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“Cliche.” “Tragic.” “Embarrassing.” Those were just some of the descriptors critics used to pummel Rock Star when the Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Anistonmusic drama hit theaters in 2001. A massive box office failure, it faded into the background of forgotten early-2000s films. But more than two decades later, fans are reevaluating Rock Star as a nostalgic cult classic inspired by a wild true story — and home to what some now call one of the greatest movie bands ever.   

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At its core, Rock Star is a film about following your dreams no matter how big they may be. The dreamer in this case is Wahlberg’s Chris “Izzy” Cole, a tribute band singer and photocopier technician who gets the gig of a lifetime as the frontman of his favorite band, Steel Dragon. His dream of winning the sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll fantasy for him and his girlfriend/manager, Emily, played by Aniston, is finally a reality, as he goes from local gigs to arena rock stadium tours overnight. It’s a fairy tale every music fan has imagined happening to them, amiright?

Set in the mid-’80s during heavy metal’s golden age, the film was inspired by the true story of Tim “Ripper” Owens, one of the lead singers of Judas Priest. A superfan of the English rockers, he was hired when lead vocalist Rob Halford departed, and after drummer Scott Travis saw a video of Owens’ performances with his Judas Priest tribute band, British Steel.

Owens shared his story with The New York Times, and that article became the foundation for the 2001 film, with Warner Bros. producing, Stephen Herek directing, and John Stockwell adapting the screenplay. But despite the film’s real-life origins, the movie avoided directly naming Judas Priest as inspiration, keeping fans in the dark about its origins.

Released on September 7, 2001, the film was overshadowed by tragedy. Any momentum the film may have had on opening weekend was shattered by the9/11 attacks. To make matters worse, one of the film's biggest songs, “We All Die Young,” became impossible to promote on any airwave, screen or radio. So, yes, the movie tanked because it never had a shot.

Decades later, however, Rock Star has become exactly the kind of cult classic fans love to rediscover. It’s loud, messy, nostalgic, and impossible not to sing along to. The music actually rocks, with contributions from real musicians Zakk Wylde, Jason Bonham, Brian Vander Ark, and Jeff Pilson, who all have roles in the film. Steelheart singer Miljenko Matijevic, who provided Wahlberg’s vocals, is even a major fan of the film. 

“There were laughs, there were arguments, there was drinking, there was insanity,” he told Antihero Magazine in 2022 about his time in production for the movie. “And it all added up to an amazing experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Rock Star is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Related: 1971 Bittersweet Classic With Soulful Soundtrack Ranked Among Greatest Rock Movies

Stephen Colbert is one of the most respected and revered late-night television personalities in America, best known for hosting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The comedy legend is set to end his 11-year run on the CBS chat show on May 21, 2026, but not before sharing behind-the-scenes secrets, including the A-list actress he found most attractive during his late-night tenure.

During Wednesday’s episode of the Strike Force Five podcast, co-host Jimmy Kimmel asked Colbert, “Has there been a guest who was so attractive that you found it distracting?”

Ever the gentleman, Colbert, 62, admitted one A-list actress unexpectedly took him off his game.

Stephen Colbert Admits Michelle Williams Left Him Flustered @todayshow

In a historic moment in late night television, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and John Oliver joined Stephen Colbert ahead of his final “Late Show” broadcast on CBS. NBC News Entertainment Correspondent Chloe Melas reports for TODAY.

♬ original sound - TODAY Show

“I’ll tell you who I did not expect to be wildly attracted to,” Colbert responded. “Like, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I did not know what to do with my eyeballs when Michelle Williams was on for the first time.”

“She sat down across from me and I went, ‘F--k, what is wrong with my head?’” he continued. “I’d better not look directly at her for this entire interview.”

Colbert gushed about the Dawson's Creek star’s “vibe” and “face,” admitting he finds her “so beautiful.”

Stephen Colbert’s Interview Style Made Him a Late-Night Favorite @colbertlateshow

Michelle Williams knew that “Dying for Sex” was the project to come back for after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. #Colbert #Acting

♬ original sound - colbertlateshow

As the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert nears, the popular host has been treating fans to rare glimpses into the more personal side of his time hosting one of television’s most successful late-night talk shows.

Known for his witty political satire, Colbert is revered by A-list guests and viewers alike for his intellectually sharp and unexpectedly sincere interview style. While many late-night hosts rely heavily on pure comedy, Colbert blends satire, humor, and genuine curiosity about his guests, allowing interviews to shift naturally between playful banter and thoughtful discussion.

Colbert’s comments on the Strike Force Five podcast — which he co-hosts with late-night stars Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon,Seth Meyers, and John Oliver — exemplify the charming balance he has maintained throughout his 11-year tenure on CBS. At his core, Colbert possesses a kindness and earnestness, even when discussing a star like Michelle Williams, who left him unable to make eye contact.

Other Celebrity Guests Who Left Stephen Colbert Starstruck

As for other actresses who left the talk-show host tripping over his words, Colbert shared, “I used to have a Rachel Weisz problem.”

“When Rachel Weisz would be on, I would leave the building for fear I would say something stupid,” Colbert confessed.

Colbert also reflected on the intimate on-screen kiss he shared with Andrew Garfield during a January 2017 episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

“Andrew Garfield, he is so attractive,” Colbert laughed, to which Kimmel quipped, “And you kissed him!”

Despite continued speculation surrounding the cancellation of Colbert’s popular chat show, the late-night host continues to shape and influence pop culture, political satire, and entertainment commentary far beyond his nightly broadcasts.

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As the Social Security Administration (SSA) and legislators continue to sound the alarm about the future of Social Security, many retirement experts are advising people to start finding other ways to save for their retirement.

And plenty of people are taking that advice, which can sometimes lead to a little extra money in your pocket at the end of each month, as many try to avoid relying on Social Security to survive. As such, I spoke with several experts about what people should be doing with their Social Security payments when they arrive. And while a lot of their suggestions may sound like common sense, there were a few surprises when it came to their advice.

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Make Sure You Check Your Payment Amount

The very first thing Mark Zaguriski, Director, Strategy, and Communications at Mutual of Omaha Advisors at Mutual of Omaha says you should do involves confirming that you received the right amount of money.

"One of the first things retirees should do is verify that the payment amount is accurate, since your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings and the age at which you begin claiming benefits determines your monthly benefit amount," he says.

Related: The Secret To Boosting Your Social Security Check by 30 Percent

Transfer Your Social Security Payment Out of Your Checking Account

One of the next things Paul Gillooly, Financial Advisor at Dot Dot Loans, says you should do is move your Social Security deposit out of your checking account. "If the funds are not needed to cover expenses, the next prudent step is to transfer the funds to a savings or investment account," he says. "Allowing large amounts of funds to sit passively in a checking account providing no interest, or in an account that may be more easily spent, with no intent, should be avoided and considered a mistake."

