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When The Brady Bunch aired in the 1970s, eldest brother Greg Brady (Barry Williams) dreamed of being a rock star. Several episodes showcased the character’s songwriting and performing skills—and he even auditioned for a rock star act under the pseudonym Johnny Bravo.

But while Williams went on to perform in musical theater, in real life it was the littlest Brady who aspired to be a rock star.

In a new interview with Remind magazine, Susan Olsen, who played youngest sibling Cindy Brady on the ABC sitcom, revealed that she wanted to be a rock star more than an actor.

“[Becoming a rock star] was really what I was dreaming of,” Olsen, 65, told the outlet. “I did more dreaming than practicing. I think in my head I didn’t even consider being a filmmaker because I knew I was going to horrify my mother by becoming a rock star. So that was my ulterior motive. … So yeah, I was in bands and stuff when I was younger.”

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In the interview, Olsen noted that she started as a guitar player but switched to bass. “And this was before bass became the token female position in the band,” she clarified.

Olsen noted that Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Chris Squire of Yes were her influences.

“I went to see Led Zeppelin in 1977 at the Forum and accepted Jimmy Page as my lord and savior,”  she cracked. “I had not yet figured out that I was better off with bass, so I was still trying to be a lead guitarist. And oddly enough, when I go to learn other people’s stuff, it’s Chris Squire that I call. I don’t know any Led Zeppelin songs. It’s like my favorite band, but it’s just when it comes to actually playing, there are things that feel comfortable and things that don’t.”

RELATED: 1970 No. 1 Hit, Ranked One of the ‘Top Love Songs of All Time,’ Was by a Made-for-TV Band

Olsen, who struggled with being typecast as a Brady, once credited rock stars for helping her realize that being part of The Brady Bunch was “cool.”

In 2025, she told People magazine that Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson was excited to meet her at an MTV event, while late Stone Temple Pilots singer Chester Bennington once told her his blended family reminded him of The Brady Bunch.

“Sebastian Bach set me straight,” Olsen added of Skid Row’s former lead singer. “He said to me, ‘Dude, you’re a part of people’s childhood, and you’re a good part. How could that ever be bad?’ He’s right. What could ever be bad about that?”

Olsen eventually found a career in graphic design and as a teacher at an acting school for kids.

Related: ‘Brady Bunch’ Star Auditioned for One of the Scariest Horror Films of the ’70s

Dave Marsh, the influential rock critic and biographer best known for his definitive account of Bruce Springsteen’s rise, died Friday, August 14, at his home in Norwalk, Connecticut. He was 76. A cause of death has not been reported, though he had reportedly been in declining health in recent years.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1950, Marsh grew up immersed in Detroit’s music scene, an influence that shaped his entire career. He became one of the founding editors of Creem magazine in 1969 after dropping out of Wayne State University, working alongside fellow critic Lester Bangs. He later moved to Newsday before landing at Rolling Stone, where he served as associate editor.

Marsh’s most lasting work came in 1979 with Born to Run: The Bruce Springsteen Story, the first major biography of the artist and a New York Times bestseller. He was an early champion of Springsteen’s music, writing about him in Creem before much of the critical world caught on, and he went on to write Rolling Stone‘s first Springsteen cover story. He revisited and expanded the book multiple times over the following decades.

Springsteen wasn’t his only subject. Marsh authored more than two dozen books over his career, including biographies of Elvis Presley and The Who, along with The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made. In 1993, he shared a Grammy Award for his album notes on Aretha Franklin’s Queen of Soul.

In 2004, Marsh joined SiriusXM, hosting Kick Out the Jams for 19 years and helping launch E Street Radio. His longtime co-host, Jim Rotolo, confirmed his death in a social media post, writing simply, “Rest easy, Dave. Thank you for everything, my friend.”

Marsh’s influence reached beyond music criticism into activism, where he spent decades advocating for health care access, cancer research and social justice. Musician Tom Morello once called him “a tireless advocate of justice, human rights and rock ‘n’ roll.”

Marsh is survived by his wife, Barbara Carr, Springsteen’s longtime co-manager. He was predeceased by his daughters, Kristen Ann Carr and Sasha Carr.

Early 2000s Disney Channel kids—assemble! If you watched the cable channel between 2000 and 2010, you know the chokehold its shows and original movies had on pop culture. The music, the dances, the clothes and the somehow relatable (albeit candy-colored) storylines made us all want to be a Disney Channel star at some point. I mean, if you currently don’t have FOMO over Hilary Duff’s recent tour, were you even a tween in 2001?

Now, in my humble opinion, The Cheetah Girls walked so High School Musical and Hannah Montana could run. A controversial opinion? Perhaps. But Galleria, Chanel, Aqua and Dorinda made a huge impact on Disney Channel audiences, first back in 2003, three whole years before the Wildcats stormed East High School in High School Musical. And, come to think of it, cheetahs and wildcats are both in the same biological family. So, yeah, there’s also that.

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The Cheetah Girls Graphic Tee, $5.55 at Five Below

Five Below

So let’s all take a minute to fawn over Five Below’s Cheetah Girls Graphic Tee, which features all four of the original stars—Raven-Symoné, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Kiely Williams and Sabrina Bryan. Now you can find other throwback Cheetah Girls T-shirts at places like Target and Kohl’s, but they’re at least twice as expensive as Five Below’s $5.55 version (sometimes even three times that price).

Related: Five Below’s Cutesy Mini Tumblers Are a Tiny $2 Take on Stanley 1913’s Drinkware

If you shop at Five Below every so often, you know the retailer loves to immortalize nostalgic fan-favorite movies and TV shows in various ways (it sells a great Jaws tote bag), so this isn’t the first time it’s dropped Cheetah Girls memorabilia. That said, it is the latest graphic tee featuring the beloved Disney Channel franchise, and it looks to be selling out fast.

And, hey, the original Cheetah Girls may live rent-free in your heart, but clearly the fan love is still going strong because a new generation is getting its turn to shine. The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen was recently greenlit by Disney Channel, with the story following four friends as they travel to Africa with Galleria and Chanel to volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary. Between navigating friendship drama, finding their voices and working together to save the preserve, the girls discover what it takes to own the stage as the next incarnation of Cheetah Girls.

