Parade
Katie Holmes and Her New Boyfriend Put on a Very Affectionate Display at a Party
Katie Holmes and her new boyfriend, artist Jason Bard Yarmosky, couldn’t seem to let go of each other at a recent party.
The beloved actress, 47, rose to stardom as Joey Potter on the WB teen series Dawson’s Creek. She went on to roles in films like Batman Begins and Thank You for Smoking, and became prime paparazzi fodder thanks to her 2006 marriage to Hollywood icon Tom Cruise. While that relationship sold endless tabloids and made Holmes a paparazzi target, even after their 2012 divorce, the devoted mom of Suri has done her best to eschew the prying eyes of the camera. That’s why it’s a bit surprising that she’s having the time of her life in front of the camera lens with Yarmosky. The duo held hands and didn’t let go at the Michael Kors 45th Anniversary Collection Dinner held at Swifty’s at The Hedges Inn on Thursday in East Hampton, New York. Dressed in a deep purple gown, Holmes had a bright smile on her face as she clutched Yarmosky’s hand in hers.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
The Couple Hit the Red Carpet TogetherEarlier this month, Holmes stepped out with Yarmosky at the 2026 Guild Hall Summer Gala in East Hampton, New York.
With their arms around each other, Holmes leaned in to Yarmosky’s shoulder with a smile on her face. Elegantly dressed in a strapless white dress, the beauty looks mighty happy with her new love, whom she started seeing in July.
Sonia Moskowitz / Getty Images
What is Katie Holmes Up to These Days?Last summer, Holmes reunited with her Dawson’s Creek costar Joshua Jackson for Happy Hours, which she wrote, starred in, and directed. The dramedy, which is a trilogy, was described to Deadline as a “story about two people (Jackson and Holmes) navigating their relationship within the challenges of careers and family responsibilities and the pursuit of love, despite life’s inevitable obstacles. It’s a character-driven dramedy that explores the emotional journey of young loves who reconnect as adults, with the connective thread of shared joys, loss, and hope.”
Related: Katie Holmes and Her Mom Are the Cutest Red Carpet Duo
1980 Banger, Named Greatest Iron Maiden Song Ever, Wasn’t Even in Nicko McBrain’s Top 3
Right now, Iron Maiden are on their Run for Your Lives World Tour, taking their massive catalog to stadiums and festivals across North America. Meanwhile, drummer Nicko McBrain, who recently retired from touring with the band in 2024, has been hosting Iron Maiden-themed events at home and swapping stories with fans.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
At a recent fan event called An Evening With CapnHarris, hosted at McBrain’s Rock n Roll Ribs barbecue joint in Florida, the legendary drummer got down to some very important business: naming his favorite Iron Maiden songs. Specifically, he was naming his picks for the best songs written by Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris.
View this post on InstagramThe big reveal came during an interactive game of “Bowl of Songs” during which fans and co-hosts pulled songs from a bucket and McBrain picked his favorites. However, when one co-host drew “Back in the Village,” a deep cut from Powerslave, McBrain threw the game rules out the window and chose his own contender: “When the Wild Wind Blows.”
“It’s a stunning piece of music,” McBrain said about the 11-minute closing track of 2010’s The Final Frontier, per Louder. “It is, in my opinion, the second-best song Steve Harris has ever written, next to ‘Hallowed [Be Thy Name]’ and ‘The Red and the Black.’”
So, McBrain apparently had three picks, though he never explicitly revealed which of the three he considers No. 1. The event’s tournament, however, produced a winner of its own—and it wasn’t any of McBrain’s contenders (find out what it was here).
Same goes for the top Iron Maiden song recently declared by MetalTalk.
In its story of the 20 best Iron Maiden songs, ranked, the outlet gave its own verdict, choosing “Phantom of the Opera” as the band’s greatest.
A sprawling seven-minute epic, “Phantom of the Opera” is another Harris original. It’s the fourth track on their self-titled 1980 debut album and serves as an early example of the band’s progressive multi-tempo songwriting.
“This song was the start of my Iron Maiden journey,” the writer shared. “Loud, raucous, it’s punk (sorry, ‘Arry, it is), it is prog rock, it is speed metal, it is everything that you want in a great metal song. If ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ epitomized Queen, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ is the very definition of what Iron Maiden were at that period in time and still are.”
Predictably, some fans weren’t having it. The biggest sticking point? “Hallowed Be Thy Name” wasn’t even mentioned in the 20-song list, which also omitted fan favorites such as “Fear of the Dark” and “Wasted Years.”
“Hallowed Be Thy Name,” from the band’s 1982 album The Number of the Beast, is one of Iron Maiden’s most acclaimed songs, praised for its moody storytelling and simmering slow-build. It’s also notably one of the three tracks McBrain singled out when discussing Harris’ best songwriting.
This is all just proof that there’s no wrong way to pick an Iron Maiden favorite.
Related: 2000 Song, Featuring a Tool Legend, Voted Greatest Heavy Metal Duet of All Time
Psychologists Rank the 10 Most Emotionally Healthy Daily Habits
When talking about how to live a healthy life, most people probably think about physical health; some may think about mental health. But there’s an important component of our overall health that affects us more than we realize: our emotional health.
In case you aren’t familiar, this pertains to one’s awareness and capacity for dealing with emotions, according to WebMD. And interestingly, there are a lot of ways we can improve our emotional health. That said, what are the most emotionally healthy habits? And which are the most important?
To find out, we spoke with three psychologists: Dr. Ayli Carrero Pinedo, PhD, a licensed psychologist and the founder of California-based In Alignment Wellness Services; Dr. Kamran Eshtehardi, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in California; and Dr. Robin F. Goodman, PhD, a New York-based licensed clinical psychologist and the Assistant Director of Public Education and Bereavement at Child HELP Partnership at St. John’s University.
After all three psychologists shared their picks for best behaviors in this category with Parade, they then worked together to rank the top 10 most emotionally healthy habits. Keep reading for the full list, their insights on why these habits are so beneficial and their tips on how to incorporate these practices into your life.
What Defines an Emotionally Healthy Habit?“An emotionally healthy daily habit is something we do every day that reduces negative mental health symptoms and helps us achieve and maintain emotional regulation,” Dr. Eshtehardi explains to Parade.
“Emotionally [healthy] daily habits are small, repetitive, values-aligned practices that improve self-regulation, self-development and self-awareness,” adds Dr. Carrero Pinedo. “When done consistently, they become part of a person’s baseline functioning so they are better prepared when a crisis hits.”
According to Dr. Goodman, when it comes to trying to form new emotionally healthy habits, “it’s important to understand not just how to do them but why you do them.”
The 10 Most Emotionally Healthy Daily Habits, Ranked by 3 PsychologistsDr. Carrero Pinedo, Dr. Eshtehardi and Dr. Goodman all agree that these are the 10 most emotionally healthy daily habits, ranked from good and healthy (#10) to the absolute healthiest (#1).
10. Listening to musicMoMo Productions / Getty Images
“Music is easy to incorporate into your day-to-day life, and can have a major impact on your mood and stress level,” says Dr. Eshtehardi. “Several studies have shown that listening to music, especially playlists that are meant to evoke a certain mood, can reduce stress, symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression while enhancing our mood.”
If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate listening to music that makes you feel good into your life, he suggests treating it like its own activity.
“Sitting back and just listening to music is also a great alternative to scrolling on our phones,” the psychologist adds.
