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Tim Curry Once Revealed the Iconic Role He Regretted Missing—Plus 3 Other Famous Parts He Didn't Get
Long before Tim Curry became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable villains, he had already developed a knack for playing characters audiences couldn’t forget.
From Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to Pennywise in It, Curry built a career around eccentric, intimidating and often downright terrifying characters. But there was one famous villain he desperately wanted to play, and he never even got the chance to audition.
In a 2025 interview with AARP, Curry was asked about the roles he wished he had landed. His answer was Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.
“There’s a part I didn’t get. Hannibal Lecter,” Curry admitted. “I wanted to play him very badly.”
The actor explained that he had read the script and was eager to pursue the role, but his agent couldn’t get him into the room with the people making the movie.
“My agent couldn’t get me in the room,” Curry said.
Ultimately, Anthony Hopkins won the role and delivered one of the most celebrated performances in movie history.
Curry had no bitterness toward Hopkins, though. In fact, he was quick to praise the actor’s performance.
“Tony Hopkins did a great job,” Curry said, adding that Hopkins was “my kind of actor” because of his ability to disappear into a character.
Curry discussed the same missed opportunity in an interview with the Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library, describing it as one of his “great regrets.” He said he “desperately wanted” to play Lecter but simply couldn’t get an audition.
@academymuseumCan you imagine Tim Curry in these iconic roles? 👀 The acting legend reacts to casting notes from films he was almost cast in 🦖 with Head of Acquisitions Rachel at The Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library. #AcademyMuseum #TimCurry #LionKing #JurassicPark #HomeAlone
♬ Mischievous Cat – ALOHI STYLEThe revelation is especially intriguing considering how many iconic villains Curry ultimately did play.
The Other Iconic Roles Tim Curry Auditioned For or Was Considered ForHannibal Lecter wasn’t the only major role that got away from Curry. During his conversation with the Academy, he reflected on several other Hollywood opportunities that didn’t work out.
- Marv in Home Alone: Curry auditioned for the role of the bumbling burglar, which ultimately went to Daniel Stern. Curry later got into the Home Alone franchise anyway, playing hotel concierge Mr. Hector in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. He joked that he had at least “made it.”
- Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park: Curry auditioned for the role that ultimately went to Jeff Goldblum.
- Scar in The Lion King: Curry was considered to provide the voice of the villain before Jeremy Irons ultimately took the part. Curry’s reaction was characteristically understated: “That would have been nice.”
- Crusade — Curry also recalled a bizarre casting note from the abandoned project. The casting director reportedly wrote, “Tim Curry is not fat enough.” Curry joked that it was the only time a casting director had ever said that about him.
Despite those near-misses, Curry’s career was filled with roles that became classics. And while we’ll never know what his Hannibal Lecter might have looked like, it’s hard to imagine a more fascinating alternate version of the character.
RELATED:
Tim Curry's Final Public Appearance Happened in 2025
Just a day after the passing of Dolly Parton, the world is shocked to hear about the passing of Tim Curry, also at the age of 80. Now, many are looking back at his life and career, and we have his final public appearance.
Curry was known for some spectacular roles, including Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise the Clown in It. However, 14 years ago, he suffered a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed, and he turned to voice acting more than live-action. However, he did return to TV for The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again, where he took on the role of The Criminologist, who is also the narrator of the tale.
After his stroke, he also cut down on his public appearances, but in 2025, he returned to the public eye for an exceptional moment. In November 2025, he joined Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, and Barry Bostwick in New York City for The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. It took place on Nov. 3 at Town Hall, and as soon as he entered, fans rose to their feet and cheered as loudly as possible.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 3: (L-R) Patricia Quinn, Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell and Tim Curry pose at “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour at Town Hall on November 3, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)Curry played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the movie, and during the event, he revealed that he had initially played the character with a German accent during the stage rehearsals. In the end, he kept his own accent, and it has become one of his most beloved roles.
Just before that, he attended the Celebrating the Music of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live on Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. It was during this performance that he spoke about the conditions on the set, specifically during the iconic pool scene. It turned out that the water was cold, and Susan Sarandon caught pneumonia after filming.
This was something Sarandon had previously recalled, sharing that it was walking pneumonia and that the crew tried to make her as comfortable as possible on set. However, those efforts led to a fire, so the one place to go to get warm ended up going up in flames.
Curry passed away at the age of 80 on Aug. 25, 2026, but the family only released a statement the day after.
Tim Curry Dead: His Final Film Appearance Nearly 50 Years After ‘Rocky Horror’
Tim Curry, the actor who brought fans the iconic roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and IT, filmed his final horror cameo in a 2024 film before his death at 80.
TMZ reported on Aug. 26 that the actor died late Tuesday night in his Los Angeles home. Police responded to his home at 11:23 PM, with a cause of death still to be reported. The actor had battled a series of health issues since his stroke in 2012.
Curry has been a horror icon for decades and was well known for his cult classic roles as Dr. Frank-n-Furter and playing one of the most memorable roles as Pennywise in Stephen King‘s novel adaptation of IT. By the 2000s, the actor began appearing less on the big screen, with one of his last major roles being in the feature film Burke & Hare in 20120.