Use the Money to Lower Your Investment Withdrawals

Just because you invested heavily in other accounts doesn't mean you need to prioritize those other retirement avenues when you are collecting Social Security. In fact, Jake Falcon, CRPC, Founder and CEO of Falcon Wealth Advisors, says you can use your Social Security to supplement your retirement instead of the other way around.

"One overlooked strategy is using Social Security income to preserve other investment accounts longer, especially during volatile markets," he says. "Sometimes the smartest move isn’t chasing returns—it’s improving portfolio longevity."

That means using your Social Security payment to reduce the amount you need from your monthly distributions, which Falcon says can create an opportunity for a different asset allocation or a slower drawdown.

Related: Why Your Social Security Benefits Might Be Taxed for the First Time Ever

Invest Your Money in a High-Yield Savings Account

Want to make your Social Security benefits work for you? Alex Quintana of Arca Savings says you can do that by moving your money to a high-yield savings account (HYSA). "HYSAs ensure your money is accessible and pay between 3.5 percent and 4.5 percent APY as of May 2026, which is far above what you’d earn at a big bank (which typically pays between 0.01 and 0.04 percent)," he says.

With a $24,000 annual Social Security deposit, Quintana says you can expect roughly $1,000 in interest per year.

While it's clear that there are a few different options for retirees looking to make their money last longer, what you ultimately decide will be a deeply personal decision, and one that's best reached by talking with a financial advisor before you make any big moves.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

LeAnn Rimes' ongoing illness continues to impact her highly anticipated tour.

The singer took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday and shared that due to doctors orders, she's rescheduling two more shows from her 30 Years of Blue tour. 

"After a follow up visit with my doctor, she has strongly advised me to take an additional week for vocal rest while I heal from this sickness," she wrote. "Sadly this means I can no longer perform this weekend in Washington and Wilmington. These shows are NOT canceled and I am so exited to see you at the rescheduled dates."

The specific pair of shows have been postponed to later this summer.

"I can't wait to be healthy and back on stage, making new memories with you!" she added. "I'll see you in August!

Related: ‘90s Country Icon Gives New Health Update After Postponing Shows Over ‘Severe Illness’: ‘It Breaks My Heart’

The tour, which was slated to kick off a few weeks ago, has been brought to a halt due to Rimes' sickness which she characterized as "a diagnosis of covid leading to severe laryngitis," in her initial announcement. “A visit to my doctor for a scope of my vocal cords has confirmed the news and I wanted to tell you as soon as I could."

“It breaks my heart, having to reschedule these shows,” she added at the time. “This is sadly out of my hands until I get this under control.”

Just last week, Rimes again postponed shows, sharing that she's “still working my way through voice rest, trying to get myself back to health as quickly as possible.” 

She has also been dealing with intense jaw issues. In a video posted at the end of March, she shared her painful therapy that she undergoes to release the pressure.

The postponed dates for her tour can be found on her official website.

The set of concert dates was slated to specifically celebrate 30 years of her first album, 'Blue,' which includes a song by the same name that won her her first Grammy. The album also includes other popular songs including "One Way Ticket (Because I Can)" and "The Light In Your Eyes."

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Summer Houseviewers watched as Kyle Cooke’s sparkling hard tea business, Loverboy, implode this season after a meteoric rise, leaving Kyle to reveal he was on the hook for millions. And in the best-worst twist of fate, the scandal involving his estranged wife, Amanda Batula and friend West Wilson may have been the impetus that took Loverboy off life support.

Kyle recently shared on the Trading Secrets podcast that Summer House fans essentially rescued his company—literally in the nick of time.

"I'm five years into a 10-year loan. We've only paid $1.3 million down. That means my balance that I'm personally guaranteeing is $2.9 million. It was actually misquoted on the show," Kyle shared.

Kyle said the notion of flooding more money into the business, not to pay down the SBA loan but instead to keep the lights on, was "frightening." Loverboy's biggest saving grace was that the company ran "lean and mean."

"As luck would have it, the episode where I talk about the financial stress of the business was the same exact day, you can't make this stuff up, that Amanda and West put out their joint statement," Kyle recounted. Rumors that Amanda and West were hooking up dogged the couple so they ultimately came clean and issued a statement that they were together.

"It was actually my birthday. I'm in that old guy [costume]. I was wearing my prosthetics. It was August 2nd, which is two days before my actual birthday," Kyle recalled of his shocking birthday episode. "And it just created this outpouring of support, and literally everybody that went on Loverboy dot com and bought something or bought a pre-sale item helped cash flow the business so I didn't have to put more of my money on the line."

He added, "And I mean, I'm not joking. The support from our fan base saved Loverboy."

Summer House is on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

Miller Lite's limited-edition summer 12-pack is sure to score big with soccer fans.

On Wednesday, just a little over one month until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off—not to mention the official start of barbecue season—the popular Molson Coors beer brand revealed it's launching the ultimate collectible-turned-centerpiece for those hosting watch parties this summer.

The Miller Lite MVP Matchball is the real deal, not some viral rumor, and its only goal is having fans kicking it in style (please don't actually kick it).

Miller Lite Drops Limited-Edition 12-Pack Centerpiece: Meet the MVP Matchball

Miller Lite's MVP Matchball is the American pilsner's first-ever soccer-ball-shaped 12-pack holder that can be reloaded with up to 12 cans of Miller Lite (or any of your other go-to brews, so long as it's in a can, as things could get a bit Messi should it be filled with glass bottles—yes, even the "stubby" bottles of Coors Banquet).

Related: Lay’s Is Dropping 3 Limited-Edition Flavors for the World Cup and Fans Can’t Wait

"This summer is a massive moment for soccer and beer fans alike," Courtney Benedict, vice president of marketing at Miller Lite Family of Brands, shared in a May 13 statement. "As America’s Original Light Beer, Miller Lite was made for moments like this. The Matchball is our way of celebrating and rewarding the fans who bring the traditions and unmatched energy to every watch party…and a soccer ball that fits a 12 pack? That's just fun!"

Miller Lite MVP Matchball, limited-edition 12-pack

Miller Lite

The commemorative new 12-pack is all show and not actually for rolling around, much like Jameson's regulation-size football whiskey flask, the MVP Matchball is much heavier once loaded. It's also about 1.5 times the size of a regulation soccer ball, so it's best kept full of beer and on the display stand that comes with it.

Miller Lite's MVP Matchball 12-pack can be purchased online for $19.75 (a nod to the year Miller Lite debuted) in a series of limited drops happening at 12 p.m. EST on Wednesday, May 20, and Wednesday, June 3, while supplies last.