Related: 3 Psychologists Agree: This Is the Biggest Benefit of Learning an Instrument as a Kid
9. Reading books“Reading books can reduce stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve empathy, emotional intelligence and sleep quality,” says Dr. Eshtehardi—especially when you consider that reading can be an “excellent alternative to scrolling on our phones.”
If you find it hard to focus on reading, he has a few tips. First, know that the more you read, the more you’ll get used to it, and the less challenging it will be to focus. Additionally, it’s key to read books that actually bring you joy, as this will make reading more appealing.
“If you want to read more, you have to start by finding things you’re interested in reading,” he states. “Many people believe that reading should be ‘productive’ and therefore reading fiction books is a waste of time. This is not true. In fact, reading literary fiction can be particularly effective at increasing emotional intelligence and empathy.”
And as an alternative to reading books, Dr. Goodman suggests crossword puzzles and coloring books.
8. Reduced social media useCatherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
“The average American spends five hours a day looking at their phones. What they’re looking at is, more often than not, algorithm-curated content,” Dr. Eshtehardi notes.
“There are a plethora of issues that can emerge from too much exposure to this type of content,” he continues. “The simple takeaway is that reducing time spent on our phones, specifically looking at algorithm-curated content, will improve how we feel.”
To reduce your screen time, he suggests replacing it with “other healthier habits,” such as reading, listening to music and exercising.
Related: A Social Media Coach Is Begging People To Stop This Common Online Habit
7. Practicing gratitude and mindfulnessKathrin Ziegler / Getty Images
According to Dr. Goodman, thinking of something you are grateful for every day can make a huge difference.
“Some days this can be harder than others,” she admits. However, “some days it may be as simple as being grateful for a soft bed to rest, a cup of your favorite coffee or the ability to care for yourself. Searching for and focusing your mind on gratitude makes it more likely you will see it. It’s not just the half-full vs half-empty; it is that you will see what you look for.”
Dr. Carrero Pinedo agrees that a daily gratitude practice is wonderful for our emotional health.
“Taking time to reflect on the day can help shift perspective away from negative things in your life,” she explains.
She recommends doing this as part of your bedtime routine by asking yourself questions such as, “What made my day difficult?” “How was I supported today?” and “What made me feel good?”
Similarly, practicing mindfulness is great for emotional health. Dr. Carrero Pinedo shares that “acknowledging what is happening in the present moment helps us focus on facts and change our relationship with our internal experiences.”
6. Spending time outsideDr. Goodman is a big advocate of spending time in nature, or at least interacting with the outdoors in some way.
“This can be as simple as mindfully taking five minutes to look outside the window or taking a walk,” she says. “Stepping away from your thoughts, seeking and recognizing there is [a] world bigger than you can be useful.”
Related: 7 Psychological Benefits of Gardening, According to a Psychologist
5. Moving or taking walksOleg Breslavtsev / Getty Images
“Movement is medicine. It releases accumulated stress, shifts mood and reconnects you with physical sensations,” states Dr. Carrero Pinedo.
She adds that “exercise does not need to be intense to be beneficial,” and can be as simple as doing some stretches in your living room or taking a 10-minute walk around the block.
If you find it hard to motivate yourself to exercise, she suggests habit stacking movement with a meal (such as taking a walk after lunch every day). She also recommends “checking in about how you feel after the activity rather than how well you did shifts the perspective from performance to effectiveness.”
Dr. Eshtehardi is also a big advocate of regular movement—specifically walking, noting that “studies have shown that regular walking reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
4. Connecting with others“Being in community helps us reduce stress levels and increase our sense of belonging,” explains Dr. Carrero Pinedo.
Not only that, but connecting with others “has been shown to be one of the most protective mental health factors at all ages,” according to Dr. Goodman.
To be more proactive about connecting with others, Dr. Carrero Pinedo suggests that you “search the web for activities [that you enjoy or want to try] and schedule them.” Then, “invite others to do the activity with you or make small talk with someone during the activity.”
If you don’t have anyone to spend time with in person, connecting with others “can be as simple as doing something kind for a stranger,” Dr. Goodman says. “Thanking someone [or] complimenting someone allows you to connect to people around you.”
Or, if you prefer virtual connection, Dr. Goodman says there’s a lot of merit to phone calls and texts with loved ones.
3. Eating well and staying hydratedThough your eating and hydrating habits may not seem related to your emotional health, all three psychologists agree that these are some of the most important factors that contribute to our emotional state.
“Nutrient deficiencies, malnourishment or dehydration can lead to a host of negative mental, emotional and physical impacts,” explains Dr. Eshtehardi.
“Diet is very tricky and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” he adds.
If healthy eating has been a challenge for you, he recommends seeing a doctor or a nutritionist to determine what your body needs. And if you suspect you’re not getting enough water, “try to gradually increase your water intake throughout the day,” he notes.
2. Practicing good sleep habitsDr. Eshtehardi is a major advocate of good sleep, noting that he would personally put practicing positive sleep habits at #1 on his list, though he agrees that it makes sense in the #2 slot, too.
“Sleep has a major impact on our mental and emotional well-being,” he says. “People who experience poor sleep report feeling mental exhaustion, sadness, anger and stress. Improving sleep can measurably reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
Dr. Carrero Pinedo adds that “sleep is critical for clear decision-making, storing energy and a strong immune system.”
Her top tip for healthy sleep is to only lie down in your bed when you are sleepy and ready to close your eyes, as this can strengthen the connection between sleep and your sleep area.
“Staying in bed when you are not asleep actually promotes insomnia because your brain starts to associate being in the sleeping area with being awake,” she explains. “If you are not asleep within 20 minutes of lying down, get up and go to another area. Go back only when you’re feeling sleepy.”
Dr. Eshtehardi recommends reading before bed (instead of scrolling on your phone!) to help yourself relax, and going to bed early rather than engaging in “revenge bedtime procrastination, which is the habit of delaying going to sleep as a way to maximize free time and maintain a sense of control.”
1. Checking in with yourselfAll three psychologists agree that in many instances, checking in with yourself is the most important thing you can do for your emotional health.
“If we do not check in with ourselves, we cannot identify our needs,” says Dr. Carrero Pinedo.
“Improving awareness of emotional patterns and triggers expands our emotional capacity and ability to effectively communicate how we feel and what we need from others,” she explains. “Over time, it also helps us reduce impulsive or avoidant reactions under stressful situations.”
So how can you hone this habit of checking in with yourself? Dr. Carrero Pinedo is a fan of sitting down to journal.
“Spend one minute writing down a situation that brought up strong emotions,” she suggests. “Then, spend another minute identifying one emotion and one need, followed by a small action that supports your need.”
According to Dr. Goodman, checking in with yourself is all about “being mindful about how your body is feeling and creating a sense of calm. Learning and doing calming breaths or muscle relaxation at a set time or being intentional about doing it when your body needs a reset creates a cascade of change.”
She adds: “Because the mind and body are connected, a calmer body can result in a calmer mind.”
Up Next:
Related: 3 Psychologists Agree This Is the Most ‘Underrated’ Positive Parenting Habit
Sources:- Dr. Ayli Carrero Pinedo, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and the founder of In Alignment Wellness Services.
- Dr. Kamran Eshtehardi, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice.
- Dr. Robin F. Goodman, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Assistant Director of Public Education and Bereavement at Child HELP Partnership at St. John’s University.
- The transformative power of music: Insights into neuroplasticity, health, and disease. (2023) Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
- For many Americans, their smartphone is the last thing they see at night and the first thing they see in the morning. (2025) YouGov.