Following the stroke that required brain surgery and left him partially paralyzed, Curry continued his career primarily as a voice actor. He voiced Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, among other roles. In 2016, he returned to a significant post-stroke on-camera role in Fox’s 2016 TV remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Instead of reprising his original character, Curry played the role of a criminologist/narrator.
Fans will not only get to reminisce about Curry’s cult classic roles, but also his most recent work before his death. The actor had a surprise cameo in the 2024 slasher horror film Stream, co-produced, co-written, edited, and directed by Michael Leavy. It starred Jeffrey Combs alongside Charles Edwin Powell, Tim Reid, Dee Wallace, Wesley Holloway, Sydney Malakeh, Jason Leavy, and Terrifier star David Howard Thornton.
Stream follows a family on vacation at a small hotel when the owner unleashes four heinous killers and live-streams the entire ordeal. Curry played the role of Lockwood, a plague doctor-masked man in a wheelchair. He wears a hooded coat and computer gloves whose character is similar to the hotel owner.
“We are so happy and thrilled to bring Tim back to the movies and back to the big screen,” the director continued. “His charm always radiates and shines through everything he does and we are so honored to have him a part of ‘Stream.’ He is someone I have idolized personally growing up and it is one of the major highlights of my life getting to work with him, especially on a project that means so much to me,” said the director to Variety.
A few months ago, in June, Variety announced that Curry would return for Stream 2: Sudden Death in a more integral role as his original character. Leavy explained that Curry’s role in the first film was only the beginning as “his character as part of a much larger story within the ‘Stream’ universe.”
It’s unclear if Stream 2 had begun production before Curry’s death or if the actor filmed his roles for the film.
Tim Curry Once Revealed the Powerful Outlook That Helped Him After His Stroke
Throughout his extraordinary career, Tim Curry rarely played it safe.
He embraced strange characters, frightening villains and wildly theatrical performances, becoming one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. But later in life, Curry faced a challenge no acting role could prepare him for.
In 2012, Curry suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and dramatically changed the way he worked. He continued acting, particularly through voice work, and eventually returned to the screen.
Yet Curry’s sense of humor never disappeared.
In interviews surrounding his 2025 memoir Vagabond, he spoke candidly about adapting to life after the stroke. He acknowledged that speaking had become difficult, particularly because language was something he deeply loved.
“I cherish my language,” Curry said in an interview with AARP.
He also approached his changed circumstances with the same mischievous spirit that had characterized his career.
Curry’s outlook was perhaps best summed up in the way he talked about his life and mortality. In his memoir, he wrote about realizing that life could change dramatically and described mortality as “astonishing.”
That perspective didn’t stop him from working.
Curry continued voice acting and appeared in the 2024 horror film Stream, marking his first feature-film role in 14 years. He also remained connected to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, participating in celebrations surrounding the film’s 50th anniversary.
For someone whose career was built on transformation, Curry’s later years offered a different kind of transformation; one that wasn’t performed for an audience.
He kept finding ways to create, work and make people laugh.
Curry died on Aug. 25. He was 80.
RELATED: Tim Curry Once Revealed What Donald Trump Was Really Like on the Set of ‘Home Alone 2’
Tim Curry's Cause of Death: What We Know So Far
Tim Curry, actor best known for playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80.
TMZ was first to report the news that Curry died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at his Los Angeles, Calif. home.
What is Tim Curry’s Cause of Death?Curry had been dealing with serious health issues since suffering a near-fatal stroke in 2012. He had used a wheelchair ever since.
In a statement to People, Curry’s manager confirmed he passed away peacefully at his home. LAPD also confirmed to the outlet that police officers responded to a call for service on Tuesday at 11:20 p.m. and completed a death investigation for a male in his 80s at a home in North Hollywood.
No further information about his cause of death is currently available.
RELATED: Tim Curry Shocks Fans With Rare Public Appearance for ‘Rocky Horror’s’ 50th Anniversary
Tim Curry Tributes and the Legacy He Leaves Behind:Curry was best known for his wide range of comedic roles, often taking on the role of the villain in films like Rocky Horror, Clue, It, and Annie.
Last fall, the legendary actor made rare public appearances at Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary screenings.
At one of the events, Curry’s Rocky Horror co-star Barry Bostwick told the story of when he first met Curry, sharing with the audience, “He was the one who came up and gave us the biggest hug and gave us the warmest welcome.”
“I’ll never forget that. We were there only five weeks, it took to make this movie, and the moment that Susan [Sarandon] and I and Meat Loaf … when we got off the plane, you hugged us and said, ‘Welcome, welcome,’” he continued. “Welcome to your world, and we’ve been there for 50 years. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Tim Curry Once Revealed What Donald Trump Was Really Like on the Set of ‘Home Alone 2’
Tim Curry spent decades playing larger-than-life characters, but one of his most memorable movie stories happened when he wasn’t playing the villain.
While filming Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Curry found himself working at the Plaza Hotel, then owned by Donald Trump. Years later, the actor recalled some of the unusual encounters he had with Trump, 80, and his then-wife, Ivana Trump.
Curry played Mr. Hector, the suspicious concierge who keeps an eye on Kevin McCallister after the youngster checks into the hotel.
A significant portion of the 1992 sequel was filmed at the Plaza, and Curry remembered being asked by Ivana about the hotel’s interior design.
