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1975 Rock Song, Written by Stevie Wonder, Became One of the ‘Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time’
By 1975, Jeff Beck was ready to let his guitar do all the singing. On one of the standout tracks from his first entirely instrumental solo album, he turned to a song written by an artist with whom he had already formed a remarkable creative connection.
“Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” written by Stevie Wonder, became a centerpiece of Beck’s Blow by Blow. His expressive interpretation eventually took on a reputation far beyond the album, with Guitar World ranking the performance among its 50 greatest guitar solos of all time.
The song didn’t originate with Beck.
Wonder wrote “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers” for his then-wife Syreeta Wright, who released a vocal version on her 1974 album Stevie Wonder Presents: Syreeta. Beck and Wonder had already worked together during the sessions for Wonder’s 1972 album Talking Book, a collaboration that also connected the two musicians to another future rock classic: “Superstition.”
“The idea was that I was going to guest on his record and he was going to give me a song in return,” Beck said in a 1989 interview. “Stevie gave me [‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers’] as an apology for releasing ‘Superstition’ first. He wrote [it] for me, but the record company had the power to prevent any other record coming out and they said, ‘This is a number one smash: Beck doesn’t get this.'”
Beck took a dramatically different approach to “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers.”
Without a singer, his guitar carries the melody and emotion of Wonder’s composition. The performance begins quietly before gradually intensifying through bends, volume swells, and shifts in dynamics, allowing Beck to make his instrument sound remarkably vocal.
He also used a distinctive guitar for the recording. Rather than the Fender Stratocaster that became closely associated with him, Beck played his famous “Tele-Gib,” a Telecaster fitted with humbucking pickups.
The performance carried another guitarist’s influence as well. Beck dedicated the track to Roy Buchanan, whose expressive use of volume and tone controls influenced the swells heard in Beck’s playing.
“Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers” appeared on Blow by Blow, which was produced by Beatles collaborator George Martin.
“As ever there, the atmosphere was great,” Beck told Total Guitar. “When you’re in a good studio with good people, sometimes tracks can just come together out of nowhere. I am always amazed at what people can create when they are in the right mindset. George Martin always made me feel like I was in the headmaster’s office when I was in a studio with him. I always tried to be on my best musical behavior. But he had a unique way of hearing and visualizing tracks so we got to create some amazing music.”
Released in 1975, the album reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, becoming Beck’s highest-charting solo album.
Decades later, the track’s reputation has only strengthened. Guitar World placed it at No. 36 in its readers’ ranking of the 50 greatest guitar solos of all time and separately named it the greatest solo in its rundown of Beck’s career.
What began as a Stevie Wonder ballad ultimately became one of Beck’s signature performances. Fifty-one years later, “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers” remains a striking example of how he could make an electric guitar communicate as vividly as any human voice.
Related: 1970 Folk Song, Written in a Hawaii Hotel, Is Still a Powerful Hit 56 Years Later
1975 Soft Rock Song, Written Under a Bahamas Palm Tree, Is Still a Powerful Hit 51 Years Later
Fifty-one years ago, Peter Frampton released “Baby, I Love Your Way,” a soft-rock ballad that became a quintessential summer anthem and remains popular today.
“Baby, I Love Your Way” was originally released in September 1975 as a single from his self-titled fourth studio album, Frampton. Although the song wasn’t initially popular, it garnered significant mainstream traction following the release of its live version from his iconic live album Frampton Comes Alive!
The live rendition launched the song into the mainstream spotlight, entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1976. By late August, it peaked at No. 12, spending 15 consecutive weeks charting on the tally.
Peter Frampton, British singer and guitarist, playing a Gibson Les Paul guitar on stage during a live concert performance, circa 1976.Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images
The Creation of “Baby, I Love Your Way”“Baby, I Love Your Way” was written by Frampton during a quiet afternoon vacationing in the Bahamas. The English songwriter took a trip there on his weeks off with the intention of writing a new album. After slacking for the first few weeks, he bumped into his guitar hero Alvin Lee at the airport, inspiring a second wind.
“The next day I messed around with my acoustic and in about 20 minutes came up with the chords that became ‘Show Me the Way,’ [another song off Frampton]” he recalled in a 2019 interview with The Guardian. “I had some lunch and a little swim and under a palm tree I then wrote ‘Baby I Love Your Way.’ Both songs are about the girlfriend I was about to start living with.”
Produced by Frampton, “Baby, I Love Your Way” sounds like it was made for a vacation playlist. Its soft acoustics blend seamlessly with layered electric guitar and bass accents, creating a breezy atmosphere that mirrors the setting in which he wrote it.
To this day, Frampton’s single remains a classic, bridging the gap between generations of audiences on streaming platforms. On Spotify alone, the song has accumulated over 143 million streams across its many popular versions—attesting to its lasting “it” factor.
Related: 1970 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer From a Chicago Suburb, Became a Career-Defining Hit
You Can Now Get AMC Movie Theater Popcorn Delivered Straight to Your Door
You don’t have to drive to an AMC theater to get popcorn anymore. AMC has added Grubhub to its list of delivery partners who can bring concessions right from your local theater to your front door, just in time for your next at-home movie night.
In a recent press release, AMC Theatres reported seeing continued growth in its home delivery business, with sales up nearly 50% year-to-date in 2026 compared with the same period last year. By partnering with Grubhub, AMC Theatres’ concessions are now available for home delivery from all three major delivery platforms: Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
To get AMC popcorn delivered to your door, visit the AMC Theatres Home Delivery website and select your preferred delivery service. Once you’ve found a participating theater and delivery service, you’ll be able to choose from available concessions like pretzel bites, popcorn, and pizza. According to AMC, guests also can check availability by searching for “AMC Theatres” in Grubhub, DoorDash or Uber Eats.
At participating locations, Grubhub listings include options such as the MegaBag, large popcorn and other concessions. Depending on your location, you might also find newer Feature Fare items like Popcorn Chicken or Hot Honey Sausage Pizza on the delivery menu, although AMC says available menu items may vary by location.
