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Jeff Bridges Fondly Remembers Working With Clint Eastwood in Breakout '70s Comedy
Though he's managed to become one of the most talented and widely recognized actors of his generation, in the mid 1970s, Jeff Bridges was little more than yet another young performer struggling to make a place for himself in the mainstream film industry.
Entering the medium in 1970, Bridges had fast success with his key role in the 1971 ensemble drama, The Last Picture Show. But it wasn't until the release of 1974's crime comedy Thunderbolt and Lightfoot that the actor secured his place as the next big thing in pop culture.
Starring opposite the legendary '70s leading man Clint Eastwood, Bridges credited his famed co-star with helping him improve his on-set acting abilities, something the young actor viewed as incredibly helpful to his career.
According to the pop culture websiteGamesRadar+, Bridges specifically remembered how Eastwood helped convince Thunderbolt and Lightfoot's director, Michael Cimino, in filming additional takes of certain scenes.
Eastwood, himself an accomplished director, famously preferred to shoot scenes only once or twice before moving on in filming. As Bridges recalled, however, the High Plains Drifter star allowed Bridges to film additional takes whenever the younger actor was struck with an idea for how to shoot the scene.
"[Clint Eastwood] was wonderful," Bridges revealed. "That was Michael Cimino’s first film. And of course Michael is famous for many, many takes. Clint, you know, he likes one or two takes. And Cimino, you know, was doing what the boss wanted him to do."
"We were doing two or three takes at the most," the Big Lebowski star continued. "I was the one who would always say, ‘Oh, Mike, I got an idea!’ and he would say, ‘Well, I have to talk to the boss.’ Clint would always say, ‘Give the kid another shot’. I always appreciated that.”
In the end, Bridges' suggestions ultimately helped Thunderbolt and Lightfoot become a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1974. Following the movie's theatrical debut, Bridges wound up receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, continuing to solidify his career in mainstream film.
Amazon Has an Oversized Vegan Leather Tote With a ‘Luxury Feel’ for Only $25 in 9 Colors
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I love luxury bags, but am far less fond of luxury price tags. If you also love the idea of a chic designer tote, but don't love an elevated price point, you could easily fall head over heels for the gorgeous Hoxis Oversized Pleated Faux Leather Tote
It's now just $25 for a limited-time on Amazon, down from $36. With a "luxury feel" that rivals the priciest purses, this roomy weekender bag is available in nine stunning colors so that you can match your vibe or mood to your accessories no matter the season.
Hoxis Oversized Pleated Faux Leather Tote, From $25 (was $36) at AmazonWith thousands of glowing reviews and a 4.7-star rating, shoppers can't stop raving about how "versatile" and "stylish" this tote is. Buyers have scooped up the black colorway over a thousand times in the past month alone. Whether you go for classic black, a pop of color in burgundy or sky blue, or something in-between, you'll be carrying this bag everywhere.
Just jazz it up with some bag charms, then toss in your laptop, gym gear, a cozy sweater, your favorite book, snacks for the road, or even a quick change of clothes — there's room for it all.
Related: Amazon Has a ‘Super Soft’ Striped Cardigan on Sale for $15 in 7 Vibrant Spring Colors
"Obsessed with this tote," one shopper wrote. "Luxury feel, super durable, beautiful. The material is soft and feels truly high quality. It holds its shape, fits everything, and still looks amazing."
Right away, you'll swoon over the buttery soft vegan leather and minimalist silhouette. The oversized design is 22 inches long by 15 inches high and a generous six inches deep, meaning you'll never have to play Tetris with your essentials again.
Hoxis Oversized Pleated Faux Leather Tote, From $25 (was $36) at AmazonCourt
The bag is functional in addition to being fashionable. Hoxis designed this tote to be lightweight, but seriously strong. It’s made from durable faux leather and lined with polyester for extra peace of mind. The magnetic snap closure makes grabbing your phone or wallet a breeze, while the open, unlined interior keeps things casual and flexible — perfect for those who like to pack their own way. It even doubles as a handy car carry-on for road trips.
Caring for this bag is a snap, too. Just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Since it's vegan leather, you can feel good knowing the tore is as kind to animals as it is to your wardrobe.
Shop More Deals- Lexsion Felt Purse Bag Organizer Insert for Tote Bags, $10 (was $33) at Amazon
- Nalefow 3-Piece Vintage Pearl Bag Extender Cherry Bag Charm Set, $9 at Amazon
- Hoxis Mesh Tote Handbag, $14 at Amazon
At just $25, this is the luxe-on-a-budget upgrade your accessory collection has been waiting for. Snag your Hoxis Oversized Pleated Faux Leather Tote today and see why everyone's calling it the “perfect bag” for literally everything.
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Liza Minnelli Claims Behind-the-Scenes Drama Soured Her Viral Oscars Moment With Lady Gaga
Viewers of the 2022 Academy Awards were touched by Liza Minnelli and Lady Gaga’s onstage encounter. However, for the Cabaret star, the situation was tainted by circumstances beyond her control.
In her upcoming memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, which is set to be released on March 10, Minnelli, 79, looks back on the viral moment when she presented the best picture category with Gaga, 39, during the 2022 Oscars. Minnelli appeared on stage in a wheelchair and stumbled over her words, with Gaga reassuring her, “I got you.”
While fans applauded Gaga’s compassion at the time, Minnelli claims in a book excerpt published by People that the Academy forced her to use a wheelchair at the last minute despite her previous expectation that she would be seated in a director’s chair.
“I was inexplicably ordered—not even asked—to sit in a wheelchair or not appear at all,” she writes. “I was told it was because of my age, and for safety reasons, because I might slip out of the director’s chair, which was bullshit. ‘I will not be treated this way,’ I said. My co-presenter insisted she would not go on stage with me unless I was in a wheelchair. I was heartbroken. I was much lower down than I would have been in the director’s chair. Now I couldn’t easily read the teleprompter above me.”
As Minnelli continues to recount her version of events, she points out Gaga’s reaction to her struggles on stage.
“How would you feel if you were wheeled out, against your will, to perform in front of a live audience, and unable to see clearly?” she asks readers. “So when I stumbled over a few words, Gaga, who was at my side, didn’t miss a beat to play the kindhearted hero for all the world to see. ‘I got you,’ she said, leaning down over me.”
According to Minnelli, Gaga checked on her in her dressing room after learning that her fellow Oscar winner was upset about being in a wheelchair, inquiring, “Are you OK?” Amid her emotions over the ordeal, Minnelli recalls putting on a pleasant façade for Gaga.
“I looked at her and said simply, ‘I’m a big fan,’” Minnelli notes in her memoir. “I learned this lesson years ago from Mama and Papa. At a moment of high stress, you stay gracious.”