“She knocked on my door and said, ‘Are you happy in your room? Do you like the way it looks?'” Curry recalled in a 2025 interview with The Guardian.
There was just one problem: He didn’t like it.
“And I loathed it actually,” Curry said, explaining that he nevertheless gave her a polite answer.
Curry also recalled Trump enthusiastically promoting his then-girlfriend Marla Maples to director Chris Columbus during production, telling the filmmaker that she was a brilliant actress.
Trump ultimately appeared in the finished movie in his brief cameo as Kevin asks for directions inside the Plaza.
The cameo has become one of the most talked-about pieces of Home Alone 2 trivia. Columbus, 67, later said he felt pressured to include Trump because the production was filming at his hotel.
For Curry, though, the movie remains one of the many fascinating stops in a career that included everything from Rocky Horror and Clue to It and Muppet Treasure Island.
Curry died on Aug. 25. He was 80.
RELATED:
Carl Dean, the Asphalt Contractor Who Inspired Jolene and I Will Always Love You, Was Dolly Parton's Greatest Song She Never Wrote
Dolly Parton died Tuesday. She was 80. The world’s talking about “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5” and “Coat of Many Colors.” The world isn’t talking enough about Carl Dean. He was the man who made “Jolene” possible. He was the man who made “I Will Always Love You” the enduring emotional anthem it’s become. He’s the man who may have inspired more great country songs than anyone who never picked up a guitar. He just never knew it.
The asphalt contractor from Nashville met an 18-year-old girl doing laundry in 1964 and told a friend he was going to marry her. He stayed home while she toured. He never went to awards shows. He didn’t particularly love her music. He preferred Led Zeppelin. The beloved partner accidentally inspired “Jolene” by going to the bank too many times. He was the man, behind the woman, who gave the world its greatest country songs by simply being himself and asking for nothing in return.
Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Carl Dean walked right into Dolly Parton’s life on her very first day in Nashville. She’d gone to the Wishy Washy Laundromat looking for anything but love. She was 18. He was 21. His first thought: “I’m gonna marry that girl. Lord, she’s good-lookin’.” Two years later, he did. Parton’s record label told her not to — marriage would hurt her career. She married him anyway on May 30, 1966, in Ringgold, Georgia — secretly. Only Dolly’s mother, the preacher, and his wife were in attendance. The morning after the wedding, she was up early for a radio appearance. He understood. “He never tried to make me give it up,” she said. He stayed home. She built everything.
Now here’s the part nobody talks about enough. Carl Dean didn’t write any songs. He didn’t perform any songs. He just lived his life, and Dolly Parton wrote everything down. In 1973, she sat down and wrote two of the greatest country songs in history on the same day. Both because of Carl.
A bank teller at their Nashville bank had developed what Parton described as “a terrible crush” on her husband. He loved going to the bank because the teller paid him so much attention. “It was kinda like a running joke between us,” Parton said. “I was saying, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.'” She took that jealousy home and wrote “Jolene.” As of this morning, the song has more than 950 million streams on Spotify. Beyoncé reimagined it for Cowboy Carter in 2024. Carl was “a little embarrassed” by it.
Donaldson Collection / Getty Images
Then, on that same day, she wrote “I Will Always Love You” because Carl was the anchor she could return to when she finally dared to leave Porter Wagoner and pursue her solo career. She needed somewhere safe to go. She had Carl.
Whitney Houston‘s version of “I Will Always Love You” remains the biggest-selling U.S. single by a female artist. Elvis Presley wanted to record it. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, demanded half the publishing rights. Parton said no. “Of course, I cried all night about that,” she said. She protected that song the way Carl protected her. Nobody was taking half of anything.
Then there was the night early in their marriage when Carl was disappointed to learn she’d had relationships before him. She went away and wrote “Just Because I’m a Woman” — an early female empowerment anthem that came directly from his imperfection. He inspired it by being human.
“Coat of Many Colors” — her personal favorite — is about growing up poor but rich in love. She was 18 when she met Carl Dean. The poverty was real, but so was the love. He married her anyway, and she never forgot where she came from. The man who preferred Led Zeppelin made all of it possible.
Carl’s approach to fame was equally extraordinary. He attended one awards ceremony with Dolly in 1966 and told her afterward: “I am not going to any more of these wingdings.” When Dollywood opened in 1986, there were no pictures of him on display — he’d only ever agreed to be photographed with a bag over his head.
@abcnews“I’m there for him, he’s there for me.” In a 1982 interview with Barbara Walters, Dolly Parton opened up about the strength of her marriage with husband, Carl Dean, saying that nobody could take his place.
♬ original sound – ABC News – ABC NewsWhen reporters staked out their home, he sometimes greeted them by explaining he wasn’t Dolly Parton’s husband. He was the gardener. “His whole thing was he was famous for not being famous,” Parton said.
Their secret to 60 years: “Stay gone. Nobody likes somebody to be stuck in their face all the time — that’s why we get along so good.” He didn’t love her music, but he loved music and most importantly, he loved Dolly. In 2023, Parton released Rockstar — a rock album featuring collaborations with legends including Paul McCartney and Elton John. “Most of these songs I chose because of Carl,” she told GMA. “Because I knew they were good songs ’cause he knows good music. He does.” The man who preferred Led Zeppelin shaped her country catalog and her rock album. He just never wanted credit for either.
