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Sam Elliott is known for his long career in films such as Road House, Mask, The Big Lebowski, and A Star is Born. But his breakthrough came in 1976 when he landed the starring role in the movie Lifeguard.

Directed by Daniel Petrie, Lifeguard featured Elliott in the title role as Rick Carlson, a professional lifeguard on a Southern California beach. The romantic drama focused on the kind, 30-something lifeguard serving as a mentor to trainee Chris (Parker Stevenson) while questioning his life choices as he approached his 15-year high school reunion. Elliott’s character also became entangled with a teen paramour (Kathleen Quinlan) before his reunion meetup with his now-divorced ex-girlfriend (Anne Archer) had him considering a career change.

Lifeguard hit theaters on July 23, 1976, smack in the middle of the Bicentennial summer that included the release of films such as Ode to Billy Joe, Silent Movie, The Omen, Cannonball, and Gator. But instead of focusing on the theme of a thoughtful man feeling pressure to change, Lifeguard was marketed to look like a sex comedy, complete with a beefy caricature of Elliott alongside two bikini-clad women.

In an interview with Cinephiled, Elliott recalled that all of the actors took Lifeguard “very seriously” when they were making the film, so the marketing ploy put him off.

“It’s a coming-of-age story for Kathleen Quinlan, and it was also about this guy I played who was doing what he loved to do instead of succumbing to pressure to do something else,” he shared. “It’s a very good movie that I’m proud of. But Paramount sold the film in very specific way. Their catchphrase was ‘Every girl’s summer dream’ and they used this artwork of me in my Speedo with a big-[breasted] girl on either side of me. ..they sold it like it was about that.”

“I went on the road doing press for six weeks, one city after another,” Elliott continued. “You get into these towns and do interviews, and usually the reporters had seen the film the night before. Invariably, every f---ing interview started with, ‘This movie isn’t anything like I expected!’ And man, when somebody said that, it just made me start sharing what I thought about the way Paramount was promoting the film.”

Poster for the 1976 film 'Lifeguard.' (Photo by LMPC via Getty Images)

Photo by LMPC on Getty Images

Elliott recalled that at the time he was very outspoken in the press as he slammed the way the film was advertised. Speaking with Business Insider, the actor admitted that his honesty while promoting the film hurt his career to a degree.

“Honest, opinionated, and not very smart. All at the same time. And that's a lethal combination,” he shared. “And I'll tell you what it came out of — it was the way Paramount chose to market that film."

"We took that whole movie serious, even though it was a fluffy treatment because it was set on a beach," Elliott explained. "But it was about a guy who was at a point in his life that he had to make up his mind about what he wanted to do: be a lifeguard or get a real job. And when the marketing campaign came out… people would start the interview by saying, ‘This movie is nothing like I expected it to be,’ based on the marketing, and we would go into this long discussion about the f---ing marketing. It was never positive. So in the end, I never worked for Paramount again.”

RELATED: 1976 Top 10 Hit Song Led to Career-Defining Movie Role

While he admittedly “scared people off” with his opinionated talk about the movie’s marketing, Elliott told The Hollywood Reporter he still felt blessed by his career. “I had my moment, where I had the starring role in Lifeguard and all that …I’ve managed to be very fortunate over the years. These things have kept coming around and coming around.”

He also noted that he could relate to his Lifeguard character and was happy with the ending to the film.

"Lifeguard is the closest thing to me personally I’ve ever done,” he once said, per Woman’s World. ”Everyone stresses money, money, money in the film—they pressure him like crazy. I agree with the choice he finally makes and, frankly, it’s easy for the character to make. I suppose it is a cop-out in a way. His life is happy and content, but he’s not a beach bum, either. In California, it’s a realistic way of making a living.”

Related: 1976 Film ‘Ode to Billy Joe’ Featured a Haunting Score That Went Beyond Bobbie Gentry’s No. 1 Hit Song

We can't believe how tall Prince George has gotten!

In new footage released of the duo the twelve-year-old prince is almost exactly the same height as his mother Kate Middleton.

The Princess of Wales and her oldest son stepped out for a rare joint outing to a Royal Air Force base.

To mark Armed Forces day a video was released that includes footage of the duo posing in front of a WWII-era Spitfire plane.

Mother and son also took turns to climb into the fighter plane to inspect the cockpit.

George was the image of his father Prince William, dressing up for the occasion in a navy suit, blue shirt, and brown loafers.

Kate wore a tweed blazer and a white t shirt, accessorizing with her Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings.

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The £450 ($594) pearl earrings are a huge favorite of Kate's—she's worn them on many occasions since 2012, and they have a poignant connection to her children.

Related: Prince George Is Going To Eton—Did Kate Middleton Lose A Battle With Prince William?

When George was born in 2013, Kate, William, and their newborn son stayed with Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton for a while. During that hot summer, a candid snap was released of the family—along with their cocker spaniel Lupo—sitting on the sunlit lawn of the Middletons' home in Berkshire.

Kate is wearing her Annoushka pearl drops in the photo, which was taken by her father.

Two years later she wore the same earrings when she and William posed for the traditional picture with their newborn daughter Princess Charlotte on the steps of St. Mary’s Hospital in London, where Kate had just given birth.

She wore the earrings again in 2018 when she posed on the same steps with a newborn Prince Louis.

In the footage released today the Princess of Wales looked so proud to be accompanied by her oldest son during their visit to RAF Coningsby.

Kate has been Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby since 2023.

As second in line to the throne, Prince George will one day be commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

Related: Will Harry and Meghan Finally Secure the ‘Money Shot’—A Picture Of Their Children With King Charles?

"Honouring Service and Sacrifice," the caption read of the video posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales's official Instagram account.

"Marking Armed Forces Day by reflecting on time spent with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby.

"Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive.

"A powerful reminder of the courage, skill and dedication of those who serve, past and present.

Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve."

We last saw Kate and George photographed together earlier this month, when they posed with the other members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at King Charles III's birthday parade.

This summer will be bittersweet for Kate and William, as it will mark their oldest son's last summer at home before he heads to his new school in the fall.

Kensington Palace recently confirmed that the 12-year-old future king is set to follow in his father Prince William and uncle Prince Harry‘s footsteps by enrolling at Eton College, the elite boys-only boarding school that costs $84,000 per year.

Although George will be a boarder, he will still be only a 15-minute drive from his family’s home of Forest Lodge in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

When William was a student at Eton, he often swung by Windsor Castle to have tea with his grandmotherQueen Elizabeth II.

Next, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte’s Twinning Moment Included a Hidden Tribute to Princess Diana

Helen Slater has recently passed the baton to new Supergirl actress Milly Alcock. The actress donned the red cape in 1984's Supergirl, which was so poorly received that it sadly did not get a sequel.

Long Island-born Slater won the part of Superman's cousin after she auditioned in a homemade Supergirl costume.

“I can’t remember what I had for breakfast yesterday but I remember that audition. I was the only one sitting there that had a costume on. It was either, ‘uh-oh, this is either an epic fail’ or ‘look how courageous I am’,” she recently told The Telegraph.

The 62-year-old said she beat a “a cabal of Eighties actresses” for the role. Most famously, she also beat both Demi Moore and Brooke Shields to play Kara Zor-El.

“We always ideally tried to have big stars surrounding an unknown,” admitted the producer Ilya Salkind, per Sci Fi Now. “Helen Slater was totally unknown at the time and when we tested her we had seen a lot of girls, including Demi Moore, who turned it down. But when we finally saw Helen she absolutely stole the show, so we decided to go with her.”

“No one ever told me why I got the part,” Slater told the Telegraph, although she believes her earnestness matches Christopher Reeve’s overgrown Boy Scout. “They really doubled down on the sweetness,” says Slater about her version of Supergirl. “Very different to what we’re about to see with Milly.”

Being plucked from obscurity to play such an iconic comic book character, came with some side effects. “I felt the weight of it because of the publicity campaign,” Slater explained, before adding “I felt the whole weight of the experience because I was from New York but I was living in London. I was by myself. There was a heaviness to it.”

Slater has remained closely tied to the franchise over the years, appearing in the TV series Smallville as Superman's biological mother and in the CW's Supergirl show as Supergirl’s adoptive mother, Eliza Danvers.