I’m calling it now—”strut like you mean it” all the way up to the premiere.

Related: Five Below’s Sleek $25 Rolling Tote Bag Is a Dead Ringer for a Big Name Brand More Than 4x the Price

Selena Gomez is pushing back against allegations of fraud tied to Wondermind, the mental health company she co-founded alongside her mother Mandy Teefey and former business partner Daniella Pierson.

“The allegations that Selena Gomez engaged in any way whatsoever in any purported ‘fraud’ or other wrongdoing are completely meritless, both factually and legally. We will vigorously defend these false allegations and indeed are filing a motion to dismiss the baseless claims against her,” Gomez’s litigator, Mathew S. Rosengart, told People in a statement.

Earlier this week, Wondermind SRS 44 LLC and Bespoke Wondermind LLC sued Gomez, Teefey, and Pierson. They claimed they were misinformed about the company’s success and Gomez’s involvement.

The lawsuit labeled Gomez as the co-founder, “chief impact officer,” and head of marketing. The investors claim they were led to believe the actress and singer would use her fame and large social media following to grow the company.

Allegedly, five investors put almost $1.2 million into the startup. They say they weren’t told that Wondermind was struggling and instead watched “for three years, while the Company quietly collapsed around them, not one of its founders, officers, or directors said a word to the investors whose money was funding the collapse,” the lawsuit claimed.

The investors are suing for securities fraud, common law fraud, breach of contract, as well as other claims. They aim to recover their original investment, in addition to damages and attorneys’ fees. They allege, “The partnerships did not exist. The initiatives never materialized. The app was never built.”

Teefey has yet to comment on the lawsuit. Pierson, who served as co-CEO alongside Teefey told The New York Times that she “categorically denies the allegations against her and welcomes the opportunity to present concrete documentation and financial records that establish the facts.”

One of The Bangles most successful chart hits was actually written by folk music legend Paul Simon.

Before The Bangles recorded “Hazy Shade of Winter” in 1987, the song was originally recorded by Simon & Garfunkel. It was released as a single in 1966, with the title “A Hazy Shade of Winter,” and it was later included on their fourth studio album, Bookends, in 1968.

The Bangles’ version of the song was featured in the 1987 film Less Than Zero, and was even nominated for the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Songs list in 2005, which recognized the top 100 movie songs of the 20th century.

The Bangles brought the song to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, an improvement from the song’s original performance as a Simon & Garfunkel folk track, when it peaked at No. 13. Lead singer Susanna Hoffs has even said that “Hazy Shade of Winter” is a staple of the band’s entire catalog.

“‘Hazy Shade of Winter’ came on one day. I thought I was a Simon & Garfunkel aficionado, but I, somehow, had missed that badass folk-rock song of theirs,” Hoffs said in a 2021 interview with Vulture. “I ran to our band rehearsal that night and was like, ‘We have to cover this song.’ It became a staple in the Bangles set for years and years.”

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“There’s something about the energy of the song,” she added. “We did a more rock-and-roll version of it, and I like how our voices are all layered together. It’s one of those Bangles songs that stands out because it has a weird history to it, but also it never fails to be fun to play live. We often open our set with it.”

For The Bangles, “Hazy Shade of Winter” was one of their most successful songs on the U.S. charts, behind their Hot 100 No. 1 hits “Eternal Flame” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.” Their 1986 track “Manic Monday,” which reached No. 2, was also originally written by a music legend: Prince. Ironically, The Bangles were blocked from hitting No. 1 with “Manic Monday” by one of Prince’s own songs, “Kiss.”

Related: 1993 Alternative Rock Hit, Reimagined by Lainey Wilson, Still Holds Up Over 30 Years Later

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There’s always that awkward stretch between summer and fall when the weather can’t quite decide what season it is. Your sandals still work for warm afternoons, but those first cool mornings have you reaching for more coverage. Then there are the days when boots feel like too much, sneakers don’t quite work with your outfit, and you want something that feels more substantial than flip-flops without completely abandoning the ease of summer shoes.

That’s where a good clog comes in, and the Aerosoles Lucca Footbed Buckle Clog makes a particularly chic case for the transition. Right now, Walmart has them marked down 64%, dropping the price from $69 to just $25. The closed-toe silhouette gives your feet more coverage for cooler days, while the knit upper and easy slip-on shape keep them feeling far less heavy than a traditional fall boot. They’re also a particularly appealing option for wider feet, thanks to their roomier shape.

Aerosoles Lucca Footbed Buckle Clog, $25 (was $69) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

If you’re the type of person who can’t resist a cozy sweater, these clogs have a similar appeal. The upper has a soft, tightly woven knit texture with a ribbed effect that adds dimension across the toe and vamp. A wide strap stretches across the foot and is finished with an oversized gold-tone buckle, giving the otherwise relaxed design a polished touch. The open back makes them easy to slip into, while the rounded toe keeps the shape roomy — an especially important feature for those with wide feet. 

The “comfortable” details make these clogs just as practical as they are “stylish,” according to shoppers. A padded, molded footbed cushions the bottom of the foot while providing more structure than a basic mule, giving you a supportive base for everyday wear. The interior has a smooth synthetic lining that helps keep the foot comfortable and reduces rubbing. The raised 1-inch platform also makes these feel more like a true out-of-the-house shoe than a throw-on slide or slipper.

Aerosoles Lucca Footbed Buckle Clog, $25 (was $69) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Underneath, the diamond flex outsole is made of flexible rubber and textured tread intended to provide traction without making the clog feel stiff or heavy. The combination of a cushioned footbed and flexible sole makes these particularly easy to reach for on days when you want the convenience of a slip-on without sacrificing support. And at $25, both the milky white and black options are a no-brainer for adding one — or, honestly, both — to your wardrobe.

Shop More Deals

• Ecetana Closed-Toe Clogs, $24 (was $32) at Walmart
• Madden Girl Paisleyy Slip-On Clog, $39 (was $55) at Walmart
• Cushionaire Brooklyn Genuine Suede Clogs, $50 (was $70) at Walmart

Walmart shoppers shared plenty of praise for this pair, with one reviewer noting that the insoles “form to your feet.” They also recommended the style for wider feet, while pointing out that “the strap can be tightened for narrower feet,” making the fit more flexible for different foot shapes.