- Increased walking can lessen depression. UCLA Health.
Scientists Are Working to Save Endangered Animals—And They're Getting Help From 'PAW Patrol'
What if the world’s next generation of wildlife conservationists got their introduction to the work through PAW Patrol?
A new collaboration between Colossal Biosciences — the company behind the de-extinction of dire wolves — and Paramount’s PAW Patrol, is using the popular children’s franchise to shine a light on the real-world science and conservation efforts underway to protect threatened species.
Through the campaign, which is tied to PAW Patrol: Dino Island, Colossal is bringing some of that work to families in a way young children can understand.
View this post on InstagramThe campaign begins in the fictional world of Dino Island, where dinosaurs have survived because they have a safe habitat to call home. When Mayor Humdinger begins mining the island after discovering diamonds, the pups have to step in to protect the dinosaurs and their home.
“Real animals don’t always have the PAW Patrol to rescue them,” Marshall explains in the trailer shared via Instagram on Thursday, August 20. “That’s where teams like Colossal come in. They’re on a mission to keep animals from disappearing.”
Viewers are introduced to some of the projects Colossal is working on, including EEHV vaccine development for elephants and research designed to protect amphibians from the deadly chytrid fungus.
Rather than presenting conservation as an abstract concept, the campaign draws a direct line between the fictional rescue missions kids already know and the work scientists are doing in the real world, giving parents an age-appropriate way to introduce subjects like endangered species and habitat protection to their children.
“The next generation of protectors? That’s us,” Marshall adds. “Together we can become a real-life PAW Patrol for our planet.”
At 93, Carol Burnett Admits Her Most Embarrassing Moment
The hilarious Carol Burnett admitted that even she has had some unfortunate performances.
When asked about her most embarrassing Hollywood moment during a recent appearance on The Patrick LabyorSheaux the 93-year-old comedian and actress did not hesitate.
“Oh, The Front Page,” Burnett replied. “When I did that, I was terrible.”
“I thought it was the right part … but I was nervous,” she said. “After it was released, I never wanted to see it because I knew how awful I was and I certainly did not get good reviews and so forth.”
The 1974 film starred Burnett alongside Susan Sarandon, Jack Lemmon, Austin Pendleton, and Walter Matthau. The movie followed a successful Chicago newspaperman who decides to retire from writing and get married. The paper’s editor goes to great lengths to retain his star journalist. The Golden Globes Award-winning actress played Mollie Malloy.
Burnett recalled a moment when she had to confront the film.
“So now I’m on an airplane, going to New York and oh my god the movie they’re going to show was The Front Page, on the plane and the stewardess — at that time they called them stewardesses — said, ‘Oh, and we’re going to have the movie and one of the stars is with us today on the flight,’” she shared.
“And everybody turned around and smiled and waved and I thought, ‘Oh no. Oh my god.’ Now the movie starts and everybody pulls down their shades and I just couldn’t watch. It was terrible,” she explained. “The movie ends, everybody puts the shades up and nobody turns around to smile.”
Burnett is best known for her CBS variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, which earned 22 Emmy Awards. The series aired for 11 seasons from 1967 to 1978.
Reclusive Kim Basinger, 72, Steps Out Makeup-Free in Extremely Rare Sighting
Kim Basinger keeps a low profile these days, making a new sighting of the Oscar-winning actress a rare (but welcome) occurrence.
The 72-year-old was photographed running errands in Los Angeles on August 17, marking an uncommon public appearance for the L.A. Confidential star. The photos were obtained by E! News and shared on Friday, August 21.
Basinger went makeup-free for the casual outing, wearing a dark zip-up sweatshirt with jeans and black sandals. She also wore sunglasses for her appearance.
The appearance comes years after Basinger largely retreated from the Hollywood spotlight. Her most recent major acting role was in 2018’s Fifty Shades Freed, where she reprised her role as Elena Lincoln from Fifty Shades Darker.
While fans may not see Basinger on screen much anymore, daughter Ireland Baldwin has occasionally offered glimpses into her life away from Hollywood.
Basinger appears to be especially enjoying her role as grandmother to Ireland’s daughter, Holland. In a Mother’s Day carousel, Ireland shared a sweet video of her mom jumping on a trampoline with the little girl.
And Basinger will soon have another grandchild to spoil. Ireland, 30, announced in May that she and boyfriend André Allen Anjos, better known as RAC, are expecting their second child.
Ireland is Basinger’s only child with ex-husband Alec Baldwin. The former couple married in 1993 before separating in 2000 and finalizing their divorce in 2002.
READ MORE: Alec Baldwin Asked His Wife Hilaria for ‘Another Baby’ — See Her Reaction
Alec has since built a much bigger family with wife Hilaria Baldwin, whom he married in 2012. The couple share seven children: Carmen, Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo, Eduardo, María Lucía, and Ilaria.
And apparently, eight isn’t entirely out of the question—at least for Alec. Earlier this month, Hilaria jokingly shut down that possibility in an Instagram Reel. After text representing Alec’s response to “I would do anything for you” read, “Have another baby with me,” Hilaria gave the camera an unimpressed look, swatted it away, and walked off.
Walmart’s Towering 73-Inch Bookcase Has Ample Storage for Enormous Book Collections, Now Nearly 40% Off
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Anyone who has ever run out of places to put their books, baskets, picture frames and other household items knows that one small shelf just won’t cut it. If you’re craving more storage — but don’t want your home to look like a warehouse — Walmart has a towering bookcase that could solve all your storage woes.
The Homfa Tall 73-Inch Bookcase With Doors is currently $170, down from $280. It’s made from engineered wood and has six tiers, including open shelves and two enclosed cabinets to keep clutter neatly out of sight. Shoppers loved the bookcase’s classic style, with one saying that it was “very sturdy” and “easy to put together.”
Homfa Tall 73-Inch Bookcase, $170 (was $280) at Walmart Shop at WalmartMeasuring 45.28 inches wide by 10.63 inches deep by 73.03 inches high, the bookcase makes use of vertical space while giving you plenty of storage below. It features eight open cubes for books, plants, photos, and decorative accents. There are also two cabinets with slim, metal handles where you can stash toys, office supplies, or anything else you don’t want on display. Each shelf has a weight capacity of 44 pounds.
It comes in seven colors: black, blue, cherry red, green, light oak, wash gray, and white, so you can choose a style that works with your space. Most colors are on sale for $170, while the green option is slightly higher at $180, so you’ll still get a substantial discount no matter which shade you choose.
Walmart shoppers were impressed with how much storage it provides. One reviewer called it a “very nice bookcase,” adding that upgrading from a smaller one gave them “lots more room.” Another shopper said that the cabinets and shelves were “beautiful and sturdy,” adding that they planned to buy at least one more unit.
Shop More Deals- Costway Slim Bathroom Cabinet, $58 (was $99) at Walmart
- Dream Pairs Square-Toe Knee-High Boots, $49 at Walmart
- Homfa 3-Drawer Nightstand, $50 (was $120) at Walmart
Whether you’re building out a home office or simply trying to get the clutter under control, the Homfa Tall 73-Inch Bookcase gives you a lot of storage in one piece of furniture. Head to Walmart and scoop one up while it’s still in stock and on sale!
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.
The Easy Way To Make Grilled Peaches 10x Better
Summer peaches are one of those seasonal treats that hardly need any help. Bite into a perfectly ripe peach, and you get juicy sweetness, floral fragrance and just enough tang to make you reach for another napkin—and another peach.