And it’s not just popcorn and other food items available for delivery—the popular AMC MegaBag is available, too. The MegaBag is three times larger than a large AMC Theatres popcorn and comes with a side of buttery flavored topping. It’s perfect for movie night, game day, or any other gathering where you need to serve up lots of movie theater popcorn.
“There’s nothing quite like enjoying popcorn and your favorite concessions while watching a movie on the big screen, but we know our guests also love bringing a little bit of that AMC experience home,” Mo Haq, vice president of food and beverage operations at AMC Theatres, said in a press release. “The growth we’re seeing in home delivery shows that people want to enjoy their AMC favorites beyond a trip to the theater, and adding Grubhub makes it even easier for them to do just that.”
1976 Robert De Niro Movie, With a 4.6/5-Star Rating, Ranked as the Greatest Movie of the '70s
Robert De Niro has starred in over 100 films throughout his stunning career. From ’80s releases Raging Bull and Once Upon a Time in America and ’90s classics A Bronx Tale, Goodfellas, and Casino, to 2000s hits Meet the Parents and The Irishman, the screen legend has undoubtedly made his mark in Hollywood—across every genre imaginable, too.
But even before then, he had already cemented himself a household name. With a career dating back to the 1960s, De Niro’s breakout role came in 1973 with Bang the Drum Slowly, and a few years later, he was featured in a film that has now been ranked the greatest movie of the 1970s by IMDb: Taxi Driver (1976).
The legendary actor, 31 years old at the time it was filmed, stepped into the role of Travis Bickle, a lonely 26-year-old Vietnam War veteran. The storyline is centered around a “mentally unstable veteran working as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action.” Martin Scorsese‘s crime mystery drama also features Jodie Foster and Cybill Shepherd.
“Suffering from insomnia, disturbed loner Travis Bickle (De Niro) takes a job as a New York City cabbie, haunting the streets nightly, growing increasingly detached from reality as he dreams of cleaning up the filthy city. When Travis meets pretty campaign worker Betsy (Shepherd), he becomes obsessed with the idea of saving the world, first plotting to assassinate a presidential candidate, then directing his attentions toward rescuing 12-year-old prostitute Iris (Foster),” an online synopsis reads.
With a near-perfect 4.6/5-star rating on Prime Video, it has earned an 89% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a fan-generated 93% Popcornmeter rating, with over 250K reviews. It was also ranked among the site’s 300 best movies of all time.
Flash forward to present day, 50 years after its release, the film’s gritty appeal still remains. “It is swaggering, inventive, gasp-inducing cinema,” Kevin Maher of The Times UK remarked in July 2026.
“Anchored by De Niro’s chilling performance, it is easy to see why it ranks in the top 100 films of all time,” another critic wrote, while Kevin Kelly of Boston Globe wrote, “Taxi Driver is so volatile it nearly explodes from the screen. Under Martin Scorsese’s brilliant direction, it works a dramatic tension that is inescapable, carefully, systematically straitjacketing its audience in the problems of its central character.”
Reflecting on the film’s massive success decades later, the iconic, now 83-year-old actor admitted, “You never can think that you’re doing something that’s going to have an impact,” according to Page Six. “You just never look at it that way.”
Are New Windows Worth It for Solar-Powered and Off-Grid Homes?
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Every kilowatt-hour matters when your home produces its own electricity. For homeowners relying heavily on rooftop solar, reducing energy demand can be just as important as adding more panels or battery capacity. Heating and cooling typically account for a large share of household energy use, and inefficient windows can add substantially to that load.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows account for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. That makes windows an important part of the home’s thermal envelope when you’re trying to stretch solar production and stored energy as far as possible.
So, are new windows worth it for solar-powered and off-grid homes? The answer depends largely on how efficiently the home already uses the energy it produces.
If your current windows are drafty, single-pane or showing signs of deterioration, Renewal by Andersen offers a free in-home consultation to evaluate replacement options and recommend glass packages suited to your climate.
Why Do Energy-Efficient Windows Matter for Solar Homes?Energy-efficient windows reduce the amount of heat entering or leaving the home, which can lower the electricity required for heating and air conditioning. For a solar-powered home, that means more of the electricity produced is available for other household loads or stored for later use.
The Department of Energy recommends looking for efficiency improvements before sizing a residential solar system. Its consumer solar guidance specifically suggests conducting a home energy audit and making energy-saving improvements before determining long-term electricity needs.
The same principle becomes even more important off-grid. A DOE building-science guide recommends reducing a home’s energy-load requirements as much as possible before adding onsite renewable-energy systems.
How Can Windows Affect Solar and Battery Requirements?Solar panels generate electricity only when sufficient sunlight is available. Batteries store some of that electricity for nighttime, cloudy weather and other periods when production cannot meet demand. Reducing the home’s load makes that stored energy last longer.
DOE research on solar-plus-storage homes notes that homeowners generally should identify energy-efficiency measures before considering storage because more efficient homes require less solar storage. That doesn’t mean replacing windows automatically lets you buy a smaller battery. Insulation, air sealing, HVAC efficiency, climate and household electricity use all contribute to the final load.
Windows are one major piece of the larger envelope.
Which Window Features Matter Most for an Energy-Efficient Home?Window Feature
Why It Matters
Low U-factor
Reduces heat transfer through the window
Appropriate SHGC
Controls how much solar heat enters the home
Low-E glass
Reflects heat while allowing visible light through
Multiple panes
Improves insulation compared with single-pane glass
Tight installation
Reduces drafts and unwanted air leakage
Climate-specific glass
Balances heat gain and heat loss for local conditions
The Department of Energy identifies U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, as two of the primary measures of window energy performance. A lower U-factor means the window transfers less heat. SHGC measures how much solar radiation passes through the window, making the ideal rating dependent on climate and window orientation.
Renewal by Andersen offers several glass packages designed for different climates and efficiency needs, which can be compared during a free in-home consultation.
How Much Energy Can Better Windows Save?Savings depend heavily on what you’re replacing. ENERGY STAR says replacing old single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR-certified models can lower household energy bills by an average of up to 13% nationwide. Homes with newer double-pane windows may see a smaller improvement, while houses with aging single-pane windows, deteriorated frames or significant drafts have more room for improvement.
