That’s it.  A picture speaks a 1,000 words.

Today is Miranda Lambert’s birthday (born in 1983) and one of my favorite songs of hers is Gunpowder and Lead.

“Gunpowder & Lead”

County road 233, under my feet
Nothing on this white rock but little ol’ me
I’ve got two miles ’til he makes bail
And if I’m right, we’re headed straight for hell

I’m going home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he’s got one
And he ain’t seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll
Don’t that sound like a real man?
I’m gonna show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead

Well, it’s half past ten, another six-pack in
And I can feel the rumble like a cold black wind
He pulls in the drive, the gravel flies
He don’t know what’s waiting here this time

Hey, I’m going home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he’s got one
And he ain’t seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll
Don’t that sound like a real man?
I’m gonna show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead

His fist is big, but my gun’s bigger
He’ll find out when I pull the trigger

I’m going home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he’s got one
And he ain’t seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face and he shook me like a rag doll
Don’t that sound like a real man?
I’m gonna show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and, gunpowder and lead
Gunpowder and lead, yeah, yeah, hey

In honor of the finding of Tutankhamun‘s Tomb on this day in 1922, I present something entirely silly—Steve Martin sings King Tut.

(King Tut, King Tut)
Now when he was a young man
He never thought he’d see (King Tut)
People stand in line to see the boy king (King Tut)

How’d you get so funky? (Funky Tut)
Did you do the monkey?
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia (King Tut)

(King Tut) Now, if I’d known
They’d line up just to see him (King Tut)
I’d taken all my money
And bought me a museum (King Tut)

Buried with a donkey (Funky Tut)
He’s my favorite honkey!
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia (King Tut)

Dancin’ by the Nile (Disco Tut)
The ladies love his style (Boss Tut)
Rockin for a mile (Rockin’ Tut)
He ate a crocodile (Ooh)

He gave his life for tourism (King Tut)

(Tut, tut, tut, tut) Golden idol!
(Tut, tut, tut, tut)
(Tut, tut) He’s an Egyptian
(Tut, tut, tut, tut)
They’re sellin’ you (King Tut)

Now, when I die
Now don’t think I’m a nut (King Tut)
Don’t want no fancy funeral
Just one like ol’ King Tut (King Tut)

He coulda won a Grammy (King Tut)
Buried in his jammies
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
He was born in Arizona
Got a condo made of stone-a
King Tut!

Tom Petty was born October 20, 1950 and died October 2, 2017.  His was one of the first concerts I ever went to, and this song, Here Comes My Girl, was the first song a boyfriend said reminded him of me.

Here Comes My Girl

You know sometimes, I don’t know why
But this old town just seems so hopeless
I ain’t really sure, but it seems I remember the good times
Were just a little bit more in focus

But when she puts her arms around me
I can somehow rise above it
Yeah, man, when I got that little girl standing right by my side
You know, I can tell the whole wide world “Shove it!” Hey!

Hey, here comes my girl, here comes my girl
Yeah, she looks so right, she is all I need tonight

Every now and then, I get down to the end of a day
I have to stop, ask myself why I’ve done it
It just seems so useless to have to work so hard
And nothin’ ever really seem to come from it

And then she looks me in the eye, says, “We’re gonna last forever”
And man, you know I can’t begin to doubt it
No, ’cause it just feels so good and so free and so right
I know we ain’t never gon’ change our minds about it

Hey, here comes my girl, here comes my girl
Yeah, she looks so right, she is all I need tonight

Watch her walk

Yeah, every time it seems like there ain’t nothin’ left no more
I find myself havin’ to reach out and grab hold of somethin’
Yeah, I just catch myself wonderin’, waitin’, worryin’
About some silly little things that don’t add up to nothin’

And then she looks me in the eye, says, “We’re gonna last forever,”
And man, you know I can’t begin to doubt it
No, ’cause it just feels so good and so free and so right
I know we ain’t never gon’ change our minds about it

Hey, here comes my girl, here comes my girl
Yeah, she looks so right, she is all I need tonight

That’s right
That’s right!

October Sky is a movie, following the life of Homer Hickam, a young man in a 1950’s coal mining West Virginia town who aspires to build a rocket.  Screenrant.com has an article detailing little know facts or details about the movie.

The Title Is An Anagram

Some audiences perhaps don’t know that October Sky is based on the memoir from Homer H. Hickam Jr., first published as Rocket Boys. The movie follows Hickam’s true story, but the original title had to be changed for the movie. The title of the movie was changed to October Sky, an anagram of Rocket Boys, at the decision of the studio. AL revealed that Universal Studios thought the original title wouldn’t appeal to female-identifying audiences over 30.

