2025-08-28 12:00:53.559

Devon Walker and Emil Wakim are leaving “Saturday Night Live,” among the first of what could be several cast departures as the storied program prepares for its 51st season. “Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool,” Walker wrote Monday on Instagram. “Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction.” The note in his post was titled: “wait ... did he quit or did he get fired?” On Wednesday, Wakim announced he wouldn’t be returning, and indicated he had been let go, calling it “a gut punch of a call to get.” Unlike Walker, a member of the more established repertory player group, Wakim was a featured player who joined the show just last season. “every time i scanned into the building i would think how insane it is to get to work there. it was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life and i will miss it dearly and all the brilliant people that work there that made it feel like a home,” he wrote in an all-lowercase Instagram post that thanked “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels. “i was so lucky to bring some of myself in there and say things i believed in and i’m excited for whatever chapter comes next,” Wakim wrote. “here’s to making more art without compromise.” The announcements follow Michaels saying that he anticipates changes following the show’s historic 50th season. No cast members had announced their departure following the season’s conclusion. In an interview with Puck that ran last week, Michaels answered “yes” when asked if he expected to “shake things up.” “It’ll be announced in a week or so,” he said then. Representatives for “Saturday Night Live” did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Meanwhile, “SNL” writer Celeste Yim announced they were leaving after five seasons. Yim, the show’s first openly nonbinary writer, posted last weekend on Instagram that the job was a dream come true “BUT was also grueling and I slept in my office every week BUT my friends helped me with everything BUT I got yelled at by random famous men BUT some famous girls too BUT I loved it and I laughed every day and it’s where I grew up.” Michaels told Puck at least one cast member was certain to be back: James Austin Johnson, who plays President Donald Trump. Since its debut in 1975, the NBC program has reinvented itself often, with performers over the past 50 years ranging from John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd to Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson. The 51st season will premiere Oct. 4.

2025-08-14 12:00:09.491

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's appearance on the "New Heights" podcast was filled with PDA, with the couple holding hands and intertwining arms throughout the interview. They even suggested Jason Kelce leave at one point! Swift shared heartwarming updates on her father's recovery from quintuple bypass surgery, revealing his humorous spirit. She also admitted to knowing nothing about football before meeting Kelce. The interview also included Swift's emotional recounting of acquiring the rights to her music catalog. Additionally, the article features other news items, including an NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys golf match possibility, Josh Flagg's response to criticism over a real estate post following Malibu wildfires, the return of Von Dutch trucker hats, JaNa Craig's reaction to Lizzo's shout-out, and updates on various celebrities.

2025-08-14 00:00:23.542

The final Downton Abbey film is tinged with wistfulness, a goodbye to beloved characters and the stately home. Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Cora, doesn't share the melancholy, feeling excited about a new chapter in her career, including a new play, Ava: The Secret Conversations, and a new album. While the absence of Maggie Smith is felt, her presence permeates the film. McGovern discusses the challenges of playing Cora, a character constrained by the period's limitations, and contrasts Cora's progressive outlook with the current political climate in the US. She reflects on her early career success, the difficulties of sustaining a career, and the downsides of fame. McGovern discusses the frustrating roles she was offered early in her career, often fulfilling male fantasies, and how she has navigated ageism in Hollywood. She embraces her silver hair and continues to create her own opportunities, writing a play and a screenplay. McGovern expresses her frustration with the lack of roles for older women, particularly regarding their sexuality, but remains determined to continue forging her own path.