Related: Amazon’s ‘Comfortable’ $18 Mary Jane Ballet Flats Are ‘Very Trendy’ for the Summer-to-Fall Transition

Don’t put your sandals away just yet — but make room for one more fall-ready pair. Shop the Aerosoles Lucca Footbed Buckle Clog for $25 at Walmart while they’re 64% off!

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Oma’s Pride is voluntarily recalling one lot of its dog food due to the potential risk of Salmonella contamination.

The Connecticut-based pet food company has taken Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe (Lot BB012729) off the shelves, according to a recall announcement posted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website on Wednesday, August 12.

The company initiated the recall after the FDA received a complaint and took a sample of the dog food that tested positive for Salmonella. Oma’s Pride is “continuing with their investigation to determine the source and root cause of the contamination,” according to the FDA website. So far, three illnesses have been reported.

The affected frozen raw dog food came in 6-pound gusseted bags, each with 12 individually wrapped, 8-ounce vacuum-sealed portions. The product was distributed to retailers and wholesalers in Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Salmonella can affect animals through consuming infected products, but humans are also at risk of illness from handling contaminated food. According to the FDA, the risk is greater if humans do not thoroughly wash their hands after touching the contaminated product.

Salmonella is a bacterial illness that affects the intestinal tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Humans are most often at risk after ingesting contaminated water or food. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, and abdominal pain.

Infected persons typically develop symptoms within 8 to 72 hours of exposure. Healthy people’s symptoms usually improve after several days to a week on their own.

Animals with Salmonella experience similar symptoms. Pets may be lethargic, have diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, and vomiting, according to the FDA. They may also not show signs of illness but be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

If your pet has consumed the Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe and has any signs of infection, the FDA urges you to contact your veterinarian.

Lamar Odom’s Netflix documentary Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom exposed a few revelations from the NBA champion’s point of view that left some viewers giving him the side-eye. One major area of discussion was his whirlwind courtship and marriage to Khloe Kardashian. In one scene, one of Odom’s friends alleged that Odom confessed he married Kardashian for clout, as her family’s empire was expanding and afforded him access that even being a Laker did not.

Kardashian slammed him in an episode of her Khloe in Wonder Land podcast, vowing to never speak of her relationship with Odom again, and reminding him that she did him a favor by participating in the documentary overall. In a recent appearance on the Nothing’s Off the Table podcast, Odom said the idea that he married Kardashian for clout is untrue.

“That wasn’t it at all. I fell in love with a young, beautiful woman,” Odom insists. “At the time, I can’t really help it that our lives, the way they emerged, were so glorious that people can’t really understand how I fu–ked it up. But I was thinking and moving like an addict.”

Odom also received backlash for saying Kardashian didn’t save him and help nurse him back to health after his near-fatal 2015 overdose. In an interview with Today, Odom said boldly, “God saved me.”

Fans will recall that Odom and Kardashian met and married within 30 days. Odom was heavily featured on the family’s reality show, and they even had a two-season spinoff. But after four years of marriage riddled with infidelity, trauma, and drug use on Odom’s part, Kardashian filed for divorce. Their divorce dragged on and was halted once Odom nearly died of a near-fatal overdose. Following Odom’s relapse in 2017, she filed for divorce a final time, and they didn’t speak for nearly a decade.

Bachelorette star Tyler Cameron is engaged to Tate Madden after two years of dating!

“Better late than never they say,” Cameron, 33, wrote on Instagram on Saturday, Aug. 15, sharing photos from his proposal to Madden, 32, on the beach at Florida’s Little Palm Island.

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Several members of Bachelor Nation were quick to congratulate the couple in the comment section.

“🥹 YAYYYY! Congrats to you both!!!!! Perfect match!!! 💗🙌🏾,” wrote Tayshia Adams.

“congrats you two ❤️ sending so much love,” said Colton Underwood.

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So happy for y’all! ❤️❤️❤️,” added Becca Tilley.

Cameron and Madden began dating in 2024 after meeting through a mutual friend. Madden was initially hired to work for the reality star on social media before their professional relationship turned romantic.

“I think she is everything that I’ve ever wanted in somebody,” Cameron told Us Weekly in May 2025, hinting that a proposal may be on the horizon. “She is also my best friend on top of that. I think that’s all a good recipe right there.”

RELATED: ‘The Bachelor’ Will Reportedly Return After Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy

Cameron first rose to fame on Hannah Brown‘s season of The Bachelorette in 2019, where he placed second. Brown got engaged to Jed Wyatt during the season finale, but the pair ultimately called it quits after it was revealed that Wyatt had a girlfriend back home.

Brown and Cameron briefly gave their relationship a second chance after the season ended, but their romance came to a screeching halt after Cameron was spotted with supermodel Gigi Hadid. The former couple later reconnected as friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they quarantined together with a group of friends at a home in Florida. Brown married Adam Woolard in July 2025.

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As a cardiologist, Dr. David Rhee, MD, is a personal fan of bananas for himself and his family. He loves that they’re “portable, sweet, high in fiber, cheap and fun to say.”

Gwen Stefani did give bananas a “forever cool” status when she spelled it out in her solo smash single, “Hollaback Girl.” But how do bananas really impact health, and in particular, heart health?

“I like to keep things simple—ultimately, we are what we eat,” explains Dr. Rhee. “Modern medicine is amazing, but we can’t forget the basics: know what you’re putting into your body and how you’re moving it. Diet and exercise remain the cornerstone of health, not just an alternative to pills. But simple doesn’t mean easy.”

Indeed, it’s super easy to grab a premade, ultraprocessed “meal replacement” bar from the local convenience store. But it’s worth leaning into heart-healthy dietary options (and honestly, bananas are affordable for many, portable and a cinch to peel and eat).

“You can’t change your age or your family history, but you can change what’s on your plate, and diet influences some of the big drivers of heart disease like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar,” states Dr. Nadim Geloo, MD, the senior director of medical affairs for Abbott’s Structural Heart Division. “When you understand why a food helps, you’re more likely to eat it consistently and fit it into a genuinely balanced eating pattern rather than chasing one ‘superfood.'”