ENERGY STAR also emphasizes that energy-efficient windows improve comfort by reducing the energy waste associated with old, leaky or degraded windows.
For an off-grid homeowner, the benefit isn’t limited to the utility bill. Lower heating and cooling demand can also reduce how quickly stored electricity is depleted.
How Do Renewal by Andersen Windows Improve Energy Efficiency?Renewal by Andersen offers several glass options designed to manage heat transfer and solar gain. For example, their High-Performance Low-E4 glass is designed for both warm and cool climates, while SmartSun glass places greater emphasis on limiting unwanted solar heat.
According to Renewal by Andersen, its High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun glass is 70% more energy efficient in summer than ordinary dual-pane glass, based on the company’s comparison of window U-factors using International Energy Conservation Code reference values. Renewal by Andersen also offers enhanced triple-pane configurations for colder climates, along with its Fibrex composite frame material.
The appropriate option depends on climate, orientation and the performance of the existing windows.
New Windows From Renewal by AndersenRenewal by Andersen
Professional window replacement from Renewal by Andersen can help you save money on your utility bills.
Are New Windows Worth It for an Off-Grid Home?New windows are most compelling for solar-powered and off-grid homes when the existing windows are inefficient enough to create meaningful heating or cooling losses. Replacing relatively new, efficient windows solely to reduce solar demand may not provide enough improvement to justify the project. But old single-pane windows, drafts, deteriorating frames or poorly performing glass can place an unnecessary load on HVAC equipment.
For off-grid homes, reducing that load has an added advantage: it makes the available solar generation and battery storage go farther. Energy efficiency should also be approached as a whole-house project. Windows perform best alongside proper insulation, air sealing and efficient HVAC equipment rather than as a standalone solution.
For homeowners considering replacement, the useful question isn’t simply whether new windows save energy. It’s how much energy the existing windows are allowing the house to lose—and how much harder the solar and battery system has to work because of it.
Renewal by Andersen offers free in-home consultations to assess existing windows, discuss energy-efficient glass options and provide a project quote based on the home’s specific needs.
Elon Musk Threatens to Sue 'Hit Piece' Documentary After Buzzy Premiere
You’ll never guess what the new movie Musk is about…
And those who have seen it can attest that the 55-year-old businessman was not involved — though the documentary’s director says he had initially asked if Elon Musk wanted to be. And now, following the movie’s well-received Venice Film Festival premiere (with a five-minute standing ovation to cap it off), The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Musk’s lawyer is threatening legal action.
Musk the film, meanwhile, currently holds an impressive 100% average critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which offers the following synopsis: “An incisive look behind the legend of Elon Musk, the world’s most heralded “inventor-entrepreneur” who has enormous influence on the world in which we all live.”
Negative backlash from Musk’s camp was expected following the festival premiere. THR indicates the billionaire hasn’t yet seen the movie about himself (similar to how Chris Hansen hasn’t yet watched the contentious Primetime, about his To Catch a Predator days).
But the SpaceX CEO has already taken to social media to lash out at the “hit piece” documentary, calling it “boring” and “a false film” in a series of X posts.
Gutless Gibney’s fatal flaw of fabricating a false film
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2026Meanwhile, the tech mogul’s attorney Alex Spiro sent the Musk production a letter that accuses director Alex Gibney of misrepresenting facts about him, per THR. “You are on notice, before release, that the insinuation is false, that the material refuting it is public, and that you chose not to be told the rest,” Spiro, 43, wrote Jigsaw Productions on Sept. 3, according to the magazine.
Musk Features the Tesla CEO’s ExFollowing the Venice premiere, Ashley St. Clair spoke out about her decision not to sign her former partner’s alleged NDA agreement that would have granted her a whopping $40 million payday.
According to Variety, St. Clair, 28, who gave birth to Musk’s 13th child last year, revealed that her decision not to sign the NDA helped her speak about her ex in Musk. Find out more here.
Unlike Most ‘DWTS’ Contestants, One Star Actually Gained Weight Since Rehearsals Began: ‘I’m So Hungry’
Actress Alyson Hannigan lost 20 pounds while competing on season 32 of Dancing with the Stars. Rapper Nelly lost 11 pounds on the show in 2020. Country singer Lauren Alaina dropped nearly 25 pounds while competing the year before.
Most celebrities who’ve competed on DWTS have marveled at how the daily rehearsals have made them leaner, but one new star on the show — Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez — just admitted to his boss that he’s actually gained weight while preparing for season 35.
View this post on InstagramWhen Kimmel returned to his late night show on Tuesday, September 7, after his summer break, he asked for a DWTS update from Rodriguez, who’s been his sidekick for the last 23 years. Rodriguez was one of the first celebrities announced as part of the new season, and he’s been paired with dance pro Witney Carson, who won the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy last season.
“It’s going good, Jimmy,” Rodriguez told the comedian. “It’s a lot of work. My body hurts, but I think I’m doing good.”
After Rodriguez said that he and Carson practice five days a week for three hours at a time, Kimmel asked, “Have you lost any weight at all?” and Rodriguez replied, “Oh, unfortunately not.”
As the audience laughed, Kimmel said incredulously, “How is this possible? You know, usually the contestants will lose weight dancing three hours a day, five days a week!”
Rodriguez laughed, admitting, “But after the practice, I go eat right away. I’m so hungry.”
“Honestly, I feel like you’ve gained weight since I saw you last,” Kimmel told him, and Rodriguez confessed, “No, I did. Yeah. Like 10 pounds!”
Jimmy Kimmel Brings Out a Scale to Weigh His SidekickIn the end, Kimmel flipped the situation into a positive, telling Rodriguez, “You know what? You’re achieving the impossible, Guillermo!” They then went on to celebrate their 4,000th show.
But the next night, on Wednesday, September 9, Kimmel turned Rodriguez’s weight into a show bit, bringing out a DWTS-themed scale to get his “baseline” weight. He noted that before Rodriguez started rehearsing for the competition, he had a medical check-up on June 23 and weighed 210 pounds.
As Rodriguez approached the scale he said it wasn’t quite “fair” because he’d “already had dinner and everything.” When he first stepped on the scale, it read 227 pounds, causing the crowd to gasp.