Minnelli—who is the daughter of the late actress and singer Judy Garland and late director Vincente Minnelli—also remembers trying to look on the bright side of the difficult situation.
“The winner for best picture that year was CODA. I loved the irony of the title for me. Writing my memoir would be my coda, my truth,” she explains. “There’s always a rainbow—if you know where to look for it.”
At 13, Liza Minnelli Became Her Mother Judy Garland’s ‘Caretaker’
In her upcoming memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, Liza Minnelli addresses the complexities of her relationship with her late mother.
Liza, who turns 80 years old on March 12, is the daughter of Hollywood legend Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli.
Judy and Vincente, who got married on November 15, 1945, later called it quits in June of 1951. Judy went on to marry Sidney Luft in 1952 and welcomed children Lorna and Joey Luft.
In her memoir, Liza recalls navigating life on the road with her younger siblings and their mom.
“I’ll never forget the day she sat us down and gave Lorna and me a choice; Joey was less than 1 year old. We could stay in school in Los Angeles. Or we could come on the road with her. We’d be in and out of different hotels, schools (I’d eventually attend 22 of them), and cities. ‘When do we leave?’ we answered in unison,” the EGOT-winning wrote, in an exclusive excerpt obtained by People.
Related: Hollywood Legend Liza Minnelli Uses AI to Release First Song in 13 Years
She continued, “At 13, I was my mother’s caretaker — a nurse, doctor, pharmacologist, and psychiatrist rolled into one. I lost count of the times I called doctors to say she’d run out of pills. I’d say: ‘I’m a kid! Please fill my mama’s prescription!’”
Judy died at 47 years old on June 22, 1969. Her death was ruled an accidental overdose of barbiturates.
Though 11 years sober, Liza, too, faced struggles with addiction after her mother’s death, as detailed in her book.
“I cried for eight straight days,” she penned. “Stress and tension overwhelmed me. I was reeling, and a doctor prescribed Valium to help me relax just before the funeral. What began as a one-day blessing soon turned into a habit, then a full-blown case of addiction in the years ahead. It was a final gift, a genetic inheritance from Mama I could not escape.”
Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! hits shelves on March 10.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357.
Glass Found in Popular Trader Joe's Frozen Meals Prompts Nationwide Recall
If you've got a freezer full of quick dinners, it might be time to take a closer look before digging in. Something unexpected has prompted a big recall for frozen meals sold at Trader Joe's stores nationwide, and while there haven't been any injuries reported, it's worth checking your freezer to make sure everything is safe.
Ajinomoto Foods North America recently announced that over three million pounds of frozen meals could be affected. The products in question were made between Sept. 8, 2025, and Nov. 17, 2025. Some of these frozen meals were sold at Trader Joe's stores across the country, and a smaller portion went to Canada. The issue? Pieces of glass were found in the food, reported through a few consumer complaints.
What You Need to KnowFDA
The recall includes Trader Joe's Chicken Fried Rice and a separate frozen meal exported to Canada. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service urges anyone who bought the affected items not to eat them. Instead, toss the packages or return them to the store for a refund.
The packages are fairly easy to identify: the Trader Joe's version comes in a 20-ounce plastic bag with best-by dates between Sept. 8, 2026, and Nov. 17, 2026, and they carry the USDA establishment number P-18356. If you have frozen meals in your freezer that match this description, it's safest to set them aside immediately.
While the recall might make you double-check your freezer, there's no need to panic. Only a small number of complaints triggered this action, and there are no confirmed injuries. But it's always better to err on the side of caution, especially when glass is involved.
Related: Trader Joe’s Drops New Limited-Time Flavor of Chips
Staying Safe and InformedThe USDA routinely monitors recalls like this to ensure stores and consumers are notified. You can check their website for the full list of recalled items. If you have questions, Ajinomoto Foods provides a consumer hotline at 855-742-5011, and the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).
The takeaway? Frozen meals are super convenient, but it's always smart to inspect your food and read labels. In this case, a quick check could save a trip to the doctor and some unnecessary worry. And hey, maybe it's an excuse to try something new for dinner this week!
Related: Popular Baby Food Recalled Nationwide After Mold Toxin Found
Boston Rob Mariano Reveals the Shocking Reason He Almost Wasn't on 'Survivor' (Exclusive)
Survivor has seen hundreds of contestants of various ages, backgrounds and ethnicities step foot across its teeming shores. And, when hard-pressed to pick one who has become most synonymous with the show, the most popular choice would be Boston Rob Mariano. He's appeared on six seasons (five as a player, one as a mentor), is one-half of the show's biggest love story, and has become synonymous with emotional manipulation and cutthroat gameplay "straight out of The Godfather."
And what if I were to tell you there's a universe where he was never on the show?
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When talking with Boston Rob as part of Parade's cover story with the "Mount Rushmore" of Survivor, the 50-year-old opened up about how he ended up getting selected as a castaway. True to his sense of creativity, the cocksure construction worker decided on an out-of-the-box (or out-of-the-fridge) idea. He would pop out of a freezer, taking a cooldown after a hot day on the construction side, and excitedly tell the casting directors why he needed to be put on that island.
"You know what's crazy?" Boston Rob reveals. "That video was so close to not happening."
He continues, "That video was shot on like a handheld camcorder, like one of the big VHS tapes. And my mom made the video. And I kept telling her, 'Listen, Mom, I'm gonna come out of this freezer. And I'm gonna be like, 'Ma, turn it off. Turn it off. Turn it off.' And every time I say that, just keep filming."
His mother, evidently, was not a reliable ally when it came to committing to the bit.
Related: How Boston Rob Mariano Went From Crawling Out of a Freezer to ‘Survivor’ Royalty (Exclusive)
"So I came out, and I'd be like, 'Alright, stop, stop. We got to do it all over again.' And she would turn it off every time. God love her. This happened three or four times in a row. And then I was like, 'Oh, forget it. I'm not gonna do it.' I went back in the house, and I was up in my room, and I wasn't gonna do it. And she came up. She was upset. She was like, 'Oh, come on, let's go try it again.' And I felt so bad. I was like, 'Okay, let's go, go try it again.'"
Leave it to a mother's love to forever change Boston Rob's life. They only did one more take with the freezer (after previously abandoning ideas of him popping out of a washing machine and a dishwasher). But it was all they needed. He sent in the video, and eventually began to be contacted by Robyn Kass, CBS's usual casting head for Big Brother, who was working on Survivor's fourth season.
But going through the interview process with casting, Boston Rob says it was not a guarantee he'd make it on the show. Shockingly, far from it.
"Throughout the casting process, there was a lot of times where I definitely wasn't going to be on the show," he admits.