Without Carl, I Wouldn’t Be Here View this post on InstagramCarl Dean died on March 3, 2025. He was 82. Parton released “If You Hadn’t Been There” days after his death and put him on the cover art. “I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old,” she wrote on Instagram. “Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song.”
In her November 2025 People cover story, she said: “Ours is a great old love story. Most people don’t stay that close that long. That’s a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you’ve experienced it yourself.” She found unexpected comfort in the Broadway-bound musical Dolly: A True Original. When the actor playing Carl took the stage and said, “Hello, I’m Carl Dean,” the audience applauded. “It’s almost like he was never gone,” she said. “So now he’ll always be here too.”
Their crypt features two intertwined wedding rings engraved with the date May 30, 1966. She’ll be buried alongside him in Nashville.
She outlived him by seventeen months. She made it to August 25th.
Carl Dean was an asphalt contractor from Nashville who fell in love with a girl doing laundry on her first day in the city. He said he was going to marry her. He did. He stayed home while she became Dolly Parton. He never went to the awards shows. He never gave interviews. He just loved her. A bank teller once flirted with him and he accidentally gave the world “Jolene.”
That’s more than enough.
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Walmart’s $9 Pumpkin Doormat Can Decorate Your Porch From Halloween Through Thanksgiving
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There’s plenty of joy that comes with seasonal decorating, from the first pumpkin on the porch to the fall wreath on the door to the tablecloth that makes the dining room ready for holiday dinners. We’re always excited to get started, but there’s one tiny problem with all that festive enthusiasm: So much decor has an alarmingly short shelf life. Before Halloween arrives, we decorate, and then a few weeks later, we’re already supposed to be taking everything down and starting over for Thanksgiving.
A gourd motif, though, can play the long game. Walmart’s $9 Ayprnig Fall Pumpkin Door Mat is a fall find you can put out in September and leave right where it is through November, so you get months of seasonal charm without having to redecorate your doorstep every time the calendar flips. It’s an especially easy way to start bringing in those warm autumn touches early, when you’re ready for pumpkins but not quite ready to go full Halloween.
Ayprnig Fall Pumpkin Door Mat, $9 (was $10) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThis doormat’s natural brown surface features the classic entryway word, “Welcome,” written in a swirly black script font. Cleverly, the “o” in the word has been swapped out, and in its place sits a plump orange pumpkin. Darker orange shading on the body gives the illustration dimension, building out those classic curves, while a curly, leafy green vine extends from the thick brown stem.
The coir construction is practical for any entryway, too. Coarse, weather-resistant natural fibers help brush dirt and debris from shoes as guests come inside, while a skid-resistant backing helps hold the mat in place underfoot to avoid accidents. And when leaves, grass, or dirt begin collecting on the surface, you can simply shake it out or lightly vacuum it rather than having to wash the entire mat.
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At nearly 16 by 24 inches, this mat is sized to sit neatly in front of a standard exterior door without taking over a smaller porch or stoop. The manufacturer recommends placing it in a sheltered or covered entryway, making it a natural fit beneath a covered front porch, apartment hallway, mudroom entrance, or protected back door. Shipping is just $1.49, with delivery expected between Sept. 9 and 16, so you can have the doormat in time to kick off your fall decorating.
Related: Kohl’s Adorable $24 Ghost Braided Basket Makes Halloween Decor Surprisingly Practical
Consider your September-through-November porch decor sorted. Shop the $9 Ayprnig Fall Pumpkin Door Mat at Walmart now!
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'90s Rock Band Reacts to 'Devastating News' of Dolly Parton's Death
Garbage, the ‘90s rock band fronted by Shirley Manson, paid tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton following her death.
As Parton’s family, fans, fellow musicians and members of the entertainment industry mourn the passing of the award-winning icon, the band known for hits like “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When It Rains” delivered an emotional message in honor of Parton.
Calling the “9 to 5” hitmaker’s death “devastating news,” the band honored her legacy by calling the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee the “Queen of light.”
“A one of one. A once in a lifetime. A sparkling rhinestone for all eternity. A true gift to humanity and the very best of us. Rest in peace, sweet Dolly. Thank you for sharing your power, wisdom and spectacular song with us all. We will always love you,” the caption reads, along with a black-and-white photo of the singer-songwriter.
View this post on InstagramThe comment section echoed Garbage’s sentiments about the Tennessee native, filling the post with touching messages.
“Perfectly said, a literal angel on earth,” a commenter said.
Some shared personal stories with the late musician while others reflected on how her music, philanthropic work and advocacy made a lasting impact on their lives.
“She was a real one. She helped our Tennessee community SO MUCH (and so many others). What a huge loss for the world. I hope she is resting easy & with her love now,” one wrote.
“i have never been a fan of country music, per se, but have always adored Dolly Parton, both her music and her spirit. She was an OG activist, philanthropist, and entertainer. You will never be forgotten,” a fan remarked.
“Not sure I know of anyone else so universally loved. To anyone with huge wealth and fame, she was exactly how to be. Buying books for millions of children instead of trying to be a billionaire. What a beautiful entity she was,” another added.
Apart from Garbage, fellow rock stars and icons like Mick Jagger, Gene Simmons, Jack White and more paid tribute to Parton.