Next: Popular Busch Light Beer Is Finally Coming Back This Month

SPOILER ALERT! The following includes events from Season 5, Episode 7 of The Boys. Don’t read further if you don’t want to be spoiled about all things “supe” and otherwise.

Last week's episode of The Boys becomes an all-out race for the elusive V1, with every major player closing in on the same target: Bombsight (Mason Dye). Butcher's (Karl Urban) plan to draw him out nearly works. With unexpected help from Sister Sage (Susan Heyward), who briefly aligns with Butcher to keep V1 out of Homelander’s (Antony Starr) hands, Bombsight arrives — and so does Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) — setting off a tense standoff that escalates into a brutal fight. But just as a deal begins to take shape, Homelander crashes the scene, having tracked Golden Geisha (Naoko Mori) himself. In a final, crushing twist, Soldier Boy hands over the V1, and Homelander injects himself, rendering everything Butcher and his team fought for undone in an instant.

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In Episode 7, “The Frenchman, the Female, and the Man Called Mother’s Milk,” the team hits a breaking point. After watching Homelander take the V1 in Episode 6, Hughie (Jack Quaid) and Annie (Erin Moriarty) are left reeling, unsure if there’s any path forward, while Sister Sage spirals — self-medicating with lobotomies, Taco Bell and episodes of Love Island. But Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara), Frenchie (Tomer Capone), Butcher and Mother’s Milk aren’t ready to give up. Desperate to level the playing field, they hatch a risky plan: use the same radiation treatment that created Soldier Boy to turn Kimiko into something even more powerful — a super supe capable of taking Homelander down.

Related: Why ‘The Boys’ Final Season Is Already Dominating Streaming Charts

As The Boys gamble on a dangerous experiment, Homelander tightens his grip. He assassinates the president, dissolves The Seven and leaves The Deep (Chace Crawford) adrift after alienating his last allies, the undersea community. Fully embracing his god complex, Homelander leans into his religious campaign with the help of Oh Father (Daveed Diggs), while also moving forward with plans for his Homeland theme park. When Soldier Boy pushes to escape to South America, Homelander responds by choking him out and placing him back into cryogenic storage.

Meanwhile, a plan to kidnap Oh Father and expose Homelander’s endgame goes sideways. Hughie (Jack Quaid) and Butcher are captured at Vought Studios by Synapse (Steven Yaffee), a powerful psychic, while MM and Annie remain hidden nearby. Though they manage to escape and meet up with Jordan Li (London Thor) and Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair), who tipped them off to the activity at the studio, not everyone is safe. The penultimate episode ends in heartbreaking fashion, as one of the Boys loses their own, setting up a high-stakes series finale.

Read on for our spoiler-filled recap of Season 5, Episode 7 of The Boys, including the latest character to die.

Related: Jack Quaid Reportedly Marries ‘The Boys’ Co-Star Claudia Doumit

Who died on The Boys this week?Frenchie

Season 5 of The Boys hasn’t been shy about its body count, with major characters like Firecracker (Valorie Curry) and A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) falling alongside side players such as Mister Marathon (Jared Padalecki) and Malchemical (Misha Collins), not to mention celebrity cameos including Will Forte, Craig Robinson, Kumail Nanjiani, Christopher Mintz-Plasse andSeth Rogen. But for all the carnage, the core of The Boys had largely remained intact — until Episode 7.

After Homelander tracks down their hideout, Frenchie scrambles to protect a weakened Kimiko and Sister Sage, only to find himself directly in Homelander’s path. Frenchie’s death lands with real weight. A character who’s experienced as many highs as lows over the course of the series, he’s given a sendoff that feels both earned and deeply personal. Dying in Kimiko’s arms is a fitting end for the man who loved her from the start. A quiet, emotional goodbye that underscores just how much he fought to be better.

A shocking (and "sharking") cameo

Episode 6 revealed that the catastrophic oil spill in the Bering Sea was no accident. It was Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell) retaliating against The Deep (Chace Crawford) for killing Adam Bourke (PJ Byrne), the director behind his secret Bee Gees–themed stage role. The Deep’s response? Kill Noir. Problem solved, at least on land. Underwater, not so much. The ocean’s creatures hold The Deep responsible, and that message comes through loud and clear when Xander the Shark delivers a blunt warning: Stay out of the water or else. If that voice — and those unmistakable F-bombs — sounded familiar, it’s because Xander is voiced by Samuel L. Jackson.

Related: ‘The Boys’ Creator Eric Kripke Explains That Shocking Premiere Death: ‘It Was Time’ (Exclusive)

Mother's Milk's origin story revealed

There’s been no shortage of fan theories about how Mother’s Milk, born Marvin Milk, got his nickname. In The Boys comics, the explanation is literal: He’s a supe who must consume his mother’s breast milk to survive. The TV series has long taken a different approach, with many assuming the name reflects his role as the team’s moral center. In Episode 7, the show finally provides its own origin.

While trying to keep Annie from losing hope, MM opens up about his childhood in the aftermath of Soldier Boy killing his grandfather. Struggling with grief and bullying, he once nursed an injured pigeon back to health, only to be mocked by neighborhood kids who called him “Mother’s Milk” for being soft. Instead of rejecting it, he embraced the name. Helping that bird, he explains, wasn’t weakness, it was strength. “Giving a s—t, in a world where nobody gives a sh—t, it ain’t soft,” MM tells Annie. “It’s hard as hell. And that's the real me. And that's the real you too."

The return of Kessler

While being held at Vought Studios, Butcher finds himself at the mercy of Synapse, who digs into his mind and starts peeling back the layers of what makes him tick. The psychic manifests as Joe Kessler — Butcher’s old military ally, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan — bringing a familiar face back into the fold in a much darker context. Through Kessler, viewers get a clearer picture of Butcher’s past, including a mission where he was the lone survivor and the choices that came with it.

The scene reframes Butcher’s entire arc. Rather than becoming hardened by his war against supes, it suggests that ruthlessness has always been part of who he is, long before Compound V, Homelander or any of it entered the picture.

Related: Jack Quaid Reportedly Marries 'The Boys' Co-Star Claudia Doumit

Biopics have been a staple in Hollywood since the dawn of cinema, and as the genre becomes increasingly saturated, the classics remain even more impressive.

In 2019, Consequence ranked the 50 best rock and roll films, curating a list of the greatest movies that incorporate the genre through both soundtrack and plot. Ranked among classics such as Robert Zemeckis' 1994 film Forrest Gump at No. 44 and Ken Russell's 1975 film Tommy at No. 41, Steve Rash secured the No. 43 spot with his biopic The Buddy Holly Story.

Released in the U.S. on May 18, 1978, The Buddy Holly Story was an immediate success. Praised by both critics and fans alike, the film flourished at the box office, grossing over $14.3 million against a budget of approximately $1.2–$2 million. The movie featured several up-and-coming talents, including Gary Busey, Don Stroud and Charles Martin Smith—performances that helped further establish their respective careers.