In the music world, it's certainly hard to find a legacy act that can still produce on stage like they used to. That's no disrespect to any musicians in their later years, but it's an unfortunate truth that the road has a way of wearing the body down. That being said, Sammy Hagar is sounding pretty youthful still. If what Robbie Robertson of The Band said about touring being an "impossible way of life" is true, then it seems Hagar is doing the impossible.

You should remember Sammy Hagar from his work with Van Halen. Some of the bands most classic records feature his vocal work, such as the smash hit "5150." As one of the still remaining members of the band, he's one of the last places you can hear some authentic Van Halen from the source, and untainted from the years on the road.

At a recent concert of his, fans were absolutely stunned by his youthfulness on stage, and the talent he's still able to accurately reproduce.

@that80srockchic

Sammy Hagar Tour

♬ original sound - 🤘MeTal Mel🤘MMtv🤘

Between his guitar playing and singing, the '80s icon has still got the stuff. That's an especially impressive feat as the style of singing he's known for is really hard on your voice. The high pitched, fried out screams that define the hard rock anthems of Van Halen's music cause a lot of wear and tear, but it seems that convention has skipped Hagar and left him unscarred.

Fans were quick to the comments to praise the star and the performance he's still able to give forty years after Van Halen's prime.

"I was there!!! Amazing!!!"

"Sammy is doing it right. He sounds great, he’s dressing like an older dude who plays music. Not chasing the 80’s."

"This guy is ageless! Long live Sammy!!!"

We're lucky that one of the '80s biggest rock icons gets to rock out like the years haven't gone by all the way to today. Even if it's for one night, concerts can turn the years back and make everyone young again.

Related: Legendary '80s Metal Band Delights Fans with Pre-Show Antics - 'I Will Be Watching This Forever'

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Mira Sorvino just shared a video in costume from the set of the Romy and Michele's High School Reunion sequel, and she looks almost the same as she did 29 years ago.

The acclaimed actress, 58, who scored an Academy Award for her role in Woody Allen‘s 1995 film Mighty Aphrodite, is a fan favorite thanks to legendary performances in films like Summer of Sam. The daughter of the late Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino, she’s married to Christopher Backus, and the duo has four children. But one of her most beloved films, Romy and Michele, has brought fans back for rewatches endlessly. And with the new sequel in the works starring Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow, everyone's ready to head to the theater.

In a new video shared to her Instagram account, Sorvino showed herself in costume as Romy once again. Sporting platinum blonde hair and red lipstick, it's almost shocking how little she's changed since the 1997 film came out. However, it was her touching message that really resonated with fans.

"After 30 years, we have a sequel... I couldn't be more excited," Sorvino shared from the set of Romy and Michele 2. Looking like she might burst into tears of joy, the star shared that they just completed the first day on set of the highly anticipated sequel.

Watch the sweet video below:

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Sorvino’s Daughter is a Dead Ringer for Her Mom

Sorvino recently took to Instagram to wish her daughter, Mattea Backus, a happy birthday, and it’s safe to say the college student bears a striking resemblance to her mother.

“Happiest of birthdays to the most wonderful @matteaabackus you fill my heart to bursting with love and pride. You have always flown so high, I am in awe of you up there in the stratosphere, climbing with each shining moment,” Sorvino wrote, captioning a series of photos of herself and her lookalike daughter as they enjoyed adventures across the globe. “My dear gift from God, you changed my life immeasurably for the better from the first second I held you in my arms, I love you so!!!”

View this post on Instagram Sorvino Made Her Broadway Debut

Last August, Sorvino announced she would be joining the cast of the hit musical Chicago for a limited engagement at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City. The star tackled the iconic role of fame-hungry housewife Roxie Hart from September 15 to November 2, 2025.

“I have wished to dance and sing in a Broadway musical since I was a small child,” Sorvino said in a statement, PEOPLE reported. “To join Chicago, such a legendary show, and such an incredible cast, past and present, is literally a dream come true!”

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Related: Oscar Winner Mira Sorvino, 58, Is the Most Beautiful Santa Claus You’ll Ever See

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If keeping your essentials organized feels nearly impossible in a small bathroom, a compact storage cabinet can be a smart and practical solution. Walmart is currently offering a can't-miss deal on one of its bestselling options, the Homfa 4-Drawer Storage Cabinet. It has a sleek, slim design that fits easily in narrow spaces, and it's now available for over 37% off in all four colors. 

For a limited time, you can snag the white version of the space-saving cabinet for just $55, down from $95. You can also get in green, gray, and blue hues, all reduced to $57. It's also available in a two-pack option in select colors at $100. 

Homfa 4-Drawer Storage Cabinet, From $55 (was $95) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

At 11.8 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 32.5 inches high, the cabinet has a tall, narrow frame that's designed to fit comfortably next to sinks, alongside showers, and in other tight spaces. Despite its compact build, the cabinet offers plenty of room to stash toiletries, skincare, towels and other items. It has four drawers that are spacious enough to stow shampoos, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper, while the smooth tabletop offers additional space to display candles, diffusers, and other decor.   

Related: Walmart Has a 'Sturdy and Durable' Outdoor Storage Shed for Just $110 That's Perfect for Small Backyards

Thanks to its clean lines and modern design, the cabinet can also work in a variety of other spaces throughout your home. Use it as an accent piece in a living room or hallway, a closet organizer, or as a makeshift pantry in a kitchen. It's made from high-quality MDF material that resists warping and stands up to daily use, no matter where you put it. 

The cabinet has earned over 330 five-star ratings from Walmart shoppers, who praised its "sleek" and "sturdy" build. One reviewer said it offers "plenty of storage," while another called it the "perfect size" for smaller spaces. Another highlighted its slim frame, noting that it "fits perfectly" in their compact bathroom.  

If you're looking for a way to add some much-needed storage space to your home, this four-drawer cabinet could be the practical and stylish upgrade you need. Snag one for just $60 before this limited-time flash deal ends at Walmart.

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.

Sculpted obliques are a key part of a defined physique—but firming these muscles goes beyond aesthetics. The obliques are situated on the sides of your abdomen and play an essential role in daily movement, helping you twist, bend and reach with ease. The obliques stabilize the spine, protect the ribcage, support the lower back and improve posture. They also generate the power you need to rotate your trunk, whether swinging a tennis racket or golf club, tossing a ball or grabbing and carrying grocery bags.

“The internal and external obliques connect your ribcage to your pelvis like supportive slings,” Kelley Workman, Pilates instructor, master personal trainer and nutritionist with Life Time Greenway, tells Parade. “Together, they stabilize and protect the lumbar spine by coordinating with the deep core (transversus abdominis) and pelvic floor, organize posture by managing rib flare and pelvic tilt, reducing swayback and ‘duck-butt’ tendencies and drive and decelerate rotation and sidebending, which is crucial for walking, reaching, carrying and sport. Undertrained obliques often show up as low-back tightness, shoulder/neck overuse and a core that looks strong but collapses under rotational load.”

The bottom line? It’s essential to improve your oblique strength in order to maintain a solid, functional core. Many common exercises are golden when it comes to strengthening the obliques, as they channel real-life movement. For instance, if you’re a Pilates fan, there are certain oblique-firing moves instructors never skip—and we’re here to clue you in on them.

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How Pilates Effectively Trains the Obliques

Before we dive in, let’s chat about Pilates. This low-impact, full-body workout is a popular training modality—and for good reason. It can help you achieve a lean muscle tone while boosting flexibility, mobility, balance and strength.

Not only does Pilates train the obliques to move—it also teaches you how to effectively use them, says Bayley Brunnmeier, owner and lead instructor of Grow Core Pilates in Las Vegas, where she specializes in private and semi-private, equipment-based training focused on strength, alignment and long-term body support.

“We train rotation from the ribcage, lateral flexion with length instead of compression and anti-rotation to stabilize the spine,” she explains. “But more importantly, we slow everything down. That’s where the real work happens. When you can control the movement, maintain alignment and recruit the right muscles together. Instead of isolating the obliques, Pilates teaches the body  how to use them in connection with everything else.”