The “Jolene” hitmaker passed away on Aug. 25 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.
Parton’s representatives confirmed to People that she died following a brief battle with cancer and was in the company of her loved ones.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Related: ’70s Rock Icon Shares Emotional Message After Dolly Parton’s Death: ‘We Will Miss Her’
'Rocky Horror' Star Tim Curry Dead at 80
Actor Tim Curry has died at the age of 80, TMZ reports.
The actor died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, with the outlet further reporting that “there is no foul play suspected in the case.” Police responded to his house at 11:23 PM on Tuesday.
No cause of death has been released at the time of publishing.
Curry has been dealing with health issues for more than a decade, having suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2012. He has been using a wheelchair ever since the stroke.
“I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting. So I won’t be singing, and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg,” he said at a 50th anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at L.A.’s Academy Museum in September 2025.
“I was having a massage at the time and I didn’t even actually notice anything, but the guy who was doing the massage said, ‘I’m worried about you, I want to call an ambulance.’ And he did, and I said, ‘That’s so silly,’” he added.
Curry is known for his many incredible roles throughout his five-decade career, but arguably his most famous is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He also appeared in Clue, It, Annie, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Hunt for Red October, Muppet Treasure Island, Addams Family Reunion, and Scary Movie 2.
Specifically in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Curry played Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and jointed the cast for a made-for-TV remake of the iconic film in 2015.
He told PEOPLE that he was “coming back to the project, which I hold very dear. It’s very exciting. It will be very interesting because it’s very close to me.”
This story is breaking and will continue to be updated.
Dolly Parton Revealed Who Really Inspired Her Signature Look—And It's Not Who You'd Think
When it comes to celebrities most recognizable for their specific style, no one tops Dolly Parton. Ever since she burst onto the country music scene in the ’60s, she has had a specific look, and over the years, she carefully and doggedly maintained it. But where she got inspiration for her iconic look may surprise some of her fans.
View this post on Instagram The Unlikely Inspiration Behind Her Style“The woman that I was most impressed with when I was a little girl was the town tramp,” Parton admitted to 60 Minutes in 2009. “But I didn’t know what that meant. This woman had the yellow peroxide hair, she had the red nails, the red lipstick, the beautiful eyes, the high heels, short skirt, and I thought she was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen.”
Despite learning what the word “tramp” meant, she had already decided that was the look the Dollywood creator wanted. By the time she was 15, she began bleaching her own naturally blond hair, once explaining to 60 Minutes Australia that her own dirty dishwater blond hair “wasn’t radiant enough” for her.
“Whoever I was with would say, ‘Oh, she ain’t nothing but trash,'” she told Morley Safer. “And I’d make the joke, and I’d say, ‘Well, that’s what I’m going to be when I grow up.’ Meaning, that’s how I want to look.”
“I certainly got hit on a lot, and a lot of men thought I was as silly as I looked, I guess,” the “9 to 5” singer continued. “I look like a woman, but I think like a man, and in this world of business that has helped me a lot. Because by the time they think that I don’t know what’s going on, I’ve done got the money and gone.”
View this post on InstagramParton often spoke candidly about using that glamorous, “silly” image to her advantage in business. While people underestimated her, she quietly built one of the most successful and enduring careers in entertainment.
Saying Goodbye to a LegendParton died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones, following a brief battle with cancer. She was 80. Her family shared the news in a statement that read, in part, that she leaves behind “a rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see.” Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, also confirmed her death in a video posted to her social media accounts.
View this post on InstagramIn the hours since, tributes have poured in from across the music world and beyond, a testament to how deeply her warmth, wit, and down-to-earth generosity resonated with people everywhere. Fans have gathered at her star on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame, and buildings around the city have turned pink in her honor.
Tim Curry's Last Instagram Post Came Just 12 Days Before His Death
Tim Curry has died.
The beloved actor, best known for his roles in Congo, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Clue, died on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at his home in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. He was 80 years old.
Curry’s last Instagram post was uploaded to his account on Aug. 13 and it informed his fans that his memoir was on sale at Barnes & Noble.
“It’s time for Barnes & Noble Book Haul and fans in the US can buy Tim’s memoir ‘Vagabond’ for HALF PRICE between the 13th of August and 1st of September!” the caption read. “Well. How nice.”
View this post on InstagramAt the time, it was simply a cheerful update from Curry—or his social media team. The comments section is filled with messages from fans praising the memoir, which was released in October 2025.
“I loved this book! So much more to the amazing Tim Curry than you could ever imagine. And the fact that he did not dish the dirt on his private life made me have that much more respect for him,” one person wrote.
“Loved the book! Thank you for letting us into your fantastic life! I was lucky enough to see Rocky Horror in London I think it was about 100 years ago but it was great. That was my first experience since then I can’t even count. My daughter and I love to find showings. She makes her friends go too,” someone else said.
“The book is a 10/10 and Tim is a 20/10. Hearing his clever, incredible story in his own voice is an absolute treat,” a third comment read.
Following news of his death, however, the post takes on a different meaning.
READ NEXT: ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Star Posts Heartbreaking Tributes on Social Media Days After Turning 95
Kesha Honored Dolly Parton With a Song Her Mom Wrote Nearly 50 Years Ago
Hours after news broke of Dolly Parton’s death, Kesha took the stage in Pittsburgh with a tribute that was far more personal than a simple cover.
