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Before David Hasselhoff became synonymous with Knight Rider, another ’80s heartthrob was offered the role of Michael Knight, but he decided to pass. Greg Evigan, who had already found success starring in the sitcom B.J. and the Bear, recently revealed why he turned down the lead role in the hit series.

Speaking on the Pop Culture Retro podcast on September 16, Evigan, 72, confirmed that he was in the running for Knight Rider before passing on the opportunity.

At the time, Evigan had just welcomed a daughter and was relaxing in a hammock with her when his agent called with the offer.

“Well, you know, my daughter was just born, and I’m sitting out in the hammock with her, and I get a call [from my agent]. And he says, ‘Hey, Greg, I got a really good one. You’re going to love it.’ I say, ‘Oh, yeah. What is it?’ He says, ‘Um, well, it’s this guy in a car, you know, and he talks to the car.’ And I go, ‘Alright, but I’ve been talking to a chimp.’”

Evigan said he “didn’t want to do the same thing again,” explaining that Knight Rider seemed “very similar” to B.J. and the Bear.

The actor had already spent years playing Billy Joe “B.J.” McKay, a trucker who roamed the country with his chimpanzee, Bear. The premise of Knight Rider also revolved around a man on the road, this time with Michael Knight taking on criminals with help from KITT, a car capable of speaking.

“I really got typecast in that role, you know,” he said. “So it was hard to get other jobs after that and you really do get typecast, and then I was looking for something different.”

The role eventually went to Hasselhoff, who starred in Knight Rider throughout its four seasons from 1982 to 1986. The cast also included Edward Mulhare, Richard Basehart, Patricia McPherson, Rebecca Holden and Peter Parros.

A few years later, Evigan was back on the sitcom circuit with My Two Dads, which ran from 1987 to 1990. The actor recently celebrated the show’s anniversary on Instagram, sharing a throwback photo with costars Paul Reiser and Staci Keanan.

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“So, this show premiered on today’s date in 1987!!” Evigan wrote. “I can’t believe next year will mark its 40th anniversary. I adore these 2 people!”

The sitcom followed Evigan as Joey Harris, a laid-back artist, and Reiser as Michael Taylor, a more buttoned-up financial adviser.

The two men went from romantic rivals to coparents, sharing custody of 12-year-old Nicole Bradford, played by Keanan.

Don Felder, the guitarist for the iconic ’70s rock band The Eagles, turns 79 years old today.

Born on September 21, 1947, in Gainesville, Florida, Felder fell in love with music from a very early age. Inspired by Elvis Presley, who he had seen perform live on The Ed Sullivan show in 1956, he began learning to play the guitar at 10 years old. By the age of 13, he had already started his first band, the Continentals.

Despite his undeniable talent, he wouldn’t gain mainstream recognition until the mid-’70s, when he was asked to join The Eagles after a standout recording session. Brought in to play lead and slide guitar on “Already Gone” and “Good Day in Hell,” Felder so impressed the band with his performance that they invited him to join as a full-time member the following day.

Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner and Don Felder of the rock band the Eagles live in the U.S., circa August 1978.

David Tan/Shinko Music/Getty Images

Felder served as lead guitarist for the Eagles from 1974 until the band’s 1980 hiatus, then again after the group reunited in 1994 until his departure in 2001. Throughout his tenure with the group, he was featured on and credited with several major smash hits, most notably composing the iconic instrumental backing track for “Hotel California”—which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—as well as co-writing “Victim of Love” and “Those Shoes.”

Aside from his work with the acclaimed band, the guitarist has also branched out into solo projects. During the Eagles’ ’80s hiatus and following his departure in 2001, Felder released three solo records: Airborne (1983), Road to Forever (2012) and American Rock ‘n’ Roll (2019).

Throughout his five-decade career, the guitarist has achieved numerous notable accolades, winning four Grammy Awards out of 12 nominations, all connected to his work with The Eagles. In 1998, Felder was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his massive contributions to rock music.

To this day, Felder remains a true pillar of the rock genre. His dual-guitar harmonies and intricate solos with The Eagles are widely considered some of the most groundbreaking guitar work in classic rock history, cementing his legacy as a timeless musical innovator.

Related: 1977 Billy Joel Song, Never Released as a Single, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’

Princess Diana could make people feel as if they were seeing both a princess and someone remarkably like themselves at the same time. According to communication strategist Richard Greene, that combination was a major part of what made her so compelling.

Greene says he had an unusually close look at Diana’s personality and communication style, including spending time with her at Kensington Palace. He was also there the night before her funeral, when he visited to console her butler, Paul Burrell, who was helping handle her affairs and aspects of the funeral.

One of Greene’s strongest memories is of the dramatic contrast he saw in Diana’s body language and voice.

“She would go back and forth between being super confident and even powerful in her body language and voice tone . . . and being super vulnerable, hesitant and what I would call ‘doe-like,’” he recalled in his Substack.

After witnessing the change several times, Greene says he finally stopped her and said, “There are really two of you, aren’t there?”

According to Greene, Diana was shocked that he had noticed and shyly asked, “How did you know?”

Greene believes that combination of strength and vulnerability helped create what he calls “Accessible Fantasy.” Diana was a princess who lived in a palace, married a prince and mingled with presidents, prime ministers and celebrities. Yet she also experienced eating disorders, marital troubles and intense shyness, particularly around public speaking.

“She was exactly like them,” Greene wrote of the people who admired her.

He also remembers Diana’s eyes as having a “palpable energy” and says her authentic concern for people and causes was another key to her appeal. Greene says she was strategic at times, but that her caring was genuine.

Diana even told him she envied Prince Charles’ ability to begin speeches with a joke. Greene teased her that after the joke, there was little left, while she possessed an innate connection with an audience.

Nearly three decades later, Greene is applying his communication expertise to another subject: the 2026 midterm elections. His “Magic Number of America” framework uses the numbers required for congressional control to explain how voting can affect political power. The House currently has 218 Republicans, 214 Democrats, one independent and two vacancies, while 51 senators are required for a quorum.

Greene’s goal, he says, is to make the mechanics of government easier to understand and show voters how changes in congressional representation can affect what legislation is able to move forward.

For Greene, the lesson is ultimately about understanding how communication, whether from a princess or a political system, can connect with people.

NBC’s Hill Street Blues is more than just a groundbreaking 1981 drama that became one of the network’s most acclaimed series. Decades later, it continues to cement its legacy as one of the best TV shows of all time.

Time magazine released a curated list of the All-TIME 100 TV Shows featuring the best and most influential shows in TV history that made their debut before 2006.

From timeless classics to millennium hits, Hill Street Blues joined the ranks of television’s most enduring series, with the publication highlighting how the police drama “popularized the serialized ‘story arcs’ by proving that audiences would have the patience to stick with a story longer than 60 minutes.”

Time magazine also emphasized how the NBC series showed that television dramas could showcase complicated storylines that did not always have satisfying conclusions and “heroes who crossed ethical lines.”

Daniel J. Travanti as Captain Frank Furillo, Rene Enriquez as Lt. Ray Calletano in NBC’s Hill Street Blues

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

On Jan. 15, 1981, NBC introduced a groundbreaking series that would forever change the way police dramas told stories on TV.

Set in an anonymous northern city, it focuses on the chaotic daily lives of police officers and detectives, led by Captain Frank Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti), a calm and deeply principled moral anchor of Hill Street Blues.

Travanti described his iconic character as someone who “tolerated a great deal of goofy stuff.”