Gary Busey, Leon Russell and Jeff Bridges attend a screening of 'The Buddy Holly Story' in Los Angeles, California, on June 15, 1978.

Alan Berliner/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images

Due to its undeniable critical recognition, The Buddy Holly Story was lauded during the 1979 and 1980 awards seasons. The film earned three Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Adaptation Score, as well as Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations. Busey, who starred as Buddy Holly, was especially praised for his riveting portrayal of the '50s rock and roll star, with many of the film's accolades stemming from his acting prowess.

The film's plot follows a similar formula to most traditional biographical pictures. The Buddy Holly Story acted as a chronological retelling of his rise to fame, his career peak and his untimely death. Overlaid on the film is a stunning soundtrack that features Holly's most beloved hits, including "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy!," "Everyday" and "Rave On."

Most notably, the film utilized Holly's 1957 No. 1 hit, "That'll Be the Day," which topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.K. Singles Chart. The song ultimately became the standout track of the film, refocusing attention on the '50s star and reviving Holly's preeminent hits for a newer generation.

Today, The Buddy Holly Story is still recognized in cinema as an enduring work in the biopic genre. Its ability to bridge the gap between generations through heartfelt performances and a timeless soundtrack has solidified its legacy as a definitive musical biography.

Related: 1975 Classic Film With Best Original Song Ranked Among ‘Greatest Rock and Roll Movies’ of All Time

Retirees who rely on Social Security payments usually eagerly await their monthly payments. And while there's a certain rhythm to when the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends benefit payments, the schedule doesn't always look the same from month to month.

That means many folks won't be getting their Social Security deposits today. Were you already aware that your money wouldn't be deposited into your bank account today? If not, keep reading to learn more about why you're not getting your Social Security payment today, and when you can expect to see it instead.

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Your Social Security Check May Not Arrive Today

Only those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month can expect to receive their payment today. That's because the SSA has staggered its payment rollouts over several weeks of the month, with payments being sent out each Wednesday for the latter part of the month.

However, some Social Security recipients may have already received their payments prior to today. That's true of anyone receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as a standalone payment, those receiving both SSI and Social Security, and those who began collecting benefits prior to May 1997.

Related: The Secret To Boosting Your Social Security Check by 30 Percent

When Will Your Social Security Payment Arrive

If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you may still be waiting for your payments. According to the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments for 2026, payments will be sent out according to the following order:

• Those born between the 11th and 20th will receive payments on May 20
• Those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their payments on May 27

Related: Why Your Social Security Benefits Might Be Taxed for the First Time Ever

What If My Social Security Payment Is Late?

Of course, there's always a chance that your Social Security payment doesn't arrive on those days, even if it's supposed to. According to the SSA, if your payment due date has passed and you have not received your payment, contact your bank or financial institution before contacting the SSA.

That's because sometimes wire transfers can get held up by your bank, and it will be up to the financial institution to disburse those funds to your account. Of course, if your bank is unable to help you or says it never received the money, you can always reach out to the SSA for assistance. Just beware that you may experience delays, especially around payment dates, as the SSA lost thousands of employees in 2025 and is operating at reduced capacity as it attempts to address staffing issues.

Additionally, some SSA offices are closed for in-person visits right now, and are only taking meetings virtually. You can find out which offices are closed and which are open by visiting the SSA's Office Closings and Emergencies page, which provides state-by-state information on office availability, showing which locations are open for business as usual and which are experiencing delays or closures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

It's gonna be May! An impromptu concert on Broadway featured none other than NSYNC's Joey Fatone and Lance Bass.

As reported byPEOPLE, the boy band icons reunited onstage during an &Juliet post-show sing-along to perform the group's hit track, "It's Gonna Be Me." The surprise reunion was even more special because Bass, who had been attending Broadway'sTitanique, managed to arrive just in time. He admitted, "I almost got hit by six taxicabs, but I made it by the last note!"

Joey and Lance's performance playfully referenced the "It's Gonna Be May" meme, which trends on social media every year on May 1st. The meme originated from the way Justin Timberlake pronounces the word "me" in the song. Both have an established Broadway presence: Fatone made his debut in Rent, starred in Little Shop of Horrors, and briefly played Lance DuBois in &Juliet in 2025. Bass debuted as Corny Collins in Hairspray in 2007 and is currently co-producing Titanique with fellow NSYNC member JC Chasez.

Recently, NSYNC fans have enjoyed an abundance of on- and off-screen appearances from the beloved group members. Fatone's docuseries, Boy Band Confidential, which debuted this April on the Investigation Discovery channel, offers an exclusive look at the pitfalls of boy band fame through interviews with Fatone, Bass, and members of other iconic groups from the 1990s and 2000s. Fatone also performed at this year's NBA All-Star Weekend in February.

(L-R) Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC; Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for MTV

Additionally, Chasez appeared at Rewind Washington in March, marking his first-ever convention appearance. Chris Kirkpatrick is currently performing alongside O-Town, BBMAK, LFO, and Ryan Cabrera on the Pop 2000 Tour. Meanwhile, Timberlake has made headlines recently following his 2024 DWI arrest and rumored marital issues with his wife, Jessica Biel.

NSYNC fans can look forward to seeing more of Joey Fatone and Lance Bass as co-hosts of their upcoming mixology competition series,Cocktail Wars, airing on E! this summer.

Romantasy fans, rejoice! Fourth Wing is coming to TV.

The hit book series by Rebecca Yarros has officially been greenlit for Amazon Prime Video, and we have Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan as one of the people to thank for that, as he's signed on to be one of the executive producers of the project.

The TV show first went into development in October 2023, but didn't get an official greenlight until May 2026 after switching showrunners (more on that in a minute).

The series follows Violet Sorrengail, who thought she'd live a quiet life as a scribe until her mother, a general, enrolled her in Basgiath War College, where Violet has to learn to ride dragons in order to survive. (We don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling anything for you!)

Yarros told Variety that the series will likely be loyal to the source material, though she's still writing more installments of the books.

"All I can say is that when I met with them in L.A., they did ask if I wanted to come sit in the writers room, and I would never get in somebody’s way," she said. "But I just want to be like, 'Hey, that plot point might mess with a point in Book Four, just a heads-up, just in case you want to do that!'"

Yarros' Empyrean book series began with Fourth Wing in May 2023. Iron Flame debuted in November 2023, followed by Onyx Storm in January 2025. A fourth and fifth book are in the works, and she promises that the Amazon adaptation won't run into the timeline issues that Game of Thrones did with George R.R. Martin's book series, which still isn't done.

