May 18, 2024

About the author  ⁄ Katie Calautti

Legendary Actor James Garner From ‘The Notebook’ And More Dead At 86

by 24 mins ago

Sad news to report today, via TMZ – actor James Garner has died. Paramedics were called to Garner’s Los Angeles home last night, and arrived to find that he’d died of natural causes. He was 86.

Many of you will know Garner as the older version of Ryan Gosling’s Noah Calhoun in “The Notebook,” but what you may not know is that his earlier work made that casting decision wholly appropriate – his performances as Jim Rockford in the 1970s detective drama “The Rockford Files” and Bret Maverick in the 1950s western series “Maverick” were dripping with the kind of charm and charisma that Gosling could only dream of. Garner transitioned seamlessly between television and film, embodying almost one hundred different characters in his lifetime, including starring roles in “The Great Escape,” “Victor Victoria” and “Murphy’s Romance” – the latter of which earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Garner was born James Scott Baumgarner in Norman, Oklahoma in 1928. He joined the United States Merchant Marine at age sixteen during World War II, then moved to Los Angeles where his rugged good looks (and former experience on the water, perhaps?) earned him a bathing suit modeling contract.

He went on to fight in the Korean War as a member of the National Guard, and was awarded a Purple Heart. He called upon his military experience later in “The Great Escape” while playing Hendley, who held a similar position (called a “scrounger”) as a soldier.

James GarnerGetty Images

After acting in ...

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Love That ‘First Kiss’ Video? Here’s A New, Bolder Version

by 2 hours ago

Remember that awesome First Kiss video that went crazy viral this past March? Well, filmmaker Tatia Pilieva is back at it, this time with a decidedly more daring request for twenty strangers.

In the name of tonight’s “Masters of Sex” Season Two premiere—which we’re completely psyched about—Pilieva’s “Undress Me” asks couples to disrobe each other and climb into bed together.

The result is as awkward, sweet and revealing as you’d expect. We hope this follow-up ushers some fairy tale endings, as well!

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Here’s Why We’re Psyched For The ‘Masters Of Sex’ Season Two Premiere

by 1 min ago

Showtime’s “Masters of Sex” is so, so good you guys. We’ll presume you all agree, because you’re intelligent thoughtful individuals with distinguishing taste. It’s got everything: real-life roots, emotional intrigue, political relevancy, really amazing costumes and hairstyles, and – yes – super crazy juicy sometimes awkward but wholly entertaining sex scenes.

It’s been a while since Season One wrapped, so in preparation for tonight’s Season Two premiere – and for all you newbies (we implore you to tune in) – let’s recap.

The infamous human sexual response research pioneers Bill Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) have been navigating their way through their work at Washington University in St. Louis during the sexually repressed late 1950s, along with all the funding roadblocks that come with it.

Most of their research has been conducted on the sly, as people back then didn’t even utter the word “orgasm,” let alone understand its inner workings. This was a time when sexuality and sexual response weren’t spoken about or studied, but the duo rallies forth, recruiting willing subjects from somewhat shady establishments (brothels), affixing video cameras to the end of rudimentary vibrators, and even eventually participating as an anonymous couple – anything to garner results.

The kicker is: Masters and Johnson have become emotionally and physically involved in their research – they’re not just watching participants climax, they’re also copulating across the boundaries of work and life. And this yields all the repercussions you’d expect, considering the fact that Bill is married and his ...

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Australia Has Another Reason To Be Proud Of Olympian Ian Thorpe

by 28 mins ago

One of Australia’s most decorated athletes – five-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe – has bravely come out as being gay.

The swimmer has been plagued with the question since he was very young – at 14, he was catapulted into the public eye as the youngest male ever to represent Australia at the 1998 Perth World Championships – he left a victor, making him the country’s youngest individual male World Champion.

From there, Thorpe – lovingly nicknamed the “Thorpedo” – blazed a trail of victory through his country and the world, resulting in a career that boasts 11 World Championship gold medals, five Olympic gold medals, and 13 individual world records.