“No, no, no, that cannot be,” Rodriguez insisted, as he took off his blazer and then his belt, and even his pants. When he stepped on the scale again, he weighed 223 pounds.
When Kimmel announced that his buddy has gained 13 pounds, Rodriguez — standing in his boxers, a button-down shirt and a striped tie — flexed his arms and said, “It’s pure muscle!”
Rodriguez and his fellow contestants will begin competing on the DWTS two-night premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET both nights, on ABC and Disney+.
Jaclyn Smith’s Absence From Farrah Fawcett’s Funeral Had a Heartbreaking Reason
Jaclyn Smith is opening up about the heartbreaking reason she missed the funeral of her Charlie’s Angels co-star, Farrah Fawcett.
Smith, 80, is best known for her role as Kelly Garrett on the beloved TV series alongside Kate Jackson and Fawcett. In the years that followed the series, which ran from 1976 to 1981, she has tackled a variety of unique professional pursuits. She continued to act, with roles on The District and Shear Genius. Never one to slow down, she parlayed her career into the design world, becoming an entrepreneur with Kmart and then with the Home Shopping Channel. But in a new interview with Entertainment Weekly to promote her memoir, I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie, Smith revealed the painful reason she wasn’t able to attend Fawcett’s funeral after the beloved star died of anal cancer in 2009 at age 62.
“I was in Houston at my mother’s hospital bedside when I learned that Farrah had passed,” Smith recalled. “Mom was okay at the time, and she insisted that I go to Farrah’s funeral. She asked her doctor to assure me it was fine for me to go, and he did.”
However, Smith was alerted as soon as she landed that all was not fine at home.
“Once the flight landed, I checked my messages. I’d received a call from Mom’s doctor that she’d taken a turn for the worse. Immediately, I turned around and flew right back to Houston,” she said.
Smith’s mother was on a respirator and went on to die just months after Fawcett, in August 2009, at 95. Smith called it “the most traumatic experience of my life” and an “unfathomable loss.”
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Still Honoring FawcettWhile Fawcett may have passed, her friends will never forget her legacy. Just last year, Smith attended the Farrah Fawcett Foundation 2025 Tex-Mex Fiesta at The Rustic in Dallas, Texas, alongside Morgan Fairchild, Donna Mills, and Alana Stewart.
Fawcett’s Cancer BattleFawcett announced her diagnosis in a public statement, sharing her mission to overcome the battle.
“Throughout the journey of my life, I have maintained a strong faith in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I deeply believe in one’s own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges,” Fawcett wrote, PEOPLE shared.
She continued, “I am resolutely strong and I am determined to bite the bullet and fight the fight while going through the next six weeks of cutting-edge, state-of-the-art treatment.”
Fawcett started the organization the following year. While she was given a clean bill of health in 2007, her cancer returned a few months later. Doctors told her it had metastasized to her liver, and she died in 2009.
In honor of Fawcett’s legacy, the organization raises funds for HPV-related cancer research, patient assistance funds during treatment, and prevention programs to help spread the word.
1976 Hit by Steely Dan Ranked Among the 'Most Perfect Guitar Solos in Classic Rock History'
50 years after its debut on Steely Dan‘s fifth record, The Royal Scam, the band’s 1976 song, “Kid Charlemagne,” is still getting recognition for its iconic 50-second guitar solo.
Collider recently included the Steely Dan song, which secured the number 82 Billboard Hot 100 spot the year The Royal Scam was released, in the publication’s ranking of “The 10 Most Perfect Guitar Solos in Classic Rock History.” “Kid Charlemagne,” co-penned by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, took home the list’s number 8 spot. Other classic rock songs with memorable guitar solos that were included on the Collider ranking are Deep Purple‘s 1972 track, “Highway Star,” 1968’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin‘s “Stairway to Heaven” from 1971.
Larry Carlton Discussed ‘Re-Learning’ the ‘Kid Charlemagne’ Guitar Solo in a 2025 InterviewThe “Kid Charlemagne” guitar solo was famously performed by Larry Carlton, who wasn’t an official Steely Dan member, but rather collaborated and recorded with various musical artists. In a 2025 interview with Thinking About Guitar, Carlton shared that he never thought his contribution to “Kid Charlemagne” would have such a lasting impact.
“It’s such a blessing to have the world, to some degree, respond to something you play. You can’t plan it. And it’s humbling. It really is,” said Carlton, now 78, during the 2025 interview.
He also noted that he reunited on stage with Steely Dan for several shows in 2017. He said he prepared for the concerts by re-learning his “‘Kid Charlemagne’ solo note for note.”
He said that he “nailed the solo” for five nights in a row while the band performed at New York’s Beacon Theater. Carlton said, however, that he made some mistakes with the solo while playing in Los Angeles for the 2017 tour.
“We went to L.A. I didn’t nail the solo. It wasn’t right. I don’t know if I was a little nervous in L.A. or what happened. I wasn’t hearing right. And so the calendar section of the L.A. Times Sunday says, ‘Carlton Flubs Famous Solo.’ And it’s true. I didn’t nail it. I admit it,” said the guitarist with a laugh.
36 Years Ago, NBC Sitcom With a 91% Rotten Tomatoes Score Premiered and Ranked Among the Best ’90s Shows
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air premiered on NBC 36 years ago, on Sept. 10, 1990, and remains one of the decade’s most recognizable sitcoms.
Rotten Tomatoes even ranked the Will Smith-led comedy No. 7 on its list of The 100 Best ’90s TV Shows. It holds a healthy 91% Popcornmeter from fans.
As the show’s famous opening theme explained, Smith played a fictional version of himself who left West Philadelphia after getting into trouble and moved across the country to live with his wealthy aunt, uncle and cousins in Bel-Air. The move put Will under the same roof as the Banks family and set up six seasons of clashes, laughs and memorable family moments.
The comedy ran from 1990 to 1996 and helped launch Smith into Hollywood stardom, as fans connected with his sharp comedic timing, emotional depth, and the way he incorporated the authentic 1990s hip-hop culture into a mainstream television show. It also introduced some of the ’90s television’s most memorable characters, including Carlton, Hilary, Ashley, Geoffrey, Vivian and Uncle Phil, with whom he had a memorable dynamic with.
