Curious residents were questioned by Blikk, but they have not yet encountered the movie star and have not observed any unusual commotion in recent days. It appears that Angelina Jolie is successfully maintaining her privacy in the area.

A taste of luxury living

According to information found online, Angelina Jolie doesn’t have to venture far to fulfill her desires during her downtime. The amenities offered in her new building provide a five-star hotel experience right at her doorstep. However, these luxuries come at a considerable cost. The three-bedroom apartment, spanning more than 200 square meters, boasts a monthly rent of EUR 5,000, roughly equivalent to 2 million forints. The price tag comes with around-the-clock staff services, an unlimited spa and wellness facility, a pool, massages, sauna and even a fully-equipped gym. Cleaning and laundry services, as well as room service, are readily available to ensure residents experience the epitome of comfort and luxury. Security measures are in place to guarantee peace of mind in Jolie’s home.

Angelina Jolie’s Budapest experience

Angelina Jolie, currently portraying the role of Greek-born opera singer Maria Callas, has been filming in Budapest since late October. Despite her busy schedule, she still found time to enjoy an opera performance herself. Recently, she has attended the Opera House. She was profoundly moved by Verdi’s Requiem, wiping away tears at the conclusion of the performance. The actress displayed a keen interest in the building’s history and asked several questions to a staff member accompanying her.

November 6, 2023

Photos: Johnny Depp in a Budapest cemetery

The filming of “Modi,” directed by Hollywood icon Johnny Depp, has recently wrapped up in Budapest. In this article, we delve into the final moments of filming and take a closer look at some interesting developments on and off the set.

Johnny Depp’s directorial debut

Johnny Depp, known for his acting roles, took on a new role as a director for the film “Modi.” The anticipation for his directorial debut was palpable among fans and industry insiders. Over the course of filming, Depp’s interactions with the Hungarian crew members were of particular interest, with reports indicating mostly positive experiences. The city was abuzz with excitement during the shooting of the movie. We reported both the highs and lows during the production process.

Robbery at Antonia Desplat’s home

While the production was in full swing, an unfortunate incident occurred that sent shockwaves through the “Modi” team. According to Blikk, the Budapest home of Antonia Desplat, one of the film’s lead actresses, was targeted by thieves. The robbers made away with a substantial amount of valuables, including personal documents of the actress. The incident marred the otherwise upbeat atmosphere surrounding the film’s production. In the aftermath of the robbery, swift police action led to the recovery of Antonia Desplat’s stolen personal documents. The actress was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the Hungarian law enforcement.

Unseen moments from the set

Despite the challenges faced during the filming of “Modi,” Antonia Desplat recently shared some never-before-seen moments from the movie set. These photos offered a glimpse into the camaraderie and positive vibes that prevailed during the shoot. It’s evident that the cast and crew shared memorable moments throughout the production.

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Antonia Desplat (@antonia.desplat) által megosztott bejegyzés

November 6, 2023