“People would say he was so stern. I would say, ‘Have you ever seen the smiles? Check out the smiles. Don’t presume, because of some big impression, that you got the entire impression,’” the actor mentioned in an interview as cited by Entertainment Weekly.  “A guy who understood other people and was determined to do the right thing no matter what anybody thought, but treated people with dignity on every level. Never talked down to anybody.”

The ensemble cast also highlights stories involving street crime, city politics and complex personal challenges with a morally gray perspective.

Moreover, this was one of the earliest attempts by a show to portray police officers as flawed, complicated human beings instead of flawless heroes.”

For seven seasons, with the series finale airing on May 12, 1987, Hill Street Blues accumulated multiple awards during the course of its run.

The NBC police drama won 26 Primetime Emmy Awards out of 98 nominations, with a four-year streak for Outstanding Drama Series from 1981 to 1984.

Thirty-nine years after the show ended, its influence remains evident as Hill Street Blues continues to appear in rankings of the most acclaimed shows, including No. 23 on TV Guide’s 2013 list of the 60 Best Series and No. 1 on its list of the 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time.

Related: 2010s Hit Ranked ‘Most Universally Loved TV Show’ of All Time

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Small spaces often require you to get creative with furniture, especially when you want all the comforts of a larger living room without filling every inch of floor space. A full-size coffee table may be too bulky for a compact room, while adding separate side tables, lamps, and charging stations can quickly create even more clutter. That’s where multifunctional furniture can make a big difference, combining several everyday essentials into one compact piece that fits neatly into a small corner.

One great example is the Yjsqoeoe Floor Lamp With Oval Side Table. Right now, it’s on sale for 30% off at Amazon, bringing the price down from $50 to just $35. It combines a lamp, side table, and charging station in one space-saving design, making it a practical way to get more function without adding more furniture.

Yjsqoeoe Floor Lamp With Oval Side Table, From $35 (was $50) at Amazon 

Courtesy of Amazon

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The unique design gives you a convenient surface right next to your sofa, reading chair, or bed. The oval tabletop is large enough for everyday essentials like a book, drink, phone, or small piece of decor, so you may not need to squeeze a bulky coffee table into the room. The built-in charging station adds even more convenience, with USB-A and USB-C ports plus two AC outlets for powering up phones, tablets, and other devices. 

It comes in brown or black, with a modern oval table design that blends easily with contemporary interiors. The sturdy metal frame provides a stable base, while the lightweight 8.7-pound construction makes it easier to move around when you’re rearranging your space. At about 63.5 inches tall and 11 inches wide, its slim footprint is designed to fit into tighter spots without taking over the room.

The 9-watt LED bulb gives you three color temperature options, so you can change the mood depending on what you’re doing. The 2700K warm setting creates a cozy glow for relaxing, while the 3500K neutral setting offers a more balanced light. The 5000K white daylight setting provides a brighter, cooler option that’s useful for reading or other tasks. 

Related: Walmart’s Freestanding Floor Cabinet Is ‘Super Cute’ for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Entryways

You don’t have to get up every time you want to change the lighting, either. The included remote lets you turn the lamp on or off, adjust brightness, and switch between color temperatures from your seat. There’s also a foot switch for quick, convenient control, giving you multiple ways to operate the lamp depending on where you’re sitting.

One reviewer described the lamp as “useful” and “easy to put together,” noting that the “remote is handy.” They added, “ The lamp’s brightness and light temperature makes it very adaptable.” Another shopper said it’s “sturdy,” adding, “It fits in a small area, and the table is ample for a cup or drink and a book.” 

Shop More Deals

• Ejiaxin Wooden Torchiere Floor Lamp, $40 (was $80) at Amazon
• Aiempdo Rustic Floor Lamp, $56 (was $80) at Amazon
• GyroVu Modern Floor Lamp, $36 (was $60) at Amazon

If you’re looking for a stylish way to make the most of a small space, the Yjsqoeoe Floor Lamp With Oval Side Table packs plenty of function into a compact footprint. And with Amazon’s current 30% discount, you can bring it home for just $35 and save $15.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

A funny 1978 country song by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty has earned a place on Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.

“You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly,” released by the famous country duo in 1978, was ranked No. 198 on Rolling Stone’s list. The song stands out not because it tells a sad love story, but because Lynn and Twitty turned a playful insult between a couple into a memorable country duet.

The song came from Honky Tonk Heroes, the eighth collaborative studio album by Lynn and Twitty. MCA Records released the album on June 26, 1978.

Rolling Stone described the song as “a funky toe-tapper that lopes along at a comedic pace.” The publication also noted that the performance “doesn’t take itself seriously for one second,” with Lynn and Twitty fully committing to the joke.

That humor was part of what made the track different from many of the serious country songs of its era.

The title alone sounds like an insult between two people who have been married for years. But that was the point.

American Songwriter included “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” in a list of country songs that started out as jokes but became classics. It described the title as a “playful joke” and pointed to the song as one of the standout tracks on Honky Tonk Heroes.

The song has both singers trading humorous complaints about each other. Instead of ending the exchange with anger, the performance keeps its affectionate side.

That mix of teasing and love helped the song fit Lynn and Twitty’s established chemistry as a duet team.

The pair first recorded together in 1971. Over the years, they released 12 duet singles that reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, including five that reached No. 1.

Their partnership also produced a long run of collaborative albums. By the time Honky Tonk Heroes arrived in 1978, the two had already built a strong reputation as one of country music’s most successful vocal pairings.

Despite becoming one of the best-known songs from Honky Tonk Heroes, “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” was not the album’s main single.

The album’s only single was “From Seven Till Ten,” released in June 1978. It reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and No. 2 on Canada’s RPM Country Singles chart.

“You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” appeared on the flip side.

The song was recorded on March 14, 1978, at Bradley’s Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. The track was written by L. E. White and Lola Jean Dillon and runs for about two and a half minutes.

The song has also continued through the family line. In a performance connected to Saskatchewan country radio station CJ1150, Conway Twitty’s grandson Tre Twitty and Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter Tayla Lynn performed their grandparents’ song together in 2022, per Country Thang Daily.

Their rendition showed how the humorous duet remained part of the families’ musical legacy.

For Lynn and Twitty, the song was a chance to have fun with the familiar themes of marriage, money, looks and everyday life. Decades later, that joke still has a place in the story of country music.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, Recorded in a Castle in England, Is Still a Generational Hit 51 Years Later

Taco Bell is selling $1 Crunchwrap Supremes for one day only!

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the fast food chain is offering a special deal on the fan-favorite item, which includes a warm flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, a crispy tostada shell, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and reduced-fat sour cream folded into Taco Bell’s signature Crunchwrap form.

Here’s everything to know about the limited-time deal—and how to claim yours before the offer ends.

How to get a $1 Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell

Customers can claim the deal through the Taco Bell Rewards Drops page on the Taco Bell app.

The offer is available only to Taco Bell Rewards Members through the mobile app. Navigate to “Rewards” and toggle to “Tuesday Drops.” The deal, like all Tuesday Drops, will go live at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET.

But you’ll have to act fast—the deal is only available to the first 20,000 Rewards Members who claim it. Once you successfully claim the discount and it is added to your account’s rewards, you must redeem it and check out using the Taco Bell app before 11:59 p.m. PT that day.

The Taco Bell app is available for download through the App Store and Google Play.

More Taco Bell news

On Thursday, Sept. 17, the chain rolled out a new item and brought back a returning favorite to stores nationwide for a limited time.

The chain unveiled its new Gordita Crunch Duos, two snack-sized flatbreads layered with melted mozzarella, pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, wrapped around a white corn shell filled with a choice of grilled, marinated steak]or savory slow-roasted chicken, plus creamy chipotle sauce, fresh lettuce, and pico de gallo.