" I can promise, unless something happens to me, we’re not going to have that situation. We do have a publication schedule, it is just not public yet," Yarros assured Variety. "I’ve already said publicly that I’m slowing down slightly, enough that I can put out books and still be healthy. I think I wrote like 851,000 words in 15 to 18 months—I was just wiped out. I want to be able to deliver the best books possible, so I need to sleep a little. I’ll be writing, I just need to write and sleep, not just write. We’re slowing down a tiny bit, not every six months."

Here's what we know so far about the Fourth Wing TV show—be sure to check back for updates!

"Fourth Wing," "Iron Flame" and "Onyx Storm" books by Rebecca Yarros

Entangled Publishing

Is Amazon making Fourth Wing into a show?

Indeed!

The details are scant so far, but here's what we do know: Meredith Averill, producer of Netflix hit series The Haunting of Hill House and Locke & Key) will serve as the Fourth Wing showrunner and executive producer, and she'll have some serious talent helping her along the way.

Fallout executive producer Lisa Joy is slated to direct the Fourth Wing pilot, as well as to serve as an executive producer alongside Jonathan Nolan, Athena Wickham, Michael B. Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Liz Pelletier and Sherryl Clark.

Related: Fourth Wing Author Rebecca Yarros Shares Update Fans Have Been Waiting For

When is the Fourth Wing TV show release date?

No release date has been announced just yet for the Fourth Wing TV series, but watch this space for updates!

"Fourth Wing" books by Rebecca Yarros

Photo by Geography Photos on Getty Images

Who is in the Fourth Wing TV show cast?

No casting announcements have been made just yet for the Fourth Wing TV show. Yarros told Variety of casting for the show, "I honestly don’t have an opinion on it. I’ve never done this before, so I don’t have an opinion on if they should be established or if they shouldn’t, or what attention that brings, because I’m out of my depth of knowledge here. I’m going to trust that they bring in the right people when they start casting. And then I’m gonna hope that they fit who’s described in the book, and I think we’ll know when we know. But I honestly don’t have a preference, just whoever can fit the character."

Related: Fans of Fourth Wing Are Already Buzzing About Rebecca Yarros’ New Romance Peculiar Stars

Who is going to play Violet Sorrengail?

No casting announcements have been made regarding the series, nor for Violet Sorrengail specifically. That said, some fan fantasy casting is already underway.

Dove Cameron Dove Cameron

Photo by JC Olivera on Getty Images

While some fans clamor for Dove Cameron (best known for Schmigadoon!, Descendants, Shameless and Liv & Maddie) for the lead role.

Related: Disney Drops First Look at Descendants: Wicked Wonderland — See the Teaser and Full Cast

Mackenzie Foy Mackenzie Foy

Photo by Steve Granitz on Getty Images

Others have speculated that Mackenzie Foy, best known for her work in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 and Interstellar, among others, may be in the running for the starring role of Violet.

Australian unknown Callie Brutnell was also speculated to possibly be in the running, but that was based solely on her partner sharing an Instagram photo of her in costume as Violet.

Related: Ryan Gosling’s Latest Film Compared to Massive Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’

Who is rumored to play Xade Riorson?

No casting news has been announced yet for Xade Riorson, the tall, dark and handsome Duke of Tyrrendor and Violet Sorrengail's love interest in the books, but Yarros did say she has sway with his casting and that it would be loyal to the source material.

"We’re just going to say he's POC; we’re just going to leave it at that," she told Variety, adding, "I didn’t rise to the bait of a lot of those [fan casting] posts, which I think probably got me some flack, but I knew we were already in development for TV, and I want to make sure that role is open to as much diversity as possible. So I was never going to give the readers my vision because I know that once you give the readers your vision, that’s what they’re gonna stick to. And I wanted to make sure we left it open to as much diversity as possible."

That said, once again, some stars are really putting themselves out there to get attention and consideration for the role.

Josh Heuston Josh Heuston

Photo by Theo Wargo on Getty Images

Aussie actor Josh Heuston, who appeared in Thor: Love and Thunder and stars as Dusty Reid in Netflix's Heartbreak High and as Constantine Corrino in Dune: Prophecy, has made it clear he's into the series. Heuston frequently engages in social media discourse about the Fourth Wing book series, telling CinemaBlend that he's seen the #BookTok casting ideas pointing towards him for the male lead.

"I'm on social media, so I've seen some stuff," he said. "But yeah, I think if the story's there and I resonate with it, then I'm open to doing things in general."

He echoed the sentiments in an interview with PEOPLE, and considering it was at an Amazon Upfronts event, that may bode well for him.

"I've definitely seen some things. These books are amazing, and I love fantasy and everything involved in that genre," he said. "So who knows?"

When asked directly if he'd be down for a role in the show, he replied slyly, "We'll see what happens ... I don't know what you want from me here! Well, I do know what you want."

Related: That Complicated Dune: Prophecy Premiere, Explained in Simple Terms

Emilio Sakraya Emilio Sakraya

Photo by Michael Loccisano on Getty Images

Warrior Nun star Emilio Sakraya has been hinting that he either is or wants to be involved in the Fourth Wing series, and fans have him as one of their picks for Xade Riorson. That said, most of his hints have been quite subtle, if that's even what they were, ranging from social media likes to simply using a dragonemoji with a selfie from a workout.

Is the Fourth Wing TV series confirmed?

It sure is! Amazon officially announced that the series was greenlit on May 11, 2026.

Is Fourth Wing a series on Amazon?

It will be! The streaming giant announced on May 11, 2026 that the book series would be a series on Prime Video.

Related: Amazon Announces Romance TV Series Based on Hit Books

Who would star in a Fourth Wing series?

No official casting announcements have been made for Fourth Wing, but watch this space! That said, there have been some fan castings for other characters besides Violet and Xade.

Nepo baby Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, Hunger Games and Five Nights at Freddy's star Josh Hutcherson, Stranger Things alum Dacre Montgomery, Charlie Rowe, Freddie Thorp and Brenton Thwaites have all appeared in fantasy castings for Dain, Violet's childhood platonic best friend. Charlie's Angels star Ella Balinska, You and Mortal Kombat 2 star Tati Gabrielle and Hunger Games and Star Wars: The Acolyte star Amandla Stenberg have all been floated as potential stars for Rhiannon, Violet's BFF at Basgiath War College.

Related: 21 Books Like 'Fourth Wing,' According to Librarians

Legendary actor Jon Voight stepped out amid rumors that he's hoping to make peace with his daughter, fellow Oscar winner Angelina Jolie.

The Oscar-winning actor, 87, known for memorable roles in films including Coming Home, Midnight Cowboy, and Deliverance, hit the red carpet to attend the 2026 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival's Opening Night Gala at Saban Theatre on Sunday in Beverly Hills, California. Looking dapper in a gray sport coat and pants, the screen titan worked the red carpet like he's done it a million times below. (And he probably has!)

