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1981 Harrison Ford Movie Originally Offered to Tom Selleck Is Named One of the Best Movies of the 1980s
There are certain movies from the 1980s that we can watch over and over again, and the Indiana Jones franchise is among them. It’s no wonder that Harrison Ford’s Raiders of the Lost Ark sits as one of the best movies from the decade.
The 1981 flick sits at No. 3 on IMDb’s list, making it clear that there’s a reason it kicked off the franchise. It holds a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and is Certified Fresh, also putting it at No. 173 on the site’s list of best movies of all time. It’s an impressive feat.
Raiders of the Lost Ark nearly wasn’t a Harrison Ford movie. Originally, Tom Selleck was offered the role, but CBS got in the way of that. He was filming the pilot of Magnum PI, and the network wouldn’t release him, so the role went to Ford. In a disappointing turn of events for Selleck, the Hollywood writers’ strike at the time delayed the production of the iconic CBS show, and he could have managed both projects, but the casting decision was already made.
Harrison Ford in a scene from the film ‘Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom’, 1984. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)Ford would become Dr. Indiana Jones. It’s now hard to believe Selleck was in the role, purely because of the way Indy was portrayed. In fact, it’s also because of Ford that the movie got one of the most comedic moments of all time: the not-so-elaborate sword fight.
Most people laugh when they see Indy quickly pull out a gun and shoot the Cairo swordsman, but that wasn’t originally in the script. It was supposed to be a full scene to showcase Indy’s skills, but Ford was sick at the time. Ford was the one to suggest that Indy shoot the swordsman, and Steven Spielberg loved it.
Raiders of the Lost Ark would become a whole franchise, spanning decades. The most recent release, The Dial of Destiny, is Ford’s last time in the role. At least, that’s what he says for now, and part of that is the globe-trotting filming. During a 1989 interview, Ford explained how he and his family would make the filming work, sharing, “They go with me,” when asked about being away from them for so long.
“It wasn’t always easy to take them with me because my older kids were in school, and they’re not off on their own,” he admitted. “My youngest is now two years old, so he’s still easy to travel with.”
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a great family movie, and it’s available to stream on both Disney+ and Paramount+, so there’s no excuse to miss it.
Tom Hardy Reunites with 'MobLand' Stars Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan After On-Set Feud Claims
Tom Hardy has reunited with his critically acclaimed MobLand stars after nearly being dismissed from the series over alleged on-set tensions.
According to Variety, Hardy recently appeared with his MobLand co-stars Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan for the premiere of the show’s second season in London this past Thursday.
All three actors posed together at the Odeon Luxe theater in Leicester Square, joining series co-creator Guy Ritchie and executive producer David Glasser for the big event.
While plenty of stories have come out reporting upon Hardy’s alleged clashes with some of the series’ cast and crew, the minds behind MobLand had nothing but complimentary words reserved for the series’ lead actor.
“Without further ado, the captain of our ship, and the man who really, really pushed the envelope for us to get this to where we want to do Season 1 and Season 2, and was with it from the beginning and stayed with it to the bitter end of us getting through this incredible season, ladies and gentlemen — Tom Hardy,” Glasser said of the show’s star.
Ritchie shared similarly complimentary words about Hardy and his fellow co-stars, calling them all “magnificent. It’s been nothing other than a pleasure to work with these monsters of creativity.”
“Lady Helen — Dame Helen, fantastic Helen, Queen Helen — has been nothing other than an inspiration and a force of creativity,” Ritchie said. “Super positive all day long, super creative all day long. Pierce Brosnan, your lordship, I can say exactly the same about Pierce and my old brother Tom Hardy.”
Despite the warm feelings between the cast and crew on-stage, it was reported earlier this year that Hardy had caused a fair amount of headaches for the show’s executive.
Despite reports that Hardy had been formally axed from the show, Variety later reported that Hardy, Glasser and writer Jez Butterworth had managed to work out their creative differences, allowing Hardy to return for season two reshoots and an upcoming third season.
Target Is Selling Hiking Shoes That Have 'Good Traction' and Are 'Comfortable Immediately'
Fall hikes are the best. The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing, and the views are immaculate. Having supportive hiking boots or shoes is key to making your hikes much more enjoyable, and you don’t have to break the bank to invest in a high-quality pair. Take, for example, this option available on Target’s website for $59.99. Shoppers say they are sturdy and comfortable right away.
Georgia Boot’s Eagle Trail Women’s Waterproof Oxford Hikers are perfect for your hikes this fall. The waterproof material keeps your feet dry, which is especially important as the weather gets colder outside. The brown leather adds a stylish touch, and it also comes with two pairs of laces.
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Georgia Boot Eagle Trail Women’s Waterproof Oxford Hiker, $59.99 at TargetTarget
Shop It!These hiking shoes offer superior support thanks to their removable polyurethane foam insole. This helps protect your joints and aids healing as you hike by absorbing impact. What’s more, these durable hikers are slip-resistant, which is helpful as you hike up and down hills. Its multi-directional grip tread provides extra traction, too. The shoe’s padded collar and tongue add even more comfort.
These hiking shoes are highly rated on Target.com, earning an average of five stars. Target shoppers appreciate the hiking shoes for their comfort, support, quality, waterproof material and overall sturdiness.
“I bought this two days ago. I love the comfort and that it has different laces with it. Good traction. I like the look of the boot/shoe. The waterproofing will be nice I seem to get my feet wet a lot,” said one fan in a five-star review on Target.com.
“They were comfortable immediately. No breaking in. Sturdy, well-made hiker,” wrote another happy customer in a five-star review on Target.com.
You can order these hiking shoes from Target.com. Each pair retails for $59.99. Do note that this is an online-only offer, and these hikers are not sold in Target stores at this time.
Related: Costco Is Selling Comfortable Hiking Boots With High-Quality Arch Support
1981 Soul Hit, Written by Luther Vandross, Launched His Solo Career 45 Years Ago
Luther Vandross spent years singing behind some of the biggest stars in music before getting his own turn in the spotlight. In 1981, “Never Too Much” changed that, giving the longtime backing vocalist his first major breakthrough as a solo artist.
Vandross began performing as a young singer in New York City, including appearances at the Apollo Theater and on Sesame Street in the early 1970s. By 1972, he was working as a session vocalist, providing backing vocals for artists including Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.
As his reputation grew, Vandross began working with stars like David Bowie, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler and Donna Summer. He collaborated extensively with Chic, helping conduct and arrange the background vocals on songs including “Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah),” “Everybody Dance” and “Le Freak.”
Vandross also had songwriting ambitions. In 1975, he formed the band Luther, which released two albums before breaking up. He continued writing and singing commercial jingles while becoming one of the music industry’s most in-demand session singers.
Vandross finally moved closer to the front of the stage in 1980 when he became the featured vocalist for the post-disco group Change. He sang lead on “The Glow of Love” and “Searching,” both featured on Change’s debut album, The Glow of Love. Vandross later called “The Glow of Love” “the most beautiful song I’ve ever sung in my life.”
His work with Change helped introduce more listeners to his voice, but Vandross soon decided it was time to pursue a solo career. After leaving the group, Vandross signed with Epic Records and released his debut solo album, Never Too Much, later in 1981.