Importantly, bananas aren’t a superfood for heart health. However, how do they actually impact heart health—for better or worse? Cardiologists peel back the (occasionally layered) truth about what happens to your heart when you eat this fruit.

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Are Bananas Good for Heart Health?

Generally speaking, eating bananas regularly is an excellent choice for heart health, cardiologists say. “Bananas are one of the easiest ways to support your heart health,” states Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. “They’re affordable, portable and naturally portion-controlled, making them a smart, everyday choice for a balanced diet.”

Eating one banana once likely won’t do much for your heart health.

However, “When eaten regularly as part of a healthy diet, bananas can support better blood pressure, steady energy levels, weight management and healthy digestion,” Dr. Chen notes.

Still, you can enjoy some immediate benefits. In fact, your energy levels may improve right away—ditto for feeling full.

“The carbohydrate and water content in bananas help with satiety, which is what makes us feel full, so it can be a nice aid in helping you regulate your weight,” says Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, the chair of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU.

What’s just as important as what’s in a banana is what’s not in a banana: added sugar, salt and fat. “Each snack-time with a banana is one fewer snack-time with junk food that would likely raise your risk of heart disease,” Dr. Rhee says.

OK, but what is in a banana, and how might it affect your heart health over several months to years?

For starters, Dr. Geloo notes that bananas are potassium-rich, so they can help lower blood pressure and offset some of the effects of sodium in the body.

“When you eat too much salt, your body holds onto extra water, and your blood pressure rises,” he says. “The potassium found in bananas can help your kidneys flush that excess sodium out and help relax the walls of your blood vessels, easing tension in your circulatory system and helping to keep your blood pressure numbers in a healthy range.”

Dr. Geloo adds that bananas also have dietary fiber, including pectin, a soluble fiber that could help manage cholesterol.

“Soluble fiber works a bit like a sponge in your digestive tract, binding to cholesterol and helping carry it out of the body before it gets absorbed into your bloodstream,” Dr. Geloo tells Parade. “Higher dietary fiber intake is linked to significant reductions in total levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, meaning less plaque builds up in your arteries over time, which lowers your risk of a heart attack.”

Finally, he notes that bananas contain key antioxidants, such as vitamin C and plant compounds linked to dopamine.

“These antioxidants act as a shield against cellular damage and inflammation,” Dr. Geloo says. “These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, protecting the delicate inner lining of your blood vessels from damage that can lead to heart disease.” 

Related: ‘I’m a Cardiologist—Here Are 5 Habits I Stopped Doing Years Ago’

Why Do Some Doctors Say Not To Eat Bananas?

Bananas are generally safe for most people, but Dr. Geloo says they might pose risks for people with advanced kidney disease or who are on certain heart medications, like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.

“These drugs cause the body to hold onto more potassium,” he explains. “Because bananas are exceptionally high in potassium, eating them can cause a dangerous buildup of potassium in the bloodstream—a condition known as hyperkalemia—if the kidneys cannot properly filter it out or if medications are already causing potassium retention.”

Dr. Geloo explains that excessively high potassium levels can disrupt the electrical signaling of the heart, potentially triggering irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and, in severe cases, sudden cardiac arrest.

“If you fall into one of those groups, talk to your doctor about how much potassium is right for you,” Dr. Geloo says.

Plus, heart disease and diabetes often go hand in hand. “Very ripe bananas can raise blood sugar more quickly, which may be a concern for people with diabetes,” Dr. Chen explains.

That said, they are not off the table for people with diabetes. “If you’re watching your blood sugar, consider choosing a slightly less ripe banana, since riper ones have a higher glycemic impact,” Dr. Chen recommends. “Pairing a banana with protein or healthy fats like a handful of nuts or a spoonful of peanut butter can also help keep you fuller longer and prevent blood sugar spikes.”

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Eat Bananas

Can Someone With Heart Disease Eat Bananas Daily?

One to two bananas daily can be part of a heart-healthy diet, but people with diabetes, kidney disease or those on medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers should be mindful.

Still, consuming bananas can help your heart health. “The bigger goal is total daily potassium and fiber intake from a variety of sources, not just bananas,” Dr. Geloo notes. “The American Heart Association recommends 3,500 to 5,000 mg of potassium per day from food for heart health, and a medium banana provides roughly 450 mg, so it’s a helpful contributor, but only one piece of the puzzle.”

Variety is critical, so Dr. Geloo recommends consuming bananas alongside other fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains rather than relying on them as your key superfood.

Dr. Rhee echoes these sentiments, saying, “If you’re planning dramatic lifestyle changes, I still advise discussing them with your doctor—each patient and plan will differ. But if you have normal kidney function, go bananas.”

Up Next:

Related: The Fruit Cardiologists Say You Should Eat Every Day for a More Resilient Heart

Sources:

• Dr. David Rhee, MD, a board-certified cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in NYC and a labfinder.com
• Dr. Nadim Geloo, MD, the senior director of medical affairs for Abbott’s Structural Heart Division
• Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
• Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, the chair of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU
• Potassium Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose‐Response Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JAHA.
• Associations between dietary fiber intake and cardiovascular risk factors: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Nutrition.
• Antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic potential of Banana (Musa spp): A review of biological mechanisms for prevention and protection against atherosclerosis. AJP.
• How Potassium Can Help Prevent or Treat High Blood Pressure. American Heart Disease.

Every once in a while, a TV show comes around that leaves a lasting impression on an entire generation. If you grew up in the 1990s, you likely have fond memories of watching Out of the Box, a Playhouse Disney TV show that ran for three seasons. It’s been nearly three decades since the impactful series first premiered, but psychologists say this 28-year-old children’s show is still one of the best ways to teach your kids life skills.

If you watched the show as a child, you probably already started singing the Out of the Box theme song and the Out of the Box goodbye song—”Until We Meet Again”—in your head once you stumbled upon this article (I did, too, while writing it!).

Out of the Box was full of ideas for imaginative play for preschoolers and extolled the developmental benefits of crafting for kids. Honestly, it was fun for kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re craving some Playhouse Disney nostalgia or you’re looking for low-stimulation TV shows for toddlers now that you have children of your own, Parade is taking a look back on the powerful impact Out of the Box had on TV and outlining the various ways the show was an example of how to teach kids life skills.