But when the grill is fired up, this beloved summer fruit gets a delicious makeover. Heat caramelizes the peach’s natural sugars, softens its flesh and adds a smoky, slightly savory flavor that makes even a simple backyard barbecue feel like a special occasion.
😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔
Grilled peaches can become dessert, a breakfast topping, a salad ingredient or a side dish with almost no extra effort. The trick is knowing which peaches to buy and, more importantly, when to add the sweet stuff.
While it might seem natural to slather peaches with butter or sprinkle them with brown sugar before they hit the grates, that can lead to burnt sugar, bitter flavors and fruit that falls apart before you ever get those gorgeous grill marks.
Chef Dennis Littley, chef and culinary expert at Ask Chef Dennis, says the best approach is surprisingly simple, and he has a few key tricks up his sleeve for making the best-ever grilled peaches. Here’s how he takes grilled peaches from good to grilled deliciousness.
The Secret to Perfect Grilled Peaches: ‘Freestone’ and FirmIf you’re wondering how to grill peaches without ending up with peach jam stuck to your grill grates, your first decision happens at the grocery store or farmers market.
Not all peaches are created equal when it comes to grilling. Chef Littley recommends freestone peaches for grilling because their pits come out cleanly, making them easier to halve and prepare. More importantly, look for fruit that is ripe and flavorful but still firm.
“The biggest mistake is starting with peaches that are too ripe,” Chef Littley says. “They turn mushy very quickly.”
That’s particularly important once the peaches hit the heat. A soft, ultra-ripe peach may be wonderful for eating over the sink, but it won’t necessarily survive a hot grill. You want a peach with enough structure to soften slightly without collapsing.
And here’s another detail worth remembering—leave the skin on. The skin acts like a little natural jacket, helping the peach halves hold their shape while they cook. It also means you don’t have to worry about the fruit sliding apart when you flip it. Cut the peaches in half, remove the pits and you’re ready for the next step.
The Pre-Grill Prep: Oil, Not ButterEducation Images / Getty Images
Here’s where your instinct to make everything better with butter needs to take a brief hiatus. Before grilling, brush the cut sides of the peaches with a small amount of neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil. You don’t need to soak them. The goal is simply to help prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
Why not butter? Butter contains milk solids that can burn on a hot grill, potentially leaving the peaches with a bitter, scorched flavor. And since the grill is already bringing plenty of flavor to the fruit, there’s no reason to risk it.
Chef Littley keeps his preparation simple too. “I prefer oil over butter before grilling because butter can burn,” he explains. “You can always add butter afterward for flavor.”
That’s the key distinction: butter belongs in the finishing move, not necessarily the pre-grill lineup.
The same rule applies to sugar. You may be tempted to sprinkle brown sugar over the peaches before grilling to create an instant caramelized crust. But sugar burns easily, especially over direct heat. Instead, grill the peaches first and add your brown sugar glaze for fruit afterward.
Think of the grill as the place where the peach gets smoky and caramelized. The glaze is where you get to have fun.
Related: The Easy Way To Make Sweet Corn 10x Better
The Grill Method: Heat and TimingFor the best grilled peaches, you don’t need complicated equipment or a long cooking process. A medium-high grill is all you need. Chef Littley recommends heating the grill to 375 to 400°F.
Place the peach halves cut side down on the hot grates. Then—and this is important—leave them alone. Cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes without disturbing them. This gives the peaches enough time to develop those coveted dark grill marks and allows their natural sugars to caramelize.
Resist the urge to peek every 20 seconds. Once the cut sides are nicely marked, flip the peaches and cook them for another 2 to 3 minutes.
So, if you’re searching for how long to grill peaches, the short answer is roughly 5 to 7 minutes total, depending on the size and firmness of the fruit and the heat of your grill.
“They should be warm and slightly softened but still hold their shape,” Chef Littley says. That’s your target. You’re not trying to cook the peaches until they’re falling apart. You want them tender enough to be luscious but firm enough to pick up with a fork.
Another grilling rule from Chef Littley—don’t keep moving the peaches around. “Give the grill time to do its job,” he says. Once you’ve got the marks, the caramelization and that warm, juicy interior, transfer the peaches to a plate.
6 Ways To Glaze and Serve Your PeachesThe beauty of grilled peaches is that the basic technique can go in a dozen different directions. This is where grilled peaches become one of the easiest summer dessert ideas around. Here are six fun ways you can glaze and serve grilled peaches that are guaranteed crowdpleasers.
1. Butter and HoneyFor a simple finish, Chef Littley’s favorite is hard to argue with: add a little butter and honey after grilling. The warm peach melts the butter slightly, while honey adds floral sweetness that complements the fruit without overwhelming it. For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg.
2. Brown Sugar and CinnamonWant something that tastes like summer and a cozy fall dessert decided to become friends? Combine a little brown sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle or brush it over the hot peaches after they come off the grill. The residual heat helps the sugar melt into the fruit without exposing it to the full force of the grill flame. A tiny splash of vanilla can also turn up the dessert vibes.
3. À la ModeThis might be the easiest of all desserts on the barbecue. Put a warm grilled peach half in a bowl and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot, smoky fruit and cold, creamy ice cream is basically a backyard dessert cheat code. Greek yogurt works beautifully too, especially if you’d prefer something tangier and less sweet.
4. Smattered With Fresh HerbsFresh mint isn’t just there to make your dessert look fancy. It brings a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm sweetness of the peaches. Chef Littley also recommends fresh basil, which is particularly good when you’re taking the peaches in a savory direction.
5. Go Savory With BurrataHere’s where grilled peaches get seriously interesting. “Their sweetness pairs so well with salty and tangy flavors,” Chef Littley says. Try warm grilled peach halves with creamy burrata, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic. You can also build them into a salad with peppery arugula and salty prosciutto.
The combination works because the peaches bring sweetness and acidity, while the cheese and cured meat add richness and salt.
And don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Chef Littley points out that “a little flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper can completely change the direction of the peach from dessert to savory.”
6. Serve With DinnerGrilled peaches don’t have to wait for the dessert course. Their sweetness makes a natural partner for grilled meats, particularly pork and chicken. Add peach halves alongside your main course, or slice them into a salad for an easy sweet-and-savory side.
It’s also a clever way to make a barbecue meal feel more substantial without creating another complicated dish.
Final ThoughtsThe Washington Post / Getty Images
Nailing grilled peaches is simple—choose firm freestone peaches, leave the skin on, brush them with neutral oil and grill over medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon or vanilla after grilling, and don’t be afraid to take them savory with burrata, goat cheese, basil, balsamic, arugula or prosciutto.
The key is to let the peach—and the grill’s smoky char and caramelization—do the work, turning a simple summer fruit into a backyard superstar in just minutes.
Source:- Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef, recipe developer and the creator of Ask Chef Dennis. Drawing on decades of professional culinary experience, he shares approachable, restaurant-quality recipes designed to help home cooks build confidence in the kitchen. Through Ask Chef Dennis, he combines practical chef techniques with straightforward guidance, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
1984 Synth-Pop Hit, Inspired by a Rolling Stones Concert, Peak-Debated as a Top No. 2 Song Ever
Nena‘s 1984 hit is at the center of a fresh debate over Billboard’s recent ranking of the best No. 2 songs in Hot 100 history, and this time, it’s about who got left off the list.