Taco Bell also brought back its Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Sliders, featuring all-white-meat chicken nuggets coated in crunchy tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo and a shredded three-cheese blend. The sliders are now drizzled with the new Hidden Valley Diablo Ranch Sauce and wrapped in a warm flour tortilla with the signature Crunchwrap fold.

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It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since we were adopted into the Pearson family.

On Sept. 20, 2016, NBC premiered a family drama that would go on to redefine network television.

Viewers tuning in for the pilot episode didn’t know what they were signing up for, nor did they realize they’d be reaching for tissues week after week due to the emotional storytelling.

When promos and ads for This Is Us first started running, it didn’t look like a game-changer. The pilot also seemed straightforward, following several seemingly unrelated people all celebrating the same birthday.

That is, until the final few minutes changed everything and took viewers by complete surprise. 

In its final moments, the show delivered one of the most talked-about twists in modern TV history as it revealed that the characters were actually connected across timelines as members of the same family. 

That surprise ending instantly set the tone for what would become NBC’s biggest breakout drama in years, built on life lessons, nonlinear timelines and deeply personal family moments.

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If you weren’t planning on adding This Is Us to your weekly rotation, all of that changed once the pilot aired and everyone was talking about and breaking down the episode the following day.

The timeline reveal wasn’t just a gimmick—it reshaped how the story was told moving forward. Creator Dan Fogelman built the entire series around interwoven past and present storylines, allowing major reveals to unfold gradually across seasons, including the fate of family patriarch Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia).

THIS IS US — “The Big Three” Episode 102 — Pictured: (l-r) Mandy Moore as Rebecca, Mackenzie Hancsicsak as Kate, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, Parker Bates as Kevin, Lonnie Chavis as Randall — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

From the very beginning, it struck a chord.

The first season earned critical acclaim, including a 94%+ Rotten Tomatoes score, with praise for its performances and heartfelt writing. Over its six-season run, it garnered over 234 nominations and 55 wins, with recognition from the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild.

And it became a weekly ritual, quickly gaining a reputation for making viewers cry—ugly and hard. You knew better than to go into an episode without a tissue box nearby, as storylines tackled grief, aging, family, adoption and identity in deeply relatable ways. 

One episode, in particular, brought all the tears, becoming a cultural moment.

The show’s most-watched installment, “Super Bowl Sunday,” aired after the big game in 2018 and drew nearly 27 million viewers, marking a huge feat for a network drama at the time. The episode finally revealed the long-awaited details surrounding the death of Jack Pearson, a turning point in the series and one of the most emotional hours in the series by far.

This Is Us, which brought us the beloved Pearson family and the Big Three in all their complicated glory, starred Ventimiglia as Jack, Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson, Chrissy Metz as Kate Pearson, Justin Hartley as Kevin Pearson and Sterling K. Brown as Randall Pearson. 

It almost had a different name, originally titled 36, referring to the age of the Big Three at the start of the series, but it was later changed to reflect the broader themes. 

And much of the emotional depth came from real life, with Fogelman saying he drew heavily from his own family experience. 

In addition to the groundbreaking twist that shook fans to their core, one of the show’s most impressive feats was also its use of makeup to span the decades, with Moore and many other actors portraying the same characters across different stages of life, sometimes spanning 40 years. 

THIS IS US — “The Train” Episode 617 — Pictured: (l-r) Sterling K. Brown as Randall, Mandy Moore as Rebecca — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

This Is Us changed everything, becoming a must-watch each week at a time when TV was struggling to retain audiences. 

A decade later, it remains one of the most beloved TV dramas. 

So remember, “There’s no lemon so sour that you can’t make something resembling lemonade.”

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If you’re willingly submitting yourself to be starving on an island for nearly a month, living in the extreme heat, the freezing-cold rain, slitting the throats of complete strangers for a million dollars, you better consider yourself a Survivor superhero. And, indeed, the 21 cast members of the upcoming 51st season of the iconic CBS reality show all feel they have something in their arsenal, a physical, strategic, or social skill that they can use to get in good with the competition before the other edge of that sword promptly stabs them in the back.

But, for every superpower, there is kryptonite. A weakness or flaw in their gameplay. These could be facets that are lauded in their day-to-day lives. But they simply won’t cut out on the beach, and in fact, can lead to you getting cut in the process.

Parade was given the opportunity to ask the new players what their greatest superpower and kryptonite is when it comes to the game. While we’ve already posted their strengths last week, scroll down to see what everyone had to say about their biggest weaknesses. Survivor 51 premieres with a two-hour episode on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

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Survivor 51 Cast Reveals Their Greatest Weaknesses Aaliyah Puglia Aaliyah Puglia on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

I think my biggest weakness is that I just talk too much. I think that sometimes my mouth can just get me into a lot of trouble. So I’m hoping just to [not] talk, shut up, listen more, and be aware.

Alexis Levine Alexis Levine on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest kryptonite is probably that I can’t do math, and I might get the numbers wrong at some point, and I’m very concerned about that.

Ana Sani  Ana Sani on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest weakness will be the challenges, because I have 0% athleticism.

Brady Booker Brady Booker on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

I’d say my biggest weakness is my biggest weakness. Maybe the perception that I lead on, with being this big guy that needs to get out because they’re worried about me making it to the end. Or it may be just keeping those emotions in check. In the passion of competition, sometimes we can get a little fiery, which hopefully I can keep those all kind of under wraps.

Carter Krull Carter Krull on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest weakness — it sounds so dumb. I cannot remember names for the life of me. And I hope that’s not the reason I go home in this game.

Cristian Chavez Cristian Chavez on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest piece of kryptonite is ethical decisions.

Devin Way Devin Way on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest kryptonite is honestly a pretty girl who’s kind of mean. I will worship the ground she walks on. And so I’m kind of looking for one of those out here. If you are a pretty mean girl and you’re on this island, let’s play! [Laughs.]

Eric Macksoud Eric Macksoud on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest weakness at times is definitely my mouth. Sometimes I definitely do more talking than I should listening, especially when I’m anxious or nervous. So I just got to be very mindful of what my fiance told me before I came out here. She said, “Eric, you’ve got to do more of this [Mimes silent mouth.] and less of this [TKTK]. And when you do, you will go far.”

Angelica “Jelly” Loblack Angelica “Jelly” Loblack on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest kryptonite is definitely my ego and need to be the center of attention.

Jenna Doore Jenna Doore on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

I think my biggest superpower and my biggest kryptonite is my empathy. I’m a deep feeler, and I think that is such a strength in connecting with other people. And [it] can be such a weakness if you don’t have a sense of playing your own game. So I think if I can keep that in check, it becomes a great strength.

Danny “Kilby” Kilby Danny “Kilby” Kilby on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

On the weakness side, I can be a little bit intense, and people usually clock that everybody likes me. So that’s the number one thing that I’m nervous about, that everybody’s gonna go, “Oh, that guy’s really likable. We need to get rid of him.” Where I’m gonna flip that into another superpower is that I’m smart enough to know that. So I know I need to have some rough edges. I need to get in some fights. I need to get in some arguments so that people think they can beat me. If you’re just Smiley McLovey, you’re gonna lose this game real hard, real early. So I need to cause some conflict between people, and I know that.

Kristin Flickinger Kristin Flickinger on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest kryptonite is ego and thinking I have it all figured out.

Lewis Kelly Lewis Kelly on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My kryptonite is my Irish chaos. I get bored. Boredom takes over, and I want to go do something. I want to go mess with someone. So my boredom will probably be my kryptonite.

Linnea Capobianco Linnea Capobianco on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

Maggie Nestor Maggie Nestor on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

I think my biggest superpower is probably my social game and social read on people and the ability just to connect with others. And it’s probably going to be my kryptonite because I might be a little bit of a social butterfly.