Related: ‘Survivor 50’s Jonathan Young Reveals Boston Rob’s Secret Advice (Exclusive)
The first hurdle came when the casting team did a meet-and-greet with applicants at the CBS affiliate station in Boston. The day after a big snowstorm.
"I remember I was up all night the night before, plowing," Boston Rob says. "So I went into the interview, and I was exhausted, and I guess I didn't have a lot of enthusiasm."
He got a call the next day from Kass, asking what had happened. And, like many times in his reality TV career, he'd be offered another chance.
"She was like, 'Well, can you come to New York tomorrow for an interview?' And I was like, Come to New York? What are you talking about?' I was underneath the truck changing the oil. And I was like, 'Can you guarantee I'm going to be on that show if I come to New York?' And she was like, 'No, I can't guarantee that. But I can guarantee if you don't come to New York, you're not going to be on the show.' So I took my ass to New York."
Boston Rob pulled an all-nighter again as he made the trek south. But his energy level was completely night and day from his last interaction with CBS, showing the lengths he'll drive (and appliances he'll squeeze himself into) to get a chance at the million dollars. The rest, they say, is Survivor history.
Related: 'Survivor's Mount Rushmore: The Legends Who Built a 50-Season Legacy (Exclusive)
’80s Heavy Metal Band Announces Update on 50th Anniversary Tour With Special Guests
Twenty four new shows in 11 new countries across Europe have been added to the German heavy metal band Accept's upcoming 50th anniversary tour.
The tour — which is set to take place toward the end of the year — will celebrate half a century of Accept since the band first started performing together in 1976. The group will be joined by Swedish heavy metal band DYNAZTY and English heavy metal band TAILGUNNER on tour as well.
Tickets for the tour will go on sale on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. local time, with VIP packages also available that include exclusive perks, such as a meet and greet opportunity with the band. Tickets will be available on the band's website.
View this post on InstagramAccept's original lineup in 1976 included vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, rhythm guitarist Gerhard Wahl, drummer Frank Friedrich, bassist Peter Baltes and lead guitarist Wolf Hoffmann. Their early albums built a cult following, but it was 1982’s Restless and Wild — featuring the high-speed track “Fast as a Shark” — that marked a turning point for the band and for the genre of European heavy metal. The song is often cited as one of the first speed metal recordings.
Accept achieved international recognition with 1983’s Balls to the Wall, their most commercially successful album. The title track became an enduring metal anthem and remains their signature song.
Though lineup changes and shifting musical trends led to breakups in the late 1980s and mid-1990s, the band reunited multiple times. A major resurgence came in 2009 with new vocalist Mark Tornillo, leading to a string of well-received albums beginning with Blood of the Nations (2010), which reestablished Accept as a force to watch in modern metal. Their most recent album, Humanoid, was released in 2024 and peaked at No. 7 on the U.K. Rock & Metal Albums chart.
Pioneers in the heavy metal world, Accept has influenced major players within the genre such as Metallica, Guns 'N Roses, Mötley Crüe and Slayer. With a career officially spanning five decades this year, Accept remain one of Germany’s most important and long-lasting heavy metal groups. The current band lineup includes Hoffmann, Tornillo, drummer Christopher Williams, bassist Mark Motnik and rhythm guitarist Philip Shouse.
Accept 50th Anniversary New Tour DatesNov. 19: Germany, Leipzig - Haus Auesee
Nov. 20: Germany, Lingen - Emsland Arena
Nov. 21: Germany, Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle
Nov. 22: France, Paris – L’Olympia
Nov. 24: Germany, Balingen - Volksbankmesse
Nov. 25: France, Lyon - Transbordeur
Nov. 27: Spain, Valencia - Auditorio
Nov. 28: Spain, Madrid - La Cubierta
Nov. 29: France, Toulouse – Le Bikini
Dec. 1: Switzerland, Zurich - Komplex 457
Dec. 2: Italy, Milano - Alcatraz
Dec. 4: Austria, Vienna - Gasometer
Dec. 5: Czech Republic, Zlin - Sports Hall Datart
Dec. 6: Hungary, Budapest - Barba Negra
Dec. 8: Germany, Berlin - Uber Eats
Dec. 9: Poland, Gliwice - Arena Gliwice
Dec. 11: Germany, Hamburg - Inselpark Arena
Dec. 12: Germany, Offenbach - Stadthalle
Dec. 13: Belgium, Brussels - AB
Dec. 15: Germany, Herford - Kulturwerk
Dec. 16: Netherlands, Tilburg - O13
Dec. 18: Germany, Ulm - Ratiopharm Arena
Dec. 19: Germany, Geiselwind - Eventhall
Dec. 20: Germany, Munich - Zenith
Related: 1990 Hit Ranked Best ‘Hair Metal Guitar Solo’ of All Time
Dave Grohl Reveals His Daughter, 16, Sings on Foo Fighters' Latest Single
If you heard a girl's voice on Foo Fighters' new single "Your Favorite Toy" and wondered who it was, Dave Grohl has your answer: "It's my [16-year-old] daughter, Harper [Grohl], and her friend," he revealed in a Feb. 20 interview with BBC Radio 6 Music.
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"I always thought like it would be great to have my daughter Violet [Grohl], who's an amazing singer," he told host Huw Stephens. "But Violet wasn't around, and Harper and her friend were about to go out to dinner, and I ran downstairs, I'm like, ‘You guys, come upstairs really quick.'"
It helps that Grohl was recording the new song in his home studio, so it was easy to snag a last-minute backup singer. "Everyone in my family loves music, and they're all talented, and they play instruments and stuff like that," he explained.
In fact, this isn't the teen's first time helping out her famous dad with his work. In July 2025, she created the artwork for the band's single "Today's Song," which got a billboard in London, and in 2017, at just 7 years old, she joined her dad on stage at the Secret Solstice Festival in Iceland to drum for the Foo Fighters.
Related: Daniel Radcliffe Ranks This British Rock Band as the Best Concert He’s Ever Seen
"About two weeks ago my daughter said, 'Daddy, I want to play the drums,' and I said, 'Okay, do you want me to teach you?' She said yes," he shared as his mini-me smiled on stage with her drumsticks. "Then I said, 'Do you want to get up in front of 20,000 people in Iceland and play?' And she said YES!"
"So ladies and gentleman, welcome the next generation," he concluded. "There's another Grohl on the drum set now!"
Foo Fighters' 12th record, Your Favorite Toy, will be released on April 24, 2026.
Hoda Kotb to Co-Anchor 'Today' for a Third Week as Nancy Guthrie Search Continues
Hoda Kotbwill be filling in for Savannah Guthrie on the Today show for the third week as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues.