Related: ‘I’m a Pilates Instructor—These Are the 5 Moves I Give Every Client Who Wants To Lose Weight After 50′

Why the Obliques Are Commonly Undertrained

During many classic gym workouts, the obliques don’t receive the attention they genuinely deserve.

“Undertraining obliques happens because many workouts focus on forward flexion movements such as sit-ups, crunches and machines—but when you do Pilates, you can incorporate side bending, rotation, anti-rotation, balance and dynamic control, which is a complete core workout,” says Nikkii Behrens, Pilates teacher, trainer and founder of Rare Pilates. “When trained correctly, the obliques become one of the most powerful components of a strong and resilient core.”

That’s not to say there aren’t a few essential tips to ensure you’re engaging your obliques properly and getting the biggest bang for your buck out of each Pilates session. According to Brunnmeier, many Pilates participants move too quickly and lose control, pull with the arms rather than the ribcage, rely too much on the hip flexors or allow the pelvis to shift instead of being stabilized. Focusing on form is key.

“Once the hip flexors take over, they can start doing the job of everything—the glutes, the lower back, even the abdominals. That’s when you lose the deeper core connection entirely,” Brunnmeier cautions.

Another common pitfall is not utilizing the other muscle groups that support how well your obliques function.

“For example, a lot of clients lack internal rotation and adduction. The adductor muscles, or inner thighs, play a major role in supporting the obliques. They work together almost like a system. When you learn how to connect into them, it allows you to access the obliques in a much deeper  and more integrated way,” Brunnmeier adds.

Now, if you’re ready to fire up your obliques, let’s dive into the moves Pilates instructors highly recommend.

Related: The Equipment-Free Move a Pilates Instructor Is Begging Every Woman Over 50 To Do in the Morning

5 Best Pilates Moves To Target Obliques, According to Instructors

Here are the oblique-firing moves they never skip.

1. Criss Cross

1. Begin by lying flat on your back with your knees lifted in a tabletop position.
2. Place your hands at the back of your head, elbows out wide.
3. Curl your shoulders, neck and head off the mat or reformer.
4. Extend one leg straight to a 45-degree angle.
5. At the same time, rotate your torso and bring the opposite elbow toward your bent knee.
6. Switch sides, continuing to alternate.
7. Perform 2 sets of 12 to 16 slow, controlled reps 

Related: Exactly How Often You Need To Do Pilates To Reduce Belly Fat, According to Instructors

2. Short Box Side Over (Reformer)

1. To set up, place the short box on the reformer’s carriage.
2. Secure both feet under the foot strap.
3. Sit sideways on the box near its edge, keeping the hip that’s closest to the footbar anchored on the box.
4. Extend your legs under the strap.
5. Place your hands at the back of your head.
6. Breathe in as you assume a tall posture.
7. Side-bend your torso toward the floor, keeping your hips square.
8. Exhale as you lift your torso back to an upright position, using your obliques to get there.
9. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

3. Side Plank

1. Assume a high plank, forming a straight line from your head to your heels.
2. Push the ground away from you.
3. Draw your ribs in and keep your pelvis neutral.
4. Rotate to one side, stacking your shoulders and pelvis.
5. Reach your top arm up toward the ceiling and hold.
6. Perform 2 to 3 rounds of 20 to 45-second holds on each side.

Related: Pilates Instructors Say This Is the #1 Mistake Beginners Make

4. Teaser With Rotation

1. Begin sitting tall on the mat with your legs extended ahead of you.
2. Brace your core as you slowly roll down through your spine until your back is flat on the mat.
3. Reach both arms overhead and keep your legs long.
4. On the exhale, roll up into a teaser, balancing on your sit bones with your legs lifted and raised into a “V” position.
5. Once you find your balance, rotate your torso to one side.
6. Return to the center.
7. Rotate to the other side.
8. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 6 to 8 rotations on each side.

Related: ‘I’m a Pilates Instructor—These 5 At-Home Exercises Helped My Clients Lose Stubborn Weight’

5. Mermaid

1. Assume the mermaid position with both knees bent to the same side.
2. Maintain a tall posture, lengthening through the top of your head.
3. Place one hand on the mat beside you and lift the opposite arm overhead.
4. Side bend toward the grounded hand.
5. Use your obliques to return to the tall position.
6. Perform 6 to 8 slow reps on each side.

Remember that a solid core is much more than an aesthetically pleasing six-pack, and your obliques are crucial when it comes to rotational strength, spinal stability and all-around more efficient movement. Adding these Pilates moves to your routine is an excellent step in the right direction.

Up Next:

Sources:

• Kelley Workman, Pilates instructor and nutritionist with Life Time Greenway
• Bayley Brunnmeier, owner and lead instructor of Grow Core Pilates in Las Vegas
• Nikkii Behrens, Pilates teacher, trainer and founder of Rare Pilates

Monica Bellucci is more stunning than ever at 61.

The classic Italian beauty, 61, was first introduced to American audiences in 2000’s Under Suspicion. She later gained notoriety as Persephone in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, and portrayed Mary Magdalene in The Passion of the Christ. In 2015, she played opposite Daniel Craig as James Bond in Spectre. But in a near appearance on day five of the fourth Nouvelles Vagues International Biarritz Film Festival in Biarritz, France, the stunning star showed why she's still so in demand. Legendary for her curves, the ageless queen made a simple wrap dress look incredible as she posed in the sun on the French coastline.

Photo by Dominique Charriau on Getty Images

Photo by Dominique Charriau on Getty Images

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Her Split from Tim Burton

Bellucci and legendary director Tim Burton, who is known for films like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, dated from 2022 to 2025. However, the couple split that September.

“It is with much respect and deep care for each other that Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton have decided to part ways,” the couple announced in a note released to the AFP agency.

Later, Bellucci opened up about the amicable split in an interview with Vogue Italia, and made it clear that while they decided to part, there’s still a lot of love there.

“There are roads that, at a certain point, cross for a path that continues forever…Tim’s road and mine met to make a path together and then split again,” said Bellucci. “As long as I live, however, Tim will always have a unique place in my heart.”

Photo by Ivan Romano on Getty Images

What’s Next for Monica Bellucci?

Last summer, Variety reported that Bellucci has an exciting job coming up.

She stars as the matron of an aristocratic Sicilian family in Ketticè, directed by Italian director Giovanni Tortorici. Luca Guadagnino also produced the film.

Set in 2012 Palermo, the film explores the dynamics between two local sixteen-year-olds, Ketty and Giulio, who together build “an exclusive friendship, a shared refuge in their search for freedom, away from the judging eye of the adult world,” according to the synopsis. Now that’s one we can’t wait to see!

Related: Curvy Queen Monica Bellucci Looks Better Than Ever at 61 on the Red Carpet After Split From Tim Burton

Critics have had mixed reactions to the new Supergirl movie, but they all say the same thing about this one moment.

Released this week, Supergirl is the second feature from the DCU following last year's Superman, and stars Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa, and is directed by Craig Gillespie. The film follows 23-year-old Supergirl, who teams up with a young warrior to confront her past and defeat a common enemy.

The overall reaction to the film has been lukewarm, with many fans and critics enjoying the performances and the characters but not the plot or the writing. The film, at the time of writing, sits at 57% on Rotten Tomatoes.

But one thing everyone can agree on is that the needle drop played towards the end of the finale might just be the worst of the year.

In the big dramatic fight at the end of Supergirl, a cover of Jimmy Eat World's 'The Middle' starts to play. This slow, melodic cover of 'The Middle' by Kelty Greye and KidMotel was first released in November 2023.

As Movie Web points out, "needle drops in superheromovies are far from uncommon, this one has incited backlash amongst the DCU fandom."

An X user declared the song an "instant WOAT [worst of all time". Freelance journalist Maxance Vincent agreed with that sentiment, saying the needle-drop moment "is so terrible I disintegrated in my seat."

"When I heard everyone say Supergirl's needle drop was bad, I genuinely thought it couldn’t be as bad as people were making it out to be. This is so much worse than they made it out to be," another social media user wrote.

Another freelance journalist was one of the many to note that the originally pop punk version of 'The Middle' may have made more sense than the sad, slowed down cover of the 2001 track.