During her Aug. 25 concert at the Pavilion at Star Lake, Kesha, 39, performed Parton’s “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You),” telling the crowd that she wanted to honor the country music legend through a song that has been part of her own family story for decades.
The connection goes back to Kesha’s mother, songwriter Pebe Sebert, who co-wrote “Old Flames” with Hugh Moffatt. The song was first recorded by Joe Sun in 1978 before Parton released her version in 1980. Parton’s recording became a No. 1 country hit.
But the song meant much more to Kesha than a hit from her mother’s songwriting catalog.
Kesha Said Dolly Parton’s Song Helped Her FamilyWhile introducing the song, Kesha explained that her mother’s songwriting success helped provide for their family when she was growing up.
She told the audience that the song “bought us a house” and helped put her through school.
Years later, the story came full circle when Parton joined Kesha for a new recording of “Old Flames” on Kesha’s 2017 album Rainbow.
That collaboration was particularly meaningful because Kesha was going through a difficult period at the time, including her highly publicized legal battle with producer Dr. Luke. Kesha later described Parton’s support as deeply empowering.
At Tuesday’s concert, Kesha remembered Parton as more than a musical hero.
“We literally lost an angel,” she told the crowd, adding that Parton would continue to live through her art, kindness and love.
Kesha then sang the song her mother had written for Parton nearly 50 years earlier.
Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
RELATED: Dolly Parton Once Bought Back Her Childhood Home for a Sweet Reason
Tim Curry Dead: Inside His Health Battles Over the Years
Beloved actor Tim Curry — perhaps best known for his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show — died at the age of 80 on Tuesday, August 25.
According to TMZ, “there is no foul play suspected in the case” and Curry had been dealing with health issues for more than a decade.
The Pirates of Penzance star suffered a major stroke in July 2012 while getting a massage that left him with limited mobility, speech struggles, and without use of his left arm.
“I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting. So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg,” he told the audience during a September 2025 special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in honor of the horror-musical’s 50th anniversary at L.A.’s Academy Museum, per The Hollywood Reporter.
It was later discovered that Curry had an aneurysm in his abdomen, according to The Guardian.
“They really take incredibly good care of me and make me laugh,” he said of his caregivers in an October 2025 interview. “I can’t remember a f–king thing. I’m not sure that I could do theatre again.”
He later revealed that he had brain surgery after discovering two blood clots in his brain that led to a month-long hospital stay.
“I was in the hospital for a while. I think about a month,” he said during an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning. “And I had a certain amount of rehabilitation. I had to learn how to speak again. That was very weird.”
View this post on InstagramHe added, “I hated not being able to speak because I speak a lot. I have to be told to shut up a lot. I love words. I love to communicate.”
Less than one year before his death, Curry told The Guardian when asked whether he worries about having another stroke, “I probably should. It could happen any time. I wouldn’t want to go through it again. Because it just makes you so f–king vulnerable.”
Royal Family Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton in the Most Perfect Way
Dolly Parton‘s legacy is being remembered everywhere, including across the pond.
One day after it was announced that music legend Dolly Parton had died, King Charles’ Band of the Coldstream Guards paid tribute to the late singer by playing a special rendition of “9 to 5” outside of Buckingham Palace during the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony on Wednesday.
View this post on Instagram“Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many – including the millions of children given free books through her Imagination Library,” a caption on the video shared to the royal family’s Instagram account read. “We will always ❤️ you.”
Parton, who shared her passion for literacy with Queen Camilla, was also remembered in a special post by The Queen’s Reading Room, her book club and literacy charity, nodding to the singer’s Imagination Library.
“By putting so many books into the hands of so many children, she gave the most precious of gifts: the chance to millions of young minds of opening the door to imagination, possibility and a lifelong love of reading,” the statement read. “Thank you, Dolly!”
Parton, who died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, regularly performed in London and the United Kingdom throughout her career and spoke fondly of meeting Queen Elizabeth II decades ago.
In a 2023 interview with Insider, the “Jolene” singer recalled when she performed at the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 in Glasgow, Scotland, and shared a story about how the monarch put her at ease despite her being nervous.
“I was scared to death that I was not going to know how to curtsy, that I wasn’t going to bend right, but she was just very warm, very sweet, and I could tell she was a very giving person,” she added. “And just meeting the Queen of England, just to meet a queen, it was amazing.”
Related: Dolly Parton Through the Years: A Look Back in Photos
Parton’s nephew, Brian Seaver, confirmed the news of her passing in an Instagram video shared to her account on Tuesday.
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he said, in part. “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”
Parton’s funeral service, at her request, will be a small and private ceremony.
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Ava Dash Has a Very Telling Response to 'Summer House' Star Kyle Cooke Romance Rumors
Next Gen NYC star Ava Dash recently confirmed that she and Summer House OG Kyle Cooke are having fun together—but they’re not really dating.
Rumors that the Bravolebs were dating started earlier this summer after they were spotted holding hands. Some fans also reported seeing the pair kissing at the Palm Tree Music Festival in the Hamptons.
Both Ava and Kyle have denied that they’re dating, and Ava recently reiterated that she’s single on the More Life with Carl Radke podcast.