A source confirmed to People that Kotb will continue to fill in for Guthrie as the search for her missing mother enters its 20th day.
"Savannah is with her family and focused on bringing her mom home," the source said." That’s the priority, and she has the network’s full support. Everyone’s just taking it day by day, and praying for Nancy’s safe return."
Kotb and Craig Melvinhad previously pulled out of the Milan Olympics coverage following Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
RELATED: Hoda Kotb Pulls Out of the Olympics Amid Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom
While Kotb has made several appearances on Today since exiting the show in Jan. 2025, this is her first extended stint on the show since then.
"We always talk about our show as a family. We are a family," Kotb said on Feb. 9. "I'm part of the family. I'm happy to be with you because we show up for each other."
During that Feb. 9 broadcast, Melvin added, "Hoda’s joining us this morning as our Today family continues to navigate uncharted territory balancing the updates on the search for Savannah’s mom with all the other stories of the day like we normally do but we know things are far from normal right now. So, folks, we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this."
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, Feb. 1, and authorities have determined she was most likely abducted from her home in the early hours of Sunday morning. No official suspects or persons of interest have been identified in her abduction.
Anyone with information about Nancy's disappearance is asked to please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department 520-351-4900.
Eric Dane's Final Message to His Daughters Revealed After Death
The world received some terrible news on Thursday evening when it was announced that Eric Dane, best known for his roles on Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, passed away at 53 years old after announcing he was diagnosed with ALS in April 2025.
A day after his death, Netflix released his posthumous interview titled Famous Last Words: Eric Dane, which was secretly recorded in November 2025 and it shows the actor sharing life advice and reflections on his career.
In addition, the late actor also shared a message for his two daughters: Billie and Georgia, who are 15 and 14 years old, respectively. "I stumble sometimes, but I try. Overall, we had a blast, didn't we?" he started.
He tells his daughters and the audience that he, his daughters and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, spent a lot of time in various beaches around Southern California, Hawaii and Mexico.
"I see you now playing in the ocean for four hours, my water babies," he said. "Those days, pun intended, were heaven."
Billie Beatrice Dane, Eric Dane and Georgia Geraldine Dane attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California.Dane then goes on to tell his daughters the four lessons he learned while battling ALS.
"First, live now, right now in the present. It's hard, but I learned to do that," Dane said. "For years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt. I replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. 'I shouldn't have done this. I never should've done that.' No more."
Eric Dane shared a heartbreaking final message for his daughters ahead of his death at age 53. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Bd0tMOvSAZ
— New York Post (@nypost) February 20, 2026The second lesson he told them was to fall in love. "Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something. Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you wanna get up in the morning."
Dane, who started his acting career in 1991 with his TV debut on Saved by the Bell, told the camera that he fell in love with acting when he was a teenager, and that he still loved and looked forward to going to work.
"Third, choose your friends wisely. Find your people and allow them to find you, and then give yourselves to them," the father said. "The best of them will give back to you. No judgement. No conditions. No questions asked."
He also mentioned how grateful he was for his friends who helped him through ALS. "Just show up and love your friends with everything you have. Hang on to them. They will entertain you, guide you, support you and some will save you."
Actor Eric Dane (L), wife actress Rebecca Gayheart-Dane and daughters attend the 14th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball sponsored by Audi, Kayne Anderson, Lauren B. Beauty and Z Gallerie at a private Mandeville Canyon estate on June 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California."Finally, fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight," Dane told his daughters. "Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit."
One of the traits that Dane highlighted about himself is that he was resilient, and that was his superpower. The late actor used the analogy that he was like a cat. "A cat has nine lives, and I'm on number 15, easily. So when something unexpected hits you, and it will, because that's life, fight and face it with honesty, integrity and grace, even if it feels or seems insurmountable."
He ended his statement with one final message and reminded his girls that they can face anything.
"Fight, girls, and hold your heads high," he said as he started to tear up. "Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words."
Famous Last Words: Eric Dane is available to stream on Netflix.
Related: '70s Rock Band Announces Death of Legendary New York Bassist
‘Scream’ Star Jamie Kennedy Blasts Celebrities Protesting ICE From the Red Carpet
Actor and comedian Jamie Kennedy has a lot of feelings about celebrities who speak out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the red carpet.
Kennedy, 55, who is best known for his role as Randy Meeks in the Scream film series, is also known as the host of The Jamie Kennedy Experiment and for voice roles on series like The Cleveland Show. Also a popular stand-up comedian, Kennedy frequently sounds off on hot topics, and he's done it again during a recent appearance on Jack Osbourne’s podcast, "Trying Not to Die."
During his appearance, Kennedy sounded off about celebrities who criticize ICE from the safety of red carpets and film festivals.
"People are protesting ICE, OK? And I understand the situation is … it's a crazy situation," the actor said during his podcast appearance, Fox News reported. "But when you have actors from the red carpet of an award show at the Beverly Hilton … and they're on there saying, you know, all of this stuff about ‘We're under a fascist regime. We're an authoritarianism [regime].' Bro, yo bro, you're literally guarded by like the most top [bodyguards]. Like, it's insanity."
Kennedy went on to say that "you're under authoritarian rule when you're literally being authoritarian," noting that some of the stars had bodyguards protecting them at the red carpet award shows. He went on to say that others were commenting while attending the Sundance Film Festival.
"They're like, ‘Oh, this and this and this and this,' I'm like, 'You're in Sundance!' You know? ‘If you care, you wouldn't be in Sundance. Get on the frontlines!'"
Jack Osbourne Voiced His OpinionWhile Osbourne made it clear that he is always on the side of the law, he wanted to clarify that he wasn't in support of all of ICE's actions.
"Them shooting that dude, no … that was bad," Osbourne shared, referencing Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who was shot and killed by US Customs and Border Protection officers during a surge of violence in Minnesota last month, which also saw a woman, Renee Good, fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
Related: Andrew Watt Received Meaningful Gift from Jack Osbourne to Honor Ozzy at Grammys
See the First Real-Life Photos of Royal Caribbean’s Newest Megaship, Legend of the Seas
Cruise fans scrolling their feeds today were treated to a sight that could brighten even the dreariest winter days: a first look at the finished Legend of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class superstar was captured fully afloat in the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, giving travelers their first glimpse of the ship's actual silhouette since renderings were released last year.
While it is still unclear if the top-deck "thrills" have been fully installed, the ship's sleek, honeycomb-style AquaDome is clearly visible, giving the massive vessel a "chic" look that immediately earned approval in the comments. The reveal comes just as the cruise line shared a full slate of record-breaking dining options, confirming that Legend of the Seas will feature 28 different ways to eat—the most at sea.