Will Smith as the Fresh Prince of Bel-AirAs fans know, Smith went on to build a major movie career while continuing to work as an actor and producer.
Alfonso Ribeiro traded his role as Will’s cousin, Carlton Banks, for a career that eventually took him into television hosting. He currently hosts America’s Funniest Home Videos and Dancing with the Stars, per IMDb.
Tatyana Ali stayed in front of the camera after years of playing Ashley Banks and has appeared in Hallmark holiday movies. Karyn Parsons took a different path after playing Hilary. She became a novelist and has produced animated films focused on history, per LADBible.
Joseph Marcell, who played the Banks family’s butler Geoffrey, continued working in theater and television after The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Born in Saint Lucia and raised in London, Marcell most recently appeared in the British TV series Mammoth.
Daphne Maxwell Reid, who played Vivian Banks, has explored several creative fields since leaving the sitcom. Her work includes photography, fashion design, and writing.
The cast has also kept James Avery’s memory close. Avery, who played Banks family patriarch Philip “Uncle Phil” Banks, passed away at age 68 in 2013 following complications from open-heart surgery.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air hasn’t disappeared from television culture, either. Peacock reimagined the sitcom as the drama Bel-Air, with a new cast taking on the familiar characters. Another project is in development around Hilary Banks, with Coco Jones attached to star and Smith involved as an executive producer.
Bring Quiet Luxury to Your Daily Jewelry Rotation With Delicate Under-$50 Gemstone Earrings
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Parade and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Parade.
It’s hard to top a stud earring when it comes to accessories. It’s the earring that you can wear with almost anything in your closet, and they’re so small that you can sleep in them. They’re multifunctional and an essential for every jewelry collection.
You don’t always have to wear a traditional colorless stud, though. You can opt for something with a little more flavor, like these gorgeous Pinctore Sterling Silver 6mm Round Gemstone Stud Earrings that we found on ShopHQ. They feature delicate, pigmented gemstones that easily elevate any look with a touch of quiet luxury, and they’re just $40. That’s a great price for earrings that originally cost between $50 and $115.
Pinctore Sterling Silver Gemstone Stud Earrings, $40 (were $50) at ShopHQOriginally retailing for between $50 and $115 depending on the color, they’re up to 65% off right now. The earrings are centered around a 6-millimeter round gemstone that sits on a sterling silver base. It’s plated in rhodium, which gives it a nice shine. The earrings are small, but not so small that it will be hard to see them in your ear. Think of them as a subtle splash of color.
Speaking of colors, the earrings are available in nine gemstone hues, ranging from bold red to purple to delicate light blue. Each one is a standout, with both neutral and vibrant options up for grabs to fit with any wardrobe. Some of the options even match up with monthly birthstones, like opal for October and yellow-orange citrine for November.
They originally came in 10 gemstone types, but the white topaz option is currently sold out. So, don’t wait to grab a pair if you’re eyeing it. They also weigh just 0.8 grams. They’re really lightweight, so you can easily wear them every day and even while sleeping. That’s a huge bonus if you hate fussy or clunky accessories.
Gemstone earrings will always be the accessory that adds just the right pop of color, and these stud earrings will be your new staple. Grab a pair for yourself or a loved one while they’re just $40.
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1970 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer From a Chicago Suburb, Became a Career-Defining Hit
Fifty-six years ago, rock band The Ides of March released “Vehicle,” a song that became a major breakthrough moment for them, even though their lead singer was only 19 years old.
Released in March 1970 as the lead single and title track from their debut album, “Vehicle” quickly garnered significant public traction. Not even a month after its arrival, the song entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart. By May 23, it peaked at No. 2, charting for a total of 12 weeks on the tally.
Alongside its astounding chart dominance, “Vehicle” also performed swimmingly in terms of commercial success. In November 1972, the song was awarded a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 1 million copies. At the time, the track famously made history as Warner Bros. Records’ fastest-selling single ever.
Jim Peterik is shown at his Burr Ridge, Illinois home Monday, June 28, 2010.Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Creating “Vehicle”“Vehicle” was recorded by lead singer and guitarist Jim Peterik when he was just 19 years old. Peterik— who was born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn, Illinois—formed The Ides of March with his high-school friends in 1964. Only six years later, he would secure his first major career-defining success.
Years down the line, Peterik—who would later go on to co-found rock band Survivor and score a No. 1 hit with “Eye of the Tiger”—reflected on the song’s “it factor.” He noted that he wasn’t exactly sure what made the song as special as it was perceived:
“I didn’t know what made it work,” Peterik admitted in an interview. “The horn riff was a call to arms that everyone remembers, but I was 19 years old then, and it took many, many years for me to define what was really special about that song.”
Written by Peterik, “Vehicle” was inspired by his ex-girlfriend, who used him for rides to modeling school when he was 18. The song expressed his frustration about the situation, ultimately asking his partner to appreciate him for more than just transportation.
Over five decades after its release, “Vehicle” remains a major defining hit in the rock genre. In the digital era, the song has persevered on streaming platforms, garnering over 34.7 million streams on Spotify alone.
Related: 1976 Folk Rock Song, Written by Bob Dylan, Became a Breakup Favorite
Aldi's New $10 Pie Bakers Add a Touch of Harvest Charm to Your Kitchen
If you’re patiently waiting to enjoy all the cozy aspects of fall, you’re not alone. As summer comes to a close and the world around us changes color, it’s easy to get caught up in the amber hues, crisp autumn air and warm and inviting scents of the season.
Fortunately, your local Aldi knows just how to kick the season off on the right foot with exciting new arrivals like the Crofton Pie or Brie Bakers. Hitting stores on Sept. 16 with four harvest-themed designs, this charming fall lineup is the perfect way to invite the whimsy of the season into your home while simultaneously upgrading your cookware collection in the process.
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Crofton Pie or Brie Bakers, Acorn, $9.99 at AldiAs part of the grocer’s upcoming Aldi Finds, the Crofton Pie or Brie Bakers couldn’t have been teased at a more appropriate time. With summer weather departing and cooler temperatures on the horizon, this four-piece lineup brings its own harvest-inspired look to the table, complete with rich brown and gold hues, vibrant reds and playful touches like blueberry- and pumpkin-shaped lid knobs.