The album’s title track, which Vandross wrote and produced himself, became an immediate hit. “Never Too Much” topped the Hot Soul Singles chart for two weeks before reaching the Billboard Hot 100, where it landed in the Top 40.
The success of Never Too Much established Vandross as a solo artist after nearly a decade of working primarily behind other performers. The album eventually went double platinum and earned him one of his first Grammy nominations for Best New Artist in 1982.
Vandross would go on to become one of the most celebrated voices in R&B, with later hits including “Here and Now,” “Any Love” and “Power of Love/Love Power.” But it was his 1981 breakthrough that marked the end of an era and the beginning of the career that most fans came to know.
1968 Folk Pop Song, Written About Pattie Boyd’s Sister, Became a Hit Love Ballad
Donovan Leitch rose to prominence in the late 1960s, during the flower power era, and his friendship with The Beatles led him to write a popular ballad for Pattie Boyd‘s sister.
The Scottish singer-songwriter was already known for hits like “Mellow Yellow,” and Jenny Boyd was a model and a big part of the 1960s British rock scene. They had met thanks to Boyd’s relationship with George Harrison, as he dated and later married her sister. Being in the same circles led Donovan to develop a crush on Boyd and pen the track “Jennifer Juniper.”
“Jennifer Juniper” was released in 1968 and peaked at No. 5 on the UK chart and at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The ballad was reported to have been written by Donovan before he, Boyd, the Beatles, and Pattie all took a trip together to Rishikesh, India.
According to The Strange Brew, Boyd remembers coming back from listening to a talk by Maharishi at the Hamilton Hotel when Harrison asked her if she wanted to go to India with them. She happily agreed, but it wouldn’t be for a few months, as they were opening Apple Records. Boyd ended up working there and recalls how she first listened to Donovan’s “Jennifer Juniper.”
“While I was working there, Donovan came trotting down the stairs one day. I’d met him before. He wanted to know about San Francisco, meditation and all this kind of thing. Then he asked me to his manager’s house one day and he said he’d got a song for me. And he just started singing ‘Jennifer Juniper’,” she recalls.
“I was pretty shy in those days. So I didn’t know quite where to look because it was obviously a sort of declaration of love or obviously he’d got a crush. But it’s a lovely song and I often hear it. I hear people who’ve called their kids Juniper. For some reason, it really touched people.”
Boyd has spoken openly about her being the inspiration behind the ballad, and even named her memoir after it. According to American Songwriter, Donovan had written “Jennifer Juniper” as a song to court her.
She called it a “kind of like old-fashioned, courtly love,” but many know that she and Donovan never actually dated. Instead, she would go on to marry Mick Fleetwood after originally meeting him in 1965, and they had a turbulent relationship. Boyd admitted in her book that she feared she and Donovan were “a little bit too similar, and loved all the same things,” but she still thought he was lovely and “stayed friends in a very sort of loving way.”
“It was beautiful. It’s something that stayed with me all my life. It was not only the sweetness of the song, but also what it represented. And it was such an innocent time. I’ll always remember that. But we weren’t meant to be together. We were too similar. Sometimes that can be a good thing, and sometimes it’s just nice if you just want them as a friend,” she said about how she felt about the track.
Related: 1966 Folk Rock Song, Covered by Nancy Sinatra, Is Still a Beloved Hit 60 Years Later
Country Music Fans Are Outraged About a Glaring CMA Awards Snub
The 2026 CMA Awards nominees were announced Thursday (Sept. 10), spotlighting a Who’s Who in modern country music. But wait, where is Megan Moroney?
Moroney’s album Cloud 9 — a No. 1 on both the all-genre Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts — is not nominated for Album of the Year. Fans were quick to notice what they believe is a flagrant omission, and they’re making it known that they’re not pleased.
Here are just a few of the comments on the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Instagram:
- “Cloud 9????????”
- “Missing the actual album of the year Cloud 9”
- “Cloud 9 literally won Country Album of the Year at the AMAs… and y’all didn’t even nominate”
- “Where’s Megan’s Cloud 9. wtf”
- “Y’all SNUBBED Cloud 9, absolutely unbelievable”
- “How is Cloud 9 not nominated”
CMA Album of the Year nominees in 2026: Luke Combs‘s The Way I Am, Kacey Musgraves‘s Middle of Nowhere, Parker McCollum‘s self-titled project, Ella Langley‘s Dandelion, and Zach Top‘s Ain’t in It for My Health.
View this post on InstagramMoroney wasn’t totally left in CMA Awards dust, however. She’s up for Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Song of the Year, a songwriter’s award, for her work on her song “Beautiful Things.”
How Does Voting Work for the CMA Awards?The eligibility timeline for inclusion was July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Moroney’s Cloud 9 was released on Feb. 26 of this year, smack in the middle of that window. So, who decided it shouldn’t be nominated?
Well, roughly 7,000 CMA voters did, through a three-part voting process. CMA members are made up of a large group of artists, industry personnel, touring staff, publicists, producers, and others who work full-time in country music. Professional members pay $100 annually to be a part of this exclusive club, and their qualifications are checked before they’re allowed to vote.
When the annual CMA Awards roll around, members can make one nomination per category in the first round. The Top 20 (most-selected) of those move on to the next round (Note: Entertainer of the Year works a bit differently).
In Round 2, members get to pick five nominees per category, and the top 5 in each category go on to the final round. That’s called the final ballot, and it’s where we are now (the public-facing list of nominees). Members can pick only one per category at this point. The results will be revealed during the broadcast; these are the award winners.
This year’s winners will be revealed when the CMA Awards air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 18. The awards show will be hosted by Lainey Wilson.
1967 Song, Originally a Chart Failure, Became The King of Rock's Final No. 1 Country Hit
Today marks a fascinating anniversary in music history, tracing back to September 10, 1967, when an unforgettable recording session forever altered the legendary legacy of Elvis Presley.
Although famously crowned the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, Presley remained a deep-rooted country boy at heart throughout his entire illustrious career. This deep connection to his musical roots culminated in a historic studio encounter at Nashville’s iconic RCA Studio B that eventually gave the world his final country chart-topper.
Presley was determined to record a faithful cover version of “Guitar Man,” a soulful tracking piece written and originally released by country picker Jerry Reed earlier that very same year. While Reed’s original recording had unfortunately stalled out as a modest commercial failure, peaking at a disappointing number 53 on the Billboard country charts, Presley knew the hidden gem possessed massive untapped potential.
However, as the formal tracking session commenced in Nashville, the production crew quickly realized their straight-picking session musicians simply could not replicate the raw, unique energy of the original track. Desperate to save the session, producer Felton Jarvis scrambled to locate Reed himself, eventually tracking the elusive guitarist down during a quiet fishing expedition along the Cumberland River.
Hauled straight from the riverbank directly into the studio, an unshaven Reed plugged in his electric gut string guitar, utilized his signature bizarre finger-picking tuning style, and instantly brought the track roaring to life. Decades later, following Presley’s tragic death, Jarvis masterfully supervised an updated re-recording of the track that highlighted Reed’s distinct licks. In March 1981, this electrified version miraculously rocketed straight to the absolute peak of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, transforming a forgotten track into an unforgettable milestone. This unbelievable, world-renowned studio success story truly stands out as one of the absolute greatest, most legendary full circle moments in modern American classic country music chart history archives today.