Supergirl is out in cinemas now.

For more than four decades, Lorrie Morgan has been one of country music's most expressive singers, bringing heartbreak, resilience and strength to songs that helped define the genre during the 1990s.

On Saturday, June 27, the Grand Ole Opry member celebrates her 67th birthday with a career that includes three No. 1 hits, more than 40 appearances on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and a place among country music's most enduring female artists.

But long before platinum albums and sold-out theaters, Morgan nearly didn't make it through one of the biggest moments of her life.

Related: Beloved Country Star Lorrie Morgan Joined by Son in First Performance Since Husband’s Death

Speaking recently on The Nashville Palace Podcast, Morgan recalled being just 13 years old when her father, country star George Morgan, invited her to make her Grand Ole Opry debut.

"I was sick," she remembered. "I was in the bathroom a while."

She had rehearsed "Paper Roses" with the Opry band and nervously asked legendary steel guitarist Leon Rhodes what she should do if she got called back out for an encore.

Related: Lorrie Morgan’s Son Lifted Up in Prayer After ‘Serious’ Health Crisis: ‘Worst Pain of My Life’

"He said, 'Well, you won't, but if you do…'" Morgan recalled with a laugh.

Even as her father promised he would only introduce her if she gave him a reassuring nod from backstage, Morgan admitted she was terrified. But she stepped onto the Opry stage anyway, delivering a performance that earned a standing ovation and launched a remarkable career.

But success didn't come overnight.

Morgan said there was a period when she felt overlooked by record labels despite growing up in Nashville surrounded by the music business.

Related: Country Star’s New Hit Was Just Named One of the Best Songs of 2026

"I was like wallpaper," she said, explaining that industry executives already knew who she was, while newer artists often received the attention.

Determined to make her own path, Morgan said she would even leave school wearing her St. Bernard Academy uniform and walk the halls of Music Row carrying her guitar, knocking on record-label doors in hopes of being discovered.

Related: Country Star’s ‘Mind-Blowing Banger’ Just Earned One of the Year’s Biggest Honors

That persistence eventually paid off.

After signing with RCA Records in the late 1980s, Morgan broke through with Leave the Light On before following it with a string of platinum-selling albums, including Something in Red and Watch Me. She scored three No. 1 country hits with "Five Minutes," "What Part of No" and "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," while fan favorites such as "Something in Red," "Watch Me," "Except for Monday" and "Good as I Was to You" helped establish her as one of the defining female voices of 1990s country music.

Along the way, she collaborated with artists ranging from Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette to Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra and The Beach Boys, while remaining a beloved fixture at the Grand Ole Opry.

Related: 1971 Country Hit, Written About a Blind Musician, Became a No. 1 Song

Morgan's remarkable career unfolded alongside tremendous personal heartbreak. In 1986, she married fellow country star Keith Whitley, whose traditional sound and soulful voice made him one of Nashville's brightest rising stars.

But just three years later, Whitley died of alcohol poisoning at just 34 years old, leaving Morgan widowed at 29 with their young son, Jesse Keith Whitley. Despite the devastating loss, Morgan continued building one of country music's most successful careers, later winning the Country Music Association's Vocal Event of the Year award for their posthumous duet "'Til a Tear Becomes a Rose."

In recent years, Morgan has continued recording and touring, releasing Dead Girl Walking in 2024 while persevering through profound personal loss. Last year, she mourned the death of her husband, Randy White, after his battle with cancer, and later returned to the stage alongside her son, Jesse Keith Whitley. More recently, Whitley shared that he is sober and recovering after what he described as a serious health crisis, thanking fans for their prayers and support.

At 67, Morgan's voice remains as unmistakable as ever, carrying the same emotional honesty that first captivated audiences more than 50 years ago when a nervous teenager stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage and discovered she belonged there all along.

Related: Country Music Superstar Announces Special Guests for 2026 Tour

The fun doesn't stop with Metallica's tour this summer, which has been making waves all across Europe with heartfelt moments, great music, and most importantly, a plain old good time.

It's great to see that after years and years of these guys playing together, they still have so much fun doing it. There's a bond between the band members that makes the music all that better to see live, and the band all that better to be in the room with. It's clear you're getting a bit more than just the music with these guys, but also a look into a friendship that has lasted for quite a long time.

At a recent concert the band had, James Hetfield and Robert Trujillo were getting some of the energy out with a bit of pre-show fun that had fans in stitches.

@amylouise2490

I knew from this point it was gonna be a great show @metallica #metallica #jameshetfield #roberttrujillo #glasgow #hampdenpark

♬ original sound - AmyLouise2490

Nothing like a good dance to get the nerves out. There are some great details in this video that really highlight the bond these guys have. For starters, I love Hetfield's Cliff Burton shirt, the band's late great bassist who was taken from us far too soon. It's great to see that they're still thinking of him and keeping his memory alive. Fans really appreciate the shirt, taking notice in the comments.

"IS THAT CLIFF ON HIS SHIRT??😭"

"Omg the Cliff shirt!!"

I also love how everyone in the audience is clearly waiting for them to go on stage. It's so carefree I can't help but be endeared by it. Fans were too, also showing love in the comments to how relatable and fun the clip was.

"I love them so much it’s not funny anymore."

"So cute! I'd be happy to just watch them do that instead of perform!!"

"OMG don’t delete this I will be watching this forever!!😭❤️‍🩹"

Metallica's tour continues to not disappoint, with moments that fans will be remembering and cherishing for a long time.

Related: Legendary '80s Metal Band Pay Respects to Underrated Rock Icon's Grave on Tour

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Mel Brooks turns 100 this weekend, and Josh Gad is helping kick off the celebration with a rare photo of the legendary filmmaker.

On Friday, June 26, Gad shared a smiling snapshot of himself with Brooks, wrapping an arm around the EGOT winner as the pair posed together. Brooks, who turns 100 on Sunday, June 28, sported a black hat embroidered with the words "Spaceballs The Crew Hat," a reference to one of his most beloved films.

"Getting to be with this Legend the week he turns 100 is truly the greatest gift in the world," Gad, 45, captioned the Instagram post, which immediately got tons of comments from fans saying how great Brooks looks.

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“He looks great! May the Schawrtz Be with You!” one fan quipped, quoting the movie.

Another shared, “The fact that he's still with us at 100 is f**king amazing! A true legend. Absolutely cannot f**king wait for Spaceballs 2!! Long live Mel Brooks!!!”

“Wow!!! Incredible!,” said a third, while a fourth wrote, “Awesome photo happy birthday Mel brooks.”

Gad and Brooks have been working together behind the scenes on the long-awaited Spaceballs sequel. In early 2025, Gad shared an exciting update on the project, revealing that production could begin at the end of that year.

The actor, who has long described himself as a devoted fan of the original (which premiered in 1987), also promised audiences that the new film won't simply revisit familiar territory. "This is very much a sequel," Gad explained on an episode of Sirius XM’s The Spotlight with Jessica Shaw. "This is very much a continuation of that movie, and, more than that, it's a celebration of all things Mel Brooks."

READ MORE: Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, and Mel Brooks Reunite in Never-Before-Seen Throwback Footage

The social media post also marks one of Brooks' latest public appearances ahead of his milestone birthday. Just last month, the comedy legend appeared in a prerecorded message during The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy, honoring the actor's decades-long impact on comedy.

“Before you were born, even before I was born, the movies were born,” Brooks said. “One of the great gifts they gave us, perhaps the greatest gift, was laughter." He continued by praising Murphy as one of the rare performers who transcends generations. “Some have talents that burst beyond the screen and onto the stage,” Brooks said. “They create characters that have us look inside ourselves. And there are some, very few, that did it all."

As for Spaceballs: The New One, it’s currently set for an April 2027 release date.

Related: Mel Brooks Receives Support Following Death of Late Best Friend Carl Reiner’s Son

Tim Robbins skyrocketed to fame in the role of Nuke LaLoosh in 1988's Bull Durham. 38 years later, he's heading back to the baseball field.