Through it all, the question of his sexuality has lingered – and he refused to address it, going as far as to proclaim, “I am not gay and all my sexual experiences have been straight” in his 2013 autobiography This Is Me, which details his struggles with alcohol and depression.

Perhaps those very struggles were a result of feeling he had to hide who he was from the media all those years – at any rate, Thorpe broke his silence Sunday night during an on-camera interview with British broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson on Australia’s Channel Ten.

“I’ve thought about this for a long time. I am not straight,” Thorpe told Parkinson. He explained that he’d felt pressure as a young man being asked about his sexuality, and that it was “inappropriate.”

“It is also not appropriate for that question to be asked of anyone,” he added, explaining that the truth has ...

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Dr. Dre Makes Surprise Cameo At Eminem’s Historic London Concert

by 24 mins ago

Eminem made history Friday night, becoming the first rapper to headline London’s Wembley Stadium – and he didn’t do it alone.

We’re not talking about Danny Brown and Odd Future, who opened for Em, we’re talking about a very special guest brought on the stage by the Detroit rapper: Dr. Dre. Eminem’s mentor and frequent collaborator sauntered out to the tune of “The Next Episode” and performed “Still D.R.E.,” “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” and “Forgot About Dre” for the sold out crowd.

Eminem – backed by a full band – opened his set with “Bad Guy” and transitioned to “Square Dance” and “3AM,” then delved into classics like “The Way I Am,” “My Name Is” and “Without Me” before pulling out his tried and true closer, “Lose Yourself.”

This was Eminem’s first show in London since 2001 – his various UK performances in the interim have involved headliners at festivals – and he played a second show at Wembley on Saturday night. In the wake of his Marshall Mathers LP 2 hitting No 1 on the UK charts, he’s now the first US artist to boast seven consecutive UK No 1 albums. Eminiem kicks off his US tour with Rihanna on August 7th.

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15-Year-Old Cassidy Stay Is An Inspirational, Harry Potter-Loving Hero To Us All

by 20 mins ago

Imagine this: your former uncle bursts into your home on a rampage in search of his ex-wife; your aunt. Your family refuses to tell him where he can find her, so he ties up your mother, father, two sisters, two brothers and you – and then shoots you each in the head, execution-style.

You’re the only one who survives. Instead of panicking, you play dead until he’s safely out of your home, then call 911 to warn police that your relatives are in danger.

This isn’t the plot of a Hollywood horror movie – it actually happened to 15-year-old Cassidy Stay this past Wednesday. She suffered a skull fracture after the bullet grazed her head, but was released from the hospital Friday. As if her plight wasn’t heroic enough: the day after she was released from the hospital she stood up in front of 400 people from her town of Spring, Texas – along with those family members whose lives she saved with her presence of mind – to celebrate her parents Katie and Stephen, 14-year-old brother Bryan, 9-year-old sister Emily, 7-year-old sister Rebecca and 4-year-old brother Zach.

Within her inspirational speech, Stay quoted “Harry Potter,” saying, “In ‘The Prisoner of Azkaban,’ Dumbledore says, ‘Happiness can be found even in the darkest times if one only remembers to turn on the light.’” She also bravely noted that her family is in a much better place and said, “I’ll be able to see them again one day.” You can watch the full video of ...

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A Carefree Selena Gomez Selfies With Harmony Korine In Miami

by 32 mins ago

Selena Gomez reunited with her “Spring Breakers” director Harmony Korine in Miami today, but not in the name of filming scenes for the movie’s sequel (dare to dream!)

Perhaps Gomez migrated south to escape new dramz with (seemingly) off-again boyfriend Justin Bieber? Or maybe she just wanted to soak up some sun with an ocean-front view – who can blame her? This carefree vacation is further proof that she’s much, much more than a relationship.

One thing it appears she did in the Magic City – prior to her “Day 2″ meet-up with Korine – is hop on the back of a horse, according to yesterday’s Instagram post.

Back on solid ground this afternoon, Gomez posed with Korine, remarking, “Day 2 x harmony x Miami.”

The two were snapped walking around the city together, after which she sealed their meeting with a car selfie, aptly captioned with angel and devil emoticons (we’re gonna say Korine’s pitchfork tattoo lends a clue as to which she intended for him!)