It Was Shot In Tennessee

The true story of Homer Hickam and the rocket boys occurred in Coalwood, West Virginia, and the film takes place there. However, fans might be surprised to know most of the movie was filmed elsewhere. Coalwood’s official website revealed that filming actually began in Petros, Tennessee where massive sets were built for the coal mining sequences.

Homer Hickam’s Dad Had A Different Name

October Sky is one of Chris Cooper’s highest-rated movies. He plays John Hickam, Homer’s father. Their tumultuous relationship makes for some of the most emotional scenes in the movie. Fans might be interested to know that in real life, Homer’s father is named Homer Hickam, making Homer’s full name Homer Hickam Jr., unlike the characters in the film.

Tornadoes Delayed Filming

Fans of October Sky might say that the scenery of the movie gives it a lasting impression. Audiences see the bleak grey sky blanketing the events of the film, underscoring the challenges Homer faces. AL revealed that the weather in Tennessee made filming difficult. Natalie Canerday, who plays Homer’s mom Elsie, said she was supposed to work for less than a month but that time frame was stretched to five because of weather. She is quoted saying, “It rained or snowed or sleeted or tornadoed. It wreaked havoc and we ran out of interiors we could shoot.”

Elsie Made It To Myrtle Beach In Real Life

Perhaps one of the most emotionally charged moments of October Sky comes when issues within Homer’s family come to a head. Homer argues with his father John, while John’s stubbornness pushes his wife Elsie away.  In the film, Elsie threatens to leave her husband and escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Legacy revealed the real-life Elsie Gardener Hickam spent her last days in Garden City, South Carolina, an ocean-side town ten miles down the coast from Myrtle Beach.

Over 2000 Extras Appear

October Sky showcases the talents of a relatively small group of main actors. However, fans of the movie know it presents a huge production with hundreds of people involved. Audiences might be shocked to know that over 2,000 extras were used in the movie. Coalwood reported that they were dirtied to look like real coal miners and given time-fitting prop lunchboxes to show the town’s massive coal miner population.

Gyllenhaal Was Age-Appropriate

Perhaps Jake Gyllenhaal’s most likable character, October Sky‘s Homer Hickam showcases the accomplishments of the man he is based on. Producers of the film appear to have wanted to be as true to life as possible. During filming, Gyllenhall was 17 years old. His age is accurate to Homer Hickam Jr.’s during the time of the events of the film.

The Film Was Released On Homer Hickam Jr.’s Birthday

Rocket Boys was released about a year before October Sky came to audiences when Homer Hickam Jr. was 55 years old. When the film version was released, it came at a special time.

Homer Hickam Jr. was born on February 19th, 1943, while October Sky premiered on February 19th, 1999, on Hickam Jr.’s 56th birthday.

Miss Riley Attended The Final Launch In Real Life

October Sky is one of Laura Dern’s highest-rated movies. She plays Miss Freida J. Riley, Homer’s science teacher who supports him through his endeavors in rocketry. At the end of the film, Miss Riley is too sick to attend the final launch of the rocket boys. AL revealed that the real Miss Riley did attend the last launch, although she died prematurely in 1969 of Hodgkin’s disease.

SOURCE: SCREENRANT.COM

Although this song has a creepy name, it’s the most romantic song I ever heard.  It’s sung by Chris Young and I love his voice.

“Til The Last One Dies”

Every goodbye, every phone call before we hang up
I always say, “I love you,” but I never say how much
With every turn of this big ol’ world, girl, we get more distracted
All I know is, a life without you is a life I can’t imagine

It hit me on a winding road just how lucky I am
Outta all the guys, only God knows why I get to be your man
So I bought a dozen roses on my way to you tonight
Eleven real ones, one fake one
And I’ll love you til the last one dies

Baby, the way you kissed me this morning on my way out
Made me wanna stop hoping you know and do more thinking out loud
Then a song came on, and a light did too
‘Cause every single word reminded me of you
I’ve never been so sure
All I ever wanna be is yours

It hit me on a winding road just how lucky I am
Outta all the guys, only God knows why I get to be your man
So I bought a dozen roses on my way to you tonight
Eleven real ones, one fake one
And I’ll love you til the last one dies
Til the last one dies

Til the moon don’t shine, til the last star fades
Til the last red petal withers away

It hit me on a winding road just how lucky I am
Outta all the guys, only God knows why I get to be your man
So I bought a dozen roses on my way to you tonight
Eleven real ones, one fake one
And I’ll love you til the last one dies
Til the last one dies

Zachary Levi has become a household name, thanks to his roles in popular TV shows and movies. From his breakout performance as Chuck Bartowski in “Chuck” to his superhero turn in “Shazam!,” Levi has shown incredible range and charisma. But who is the man behind these iconic characters? Did you know that Levi is not just an actor but also a singer and a mental health advocate? His journey from a small-town kid to a Hollywood star is filled with interesting twists and turns. In this post, we’ll dive into 25 heroic facts about Zachary Levi that will make you appreciate him even more. Buckle up for a fun ride through the life of this multi-talented star!