Robbins, 67, kicked off his career with roles in The Sure Thing and Top Gun. While he later became a household name in the fan favorite flick The Shawshank Redemption, he's also an acclaimed director with projects like Dead Man Walking. But it was Bull Durham, in which he played the role of pitcher Nuke LaLoosh opposite Kevin Costnerand Susan Sarandon, that introduced many audience members to the star.

Now, Robbins is heading back to the baseball field. The star is set to appear in The Catch alongside Sissy Spacek, Emma Stone, and Chris Pine, Deadline reported. Saturday Night Live favorite Ashley Padilla and comedian Druski have also joined the cast of the film, which will be directed by Dave McCary. The piece says details are being kept under wraps, but that "the film is a baseball rom-com in the vein of Bull Durham and Notting Hill."

At least that will be familiar territory!

If you need a flashback to Robbins' role in Bull Durham, check out this classic scene below:

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Robbins is a Lifelong Mets Fan

If there's one way to tip off the world to your new role, Robbins found it. A lifelong fan of the New York Mets, the star shared a photo of himself from behind catching a game this week. Sporting white hair and a white mustache, Robbins wore a Mets jersey with the name "LaLoosh" emblazoned across the back.

View this post on Instagram Robbins Isn't Crazy About Netflix as The Future of Film

Back in 2024, Robbins opened up in an interview with The Guardian about why he's not so crazy about streaming platforms.

“You go on Netflix right now, you see what films are coming out, and you tell me that that’s the future of cinema? We’re in big trouble,” Robbins told the publication, adding that when Shawshank Redemption hit theaters, it got “good reviews.” However, “nobody saw it.” Luckily, the world came to love the movie because it was played endlessly on VHS and on television.

“It remains on top of IMDb as the most favoured movie of all time,” he said. “So I know that a quality movie, a quality television show, will last. Whether it’s a hit or not is irrelevant compared to what people are going to think about it in 10, 15, 20 years.”

Related: Susan Sarandon, 79, Tears up and Gets Emotional Onstage in Spain

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Pasta just tastes better when served up in the correct bowl (yes, there are wrong bowls), and if you're looking for some new quality dishes to make sure your fettuccine Alfredo gets the treatment it deserves, Marshalls has you covered with this delightful four-piece earthenware pasta bowl set. It is so stunning while being super affordable, too.

Marshalls' Set of 4 Tonquin Pasta Bowls are full of English countryside charm, donning a dainty pattern that looks vintage and like something you'd find while dining in an English cottage. This makes enough sense, as these dishes were made in England! The pasta bowl set comes with four bowls that measure nine inches in diameter and two inches in height, making them a generous size for everything from their intended use to soups, salads and more.

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Made in England Set of 4 Tonquin Pasta Bowls, $29.99 at Marshalls

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Featuring a whimsical blue-and-white chinoiserie pattern and scalloped edges, this pasta bowl set looks so refined. It will elevate any table setting. While these are great for daily use, these pasta bowls are also pretty enough for special occasions. This makes them a versatile addition to your kitchen cabinets. Or, you could keep them on display in a cabinet. It's totally up to you.

Related: Dolly Parton's New 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set at Target Is Countryside Perfection

These pasta bowls are made of sturdy earthenware with a glazed finish, so they are built to last and will be part of your life for years to come. What's more, the dishes are microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making them practical for everyday use. Simply toss them in the dishwasher when dirty and use them to heat up leftovers. Simple.

You can snag Marshalls' Set of 4 Tonquin Pasta Bowls on Marshalls.com or in select Marshalls stores. It retails for $29.99 for the set.

If you are interested in other Marshalls finds, be sure to check out this dreamy three-piece floral quilt set, this retro-style espresso maker from an iconic brand at an unbeatable price or this two-pack of washable rugs that come in the most charming cottagecore print.

Related: Marshalls' New Gingham 3-Piece Comforter Set Feels Like a Breath of Fresh Country Air

When you look at the towering, record-breaking skyline of Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, your eyes are naturally pulled toward the massive monuments of modern engineering.

Between the screaming loops of El Toro and the frantic vertical construction of the park’s mysterious, 300-foot-plus 2027 mega-coaster rising over the tree line, it is easy to forget that this regional entertainment powerhouse actually traces its story all the way back to the summer of 1974.

But while theme park operators across the country are routinely bulldozing legacy rides to make room for the next high-tech thrill, Great Adventure is proving that true hospitality means taking care of the classics that started it all.

The park just announced that it is continuing a comprehensive, multi-phase restoration of one of its most cherished and enduring opening-year attractions: the historic Runaway Trainroller coaster.

Related: Six Flags' NJ Flagship Reveals Five New Rides and 'Gabagool'

Six Flags Great Adventure

Designed to bring the family favorite back to its absolute roots, the project features a complete structural detailing and a vibrant, meticulous repainting into one of its most beloved heritage color schemes. It is a savvy, high-visibility nod to the millions of grandparents, parents and kids who have utilized the gentle, winding mine train as their very first "grown-up" coaster experience over the last five decades.

Originally debuting during Great Adventure's inaugural 1974 season, the Arrow Dynamics masterpiece carved out a unique space in the park's portfolio. While it may not boast the terrifying drops of its steel neighbors, its charm lies in its beautifully chaotic, "all-ride, no-brakes" momentum. Once you scale the initial 60-foot lift hill, the train barrels through a series of sweeping helixes, dips across a shimmering central lake, and navigates the dense New Jersey foliage at a swift, breezy 38 miles per hour without a single mid-course brake run slowing down the fun.

Related: Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari Had a Baby Boom—See the Adorable Photos

Six Flags Great Adventure

"Runaway Train is more than a roller coaster. It's part of the story of Six Flags Great Adventure," explains Ryan Eldredge, Director of Sales & Marketing at the park. He highlights that as the destination continues to aggressively invest in its massive future footprint, leadership is remaining equally committed to safeguarding the historic foundations that shaped the park's multi-generational appeal. "Restoring the ride's classic appearance is an exciting step in honoring that legacy while ensuring it continues to create memories for generations to come."

Related: Six Flags Is Replacing Its Legendary 456-Foot Coaster With Something Even Bigger

The nostalgic face-lift lands at a highly dynamic moment for the property, which is currently undergoing a massive wave of capital improvements. Visitors walking through the gates this summer can already explore the newly debuted Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk—a vibrant, seaside-inspired district packed with elevated dining, classic flat rides, and retro games—alongside the return of the in-park Safari Off-Road Adventure boarding trucks.

By balancing the hyper-modern thrill of their upcoming pipeline projects with a deep, genuine respect for heritage icons like the Runaway Train, Six Flags is ensuring that whether your family prefers a high-speed adrenaline rush or a gentle, memory-filled coast through the woods, everyone has a perfect reason to head down the turnpike.

Related: Six Flags Is Turning Its Parks Into the Ultimate Coast-to-Coast Bash for America’s 250th Anniversary

Wisconsin Dells is known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," understandably bringing in plenty of tourists to the area. If you're planning an upcoming trip, you're likely looking up the best hotels and experiences to help make your vacation unforgettable...which leads us to a brand new resort that you might hear people refer to as the "Wisconsin Dells dragon hotel," aka Dellshire Resort, a medieval/fantasy-themed destination that just opened in May 2026.

While the themed hotel is not connected to a waterpark like some of the competitors in the area, it offers multiple pool options—including a splash pad area for little ones, a 21+ swim-up bar, an outdoor pool with a waterfall element and more.

There are also arcade games in the Hero's Hall Family Entertainment Center that will keep families busy and an on-site restaurant, Blade & Barrel, for breakfast and dinner. While Dellshire Resort's mixed reality programming "Legends of Dellshire" was not available as of my family's visit in mid-June, it's "coming soon" and should be an incredibly captivating activity for kids and grownups alike.

My husband, our two kids (both under 10) and I recently returned from a three-day visit to "the realm," and between meeting the 70-foot-long dragon, Golspar, spending hours swimming in Serpent's Bay and exploring the two-story arcade space, I have plenty to share, and will cover it all in this honest Dellshire Resort review.

Related: Grace Bay Resorts’ Newest Luxury Location in Turks and Caicos Is *Perfect* for Families

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

My Honest Review of Dellshire Resort: Is It Worth the Hype?