Billboard published a staff-curated list of the 100 best songs to ever peak at No. 2 without reaching No. 1. The list sparked enough reaction that Billboard ran a follow-up mailbag column featuring reader pushback, including a submission from reader Pablo Nelson arguing that several deserving songs were snubbed. Nelson pointed to Nena’s German-language hit “99 Luftballons” as one of the clearest omissions, noting the song “peaked at #2” and calling out the surprising list without it.
The debate centers on a song that’s more unusual than its pop chart success might suggest. “99 Luftballons” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1984, kept out of the top spot by Van Halen’s “Jump.” It remains one of the rare non-English-language songs to ever crack the American Top 10, let alone come one spot short of No. 1.
The song’s lyrics take an unexpectedly playful turn for a track rooted in Cold War anxiety, tossing in a reference to Captain Kirk as balloons drifting near the Berlin Wall are mistaken for enemy aircraft, triggering a fictional military response. The story, born from something the band’s guitarist actually witnessed at a Rolling Stones concert in West Berlin, became one of the most distinctive protest songs of the decade.
While the English-language version, “99 Red Balloons,” topped the UK charts, it was the original German recording that became the hit stateside, making Nena a rare case of an artist finding U.S. success in her native language.
Nearly 40 years later, fans and readers are still making the case for just how great “99 Luftballons” is.
Aimee Teegarden Returns to Hallmark Opposite ‘When Calls the Heart’ Star Chris McNally—See Our Exclusive Sneak Peek
Summer is technically over on Hallmark as we head into their “Fall into Love” slate of movies before Countdown to Christmas movies begin in mid-October. First up is Love Finds You featuring When Calls the Heart star Chris McNally and Hallmark regular Aimee Teegarden. In this romcom, a jewelry artisan believes her she was delivered a package meant for her fated love and recruits a overnight deliveryman in helping her find him.
Read on for more about Love Finds You. Don’t forget to check out the Parade exclusive sneak peek!
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
What is Love Finds You about?A mislabeled package convinces jewelry designer Alex (Aimee Teegarden) she’s found her ideal man, sending her and delivery driver Jack (Chris McNally) on a citywide search that helps them discover what they truly want.
Who’s in the cast of Love Finds You? Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney JulienHallmark Media
Aimee Teegarden as AlexAimee Teegarden has appeared in several Hallmark films including My Christmas Family Tree, A New Year’s Resolution and Once Upon a Christmas Miracle opposite Brett Dalton. Other credits include Autumn in the City, Christmas Class Reunion, and Heart of the Matter.
Related: Daniel Lissing Returns to Hallmark in a New Romance—See Parade’s Exclusive Sneak Peek
Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney JulienHallmark Media
Chris McNally as JackMcNally is best known to Hallmark viewers as Lucas Bouchard, the saloon owner, businessman and governor on When Calls the Heart. He has appeared on Lucifer, Falling Skies, Supernatural and Riverdale. He also has had recurring arcs on Firefly Lane and Altered Carbon on Netflix, as well as in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount+. For Hallmark, McNally has starred in numerous movies including 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (co-starring with his IRL partner, Julie Gonzalo), A Tail of Love, A Winter Princess, Sailing into Love and Tee for Two.
When does Love Finds You premiere?Love Finds You premieres on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and can be streamed the next day on Hallmark+.
Does Parade have a sneak peek of Love Finds You?Yes! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Love Finds You below:
PARADE Exclusive – Love Finds You – Sneak Peek (1:04) Check out images from Love Finds YouTake a look at some select images from Love Finds You in the gallery below.
Love Finds YouHallmarkAimee Teegarden, Natalie Sharp Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally
Hallmark Media
Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally
Hallmark Media
Love Finds You
Hallmark Media
Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Love Finds You
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Love Finds You
Hallmark Media
Love Finds You
Hallmark Media
Love Finds You
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Christin Park Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Duncan Spencer, Sacha Joseph Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Christin Park, Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Luvia Petersen Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Hallmark Media
Chris McNally Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Christin Park, Aimee Teegarden Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien
Hallmark Media
Next, Jesse Metcalfe Makes Long-Awaited Hallmark Return in ‘Absolutely Devoted to You’
2001 Kate Beckinsale Rom-Com Is Getting a Modern Retelling — What We Know
This year marks the 25th anniversary of a beloved romantic comedy — which is suddenly back in the spotlight.
Starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, who both remain active in the entertainment space, Serendipity hit theaters in 2001 and ultimately became a cult-classic. In the age of DVDs, fans of the rom-com genre undoubtedly had it as part of their home collection. Maybe your copy is still kicking around.
And now, Deadline is reporting that acclaimed director Michael Showalter (The Idea of You, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) is set to helm a modern retelling of the hit movie for Amazon MGM Studios and Miramax.
It’s no surprise that the latter company is involved, given that Miramax had released the O.G. film to major success 25 years back — a worldwide gross exceeding $77 million, Deadline also noted on Friday, August 21.
“I am so honored and excited to get to live inside this iconic funny, romantic and intelligent world that [writer] Marc Klein has created,” Showalter, 56, said in a statement, per Deadline. “This new Serendipity is not a remake or even a reboot, I’d say it’s more of a rebuttal. Same title. New characters. New story and new ideas about love and relationships. Me and [fellow producer Jordana Mollick] and everyone at Semi-Formal relish the opportunity to make another film with the whole team at Amazon MGM as well as our new partners at Miramax.”
Why We’ve Seen Less of Cusack on ScreenIn recent years, Cusack, 60, has appeared less frequently on the silver screen — and it’s for a reason. Earlier this summer, the longtime actor revealed his latest creative project, which was the right move in stepping away from Hollywood.
The Being John Malkovich star told Variety at San Diego Comic-Con that he was ready to tackle projects without executives weighing in. As a result, Cusack has been working on his upcoming graphic novel titled Momo, set to release in September. Find out more here.
A Dermatologist Is Begging Women Over 50 To Try This Eye Lift Cream for Drooping Lids
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
As anyone over the age of 40 will tell you, there comes a day when you look in the mirror and realize your eyelids are losing the battle with gravity. It’s not a dramatic overnight change—more of a gradual situation where one morning the crease you used to have is just…covered. The skin has migrated south, my friends. Your eyes look tired even when you’ve had your full 10 hours (yes, some of us need 10 hours!).
Drooping eyelids are incredibly common, completely normal and one of the more frustrating visible signs of aging, specifically because they affect how awake and alert you look regardless of how much sleep you actually got. (Again, 10 hours. I got 10 freakin’ hours!)
The skincare industry has responded with an entire category of eye lift creams promising to reverse the droop, but there are limits to what a cream can accomplish versus what a surgeon can. So, do any of them actually work?
The honest answer, which we’re going to get into, is somewhere in the middle. To find it, we talked to six experts—Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in New York City; Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in San Diego; Dr. Anetta Reszko of Reszko Dermatology; Dr. Sandra Oska; Dr. Rachel Westbay of Marmur Medical in New York; and Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep—about what’s actually causing this, what eye lift cream for hooded eyes can genuinely do and which ones are worth trying.
Related: 11 Best Eye Tightening Creams for a Lifted, Firmer Look, Tested by Dermatologists
The short answer is several things at once, and they all conspire together with almost impressive coordination. Skin loses collagen and elasticity. The levator muscle that lifts the eyelid weakens or stretches, creating what Dr. Schwarcz calls upper eyelid ptosis. Fat around the eye shifts. The brow gradually descends. And then, as Dr. Zalka cheerfully notes—”oh fun!”—bone resorption. The bony structure of the facial skull actually shrinks slightly with age, creating a sunken-eye effect that contributes to the hooded appearance.