Photo by Paul Archuleta on Getty Images

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Angelina Jolie is Planning on Leaving the United States

While times have been tough over the years between Voight and his daughter, word on the street is that the actor is hoping to make peace with her before she leaves the United States for good.

Back in 2024, Jolie shared with The Hollywood Reporter that when her kids are of age, she intends to high-tail it out of the United States and start a new life abroad. Her twins with her ex Brad Pitt, Knox and Vivienne, will turn 18 in July 2026, which will allow her to spread her wings wherever she chooses.

"I am here because I have to be here from a divorce, but as soon as they’re 18, I’ll be able to leave. When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety. I have a house now to raise my children, but sometimes this place can be … that humanity that I found across the world is not what I grew up with here. [After Los Angeles,] I’ll spend a lot of time in Cambodia. I’ll spend time visiting my family members wherever they may be in the world," Jolie shared.

Her home is already on the market for just under $30 million.

Voight's Granddaughter, Zahara, Raved About Her Mom

Zahara took the stage at a mother-daughter brunch for the Pearls of Purpose Foundation on Sunday, April 26, in Atlanta, where she was featured as the special guest. In her speech, the college student opened up about her relationship with her mother, as Jolie stood beside her.

“When asked to speak with you all today on the value of mother-daughter relationships, it felt challenging to find the words,” Zahara began, according to a video on Instagram. “Not challenging because I don’t value it, but because my mom and I have a unique, almost kindred, relationship that can be hard to put into words.”

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Related: Legendary Actor Jon Voight, 86, Posts Video Begging President Trump To ‘Terminate’ Mamdani’s Mayoral Win

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As warmer weather starts to roll in, a comfortable lounge set can easily become one of the most reached-for pieces in your wardrobe. These coordinated outfits are easy to slip on and create an instant outfit without much effort. Whether you’re relaxing at home, logging on for a work-from-home day, or stepping out for a quick coffee run, a matching set helps you look intentional while still feeling comfortable.

While some lounge sets can easily cost over $100, there are still budget-friendly options that look just as stylish. One standout deal right now is the Sunbs Two-Piece Waffle Knit Lounge Set. It’s currently on sale for at Walmart, bringing the price down from $50 to as low as $22. Prices vary slightly by color, but most are under $30, so there are plenty of opportunities to save big on this popular lounging duo.

Sunbs Two-Piece Waffle Knit Lounge Set, From $22 (was $50) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The set is available in sizes small through 2XL and is made from a breathable blend of 96% polyester and 4% spandex. The fabric is designed to feel lightweight and skin-friendly, which makes it comfortable for long days at home or casual outings. It’s also machine-washable, so you won’t have to worry about complicated care instructions. You can choose from four easy-to-style colors: black, brown, khaki, and navy blue.

Design-wise, the waffle-knit texture adds a relaxed but elevated feel. The top features a slightly oversized, boxy silhouette with capped sleeves and extended shoulders, creating a flattering structure without feeling restrictive. The bottoms are high-waisted shorts with an elastic waistband and an adjustable drawstring, so you can customize the fit while staying comfortable.

Related:  Walmart’s 'Dainty' $28 Initial Ring Is a Personalized Gift for Graduation and Beyond

The versatility of this set makes it a practical choice for everyday life. It’s comfortable enough for chores, relaxing at home, or working remotely, yet stylish enough for quick errands or a casual lunch with friends. Many people also choose sets like this for travel days because they’re soft and flexible while still looking polished at the airport. Another benefit is how easy it is to style — you can wear the pieces together for a coordinated look or mix them with other items in your wardrobe to create different outfits.

Shoppers seem to love it as well. One reviewer described the matching set as “light and comfortable,” noting that it’s “great for summer.” Another shared that it’s “cute enough for brunch and sturdy enough for hiking,” highlighting its “strong material and functional pockets.”

Shop More Deals

• Mintreus Short-Sleeve Lounge Set, From $18 (was $31) at Walmart
• Fantaslook 2-Piece Lounge Set, From $19 (was $35) at Walmart
• Dokotoo Short-Sleeve Lounge Set, $27 at Walmart

If you want to get your warm-weather wardrobe ready early, the Sunbs Two-Piece Waffle Knit Lounge Set is an easy pick. It’s comfortable, versatile, and stylish enough to wear well beyond the couch. With Walmart’s current discount, you can snag it for as low as $22 and save $28 on a set you’ll likely reach for all season long.

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

There are often some absurd reasons for books to be banned and challenged. While the themes of the overall book come up with the likes of The Handmaid’s Tale and Nineteen Eighty-Four, there are some books banned purely because of one scene.

In the case of this 1986 ban, it was a scene that was completely misinterpreted. It brings up the question of whether books should be banned or not.

‘James and the Giant Peach’ Was Banned in 1986

Roald Dahl fans are no stranger to finding out that his novels were banned from time to time. When it comes to absurd reasons, James and the Giant Peach takes the cake! A Wisconsin town decided to ban the book in 1986, and it was because of a scene that wasn’t even physically possible.

Religious groups in this town decided that a spider licking her lips could be taken in a sexual nature. It didn’t matter that spiders don’t even have tongues, so it couldn’t even be done! It led to a ban.

It wasn’t the only ban to happen that year — just the most absurd — with another ban happening in Tennessee. This ws due to families objecting that the children’s book be included in classrooms, as it wasn’t considered suitable reading material. It had nothing to do with the spider, but everything to do with the rebellion against parents.

‘James and the Giant Peach’ Was Rewritten in 2023

It wasn’t just a decades-old ban that put James and the Giant Peach on the map. In 2023, Puffin Books, a division of Penguin Random House, chose to rewrite some of Dahl’s books. This was done posthumously, and it was against everything that he stood for while he was alive.

The writing was to “make the novels accessible” to everyone, removing certain language. It came with criticism from many, including Queen Camilla, Salman Rushdie, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Even PEN America was completely against the decision.

Phrases like “his face white with horror” and “lovely pink skin” were changed to remove the use of color. The Sponge was no longer referred to as fat, and “Cloud-Men” was changed to “Cloud-People.” Due to the backlash, the original version of Dahl’s works was also rereleased, although the revised versions have not been retracted.

Sharon Stone just suffered a devastating loss—the death of her brother, Michael Stone—and fans showered her with prayers.

On Wednesday, May 13, the Basic Instinct and Casino actress, 68, took to Instagram to announce the sad news.

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"Mike Stone, my oldest brother, has passed away following an extended illness," Stone revealed. "We wish him peace." The actress concluded the death announcement by signing her name, along with her three sons, Roan, Laird, and Quinn."

Stone's younger brother, Patrick, died at 57 in 2023. She also has a sister, Kelly.