Overall, Dellshire Resort is a unique, exciting new addition to the Wisconsin Dells. While it doesn't have a massive waterpark like some of its competitors in the area, the immersive Medieval theming, indoor/outdoor pools and large entertainment center make it absolutely worthwhile for families, weddings and fantasy fans.Once the mixed reality programming officially launches, and the dragon can begin breathing fire at the entrance, it will become even more distinctive and special.

I believe it's worth the hype, especially if you have children or grandchildren who love dragons and fantasy elements—or if you yourself are a fan of experiences like Renaissance fairs. I've never attended one, personally, but as a reader of fantasy books like Fourth Wing, When the Moon Hatched and Throne of Glass, I thought the overall atmosphere was a lot of fun. And my kids continued to repeat: "I love this place!"

It's a great home base for a vacation, if you're interested in going out and about to busy waterparks and return to a relaxing, unique setting. I also think it would be an ideal wedding destination (they already have close to 10 weddings booked and have only been open for a little over a month!), since the event space they offer is truly stunning, and guests would have plenty of entertainment on-site before and after the ceremony.

Related: 29 Funny 'ACOTAR' Memes You'll Want to Send to Every Fan of the Books

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

First Impressions: Meeting the 70-Foot Dragon, Golspar

When you arrive at the resort, you're immediately greeted by "Golspar," the 70-foot long steel dragon statue, at the entrance.

Eventually, it will be fire-breathing, which will only add to its appeal. My kids were disappointed that it wasn't breathing fire during our visit, but they absolutely loved stepping out of the car and getting a closer look at Golspar. The detail in the scales and its 55-foot wingspan is impressive!

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Inside the Rooms: Sleeping in a Modern Castle

Our room was on the main floor (which is technically the second floor—luckily the elevators have a star next to the second floor to help you remember this!), the same level as the lobby, main gift shop, arcade entrance and on-site restaurant. It contained a king size bed along with two bunkbeds. We loved the medieval decor throughout.

There are four floors of "chambers" (aka the guest rooms), and then the lowest level of the property is where the pools are located.

Dellshire Resort has "quiet hours" from 10:30 p.m. until 7 a.m. which was especially helpful on our first night, as we either had an active hallway above our room or an excited group staying right above us—while my heavy sleeper kiddo passed out around 9 p.m. without any issue, the rest of us fell asleep a little after 11 once the louder footsteps calmed down. And we had no issues at all with noise the second night.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

The Pools at Serpent's Bay, Water Features, and Hero's Hall Arcade

Wisconsin Dells is known for its waterparks, but Dellshire isn't trying to be the next Mt. Olympus or Kalahari, exactly. I definitely think it's an ideal place to relax and unwind between visiting the nearby attractions in the area, or if busy waterparks are a little too intense for your family right now, this is the perfect spot for water play without getting overstimulated or scared.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

The 21+ Indoor/Outdoor Pool (and Swim-up Bar, Scale Cove)

When I first looked at pictures of the resort online, I thought that the 21+ indoor/outdoor pool that includes a swim-up bar was in its own area of the resort, in a more secluded section. However, I think it's important to note that this adults-only section is in the same location as the other pools—the family-friendly indoor pool with basketball hoops is directly behind this one in the same area.

My husband and I sat at the swim-up bar to grab a drink, and it worked out perfectly for us because we could have eyes on our kids the whole time (we asked them to stay where we could see them near the pool's basketball hoops).

After you order at the swim-up bar, you're allowed to walk around with your food and drinks. So when the sun came out, you can bet I was outside on a lounger with my frozen cocktail!

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

If you're a parent, this whole set-up is honestly great. However, if you're looking for an adults-only spot to grab a drink and swim in peace, you might not love the ambiance of kids having a blast...aka shrieking. (This applies to the indoor hot tub as well—I spotted two older couples during our stay get flustered when children were screaming nearby in the indoor pool.) But if you're used to having energetic children around, it's no big deal.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Other Pools

Our whole family enjoyed the indoor/outdoor hot tub, as well as the indoor-only hot tub, while our kids especially had a blast with the main outdoor pool (with a waterfall element during peak times), and the splash pad section of the indoor pool area (they must've gone down the slide a hundred times!).

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Hero's Hall Family Entertainment Center

Another fun element to Dellshire Resort is the fact that it has a two-story family entertainment center filled with arcade games, a spot to grab pizza and beer (Gilded Spouts), another gift shop (the Guildmaster's Shoppe) and themed rooms that will eventually be part of the mixed reality quests. There's also a room you can rent for birthday parties.

You can buy arcade cards at a range of price points, like $50, $75 or $100. The arcade games themselves could lean a little pricey—with most of them ranging from $2.25 to $5 a play, but there were at least a couple "play until you win" games with candy prizes and the air hockey table was $1.50 a play, which my family loved taking advantage of (and my kids learned how competitive Mom can be).

One of our favorite moments of the trip was when my daughter scored a huge ball from "The Giant" claw machine.

Related: 125 of the Best Family-Friendly Activities & Ideas That'll Keep the Fun Going All Summer Long

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

The Food: Dining at Blade & Barrel

Blade & Barrel is Dellshire Resort's on-site restaurant, which is open for both breakfast and dinner. Shout out to the servers: the service was incredible.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Dinner

The first night we ate at Blade & Barrel, here's what our order looked like, including the prices:

• Butter Board appetizer, $10
• (2) Kids' Knight's Crispy Sticks, $10 each
• Seven-Finger Pork Chop, $52
• Medieval Double Burger, $24
• Song of Rest cocktail, $15
• Golspar's Revenge cocktail, $18

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

They have a separate kids' menu for children 12 and under.

The first night, our total came to about $150 before tip. The next night, we got the same kids' meals, one double burger and a Caesar salad, and it came out closer to $65.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Breakfast

Blade & Barrel offers a family-style breakfast. The food was delicious, and my daughter still talks about the "Chef's Warm Beignets."

It costs $23 per adult and $12 per child at the table, and you cannot pack up any of the leftovers to-go. My husband isn't much of a breakfast person, and my son is a pickier eater, so they stayed back in our room while my daughter and I went for breakfast on our second day.

Part of our breakfast at Blade & Barrel

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

The way the menu works is you order two mains, one meat and two sides for the table. We ordered pancakes and quiche, sausage links, and the fruit cup and cinnamon rolls.

I do wish we could have brought some of the food back to the room that we didn't finish, like the fruit, especially because we went into Kettle & Keep for a fruit cup for my son about an hour later.

Related: 25 Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids To Kick Boredom to the Curb This Summer

The Hero's Hall has plenty of pizza options—we got the BBQ chicken pizza (sans jalapeños) and I'd absolutely recommend it.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Other Dining Options

For more casual dining options, you can grab a bite or drinks at:

• Scale Cove (swim-up bar)
• The Thirsty Dragon (bar area connected to the lobby)
• Gilded Spouts (in the Hero's Hall arcade area, the pizza is 10/10)
• Kettle & Keep (counter where you can order coffee drinks, gelato, pastries and some refrigerated deli options inside the main gift shop off of the lobby)

Courtesy Dellshire Resort

The Chaucer-Troyes Ballroom for Weddings

OK, I just have to include a professional photo for you to see Dellshire Resort's gorgeous ballroom and have everyone envision attending (or throwing?) a wedding here. The wood panels? The balcony access? It's so romantic.

While touring the property, when we got to this area of the hotel, I turned to my husband and said, "This would've been the perfect wedding venue!" Only 14 years too late...

But it's no surprise that they already have multiple weddings booked even though they just opened last month.

There are plenty of fun dragon details throughout Dellshire Resort.

Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer

Pros and Cons of Dellshire Resort

Pros

Cons

Amazing service throughout the hotel

If you're an adult wanting to swim or enjoy the hot tub in a quieter setting, you might not appreciate the noise throughout the pool area

Cleanliness and the "newness" factor, along with being a unique fantasy setting

The food and arcade games can be a bit pricey

The two-story arcade and pools are great for families

The mixed reality experience and fire-breathing dragon aren't ready yet

Up Next:

Related: This Gorgeous Turks and Caicos Resort Is Family-Friendly With 'Total Luxury Vibes'

You can't pick your family, but you can certainly cast them. At least, that's the job of Jeanie Bacharach when it came to creating the critically acclaimed ensemble of The Bear. The Emmy winner was responsible for filling out the proverbial (and sometimes literal) kitchen staff of the hit culinary drama, finding just the right people to bring to life the complicated characters that have kept fans' appetites whet for half a decade.