At $10 a piece, you can expect to find acorn, apple, berry and pumpkin designs in stock, each made of durable ceramic and paired with a matching lid. Ideal for homemade pies and Brie, each one brings its own personality and table appeal, working just as well as a reliable vessel for baking your favorite desserts as it does as a display piece on a holiday tablescape.
Crofton Pie or Brie Bakers, Berry, $9.99 at AldiIn terms of size and specifications, Aldi has yet to provide details in each product’s description, though we can make a few educated guesses based on similar Crofton items sold in the past. Since their name doesn’t suggest they are miniature, it’s reasonable to expect them to measure roughly 8 to 9 inches in diameter with a depth of about 1.5 to 2.5 inches. That would give you enough room for a smaller standard pie that’s still suitable for sharing, or a standard wheel of Brie.
It’s also worth noting that since they appear to be made of ceramic, you can most likely rely on them to be microwave-, dishwasher- and oven-safe. That said, you’ll want to check the product packaging before checkout just to be safe.
Otherwise, get ready to have a hard time choosing which one to bring home. From realistic features like Acorn’s lifelike lid and Apple’s vibrant red hue to the golden lattice-inspired detailing and matching lids on both the Berry and Pumpkin options, there’s plenty of charm to go around no matter which one you choose.
Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled upon arrival on Wednesday, Sept. 16. With a fall refresh likely on everyone’s mind right now, you can bet these bakers will sell out fast. Take advantage of that $10 price tag and snag multiple at once, or secure one as a thoughtful holiday gift for a friend. While you’re at it, check out these 7 Aldi Pantry Staples that chefs actually keep in rotation at home.
Related: Costco’s $40 4-Piece Cast-Iron Set Packs Three Kitchen Staples Into One Nifty Design
1968 Hit Song by a Rams Legend Written by Bobby Womack Was Inspired by His Friendship With Bobby Kennedy
As the Los Angeles Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers today in Australia, it’s a perfect time to look back at one of the most unexpected chapters in Rams history. Rosey Grier was a star of the legendary Fearsome Foursome, but his talents extended far beyond the football field. In 1968, the NFL and Rams legend recorded a soulful song written by Bobby Womack that was inspired by Grier’s friendship with Robert F. Kennedy.
Before Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald put NFL teams on the defensive, the Fearsome Foursome, Rosey Grier, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Deacon Jones, formed one of the most dominant and feared defensive lines in NFL history. Grier played 11 seasons in the NFL, first with the New York Giants and then with the Rams, before an Achilles tendon injury ended his football career.
Rosey Grier’s Life Extended Far Beyond FootballGrier had already begun pursuing careers as an actor and singer while still playing football, but after his NFL career ended, his life took many remarkable turns. Grier became a close friend of Robert F. Kennedy and even worked as a bodyguard for Kennedy’s wife, Ethel Kennedy.
Grier was also present at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on the night Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 and helped subdue gunman Sirhan Sirhan. His friendship with Kennedy had a lasting impact on him, and Grier later spoke about how Kennedy changed his outlook on life.
Related: 1976 NFL Draft Pick Made History as the First Player Ever Chosen by the Seahawks
The 1968 Song Was a Tribute to Bobby KennedyDeeply affected by Kennedy’s assassination, Grier recorded “People Make the World” in 1968, a tender tribute to his fallen friend. Written by Bobby Womack, the song became Grier’s only charting single, reaching No. 128 on the pop chart.
The song gives an unexpected glimpse into the man behind the football legend. Grier wasn’t simply a massive defensive lineman who terrorized quarterbacks as part of the Fearsome Foursome. He was also a singer, actor, community advocate and friend who found another way to express what Kennedy’s life and death meant to him.
Rosey Grier’s Legacy Goes Beyond the NFL @outoftheblank#History #rfk #Lesson #Education #UntoldStory #history #blm
♬ original sound – out of the blankWhile many NFL stars are defined by sacks, touchdowns or passing yards, Rosey Grier’s legacy extends far beyond the football field. Long before sports stars and celebrities used social media to share their lives and express their views, Grier used a song to create a deeply personal memorial to an American icon and a friend.
That’s what makes “People Make the World” such a fascinating piece of NFL history. It connects one of the most intimidating defensive players of his era to Bobby Womack, soul music and one of the most consequential political figures of the 1960s.
A Different Side of an NFL Legend @tonytheburnerRosey Grier…The World’s most interesting man. This is an old video I wanted to share with a new audience. I enjoyed the story of Rosey. This video is for educational purposes as well as critical analysis. It was made using clips from different sources and was professionally edited. #roseygrier #losangelesrams #nflplayers #nflhighlights #fearsomefoursome
♬ original sound – Tony the Burner“People Make the World” was released during an era known for some of Motown’s biggest hits, but it was a 300-pound defensive lineman who stepped behind a microphone to record a song about friendship, loss and hope.
With the Rams taking the field today, Grier’s story is a reminder that the lives of NFL legends don’t end when they leave the gridiron. Sometimes, the most surprising part of their legacy is what they did next.
Related: 1979 NFL Star Captured Houston’s Super Bowl Dreams With an Unexpected Disco Song
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1977 Rock Classic, Written Above a Berlin Hardware Store, is Ranked One of the Greatest Albums Ever
Coming out of 1976, rock legend David Bowie was caught in the throes of a serious cocaine addiction, as well as a prolonged stint in the spotlight. He was still producing great work throughout this period, but it was coming at a cost. Bowie has recalled in the past about how his addiction to cocaine left him unable to remember recording “Station to Station.” In a move to try and kick his problem, Bowie packed everything up, moved into an apartment above a hardware store in Berlin, and started work on 1977’s “Low.”
The album would begin Bowie’s Berlin trilogy, which is consistently discussed as one of the greatest stretches in his career. Bowie was innovating on a level a lot of people weren’t ready for, especially with the second half of this record. The typical glam rock sounds of David Bowie are traded for a B-side that is atmospheric, dark, spacy, and mostly instrumental. While many didn’t appreciate it at first, the album went on to heavily influence the birth of the post-punk genre with bands like Joy Division. To this day it’s regarded as one of Bowie’s best projects, coming in at spot 206 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” list.