Related: Child Psychologist Reveals: ‘This Is the Best Children’s Show To Work on Empathy in Kids and Grandkids’

The Playhouse Disney Classic Making a Comeback: What Was ‘Out of the Box’?

Out of the Box was a Playhouse Disney TV series that premiered in 1998 and aired for three seasons until 2000. The scripted series starred Tony James and Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin, who played two adult caregivers who watched a small group of children in their neighborhood. Tony and Vivian invited the children to play in “The Box,” their imaginary clubhouse that was made out of painted cardboard boxes.

In each episode, Tony and Vivian used games, crafts and music to teach the kids life skills and make learning fun.

The series won three Parents’ Choice Awards, according to Niagara Frontier Publications, and scored a Daytime Emmy nomination, per Variety.

Today, viewers can stream all three seasons of Out of the Box on Disney+.

Related: The One Emotional Skill Psychologists Say Parents and Grandparents Should Teach Before Age 7

Why Child Psychologists Call ‘Out of the Box’ the Ultimate Guide to Life Skills

There are plenty of TV series that teach children their colors and ABCs, but Out of the Box stood out from the crowd because it taught kids fundamental life skills.

Dr. Yasmine Saad, PhD, the founder and Director of Psychological Services at Madison Park Psychological Services, says Out of the Box is still beloved nearly 30 years after it premiered because the show was built around the way kids naturally learn rather than around how long they would keep watching.

“The show wasn’t simply teaching children how to make crafts. It invited them into the process of observing, imagining possibilities, experimenting, making mistakes, adjusting and creating something meaningful,” Dr. Saad explains. “The focus wasn’t the finished project. It was the thinking, the experimenting and the discovering that happened along the way. Every episode modeled the same cognitive and emotional processes children rely on throughout life.”

Neuropsychologist and Director of Comprehend the Mind, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, says Out of the Box used fun activities to quietly teach skills that children use every day.

“Each episode encouraged kids to solve problems by thinking creatively instead of expecting someone else to fix things,” she states. “The crafts and pretend play helped build confidence because children saw that they could make something from ordinary materials. The hosts also modeled patience, taking turns and working together, which are important social skills.”

Additionally, Dr. Hafeez says the show’s calm pace taught children emotional regulation “by showing that it’s okay to slow down, think and try again.”

“Children learned self-reliance by being encouraged to explore, create and make decisions on their own,” she shares. “The predictable routines and positive environment helped kids feel safe enough to practice new skills without worrying about making mistakes.”

Problem-solving was also central to the show, and according to Dr. Saad, Tony and Vivian modeled this skill well by “refusing to remove the difficult part” of the process.

“The episodes were genuinely problem-shaped,” she notes. “Jill’s glider crashes into the clubhouse and Vivian helps her repair it. A shelf of cardboard tubes falls over, and everyone has to figure out what to do next. The camera stayed with the uncertainty, the attempt, the mistake and the repair.”

The fact that Out of the Box showed kids actively trying to solve problems was one area that separated it from other children’s content.

“A child who only sees problems followed immediately by solutions may begin to believe that capable people don’t struggle,” Dr. Saad says. “A child who watches the middle learns that struggle is part of thinking, creating and solving problems, and that it can be worked through.”

Related: Child Psychologist Recommends Using This Phrase When You Know Your Child Is Lying

The ‘Cardboard Box’ Theory: Cultivating Creative Independence Through Play

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Technology plays a huge role in playtime nowadays, but Out of the Box set a clear example that children can have fun with imaginative play.

“One of the things Out of the Box understood so well was that children don’t need extraordinary materials to create extraordinary play. The show consistently communicated that a cardboard box, a newspaper, paper tubes or other everyday objects could become almost anything,” Dr. Saad shares. “It wasn’t encouraging children to admire someone else’s creativity. It was inviting them to become the creator.”

The TV series took place in Tony and Vivian’s imaginary clubhouse, which was made out of painted cardboard boxes. The concept is similar to the “cardboard box theory,” which Dr. Hafeez describes as the idea that “simple objects often spark more imagination than expensive toys because children have to decide what they become.”

“A plain box can turn into a spaceship, a grocery store, a castle or anything else a child dreams up,” she explains. “That kind of open-ended play strengthens creativity. It teaches children to come up with their own ideas instead of relying on instructions. This is beneficial because it helps children become more confident in their ideas and independent. It also builds problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility that can carry over into school, friendships and everyday life.”

One example of imaginative play that involves adults is scaffolding, which Dr. Saad describes as the concept that children learn best with the right amount of support.

“One reason Out of the Box modeled scaffolding so well was that the adults never took over the activity,” she tells Parade. “They supported the parts children genuinely couldn’t do yet while leaving the rest in the children’s hands. During many of the craft activities, the adults handled the cutting, while the children folded, glued, decorated, made decisions, solved problems and brought their own ideas to life.”

Since the finished project genuinely belonged to the child, it created a sense of ownership.

“The key is that scaffolding is temporary by design. As children become more capable, the support is gradually removed. Parents don’t stop helping all at once. They hand more and more of the task back to the child as the child’s abilities grow,” Dr. Saad says.

Related: Families Who Eat Dinner Together Tend To Have This One Thing in Common

Slower Pacing & Real Humans: Why This Show is the Perfect ‘Low-Stimulation’ Screen Time

Many popular children’s TV shows like CoComelon and Paw Patrol are known for their hyper-stimulating, rapid-cut graphics. However, Out of the Box was an example of low-stimulation screen time.

“Out of the Box used slower pacing, longer scenes and real people talking directly to children instead of constant flashing visuals. That gave kids more time to process what they were seeing instead of simply reacting to it,” Dr. Hafeez says. “Research has found that educational programs with slower pacing are generally easier for young children to understand, while rapidly changing scenes can increase cognitive load.”

Dr. Saad says the show’s pace offered children the time to “observe, think, imagine, ask questions, make connections and form ideas of their own rather than simply receive information.”

“Much of today’s children’s programming is built around a different goal: what the mind finds hardest to look away from,” she explains. “A program can be built around the child’s own learning process, or it can be built around what reliably captures attention, and the two rarely point in the same direction.”

The conversations in Out of the Box unfolded naturally, and kids had time to process what they were seeing, then continue exploring and creating long after the episode ended.