2025-08-13 06:00:41.238

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Danielle Spencer, who played the wisecracking and tattling little sister Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!”, has died at 60. Spencer, who became a veterinarian later in life, died Monday at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, after a yearslong battle with cancer, family spokesperson Sandra Jones said. As Dee, Spencer was the smarter, more serious younger sister who offered a steady stream of deadpan roasts of big brother Roger “Raj” Thomas and his friends Dwayne Nelson and Freddie “Rerun” Stubbs. “Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama,” would become Dee’s catchphrase. The show, set in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts and among the first on television to focus on the lives of Black teenagers, was based on the movie “Cooley High” and ran on ABC from 1976 to 1979. It had a long legacy thanks to its memorable characters, including the geeky Raj, the catchphrase-spouting Dwayne, the red-bereted dancing phenom Rerun, and Dee with her eyerolls and icy stare. Early in the production of the show’s first season, Spencer, then 12, was in a major car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, that left her in a coma for three weeks and killed her stepfather, Tim Pelt. She would have spinal and neurological problems that would require multiple surgeries in the years afterward. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in New York, Spencer began acting when she was about 9. “What’s Happening!!” would be her first credited role. “Imagine being plucked from obscurity to star in a TV show,” she told Jet magazine in 2014. “I had never seen any young Black girl in that type of spotlight, so I didn’t have a reference point in the media as to how to deal with this opportunity. I was from the Bronx.” Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne on the show, paid tribute Tuesday to “Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior.” “We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero,” Nelson said on Instagram. “Danielle is loved.” Spencer also appeared on a mid-1980s reboot of the show, “What’s Happening Now!!,” which ran for three seasons. In 2018, she had emergency surgery for a bleeding hematoma, which stemmed from that 1977 car crash. In the immediate aftermath, a family spokesperson said she could only speak slightly and had to use crutches to walk. She had been suffering symptoms from at least 2004, when she had to use a wheelchair and relearn how to walk. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. She went on to become a veterinarian and advocate for animals. She attended the University of California, Davis, and UCLA, and got a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993. Spencer continued to dabble in acting in her later years, including an appearance as a veterinarian in the 1997 Jack Nicholson film “As Good as it Gets.” She is survived by her brother, musician Jeremy Pelt, and her mother, Cheryl Pelt.

2025-08-08 18:00:36.285

Actor Gina Carano has settled her federal lawsuit against Lucasfilm and its parent company, The Walt Disney Co. The suit stemmed from Carano's firing from "The Mandalorian" in 2021, which she claimed was due to her expressing right-wing views on social media. Specific terms of the settlement were not released. Lucasfilm stated that Carano was "always well respected" and expressed hope for future collaborations. The case, which alleged wrongful termination, was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. Carano thanked her supporters and Elon Musk for funding the lawsuit. She stated her desire to continue working in the arts. Carano had previously faced criticism for social media posts, including one comparing the treatment of American conservatives to Jews in Nazi Germany, and others mocking mask-wearing and alleging voter fraud.

2025-08-06 00:00:19.67

Three years ago, Sydney Sweeney, then a rising star, revealed her financial struggles despite her success on Euphoria. She lacked the financial safety net of a 'nepo baby' and worked constantly to make ends meet, leading to numerous brand deals that, while lucrative, have overshadowed her acting career. Recently, Sweeney found herself at the center of a culture war controversy surrounding an American Eagle ad, sparking outrage from both the left and right. This controversy, amplified by social media algorithms, highlights the precarious balance between leveraging male attention for financial gain and the potential backlash. While Sweeney has remained publicly silent on her political views, her actions suggest a conservative leaning, further fueling the debate. Despite the controversy, Sweeney continues to work steadily in film and television, juggling high-profile projects with independent productions. The article concludes with a call for a shift in focus, back to her acting talent and away from the surrounding political and social media noise.

2025-08-03 06:00:33.163

For much of June 2023, the Hulett brothers dedicated themselves to an improbable feat: flipping a nickel onto its edge. This seemingly pointless task highlights the dedication of trick shot artists, whose improbable feats have garnered millions of followers across various social media platforms. The article explores the world of trick shots, profiling successful trick shot artists such as the Hulett Brothers, Mike Shields, Gamze May, and Amanda Badertscher, each with their unique style and niche. The article also delves into the business side of trick shots, the immense popularity of groups like Dude Perfect and How Ridiculous, and the ongoing debate about the authenticity of some high-budget productions. It emphasizes the blend of skill, luck, and sheer perseverance required, highlighting the therapeutic and surprisingly relatable aspects of this unique form of entertainment. The article concludes by reflecting on the broader cultural impact of trick shots, their ability to transcend cultural boundaries, and their unexpected therapeutic value in a world saturated with negativity.