Related: Royal Caribbean Unveils First Details of Its Newest Megaship, Legend of the Seas
View this post on Instagram What’s New on Legend of the SeasThe adventure theme carries through to several all-new dining experiences designed to take guests on a culinary journey:
- Royal Railway Legend Station: This immersive "railway" experience follows the ancient Silk Routes and the footsteps of Marco Polo during a five-course meal.
- Hollywoodland Supper Club: Celebrating the golden age of cinema from 1910 to the 1950s with a multi-course dinner.
- AquaDome Market: The popular food hall concept adds five new global stands, including La Española (tapas), Adobo (Mexican), Seoulmate (Korean) and Cajun Kitchen.
Related: Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas Will Have a Very Cool Surprise on Board
Legendary Thrills and EntertainmentTrue to its Icon Class roots, Legend of the Seas will feature Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides. Families can also look forward to a redesigned Surfside neighborhood and seven sparkling pools, including the Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea.
Entertainment will be headlined by a new Broadway production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the Royal Theater, alongside high-diving spectacles in the AquaTheater and skating at Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea.
Related: Icon of the Seas is the 'World's Best Family Vacation'—Here's What Blew Me Away Most
How to SailThe legendary season officially begins in the Mediterranean in July 2026, offering 3- and 7-night adventures from Barcelona and Rome. Following its European debut, the ship will head to Fort Lauderdale in November 2026 for Caribbean island hops, including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Current bookings for Legend of the Seas start at $1,309 per person.
Related: 10 Best Caribbean 'Micro-Cruises' for 2026: Quick Weekend Tropical Escapes
‘Family Affair’ Star Marks 60th Anniversary With New Hollywood Love Stories Book
As Family Affair marks its 60th anniversary this year, one of its most beloved stars is celebrating with a new chapter of her own.
Kathy Garver, who charmed audiences as Cissy on the classic CBSsitcom, has released a new book titled "Romancing with the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories," a collection spotlighting some of Hollywood’s most enduring romances.
One of the marriages highlighted in the book is Garver's own 50-year relationship with her late husband David Travis, who sadly died last summer after a battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, Garver wrote a tribute to him on her website, where she described her husband as “the real celebrity in our family” and “my best friend and the love of my life.”
The book was officially unveiled on Valentine’s Day during an intimate signing and reading event at Garver’s home. Surrounded by friends and longtime supporters, the actress shared selected excerpts and signed copies of the new release.
Published by BearManor Media, "Romancing with the Stars" explores the stories behind some of the industry’s most admired relationships, from on-set romances to partnerships that lasted decades. Garver and co-author Doug Hartline aim to highlight the qualities that helped those couples thrive both in and out of the spotlight.
Garver’s career has spanned more than six decades, beginning with her early role in The Ten Commandments before she became a household name on Family Affair. In recent years, she has expanded her work in narration and voiceover, earning a Grammy nomination for her audiobook performance of "Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story."
The 60th anniversary of Family Affair adds another milestone to an already remarkable career. And with "Romancing with the Stars" now available, Garver is once again sharing stories, this time about love, longevity, and the enduring magic of Hollywood.
Obama Called 2014 Seth Rogen Comedy 'The Interview' 'A Mistake' to Make
In the weeks leading up to The Interview's release in 2014, the Seth Rogen-led comedy endured its fair share of persistent controversy, mainly owing to its central plot and real-world political background.
With its plot centered around the planned assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (played in the film by Randall Park), many in both the U.S. and North Korea felt the movie did little to improve the relationship between the two opposing nations. At one point, President Barack Obama even told the Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO "it was a mistake" to make The Interview in the first place.
According to a new story from Variety, former Sony executive Michael Lynton remembered the ongoing pressure he and the movie's producers felt as they set out to work on The Interview. This included the direct intervention of Obama himself, who asked Lynton why they were making the movie at all.
As per Lynton's new memoir, From Mistakes to Meaning: Owning Your Past So It Doesn't Own You, the ex-CEO remembered Obama asking, "What were you thinking when you made killing the leader of a hostile foreign nation a plot point? Of course it was a mistake."
Within his new book, Lynton goes on to outline the main reasons he felt compelled to greenlight The Interview, including a desire to produce more "subversive movies."
However, as Lynton was quick to admit, "The party got out of hand, and the company, its employees, my family and I all paid dearly."
Due to the movie's controversial production, Sony wound up offering a severe cyber attack by the "Guardians of Peace," a shadowy hacker group with alleged ties to the North Korean government.
"Over the next few days and weeks the situation only worsened as the hackers released stolen emails that revealed terrible judgment, confidential scripts and personal information — including my family’s,” Lynton said of the infamous data leak.
Trader Joe's New $5 Sweet and Sticky Treat Is a Must-Try Morning Indulgence
Every time I shop at Trader Joe's, I end up coming home with way more than I originally planned. From quick dinners to irresistible snacks and every worldly concoction in between, each trip feels like a direct challenge to my willpower to stick to my list.
And while my budget takes a hit each visit, I still can't resist tossing every intriguing item into my cart. My latest obsession? Trader Joe's Morning Buns—a sweet, sticky $5 box of goodness that tastes just like a cinnamon bun. With a croissant-like texture and a flavor that's impossible to resist, they're a must-have indulgence for morning, afternoon and evening snacking alike.
Morning Buns, $4.99 at Trader Joe'sNathan Hutsenpiller
Found in the freezer section in an 8.4-ounce box containing four buns, this sweet treat has its roots in French-American bakeries that first popularized the pastry in the 1970s. Now enjoying a resurgence in popularity, Trader Joe's Morning Buns capture that same magic of the beloved treat and absolutely live up to the hype.
Made with laminated dough, each bun has a delicate, flaky crust reminiscent of a croissant—the same dough Trader Joe's uses for their chocolate and almond croissants. If you're already a fan, chances are Morning Buns will fit perfectly with your taste preferences.
Flaky, Sweet and Totally IrresistibleNathan Hutsenpiller
What sets these buns apart from other pastries is their 20 layers of dough, all rolled in a cinnamon and brown sugar mix and brightened with a hint of orange zest to amplify the flavors. The dough is then cut, shaped into buns, frozen and packaged, leaving only one step for you to do: proof them at home.
This is the part I thoroughly enjoyed (apart from eating), as it gives you a little of the satisfaction of baking from scratch without any of the prep or construction. Simply place each frozen Morning Bun on a baking tray in the provided paper cup before you go to bed and let it rise at room temperature for seven to nine hours. By morning, the buns should have doubled in size and be ready to bake in an oven preheated to 375°F for 14–16 minutes.