“That is what low-stimulation screen time is. It asks more of a child by creating space for their own thinking, imagination and learning to stay actively involved,” Dr. Saad states.

The way Tony and Vivien acted with the children on the show also modeled a manner of communication that supports language development, social learning and emotional understanding, the psychologist points out.

“A study published in Pediatrics in 2011 found that just nine minutes of viewing a fast-paced, fantastical cartoon temporarily reduced executive functioning in four-year-old children compared with children who watched a slower-paced educational program or spent the same amount of time drawing,” Dr. Saad explains, pointing to the same study Dr. Hafeez mentioned above. “Executive functioning includes skills such as self-control, working memory and flexible thinking.”

Related: Occupational Therapists Say Parents and Grandparents Often Help Too Much With This Daily Task

Where To Stream ‘Out of the Box’ and the Best Episodes To Watch Today

Most episodes of Out of the Box are now available to stream on Disney+. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of the best episodes that highlight a range of skills:

Episode Title

Episode #

Lesson It Teaches Kids

“Seeds of Imagination”

Season 1, Episode 24

Teaches kids how seeds grow

“A Place Called Space”

Season 1, Episode 18

Teaches kids about space

“Animal Antics”

Season 1, Episode 12

Teaches kids about animals

“Good Clean-Up Fun”

Season 2, Episode 6

Teaches kids about organizing

“We Got the Beat”

Season 2, Episode 12

Teaches kids about sounds and music

“Tooth Or Consequences”

Season 2, Episode 19

Teaches kids about taking care of their teeth

“Weather Or Not!”

Season 3, Episode 8

Teaches kids about the weather

“Making Mistakes”

Season 3, Episode 13

Teaches kids about mistakes

“Bendy Stretchy”

Season 3, Episode 19

Teaches kids about stretching

Up Next:

Related: 10 Old-Fashioned Summer Activities Kids Still Love That Don’t Require a Screen

Sources:

• Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. 
• Dr. Yasmine Saad, PhD, is the founder and Director of Psychological Services at Madison Park Psychological Services.
• The Immediate Impact of Different Types of Television on Young Children’s Executive Function. (2011) Pediatrics.

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Even the smallest accessories can have a big impact when they make you feel like a million dollars. Case in point? A pair of earrings that adds a polished touch to your look, yet feels completely effortless. That’s essentially what makes the Kate Spade Interlock Huggies so special. They’re nonchalantly chic, and so versatile that you can wear them day or night, whether you’re dressed up or down.

They’re also an awesome value at Amazon right now, reduced from their usual $68 to just $23. It’s the lowest price they’ve been all year, making now the time to snap them up! The design is pure mixed metal magic, with a medley of gold- and silver-plated metals paired in perfect harmony that prove the two actually do look right at home together when done right. 

Kate Spade Interlock Huggies, $23 (was $68) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Because the earrings are small in scale, they won’t overwhelm your look. At the same time, they’re chunky enough to feel more substantial than the average huggie. The thickness allows both the gold and silver tones to stand out, and the addition of a dainty, round cubic zirconia stone on each one adds a little extra gleam to the design.

The other big difference is the unique structure. Unlike fully closed loop-style hoops, these are open at the bottom so the stones catch the light and to allow full visibility of both metal colors. The effect is crisp and modern — exactly what you might want to update a simple suit or dress up jeans and a tee. Because they’re just a bit sparkly, they make a stylish addition to a little black dress and heels, too.

Related: Katie Holmes and Kate Middleton Wore Fall’s It-Girl Shoe, and Walmart’s $19 Pair Nails the Look

One reviewer dubbed them “such a fabulous find,” noting that the pair looks “triple the price” and coordinates well with both gold and silver jewelry. Another person called them their “favorite earrings ever” and explained that they’re “super comfortable and secure” while being “dressy but not over the top.”

Shop More Deals

• Btfbm 2-Piece Lounge Set, $20 (was $40) at Amazon
• Mina Self Open-Front Tweed Blazer, $37 (was $60) at Amazon
• Athlefit Chelsea Wedge Booties, $36 (was $60) at Amazon

It’s this combination of features that makes a pair of Kate Spade Interlock Huggies such a great addition to your jewelry box. Whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for someone who appreciates truly timeless fashion, you can’t beat Amazon’s deal. Snag a pair for 66% off while the deal is still live!

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.

Laundry should be one of those household chores that’s pretty straightforward. Sort the lights from the darks, wash, dry, fold, put away. Easy, right? And yet the laundry pile has a way of becoming a free-for-all where white shirts mingle with black socks and the freshly folded stacks you carefully created five minutes ago mysteriously merge into one giant heap. At this point, I’m convinced the laundry basket is less of a container and more of a test of my patience.

The sorting part is especially tricky because it requires you to think ahead, and apparently that’s asking a lot when you’re standing in front of a hamper holding three pairs of socks and wondering whether that shirt is technically light blue or technically gray. Then there’s the post-wash situation, when everyone’s clean clothes end up in the same basket, and the folding process becomes a memory game nobody asked to play.

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Easy Home Divided Laundry Basket, $9.99 at Aldi

Aldi

A little organization can make all of this feel less chaotic. Because if a laundry basket can do some of the sorting for us, I’m all for outsourcing that particular headache. Aldi has a solution with its Easy Home Divided Laundry Basket. This thing is exactly as it sounds—your relatively standard rectangular plastic laundry basket, but with a removable divider in the middle.

Related: Five Below’s Sleek $25 Rolling Tote Bag Is a Dead Ringer for a Big Name Brand More Than 4x the Price

You might be questioning my excitement over this Aldi Find right now, and I understand that. But hear me out. A divided laundry basket is basically giving your future self a tiny head start. Instead of tossing every stray sock, T-shirt and towel into one giant fabric pile and dealing with the sorting later, you can separate lights and darks as you go. That means less time standing over a mountain of laundry trying to remember which clothes can safely share a wash cycle. It can also be handy for separating different family members’ clothes or keeping delicates away from the everyday stuff, depending on how you like to organize.