I’m a Hepatologist—This Is the Liver-Friendly Snack I Always Keep at My Desk
We regularly talk about diet and heart health. Food is also a common topic when discussing weight management and loss. However, we often overlook how foods and drinks (other than alcohol) affect our livers. Dr. Brian T. Lee, MD, a transplant hepatologist at Hoag, reminds us that we don’t feed organs separately. What affects the heart and gut can also affect the liver.
“The liver plays a central role in your metabolism. It processes and stores nutrients, regulates blood sugar and cholesterol and helps handle alcohol, medications and other substances,” Dr. Lee says.
Since much of what we eat and drink must pass through the liver, Dr. Lee wants people to know that our eating patterns can either benefit it or contribute to inflammation and scarring over time.
“A diet centered on whole grains, fruits, fiber, lean protein and legumes helps keep your liver processing nutrients efficiently,” he says. “Meanwhile, diets high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, added sugars and excess alcohol can stress the liver, which can lead to chronic inflammation and scarring. Eventually, this can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.”
Added sugars and carbohydrates are staples in some snacks, like granola bars at convenience stores, so you may feel like you can’t eat anything besides your three square meals a day. However, Dr. Lee insists snacking is totally on the table as part of a liver-friendly diet.
“A nutrient-dense snack can help manage hunger between meals and reduce the desire to reach for a less healthy option later,” Dr. Lee says. “The problem is mindless grazing, particularly snacks high in added sugar, refined starches, saturated fat and excess calories. This can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, along with altering gut bacteria.”
Dr. Lee loves one liver-friendly snack and says he has it most days. He reveals it below.
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‘This Is the Liver-Friendly Snack I Always Keep at My Desk as a Hepatologist’Dr. Lee’s frequent, go-to snack for better liver health is a handful of plain walnuts and a cup of black coffee. “It is simple, requires zero preparation and keeps me satisfied,” he says. “Walnuts are packed with plant-based protein, fiber and healthy fats that help manage my metabolism. More importantly, black coffee is my fuel for the day.”
Arguably even more important: Dr. Lee loves the taste of this liver-friendly combination.
“Walnuts have a satisfying, slightly bitter crunch that I genuinely enjoy,” he raves. “It pairs naturally with the bold, bitter edge of black coffee. There’s also a texture component for me: a crunchy snack feels a lot more satisfying than something soft.”
Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Liver When You Drink Green Tea
Coffee & Liver Health: Benefits & ResearchAs a clinician, Dr. Lee follows the latest research on diet and liver health. He says coffee is one of only a few regularly consumed drinks with “fairly consistent observational evidence linking it to better long-term liver health.”
For instance, a large UK-based study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2026 followed coffee drinkers for more than 10 years. The results indicated that coffee reduced the risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death. Plus, the coffee-drinking participants had less liver fat, iron and inflammation/scarring than their non-coffee-drinking peers.
“Those who saw the greatest benefit in the study drank five or more cups of black coffee daily, but benefits were found with one or two cups a day, which is what I usually consume,” Dr. Lee points out. “Plus, black coffee has virtually no calories.”
The recent study supported previous data suggesting that coffee could help lower the odds of significant fibrosis in people with steatotic liver disease and had lower liver enzymes.
Related: ‘I’m a Hepatologist—This Is the Grocery Store Food I Never Buy’
Walnuts & Liver Health: Benefits & ResearchDr. Lee says that research suggests that eating walnuts could help:
- Lower the risk of steatotic liver disease.
- Trim the waistline in just four weeks (excess fat around the belly/upper body is tied to higher odds of developing too much liver fat).
- Improve long-term cholesterol and triglyceride levels (which benefit the heart and liver).
While you’ll get the most liver benefits by eating walnuts regularly, Dr. Lee says you might notice health improvements after just a handful.
“The fiber, protein and unsaturated fat in walnuts can help you feel full longer than a snack made of refined carbohydrates,” he explains. “Fiber can help regulate blood sugar, which eases the amount of work your liver has to do to process and store excess fat.”
Dr. Lee eats walnuts during the workweek because they’re a cinch to keep at his office.
“There is no established minimum amount that guarantees liver protection,” he adds. “A reasonable serving of walnuts is a small handful eaten regularly as part of a balanced diet. Consistency in your overall dietary choices matters much more than any single snack.”
Related: This Is the #1 Most Important Habit for Liver Health, According to a Hepatologist
How a Hepatologist Keeps His Favorite Snack HealthyCoffee and walnuts can be a liver-friendly snack, but Dr. Lee says you can take steps to keep it nutritious.
- Choose plain walnuts. Raw and dry-roasted both work. “I prefer unsalted because they avoid unnecessary sodium,” he reports. “Walnuts that are coated in sugar or heavily salted have unnecessary additives that take away from their benefits.”
- Watch your portion size. Dr. Lee sticks to about an ounce (about one small handful) of walnuts. “Walnuts are calorie-dense, and eating them straight from a large bag can contribute to weight gain,” he explains. “A small handful provides the nutritional benefits while keeping the calorie load reasonable.”
- Keep the coffee black. “Flavored syrups, sugar and creamers can contain more calories than a dessert. Stick to black coffee, or work your way to it,” Dr. Lee says. “People who do not tolerate caffeine can consider decaffeinated coffee, which has shown protective associations, as well.”
Regardless of what you choose, Dr. Lee recommends avoiding ultra-processed foods.
“If you’re not sure whether something is ultra-processed, read the label: look for added sugar, sodium, fiber, saturated fat, portion size and calorie density,” he suggests.
And, no matter what you snack on, it’s important to do so intentionally—your liver will thank you.
“If you are genuinely hungry, a small, nutrient-dense snack is reasonable,” Dr. Lee says. “If you are eating primarily because you are bored or stressed, the calories accumulate quickly. Keep the choice simple, the portion intentional, and the overall dietary pattern balanced.”
Up Next:
Sources:- Dr. Brian T. Lee, MD, a transplant hepatologist at Hoag
- Coffee Consumption and Improved Liver Outcomes: Clinical, Imaging, and Proteomic Evidence From the UK Biobank. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
- Effect of Coffee Consumption on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Incidence, Prevalence and Risk of Significant Liver Fibrosis: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients.
- Regular coffee intake improves liver enzyme levels and liver histology in patients with chronic alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Report of 259 cases. Hepatology Forum.
- Effect of Nut Consumption on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients.
- Effects of walnut consumption on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis and systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- Benefits of Short-Term (4-Week) Daily Walnut Consumption in Middle-Aged Adults at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome: Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients.
EPCOT’s Most Storied Christmas Tradition Will Feature Jason Kelce And More In 2026
One of Walt Disney World’s most endearing traditions is EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. Every holiday season, a massive choir made up of Cast Members, The Voices of Liberty, high school groups, and a slew of celebrity narrators takes the stage at the America Gardens Theater at the back of the park’s World Showcase for a beautiful retelling of the biblical Christmas story.