Mike Pinsky Mike Pinsky on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest weakness is going to be playing down intelligence. I don’t want people to see me as somebody who has accomplished a lot or somebody who is going to outsmart them at every turn. I need to be able to tamp that down early on in order to get further.

Ori Jean-Charles Ori-Jean Charles on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest kryptonite is I’m greedy, and I feel like it’s in a good way. I want to be the best I could be. I want it all. I mean, I always swing for the fences. But sometimes that might not always be the best move.

Patt Cannaday Patt Cannaday on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My biggest kryptonite, I could see [myself] getting emotional. I cry about a lot of things. I think that I stay under the radar because I have this bubbly, fun personality, but I’m really intense.

Rob Antonson Rob Antonson on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

As a young gun, I was this huge athletic guy, and I would kill everybody in challenges. And women were my kryptonite! But now that I’m married, that’s definitely not a kryptonite anymore. My kryptonite would have to be patience. Being an East Coast person, it’s, “Go go go go go.” You drive down the street, you’re already blaring on your horn because the person came to a complete stop sign. I mean, we’re just “go go go.” That’s my biggest kryptonite, to be patient out here.

Sharonda Cox Sharonda Cox on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

My kryptonite is my heart has grown so much that I might go off emotions instead of using my head at times.

An “Thien An” Nguyen An “Thien An” Nguyen on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

I think my heart is my biggest superpower, as well as my biggest kryptonite. Being able to empathize with people will help me in this game. [And] it’ll hurt when people unfortunately have to get voted off.

Related: Jeff Probst Reveals How ‘Survivor’s ‘Open Era’ Came to Be: ‘There is No Evolution’ (Exclusive)

As Libra season officially begins on September 23, 2026, the Sun moves into the sign of connection, harmony, and self-love. This shift marks a turning point for three zodiac signs whose relationship troubles have been weighing heavy—and it’s time for the weight to lift.

As the Sun transits Libra, we’re prioritizing peace. Our love for others comes before ego, allowing for meaningful intimacy. For these astrological signs, coming together with those who matter comes naturally after a period of stress, miscommunications, or loneliness.

Libra: Self-Love Becomes Non-Negotiable

With your birthday around the corner, a fundamental reset comes. You’re reminded to focus on valuing yourself within relationships. For the past few years, you may have gotten lost being concerned about what others need. “How do I keep this peaceful?” has been your unconscious drive. But your astrological season is asking you to flip the script: What do you need?

This isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. Healthy relationships begin with self-respect, and this is your cosmic permission to reclaim it. You’re learning that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and more importantly, honoring your own needs isn’t a betrayal of the people you love. On September 23, something shifts internally. You stop apologizing for taking up space.

Whether you’re healing from a past relationship or deepening an existing one, 2026’s Libra season invites you to love yourself as fiercely as you’ve loved others. Relationships that honor this new boundary will thrive. Those that don’t will finally reveal themselves for what they truly are: a distraction.

Aries: Your Relationships Get TLC

Aries, September 23 marks a major activation in your relationship sphere—the part of your chart that governs partnerships, collaboration, and how you show up with others. If your connections have felt strained or stuck, this is your reset button.

The Sun moving into Libra suddenly ushers in much-needed clarity about what needs to change. Maybe you’ve been carrying more than your share. Maybe you’ve been afraid to ask for what you need. Perhaps you’ve been protecting yourself so hard that real connection became impossible.

On September 23, the fog lifts. Repairing from conflict requires both people to show up, and Libra season is giving you the nudge to have that conversation. You’ll find yourself speaking with a clarity and directness that you haven’t felt in months. The question isn’t whether your relationship will survive this shift. It’s whether all parties are willing to meet each other halfway.

This is a season of accountability and honest reckoning. For some Aries, that means deepening a partnership, friendship, or relationship that’s worth the emotional labor. For others, it means finally letting go of something that was never meant to stay.

Gemini: Romance Heats Up

Gemini, Libra season opens the romance sector of your astrological chart. Your house of love, desire, and pleasure brings sparks. If romance has felt distant or complicated, September 23 changes that.

The Sun’s entry into Libra brings fresh energy to your ability to attract and receive love. But here’s the catch: real romance requires vulnerability and honest self-reflection. If you’ve been carrying old hurts into new situations, this season asks you to do the inner work first.

Libra is all about balance, and in romance, that means both people give and receive equally. You may have been the one chasing, or the one holding back out of fear. On September 23, a reorientation happens. You’re ready to show up differently: more authentically, more openly, more willing to be seen. Whether you’re single and ready to attract something real, or coupled and ready to reignite what’s been dimming, this astrological season is your invitation. Romance that’s built on genuine connection, not escapism or fear, is coming.

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The morning Alex Band and I met on Zoom, news broke that country legend Dolly Parton had died. We were both in shock, especially because Band’s rock group, The Calling, was supposed to open several shows during her Las Vegas residency, originally set for December 2025, then rescheduled to September 2026, and ultimately canceled. 

Since forming in Los Angeles in 1996, The Calling has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and amassed billions of streams. Their biggest hit, “Wherever You Will Go,” has also introduced the band to a new generation of listeners.

Despite their success, The Calling has not released a new album in 22 years. But that will all change this Friday, when their third LP, Before the World Turns To Dust, comes out on streaming platforms. 

The Calling has maintained its fan base over the years while also finding a new generation of listeners in Gen Z, many of whom weren’t even born when “Wherever You Will Go” and their debut album, Camino Palmero, were released.

“I had no concept that it was gonna be a song that everyone knew around the world, let alone anybody,” the 45-year-old musician said while talking about “Wherever You Will Go” and their early success. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/5QpaGzWp0hwB5faV8dkbAz?si=63e3974933e147a1

Band was signed by RCA Records when he was just 15 years old. By then, Camino Palmero was already written — they just needed a record label to believe in them. 

When it was released in the summer of 2001, The Calling became a huge success. With over one billion streams on Spotify and holding the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Adult Pop Airplay chart for 23 consecutive weeks, “Wherever You Will Go” became one of the group’s biggest songs.

“[“Wherever You Will Go”] was one of many songs my label thought sucked and didn’t even want to record. I sat there for four years, from 15 to 19, almost 20, to even make that first record. Obviously, it became a hit,” he tells me. “Fast forward 10 years, I was like, ‘Maybe it’ll still get played a little.’ But then it was like the No. 1 song of that whole decade in America. Just insane.”

The Calling followed up with a second album three years later, titled Two. But due to problems with their label and Band’s own health problems, it has taken more than two decades for them to release a new album. 

The Calling’s third album, Before the World Turns To Dust, is out on all streaming platforms on Friday.

Ashtronot/Courtesy of Earshot Media

Band explained that The Calling is not a traditional band in a sense because he hired musicians to play with him. The only person that was a consistent member during The Calling’s start was his guitar player, Aaron Kamin, who wrote many of the songs on Camino Palmero with him, but he kept quitting and returning. The turning point was when Kamin quit the day Two was released, which “put a bad taste” in their producer, Clive Davis, and their record label’s mouths. After that, RCA refused to make another The Calling album. 

Band subsequently pursued a solo career, but a year later, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis that put his music career on hold. To him, it felt like a “slow death sentence,” but Band says that after several years, his Parkinson’s symptoms disappeared, allowing him to return to performing and writing music by 2018.

“I have no idea, but for me, it was a new life.” 

Carlos Santana & Alex Band of The Calling during 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango 2003 – The Ultimate Reality Show at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, United States.

