Top 11 Alec Baldwin News Items of 2014
Alec Baldwin, who turned 56 years old in April, had another banner year.
In 2014, he celebrated the 1st birthday of his new daughter, Carmen, the 19th birthday of his eldest daughter, Ireland, and his second wedding anniversary with wife Hilaria. The Amagansett resident made headlines in the Hamptons and beyond for his philanthropic endeavors, his acting roles, his accolades, and his New York Magazine essay quitting public life.
Among the many headlines this year were: Baldwin…
Cuts Ribbon on East Hampton Library
Baldwin, who donated $1,275,000 to the Children’s Addition at East Hampton Library, helped the library cut the ribbon at the grand opening celebration on June 21.
Presented with Friend of Italy Award
The Capri, Hollywood International Film Festival presented Baldwin with the Friend of Italy Award in September in Rome in recognition of his efforts to promote Italian culture abroad.
Stars in Mariska Hargitay’s ‘SVU’ Directorial Debut
Baldwin guest starred on a March episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which was also East Hampton resident Mariska Hargitay‘s first time directing an episode. Baldwin plays Jimmy MacArthur, a renowned columnist for the fictional New York Ledger. MacArthur is given full access to Sgt. Olivia Benson (Hargitay) and the SVU squad for an insider’s look into the Special Victims Unit. When a rape case involving a Muslin victim escalates to a hate crime investigation, MacArthur—who is one step ahead of the SVU—declares the crime a hoax.
Fights to Protect Amagansett Aquifer
Baldwin, his Amagansett neighbors and a coalition of environmental advocates are fighting to protect the Stony Hill aquifer, a deep water recharge area said to be vital to the drinking water supply. Amagansett, Springs and half of Montauk rely on the aquifer, according to Group for the East End, an environmental advocacy nonprofit.
Gives Unsolicited Relationship Advice
In the back of a cab, has been offering unsolicited relationship advice to couples in New York. The bit is a segment for Alec Baldwin’s Love Ride, a new web series for YouTube channel Above Average. Baldwin identifies himself as an internationally recognized couple’s therapist who is licensed in the Philippines.
Films on Long Island with Julianne Moore
The acclaimed film Still Alice, which earned Montauk’s Julianne Moore a Golden Globe nomination, was partially filmed on Long Island. The film helped anchor the Hamptons International Film Festival in October.
Shooting w @_juliannemoore out in Lido Beach today for STILL ALICE.
— ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) March 19, 2014
Co-Stars in Mission: Impossible 5
Baldwin will appear in the upcoming Mission: Impossible sequel alongside series star Tom Cruise. According to Variety, Baldwin will play “a high-ranking CIA officer” who oversees Ethan Hunt’s (played by Cruise) IMF division, just like Laurence Fishburne‘s character in Mission: Impossible III.”
Hosts SummerDocs, ‘Vertigo’ at Guild Hall
Baldwin was the host of Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series at Guild Hall in East Hampton once again this year, and he hosted a special screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Baldwin followed up the films with discussions, including interviewing Roger Ebert’s widow, Chaz Ebert, after a screening of Life Itself.
Quits Public Life
Baldwin stated in an essay published in New York Magazine and Vulture in February that he is bowing out of public life—though he would continue acting. He said that he may leave New York, but 10 months later that has not come to fruition.
Takes the Ice Bucket Challenge
Baldwin and actor Gregg Bello were bucketed by Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria Baldwin.
Catches Schweddy Tennis Ball at U.S. Open
August at the U.S. Open in Queens, Baldwin gracefully caught a stray ball—tennis ball, that is. The actor and his wife had front-row seats for the tennis match between Maria Kirilenko and Maria Sharapova. When Kirilenko hit a ball over Sharapova’s head, it bounced out of bounds and right into Baldwin’s hands.