Host and Summer House star Carl Radke asked Ava about the rumors involving his best friend, Kyle, saying, “There’s been a lot of rumors out there, and I just have to ask. My dear best friend, Kyle Cooke, can you give us any? I know the truth…you guys have been friendly, it’s flirty, and just fun. It’s chill.”
Ava confirmed Carl’s characterization of their relationship, agreeing that she and Kyle have been flirty and “chill.” She also explained that she’s embracing being single for the first time as an adult in New York City. Ava and Carl also teased that she might make an appearance on the next season of Summer House.
View this post on Instagram“I’ve never been single in New York City as an adult until the past couple months, so I’m like truly just like vibing, having fun,” she said.
After confirming that she’s single, Ava said she doesn’t have a timeline for when she wants to “settle down,” explaining that she’s not a “timeline girl.”
“I think what’s meant to happen will happen. I think, I don’t think I’ll be like an old mom,” Ava said. “I think I’d be like a young hot MILF, so maybe that’ll happen soon. But I think yeah would be cool if that happened before I was 30, like finding someone and getting married or whatever.”
Ava also opened up about what she’s looking for in a relationship. “I need a man that’s not jealous of me. I want to be the flower,” she said, adding that she’s currently happy being independent.
“Independence has always been something I really wanted and prioritized even as a kid, and so like I think my younger self would see me today and just be like, damn, she’s killing it like that’s what we wanted,” Ava said.
1963 Carole King AM Radio Gold Favorite That Donny Osmond Turned Into a '70s Teen Romance Hit
Long before Donny Osmond had millions of teenagers swooning in the 1970s, Carole King wrote the very song that would define his early solo career.
“Go Away Little Girl” was written in 1963 by King alongside her songwriting partner and husband, Gerry Goffin. The track was initially an immediate AM radio hit for Steve Lawrence. But when 13-year-old Osmond put his own tender spin on it eight years later, he proved just how timeless a truly great love song can be.
By the time Osmond stepped into the recording studio to tackle the song, it was already a piece of pop history. But the 13-year-old heartthrob brought his own innocent, soulful charm to the track, and earned his first big hit.
The record was a fixture of 1970s AM Radio, and sent thousands of young girls to the record stores. That excitement helped to push the tune to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1971.
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The song officially cemented Osmond as one of the defining voices of ’70s teen pop culture. The song was so popular that it even bumped an ex-Beatle out of the top spot on the charts.
In a 2018 Facebook post, Osmond wrote, “‘Go Away Little Girl’ became my first #1 hit single. It bumped Paul McCartney‘s ‘Uncle Albert’ out of the No. 1 slot and stayed at the top for 3 weeks. Watching this video brings back so many memories. As a 13-year-old, singing to crowds like this was simultaneously thrilling and intimidating.”
View this post on InstagramHe shared the same clip via Instagram, writing, “Hard to believe this young man singing ‘Go Away Little Girl’ was me. Feels like a lifetime ago, but the memories are still just as sweet.”
Osmond’s version of “Go Away Little Girl” made it the first song to top the Billboard charts by two different artists. The song captured a rare piece of pop history that managed to capture its popularity across two entirely different decades.
Ironically, the only other song that went to No. 1 with different artists was also penned by King and Goffin. That was “The Loco-Motion” by Little Eva (1962), and Grand Funk Railroad in 1974.
Whether you fell in love with it on the radio in 1963 or swooned over it in 1971, “Go Away Little Girl” remains a glowing reminder of pop music at its finest. Gerry Goffin and Carole King wrote a song so timeless, and Donny Osmond delivered it with such pure charm, that its magic still hasn’t faded one bit, 55 years later.
Leslie Mann's Secret to 30 Years With Judd Apatow: 'It's So Hard'
Anyone who has stayed in a long marriage knows the plain truth: the good ones take work, and plenty of it. That is the honesty Leslie Mann offered when asked how she and Judd Apatow have lasted nearly three decades, and it struck a nerve with fans who are worn out on picture-perfect love stories.
Speaking on the Aug. 20 episode of Kylie Kelce‘s Not Gonna Lie podcast, Mann, 54, did not try to be polished or measured. When Kelce noted that she and Apatow are approaching their 30th anniversary and asked whether the years had flown by, Mann answered plainly that they had not. Pressed on how the marriage has endured, she said the secret is “just accepting how hard it is, and not trying to fool yourself.”
She did not soften the difficulty, telling Kelce that “it’s so hard”. Mann went further on the subject of comparison, saying she avoids measuring her marriage against anyone else’s, because couples who describe flawless relationships or insist they never argue tend to leave her uneasy rather than inspired. To her, that kind of talk seems like a warning sign, not a goal, since it looks nothing like the marriage she actually lives in day to day. It is a strikingly ordinary admission from one half of a couple that has spent almost 30 years working side by side.
Related: Lisa Kudrow Reveals the Casting Criticism She Faced Before Friends
The affection underneath was just as clear. Asked what still connects them, Mann said the pair “find each other entertaining and funny sometimes”, and described Apatow as her best friend and the person she tells everything, while joking that he may not tell her quite as much. The two met in 1995 while she was auditioning for The Cable Guy, where Apatow reportedly told Ben Stiller that there went the future Mrs. Apatow. They married in 1997 and have built films together for most of their careers, from The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up to This Is 40, frequently casting their daughters, Euphoria star Maude, 28, and Iris, 23.