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Band started writing songs for a potential The Calling album in 2012, and by the time he was ready to start recording, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Afterward, it took years to find the right musicians, management, label and people to get behind the project. 

In July, The Calling released “Dust,” the lead single for their first album since 2004. A month later, “Dust” was charting at No. 40 on the Hot AC radio chart, which makes it his fastest-charting song to date.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6eGQsHJQ2r9HlR30cgC9VF?si=9f1beca040fb4229

For “Dust,” Band was inspired by the constant “the world is going to end” talk, his interest in astrophysics and the realization that “we’re all just energy and we’re all connected.”

“I had this thought of like maybe love between two people is way more than we think. Maybe it isn’t just a feeling, and isn’t just a connection that on the level we think,” he says. “I mean, maybe the sort of insane energy, like connection, that’s like how you know that you can transcend space and time. It doesn’t matter how far away you are from someone.”

Before the World Turns To Dust consists of 15 tracks and was produced by John Fields and recorded in Nashville and Minneapolis. For the new album, Band wanted to stay true to the sound they built their name on, rather than trying to chase current trends. Even with the rise of TikTok and the Internet trends that could help the rock group reach more fans, he doesn’t want to participate in those. 

“I was being pushed in all these directions all the time, and I just kept going, ‘No, I don’t want to.’ I just want to be myself,” Band said. “This also happens to be an amazing moment in time because people are caring about the music that happened in the 2000s. I don’t know what it is, but for what it’s worth, that is obviously really helpful for me to have been able to do what I’ve always done and put out an album that sounds like what I’ve always done.”

For their new era, The Calling consists of Band, Daniel Damico and Dom Liberati. To celebrate their comeback, a release show will take place on Friday at the Dreamland in Malibu, California, as well as three nights of performances at the Egyptian Theater in Utah in mid-October. 

“It’s been a 15-year process to get to this point right now, and so I already won,” Band says. “I’m over the moon happy.”

Related: Rising Country Star Talks Second Album Following Official Announcement

Princess Diana’s brother says Prince William and Prince Harry are already aware of the explosive claims he makes about their parents in his upcoming book.

Charles Spencer addressed his nephews during a September 18 interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, days before the release of “Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.”

Although Spencer declined to reveal details about any private conversations with William and Harry, he made clear that the brothers were familiar with what he planned to say.

“I don’t like to talk about what I’ve been speaking about to William and Harry, but this will not be a surprise to them,” Spencer said.

“I will tell you that these words will not be a surprise to them,” he added.

His comments follow a Page Six report that Harry was aware of the allegations before they became public. A source told the outlet, “It didn’t come as a shock.”

According to the outlet, Harry and Spencer discussed the book when the Duke of Sussex visited Althorp, the Spencer family’s ancestral estate, in July. Harry traveled there with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to visit Diana’s burial site.

In his book, Spencer makes several allegations about King Charles III’s reaction following Diana’s death in 1997.

Spencer claims that Charles told him during a phone conversation that Diana would be forgotten.

“He unleashed down the phone what I have always taken to be his pent-up contempt for Diana, and his horror that the world was so bowled over by her death,” Spencer wrote in an excerpt obtained by the Daily Mail. “‘Rest assured,’ he hissed, ‘we’ll forget her soon enough!’”

Spencer said he was stunned by the alleged remark and ended the call.

He also claimed Charles “sounded giddily elated — like a lottery winner” following Diana’s death. Spencer offered his own interpretation of the alleged reaction, suggesting Charles may have been thinking about a future with Camilla, whom he married in 2005.
Buckingham Palace has publicly pushed back against Spencer’s account.

As Parade.com previously reported, the palace issued a rare statement addressing the claims.

“While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss,” the statement read.

Spencer, 62, stood by his account during his interview with Kuenssberg and insisted he was “telling the truth.”

“I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said,” Spencer said. “I was hyper alert to what he was saying and those are precisely the words that he said and I promise that to you now. Genuinely, that is what he said. I don’t hear him saying he didn’t say that.”

Charles and Diana married in 1981 and separated in 1992. Their divorce was finalized in 1996, one year before Diana died.

“Swan Song: Diana, My Sister” will be released Tuesday, September 22, in the United States and United Kingdom.

A cast-iron skillet is the kitchen equivalent of a good pair of jeans: It gets better with age, doesn’t need much fuss and looks right no matter what you’re doing with it. You can pull one out for pancakes in the morning, sear a steak at dinner and then wonder why you ever bothered putting it away in the first place.

These things seriously cook, as the kids would say. Cast iron gets super hot and holds onto that heat, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to get a gorgeous sear on vegetables, chicken or anything else that deserves a little browning (that’s practically everything). It goes from stovetop to oven without blinking, too, so recipes that start with a quick sauté and finish with some oven time are right in its wheelhouse.

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Crofton Cast Iron Mini Skillet, $6.99 at Aldi

Aldi

A well-used skillet develops a seasoned surface that becomes part of its history. Every meal adds to it. It isn’t pristine, and that’s the point. Cast iron is meant to be used, loved and passed around the kitchen until it becomes the pan everyone reaches for first, like this cute little Crofton Cast Iron Mini Skillet at Aldi.

This small cast-iron skillet is a tiny workhorse with serious old-school charm. It has all the sturdy, substantial feel of a traditional cast-iron pan, just shrunk down to an irresistibly cute size. The petite handles on each side and classic black finish give it a “straight out of Grandma’s kitchen” look, but its small size makes it especially handy for individual portions, little sides, baked dips or a personal skillet dessert.

Related: This Sweet and Spicy New Jam Packs a Ton of Flavor Without Added Sugar

And don’t let the word “mini” fool you into thinking it’s just for show. This is a real cooking pan that can go from oven to table, so you can actually make something in it and serve it right up. There’s something pretty fun about giving everyone their own tiny skillet of whatever’s for dinner or dessert.

I love that it comes with its own wooden trivet, making it truly an oven-to-table pan. No need for dirtying a serving bowl or platter. Just take it out of the oven, let it cool on the trivet and allow everyone to dig in.

Related: This Pink-and-White Aldi Throw Is Giving Halloween Hermès on a Budget

Rosie O’Donnell was hoping to make a statement regarding convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein during her guest hosting gig at Jimmy Kimmel Live — but ABC stepped in.

“My idea for the last night was to do the Epstein reveal, and they said that they were certain that could not happen,” O’Donnell said during a recent appearance on the Jann Arden Podcast. “And so I said, ‘Well, then I’m going to do it myself and just put it out.'”

Two weeks after her hosting gig, the Harriet the Spy star released a video to social media featuring eight Epstein survivors. The group of women, all dressed in white, performed Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman.”

“These eight women were a cross-section. And we met, and I told them a little about my history, and I told them why it means so much to me and to the human race and why this is of vital importance, and it’s an epidemic in our country and in the world,” O’Donnell said. “I thanked them for trusting me, and then we shot it in a few hours.”

The former talk show host added that after receiving support following the release of the video, she now plans to do an in-depth story on each of the women.

“I will do a segment on each of those women, up close and personal, and we’ll tell each of their stories, eight of them,” she continued. “I just think when there’s such gross injustice, it calls to me, and I feel like you know I have to use my voice.”

The Traitors: New Blood has arrived! Throughout the season, Mike Bloom will speak with someone from the star-studded cast who was murdered or banished on the iconic Emmy-winning reality series.