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Related: Couple Featured in Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Found Dead in Tragic Incident

Stone's fans showered her with condolences and prayers in the comments of her post, which featured a photo of Michael. Will & Grace star Debra Messing wrote, "So so sorry S💔."

Another Instagram user shared, "Sharon, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers ❤️."

Someone else echoed, "So sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you and your family 🙏❤️."

A different follower commented, "I’m so sorry Sharon. ❤️I hope you’re surrounded by love, support and as much peace as possible during this hard transition. ❤️."

Meanwhile, yet another fan wrote, "Sending you love. My deepest condolences to your family."

In 1995, Michael appeared in Stone's film The Quick and the Dead as a counselor. He also appeared in the '90s moviesEraser and Malevolence. Additionally, Michael starred in three episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful in 2000, and more recently had an acting credit in the 2021 short film Renaissance Man.

Next: Storage Wars Star Brandi Passante Breaks Silence on Darrell Sheets’ Death With Emotional Tribute

The beautiful thing about Costco is you never know what you're going to find. From grocery staples and cleaning supplies to electronics, home decor, outdoor essentials, apparel and more, you'd be hard-pressed not to leave without finding something useful after any visit.

With spring officially here and a seasonal refresh on everybody's mind, Costco is delivering a home and kitchen upgrade that shoppers are already racing to grab. Retailing for just $129.99, the Vision Home Acacia Wood Butcher Block Countertop brings a warm, rustic vibe to any room, perfect for replacing an old and outdated kitchen counter or repurposing as a stunning home office desk. Available only in stores, it's easy to see why this must-have upgrade is already such a hit.

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Vision Home Acacia Wood Butcher Block Countertop, $129.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

"POV: your Pinterest dream home just got easier," @costcochika captioned their post. "These gorgeous unfinished acacia butcher table tops are now at Costco and they're perfect for kitchen islands, custom desks, laundry rooms, coffee bars and so much more. The smooth wood finish is STUNNING."

Ready to make a difference in your home, the Vision Home Acacia Solid Wood Butcher Block Countertop brings natural beauty and unrivaled durability to any room. Measuring 74 inches long, 25 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick, this acacia hardwood surface features a finger-jointed construction for added strength and stability, with rich brown undertones, soft blonde hues and a unique grain pattern. It also weighs roughly 65 pounds, giving it a hefty construction that can last a lifetime.

With each grain pattern slightly different from the rest, you get the pleasure of taking home a butcher block that feels unique in its own right. Even better, this piece is sold unfinished, so you can customize it to look exactly how you want. It can be stained, oiled or sealed to match your personal style, making it blend seamlessly in kitchens, laundry rooms, home offices, creative workspaces and beyond.

Related: Costco Just Dropped the Final Boss of Ninja Products: 'This Masterpiece Does Everything'

Benefits of a Butcher Block Countertop

Butcher blocks are more than just a pretty wooden work surface. They're durable, versatile and extremely easy to work with. Along with adding a rustic touch to your home, butcher block countertops come with a long list of benefits:

• Warm, natural look that adds character to any room
• Durable solid wood surface that holds up to daily use
• Can be sanded and refinished over time to remove scratches and wear
• Naturally repairable and easy to maintain with regular mineral oil treatment
• Ages incredibly well and only looks better with time
• Easy to cut and customize to fit unique spaces or layouts
• More affordable than stone, marble and granite
• Adds a rustic, high-end aesthetic without being overly formal

What Fans Are Saying

"Wow that is so cool," one fan responded to  @costcochika's post. "Perfect for a desk," another added.

"What a cool find," a third fan chimed in, adding, "The wood is so pretty!"

"I would love these," another fan said. "I'm already thinking where I could use this, maybe my laundry room?"

FSC-certified, moisture-resistant and available with a straight-edge design that provides a clean, modern profile for a refined, contemporary look, this must-have Costco butcher block countertop is a solid home investment. If you happen to snag one for yourself, make sure to apply your preferred finish before use. From there, you can clean it with mild soap and water as needed, but you'll also want to refinish it periodically for lasting protection. 

And if you really like what you see, don't miss out on Costco's adorable avocado lounge chair and ultra-cozy summer-ready pool float.

Related: Aldi's Popular $15 Kitchen Essential Is Made for Summer Cookouts

Horror movies tend to have their character archetypes: the jock, the stoner, the bookworm, etc.

A pair filmmakers once took these conventions and flipped the whole notion on its head. What if these clichéd personas are needed to quite literally save the world from destruction? If you've seen the movie, you're aware of the miraculous and often underrated end result that's nearing 15 years since its premiere.

Simply titled The Cabin in the Woods, the genre-blending hit features big names such as Sigourney Weaver and has an impressive 92% average critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on nearly 300 reviews. Here's the official synopsis offered:

"When five college friends (Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams) arrive at a remote forest cabin for a little vacation, little do they expect the horrors that await them. One by one, the youths fall victim to backwoods zombies, but there is another factor at play. Two scientists (Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford) are manipulating the ghoulish goings-on, but even as the body count rises, there is yet more at work than meets the eye."

And if you've ever been impressed by how quickly you finished writing a lengthy assignment, essay, article etc., think about completing a feature-length screenplay in just three days. Joss Whedon once opened up about his memorable Cabin in the Woods writing process with co-scribe and director Drew Goddard.

"Drew and I got a bungalow in a hotel in Santa Monica. He had the upstairs, I had the downstairs," Whedon, 61, told Den of Geek in 2012. "We already had ten pages and our outline, and we'd already broken it into three acts. Then we'd wake up in the morning, we'd take an act, go through it very specifically, divvy it up, and we both had to do a minimum of 15 pages a day in order to create a screenplay. And we did not talk about anything else."

The original King Kong has been ranked the greatest film from the monster movie franchise, 93 years after it was released.

In a list of 10 King Kong movies compiled by Rotten Tomatoes, the 1933 original ranked above nine other remakes and sequels, including King Kong Escapes (1968), King Kong Lives (1986), King Kong Skull Island (2017), and Godzilla vs. Kong (2107), as well as Dino De Laurentiis’ star-studded 1976 remake of the classic monster film and more.

Rotten Tomatoes' critics consensus noted, “King Kong explores the soul of a monster -- making audiences scream and cry throughout the film -- in large part due to Kong's breakthrough special effects.”

Collider posted a similar list that also ranked the 1933 film as the best of the bunch. “You can't beat the original King Kong,” the outlet noted, adding that it was “one of the most technically groundbreaking films of its era.”

“It's mind-blowing what the filmmakers were able to accomplish here, in 1933, and watching the film makes it easy to understand why the title character's now legendary,” the Collider review added. “1933's King Kong is one of  the best movies of the 1930s, and remains the best of its series.”

