Australian actress Rebel Wilson received a chilling phone call from her family Down Under on Monday (15Dec14) as both her sisters work close to the cafe in Sydney where a gunman seized 17 hostages.
The Bridesmaids star was in London preparing for the U.K. premiere of her latest movie Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb when the drama unfolded in her hometown, with armed police locking down the streets around the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place.
Wilson admits she was unaware of what was going on in Sydney until she received a phone call from a family member, and she was relieved to find out both her sisters, who work close to the location of the bloody shootout, were safe.
She tells News.com.au, "I just turned the television on for 10 minutes this morning after I got a call from my family because both my sisters work there across the Martin Place area. They just said 'Have you heard' And I said 'No' Then turned the Tv on for 10 minutes to see what was happening, geez it was terrible."
Two hostages died along with the gunman as armed police officers staged a rescue attempt to free those who were being held inside the cafe, and the events sent a shockwave through Hollywood with a number of stars sending their condolences to the victims.
Russell Crowe, who has lived in Sydney since he was a child, wrote in a post on Twitter.com, "Sending love Sydney... My thoughts go out to the hostages and their families, and to the police and emergency services personnel..."
Australian actor Hugh Jackman adds, "The events that have happened in my hometown - Sydney, Australia. Both shocking and tragic. Prayers For All."
New Zealand actor Sam Neill writes, "Sorrow. Calm. Reason. Compassion. Solidarity. Tolerance. Peace. #Sydneysiege..."
Messages also flooded in from pop star Cody Simpson, actress Rachael Taylor, singer Boy George, One Direction's Harry Styles, rocker Richie Sambora and Aussie Teresa Palmer.
It has been a few years since the Barden Bellas graduated from college, and while...
Nearly 25 years after the sitcom debuted, Edina and Patsy arrive on the big screen...
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie reunites the pairing of Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley on screen...
Although it contains some memorably outrageous comedy moments, this movie (retitled The Brothers Grimsby for...
There isn't much originality in this rude female-led comedy, but its observations on single life...
When Alice finds herself single after her last relationship comes to an end, her friend...
Nobby is a good ol' northern lad who loves nothing more than spending time with...
Nobby and Sebastian are long lost brothers who live completely different lives. Sebastian is a...
Po the giant panda may be ever increasing his prowess at kung-fu, but he still...
In 2012, Pitch Perfect came out of nowhere to become one of the most-loved comedies...
Suspended after an unfortunate incident of accidental nudity during a performance of Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking...
The Barden Bellas are back after their impressive victory in a national a cappella chorus...
Now in its third instalment, it's clearer than ever that this franchise is based on...
University all girl a cappella chorus The Barden Bellas are making a return to the...