This year, Candlelight Processional begins November 27 and goes through December 30, and is offered three times per night at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. While the 51-piece orchestra and 150-person choir are always impressive, this year’s list of celebrity narrators is equally exciting.
Related: Disney Just Revealed EPCOT Food & Wine 2026 Dates with a Surprising New Attraction
Who Are The Celebrity Narrators At Candlelight Processional? Guests wait for hours to see the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT.Walt Disney World
EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional will feature 15 celebrity narrators. 13 narrators have been announced, but we are still waiting for the final two. If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this holiday season, you can see which narrators overlap with your trip in the list below.
- Nov. 27 & 28 – Auli‘i Cravalho
- Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 – Gary Sinise
- Dec. 2 & 3 – To Be Announced
- Dec. 4 & 5 – Whoopi Goldberg
- Dec. 6 & 7 – Robin Roberts (NEW)
- Dec. 8 & 9 – Jason Kelce (NEW)
- Dec. 10 – 12 – Neil Patrick Harris
- Dec. 13 & 14 – To Be Announced
- Dec. 15 & 16 – Lauren Daigle
- Dec. 17 – 19 – Ralph Macchio
- Dec. 20 & 21 – Henry Winkler
- Dec. 22 & 23 – Lacey Chabert (NEW)
- Dec. 24 & 25 – Jodi Benson
- Dec. 26 & 27 – Simu Liu
- Dec. 28 – 30 – Eva Longoria
A few narrators I’m excited to see include Auli‘i Cravalho, the voice of Moana; Jason Kelce, who most people will know from his time as a professional football player and popular podcaster; and Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
Related: Disney’s New Class of Legends is a Total Love Letter to Our Favorite Stars
How To Get Tickets For Candlelight Processional At EPCOT? The choir at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional are made up of Cast Members and high school students.The great thing about EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional is that it’s included with your park ticket. If you want a good seat in the free seated area, line up early in the designated area. Cast Members are always directing folks to the standby line near the America Gardens Theater. For more popular narrators like Neil Patrick Harris, and likely Jason Kelce, you’ll want to get in line by noon for a spot inside the theater.
If you don’t care about where you sit, you can always hear Candlelight Processional from nearly anywhere in the American Adventure pavilion. I like to stake out a spot near the central fountain to watch with a snack in hand.
Related: Disney Drops a Massive 2026 Parks Update—Here’s What to Know
What Is The Easiest Way To Get Guaranteed Seats At EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional? EPCOT shines bright with festive holiday displays and nighttime illumination.Disney Parks Blog
If you don’t want to wait for hours in the stand-by line, you can book a guaranteed seat with a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. This dining reservation is for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at a participating EPCOT restaurant. The package includes an entree and dessert, or a buffet, depending on your chosen restaurant, plus a drink for everyone, and a guaranteed seat for one of the timed Candlelight Processional showings.
This year, some participating restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion, Garden Grill inside The Land Pavilion, and Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion. Each restaurant has a different price point for adults and kids. Most restaurants will take reservations through the Disney Dining Plan too.
Reservations for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages officially open on October 14, 2026. If there is a narrator you really want to see or a restaurant that looks enticing, it’s always a good idea to book as early as possible. Popular spots like Biergarten Restaurant and Le Cellier Steakhouse do fill up quickly.
Related: Disney Announces Major Reimagining of EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth
’60s Rock Legend, Who Was Olivia Newton-John’s Duet Partner, Turns 80
In 1967, Dennis Tufano was singing one of the biggest songs in America as the original lead singer of The Buckinghams. Fifteen years later, he walked into an audition and discovered he’d be singing face-to-face with Olivia Newton-John.
It worked out pretty well.
Tufano, whose career has taken him from a No. 1 hit to working with Bernie Taupin and singing the original theme for Family Ties, turns 80 on Sept. 11.
Born in Chicago in 1946, Tufano grew up surrounded by music. His father sang and played several instruments, and Tufano recalled hearing him play saxophone at home while growing up. After high school, Tufano worked as a graphic artist before deciding to take a chance on music as his band began gaining momentum.
That band was initially called The Pulsations. After the group won a spot on a WGN-TV show, producers asked them to adopt a more British-sounding name to capitalize on the British Invasion. A security guard offered a list of possibilities, and The Buckinghams jumped out, conveniently connecting their new British-sounding identity to Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain.
Soon, The Buckinghams weren’t merely a local Chicago attraction.
Their “Kind of a Drag” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967, replacing The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” It began a remarkable run that also included the Top 20 hits “Don’t You Care,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)” and “Susan.”
The success came almost by accident. Tufano recalled on the Breath of Fresh Air podcast that their record company initially disliked “Kind of a Drag” and declined to release it. It finally came out as their contract was ending, without a promotional push, only to catch fire through radio airplay and reach No. 1.
The Buckinghams broke up in 1970, and Tufano eventually moved into songwriting, acting and voice work while continuing to make music.
Then came a phone call that led to one of his favorite chapters.
Around the end of 1981 or beginning of 1982, musician Tom Scott called Tufano about an upcoming three-month tour with Olivia Newton-John. The production needed a male singer who could handle duets with her, and Scott thought Tufano’s acting experience made him a good fit.
Related: 1980 Olivia Newton-John Hit, Written for a Box Office Bomb, Became a Four-Week No. 1
Tufano agreed to audition. What Scott apparently neglected to mention was that Newton-John herself would be there.
“I had no idea Olivia was going to be there,” Tufano recalled on the Breath of Fresh Air podcast.
Then Newton-John walked into the room.
Their audition song was “Suddenly,” the romantic duet Newton-John originally recorded with Cliff Richard for the 1980 movie Xanadu.
“I was totally freaked that it was Olivia I was singing with,” Tufano remembered. “And we did the song. I was sweaty by the end of it.”
But Newton-John apparently had no such reservations about her prospective duet partner.
According to Tufano, she told him, “That was just great. You’re on the tour,” then asked him to perform “You’re the One That I Want” with her as well.
Tufano spent the next three months on tour with Newton-John, performing the two duets. The pairing was also featured in Newton-John’s HBO television special, which aired in January 1983.
Looking back decades later, Tufano had no trouble putting the experience in perspective.
“It was one of the highlights in my singing career really,” he said of sharing the stage with Newton-John.
When Newton-John died in 2022 at age 73, Tufano remembered his former touring partner with equal affection.
“She was kind, professional, talented and smart,” he wrote in a message to fans. “I was blessed to have shared the stage with such a bright light.”
Tufano’s career also included a collaboration with Elton John’s longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two worked together on Taupin’s 1980 solo album He Who Rides the Tiger and reunited years later for the Farm Dogs project.
He also continued acting and voice work and developed a show celebrating Bobby Darin’s music. Asked about his varied creative life, Tufano summed up the appeal of performing rather simply:
“I got the best job in the world,” he said. “When I finish my job, people are smiling.”