An unexpected leading man

The original King Kong starred Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot as it told the story of an enormous ape who fell in love with a beautiful young actress (Wray) who was offered to him as a sacrifice. The film was a massive hit and reportedly saved RKO Radio Pictures from bankruptcy, per NPR.

In a 1969 interview with The New York Times, Wray recalled that producer Merian C. Cooper jokingly promised her, “You will have the tallest, darkest leading man in Hollywood.”

When she first saw sketches of the monstrous lead, the actress admitted her heart sank. “This absolutely enormous gorilla was staring at me. ‘We’re going to make him look about 50 feet high. All in animation,’” she was told.

Wray said she was initially reluctant to make the horror film. “Cooper’s having called the Kong story a kind of Beauty and the Beast concept in no way made the thought of the ape more appealing!” she shared. “Although the entire country was in an economic depression and I was eager to make a movie, I wondered how I could bring myself to face such an animal. Gradually, my enthusiasm for the strangely wonderful humor, imagination, and talent of the Cooper-Schoedsack team overcame the original shock."

The actress expressed gratitude for being part  of “one of the great successes of motion pictures.”

RELATED: 1970 Hit Film, Nominated for Rare Academy Award, Ranked Among Best Movies of All Time

Critics questioned the 1976 ‘King Kong’ remake

Fifty years ago, one of the biggest King Kong remakes came courtesy of Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis.

The 1976 $25-million remake starred Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and Jessica Lange. It was described by The New York Times as “a dazzling display” of special effects, but it was noted, “The nicest thing about the 1933 King Kong, made by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, was that it was no big deal. One could marvel at the wizardly special effects created by Willis O'Brien and not be overwhelmed by an awareness of the terrific time and expense that went into them. Its heart was genuinely light. Not this time. Why, I think we have a right to ask, would anyone want to remake it?”

Not only did De Laurentis remake the film with a modern-day twist, but he also hoped to outdo the previous summer’s blockbuster, Jaws.

“No one cry when Jaws die,"  De Laurentiis reportedly said. "But when the monkey die, people gonna cry. Intellectuals gonna love Kong. Even film buffs who love the first Kong gonna love ours.”

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Actress Ashley Judd celebrated her 58th birthday in an unusual and nostalgic way. The Double Jeopardy star shared on social media that she was trying to recreate her 12th birthday party, posting images of herself smiling beside a brown-and-yellow iced cake.

“My inner 12-year-old was ready to receive love, care, attunement, delight, protection, and provision,” the actress said in the caption of her Instagram carousel.

“Have you ever considered, from your adult perspective, restaging for your sweet inner child an experience she either never had at all?” she added. “Or an experience that did not unfold with the safety and attention it should have?”

It has become something of a tradition for the star, who is the daughter of Naomi Judd and Michael Cininella. The year prior, on her 58th birthday, she celebrated with a party for her nine-year-old self.

“Many of us grew up with unmet needs,” she wrote. “Today, as adults, we can listen carefully to those missings, identify what happened that should not have happened — and, crucially, what did not happen that should have happened — supplying that, now, with love and humor to ourselves.”

“We backfilled what was always missing and no longer is, thanks to vulnerable imagination,” Ashley wrote. “We laughed, frolicked, square danced, took a Scopes Monkey Trial True or False quiz (including quite a bit Mrs. Minor did not cover in 1979), and ate a dream cake any 12-year-old would adore.”

Ashley also created a jar where party goers could anonymously confess their sixth-grade embarrassments. “Shame reduction! Who knew others were also awkward and scared at times.”

Naomi, Ashley and Wynonna Judd attend the ACM Awards, Los Angeles, Circa 1990s. (Photo by Ron Wolfson/Getty Images)

Last year, Ashley opened up about using these parties to please her inner child, describing her difficult youth on social media. "As a teen (& even 9 year old) I was left alone for months (& lived alone in 10th and 11th grades) with no adults or caregiver in my homes. My teen endured so many grave boundary violations."

She described these celebrations as a way to be there for her "inner teen as she heals," and to "deparentify" her younger self of all "those responsibilities that never should have been hers as an adolescent."

Ashley has been open up about her traumatic childhood, which included, according to ABC News, attending 13 schools before she was 18. She struggled with depression as a young woman and has written about being abused by numerous men, including an unnamed family member.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available 24 hours a day through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

Sigourney Weaver has been in Ghostbusters, Avatar, and Aliens, a franchise celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Now she can add Star Wars to the list, and she showed up to The Tonight Show on Tuesday with a pitch for Star Wars runner Jon Favreau.

Weaver sat down withJimmy Fallon to promote Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, which opens in theaters and IMAX on May 22, and the conversation quickly moved on the film's other undeniable star. When Fallon asked whether Grogu is as cute in person as he looks on screen, Weaver didn't hesitate.

'I have sat next to Grogu now a number of times,' she said. 'And he is so real. And he is irresistible, honestly, I have to say.'

And after enough time studying the character up close, Weaver told him, she had already pitched Favreau on a new role for herself. 'I have already offered to Jon that I can do the soundtrack for him,' she said, 'because I can do...' and then produced a note-perfect Grogu impression, complete with the character's signature wide-eyed sounds and expressions.

Fallon's reaction: 'You could be the voice of Grogu!'

Weaver said that five puppeteers operate Grogu on set, and that the character never really switches off. During her first scene with Pedro Pascal's Mando and Grogu, she said the crew kept him running between takes without telling her. 'I didn't realize, but they were under the table keeping him going,' she said. 'He is alive in your head. He's real.'

Her praise for Pascal was equally warm. 'He is divine,' Weaver said. 'I think he's such a wonderful actor, performer, dancer. I don't know if he sings. He probably does.'

Related: Star Wars Fans Saw the First 25 Minutes of The Mandalorian Movie and Say It's a Return to Form

Weaver plays Colonel Ward, a veteran of the Rebellion who came up alongside Princess Leia's generation and now commands a remote base in the Outer Rim. Her mission is to root out lingering Imperial warlords before they destabilize the fledgling New Republic. Her solution, reluctantly, is the man in the Mandalorian armor and his small green companion. 'Without looking in this man's eyes, I have to look at these two and go, 'Yes. I trust you. You are the best chance we got,' she told Fallon.

Weaver also revisited Aliens at length, marking the film's 40th anniversary. She addressed the story behind the most famous line in the franchise, 'Get away from her, you b*tch', revealing that her first take went up in pitch at the end, which she immediately second-guessed. 'The acting student said to myself, 'That's the wrong way. It should go down,' she recalled. Director James Cameron disagreed and kept the take. It became one of the most quoted lines in science fiction history.

Fallon closed the interview by announcing that everyone in the studio audience was going home with IMAX tickets to the film.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in theaters and IMAX May 22.

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