And the beauty doesn’t stop when the washing machine starts. A divided basket can give you designated spots for clean, folded clothes, too, so your carefully stacked piles don’t immediately become one giant clean-clothes casserole. It’s a small organizational trick, but when it comes to laundry, I’ll happily take advantage of it whenever I can.

Related: The Company Store’s New 3-Piece Duvet Set Brings the Charm of a 5-Star Bed & Breakfast to Your Space

Jodie Foster is taking on a magical new role for Disney.

The two-time Oscar winner will voice the witch queen in Disney Animation’s upcoming feature Hexed, which was among the projects spotlighted at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

The actor will lend her voice to the mysterious character in the animated movie, which is set in a world where magic plays a major role. The film follows a teenage girl who discovers that she has magical abilities and is drawn into a world she never knew existed.

The cast is also growing beyond Foster.

Walton Goggins has joined the voice cast, adding another recognizable name to Disney’s latest animated project.

Hexed comes from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the company behind movies including Moana, Frozen and Encanto. The project is being directed by Josie Trinidad, who previously worked on Disney and Pixar projects including Zootopia and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

While Foster is best known for her acclaimed live-action performances, including her Oscar-winning roles in The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, she has also lent her voice to several animated projects over the years. Her addition to Hexed gives the film a particularly notable name behind one of its central characters.

Disney revealed the new casting as part of a larger slate of announcements at D23, where the studio offered updates on several upcoming animated and live-action projects.

Hexed is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2028.

RELATED: Disney’s D23 Announcements Include a Major ‘Frozen 3’ Reveal Fans Won’t Want to Miss

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is belting out a Toby Keith song on the bar.

Cunningham, 29, is best known as a professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever, where she landed in 2025. Since then, the long-haired blonde has become particularly prominent for her comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports, racking up just as many headlines for what she says off court as for her intense playing style. While the baller is a frequent face in the headlines these days, she left that behind for a night out on the town with her friends. In a new video shared on Instagram, Cunningham climbed onto the bar at Clayton’s Country Bar in Indianapolis to sing a Toby Keith song as the onlookers watched.

“From the court to Clayton’s! Well rounded evening of Sophie. @sophie_cham you are a superstar. So much fun,” the fan who snapped the video shared. In the video shared on Fox News, Cunningham sports a black crop top and khaki cargo pants as she climbs up and sings Keith’s famous song, “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” alongside the bar’s lively emcee.

Check out the video below:

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Is Cunningham Shopping a Tell-All Book?

Last week, Page Six Hollywood reported that Cunningham, whose social media presence is significant with 3.7 million Instagram followers, is shopping a book around. The outlet shared that the baller could find herself in the midst of a bidding war for the potential tome, thanks to her major following and lightning rod statements in the press. However, a rep for Cunningham didn’t respond when questioned about the potential book. Sounds like people will just have to wait and see.

Cunningham Is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model View this post on Instagram

In addition to her work on the court, Cunningham hit the pages of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition earlier this year. Photographed in a series of bikinis on Captiva Island, off the coast of Fort Myers, Fla., Cunningham showed off her stuff for the camera.

Related: Sophie Cunningham Makes Surprise Debut as UFC Ring Girl and Fans Are Focused on One Odd Detail

If you’re a fan of the OG Beverly Hills, 90210, then you know the heartbreaking scene where Luke Perry’s character Dylan McKay mourns the death of his wife, pushing him to the emotional breaking point.

What you may not know is that Jason Priestley was behind the camera when the unforgettable moment was filmed. Priestley recently appeared on the Best With Them podcast and was asked about his work as a director, which began during his years on Beverly Hills, 90210. When asked about his favorite directing moment, he immediately thought of one involving his longtime friend and costar, Perry.

It was Perry’s final episode of the original series, and Priestley remembered filming the emotional sequence in which Dylan discovers that his wife, Toni Marchette, has been killed. The scene finds Dylan collapsing to his knees in the rain, looking toward the sky and crying out in grief. Priestley recalled using a crane-mounted camera to pull away from Perry as rain poured down around him.

“My favorite directing moment? In Luke Perry’s last episode that he ever did… Luke falling to his knees in the rain – we had rain towers everywhere – Luke was falling to his knees, looking up at the heavens, and crying out,” Priestley recalled. He captured the scene with a crane shot, pulling the camera away from Perry as rain poured around him. “Luke and I were just having the best time shooting all that stuff, and I think back to those…moments a lot now that he’s gone,” Priestley said, his voice audibly breaking.

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When Priestley was asked if he missed his former costar, he simply nodded as he struggled to hold back tears.

The two actors had remained close long after Beverly Hills, 90210 ended. Priestley and Perry even became neighbors, continuing a friendship that had begun when they were young stars on one of television’s biggest shows.

And while Perry’s death has made the scene particularly difficult to revisit, Priestley’s memory of filming it isn’t only about heartbreak. It’s also about two friends doing what they loved together, long before either could have known how poignant that moment would become years later.

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Unless you custom-built your home from the ground up, every space has its own idiosyncrasies that make you question what the designer or builder was thinking when they made some pretty integral decisions. For me, it’s the layout of the available electrical for lighting in the 100-year-old house I rent (and, overall, love, by the way). It’s nothing short of awkward. In the main bedroom, one side of the bed has a wall sconce, but the only other sconce in the room is on the opposite side, next to a window. And, as a renter, there’s only so much I can do about it, which is why I’m low-key obsessed with cordless wall sconces and cordless lamps in general.

Because sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands, without tearing up walls or completely obliterating the terms of your lease. Even if you own your home, you may want to switch things up on a whim, which is where cordless lighting makes all the difference.

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Karma Home Vintage Glass Cordless Wall Sconces – 2 Pack, $69.99 at Marshalls

Marshalls

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Marshalls’ two-pack of vintage-style Karma Home Cordless Wall Sconces has the kind of pretty, old-school charm that makes it look like they came with the house, but thankfully, they don’t require any old-school wiring. The two-pack has gold-tone bases and a classic look that could easily dress up a bedroom, hallway or cozy reading nook. And because they’re cordless, you can put them wherever you want without worrying about whether there’s an outlet—or, worse, calling someone to install one.