My Honest Review of Trader Joe's Morning BunsNathan Hutsenpiller
From the irresistible aroma wafting from the oven to their soft, flaky, sticky texture and incredible flavor in every bite, I was genuinely impressed with the results of baking Trader Joe's Morning Buns. The standout feature is the caramelized bottom, which adds a slight crunch to each bite and pairs perfectly with the flaky, buttery exterior and tender, pillowy interior.
I even got a little off schedule, which had me worrying I had made a mistake. After letting the buns proof overnight, I wasn't ready to eat, so I stored them in an airtight container in the fridge. Later, I brought them back to room temperature for a couple of hours before baking, and to my relief, they turned out perfectly satisfying.
If you're heading to Trader Joe's this week, be sure to grab a box of these buns while they are still in stock. Whether you keep them all for yourself or share with friends and family, the flavor will impress, and you'll likely find yourself wishing you bought more. While you're at it, check out Trader Joe's Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup and Raspberry Mousse Cakes for more tasty mealtime ideas.
Related: Dollar General's $4 Apothecary Glass Jar Looks Like a Beautiful Vintage Store Find
Author of New York Times Bestseller Turned Hit Amazon Prime Series Shares Exciting News About the Book
Taylor Jenkins Reid is sharing exciting news for fans of her novel turned Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six: the band is getting back together. In a social media post shared Friday, Reid revealed that a new updated version of the book, complete with bonus content and an extended ending, will be released on October 6, 2026. The limited printing deluxe special edition is available for preorder now.
View this post on InstagramIn a post shared to her Instagram account, Taylor Jenkins Reid writes:
“There will be a special deluxe edition of Daisy Jones & The Six! Featuring stenciled edges, new endpapers, an updated jacket with foil, and a printed hardcover with a fan favorite quote. Best of all, it will have bonus content including an EXTENDED ENDING!
This is a limited printing, so if you want to make sure to get a copy, be sure to preorder your copy.
For more information, head to the link in my profile.
The deluxe edition of Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid will be released on October 6, 2026. Available for preorder now.”
Fans React To 'Daisy Jones & The Six' New EndingFervent fans rushed to the comment section, gushing over the news. One wrote, “OMG!!! TAYLOR, I NEED THIS,” while another added, “Been waiting for this one.”
A fan of the Amazon series also wrote, “Still dreaming every day for a season 2.”
The original Amazon series was created as a limited series that completely told the story of Reid’s novel. With a new extended ending being added to the story, it’s possible fans could get their Season 2. Until then, the added content in the book will suffice.
Daisy Jones & The Six became a phenomenon for its immersive look into the world of rock and roll. Told through a series of interview transcripts, the book tells the story of a fictional Fleetwood Mac-like band, offering multiple perspectives on the band’s history and giving readers the feeling they are immersed in a behind-the-scenes rock and roll documentary. The book’s critical and commercial success led to the Amazon Prime series, which starred Riley Keough as the Stevie Nicks-like lead singer.
Fans of the book and the Amazon Prime series have been anticipating a Season 2. Though the series has not had an official greenlight for additional episodes, the show’s creators and cast, and even Reid herself, have expressed interest in continuing the story if there was a compelling storyline.
The addition of a new ending to the original story could be the signal fans have been waiting for. Until then, readers will be re-reading Daisy Jones & The Six as soon as the new edition is released.
‘I’m a Gastroenterologist—This Is the One Popular Diet I Would Never, Ever Follow'
You've probably experienced the short-term pains of some inadvisable dietary choices on your gut health. The bloating, gas, nausea and heartburn can leave you with eater's remorse after eating a large meal or foods that can trigger all of the above for you. Now, going back for thirds on mashed potatoes isn't going to cause long-term harm to your digestive health. However, making sound dietary decisions most of the time is important.
"Diet plays an enormous role in gut health. Our GI tract contains trillions of bacteria that make up the gut microbiome," says Dr. Andrew Moore, MD, an Endeavor Health gastroenterologist. "The balance of the bacteria in our gut has a profound impact on our overall health, and changes in diet can dramatically alter this balance."
Gut health has become a buzzy topic on social media, and diet trends have existed long before Facebook entered the chat. Unfortunately, not all so-called "healthy" diets support your gut; some can even harm it.
"A diet might be billed as 'healthy' because it can help with rapid weight loss, but by starving your body of certain nutrients, it may in fact be detrimental to your gut microbiome balance and thus your long-term health," Dr. Moore says.
He especially bellyaches over one popular diet, which he notes is sneaky low on a major macronutrient that helps keep your digestive system in tip-top shape. Here's the diet Dr. Moore would never, ever follow unless it was medically necessary. Plus, he reveals his pick for the best diet for gut health.
The One Diet a Gastroenterologist Wouldn’t FollowDr. Moore isn't a fan of the keto diet, especially not long-term unless it's medically indicated and you're under the watchful eye of your healthcare team. His biggest pain point with the keto diet is that the plan is often too low in fiber, an essential nutrient for good gut health.
It might help to step back and get familiar with what keto actually is and aims to do.
"The keto diet is a diet that focuses specifically on limiting the intake of carbohydrates and replacing this with a moderate intake of protein and a high intake of fats," Dr. Moore states. "When the intake of carbohydrates is kept to around 50 grams or less per day, the body enters a state called 'ketosis' where it burns fat for energy instead of glucose. This can help with weight loss."
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
You'll notice that he didn't even mention fiber in his description of keto. That's because the eating plan doesn't focus on it, let alone demonize it. Yet the fact remains that the keto diet often excludes fiber, which fans and followers can overlook.
"It’s not that the keto diet restricts fiber per se," he states. "It’s just that many foods that are high in fiber are also high in carbohydrates. Beans and lentils are an example."
Also, it's 110% worth mentioning that fiber is a carbohydrate. "However, it is not counted in your daily amount in the keto diet because fiber is not absorbed by the body," Dr. Moore explains. "So you can certainly still have fiber while on the keto diet. It’s just that the intake of fiber often indirectly gets decreased because the intake of fruits and vegetables is decreased."
Now, importantly, some people may need to follow a keto diet, such as those with diabetes. Yet Dr. Moore emphasizes that it's critical to work with a healthcare provider because severely restricting carbs can pose other risks, such as dangerously low blood sugar. Plus, you should definitely speak with a qualified pro before deciding to start the keto diet if you think you have high blood sugar or need to lose weight.
"If you're concerned about blood sugar, weight and diet, it’s important to first meet with your primary care provider," he says. "They can do routine blood work to see if blood sugar elevations are a problem, and they can also recommend lifestyle modifications to help with weight loss."
Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Fermented Foods Every Day
Why Fiber Is Critical for Gut HealthThe keto diet can unintentionally limit fiber, which your gut craves. "You can think of fiber as food and nutrients for the good bacteria in your gut," Dr. Moore says. "In the process of breaking down fiber, they create things like short-chain fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support the lining of your GI tract. This overall helps with your immune system."