Madeline Kostopulos came straight from the construction site to the Traitors castle, eager to prove her intelligence and sense of humor were the building blocks for a $250,000 project. And her season got off to quite the unique start, as she and Victor Vollbrechthausen independently acknowledged they were attracted to one another. But while Madeline spent her first few days flirting, she spent her last only flirting with disaster. During a conversation with Victor and Kriste Lewis, she responded to the first murder of the season, saying, “I’d feel like s—t picking Kim [Daily].” The realtor, however, misheard her comment, believing Madeline had just slipped up and admitted to being behind the kill. While the accusation was inaccurate, in the court of public opinion, she was found guilty. Kriste took an absolute wrecking ball to Madeline’s game at the first Round Table of the season, making her an easy (and ultimately incorrect) consensus boot.

Now out of the game, Madeline talks with Parade about what we didn’t see from the first Round Table, why she was already onto Tomica as a Traitor, and why Victor’s feelings about her were “definitely mutual.”

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How are you doing right now, Madeline?
I am amazing! Justice has been served. I feel heard, seen, and vindicated, and everyone has been really positive. So, what a way to go! That sucked, but here we are.

Did you feel that sense of vindication as well by the time you were standing in the Circle of Truth, ready to tell everyone how wrong they were?
I went out so true to myself. I think that usually people are like, “Hey, no hard feelings. A game is a game. I’m so grateful to meet everyone.” But I was just so done at that point that I was so ready for the vote to be over, so I could just prove her wrong. At that point, I was so beyond survival. I was like, “Just put me up there so I can freaking prove you wrong. I’m so done with this.” So I felt in that moment, it made me feel good. But she still stood on it! I feel like I’ve been in a coma for like months, waiting for this to come out so people will finally believe me. Because, as it showed, afterwards she was still 10 toes down. She was still saying, “I still heard that.” So now that it came out, life is good!

Let’s get into that. Because the edit shows you said, “I’d feel like s—t picking Kim,” which Kriste took to mean some version of “I felt like s—t when I picked Kim.” Did you know at all she misheard that and was spreading that around before the Round Table?
I had zero idea. Kriste and I were actually cool, and I was super close with Kim. So I was genuinely so sad when Kim left, and I feel like I was honestly a bit cornered. Everyone was really searching, grasping, bloodthirsty for any evidence they could get against anyone for the first Round Table. So I feel that I was really cornered into saying that by approaching me and saying, “Man, I feel bad for those Traitors, and I respond, “Yeah, I’d feel like s—t picking Kim. Kim was awesome.”

I think that by cornering me and setting me up to say something, and then not being an active listener, is a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. What I didn’t like was how hard it came down on me. And I think it was pretty relentless at the time. So I think that a mistake is one thing, but I think that the yelling and the crying were another for sure.

When Kriste brings this up, did you feel like everyone suddenly jumped on you as a vote? Was there any discussion that went down that we didn’t see in the edit?
I genuinely felt so blindsided. No one told me this was happening, and everyone was really cool with me, and no one gave me a heads-up. And that’s just different than how I would have played it. I would have said, “Hey, so-and-so is saying this about you. So-and-so is about to say your name.” So I think just the element of that surprise was shocking. And I just want to preface that I love everyone on the show. I’m not promoting any hate, and I in no way do I want to dogpile on anyone. I’m just sharing my experience.

Going into that so blindly, and then having my name brought up, there’s a lot of discourse online about, “Well, why didn’t she just say, ‘Hey, I didn’t hear that. You must have misheard me,’ instead of, ‘I didn’t say that’?” And when she first brought up that evidence, I just knew instantly that I was done for. I knew that was the nail in my coffin by making an accusation — one of the first accusations on the table — that it’s a “he-said, she-said” [situation], and one person’s louder and one person’s crying. I think there’s no way you could possibly stick up for yourself, especially being that Victor was the only other person there. And automatically discrediting Victor if he sticks up for me was very unfair.

Yeah, it doesn’t help that the only other person there to corroborate the story is the other person people most suspect as a Traitor.
So there was some discourse we didn’t see initially when she brought that up. I calmly was like, “Hey, I forgive you. I like you too. I think you must have misheard me. Sometimes I mumble when I speak. That’s what must have happened. But I’m Faithful. It would be a waste to vote for me.” But then it just kept coming on me like bricks. It was very relentless. It was just like dogpiling on me.

So that’s when I started just getting to be like, “You know what? I didn’t say that, and I’m sticking with myself. I’m not backing down. I’m not gonna admit something I didn’t say.” So Victor definitely got some heat, and I just want to give a shout-out to Victor and say thank you. Even though it’s very easy not to stick up for the person getting heat because it brings it on to you. And the fact that he was brave enough to stick up for me when he was getting it also, I really commend that, and I really want to shout him out and thank him for that. That was really sweet.

Well, let’s stay on that subject. Victor made it very clear in his confessionals how attracted to you he was out there. Was it mutual? What was your relationship like?
Oh, it was definitely mutual. We just had an instant connection. There was a lot of chemistry. We were both really funny and loud, and just loved running around the castle like puppy dogs. I think that’s both of our personalities. It was definitely mutual. My strategy was no strategy. I wasn’t there to manipulate anyone. I wanted to be Faithful from day one. I wanted to tell the truth. I wanted everyone to have fun, and I wanted good vibes, so it was definitely mutual. I just think that it definitely rocked the boat in a few places, but whatever. C’est la vie!

Have the two of you connected since coming back from Scotland?
I’m just gonna let the people wonder. I think that we’re good friends, and that’s that.

Something the two of you also had in common is that you both went for a Shield in the first mission. What made you decide to do that? And did that contribute at all to the suspicion people had about you at the Round Table?
Thank you for bringing that up! Because I was also getting dogpiled for that as well, because no one believed me when I said I got it last. So that was just really tough. There was no way to prove that, and no one would corroborate my story. And I think that, at the end of the day, Traitors is a game. And the thing with the Shields is, yes, it brings an unfavorable light to you, but it is a game. And I think at the time the group was so scared of rocking the boat and having eyes on them that, at that point, the mission was going to end and no one was going to get it. So I thought, “You know what? I waited. There’s eight freaking minutes left. No one’s going for it. No one wanted to go for it. I’m just going to go get it, and I feel like people can respect that.”

But my main thing is no one was talking to me about the evidence brought up about me. If they were to say, “Hey, some people are mad about the Shield,” I would have said, “Oh my gosh!” Before the Round Table, I would have said, “Oh my gosh, I got it third. I got it when there were eight minutes left.” There would have been no heat on me. But the Round Table brought it up a lot, time and time again, about how I was selfish for getting the Shield, and that just crushed me. I feel like I was just there to be everyone’s friend, and that was definitely a difficult moment. But I love everyone in the group. Honestly, we’re all really good friends and there’s no hard feelings. It was just a high-pressure environment.

By the time you had left, who were the top Traitor suspects on your list? Were Joe and/or Tomica pinging on your radar at all?
Tomica was singing and dancing right after the Round Table, so I guessed her immediately. Immediately after the blindfold, it shows us all going to the bar. And Tomica was singing and dancing, and I was just like, “She is way too chipper for my liking.” And I really loved Tomica, and I was having a ton of fun with it, but I knew I did not want to get on her bad side, and she was definitely one of my guesses.

I had a couple of guesses that were incorrect because I had different [alliances] that weren’t shown. So Tomica was my guess. I went with a couple of guesses from people I knew, because their evidence made sense. But I really want to keep on with what was shown on screen. But Tomica was, I feel, in hindsight, very obvious, and I hope it comes out that I said it was her. Victor and I both thought it was Tomica.

Related: ‘The Traitors: New Blood’s Kim Daily Reveals She Gave Up a Shield Before Shocking Murder (Exclusive)

Nearly five decades after Marilu Henner‘s breakout role on the 1970s series Taxi, the Hollywood legend is joining another iconic series, Hallmark Channel‘s beloved period drama When Calls The Heart, which is currently filming its 14th season.