Related: The Company Store’s New 3-Piece Duvet Set Brings the Charm of a 5-Star Bed & Breakfast to Your Space

Each sconce runs on two AA batteries (you’ll need a total of four—sold separately) and comes with a remote control, so you can turn them on, dim the light or set a timer without getting out of bed. Mounting hardware is included, too, making the whole setup refreshingly straightforward. Basically, they give you the look of pretty hardwired sconces without the commitment, which is particularly handy if, as I mentioned before, you’re renting, rearranging or don’t feel like making a home-improvement project out of adding a little mood lighting.

Marshalls is a really great resource for cordless sconces of all shapes, colors and sizes (they have styles similar to the one above in other hues). The store is also typically stocked with pretty cordless lamps. So if you’d rather set your lighting on a table or credenza, it has that covered.

Related: Michaels’ Cottage-Inspired 3-Tier Wall Shelf Looks Like the Ultimate Thrifted Find

After weeks of concern over a multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, shoppers may be wondering: Is it safe to eat lettuce again?

The short answer is yes for most consumers, according to the latest federal guidance, but there is an important caveat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak should no longer be available in stores or restaurants. The products had best-by dates that have already passed.

The outbreak has sickened 9,481 people across 17 states, according to the CDC’s latest update, with 398 hospitalizations and two deaths reported.

So consumers don’t need to avoid all lettuce because of the outbreak. The recall specifically involved iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico, and the recalled products are no longer supposed to be on the market.

Still, the broader Cyclospora situation isn’t completely over. CDC surveillance shows that nearly 13,900 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States have been reported since May 1, and health officials are investigating additional outbreaks that aren’t necessarily connected to the Taylor Farms lettuce.

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause intestinal illness. Symptoms can include frequent, watery diarrhea, along with stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

For shoppers, the most important step is to check recalls rather than automatically avoiding fresh produce. If you have recalled food at home, don’t eat it and follow the applicable disposal or return instructions.

The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the outbreak, so consumers should watch for any new recall or food-safety alerts.

RELATED: Michaels’ Fine Art Month Brings Major Savings on Art Supplies

Jim Dale, best known today for narrating the American editions of the Harry Potter audiobooks, is celebrating 91 years. A multi-hyphenate talent whose roots trace back to the traditional world of the British Variety Music Hall, Dale is not only one of the Potterverse’s most beloved voices, but also a former professional funnyman, a teen pop idol, and a movie star who does his own stunts.

And he got started early. At just 9, Dale began intensive dance, acrobatics, and judo training, which helped lay the foundation for his physical comedy. At 17, he put it all together and became one of his country’s youngest stand-up comics on the variety circuit.

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In 1957, however, Dale shifted his focus to music. Following a hosting gig on BBC’s popular teenage music show 6-5 Special, he became the first pop artist to be signed by Parlophone chief and future Beatles producer George Martin. Dale’s follow-up single, “Be My Girl,” then hit No. 2 in the U.K., turning him into a bona fide teen idol.

A household name and certified hitmaker, Dale expanded his sights even further. In the ’60s, he became a familiar face on the big screen, starring and performing many of his own thrilling stunts in 11 of the beloved British spoof Carry On movies. Later, he appeared in the Disney classic Pete’s Dragon (1977) and became one of the most versatile entertainers to cross between British film, Broadway, and American television.

In 1970, Sir Laurence Olivier recruited Dale to join the National Theatre. “Not only did I appear with him onstage in The Merchant of Venice, but he also directed me in Love’s Labor’s Lost,” Dale said in an interview with The American. “Larry loved physical comedy, and I had a lot of experience of that, and I brought that to the National.”

Along the way, Dale has collected a menagerie of awards and trophies. He won a Tony for his stunt-filled leading role in Broadway’s Barnum in 1980 and an Academy Award nomination for writing the lyrics to the theme song of the 1966 film Georgy Girl. He’s also scored two Grammy Awards for his spoken-word contributions to the Potterverse: Goblet of Fire (2001) and Deathly Hallows (2008).

Effectively revolutionizing the audiobook industry, Dale helped define how an entire generation of American fans experienced author J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As the narrator of all seven of the Harry Potter books, he’s essentially shaped the landscape of audio narration.

“I couldn’t be more surprised at how successful it is,” he told Children’s Ink about the audiobook franchise and his voice work. “Thank God they chose me for Harry Potter.”

Dale’s masterful voice work even once earned him a Guinness World Record for most voices created by a single narrator in an audiobook. First setting the record with 125 voices in Goblet of Fire, he then broke that record with 134 in Order of the Phoenix, only to raise the bar again with Deathly Hallows, creating 146 distinct voices. Wow.

More than seven decades after a Beatles proxy helped turn a young British comedian into a pop star, Dale is still finding new ways to make his voice heard.

Happy birthday, Jim!

Related: 1966 Love Song, Made Famous by Judy Collins, Launched a Future Rock Legend’s Career

Tori Spelling didn’t hesitate when she was asked about the worst movie experience of her career.

Spelling, 53, joined Stephen Baldwin’s One Bad Movie podcast to talk about her post-90210 film work, and one project came up immediately: 2003’s Evil Alien Conquerors. Coming off her breakout role as Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210, Spelling thought the comedy would be a fun change of pace. Instead, it became one of the hardest sets she’s ever worked on.

“From the moment I stepped on set, it was like I couldn’t say one word without the director being like, ‘Uh, Tori, can you do that again?'” she recalled. She said director Chris Matheson constantly asked her to dial her performance back, even though comedy was her strength. “My comedy was on point, like I was a comedian and am a comedian,” she said, adding that in drama, notes made sense to her, but on this set, they didn’t.

The criticism wore her down fast. Spelling said it didn’t matter if she had one line or a full monologue, Matheson would find something to critique, often calling her out by name in front of the entire cast. Eventually, she said, she stopped putting emotion into her performance just to get through it.

Things got bad enough that Spelling asked her manager if she could simply be let go from the project. “I was like, ‘Just fire me and recast. This is so hard on me,'” she said. She was so shaken by the experience that she requested to be uncredited in the finished film, not fully understanding at the time what that meant. Look up Evil Alien Conquerors today, and her name isn’t attached to it.

Matheson, now 67, responded to Spelling’s comments in a statement to PEOPLE: “I’m sorry she felt that way. I like Tori personally. I just think we have some different ideas about comedy.”