The whole thing clearly left Gomez a little wistful – she followed up her jaunt with Korine by posting a red carpet shot of her and the other ladies of the “Spring Breakers” cast.

While a “Spring Breakers” follow-up is currently in the works, Korine, Gomez, and the rest of the original cast – including James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson and Rachel Korine – aren’t currently attached.

The aptly titled “Spring Breakers: The Second Coming” will be penned by “Trainspotting” novelist Irvine Welsh and directed ...

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Colleagues Mourn ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Dave Legeno AKA Fenrir Greyback

by 9 mins ago

Following this morning’s news about the tragic death of “Harry Potter” actor Dave Legeno, his colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute.

Several hashtags are making their way across Twitter – #RIPDaveLegeno, #DaveLegeno and #FenrirGreyback (in reference to his “Potter” character), among them.

Legeno’s “Potter” co-star Tom Felton Tweeted a reaction, along with an Instagram photo of the two in a promotional image.

Legeno’s “The Cottage” director shared this note.

Legeno’s “Rise of the Footsoldier” and “Dead Cert” costar Craig Fairbrass was understandably emotional.

Acting colleague Fabrizio Santino shared kind words and a photo.

As did actress Joanna Ke.

Producer and agent Jaime Milner just spoke with him.

Legeno’s “Rise of the Footsoldier” co-star Mark Killeen says goodbye to his “dear friend.”

Legeno’s “Bonded by Blood” director Sacha Bennett bemoans the next project that never will be.

And “Bonded by Blood” author Bernard O’Mahoney lent his condolences.

Our condolences with his friends and family during this difficult time.

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There Was A Marvel Reunion At Wimbledon This Weekend

by 31 mins ago

The Wimbledon men’s finals this weekend were essentially an excuse for our favorite Marvel movie stars to join forces for a slew of epic photo ops. We honestly couldn’t dream cast this one any better.

Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper and Chris Hemsworth donned their preppiest duds to descend upon London’s famed All England Club for the tournament, and it has us imagining an “Avengers”-style spinoff that somehow also involves Prince William, Kate Middleton, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

While we sit back and wait to rake in the big bucks thanks to that stellar idea, enjoy your favorite action heroes taking in some tennis, below.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” star Bradley Cooper and girlfriend Suki Waterhouse ponder WWRRD (What Would Rocket Raccoon Do)?

Bradley Cooper and Suki Waterhouse at WimbledonGetty Images

Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, and wife Elsa Pataky: cute couple or cutest couple ever?

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky at WimbledonGetty Images

It seems Hugh Jackman’s unkempt “Wolverine” locks have migrated from his head to his face.

Hugh Jackman at WimbledonGetty Images

Samuel L. Jackson, looking impossibly dapper in seersucker. Nick Fury would approve.

Samuel L. Jackson at WimbledonGetty Images

We’re just going to assume Jackson is on a S.H.I.E.L.D. recruiting mission, here. Welcome to the Marvel Universe, David and Victoria Beckham!

David Beckham, ...</p>

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Nicole Kidman Is Paranoid And Beautiful In The “Before I Go To Sleep” Trailer

by 10 mins ago

The first trailer for the upcoming Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth-fronted “Before I Go to Sleep” is out, and it basically looks like “Memento” made a baby with “Vertigo” (for the record, that’s some seriously prime offspring).

The mystery thriller is based on author S.J. Watson’s best-selling novel of the same name, which details the plight of a woman who wakes up with chronic amnesia and must attempt to discover her attempted murderer. Firth stars as Kidman’s husband (is it just us, or does he not seem trustworthy?) and Mark Strong is her mad scientist-esque doctor.

Among all the Hitchcockian violin cues and blue-tinted bleakness, it seems pretty clear that Kidman is doing her darndest to put in a tour de force performance and Firth is putting more and more distance between himself and that beloved Jane Austen hero he once embodied. It’s cool, Colin – we like you very much, just as you are.

Will you catch “Before I Go to Sleep” when it hits theaters September 12?

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