Marilu Henner participates in red carpet interviews and panel discussions for Hallmark Channel’s 25th Birthday: A Quarter Century of Feel-Good Television at 92NY on August 04, 2026 in New York City.

Mike Coppola / Getty Images

On Monday, September 21, People reported that Henner, 74, will play Bernice “Birdie” Grant, the mother of Kevin McGarry‘s beloved character, Mountie Nathan Grant. Birdie will arrive on horseback ahead of Nathan’s wedding to Elizabeth Thornton, Hope Valley’s treasured schoolteacher and widowed single mom, portrayed by Erin Krakow since the series debuted in 2014.

WCTH‘s devoted fandom, known as Hearties, were thrilled by the news, flooding social media posts with reactions to Nathan’s mom coming to town, including one who wrote on Instagram, “This is SO exciting!! Can’t wait to meet Birdie Grant! ❤️”

Those familiar with Henner’s five decades of work celebrated her casting, including one who commented, “She is fantastic! So excited to see her join” and another who gushed, “What!!! This is fabulous news!!”

Someone else chimed in, “Grand Idea. Perfect choice. Love every single show that you are on.”

Marilu Henner’s ‘When Calls The Heart’ Character, Birdie, is ‘Free-Spirited’

Henner, who has appeared in more than 20 Hallmark movies including the long-running Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, told People, “I’ve been a proud member of the Hallmark family for many years, and now I’m even more thrilled to be part of its crown jewel, When Calls the Heart! This role is particularly special to me, because I get to play Nathan’s mother, the fabulous and feisty Birdie! And I’m very lucky that Elizabeth is going to be my daughter-in-law!”

Birdie, who will appear in at least two episodes of season 14, does sound like quite the spitfire, with Hallmark describing her as “free-spirited and colorful.” According to People, she’ll quickly embrace Elizabeth, both figuratively and literally, “instantly wrapping her in a firm hug.”

“More than ready for a schnapps and a cigar after her journey, she’ll take the chit-chat but is not much for embroidery,” Hallmark’s character description continued, per People. “Birdie is a well-traveled adventurer, most recently in Switzerland, where she helped the needy on a church trip, but she is not above getting into a bit of mischief. Optimistic and resourceful, she makes the best out of a situation in times of need, always with heart and humor.”

Actors Burt Reynolds and Marilu Henner attend the Los Angeles premiere of “The Last Movie Star” at the Egyptian Theatre on March 22, 2018 in Hollywood, California.

Michael Tullberg / Getty Images

Henner, who also starred in the ’90s sitcom Evening Shade opposite Burt Reynolds, has already begun filming on the show’s set near Vancouver and told People, “The whole cast is talented and welcoming. They truly are a family. I want to move to Hope Valley!”

She expressed a similar sentiment in early August, when she gathered with nearly two dozen Hallmark regulars in New York to celebrate Hallmark Channel’s 25th birthday. During a panel discussion at the 92Y, she told the audience, “You know, I’m looking around at the people (here). This is like a family reunion weekend… we’re having, like, this incredible family experience.”

Lori Loughlin, who’s returning to Hope Valley in WCTH‘s season 14 as Abigail Stanton after a seven year absence, commented on the show’s Instagram post about Henner’s hiring. She wrote, “We love you @therealmarilu” and Henner sweetly replied, “And I love you!!! Thank you for welcoming me! Xoxo”

Season 14 of WCTH is expected to premiere on Hallmark Channel in January 2027. All past seasons are available to stream via Hallmark+. Henner can also be seen making a cameo in Hallmark’s new NFL-themed Christmas movie Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, premiering on October 17.

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As the weather starts to cool down and the days get shorter, there’s nothing cozier than hanging out in your backyard on a fall evening, cuddled up in a throw blanket with a warm beverage in hand. To set the mood for intimate hangouts and relaxing reading sessions, you can transform your patio into a relaxing getaway with just a few small touches. The right lighting can make all the difference, and solar lanterns offer the perfect moody ambiance. 

If you’re looking to add a lighting piece to your backyard, this Volivo Hot Air Balloon Solar Lantern at Walmart is a fabulous option. Accenting your space during the day while providing a warm glow at night, this solar light effortlessly blends form and function. And right now, you can score it on sale for less than $20 with a limited-time Walmart flash deal! Normally retailing for $27, it’s now marked down to just $19 in four whimsical styles, including rainbow, hummingbirds, cardinals, and peacock feathers. 

Volivo Hot Air Balloon Solar Lantern, $19 (was $27) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

No matter which design you pick, this solar lantern will instantly perk up your space and give it a whimsical and magical feel. The cardinal style features a red bird perched on a branch on one panel, alternating with a sunflower motif on the next panel, while the hummingbird design boasts a green bird sipping from a flower on each panel. The peacock version is filled with ornate feathers with a gorgeous blue and purple gradient. If you prefer something a little less nature-inspired, opt for the rainbow style featuring red, yellow, and blue hues that fade into each other. 

Eccentric and playful, this lantern has a classic hot air balloon silhouette with a decorative basket dangling from the bottom. The balloon’s interior is equipped with an LED light strip, which creates a realistic flickering flame effect that brings it to life. Delivering a soft and warm glow, the light creates a cozy ambiance that’ll make your backyard feel like a magical oasis. Walmart shoppers loved the appearance of this piece, describing it as “absolutely beautiful.” 

Volivo Hot Air Balloon Solar Lantern, $19 (was $27) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Fitted with a solar panel at the top, this environmentally-friendly lantern only relies on sunlight for power, eliminating the need for messy cords and expensive batteries. The solar panel needs about six to eight hours of direct sunlight to fully charge. When it gets dark outside, the lantern will automatically turn on and illuminate your space for up to 10 hours. 

You can hang this lantern anywhere in your outdoor space, including the garden, patio, porch, or balcony. Measuring 18.5 inches tall, it’ll make a statement wherever you put it. The top of the balloon is fixed with three chains that are all connected to an S-shaped hook, allowing you to steadily hang it from an overhang, pergola, tree, or shepherd’s hook. 

Made of glass and metal, this piece is durable and waterproof. It should be able to withstand rain and snow, making it ideal for all-season use, especially during the unpredictable fall months. 

Shop More Deals

• Qoosea Dragonfly Solar Lantern, From $11 (was $28) at Walmart
• Gigalumi Fairy Solar Lantern, $15 (was $20) at Walmart
• Fohil Watering Can Solar Lantern, From $13 (was $15) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s Cherry Blossom Solar String Lights Turn Your Patio Into a ‘Magical’ Oasis

If you want to add some whimsy and cozy ambiance to your backyard, don’t hesitate to snag the Volivo Hot Air Balloon Solar Lantern at Walmart while it’s still on sale for just $19. Be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this fabulous price for a limited time! 

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The late James Gandolfini is famously linked to his iconic role as Tony Soprano in The Sopranos, but he was once on the path to joining The Office until HBO stepped in.

The 1997 series ran for six seasons and cemented itself as one of the greatest and most influential TV series of all time. Gandolfini played the lead role of the New Jersey mafia boss, balancing his criminal life, family, and mental health. The Sopranos ended its run in 2007 and led to the actor to be largely known for his iconic TV role.

Amid his career, Gandolfini tried his hand at other roles away from being known as a mob boss. He appeared in The Taking of Pelham 123, Zero Dark 30, and received acclaim for starring in the romantic comedy Enough Said. In 2011, Gandolfini was almost given a shot to star in the sitcom The Office.