With the series having come to a close with its fifth and final season on June 25, Parade got the opportunity to talk with Bacharach about, for lack of a better term, how the sausage gets made. Here are the ten most delicious nuggs from the conversation, including which character was initially written with the opposite gender, one actor who originally appeared in a completely different role, and which of the many celebrity guest stars the crew geeked out over the most.


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Who was the first person cast on The Bear?

The Bear sports a voluminous ensemble, with the cast having multiplied over its five-season run like ingredients in a pantry. But it all had to start from somewhere. And, when Bacharach was asked who the first person cast on the show was, it was the most logical answer.

"I think it wasJeremy Allen White," she says. "We really needed to know who our Carmy was in order to kind of build around him. So, yeah, I'm pretty sure it was Jeremy."

She goes on to mention that series creator Christopher Storer next brought on actors like Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, both of whom he already had in mind before the casting call was put out. Once they had their chemistry reads with White (albeit over Zoom, given they were done during the pandemic), their place in the proverbial kitchen was set.

One character was originally written as a smaller part — and a man Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina in 'The Bear'

Courtesy of FX

While the characters of The Bear have undergone an incredible metamorphosis from Seasons 1 to 5, one of the most notable among them is Tina. The sassy line cook at The Beef came into the series incredibly guarded of the new "Jeffs" of Carmy and Sydney. But the more she opened her mind, the more she learned, rising to become CDC of The Bear by the end of the series. Tina was a fundamental part of the show's lifeblood through its entire run, and earned Liza Colón-Zayas an Emmy in the process. But, according to Bacharach, the character looked quite different before her audition.

"Liza's character was originally written as a man," she reveals. "And then they changed that. And she was initially, I believe, just going to be a recurring character. And she's just so dynamite that they had her [stay]."

It's heartwarming to know that, much like Tina, Colón-Zayas was able to earn her own promotion, showcasing why she was the perfect person to play this character — gender be damned.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach initially passed on The Bear

If we're talking about character transformations, though, the gold standard has to go to Richie. As Ebon Moss-Bachrach's front-of-house manager puts it so eloquently in the final season, "I used to be a people hater, and now I’m a people lover." Indeed, over The Bear's run, we've seen him go from a misanthropic loner to finding his life's purpose and true bliss in hospitality. It's a performance simultaneously guarded and vulnerable that only Moss-Bachrach could pull off. And there's a world where he wasn't part of the show at all.

"Ebon was last [to be cast]," Bacharach reveals. "Ebon had been working on another project, Andor, and shooting remotely. And he had initially sort of passed on the project, like, 'Life is too busy. I can't wrap my head around this right now.'"

Bacharach continued to do her due diligence and read other people for Richie. But one thought remained prevalent: It had to be him.

"So we circled back to him," she recalls. "We caught him at a time where his schedule and things had cleared enough that he could open his mind to it." And before you could say, "Mangia, baby!" a life-changing performance was born.

Related: Who Is Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Wife? All About His Marriage to Yelena Yemchuk

The biggest thing to look for when casting The Bear

Suffice it to say, the cast of The Bear spanned a huge variety of ages, backgrounds, and notoriety. But, no matter whether they were looking at an affluent Emmy winner or someone finding their big break, Bacharach says there's always a common denominator she and Storer looked at when casting the show.

"We really needed to have people who are fast on their feet," she explains. "Who can improv, who can roll with it, who can hold their own against these cast members. The speed with which they work, and that sort of rawness and realness. As things evolved, how this show was shot, and the tone, which was important in sort of thinking about who we can drop in."

The Bear dialogue is peppery, to put it mildly. And in order to be an ingredient on this five-season plate, they needed to bring the heat!

The secret behind The Bear's celebrity casting Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna in 'The Bear'

Courtesy of FX

Like many successful shows, after The Bear enjoyed massive acclaim for its first season, everyone was looking for ways to do it bigger and better in Season 2. Nowhere is that more prevalent than in the iconic episode "Fishes." Taking a break from the havoc of the present day, the hour-long episode takes a deep dive into the tumultuous and toxic dynamic of the Berzatto family. And the chaotic clan features a bevy of notable names, including Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, John Mulaney and Jamie Lee Curtis. And, surprisingly, Bacharach went into casting "Fishes" flying blind.

"I wasn't given the script before," she says. "With Chris, we started talking about it early on. When your show is successful, it, you know, it's a great place to be able to operate from. So certainly the success of the show, you know, allowed for us to sort of reach out to people that might not have jumped in in Season 1 without sort of knowing what the show is. It would become a wish list, like, 'What if Jamie Lee wants to do it? I mean, she's about to win an Oscar, but what the heck!'"

Bacharach and her team didn't know until after the fact, but getting Curtis on board was even easier than they may have thought. Allegedly, the Oscar winner had watched the first season when it came out. And, when the character of Donna, the Berzatto matriarch, was mentioned, she turned to her husband, Christopher Guest, and said, "I'm going to play that role."

As much as the show was eager to jump at the chance to cast Curtis (who would go on to win an Emmy for the role), they knew the importance of certain characters. Another big example, and award-winner in his own right, is Jon Bernthal. While Bacharach obviously had no idea how much he would appear throughout the series as Carmy's deceased brother Mikey, his spiritual presence in the story meant that extra consideration was needed.

"These characters have loomed so large in our story already," Bacharach muses. "The role of Michael, he had so little to do in that first season. But it was so important for us to understand how huge that character was in these people's lives, and how complicated that relationship was. And the same for Donna. It was about finding people who could be both enormous personalities and impactful. But still remain grounded, still find the humor, still find the humanity in these people."

How did The Bear cast real-life chefs?

There's, of course, a big to-do about the number of famous faces who have been cast on The Bear. But that extends outside the realm of Hollywood. Considering its setting, the show made sure to bring real-life chefs into the fray as well. Of course, there's Matty Matheson, who wound up becoming a major part of the show as comic foil Neil Fak. But perhaps the primary example is Christopher Zucchero, whose restaurant "Mr. Beef" inspired the central location at the start of the series. Additionally, he appeared throughout the show as Chi-Chi, one of The Beef's employees, truly merging the fictional world of the show and its real-life counterpart.

"That goes back to Chris," says Bacharach. "He has this instinct about people that they will be able to deliver. He just really has this unbelievable eye and instinct in people who will work. So many of our culinary people were people who have been involved in the show in some way, in consulting, or sort of just being there as friends of the show. So that was Chris just reaching out. And who doesn't want to be on The Bear?!"

Related: Does Ayo Edebiri Have a Boyfriend? Inside ‘The Bear’ Star’s Dating History

One actor initially appeared on The Bear in a completely different role (L-R) Ricky Staffieri as Ted Fak, John Cena as Sammy Fak on 'The Bear'

Courtesy of FX

The Fak family is one of the most polarizing parts of The Bear's fandom, considering how the shenanigans of the siblings seemed to only expand over time in both stakes and size. We saw a couple of celebrities get into the ring to lend their face to a Fak, including John Cena and Brie Larson. But the dynamic duo at the center are Neil (Matheson) and Ted (Ricky Staffieri). And, shockingly, Bacharach says that the latter actually originally appeared on The Bear in an entirely different role.

"Ricky's a great story," she recalls. "Ricky originally auditioned for and booked a role in the first season of the show as someone at the Al-Anon meeting. He did a beautiful job. But then the role ended up being cut for story purposes and time."

Luckily, an opportunity came around during "Fishes" to play the happy-go-luck-handyman. And Staffieri got his second bite of the proverbial apple, a role he stuck with through the show's finale.

"The fact that he then got the opportunity to be this character that just took off, I mean, you could not have imagined that it was going to go from this one small part into something major. It was so disappointing when they had to cut the part, and then this other opportunity arose." His performance as Ted, much like the character in Season 5, was through the roof.