Related: 1981 Classic, Censored by MTV, Became a Record-Breaking No. 1 Hit
1975 Nine-Part Rock Track, Created Using Wine Glasses in London, Is Still An Unforgettable Hit 51 Years Later
A viral social media debate recently asked passionate music fans to name the one song they wish they could hear for the very first time again. While thousands of iconic tracks were put forward, one legendary masterpiece completely dominated the conversation. That song is none other than Pink Floyd’s monumental progressive masterpiece “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” which was originally released to the public in September 1975.
Turning exactly 51 years old this month, the epic nine-part rock track remains an absolute masterclass in atmospheric studio production. Beyond its deeply emotional backstory as a direct tribute to the band’s troubled former leader Syd Barrett, the track is famous for its groundbreaking recording techniques developed inside London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Most notably, the haunting, ethereal drone that famously opens the entire piece was created by the band rubbing their wet fingers along the rims of tuned wine glasses filled with precise levels of water.
This unusual sonic experiment originally stemmed from an abandoned 1971 studio project where the band spent months attempting to make an entire album utilizing household objects instead of traditional musical instruments.
While that raw concept ultimately failed, the distinct audio tapes of the singing wine glasses were carefully preserved deep in the London tape archives. Years later, keyboardist Richard Wright layered those vintage recordings directly into the song’s opening G-minor chord, creating a timeless, otherworldly introduction that still gives rock music listeners massive chills today.
Decades after its original debut, the masterpiece continues to captivate generation after generation of classic rock fans worldwide. Its unique blend of studio innovation, sweeping guitar solos, and raw emotion is precisely why modern listeners are so desperate to experience its magic completely anew. This exceptional and legendary studio production choice proved ordinary glassware could help construct the most unforgettable, boundary-pushing piece of popular classic music history ever recorded on earth.
There's Actually More Than One Meaning for Angel Number 911—Here's Everything To Know
If you’ve been hearing a lot about angel numbers and numerology lately, you’re not alone—it seems like everyone is talking about them these days! Angel numbers are sequences of numbers that appear together and keep showing up in someone’s life in order to send a message.
Many people believe that this is how angels guide us in our everyday lives. One common example is angel number 911.
Within these sets of numbers, there are beliefs attributed to specific sequences that give significance to certain aspects of your life (such as love, making decisions, career choices and more). According to numerology, this repeating number means that your guardian angel is letting you know they’re looking out for you.
What is the 911 angel number? Well, it represents transformation, untapped potential and confirmation. When this number keeps showing up in your life, it is thought to mean that angels are trying to tell you to welcome any changes coming your way and to stop holding yourself back.
Continue reading to find out the meaning of angel number 911 and how it applies to your life!
Related: 6 Reasons Why You Might Not Be Seeing Angel Numbers
Angel number 911 has multiple meanings, and each one is as important as the next. It’s up to you to determine if this number and its message are being sent to you for just one of the meanings or multiple. Try to meditate on when you’re seeing the number to figure out what it means for you and your life.
Regarding transformation, angel number 911 signifies that a positive rebirth is going to happen in your life soon. If you’ve been feeling stagnant or just plain bored, this number should act as a catalyst for your artistry and motivation. This could be a sign that it’s time for you to work harder and push past any underestimations of yourself.
So, for example, if you’ve been putting off that DIY project, now would be the time to start it! You won’t regret the outcome; either you’ll succeed, or you’ll have experience that you can learn from.
Angel number 911 relates to untapped potential as your spirit guides want you to know that you have the power within you to reach any heights that you set your heart to, and they’re supporting you the entire way! Take this time to reflect on things you’ve been ignoring—like making that online shop to sell custom earrings or finally taking your baking to the next level and making it your career, and take the first step!
As for confirmation, angel number 911 is showing up in your life to reassure you that you can give in to your heart’s desires. Whether you’ve been feeling like those desires aren’t valid, or that they couldn’t possibly provide for your family, your angels want you to know that they are valid and you can use them to benefit your life. When you allow yourself to live out your passions, beautiful things can happen.
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Patterns reveal themselves to us in our lives constantly. What’s really important is when we notice those patterns. Perhaps you’ve been feeling fearful of what your life looks like and how it’s different from what you thought it would be, or you don’t feel secure about your place in the world.
When you’re feeling those insecurities and notice that angel number 911 is showing up for you, it means that you can relax and lean into where you are right now. Your guardian angels are protecting you from whatever may bring you harm—including yourself.
Many individuals try to plan their lives and have certain goals to meet by certain ages. If you’re one of those people but haven’t met a goal or goals by the time you thought you should, don’t worry! Angel number 911 is a message sent to reassure you that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Your guardian angels want you to know that you have all the time you need to become who you’re meant to be. Be gentle with yourself, but never lose sight of what needs to be done.
Related: Angel Number 333 in Numerology—What You Need To Know and Why You’re Seeing It
Yes! Despite its somewhat forboding association with emergencies, angel number 911 actually has a positive, lucky vibration. It’s time to attract what you want into your life, and your angels are in your corner!
911 Angel Number Meaning for Love and RelationshipsLove is one of the best feelings and experiences. It can also be one of the most confusing. Not to worry! Your guardian angels are there by your side to help guide you through any confusion or lack of confidence you may be experiencing in relationships.
If you’ve been carrying around any emotional baggage that’s been dragging you down and you’re seeing 911 more and more, it’s time to let it go! Whatever isn’t serving a positive purpose in your life anymore has to go. It’s time. You know it’s time, and your angels know it’s time. Make the choice to start anew.
If you find yourself beginning a new romantic relationship (even if you’re taking it slow and don’t have any “labels”), but you’ve convinced yourself that you haven’t gotten over your last one, now is the time to work on getting over it. That’s not to say that you should forget it, but don’t let whatever negativity you experienced in that relationship carry over to this new one.
Inevitably, that will cause the negativity to grow, and you’ll start to see it everywhere. So, instead of dooming what this new relationship could be from the start, try giving it an actual chance!
Angel Number 911 Meaning for Twin FlameFinding your twin flame is something to celebrate! Not everyone is so lucky as to meet their one true mate, let alone ignite a passion with them. Seeing 911 while you’re in your twin flame relationship should serve as a confirmation that you both have been working hard to strengthen your bond and show your support for one another.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, your angels want you to know that you and your twin flame are doing a great job of breaking that mold. You two are going strong, and they want to celebrate that as well.
If you have yet to meet your twin flame, now could be the time for you to accept the transformations that are taking place. Those changes could be what cause you to meet your twin flame! The saying “everything happens for a reason” is a cliché, well, for a reason. Finding that reason and choosing how you’ll react to it is what truly matters when it comes to 911.
Related: The Numerology of Angel Number 555 and Why You’re Seeing It Everywhere
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In order to manifest an idea or philosophy into your life, there are certain things you need to believe in and act on. First of all, you have to believe in yourself and your ability to choose what’s best for you. Next, you have to believe in the ways you choose to manifest that idea or philosophy.
For example, if you choose to verbally speak something into your life, don’t doubt the act of speaking it out loud! Even if you feel silly, you must give that act power in order to make any real changes.
If you’ve been seeing angel number 911 more lately, it could be a sign that what you’ve been wishing for and working toward is about to come true! But don’t let that realization keep you from your manifestation techniques. Keep at them!