2025-07-22 12:00:39.671

DETROIT (AP) — For Black youth and teens growing up in the mid-1980s, “The Cosby Show” offered something rarely seen on television up until that time: a sitcom that placed characters who looked like them in a positive light. And Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Theo Huxtable was the character Generation X most related to. Fans took quickly to social media on Monday as news of Warner’s accidental drowning in Costa Rica spread. “It’s like losing one of us,” said Harriet Cammock, a 58-year-old Detroit author and speaker. “This is the thing with television. When you’re watching people every week on television, you think you know them and you’re related to them.” Warner was swimming Sunday afternoon at Playa Cocles in Costa Rica’s Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the Caribbean, according to that country’s Judicial Investigation Department. First responders found him without vital signs. Cori Murray, executive vice president of content at Ebony Magazine, was saddened upon hearing about Warner’s death. She said his Theo character mirrored the everyday Black teenager, which was rare to see on TV at the time. While so many portrayals of young Black teenagers leaned negative, “The Cosby Show,” especially Theo, showed warmth, joy and relatability. “He wasn’t just a character. We saw ourselves in him,” Murray said. “You know how Kendrick Lamar has the song ‘Not Like Us’? Well, Theo was one of us. He was like us.” Murray, who met Warner a few times, recalled his character off-screen matched the warmth he exuded on television. She called him respectful and pleasant and said he had a “megawatt smile” that lit up the room. “His energy stayed with you,” Murray said. “You don’t have a bad memory when it comes to Theo or Malcolm-Jamal Warner. As much as we loved the character, we also watched Malcolm grow up in real life. No scandals. No mess. Just a talented young man who matured into an upstanding, handsome adult.” “The Cosby Show” was groundbreaking and a ratings giant, drawing in viewers across racial, cultural and economic backgrounds. The show ran for 197 episodes from 1984 to 1992. In 1986, Warner earned an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy. The show starring Bill Cosby as Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad as his wife, Clair, “made the wider society aware that there are Black people who live like white people do,” said Cammock, who is Black. “The perception that we don’t live like they do was hurtful.” Gil Robertson, co-founder and president of the African American Film Critics Association, reflected on Warner’s rare path in the entertainment industry. “There was never any scandal, no controversy,” said Robertson. “He transitioned from a teen star to a respected adult without the baggage we often see from others in his generation. That’s no small feat.” Robertson added: “The legacy of Theo Huxtable — and Malcolm’s performance — will live on. It left an imprint that will continue to resonate in our culture for generations.” Lynn Reasonover, 62, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, began receiving messages Monday afternoon about Warner’s death. Her initial thoughts were “Nope, didn’t happen.” “Then, I kept seeing the news flashes and friends started sending texts,” Reasonover said. “So, it’s sinking in. Makes you realize how much some celebrities help shape our memories. His work had such a huge impact. I’m feeling a personal loss because we grew up with him. It’s like losing a part of our childhood.” Reasonover saw much of her family in the Huxtables, where both parents were professionals who valued education and handled family issues with understanding and love. “They had similar problems to what we experienced growing up,” she said. “We could relate and that’s why we laughed.” Rasheda Williams, 46, of Detroit was about the same age as Rudy, the youngest character on “The Cosby Show” and Theo’s little sister. Williams said she and others are mourning Warner’s passing because of what they saw in the character he played. “He’s like the ideal cousin you wish you had,” Williams said. “Hearing the news has really affected some of us. It was unexpected. He wasn’t sick. That makes it even more tragic.” “He wasn’t just an actor,” she said. “He was also an activist, a positive role model, not just for young Black men, but for young Black women as well.” ___ AP Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

2025-07-17 12:00:11.696

Singer Connie Francis, famous for "Pretty Little Baby" and "Stupid Cupid," has passed away, confirmed by her friend Ron Roberts. Ashley Moore from "Temptation Island" addresses her feud with Tayler Byrd. Damien Priest welcomes Bad Bunny back to WWE. Blake Lively's deposition is postponed. Perry Farrell sues Jane's Addiction bandmates. Brooks Nader partners with a tampon brand after a Wimbledon wardrobe malfunction. Shane Gillis hosts the ESPYs with controversial jokes. Kali Uchis celebrates her birthday. Maurene Comey, prosecutor in Diddy's case, reportedly fired. An actress from "Mad Men" and "Community" is guessed in a quiz. Jenelle Evans focuses on self-care after divorce. Taylor Swift's dad undergoes successful heart surgery. The pets of murdered "American Idol" supervisor Robin Kaye are safe. Sophia Hutchins' cause of death is revealed as blunt force trauma. Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera dies unexpectedly. Skai Jackson's baby daddy, Deondre Burgin, arrested.

2025-07-17 00:00:27.812

The live-action remake of "How to Train Your Dragon" is coming to premium video on demand, just a month after its successful theatrical run. A new two-part, five-hour documentary on Billy Joel, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," will premiere on HBO and HBO Max. Netflix offers Petra Costa's "Apocalypse in the Tropics," documenting the rise of the far right in Brazil. In music, Alex Warren releases his debut album, "You'll Be Alright, Kid," and Myke Towers drops his new album, "ISLAND BOYZ." On the TV front, "The Summer I Turned Pretty" returns for its final season on Prime Video, along with the second season of "Surf Girls: International" and the Netflix series "Untamed" starring Eric Bana. Gamers can look forward to Donkey Kong Bananza and the reimagined Pac-Man game, Shadow Labyrinth.