He notes that data links low fiber intake to increased risk:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis)
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Colon cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
Related: This Is the Worst Type of Meat for Gut Health, According to Gastroenterologists
How Much Fiber Do I Need per Day for Gut Health?"The number varies depending on age and sex, but generally we aim for around 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day," Dr. Moore says.
Yet, most people aren't getting enough fiber in their diet. "It’s important not to increase your fiber intake too rapidly, as this can cause pain and bloating," he states. "You can set a goal of increasing intake by around three to five grams every one to two weeks...With fiber, it’s also important to make sure you are staying hydrated and meeting your daily recommended water intake."
If you're looking for an eating pattern that helps you get enough fiber, Dr. Moore suggests the Mediterranean diet for gut health.
"It’s a diet that is high in fiber and recommends a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains," he says. "The wide variety of food groups also makes it a more sustainable long-term diet option."
Up Next:
Related: 'I'm a Gastroenterologist—This Is the One Snack I Wish Everyone Would Avoid'
Sources:- Dr. Andrew Moore, MD, an Endeavor Health gastroenterologist
- Closing America’s Fiber Intake Gap. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
- Dietary fiber influence on overall health, with an emphasis on CVD, diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, and inflammation. Frontiers in Nutrition.
- Opposing diet, microbiome, and metabolite mechanisms regulate inflammatory bowel disease in a genetically susceptible host. Cell Host & Microbe.
Kelly Clarkson's 'Voice' Karaoke of '00s Hit Single Is an 'Iconic Moment in History'
Kelly Clarkson gave one of her most epic performances at the Baby Grand Karaoke bar in New York City with a little help from her friends.
Those who went to Baby Grand for a bit of karaoke fun got the surprise of their lives when Clarkson got up on stage with her The Voice pal John Legend and comedian/actor Druski.
If it wasn’t enough to have those three perform together, they belted out Clarkson’s classic 2000s hit “Since You’ve Been Gone.”
A video of the performance has been making the rounds on the Internet. In the footage, Legend can be heard screaming, “Let’s go, Kelly,” before Clarkson belts out the tune. When the chorus hit, Legend, Druski, and the audience jumped in to sing with her.
People magazine shared the video clip on Instagram, and fans hit up the comments to react to the moment. The official Instagram account for The Voice called it “An iconic moment in history 🙌.”
View this post on InstagramAnother fan stated, “Vocalist of my life.” Several fans left red heart, clapping, and fire emojis to express their thoughts on the video.
One fan who was at the performance also shared the video to Instagram writing, “I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this. DO YOU UNDERSTAND???? Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Druski walk into an NYC karaoke bar 🥹🤍 @nbcthevoice @babygrandnyc #kellyclarkson #thevoice #sinceubeengone #karaoke #popculture.”
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“Why am i healed by watching this,” asked a fan in the comments. A different commenter declared, “Not our Queen Kellegendary casually belting the high G 🥹💛🙌.”
More comments included, “Iconic!!!!!!!” “Omg I’d die,” the same fan account also revealed Clarkson gave a stellar performance of the 1978 Gloria Gaynor hit “I Will Survive.”
View this post on InstagramIn true Clarkson fashion, she crushed it with the crowd singing along while Legend and Druski jammed out behind the American Idol winner.
Fans can see Legend and Clarkson back on The Voice for Season 29 Battle of Champions alongside Adam Levine.
The Voice airs Mondays at 9/8c on NBC.
Next: Eric Dane’s ‘Charmed’ Co-Star Alyssa Milano Pens Heartfelt Tribute to Beloved Actor
‘Happy Days’ Star Reveals the One Character He Couldn’t Have Played Without Therapy
Henry Winkler is best known for his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days. The beloved actor played the confident, tough guy character for 11 seasons on the ABCsitcom, from 1974 to 1984. Winkler’s post-Happy Daysacting resume includes roles on everything from MacGyver to Monty. But there was one major role that the actor admitted he could never have taken on without therapy, because in real life, he was nothing like the Fonz.
During a February 2026 appearance on the What Matters With Liz podcast, Winkler, 80, admitted that his Emmy-winning role on the HBO series Barry would have been impossible without the advice of his therapist as he went through a transitional period in his life.
"If I wasn't present in my life, I now know I could not have done Gene Cousineau on Barry without the therapy that I went through," Winkler told host Liz Vaccariello.
He further explained, "I'm a block of Swiss cheese with a lot of holes. And I am working on becoming a block of cheddar. It has no holes. That is a lifelong journey. Believe me, I am not ched yet."
On Barry, Winkler played Barry Berkman’s (Bill Hader) eccentric and self-absorbed acting coach, who eventually forms a bond with his troubled student. Winkler appeared on the HBO dark comedy drama from 2018 to 2023. He won his first-ever Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 for Best Supporting Actor in the HBO hit.
Winkler told Vaccariello that now that he is older, he doesn’t care so much about “what people think,” but when he did, it was “debilitating.”
“I have fought to jump that hurdle,” he shared. “Because that is debilitating, and so hard to get over. When you think that they must be thinking about what you just did, and it could be the furthest thing from their mind.”
Winkler previously told Today’s Sunday Sitdown that his therapist really helped him drill down for the role on Barry. "I could not have done Barry without having met that doctor," he said in a 2023 interview. "I could not have done that character with that kind of texture ... I was stilted as an actor."
“Only then did I start to break chunks of this thick cement," Winkler explained of his connection with his therapist. “The old Henry, scared out of my mind," he said. “The new Henry coming up against it and now tentatively, pushing back, and the old Henry didn't want to give in.”
Winkler added that when the "old Henry" eventually collapsed, “the new Henry was able to do some scenes" that are now some of his "favorite scenes ever."
Kristen Kish Reveals the Exact Moment She Knew Eric Nam Had 'Changed' on 'The Traitors' (Exclusive)
The Traitors Season 4 has arrived! Throughout the season, Mike Bloom will speak with someone from the star-studded cast who was murdered or banished on the iconic Peacock reality series.
On paper, Kristen Kish may have been out of her element on The Traitors. Even though she's made a career on reality TV as both a Top Chef winner and host, the Emmy nominee hadn't competed in a game as strategic as her experience in Scotland. But years of being an incredibly successful chef has taught her one innate skill: To trust her gut.
As Kristen put it at the Black Banquet, "I’ve never lived a life where I felt luck played a part in any of it." And so she was conditioned to look for clues during her time in the castle, feeling there's no such thing as coincidences. Her first major move of the game was towards Colton Underwood, believing his ability to whip votes and change minds could be a textbook sign of a Traitor. Unfortunately, her palate proved to be a bit off, as she was shocked to find the former Bachelor murdered come breakfast.