What is working for you could keep working for you, if you choose to stay the course. So, keep journaling, continue speaking over your life, don’t stop visualizing your goals and have faith that what you “will to be” in your life will be!
What Does Angel Number 911 Mean Spiritually?Angel number 911 signifies how great your potential is to achieve anything you desire. Spiritually speaking, this could reflect your growth or belief system. If your faith has been challenged lately, rise to it! A challenge isn’t necessarily a negative thing. It does not mean that what you currently believe or practice is wrong—it can simply serve as a reminder of why you do so.
There’s nothing more rewarding than being questioned or tested on something you’ve built your life on and answering in such a way that causes it to flourish and strengthen.
Another way to look at angel number 911, spiritually, is by accepting that you have a divine guide watching your moves and waiting for you to rely on their guidance. While you may not think you need it, guidance from the right place could prove more beneficial than you’ll ever know. Allow yourself to be filled with the courage to choose their path and see what you could learn from it.
Related: Why Is ‘1222’ Showing Up Everywhere? Let’s Talk Numerology—Here’s What You Need To Know About Angel Number 1222
Angel number 911 is financial confirmation that you’re on your way to a positive change and it’s a sign that the transformation you’ve been praying and working for is heading your way soon.
No, money isn’t the most important thing in life. But it sure is helpful to our daily lives, isn’t it? While no one wants to rely on a monetary number to rule their decisions, sometimes it’s inevitable. Budgeting takes on a whole new meaning when you only have a few dollars to work with.
By sending you the message of 911, your angels are letting you know that the feeling of money ruling your decisions is not permanent! They want you to keep working toward your goals and incorporating your passions. Should you choose to do so, you just might prosper more than you ever thought possible.
Remain positive and keep going—don’t forget that your angels are by your side to guide you and want you to succeed.
Related: This Could Be You—Here’s Exactly What It Means To Have Life Path Number 7
'90s Rock Icon, Ranked Among 'Greatest Rock Lead Singers of All Time,' Worked as a Janitor at Aberdeen School
Kurt Cobain became one of the most influential figures in ‘90s rock music and eventually ranked among the “greatest rock lead singers of all time” after fronting the iconic band Nirvana.
Billboard included Cobain among the top 50 most celebrated frontmen in rock history, securing the No. 5 spot.
The publication emphasized his “kinetic stage presence” that captivated the audience instead of flashy stage production.
Co-founded by the late rock star, Nirvana was formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987, alongside co-founder Krist Novoselic on bass guitar and later joined by Dave Grohl as the drummer in 1990.
Kurt Cobain of Nirvana during the taping of MTV Unplugged in 1993.It was their sophomore album, Nevermind, that put the band at the forefront of the grunge movement with the release of its explosive lead single, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
The record was so popular that it dethroned Michael Jackson’s album Dangerous from the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 and remained at the top of the chart for two weeks.
As for the song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” may not be a chart-topping hit, only peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it earned high placements on several acclaimed rankings.
This includes NME’s list of the 100 Greatest Singles of All Time at No. 2 and Kerrang!’s list of the 100 Greatest Singles of All Time, where it ranked No. 1.
With standout tracks, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and Grammy recognitions for the band, Cobain had come a long way from his humble beginnings.
Long before Nirvana rose to fame and he became a music icon, the young Cobain lived a very different life in his hometown of Aberdeen.
Driven largely by his passion for music, Cobain worked odd jobs to help support himself and Nirvana’s early career.
According to Far Out Magazine, the late musician briefly worked as a janitor at Aberdeen High School, where he had spent his early years as a student before eventually leaving school without graduating.
After work, he would return to his rented flat on N. Michigan Street, where many of Nirvana’s early songs were written.
“Here was a man who would never clean his kitchen or take out the garbage, or do those kinds of chores, but Kurt Cobain was not a lazy person,” Novoselic recalled, adding. “Basically, he cleaned toilets – that’s how he paid for (our) demo.”
Cobain’s demanding routine was one example of the dedication that characterized the band’s early years.
That dedication was also reflected in comments from producer Butch Vig, who spoke about the late frontman’s strong work ethic and determination.
“Some people don’t know this, but before they came in, they rehearsed every day for six months, like, 10 hours a day,” Vig shared at the Yellow Phone Music Conference in Milwaukee, via Ultimate Guitar. “Kurt – contrary to the slacker attitude – he wanted to have a hit record. He wanted to make a really good-sounding album.”
Related: 1994 Tearjerker Ranked ‘Greatest Live Album’ of All Time
Gisele Bündchen Shares Why Having a Baby 'At This Moment' Is 'Such a Gift'
Gisele Bündchen is getting candid about motherhood and the stage of life she’s in, specifically what it’s been like after having a baby at 46 years old.
“Having a baby at this moment of my life is such a gift, because I’m in a different place,” she told British fashion site, i-D.co. “I don’t have anything to prove. I don’t feel like I really, quite frankly, care.”
Bündchen is a mother of three. She welcomed her first two kids, Benjamin, 16, and Vivian, 13, with ex-husband, NFL icon, Tom Brady, whom she split from in 2022. In 2025, the model went on to welcome her youngest, whose name she has yet to reveal, with now-husband, once her jiu-jitsu instructor, Joaquim Valente.
“Kids give us this opportunity to live again, to be more present and to experience life again. To do it maybe differently than we’ve done it before,” she said. “I don’t know. I find every little thing so amazing.”
In the conversation, the former supermodel also showed fun videos of her kids. Of Vivian she said, “I mean, what is better than this? This is my daughter and she’s like, ‘Mum, let’s do a dance class.’ So this is us doing a dance class. I’m not so great.”
Related: Gisele Bündchen’s Toddler Is Already Learning Her Best Fitness Habit
In the wide-ranging interview, which also touched on her daily health habits and favorite activities in Florida, Bündchen reflected on her life as a mom and what she hopes her legacy will be.
“However people see me, that’s okay with me,” she said. “I want to look back and think, ‘I really enjoyed this journey. I really loved fully. I really experienced every emotion. I really had meaningful relationships. I tried to make the world a better place, and I made my surroundings more harmonious and loving and beautiful.’”
“I want my kids to feel like I was a great mum and that I helped them become the best version of themselves,” she added. “I want to feel like I lived striving to be the best version of myself. Hopefully, I can look back and say I did it.”
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’60s Psychedelic Rock Pioneer Behind the First-Ever Grammy-Winning World Music Album Turns 83
Mickey Hart turns 83 today, and if anyone’s earned the right to still be touring at this age, it’s the guy who helped invent stadium drumming in the first place.
As one half of the Grateful Dead’s “Rhythm Devils,” the twin-drummer setup he built alongside Bill Kreutzmann, Hart didn’t just keep time for one of rock’s most beloved jam bands through the late ’60s and ’70s. He turned drum solos into full-blown percussion excursions, stretching songs out in ways that became a signature of the band’s marathon live shows and helped define what a Dead concert even was.
But the Dead was never the whole story. For decades, Hart traveled the world collecting and studying percussion traditions outside the Western rock canon, treating drumming less like a rock ‘n’ roll flourish and more like a language everyone on Earth already speaks, just in different dialects.