“We live on a planet that has gravitational forces at play on our bodies all day every day,” Dr. Zalka points out. “The result: skin droops.”
Combined with skin that has lost its elasticity and bounce-back, that downward pull eventually wins.
Genetics matter too—some people are simply born with a more hooded or low-set eyelid crease that becomes more noticeable over time. Many people are born with beautiful hooded eyelids, but we are referencing eyes that become hooded due to aging here.
Dr. Oska adds sun exposure, smoking and repetitive facial movements as factors that can accelerate the timeline. Dr. Westbay makes another distinction worth knowing: there’s a difference between true excess eyelid skin (dermatochalasis), brow descent and actual eyelid ptosis. Each has a different underlying cause—and a different treatment.
Related: Forget ‘Baby Botox’: This Peptide Hack Is the Secret to Naturally Plumper Skin
Do Eye Lift Creams Actually Work for Hooded Eyes?Honestly? It depends on what you mean by “work.”
If you mean can a cream physically remove excess skin, reposition tissue or fix a weakened levator muscle? Well the, sadly no. Dr. Schwarcz says eye lift creams “cannot physically or structurally lift hooded eyes as they cannot replicate the results of surgery or remove excess skin.”
Dr. Zalka shares his skepticism about the before-and-afters circulating in skincare marketing. “Before and after photos I have seen marketed by some cosmetic companies have not impressed me,” she tells Parade.
But if you mean can the right cream improve the skin quality of the eyelid area, reduce crepiness, temporarily depuff, hydrate thin skin and make the whole situation look somewhat better? Actually, yes.
“When the skin is better hydrated and supported, the eyelid can appear smoother, firmer and slightly more lifted,” Dr. Westbay tells Parade.
Dr. Oska agrees that for mild to moderate laxity specifically, consistent use of a well-formulated eye cream can be “a valuable part of an overall skincare routine.”
The key phrase across every expert is “mild to moderate.” If the hooding is major, no cream is going to move the needle enough to matter.
Related: 8 Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
Ingredients To Look for in an Eye Lift Cream for Drooping EyelidsThe ingredient list is where you separate the creams doing real work from the ones coasting on optimistic packaging copy.
- Dr. Oska and Dr. Reszko both point to peptides as the standout ingredient for supporting the appearance of firmer skin.
- Hyaluronic acid handles hydration and temporary plumping.
- Vitamin C and niacinamide brighten and support collagen health.
- Caffeine addresses puffiness by constricting vessels and supporting lymphatic drainage—though its effect is temporary.
Dr. Palm adds defensins to the conversation, and it’s an ingredient worth knowing about. These are small proteins naturally found in the body that activate dormant stem cells in the basal layer of the epidermis, encouraging new healthy skin cell formation.
“Over time, this leads to thicker, healthier skin and a more youthful appearance with improved pigmentation and skin radiance,” she tells Parade—and she’s seen it specifically help with under-eye hyperpigmentation and radiance.
Dr. Oska recommends retinol for stimulating collagen and improving texture, but says it should be introduced gradually given the sensitivity of the eye area.
Dr. Schwarcz agrees it’s becoming popular in eye creams but cautions it should generally be used under the eye rather than on the upper lid.
What to avoid? Well, fragrance, alcohol and aggressive exfoliating acids. The eye area is too sensitive for any of those, and irritation here is particularly unpleasant.
Getty
The Best Eye Lift Cream for Hooded Eyes, Recommended by a DermatologistDr. Westbay uses and recommends Colorescience Total Eye Firm & Repair Cream—and what distinguishes her recommendation is that she’s pointing to the finished formulation’s clinical data, not just its ingredient list.
“The finished formulation has been clinically evaluated,” she explains, noting an eight-week published study showing improvements in eyelid laxity and dryness. She uses it morning and evening on the upper lids as well as underneath.
Other Expert-Backed Products for Your Skincare RoutineFor daytime, Dr. Westbay adds Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 on top, specifically because “the eye area is frequently neglected when people apply sunscreen”—and UV protection is one of the most meaningful things you can do to prevent further collagen breakdown.
Dr. Reszko points to two Valmont formulas for patients focused on firmness. Valmont V-Lift Eye uses DNA/RNA and C-Drone peptide technology to improve the appearance of lift and smoothness around the eye area. V-Firm Eye takes a similar approach with hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, lysine and proline amino acids and immortelle flower.
For something focused specifically on reducing puffiness while brightening, Dr. Zalka recommends looking for green tea alongside niacinamide—ingredients that address multiple concerns in the delicate eyelid zone without the irritation risk that comes with more aggressive formulas.
How To Apply Eye Cream Correctly To Lift Hooded LidsRing finger, small amount, no tugging. Every single expert says a version of this. The eyelid skin is among the thinnest on the body, and the repeated friction of aggressive application contributes to exactly the kind of stretching and irritation you’re trying to reverse.
Dr. Oska’s specific technique is to apply a pea-sized amount with the ring finger, starting along the orbital bone beneath the eyes and continuing around the outer corners, then lightly apply just beneath the brow bone rather than directly on the mobile upper eyelid—unless the product specifically states it’s safe for that area.
Dr. Westbay applies from the inner portion of the eyelid outward, then smooths any remaining product underneath. “More product is not better—the eyelid skin is thin, and excess product can migrate into the eye or cause irritation,” she says.
Dr. Reszko echoes this, adding that using too much can sometimes actually cause puffiness—which is the opposite of what you’re going for.
Morning and evening application, consistently over weeks and months, is what produces results.
Related: 11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms
What Results Can You Realistically Expect From Eye Lift Creams vs. Surgery?Eye creams can improve hydration, reduce crepiness, soften fine lines, temporarily depuff and make the eyelid area look smoother and more refreshed with consistent use. That’s real and that’s worth doing.
Surgery can remove excess skin, reposition fat and address structural changes in a way no topical product can touch.
“Eyelid surgery, aka, forehead lift or blepharoplasty, are the gold standard for addressing undesirable eyelid hooding or sagging,” says Dr. Zalka. “These options far exceed anything a cream or serum could do given the technology and science we have right now in skin care.”
For a realistic routine, Dr. Oska recommends starting with skincare and considering in-office treatments or surgery only if topical products can’t adequately address the concern.
Up Next:
Related: The Surprising Beauty Product French Women Love, Makeup Artist Reveals: ‘Believe It or Not’
Sources:- Dr. Robert Schwarcz, double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, New York City
- Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Art of Skin MD
- Dr. Anetta Reszko, board-certified dermatologist, Reszko Dermatology
- Dr. Sandra Oska, board-certified dermatologist
- Dr. Rachel Westbay, board-certified dermatologist, Marmur Medical
- Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep
Best-Selling Author’s 1952 Novel, Now a Netflix Series, Ranked Best American Novel of the Last 100 Years
John Steinbeck’s East of Eden is having a moment. The 1952 masterpiece is being reimagined as a new Netflix limited series by writer and co-showrunner Zoe Kazan, just as Collider has named it the greatest American novel of the last 100 years. The book becomes the latest in a long line of Steinbeck adaptations, including The Grapes of Wrath (1940), starring Henry Fonda, and the many adaptations of Of Mice and Men (1939, 1992).
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Originally published on Sept. 19, 1952, through The Viking Press, East of Eden is a sweeping generational saga set in California’s Salinas Valley. It centers on the lives of two families, the Trasks and Hamiltons, while exploring themes of free will and the eternal struggle of good vs. evil. Inspired by the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Steinbeck constructed a dynamic, ambitious masterwork that spans hundreds of pages.