The inspiration behind Rob Reiner's casting

Rob Reiner graced The Bear with his presence in Season 4, playing Albert Schnur, a businessman and mentor to Ebrahim (Edwin Lee Gibson). Tragically, it would be one of the final on-screen roles for the iconic actor and director before his death in late 2025. And Bacharach reveals the Hollywood icon was their first choice for the role, considering the unique role Albert served in the show.

"With Chris, we started talking about ideas, and it went from talking about actors to talking about writers to then talking about directors, because of this mentor aspect to the character," she explains. "So we were thinking about directors. And certainly the fact that Rob had also acted was an additional bonus. How lucky we were to have had that experience with him!"

Related: ‘The Bear’ Pays Tribute To Rob Reiner In Series Finale

Why The Bear Season 5 didn't have any big celebrity cameos

As mentioned above, The Bear has gained a reputation for bringing in a wide range of celebrities to portray a wide range of characters in Chicago. Interestingly, however, for its final go-round, the show went much simpler. The vast majority of Season 5 focused on one long, memorable, hellacious service, bringing the focus back to the restaurant at its core. Of course, Curtis still had some significant scenes, and the last moments of the series featured cameos from Mulaney, Odenkirk, Josh Hartnett and others. But, surprisingly, there were no big guest stars in the final season of The Bear. And Bacharach reveals that's completely by design.

"I think Chris had a very specific idea in mind for this season," she says. "There wasn't the same opportunity to kind of bring new people in just because of the structure of Season 5."

The guest star The Bear crew went craziest for

While Season 5 lays off on bringing in the A-listers, it still rolls out the red carpet (albeit a sopping wet one) for a Chicago legend. One of the guests dining during that fateful night is Tom Skilling, a meteorologist who worked for WGN-TV from 1978 to 2024. When Richie reveals the VIP for the night, Sydney is absolutely gleeful, declaring her love for the weatherman. And that apparently mimicked the mood behind the camera as well.

"I think Tom might have been the person who the crew was most excited about," Bacharach says. "I mean, we've had some big people on the show. But the crew members who were local Chicago [natives] were so nervous. He was a big star. Just seeing people line up to get to shake his hand. He couldn't have been kinder. And he fit into our world beautifully; he improv'd [all of his dialogue]. It was great."

Related: 'The Bear' Series Finale Ending Explained: Did Carmy Leave the Restaurant?

In 1979, The Knack had a smash hit with “My Sharona.”

Written by Doug Fieger and Berton Averre for the power pop band’s debut album Get the Knack, “My Sharona” featured a punchy bass and electric guitar riff, a riveting drum beat, and lyrics about romantic obsession. (Fieger's muse was his former girlfriend, Sharona Alperin).

Not only did the summertime hit leave disco in the dust, but it was a pioneering track ahead of the new wave genre of the early 1980s. “My Sharona” went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1979, staying there for six weeks, and was later ranked the top song of the year by Billboard.

While the album spawned a second hit with “Good Girls Don’t”—sparing The Knack the dreaded one-hit wonder label—“My Sharona” became the band's signature song before their initial split in 1982.  

Fifteen years after “My Sharona” ruled the radio, the song received a second life in an unexpected way when it was featured in the 1994 movie Reality Bites. The romantic comedy about a disenchanted Gen X friend group starred Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller, Janeane Garafalo, and Steve Zahn.

In an iconic scene in the film, Ryder, Garafalo, and Zahn’s characters dance to “My Sharona” while at a gas station mini mart for a munchies run. After asking the cashier to turn up the radio and promising him "You won’t be sorry,” the friends segue into a series of frantic dance moves. The cashier does not seem impressed, nor does pal Troy (Hawke).

RELATED:1978’s Biggest No. 1 Hit Song Was Written in Ten Minutes

Garafalo once teased that she had a drink before filming the famous Reality Bites scene.

“When we shot at night, I figured it was OK to have a cocktail first. So in my trailer freezer, I had vodka chilling – which didn’t hurt my mood when it came to doing scenes like the dance to ‘My Sharona’ at the gas station,” she said, per The Guardian. “I remember laughing a lot doing that."

Zahn also recalled shooting the “My Sharona” scene.

“I had a major neck malfunction,” the actor told People magazine. “When I started dancing... from the outside, the wide view of this, I start doing this head-banging thing. Then I go really crazy when it’s wide outside. I like totally threw my neck. I was like paralyzed for two days.”

The renewed “My Sharona” buzz from the movie scene led to The Knack’s reunion and first-ever performance of the song on The Tonight Show With Jay Lenoon March 18, 1994.

Related: 1979 Rock Classic Featuring 3-Minute Twin Guitar Solos Became a Road Trip Anthem

Jessica Simpsonhas been a singer, actor, author, and mother. But now she can add lingerie model to her resume!

The beloved star, 45, rose to fame as a pop singer and reality star, whose role on the MTV series Newlyweds alongside then-husband Nick Lachey skyrocketed her to stardom. While she triumphed professionally and personally, the star has opened up about the hard times, including her battle with alcoholism and her recent divorce from husband Eric Johnson. But in a new series of photos from her line at Walmart, Simpson is showing off her prowess as a model of bathing suits and lingerie. Swipe through the photos below to see her work it in front of the camera:

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Simpson Opened Up About Getting Her Heart Broken

While Simpson looks great these days, she doesn’t hesitate to open up about the hard times, including her 2025 split from Johnson. In a recent Instagram post, she shared about heartbreak and explained that she feels right at home onstage, baring her soul to her concert-goers.

“As I go through my life and my heart gets broken inside of my safe places, I have learned to cling to these words that have become somewhat of a daily affirmation. ‘Home is a feeling, not a place,’ wrote Simpson, who praised her followers who “resurrected my purpose and have accepted me as I am! There is just no greater achievement than to be able to be seen and experienced as myself. I’m so lucky to vulnerably sing and chat with all of you who come to these shows!”

She concluded by thanking attendees for “making me feel loved and valued!”

View this post on Instagram Simpson is a Dedicated Mom

While Simpson and John may have split, the duo is dedicated to their three children: Maxwell, 14, Ace, 12, and Birdie, 7. The trio are frequent faces on her social media and closely resemble their parents.

This past Christmas, Simpson shared a sweet photo of the three as they stood in front of the Christmas tree.

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Related: Jessica Simpson Gets Emotional Onstage Discussing Her Alcoholism: ‘Pray I Can Do This Without Crying’

Gina Liano, who is one of the stars from TheReal Housewives of Melbourne, was formerly married to Cameron Reyntjes, who died in a motorcycle crash on June 25 at the age of 61. The pair, who were married for a decade, share a 29-year-old son. They also have a grandson, who is 17-months-old.

“He was very loved," Liano told the Herald Sun. “I started going out with him when (my other son) Christos was one, so he helped me raise both boys. A handsome, beautiful man.”

According to the police, there were no other vehicles involved in the fatal crash, which occurred on the Calder Freeway in Australia.

Related: Inventor Behind the Biggest ‘90s Toy Phenomenon, Which Caused a Worker To Be Trampled, Dies at 78

Many fans, family, and friends have been sharing their condolences on social media, with one saying, “I used to watch this series in America. Such sad news - praying for Gina and his family.” Another said, “He was such a lovely guy, so devastating.”

Liano was one of the original cast members on the Melbourne version of TheReal Housewives. She appeared in the first four seasons, which aired from 2014 until 2018. The series, which aired its last season in 2021, is scheduled to return in 2027 for its sixth season.

According to Pedestrian, “P.TV understands that long-time fan favorite Gina Liano is believed to be the only original housewife confidently expected to return. Meanwhile, producers are reportedly more interested in finding fresh Melbourne socialites and untapped friendship groups than rebuilding the series around its former stars.”

Related: Legendary Video Game Composer, Who Was Heavily Inspired by Metallica, Dead at 81

The outlet continued, “Foxtel and Binge have yet to officially confirm the casting, but multiple industry sources claim the reboot will look dramatically different to previous versions of the series and could become one of the biggest unscripted launches on Australian television next year.”

They claimed one insider told them, “ITV really understood that Melbourne works best when the women are naturally funny, outrageous and a little ridiculous. That humor is what made the franchise iconic in the first place.”