My favorite song from the A-side of the record is for sure “Sound and Vision.” It carries on a lot of the musical ideas of Bowie’s previous record while also having a sonic idea of its own. The addition of synths on this record is absolutely magical, and they add a really lovely texture to this song. It feels like autumn in the city.
The reason I really really love this record is the B-side however, which has some of the most innovative and exciting music from this era. My absolute favorite from the back half of the record is “Warszawa,” a dark yet beautiful experimental piece that swallows you up in these bottomless synths. The first time I heard it when I was a teenager was an experience I wish I could relive. It’s such a shocking piece of music to listen to after the first half of the record, as it was so radical for the time.
“Low” is one of the most important albums of the ’70s. Not only did it revitalize David Bowie, but it opened rock music up to the power of atmosphere, space, and experimentation.
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Ready to Delve Back Into the 'House of Night' Series? PC & Kristin Cast Discuss the Deluxe Editions of Their 12-Book Series [Exclusive]
Can you believe it’s almost been 20 years since the first House of Night book, Marked, was released? The first novel was released on May 1, 2007, and the entire universe has grown from there.
Not only do PC & Kristin Cast have a new novel coming up that delves back into the universe, Stolen, but they also have a series of deluxe editions of the 12-book vampire series we fell in love with. The first four of those books will be released together on Sept. 29, 2026, with each book getting a different color scheme — much like the original series — and every four focusing on a different animal.
On top of that, a movie is in the works. The House of Night series has been one that’s been optioned in the past, and then nothing came of it, but in an exclusive interview with Parade, PC confirmed that the first feature film is in the works: “I’m part of the team working on the script,” she told me, sharing that Marked and Betrayed will be put together.
The movie isn’t taking us back to the mid-2000s, though — although I wouldn’t complain if it did. “The characters are all the same, and we’ve even pulled dialogue from the books,” PC shared, but added, “The movie’s going to be set out of time.”
Once we got that confirmation out of the way, it was time to discuss the gorgeous deluxe editions. The original novels already had beautiful artwork on the spines, but the sprayed edges on the deluxe editions make it clear that this marks the 20th anniversary in style.
View this post on Instagram“They’re so pretty.” Kristin showed off the deluxe edition as PC shared that the entire deluxe collection of 12 books will fit together. There’s nothing worse than having a beautiful matching set to have one or two where the design changes!
“They have their own theme,” PC clarified. “The next four have ravens instead of cats on them, and have some other things with the moons. It’s been a long time coming, and we’re really happy that we’re getting these special editions.”
“It feels a little surreal,” Kristin added. “I was only 19 when we first started working on these, so now, to be an adult and to be able to better appreciate the monumental success and what this series means to us and to people, I feel like I’m having more of a first-time reaction than I did when it came out 20 years ago.”
Kristin had grown up with her mom being a published author at the time. She was used to going to book signings and being there with her grandparents, so she didn’t quite appreciate the huge success that the vampire boarding school series had become.
PC isn’t the only accomplished author, though. Kristin has her own books as well, and we chatted a little about how the two work together and separately on their own projects.
“I call her all the time in general, but also about book stuff,” Kristin beamed, but it’s not just Kristin who calls to run ideas about books. PC shared that it works the other way around, as Kristin is the outliner.
PC is definitely a pantser when it comes to allowing the characters to do what they want to, and it leads to “I don’t know how to get myself out of this problem.”
That’s where Kristin comes in, saying something like “If you would just simply do this, then this would work.” While PC is the writer of the stories, Kristin is a gifted editor, and their partnership is seamless.
Marked was originally sold as a three-book series in 2005 to St. Martin’s Press, and PC admits that it wasn’t for a lot of money. With some of the character arcs, PC knew what to do. She knew how Aphrodite would develop, and how there would be an uneasy relationship with the nerd herd. However, for much of the rest of the story, she didn’t have things planned out.
View this post on InstagramHowever, that trilogy soon turned into many more, and it was thanks to the immediate hit that the first book became — something PC couldn’t believe. She got the phone call from her publisher in the middle of the afternoon, which was very much not a thing at the time. That told her something was different about the book sales, and that’s when she was asked to add three more books to the series.
When Chosen, the third book in the House of Night series, debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times bestseller list, everyone was shocked. At that point, all bets were off, and PC remembered that she was told, “Write whatever you want to write.”
“Basically, I’m being told I can have as many books as I want,” PC shared. “It’s like dreamland for an author. That’s when I had to shift points of view, because the first four books are from Zoe’s point of view.”
So, if you found it odd that there was suddenly part of the story from the third-person POV because Zoe wasn’t in the room, that’s what happened. It also led to novellas being written to expand the universe, and the world isn’t done. The Casts have Stolen coming out on May 11, 2027, which we previously shared, along with the cover reveal.
The two authors are now heavily involved in working on the covers. That wasn’t the case for the original set of books, but the deluxe editions are “Phyllis’s babies,” according to Kristin. “She hand-picked the artist and had a very clear vision of what she wanted. I think that it’s always so satisfying and brings up a lot of joy when you get the image, and it’s what you saw in your head, and I think that’s what happened with these special editions. We’re really fortunate with this.”
It turns out that the deluxe covers did go through a lot of versions to get to the point that they are now with Kristin adding, “It was this months-long process that turned into something very beautiful.”
There is some hope that the novellas will also be packaged together as a deluxe edition, but there is much more to work on for now. There is plenty to look forward to when it comes to the 12 novels, with the first four being released on Sept. 29, 2026. If you order through Flirting with Fiction, you’ll get signed copies as well!
Mariska Hargitay Gushes Over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding: 'I Am Still Floating'
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding may have been the highlight of Mariska Hargitay‘s summer.
“I am still floating from that wedding,” she told Jimmy Kimmel in an interview on Wednesday when asked about the July Fourth weekend nuptials. “It was so spectacular and so intimate.”
The Law and Order: SVU icon went on to explain that she was “blown away” in regards to how close-knit the ceremony felt since there were so many people in attendance.