View this post on Instagram“It’s one of those book masterpieces that is perfectly written, a family saga that Steinbeck himself considered not just his most ambitious work, but even his magnum opus,” Collider writes. “It’s only a little over 600 pages long—and the keyword there is ‘only,’ because it’s such a vast, well-rounded, and complex study of free will and the constant battle between good and evil that it could have easily been twice as long.”
Interweaving rich, poetic language with plain, realistic dialogue, Steinbeck’s novel is “beautifully rich in terms of its character writing, plotting, thematic work, and moral messaging” and “almost definitely is the best American book of the last 100 years,” Collider adds.
Before Kazan’s retelling, East of Eden had been adapted for the screen twice: most recently in 1981 as ABC’s Golden Globe-winning miniseries starring Jane Seymour, and earlier in 1955 as the Academy Award-winning feature film starring James Dean and directed by Elia Kazan. Yes, that Kazan. Elia Kazan is Zoe Kazan’s grandfather.
“It will actually be two books,” Steinbeck once said of his novel, “the story of my country and the story of me.”
While making her series, which co-stars Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist and premieres Oct. 1, Kazan kept those words in mind.
“I really took that as my credo,” she told Tudum. “It needs to be epic and intimate. It needs to be as personal for me as it was for him, even though he’s literally writing about his family.”
Winner of the 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature, Steinbeck was truly one of the greatest and most influential writers of the 20th century.
“A champion of the working class and a voice always willing to speak about the harsh realities of the Great Depression,” Collider writes, “he was the mind behind masterpieces of the caliber of East of Eden, arguably the strongest post-1926 contender for the title of The Great American Novel.”
HGTV Star Wows Fans With Weight-Loss Transformation
Back in March 2025, HGTV star Ben Napier shared that he had lost 95 pounds over the course of three years. While there have been selfies since, fans are continually wowed by his transformation, and his latest Instagram post proves it.
On Aug. 12, the Home Town star posted with a crew member, showing off their T-shirts with an American flag on their sleeve. The caption “These colors don’t run” was connected to the flag, but fans weren’t focused on that at all.
Instead, their focus was on the work that Napier has continued to put into his health. As one user shares, “Looking lean, Ben,” another commented, “Ben, you look fabulous ♥️”
View this post on InstagramOne fan asked him how much he had lost, and while he hasn’t given an update since the 2025 interview, keeping the weight off requires a lot of dedication. It’s something that he’s willing to put in, with his wife, Erin Napier, noting that he will wake up at 5 a.m. to start his workouts.
He went through shoulder surgery in 2023 to fix his rotator cuff, and it was the buildup to that surgery that made him realize he needed to start losing weight. He wanted to lower his blood pressure and make it easier to sleep on his back, and fans were with him every step of the way. His wife is certainly happy to have him at his healthiest, because she just wants him to be around for their daughters for as long as possible.
There have been some jokes along the way, as Erin has previously noted that he has started growing food in a garden that he built, and he really only wants to eat food from there.
When he originally spoke about the weight loss, he made it clear that he wasn’t quite at his target weight. He’s continued to focus his efforts on eating well and exercising, but he wouldn’t share the goal.
The Napiers are currently in the middle of filming Home Town Season 11. There isn’t a release date set for it just yet, but fans are expecting a 2027 release date.
Hayden Panettiere's Dad Breaks Silence on Her 37th Birthday
Hayden Panettiere’s dad, Skip Panettiere, is mourning the loss of her daughter just three years after the death of his son, Jansen Panettiere.
Skip confirmed the Ice Princess star’s death on Sunday, August 16, in a statement to ABC News.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” he said at the time.
On what would have been Hayden’s 37th birthday, Skip took to social media to share a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter.
“Happy Birthday my sweet Hayden. Daddy will never stop missing you,” Skip wrote, later sharing a photo of Hayden and Jansen. “I can only hope that you are with Jansen and he has taken you by the hand.”
Skip’s remarks come just five days after the Remember the Titans actress was found unresponsive inside a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were also present at the time.
Despite efforts to resuscitate her, Hayden was pronounced dead. An initial autopsy did not find signs of foul play, however, an investigation into her untimely death is underway.
St. Vincent Brings Back Intimate Residency at This Hotel
Electrorock singer-songwriter St. Vincent is returning to one of New York City’s most intimate and storied music venues this fall.
The Grammy-winning musician will return to Café Carlyle on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for three shows from Oct. 27 through Oct. 29, bringing her acclaimed live show back to the elegant hotel venue for the second year in a row.
St. Vincent, who was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Dallas, Texas, performed three shows at Café Carlyle in October 2025, beginning what has quickly become an annual tradition.
The intimate setting has also given her an opportunity to put a different spin on her live performances. During last year’s residency, she covered Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life,” Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” and Rufus Wainwright’s “Poses” on consecutive nights.
View this post on InstagramCafé Carlyle has long been known for hosting musical residencies in an intimate setting, and the venue has recently welcomed a younger generation of artists alongside its longtime cabaret and jazz performers.
The Cafe Carlyle shows are just one part of a packed stretch of high-profile New York performances for the artist. On September 10, St. Vincent will share the stage with conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic at Radio City Music Hall, alongside fellow performers Lizzo and Joaquina. Looking further ahead, she’s also set to perform at The Met’s Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium on February 20.
Between a philharmonic collaboration, a museum performance, and now a return engagement at one of the city’s most storied music venues, St. Vincent’s fall calendar makes clear she’s just as comfortable in New York’s most distinctive settings as she is on a traditional concert stage.
2004 Country Hit, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Is Still as Iconic as Ever 22 Years Later
Ella Langley kicked off the second leg of her The Dandelion Tour on Thursday, Aug. 20, bringing both the party and plenty of nostalgia. While performing for a sold-out crowd at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, the country music superstar, 27, had fans singing along to every word of her songs, which ranged from covers to fan-favorites and tracks from her Dandelion album, co-produced with Miranda Lambert and Ben West.
Midway through her headlining show, Langley surprised fans with a country throwback, delivering the ultimate crowd-pleaser with Gretchen Wilson’s 2004 hit, “Here for the Party.”
@melindalorge#ellalangleylive #greenbay #countrymusic #dandeliontour #gretchenwilson
♬ 午前三時の分類法 – yasuhiro sodaDressed in a bell-sleeved, pink velvet mini-dress, accessorized with white knee-high boots, Langley showed off her musician skills on a red guitar, playing along with her band as she belted out the words to the rowdy party anthem. Langley effortlessly delivered the cover with her stunning vocals, even breaking to hand out guitar picks to some of her fans standing in the audience.
This isn’t Langley’s first time performing “Here for the Party.” The song has been a part of the Alabama native’s live set, and she previously joined forces with Wilson for an onstage surprise collaboration of the song, which aired on ABC as part of the 2026 CMA Fest TV special. The celebrity friends also released a studio version of “Here for the Party” as a duet, which can be found below.
Released in 2004, Wilson’s “Here for the Party” served as the second single and title track from her No. 1 album of the same name. Written by Wilson alongside Big & Rich members Big Kenny and John Rich, the uptempo song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
During Langley’s near two-hour show, she also delivered a second cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” with tour opener Laci Kaye Booth and brought out Ernest for “Loving Life Again,” which they co-wrote alongside Devin Dawson.
Other highlights during the concert included hits like “Be Her,” “Butterfly Season,” “Weren’t for the Wind,” and Langley’s history-making long-running No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “Choosin’ Texas.” For the evening’s encore, Langley returned with songs “Made It Out of Mexico,” “Love You Tonight,” and “That’s Why We Fight,” a duet originally sung with Koe Wetzel.