That instinct paid off in a big way in 1991, when he brought together a lineup of master musicians from India, Brazil, Nigeria, and beyond to record Planet Drum. The album spent 26 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Music chart and took home the first-ever Grammy for Best World Music Album, a genuine landmark both for Hart and for the genre as a whole.
He hasn’t slowed down much since. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, inducted alongside the rest of the Dead back in 1994, has spent recent years playing the Sphere in Las Vegas, one of the most technically ambitious venues ever built, and still keeps a hand in visual art projects on the side. By all accounts, he’s not planning on stopping anytime soon.
Happy birthday to Mickey Hart, who’s spent close to six decades proving that rhythm doesn’t need a translator, just someone patient enough to listen for the pattern underneath.
Aaron Rodgers Delivers Scathing Remarks on Danica Patrick After Two-Year Relationship Ended in Controversy: 'We Were Stuck Together'
Aaron Rodgers isn’t holding back when it came to his ill-fated two-year relationship to his ex-girlfriend Danica Patrick.
Appearing on a recent episode of his Pittsburgh Steelers teammate Cameron Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast, Rodgers opened up about his troubled time with Patrick, describing the accomplished female race car driver as “not fun to be around” when they were dating.
“She had just retired. She was depressed,” Rodgers explained. “But I didn’t leave her because I was trying to be there and be a good partner. Then it was going a certain direction. Obviously, there was no intimacy. It was nothing.”
According to Rodgers, the cracks in the relationship initially began when Rodgers declined to buy a Malibu house with Patrick shortly after her retirement. After an attempt at couples’ therapy, the two’s relationship came under further strain with the start of the 2020 pandemic.
Per Rodgers, the cracks in their relationship came to the surface when Rodgers wanted to buy a house in Malibu. Patrick apparently asked Rodgers if he wanted to buy the home together. He declined. They decided to try and salvage their relationship with couple’s therapy.
“Then COVID hit and we’re stuck together,” he said. “She tells a story that, ‘I was so blindsided by getting left by you, and he leaves a trail of blood around.’ I’m like what are you talking about? That is not what happened by any means.”
Rodgers’ comments directly reference Patrick’s claims on The Sage Steele Show in 2025, in which she alleged that Rodgers was “emotionally abusive” and that the time she spent with the NFL quarterback “wore me down to nothing.”
“There’s Danica with her story, ‘a trail of blood,’ blindsided by me leaving her and alright, there’s zero intimacy, didn’t want to buy a house there was really nothing there,” Rodgers said of these allegations. “I feel like this needs to be told because there’s just narratives out there which, by the way, forever, what people hit me on all the time was he’s such a f***ing a**hole, even his family hates him. Nobody knew anything that was going on with it.”
Columbia's Zip-Up Fleece Is the Coziest Layer for Crisp Fall Mornings, and It's Up to 55% Off
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Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip Jacket, From $29 (was $65) at Amazon Shop at AmazonSizes range from extra small to 3X, with petite sizing available in every size variation. The jacket runs true to size, but if you want it to be more oversized or fit a healthy amount of layers, then we recommend sizing up. The 100% polyester style features two side zipper pockets, one full front zipper that can remain open or closed, and a stand collar.
Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip Jacket, From $29 (was $65) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThis piece is a number one bestseller in Amazon’s women’s fleece jacket category, and it has amassed over 9,700 five-star ratings to date. One shopper raved that the outerwear “will look the same after 1,000 washes” and the fabric “still looks new” after countless wears. Others advise using it for traveling, as it’s lightweight, keeps you warm, and is “perfectly comfortable.” The quality has also been cited as “outstanding.”
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Related: Refresh Your Closet for Sweater Weather With This $30 Amazon Clothes Rack
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7 Celebrities Who Had Close Calls During the 9/11 Attacks in 2001
As America marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, some celebrities can be thankful they didn’t die that day in 2001. Some famous folks were set to board the doomed airplanes that struck the World Trade Center or attend meetings in New York’s Twin Towers—but cheated death.
Others died on Sept. 11, 2001, including late Psycho actor Anthony Perkins’ model/actress-photographer wife, Berry Berenson, who was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11. Also on board were Frasier and Wings producer David Angell and his wife, Lynn.
Barbara K. Olson, a conservative legal analyst and commentator and wife of U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson, was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77, which struck the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and former Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson’s New York City firefighter father, Scott Davidson, died when his unit responded to the disaster. The future comedian was 7 years old at the time.
But which stars missed a life-ending twist of fate on 9/11? Read on to find out more.
Related: 9/11 Facts To Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Attacks
Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images
The Family Guy creator was scheduled to be on the Boston to Los Angeles American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane that hijackers commandeered. It crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. MacFarlane has said a night of drinking and his travel agent giving him the wrong time for his flight saved his life.
The comedian explained to Howard Stern on his radio show in 2011, “I was giving a lecture at my old college in Rhode Island and went out for a few drinks after and was hungover the next day and missed the flight.” Believing the plane’s departure time was 8:15 a.m., not the correct time of 7:45 a.m., MacFarlane arrived too late to board. He snoozed in the airport lounge before waking up 45 minutes later to the chaos of everyone finding out about the attacks.
He told The Mirror, “I was booked on that flight…and I missed the plane by about 10 minutes. It was a very close call for me.” He went on to star in and direct the 2012 movie Ted and host the Oscars in 2013.
Related: These Are the September 11th Images We’ll Never Forget
Mark Wahlberg Mark WahlbergPhillip Faraone/Getty Images
Boston native Wahlberg was booked on American Airlines Flight 11, but he and some friends changed their plans a week before, deciding to go to a Toronto film festival instead of Los Angeles.
Wahlberg got slammed for insensitivity years later, when he claimed he would have stopped the hijackers if he had been on the plane.
He told Men’s Journal, “If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘Okay, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’”
Soon, the Flight Risk star apologized for his comments, calling them “ridiculous … irresponsible … [and] insensitive.”
Patti Austin Patti AustinJeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Grammy-winning R&B, pop and jazz singer Austin said she’d had a ticket for United Flight 93, which later crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa., as passengers struggled to take back the plane from hijackers. But after her mother Edna suffered a stroke in San Francisco, Patti changed her plans, flying to her mom’s side the day before, on Sept. 10, 2001, instead.
Michael Jackson Michael JacksonOscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images
The world was stunned when the singer died tragically in 2009 at age 50 from cardiac arrest caused by a combination of prescription drugs. His doctor, Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter for giving Michael a lethal dose of propofol as the singer was working on a concert comeback.
Related: Newly-Surfaced Video Shows Michael Jackson’s Surprising Condition 2 Days Before His Death
But, according to Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson, the King of Pop could have perished years earlier.
Michael had performed at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sept. 10, 2001, as part of his 30th anniversary celebration.
Jermaine wrote in his memoir You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother’s Eyes that Michael had also been scheduled to attend a morning meeting at the World Trade Center on 9/11. But he had slept in at a New York hotel after talking to his mom and siblings early that morning.