An American adaptation of the British original, The Office became known as one of the best mockumentary sitcoms after premiering in 2005. Steve Carell was among an ensemble cast playing the lead characters of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The sitcom ran for a total of nine seasons, but Carell announced his departure as Michael Scott in 2011.

With the sitcom missing one of its lead characters and still greenlit for more seasons, NBC was looking for a replacement. One of them was none other than Gandolfini, as The Sopranos had ended years earlier.

In 2021, The Sopranos co-stars Michael Imperioli, Ricky Gervais, and Steve Schirripa revealed on the Talking Sopranos podcast that HBO counteroffered what NBC was offering Gandolfini to not play the role

“You know, they talked about having Gandolfini at one point replace him [Steve Carell] — did you know that?” said Gervais.

Imperioli interjected, adding, “I think before James Spader and after [Steve] Carell, they offered Jim, I want to say, $4 million to play him for the season — and HBO paid him $3 million not to do it. That’s a fact.”

Gervais called it a “good decision” on HBO’s part, with Schirripa explaining that Gandolfini considered the role because “he hadn’t worked” and many years had passed since the end of The Sopranos. Gervais then wondered if HBO paid the actor in order to keep his legacy as Tony Soprano intact.

Schirripa believes it was part of the reason, but also because Gandolfini had a contract with HBO, as he was developing and set to star in the crime thriller The Night Of. The series was scheduled to release in 2016, three years after the actor’s death.

While having passed on The Office, Gandolfini went on to star in multiple films until he died in 2013. He also starred in several TV films and returned to Broadway after the end of The Sopranos. The actor was nominated for a Tony in 2009 for God of Carnage. Carell’s role in The Office was never replaced, with details reporting that his contract had ended, behind-the-scenes network miscommunication, and his desire to focus on new projects.

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Charles Spencer has opened up about the aftermath of his sister Princess Diana‘s death and revealed that he turned down a posthumous offer made by Queen Elizabeth II that would have honored the late Princess of Wales

His book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister is published this week and in an extract published by the Daily Mail Charles recalled that he was approached by the queen’s Private Secretary while he was on the Royal Train back to Althorp, the Spencer family’s ancestral estate.

Charles was told that the queen had offered to restore Diana’s HRH status, which had been stripped from her when she divorced the then-Prince Charles in 1996.

He wrote during the train journey Robert Fellowes approached him and “beckoned me to follow him into a quiet corner of the carriage.”

He went on to write that Fellowes told him, “I have just received a call from Her Majesty [ …] and she would like to offer Diana her HRH title back.”

In an interview with People today Charles said that his reaction to this offer was to retort: “Well, it’s too late. She’s dead.”

Related: 30 Years After Diana and Charles’ Divorce, This Emotional Detail About Their Final Day Still Surprises

But he later wondered whether he had been too hasty in declining the queen’s gesture.

He said, “I do sometimes think, should I have just said yes, because maybe it would’ve been nice for her sons? I don’t know what’s possible with these titles. They’re all so archaic.”

He went so far as to suggest that perhaps it isn’t too late for Diana’s HRH status to be restored and that it could be achieved by Prince William or Prince Harry.

“Maybe one day one of her sons can put that right and make her HRH in the history books,” he said, adding that he knows that for Americans the British heraldic system is “all so archaic.”

In the book he wrote that Diana had been “dreadfully hurt” by the stripping of her HRH status.

“It had seemed so petty and vindictive,” he wrote. “While she was no longer to be married to one future king, she would always be mother to another.”

Since declining the offer, Charles wrote, “I have wondered since whether mine was the correct reply.

“Maybe Diana would have seen some point in having HRH carved on her tombstone. More importantly, perhaps her sons would have valued this gesture from their paternal grandmother to their mother?

“But I felt especially protective of Diana in that moment and had no doubt that the consolation prize was hollow, however well-meaning the Queen’s gesture.

The title should never have been removed during her life, in which case it would not have been necessary to offer it to her in death.”

Related: This Is What Princess Charlotte’s New Title Will Be When Prince William Becomes King

He described the removal of Diana’s HRH title as “part of the package of humiliation handed to her at her divorce.”

“The removal of Diana’s title had hurt her, he wrote. “The loss was designed to emphasise to her, and the world, that her royal days were over.

“She, who had been recognised around the world as such a singular asset to the Royal Family (apart from by some of that institution’s more jealous members) should, they believed, just accept that she had been returned to the ranks as a commoner.”

Charles Spencer caused a sensation last week after an extract from his book was published in which he said that King Charles III sounded “giddily elated” on a phone call with his former brother-in-law on the day following Diana’s death in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

According to Charles Spencer the king had told him, “We’ll forget her soon enough.”

Buckingham Palace issued a rare response to the claims made by Charles Spencer in his book, with a spokesperson saying, “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.”

But Charles Spencer doubled down on his claim insisting in an interview with BBC, “I can tell you here and now, those are exactly the words he said.”

Next, Prince Harry’s Sudden UK Return: Has the Real Reason Finally Been Revealed?

Tomorrow, Sept. 22, is the official first day of fall, and she’s already comin’ in hot.

Meteorologists are warning of a potential early-season nor’easter developing off the Northeast coast later this week, bringing with it heavy rain, strong winds, high surf, and possible coastal flooding.

According to The Weather Channel, the nor’easter is still far out, but “interesting” patterns are taking shape.

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“An area of high pressure will set up near the Great Lakes, as an area of low pressure moves from south to north along the East Coast,” the outlet shared. “As the low gets closer to the high, winds will begin to strengthen.”

A Nor’easter Is Taking Shape as Fall Begins

Due to rain, wind, and flooding, some areas could experience travel disruptions or power outages if the system strengthens. And because this is an early-season nor’easter, the primary concern is wind, rain, and coastal impacts rather than snow.

“We could see as much as several inches of rain across the region, so there could be disruptions to travel as well as flash flooding concerns, if heavy rain sets up along the coast,” TWC shared.

Several Inches of Rain Could Be Possible

The regions currently being watched include the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with potential impacts stretching from the Mid-Atlantic coast to New England. However, the storm’s eventual track and strength remain uncertain, with different forecast models showing different solutions for how close the system comes to the coast.

A track closer to the coast could mean greater impacts for some of the region’s populated coastal areas, while a storm farther offshore could produce a different set of conditions. The forecast will become clearer as the system develops.

The Coast Could Get Hit With High Surf and Flooding

In addition to rain and strong winds, forecasters are watching for high surf, dangerous rip currents, beach erosion, and coastal flooding along parts of the East Coast.

Those hazards could become especially important if the storm strengthens and pushes water toward the coast. Anyone with coastal or travel plans should continue checking updated forecasts as the week progresses.

The Forecast Could Still Change

“We will know more in the next few days, but winds could start picking up late Tuesday, and unsettled weather could peak late week,” TWC said.

That means there is still plenty of time for the forecast to shift. The storm’s eventual track, rainfall totals, wind speeds and coastal impacts should become easier to pin down as meteorologists get closer to the event.

It’s Not the Only Wild Weather This Week

And the nor’easter isn’t the only weather story developing this week. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center is also tracking a broader pattern that includes additional rain in the Southwest, rain chances extending into the Plains and Mississippi Valley, and warmer temperatures across the south-central U.S.

Meanwhile, the East is entering a weather pattern, with rain and storms expected to affect travel in parts of the region before the potential nor’easter arrives later in the week. The Southwest could also see monsoon storms in the near future.

Over the next several days, the forecast will get more precise, offering better predictions on storm track, rainfall, winds, coastal flooding, and surf. Monitoring updated forecasts, particularly if you live along the coast or have travel plans, is important.

Fall is just beginning, but the first major coastal storm of the season may already be taking shape.

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