Langley’s The Dandelion Tour, which includes landmark performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and two nights at Los Angeles’ famed Greek Theatre, runs through Oct. 31, with its final stop at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, MN. For a full listing of tour dates, visit Langley’s official website here.
Related: 1975 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Was Just Reimagined by Ella Langley
1961 Rock Hit, Released 33 Years Later by The Beatles, Took a 20-Year-Old to the Top 20
Ann-Margret was a screen siren in the 1960s, starring opposite marquee names like Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas, Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid, and Dean Martin in Murderer’s Row. But before she became Hollywood’s It girl, she was climbing the Billboard charts with a proto-classic rock hit called “I Just Don’t Understand.”
Written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kent Westberry, the track, which appears on Ann-Margret’s second studio album, On the Way Up, is an embarrassment of star power. It features not only The Jordanaires, Presley’s famous backup vocalists, but is especially notable for its early use of fuzz guitar, courtesy of studio guitar ace Billy Strange, and polished production by way of the “Country Gentleman” himself, Chet Atkins.
View this post on InstagramOn the track, Ann-Margret delivers lyrics about mixed messages and toxic love. At the same time, a gritty, driving rhythm propels the song forward, and Strange’s handmade distortion lends the tune a sound that was revolutionary for the Sixties. And fans loved it.
In August 1961, the song cracked the Billboard Top 40, eventually peaking at No. 17 and spending six weeks there. The song would become Ann-Margret’s only Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The only song to ever come close to repeating its success was “Love Rush,” a dance hit produced by Paul Sabu that climbed to No. 8 on Billboard’s disco chart in 1979.
“I knew that I had something to offer,” she told Interview magazine last December. “I just kept going no matter what people said.”
More than three decades later, the song gained an even bigger classic rock footprint when The Beatles released it as part of their compilation album Live at the BBC. The Fab Four famously recorded the track in 1963 during a BBC radio session, with John Lennon delivering the tender vocal lead and Paul McCartney backing. The performance aired on Aug. 20 that same year on the radio program Pop Goes the Beatles, but the song wasn’t formally released until 33 years later in 1994.
Shortly after she released “I Just Don’t Understand,” Ann-Margret sang the Oscar-nominated theme song from Bachelor in Paradise at the 34th Academy Awards. The dynamite performance lit up her calendar, sending her acting career into overdrive and making her one of the biggest stars of the 1960s and beyond.
But she never stopped rocking.
Speaking with Interview about something legendary comedian George Burns told her—that she should get back on the stage—she said, “He was right! He was right. I could do both, so I did.”
In 2023, more than 60 years after “I Just Don’t Understand” made her a Billboard Top 20 hitmaker, Ann-Margret returned to her rock ’n’ roll roots with Born to Be Wild, her first album in more than a decade. The rock album featured legends Pete Townshend, Joe Perry, and Steve Cropper, and reached No. 93 on Billboard’s Top Albums Sales chart.
To this day, Ann-Margret, 85, still rocks.
1973 Country Hit, With Iconic Nashville Singer, Became One of the 'Greatest' Songs of All Time
By the early 1970s, Charlie Rich had spent years trying to find where his eclectic sound belonged. Nashville finally gave him the answer.
The Arkansas-born singer had started his recording career at Sun Records in Memphis, bringing together country, blues, jazz, gospel, and rock and roll. But it was after becoming part of the Nashville country music scene that Rich found his greatest commercial success. In 1973, “Behind Closed Doors” turned the veteran performer into one of country music’s biggest stars.
Today, the song is regarded as much more than a career breakthrough. Rolling Stone ranked “Behind Closed Doors” No. 24 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, placing it among the genre’s most celebrated recordings.
Rich’s road to that success had been unusually long.
“I had met [producer] Billy Sherrill before as an engineer for Sun Records in Nashville,” Rich told NPR in 1992. “Sam [Phillips] also had a studio in Nashville, so we went over there one time and recorded some things and Billy was an engineer on the sessions. That’s really the first place I met him.”
Nicknamed “The Silver Fox,” Rich had struggled to fit neatly into any one musical category. His varied influences were central to his artistry, but they could make him difficult for radio programmers to classify. Sherrill recalled to Billboard that some considered Rich “too bluesy for country,” while others thought he was “too country for anything else.”
“We just needed the right song,” Sherrill explained.
Songwriter Kenny O’Dell provided it. Surprisingly, the song was inspired by the Watergate scandal.
“They’re always talking about no one know what goes on behind closed doors,” O’Dell said in an interview. “Having the sessions, another session, behind closed doors. And I’m thinking, I like the title, ‘Behind Closed Doors.'”
He developed “Behind Closed Doors” around a riff he’d been humming for years, while Sherrill’s production blended traditional country flourishes with the dramatic sweep of an 11-piece string section. Rich’s smooth, restrained vocal brought the pieces together.
The response marked a dramatic turning point.
“Behind Closed Doors” spent two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and crossed over to the pop charts, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rich soon followed it with another enormous hit, “The Most Beautiful Girl.”
His newfound prominence also brought major accolades. Rich won two Grammys and earned his only CMA Entertainer of the Year award, completing a remarkable transformation from difficult-to-categorize veteran to Nashville country icon.
More than five decades later, “Behind Closed Doors” remains the recording that crystallized Rich’s singular talents. Its No. 24 placement on Rolling Stone’s all-time country ranking confirms that the song Nashville had been waiting for ultimately became one of the genre’s greatest.
'Charmed' Star Slams Industry Exploitation After Hayden Panettiere Death
Days after the death of Hayden Panettiere was announced, Charmed’s Rose McGowan has broken her silence. While she pays tribute to the late star, she marks the environment that led to the situation.
McGowan took to Instagram on what would have been Panettiere’s 37th birthday with a video of ocean waves with simple text on the screen. Fans quickly joined in with the attack on the industry that has led to many child stars dying too young.
Starting with “Rest in Power,” the Scream alum went on to say, “Don’t put kids in show business. None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated.”
She’s pointing the finger at those who encouraged Panettiere to get into acting at a young age. The Heroes star was in her first commercial when she was just 11 months old, and one fan noted in McGowan’s comments that she had been in 50 commercials by the time she was five, calling it “children exploitation.”
After the commercials, Panettiere would star on Guiding Light, before landing roles in Heroes, Bring It On: All or Nothing, Nashville, and more. Many have started to rediscover her movies, including Ice Princess, which stars fellow late child actress Michelle Trachtenberg.
View this post on InstagramOthers praised McGowen for her words, with one saying, “so sad for her, everyone around her failed her, including her own family… heartbreaking 💔”
Another said: “Kids don’t belong to show business.. too many sad stories, well said…”
However, there were a few to point out that it could be impossible to keep children out of show business. That would mean no families in movies.
McGowan isn’t the first actress to note how many young stars are dying. Shortly after Panettiere’s death, Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega noted that it was a difficult time losing many friends she grew up with in the business.
Many will remember McGowan for her roles as Tatum Riley in Scream and Paige Matthews in Charmed, but she found herself blacklisted after speaking out about the troubling situation in Hollywood. She has long called it a cult that protects those at the top, rather than those who need it. She was a firm supporter of the #MeToo movement, sharing in 2018 and 2019 that everybody in the business knew about the things Harvey Weinstein would do, but ignored it, and she continues to speak out against the industry.
