Celebrities Making Headlines in Boston This Month – January 2017

Photo via NBC Boston

The Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast, the star-studded social event of the year for Boston’s political elite, celebrates its 47th anniversary this month. Hundreds are expected to attend on January 16, including Senator Ed Markey and Boston City Council President Michelle Wu, who have confirmed their seats at the flapjack table. Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh, and Attorney General Maura Healey are also expected to drop by.

Starting January 1, some of your favorite local news faces—including Melody Mendez (pictured), Nick Emmons, and weatherman Pete Bouchard—make the jump to a new channel, NBC Boston. The move comes after NBC’s battle with its former local affiliate, WHDH, over a series of issues that at one point included a spat about whether to air The Jay Leno Show.

Remember when every one of your Facebook friends couldn’t wait to dump ice water on their heads? Well, after the buckets of dollars that the Ice Bucket Challenge generated for ALS research, Pete Frates, the Beverly native who started it all, will be honored with the 2017 Inspiration Award this month from the NCAA for his work raising awareness.

Don’t be surprised if Rob Gronkowski sightings around the Seaport District increase. In a deal reputedly signed by his brother Gordie Gronkowski through Gronkowski Endorsements LLC, the tight end purchased a swanky $2 million penthouse loft in Fort Point. The Whiskey Priest may never be the same.

— Overheard —

Photo via Fox Searchlight Pictures

“The thing that was remarkable is
when you put the wig on, everyone could look like her.”

—Harvard alum and Jackie star Natalie Portman on what makes for the best Jackie Kennedy impression