“Thankfully, none of us had had a clue that Michael was due at a meeting that morning at the top of one of the Twin Towers,” Jermaine confided in the book. “We only discovered this when Mother [Katherine Jackson] phoned his hotel to make sure he was okay. She, [sister] Rebbie [Jackson] and a few others had left him there around 3am. ‘Mother, I’m okay, thanks to you,’ he told her. ‘You kept me up talking so late that I overslept and missed my appointment.’”
Sarah Ferguson Sarah FergusonJulia Reinhart/Getty Images
On 9/11, Prince Andrew’s former wife, the Duchess of York, was at NBC studios for an interview with Matt Lauer and ran late for an 8:45 a.m. meeting at her charity, Chances for Children, which was located on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower, the first building hit.
After leaving her NBC appointment, Fergie reportedly got stuck in traffic, which meant she wasn’t in the tower when the first plane crashed at 8:46 a.m. No one on floors 92 to 110 of the building survived.
In 2018, Ferguson told Hello! ever since her close call, “I take every minute as a blessing, I really do, and I really work hard at it. Because the minute you look too far forward, then you’re missing now. The minute you look back… you can’t go back. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.”
A rag doll named Little Red that Fergie had created as a mascot for her charity was later found in the disaster rubble. The doll became part of the 9/11 memorial exhibit at New York City’s Ground Zero.
Gabourey Sidibe Gabourey SidibeDia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Bottomless Closet
The Oscar-nominated Precious star told the New York Daily News that years before she started acting, she was supposed to attend a class right across the street from the World Trade Center on 9/11. But Sidibe overslept.
“Later that day, one of the towers fell on the school building that I had class in, and people lost their lives. [Borough of Manhattan Community College] shut down for a month because the school became a make-shift space for police, firefighters and EMTs,” said Sidibe.
Ian Thorpe Ian ThorpeDon Arnold/Getty Images
The Olympic gold medal-winning Australian swimmer had planned to visit the WTC’s South Tower observation deck on Sept. 11, 2001, but realized he didn’t have his camera.
Thorpe took a taxi back to his hotel to retrieve it—but saw the terror on TV instead.
Luckily, nobody wound up on the observation deck, as it wasn’t set to open until 9 a.m., and it never did, because the first plane hit the first tower at 8:46 a.m. However, Thorpe could easily have been in the second building, which was struck at 9:03 a.m.
“He was probably 20 minutes away from being there,” Frank Turner, one of Thorpe’s managers, told Australian radio. “He was shocked … a few minutes later, and who knows what could have happened?”
Related: 9/11 Memes To Share and Commemorate 25 Years Since the Tragedy That Shook the World
Eva Longoria, 51, Looks Ageless in Head-To-Toe Leather on a Motorcycle
Eva Longoria is going from Desperate Housewives diva to biker chic.
The actress, producer, and businesswoman, 51, who played Gabrielle Solis on the ABC hit series Desperate Housewives from 2004 to 2012, has gone on to notable roles, ranging from Devious Maids to Only Murders in the Building. But now she’s taking on another fun role: model!
Sharing a series of photos from a photo shoot for Ugg boots, the beauty sported head-to-toe leather and a giant brunette wig as she sat on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle like a complete pro. Looking ageless, the star made it clear that she can pull off any look;.
“Loved this day 🤭 @willychavarria x @ugg out now 🖤,” Longoria captioned the photo set.
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Looking Back on Her Pre-Housewives HairstylesLast year, Longoria had a laugh reflecting on the hairstyle she started with on the fan-favorite series.
“I get Desperate Housewives, and they said ‘Your hair is too dense for camera,’” Longoria recalled in a TikTok interview with People, in which she was shown a throwback photo of herself right before the series began. “So they made me highlight it. This was the highlights, and I was freaking out because I had never had highlights in my life.”
@people#EvaLongoria and #GabrielleSolis will forever be style icons — both on #WisteriaLane AND in the real world. ✨ Read more from our #WorldsMostBeautiful interview at the link in our bio. (And head to the PEOPLE App for even more with Eva!) #DesperateHousewives #TheYoungandtheRestless @Eva Longoria
♬ Beautiful Day – Muspace LofiWhile Longoria previously starred on The Young and the Restless from 2001 to 2003, she was relatively unknown to the rest of the world when she first co-starred with Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, and Nicollette Sheridan on the fan-favorite series.
Looking at the throwback photo, which featured the actress sporting a slinky black dress with voluminous hair, Longoria laughed at how done up she was.
“It’s my pageant hair! Look at that,” Longoria joked, noting the high volume of her ‘do. “This was the first photoshoot we did on Wisteria Lane. They just needed quick photos of us, literally for PR purposes, and they just pulled me off to the side and I took this. I think I even did my own makeup. Hair and makeup. Obviously, I did my own hair and makeup!”
“We did this weird pilot I didn’t think anybody would watch,” Longoria noted.
Related: Eva Longoria, 51, Crushes the Red Carpet in Revealing Gold Dress
Rachel Uchitel Remembers Fiancé Killed On 9/11 In Emotional Tribute
Rachel Uchitel is remembering her fiancé, James Andrew “Andy” O’Grady, 25 years after he was killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
View this post on InstagramUchitel, who was working at Bloomberg TV in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, shared an emotional tribute to O’Grady on Friday morning, recalling the moment she watched the World Trade Center’s South Tower collapse while knowing he was inside.
In beginning of the short video tribute posted to Instagram, Uchitel is talking to a reporter while holding a missing poster for O’Grady.
“I’m just going from place to place. This is my fiance. I ‘ve planned my whole future out with this person. If I don’t find him, I have to start all over again,” she says through tears. “It’s taken me my entire life to find him, and I don’t know what I will do without him. Please, please, help me find him.”
O’Grady, 32, was a managing director at Sandler O’Neill & Partners and worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower, also known as Two World Trade Center. The building was struck by United Airlines Flight 175 at 9:03 a.m. and collapsed at 9:59 a.m. O’Grady is among the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the attacks.
“I remember speaking to him, and what he was saying on the phone,” Uchitel wrote in the caption. “I remember watching his building fall and not being able to catch my breath. I remember the whole news room floor got silent. They had all just watched me watch Andy die. And it was all too unreal.”
Uchitel and O’Grady had gotten engaged on Aug. 5, 2001, just weeks before the attacks, and were planning their wedding.
In her post, Uchitel described the agonizing days that followed as she held out hope that O’Grady had survived. She recalled hearing that he might be at Bellevue Hospital and rushing there to search for him.
“I wanted to go to Ground Zero and pick up the rubble myself until I found him,” she wrote. “The despair of not knowing was beyond words.”
A photograph of Uchitel searching for O’Grady became one of the most recognizable images of the aftermath of 9/11, appearing in newspapers around the world.
Uchitel said the outpouring of support from strangers after the photograph was published remains meaningful to her.
“Everyone wanted to know about Andy, and for that, I am so thankful,” she wrote. “It was the honor of my life to have been loved by James Andrew O’Grady. I am thankful that because of the photo that ran on the cover of almost every paper in the world of me searching for him, more people know his name.”
Related: Viral Reddit Thread Shares 9/11 Stories That Will Leave You In Tears