In the meantime, as one of the more reserved people on the cast, she gravitated towards fellow introverts like Mark Ballas, Eric Nam and Rob Rausch. She had no idea that there were literal Traitors in her midst, as she was resolute a "sweet, sweet man" like Rob would never have the disposition to don the cloak. Approaching the end game, however, she noticed that the usually soft-spoken Eric was perhaps a little too quiet. After beiing silent at one particular Round Table, Kristen began to start wondering if she was actually working alongside a Traitor. Unfortunately, she chose to tell this to the other Traitor in the game. When Rob relayed this information back to Eric, the devious duo chose to chop the chef with a massive bread knife, feeling she was too dangerous to keep in the game.
Now out of the game, Kristen talks with Parade about what made her suspect Eric, the tight bonds she made that we didn't see, and why she used a giant knife to butter her bread in the premiere.
Related: Everything to Know About The Traitors Season 4
I have to start with the most important question you'll hear all day: Why did you use a giant bread knife to butter your bread?
[Laughs.] Valid. My question back to you and anyone watching and the producers, why did they decide to show that, knowing that it would be a topic of conversation? I don't know.
It was quite simple. The food is setup in the breakfast room. Whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner, it's always set up in that room. And the kitchen is, I don't know, 100 paces from that door. So I go in the kitchen. There's always a loaf of bread and a bread knife and a toaster in there. Well, I said I wanted bread and butter. I cut it. My only other knife was the knife I was cutting my personal food with on my plate. So was I going to walk back and get a new knife? Absolutely not. I needed to be safe in my kitchen away from all the chaos that's happening in the castle. So I just stayed in place, and I used the tool that I had. You're lucky I didn't use my fingers. That was a close second.
Well let's talk about the giant knife that was stabbed into your back at the beginning of this episode. You had been on the shortlist a few times this season because of how observational you were. Were you surprised at all when you went down to that dungeon and the cloak popped out of the jack-in-the-box?
Oh, not at all. I was fully prepared. That was the first time I knew that I was on the shortlist. So I had a 1-in-4 chance. My thing was, as soon as I was locked in that box, I was like, "Alright, we got 25% chance. I got to say what I want to say. I've already made it this far. I feel really proud that I've even gotten as far as I did." So I wasn't surprised when it popped out. I think the expectation that it wasn't going to be me would have been wild after what I said to Eric.
Let's talk about that. Had you been suspicious of Eric prior to last week's Round Table? Or was his behavior truly different that you only started looking at him then?
Eric changed. So Eric and I, off-camera, on-camera, we had a really good relationship. We chatted. It was a very solid foundation of how we interacted with each other. What changed was a little bit at the round table, sure. But also...he changed. It's like sensing a shift in a close friend. You're like, "Well, that's weird. What just happened there?"
And for me, my whole game going into it was, I am going to suspect everyone is a Traitor. That's how I'm going to manage my relationships, and so that's how I'm going to interact. He changed. I can't explain it. He just went silent. And I was like, "That's really odd." Because I don't know if you can tell on social media or any other interviews or anything, but he's funny. We banter; we have a good back and forth. And that just stopped. I was like, "Well, that's odd."
Another fellow introvert you were working alongside closely was Rob. At one point, you say "that sweet, sweet man" can't be a Traitor. Talk to me more about your relationship. And what was your reaction when you found out he could be far from sweet?
Well, here's the thing. There are so many others that I said, "I really enjoy being around them." I said that about several folks, and obviously, this fed the storyline. So they showed me saying it about Rob. There are hyperbolic statements being thrown around in that castle all the time. "I totally trust this person." Sometimes you just have to say it. And again, me playing a game as if everyone was a Traitor, I'm gonna make sure everybody thinks that I trust them. And that was part of it. So he was not the only person I called a "sweet, sweet man" at all.
But the thing with Rob to me, in comparison to Eric, for example, is we're not obviously seeing his plan unfold behind the scenes. But he was constant all the way through. He was always the same level of outspoken, quiet, all the things. What was interesting is when I watched this past episode play through, where I'm not part of it, [in] the carousel thing. I'd like to think that I would have clocked that behavior change in him, where he got angry, he got annoyed. He didn't get annoyed like that in front of me, at least. And so I think a lot of it, I was relying on consistency. And whether that was a good idea or not, I'm not sure. But it got me that far. Rob was consistent.
Well it may not be hyperbolic to say that you did "totally trust" Mark.
Yeah, that was not a hyperbolic statement.
There's a lot that's been said by you both on social media about how close the two of you actually were. When did that bond form, and how did the two you work in tandem?
The bond formed, I think, very quickly. There was a little bit of strategy involved, but I think it just naturally unfolded. I can't tell you the moment where I was like, "This is my guy." But at a certain point in the game, you do have to declare trust with somebody, complete trust in some form. And to me, that was Mark. In terms of our gameplay, I don't know if we played it well, to be honest. I think that we had the alliance; we have each other's back. But I also think that was just more of a somewhat personal thing that was happening. Could we have leveraged it better in the game? I think so.
While you're a reality TV veteran, it's safe to say The Traitors is a very different cuisine from what you're used to. What were your expectations going into your first strategy game, and how did it compare to the reality?
I tried not to go on with too many expectations, because I had no idea what I was getting into. I agreed to do the show, and then I watched the show. Those two things were happening at the same time. And so I binge-watched in an effort to try to learn about what was going on. My expectation was that, "We're just going to try something new. Let's try not to go out on the first or second episode. We're just going to try my expectation."
My expectations were very little in comparison to what it actually felt like. It exceeded my expectations by way of making friends in places that I never, ever, ever thought I would make friends. Would I have ever crossed paths with Love Island, Dancing with the Stars? Maybe the Housewives because of the Bravo connection. But no, I don't know if these things would have naturally converged. So that was the best thing that exceeded expectations.
Finally, I'm giving you the opportunity to play it forward a bit. Who is a Top Chef alum — or maybe a fellow judge — who you want to see on a future season of The Traitors?
This is really hard. And it's a really great question that I'm going to give you a very lame answer to. I think anybody who wants to play the game. That's 80, 90% of the battle. Do you want to be there and play the game? Because so much of the success of players' game is based off of how what other players you're playing against. You have no idea about some of the most strategic, well-thought-out plans and gamers. I look at [someone] like Tiffany. She's so good in the games that she played. She has strategy, she has a plan, she has personality, and she's personable. But you never know what's going to happen because of somebody else and how they're playing the game. So I don't know. I think if you want to be there and you're ready for a good time. I think that's all you can really ask for.