“When there’s a wedding with that many guests, you think, ‘Oh, okay, it’s going to be that,‘ and it just wasn’t,” she explained. “And I even say that the vows were my favorite part of the whole wedding. It was that magical.”
While Hargitay and Swift’s friendship may have started with the “Opalite” singer as a fan — since her cat’s name is Olivia Benson after the actress’ SVU character — as the years went on, the pair’s friendship continued to develop. Hargitay was featured in Swift’s music video for “Bad Blood” in 2015. That same year the Emmy-winning actress made an appearance during Swift’s 1989 tour stop in Philadelphia.
Related: Mariska Hargitay Wins 2 Emmys Ahead of Hosting Gig
Most recently, the two became courtside besties in matching shirts while watching the New York Knicks during the NBA Finals this past June.
When Kimmel asked Hargitay how they both ended up in the same shirt, she explained, “I was wearing a black T-shirt, and Taylor, being the prepared woman that she is, was like, ‘I got you,’ and basically handed it to me. I put it on, and that was the end of it.”
Hargitay, who will be hosting the Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, also discussed the upcoming award show.
“I went from utter shock of being asked [to host], and not understanding it, to now I’m just so excited,” she said.
Ahead of the award show, the actress herself won two Creative Arts Emmys this year for directing My Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay. The documentary follows the actress’s journey of discovery about her late mother Jayne Mansfield.
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B2K's Raz B Suffers Tragic Loss With Death of Infant Son Years After Public Mental Health Struggles
Sad news for B2K member Raz B. Just three months after his wife Mona Li welcomed their son Astro, the baby has tragically died. TMZ reports that the family released a statement on September 10 announcing the loss.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Astro Monte Thornton, beloved son of Mona and De’Mario ‘Raz B’ Thornton of the R&B supergroup B2K. The family asks for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. They truly appreciate your love and support,” a spokesperson told the outlet.
The cause of baby Astro’s death has not yet been revealed. Raz B has been open with fans about his fatherhood journey, highlighting special moments on social media this year. He announced the news of Astro’s arrival on May 18, writing on Instagram at the time, “Right now we’re at the hospital getting ready to welcome our newest addition, Astro … another baby boy to the Thornton family.”
The couple — who also share son Versai Carter Thornton — also shared a sweet post from Versai’s Instagram account sharing his excitement for his baby brother. “Best week ever … We welcomed my new baby brother Astro into the family, and it already feels amazing being a big brother,” the post reads in part.
The news is devastating and comes years after Raz B’s public mental health challenges. Having a family is something he’s been open with fans about wanting, which seemingly helps keep him centered.
For years, Raz B has spoken about childhood trauma, specifically experiencing sexual abuse, and the long-term impact of such. Through therapy, he revealed in an interview with The Breakfast Club that he has learned how to handle any emotional triggers and maintain healthier relationships. The singer and dancer also lived in China for seven years, where he says being in a different country allowed him the space and time to heal and reinvent himself amid B2K disbanding in the early 200s. He also credits his faith, citing a strong belief in God for keeping him steady.
Savannah Guthrie Mentions Her Mom on Today
Today is heading to Ireland and Savannah Guthrie has a special connection to the country.
During Thursday’s second hour of Today, Jenna Bush Hager announced that the morning show will film live from Ireland on Oct. 16. The trip was inspired by a conversation Guthrie had with Irish actor Pierce Brosnan in 2025, when the Today anchor shared how much she wanted to visit his home country.
Brosnan encouraged her to make the trip, telling her she could come “anytime.” More than a year later, that conversation has turned into a reality for the entire Today team. “You manifested it for all of us,” Bush Hager told Guthrie. “Your dreams and all of ours are coming true.”
The announcement carried a poignant moment when Guthrie made a rare and touching reference to her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, who has been missing since February 1 after disappearing from her Tucson, Arizona home. The FBI is investigating her disappearance as a kidnapping for ransom case. No arrests have been made and the search is now entering its seventh month with no major breakthroughs.
Despite the painful circumstances, Guthrie shared warmly that Nancy was Irish, as was her grandmother, and that her mother’s family hailed from Galway – making the Ireland trip deeply personal. “I’ve never been to Ireland,” she said, noting her family’s roots there.
View this post on InstagramAfter Today played a clip from her 2025 Brosnan conversation, Guthrie joked, “Was I flirting with Pierce or was I trying to go to Ireland?” (*I’d say both, and who can blame her?) – Brosnan sent in a video message for the occasion, offering “love and blessings” and blowing Guthrie a kiss before telling her, “You’re off to Ireland.”
The Oct. 16 broadcast will mark the first time Today has filmed live from Ireland and for Guthrie, a chance to connect with the country her family called home.
‘Will Trent’ Finds Its New Boss After Shocking Season 4 Death
It was a shocker last season when Will Trent killed off one of its original characters and a key player in Will’s (Ramón Rodríguez) life, Deputy Director Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn). It was Amanda who was like a surrogate mother to Will and it was she who turned his life around when he was headed on a bad path.
Will has more family now with the discovery of his Uncle Antonio Miranda (John Oritz) and his biological father Sheriff Caleb Roussard (Yul Vazquez), so in casting the new Deputy Director of the GBI, the hit ABC series chose to go in a different direction, still hiring a woman, but a younger woman when Alexandra Metz takes on the role of Birdie Palmer, TVLine reports. Birdie is described as “confident, ambitious, and razor-sharp, but deeply guarded by a life-altering event from her past.”
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Even as she takes on the new role, Metz will be doing double duty as she continues her role as trauma surgery fellow Yolanda Garcia on HBO’s hit series The Pitt.
Will Trent also stars Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, and Kevin Daniels as Franklin Wilks.
Also not returning is Angie’s husband, Dr. Seth McDale (Scott Foley), who also died at the end of Season 4, leaving her a widow with a new baby.
Even though it is currently filming, Will Trent will not return to the ABC schedule until midseason, most likely in January 2027. The premiere episode “Wouldn’t Want to Take My Work Home” is directed by Rodríguez, as he has done the past two seasons.
Next, ABC Fall 2026 Premiere Dates Have Arrived: See When Your Favorite Shows Return