Mann, who was doing press for the comedy Spa Weekend, called the marriage the biggest lesson of her life and said she is still learning from it. She has spoken about finally making room for self-care as her daughters have grown, and she kept the tone light on the podcast, joking that leaving now, after almost three decades, would only waste the effort already spent.
The exchange traveled fast across outlets including TODAY, E! News and InStyle because it so different from the polished couple content that fills most feeds. She and Apatow will mark 30 years of marriage in 2027.
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Costco Is Selling Sneakers That Have 'Good Arch Support' and Are 'Easy to Wear All Day Without Foot Pain'
While many people consider January 1st to be the best time to begin healthier habits, I always feel a burst of inspiration at the beginning of fall. That “back-to-school” energy always gets me excited to start fresh and try to get back on track with some semblance of a routine. Exercise is a critical component of what I’m trying to incorporate into my day-to-day, and I’ve been perusing the good old internet to find some new sneakers that offer support while still looking cute, too. So, when I stumbled across this stylish pair of Skechers on Costco’s website with rave reviews, I knew I wanted to learn more.
Skechers Women’s Hands-Free Swift Fit Sneakers are stylish and comfortable. You don’t have to sacrifice solid support for style when it comes to these shoes! Available in either black or tan, these sneakers are perfect for everything from walking the dog to running errands in the afternoon or even jogging on the treadmill. This makes them a super versatile option to add to your shoe collection.
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Skechers Women’s Hands-Free Swift Fit Sneaker, $39.99 at CostcoCostco
Another great feature of these sneakers is how easy they are to slip on thanks to the fixed-lace design. Called Swift Fit technology, you just need to slide ’em on, and you’re out the door in seconds. Simple. No bending over or messing with shoelaces required!
Beyond being convenient and stylish to wear, though, these Skechers are super supportive and have a number of design features that make this possible, including a memory foam insole for added cushion and a Glide-Step midsole, an innovative geometric cushioning that compresses and flexes along with your foot to deliver superior support.
Members love these Skechers sneakers, giving them an average rating of 4.5 stars on Costco.com. Reviewers appreciate the shoes for their comfy fit, arch support and stylish look.
“Comfortable and good arch support,” wrote one fan in a five-star review on Costco.com. “I’m happy with these shoes. They’re easy to wear all day without foot pain. They’ve got the right amount of arch support for me.”
“I love these shoes. This is my second pair. They stay clean. Excellent support. Worth the money. The size runs true,” said another happy Costco shopper in a five-star review on Costco’s website.
You can find these Skechers Women’s Hands-Free Swift Fit Sneakers at select Costco stores or on Costco.com. Each pair retails for $39.99. They are available in whole sizes 6–10 and half sizes 6.5–8.5
Related: Costco Is Selling Chic Strappy Sandals That Feel Like ‘Walking on a Cloud’
JCPenney’s Diamond Stud Earrings Are a ‘Sparkling Addition’ to Any Jewelry Box, and They're 50% Off
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Diamond studs have survived decades of changing jewelry trends for a reason. They’re simple enough to wear on a regular day, but they still offer enough sparkle for weddings, dinners, and other fancier occasions. If you’ve been searching for the perfect pair to upgrade your collection, JCPenney’s Natural White Diamond Stud Earrings are priced as low as $312 right now, down from $625.
The earrings feature 3/8 carat total weight of natural white diamonds in a classic round shape. Each diamond is held in place by four prongs, leaving plenty of the stone visible so it can catch the light. They have traditional post backs, and the white and yellow gold colors are available in both 10-karat and 14-karat options, while the rose gold comes in a 10-karat gold style.
Natural White Diamond Stud Earrings, From $312 (were $625) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenneyThe 10-karat white and yellow gold pairs are currently the lowest-priced options at $312, down from $625, saving you more than $300. The 14-karat white and yellow gold versions are $400, down from $1,000, which makes them the biggest percentage discount at 60% off. The rose gold is also available in 10-karat gold for $750, though that version isn’t discounted.
One shopper said the earrings are “just the right size,” while another called them “beautiful” and “very shiny and pretty.” A third shared that they’re a “great value for a sparkling addition,” attesting to how stunning they are.
Related: Macy’s ‘Elegant’ Diamond Drop Earrings Add ‘Impressive Sparkle’ to Any Look for 65% Off
Similar diamond huggies and small hoops can easily cost several hundred dollars, especially when they’re made with solid gold, so the price on these are relatively approachable for fine jewelry. They could also make a great first pair of real diamond earrings, an everyday upgrade from cubic zirconia, or a gift that feels a little more special without getting into four-figure territory.
Shop More Deals- 1.5-Carat Natural White Diamond Stud Earrings, $250 (were $500) at JCPenney
- Diamond Addiction 14-Karat Gold 1.5-Carat Diamond Necklace, $500 (was $1,250) at JCPenney
- 10-Karat Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings, $500 (were $1,250) at JCPenney
The JCPenney Natural White Diamond Stud Earrings are a gorgeous jewelry staple that won’t look dated when the next trend comes along, making investing in these a super practical choice, whether you’re getting them for yourself or as a gift. Be sure to grab your favorite metal while the discounted versions are still available.
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