Early Life and Background

Zachary Levi, known for his charming personality and versatile acting skills, has an interesting background that shaped his career.

1. Born on September 29, 1980, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Zachary Levi Pugh grew up in a family with deep roots in the South.
2. Levi’s family moved around a lot during his childhood, living in different states like California, Texas, and Colorado.
3. He discovered his passion for acting at a young age, performing in school plays and community theater productions.

Rise to Fame

Levi’s journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight success. He worked hard to make a name for himself in Hollywood.

• His first significant role came in the TV series “Less Than Perfect,” where he played Kipp Steadman from 2002 to 2006.
• Levi’s big break came with the lead role in the NBC series “Chuck,” where he played Chuck Bartowski, a computer geek turned spy.
• For his role in “Chuck,” Levi performed many of his own stunts, showcasing his dedication to the character.

Voice Acting and Animation

Levi’s talents extend beyond live-action roles. He has also made a mark in the world of animation.

• He voiced the character Flynn Rider in Disney’s animated film “Tangled,” which became a huge hit.
• Levi reprised his role as Flynn Rider in the short film “Tangled Ever After” and the TV series “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.”
• His voice acting skills earned him a nomination for a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Voice.

Superhero Stardom

Levi’s career took a heroic turn when he joined the DC Extended Universe.

1. He starred as the titular character in the 2019 film “Shazam!,” bringing a mix of humor and heart to the role.
2. To prepare for “Shazam!,” Levi underwent intense physical training, gaining significant muscle mass to portray the superhero.
3. Levi’s performance in “Shazam!” was praised for its blend of comedy and action, making the film a box office success.

Musical Talents

Levi’s talents aren’t limited to acting. He also has a passion for music.

1. He performed a duet with Mandy Moore for the song “I See the Light” in “Tangled,” which was nominated for an Academy Award.
2. Levi made his Broadway debut in the musical “First Date,” showcasing his singing and dancing abilities.
3. He starred in the Broadway revival of “She Loves Me,” earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

Personal Life and Interests

Levi’s personal life and interests reveal a multifaceted individual beyond his on-screen persona.

1. He is an avid gamer and has participated in various gaming events and conventions.
2. Levi is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing his struggles with anxiety and depression.
3. He founded the company The Nerd Machine, which celebrates nerd culture and hosts the annual Nerd HQ event.

Philanthropy and Charity Work

Levi is dedicated to giving back to the community through various charitable efforts.

1. He supports Operation Smile, an organization that provides free surgeries to children with cleft lips and palates.
2. Levi has participated in numerous charity events, including the annual Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Challenge.
3. He is involved with the charity group Active Minds, which focuses on mental health education and advocacy for young adults.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some lesser-known facts about Zachary Levi that add to his intriguing persona.

• Levi is fluent in French, a skill he picked up during his time in high school.
• He is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying planes in his free time.
• Levi has a black belt in Taekwondo, showcasing his dedication to martial arts.
• He is a huge fan of the “Star Wars” franchise and often references it in interviews and social media posts.

Zachary Levi: A True Hero On and Off Screen

Zachary Levi’s journey from TV’s “Chuck” to the big screen’s “Shazam!” shows his versatility and dedication. His passion for acting, singing, and even his entrepreneurial spirit with Nerd HQ highlights his multifaceted talent. Beyond his professional achievements, Levi’s openness about mental health struggles and advocacy work makes him a relatable and inspiring figure. His commitment to fitness and healthy living also sets a positive example for fans. Whether he’s making us laugh, inspiring us with his resilience, or entertaining us with his performances, Levi proves he’s more than just a superhero on screen. He’s a real-life hero, using his platform to make a difference. So, next time you watch “Shazam!” or catch an episode of “Chuck,” remember the incredible journey and the man behind the character. Zachary Levi truly embodies what it means to be a hero.

SOURCE: FACTS.NET